Stories related to: savings

Volkswagen is offering an innovative incentive to parents to buy their Chrysler-built Routan minivan: $1,500 in a college savings plan, Left Lane News reports. The partnership with Upromise might pale to those with more pressing concerns (or who hate planning ahead), though: Chrysler itself is offering a credit card that locks in gas prices for three years. More »

The first tax rebates designed to kick-start the economy should begin arriving in bank accounts today. The Treasury Department has begun sending electronic rebates to nearly 8 million people by the end of this week, and some 130 million checks will go out via snail mail in May. President Bush hopes taxpayers will spend the cash—up to $600 for individuals, $1,200 for couples—but economists say many will save it or pay off debts. More »

Personal spending—a major force in the health of the economy— rose just 0.1% in February, its smallest increase in 16 months, the Wall Street Journal reports. The increase, which actually beat analysts' estimate of a 0.1% decrease, came despite a bump in personal income and signs that inflation is easing, the Journal notes. More »

Aging Gen Xers are too saddled with costs and debt to save for retirement, MSNBC reports. In fact, 62% of Gen Xers—those born roughly from 1965 to 1980—said they still live paycheck to paycheck, according to a Charles Schwab survey. And they’re headed for trouble: The fund that helps back Social Security will likely be drained by 2040, when many Gen Xers retire.  More »