5 Ways to Boost a 401(k)
Since the advent of defined contribution plans 30 years ago, the responsibility of saving for retirement has fallen largely on employees’ shoulders. Many employers are freezing or terminating costly pension plans in favor of 401(k)s and similar plans, according to a Prudential Financial Inc. survey. If you’re looking to catch up or get ahead on saving for retirement, there are steps you can take to do that, including the five that...
Smooth, Sporty and Spacious
Quick question: What’s your favorite Scion model? Odds are, you’ll probably have to stop and think about it. Since its inception in 2002, Scion has produced a grab bag of models, from the forgettable (xA, xD), to the wonderful (tC, FR-S) and wild (iQ, xB). It’s a lineup that seems irrational. The models share little except a badge, a low price, their use of front-wheel drive and four-cylinder powertrains and the desire to attract...
Money Talk: The Down Side of Automatic Payments
Question: Since I lost my second job, we have fallen behind on our bills. Although we get paid on Friday, by Monday our checking account is in the red even without buying anything. It’s all going to automatic payments for things like insurance and college savings for our child. I think the bank has a way of processing transactions to maximize our bounce fees. Should we take control and pay manually? Is automatic payment a recipe for...
Nuts and Bolts: Lexus IS 350 F Sports
Bottom line: If you are shopping entry-level luxury and looking for an alternative to BMW and Audi, the Lexus IS Series — models 250 or 350, available with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive — is a good place to start. The Lexus series offers good styling, comfort, safety and performance. Ride, acceleration and handling: The Lexus IS 350 F Sport all-wheel-drive sedan gets good marks in all three categories. Head-turning quotient: It has a...
