Spare Change

Net Nugget

Direct purchase plans allow investors to buy stock directly from a company without going through a broker. The list of companies offering such plans has increased in recent years. To learn more about DPPs and enrollment information, you might visit one of the following Web sites:

For a good overview:

www.bankrate. com/brm/news/ investing/ 20000718c.asp

Provides one stop shopping for DPPs in more than 12 categories:

www.enrolldirect.com/usr2/enroll direct/indexnj.htm

Fund Fact

The Vanguard Group is raising the stock holdings of its six target retirement funds to boost returns. The company said its Vanguard Target Retirement Funds 2005, 2015, 2025, 2035, 2045 and Income also will get increased exposure to international stocks. Vanguard needs the boost; half of its target retirement funds lagged behind the peer group average for the year ended Feb. 28.

Tax Watch

Businesses from tax-preparation firms to auto dealerships are offering consumers the opportunity to put their refund checks to work weeks before the IRS sends them out, often by loaning them the expected amount for a high fee. Some retailers and restaurants, for example, have begun offering gift cards in exchange for tax refunds to people who file using TurboTax. But state officials are clamping down on some of these programs because of their high fees.

Money Tip

Don’t count on your homeowner’s policy to cover theft or damage to your jewels, artworks or family heirlooms; such policies typically cap payouts for valuable items, often at a mere $2,500. Instead, try buying a floater, a free-standing policy for an item. Rates vary widely, so shop around.