In the eight years that we've operated our design and building business, WMS Construction in Marin County, Calif., my husband, Bill Shideler, and I have collaborated on a number of kitchen remodels for other people. A few years ago, we moved into an outdated ranch home and decided to use that collective experience to expand and update our own kitchen.

Many people are wondering where their money will be safest during these uncertain economic times. When home owners turn to you for your expert advice, counsel them that some things never change: Investing in their home still pays off.

It's a good bet the economic picture will remain highly uncertain as we head into 2009. Yet there's good reason to believe the housing market has turned the corner. Housing in some of the country's hottest markets during the boom-California, Florida, and Nevada, among others-is once again starting to experience gains in home sales. The reason is increased affordability.

The $700 billion bailout bill spurred strong debates about its necessity and who would benefit should it pass. The bill, called the Emergency Stabilization Act of 2008, is now law. While most of the discussion centered around assistance to financial institutions, the act also contained benefits to taxpayers.