Cliff, I think it's pretty hard right now to think of ANY company as solid. I agree though that if you have money to invest, now is a good time to do it while stock prices are lower than low. It might be an even better option to find a small company on the edge of expanding and front them some cash to keep going during the coming year. Then reap the rewards once the economy starts improving.

From what has recently been said about improving the failing infrastructure throughout the country, investing in any company that does road or bridge work* would be a great bet! Wish I had the money to do it. Hey, maybe if you find a company that supplies landscape plantings for roadwork that might be a good investment!

BEWARE: Please keep in mind that I am not an expert in this field at all and have lost almost everything I've ever had invested in stocks, just like so many others. Money saved from 401ks at previous jobs has taken a serious hit and I will now have to work until I'm about 103 years old instead of retiring and spending all my time in my garden! So I'm not sure I would take any advice from me!

Kate

* In addition to the construction companies, think about the concrete suppliers, the companies that lease trucks and other equipment for roadwork and even the PEO's that hire employees for them.

Thanks Kate.

I've also been curious about companies that do the wind turbines. Still sort of a ground floor opportunity.

Thanks again.

Cliff