Tying an adviser's hands by restricting what he can do with investments can lead to horrendous losses during market meltdowns.

Though Bernie Madoff has been sent to prison, some investors worry that they could be taken in by other con artists. Here are some warning signs that an investment adviser should be avoided, no matter how good his reputation is.

The rates on direct, person-to-person (P2P) lending are attractive; unfortunately the risk is not.

Readers ask questions about alternative investments, such as preparing for inflation and commodity-trading advisers.

Many hedge-fund investors are purchasing gold exchange-traded funds as well as gold futures contracts, foreshadowing concerns that an influx of government money could weaken leading currencies.

Commodities are often an overlooked part of investors' portfolios, says Dave Kansas. With prices down, it's time to take a look at the commodity sector.

Thanks to the Madoff scandal, investors are starting to pay a lot more attention in the land of hedge funds. Reacting to the backlash, hedge-fund managers are offering some transparency.

Mark Roberts, who has run his widely successful research boutique Off Wall Street Consulting Group, speaks with Barron's about where he sees hedge funds and what stocks he favors.

The financial crisis showed that there really is no such thing as a safe investment. Janet Paskin looks at the investments that were considered safe, but were hit in the crisis.

Jack Hough reports that it might be a good time to invest in a breast implant company. Find out why things are looking up for at least one of these companies despite a falling stock price.