Feb 1st, 2006 · In his State of the Union address, President Bush proposes the expansion of health savings accounts. Proponents say the accounts will shift responsibility for health care from the government and employers to the individual. Critics argue the sick will suffer from sub-standard care.
Jan 17th, 2006 · Listeners: Bonds, Savings and Young Investors January 17, 2006 · Madeleine Brand shares money and finance questions from Day to Day listeners with personal finance contributor Michelle Singletary. Singletary also writes the syndicated column "The Color of Money" for The Washington Post.
Dec 6th, 2005 · Verizon Communications announces it is overhauling its retirement benefits. The company said it will freeze its pension plan and restrict retiree health benefits for some 50,000 non-union employees. To replace its existing pension program, Verizon will offer a 401k retirement savings plan.
Nov 19th, 2005 · The American consumer and the Chinese saver have become twin engines of the global economy. Chinese currently save 40 percent of their Gross Domestic Product, allowing Beijing to buy U.S. treasury bonds. That in turn allows Americans to borrow and consume far more than they earn and produce. But some economists say China's unnaturally high savings rate retards domestic consumption. Only when Chinese feel more confident about social security, health and education costs, they say, will they open up their wallets more freely.
Oct 4th, 2005 · Mayor Ray Nagin announces that New Orleans must lay off up to 3,000 of its city employees -- or about half the work force. The cuts would amount to a savings of $8 million. He said the city will be unable to pay those workers after Oct. 14, because of the financial impact of Hurricane Katrina.
Sep 9th, 2005 · Wall Street Journal financial columnist Jonathan Clements talks about lessons learned when planning for the worst. Clements urges investment diversification and building up a savings account for emergencies.
Sep 1st, 2005 · The decline of traditional pension plans means more and more Americans will depend on savings and Social Security in retirement. But many employers who offer 401(k) retirement savings plans are concerned about low participation rates -- and some are enrolling workers automatically.
Aug 30th, 2005 · A relatively new concept, the health savings account was created as a way to help consumers save and pay for family health care. The tax-free accounts require users to do their own research on medications and procedures, but they may be a big money-saver for some families.