Life & Money

Andrea Coombes' Ways and Means

Inspiring savings
Having trouble putting money aside each month? These low-wage workers who manage to save as much as 5% of income might offer some inspiration.
• 10 money tips for college students

vital signs
Hospitals on the hook
 A new Medicare rule will force hospitals to pick up the tab for costly -- and avoidable -- medical errors. That could force hospitals to put a bigger focus on patient safety.

capitol report
Congress' long list of to-do's
 Lawmakers have a slew of potential bills to debate, including another stimulus package and a law giving credit-card holders more rights. But it seems unlikely much will get decided by year's end.

travel
Have card, may travel
 Cheap, convenient passport card's restrictions limit its usefulness.
• Who should get a passport card?

Five unforgettable predictions from 2008 that were dead wrong
BY JENNIFER OPENSHAW
In 2008, we certainly learned why some folks shouldn’t try to make predictions about the economy.

Despite the bad news, bank customers will find some deals in 2009
BY GAIL LIBERMAN AND ALAN LAVINE
Despite some dire financial predictions for 2009, good news is in store for savvy consumers -- if you have good credit and are proactive at looking for banks’ deals and perks.

The best cars of 2008, including the Car of the Year
BY RON AMADON
MarketWatch auto reviewer Ron Amadon selects the top cars from among those he test drove this year.

The 15-Minute Tip: Airline stocks on radar as travel changes
BY JENNIFER OPENSHAW
For most of 2008, the words “beleaguered” and “airline” went together like “chocolate” and “cake.” Could things get better in 2009?

Americans continue to curb driving even as gas prices plunge
BY JENNIFER WATERS
Most Americans who adjusted their driving habits in a big way when gasoline prices surged are sticking with their economizing ways, according to a Gallup poll released Tuesday.

Seven trends to watch in kids' health in 2009
BY KRISTEN GERENCHER
For children and adolescents, 2008 offered a mixed bag of health trends and developments that are poised to carry over into next year. Many of the changes focused on preventing serious diseases and disability later in life.

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