Make assessing and reorganizing your finances a resolution for the new year. For example, contribute a little more to your 401(k) plan and watch the savings grow. Shop around for better rates on auto insurance, Internet service provider and telephone calling plans - you may find a better deal than you have now. And if you carry a credit card balance, many issuers will reduce your interest rate if your payment history is clean.
Hybrid cars have better fuel efficiency than other economy cars and qualify for a tax break, but financial experts don't recommend rushing out to buy one. SmartMoney.com says hybrids cost significantly more at the dealership but afford only marginal savings at the pump. And hybrids likely will depreciate faster than other models because the technology is improving quickly.
A private-college education may not be out of reach as many schools are discounting tuition with generous grants and scholarships. Kiplinger examines private schools to determine which combine academic excellence with generous aid packages and lower total costs.
How do business leaders do what they do better than anyone else? Business 2.0 asked a variety of leaders for advice on how to succeed in 2004. The magazine shares words of wisdom from the likes of Continental Airlines chief executive Gordon Bethune on how to create fiercely loyal customers and FedEx founder and chief executive on keeping a competitive edge.
Driving a silver car may reduce your chances of being in a serious crash. A New Zealand study in the British Medical Journal found that silver-car drivers were half as likely to be in a serious crash as drivers of white cars. And drivers of brown, black and green vehicles were found to have the worst odds. The researchers didn't explain why silver-colored cars were safer.
