Saving Money, with Help from the Government

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AutoSave

Hi Kimberley, just wanted to say that I think you're right with the automatic savings plan. Behavioral economics has informed much of the recent ideas around helping people to save and an automatic savings plan for employees is one of the great ideas being tested right now. The New America Foundation and MDRC are testing a program called AutoSave, which lets workers automatically put away part of their paychecks into a savings product without having to think about it. Employers help employees open a savings or checking account and funnel a small percentage of their pay to the account to help them on the path to saving.

Check the project out at http://www.newamerica.net/publications/policy/autosave_0

CWKS of HI @ May 26, 2009 12:15:49 PM

Corporate America

Companies that have moved American jobs over seas, and avoided the IRS by doing so; should be penalized in some way. CEO's working 6 months or so getting $80.000.000 in bonuses plus 6-figure salaries(How much money does one person really need or can spend?) That money should be given to either the health care of our veterans; or to the health care of the elderly (who are in serious need of care.) BY THE WAY! SINCE THE TAX PAYERS HAVE BAILED OUT "AIG". WHEN DO WE RECIEVE OUR DIVIDENDS FROM THEM? or WILL WE EVER? THE RICH ARE STILL GETTING AWAY WITH IT ALL. YET THE MAN THAT STOLE A CHICKEN TO FEED HIS FAMILY WENT TO JAIL!!!

chi of LA @ May 23, 2009 16:04:46 PM

paying taxes to house,feed,& medical care for prisoners.

In todays economy we cannot afford to pay taxes to the prison system; which allows prisoners more care than the general public. Why can't they become self sufficient? They can learn skills of plumbing,painting, cooking,& cleaning their own facilities, repair & maintain them. Grow and produce their own food. Utilize all of that pent up hostility and put them to work. Too much idol time on their hands creates ill thoughts! We work too hard for our money to care for those who could care less for anyone? They have FOOD, HOUSING,CABLE,& MEDICAL CARE. "wHAT'S WRONG WITH THAT PICTURE?"

Chi of LA @ May 23, 2009 15:34:36 PM

no lotto = higher taxes

Lotto is a way for the state to raise money, if there was no lotto, we'd have a bigher tax burden which would make saving that much harder. Besides, if I choose to spend 5 dollars a week on lotto, how is it different than spending 5 dollars a week @ starbucks or mcdonalds? Not that I really play lotto...only when the powerball gets ginormous, despite the fact I have lower odds of winning anything

veronica of NY @ May 21, 2009 12:35:19 PM

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Alpha Consumer

Alpha Consumer

Kimberly Palmer, senior editor for U.S. News & World Report, writes about how to save money, avoid scams, manage debt, and be a savvy shopper. Send your personal finance questions to her for expert money advice.


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