Schultz directed the Muchmores to nine solid, albeit not cheap, mutual funds, such as First Eagle Gold Fund, which charges 1.41% of assets yearly and a maximum 5% upfront sales charge.

FORBES: The 2005 Investment Guide

Eveillard's First Eagle Global Fund, which has enjoyed a five-year annualized return of 18% (compared with 15% at MSCIs World Index), has been steadily increasing its positions in Japanese stocks to 21% of the fund, behind only U.S. stocks at 24%.

FORBES: Cash For Sale

Another fund targeting such small European companies is the First Eagle SoGen Overseas fund ( SGOIX) , managed by Charles de Vaulx and Jean-Marie Eveillard.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Jean-Marie Eveillard, manager of the First Eagle SoGen Global Fund, gained 21% with timber producer Rayonier.

FORBES: Pick One Stock

Jean-Marie Eveillard, the manager of the First Eagle SoGen Global Fund, gained 21% with Rayonier, a timber producer.

FORBES: Pick one stock

The big balance in the Rainy Day Fund might also be tapped to help counties in the Eagle Ford and elsewhere in the state to fund the repair and improvement of county roads that are being impacted by the high volume of heavy truck traffic that comes along with rapid oil and gas development.

FORBES: The Blessing That is the Eagle Ford Shale

The star bull: Jean-Marie Eveillard , a fund manager with First Eagle SoGen Funds .

FORBES: Self-Employment