Tax-free municipal bonds with historically high yields might look attractive to many investors. But Matthew Collins says the risk is still too high. Bloated and inefficient local governments are facing funding emergencies as revenues tumble and credit is squeezed. As the recession deepens in 2009, Matthew says muni bonds should be avoided.

Times are tough. But they are not so bad that we should abandon the quest for profits, says Louis Basenese. Buying US Treasury bonds with zero yields is idiotic. Louis gives six alternative investment options with big profit potential.