* Pay off high-cost debt. If you want an exceptional return in a hurry, pay down high-interest credit card debt. The return is likely to far exceed what you’ll get in the stock market--at least in the short run. * Line up a line of credit. Have this as a backup plan in case you’re faced with high-cost repairs, medical debt, or a layoff. * Revisit your risk tolerance. If you’re less comfortable with higher-risk investments than when you established your accounts, make adjustments so you can get a better night’s sleep. * Find money to save. Even a small amount invested regularly over time adds up. Consider this: Substitute home-made coffee into your regular routine, have that $50 you save every month direct-deposited into a diversified stock mutual fund, and you’d generate more than $29,000 over 20 years if your average rate of return is 8%. Over 30 years, that $50 a month could yield more than $74,000 with the same average rate of return. * Beef up your 401(k). Contribute as much as you can to your company-sponsored plan and take advantage of the company match. If you don’t, you’re leaving free money on the table. * Stay the course. Once you decide on an investment strategy with a well-diversified portfolio, leave it alone. Revisit your strategy periodically--say, once a year--while keeping your sights on a longer investment horizon.