Saving for a short-term goal is nerve wracking. On the one hand, you need your money to grow as quickly as possible. On the other, you can't afford to lose any of it. What you need is a strategy that will let you squeeze as much out of your conservative investments as possible. This section will guide you toward a short-term portfolio that will be aggressive without being reckless.

It's a Matter of Risk  You can be safe without being sorry. Here's an introduction to our short-term investing philosophy. Set Your Goals  How much will you need? How much do you need to put away right now to get there? Our worksheet will help you make these estimates. The Best Short-Term Investments  A lot of investment guides will tell you that money-market accounts and CDs are the best way to go with your short-term money. But we won't. We've found reliable investments that pack a stronger punch. Reallocating Your Portfolio  What do you sell in order to raise cash for your short-term portfolio? Whatever you decide, be sure not to screw up your overall allocation. Here's what to think about.