Topic: Pensions

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In Pictures: Wisconsin Capitol Protests
World's top 5 economies: Most Americans already think China is No. 1

On Feb. 14, China was recognized as the world's second-largest economy after the United States. Americans are already convinced that the US has fallen behind China.
Gallery: World pensions
From marijuana to 'sexting': new laws set to take effect Jan. 1

In all, 45 states, the District of Columbia, Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico passed 31,005 new laws in 2010. Some of them will come into effect with the new year. Here is a sampling of some of the trends in lawmaking in 2010.
Top 10 benefits of a college degree

A college degree pays off financially and intangibly for the graduate – and for society at large, says a report from the College Board. Here are 10 top benefits:

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The Simple Dollar
Graduation gifts: Consider the investment route

Graduation gifts like savings bonds and mutual funds can be good alternatives to cash. Graduation gifts are question one in this week's mailbag.
The Circle Bastiat
Argentina: Keeping up with the Chavezes?

President Cristina Kirchner's plan to seize a majority stake in oil company YPF SA, owned by Repsol YPF of Spain, is causing diplomatic tensions with Spain and the European Union. 
Why recall target Gov. Scott Walker is taking his message to Illinois

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is facing a recall, but he still found time to visit Springfield, Ill., Tuesday to take on one of his favorite targets: Illinois' $8 billion budget deficit.
Hostess Brands battles labor unions in bankruptcy court

Hostess Brands, which makes Twinkies, is asking a federal bankruptcy court to throw out union contracts for its workers, a move that would prompt union members to strike. Hostess Brands filed for bankruptcy protection earlier this year.
Robert Reich
How does the uber-wealthy Romney pay so little in taxes?

Romeny's low tax rate, and how he achieved it, provides an important lesson in how tax laws need to change.
Tax deductions: There's still time for small business

Tax deductions for retirement savings are still available through April 17. File an extension to get more time to qualify for tax deductions.
Retirement cuts? American backs off threat.

Retirement pay for workers will be frozen, as bankrupt American Airlines backs off threat to terminate pension plans. The freezing of retirement plans will affect flight attendants and ground workers, not pilots.
Saving Money
Retirement plans? Don't forget about state, local taxes.

Retirement plans should include an appraisal of the impact of state and local taxes. Levies on income, benefits, property, purchases, and estate can make a difference in your retirement plans. 
Retirement savings plan: more transparency, more choice?

Retirement savings plan – the 401(k) – would give clearer guidance on fees and offer retirees more options, according to new proposed rules. One proposal would allow part of a retirement savings plan to convert to an annuity.
Green Economics
Pension investing and developing countries

Institutional investors will turn to the developing world seeking higher returns but what are the risks of seeking those returns?
American Airlines plans to cut 13,000 jobs

American Airlines, the nation's third-largest airline, would eliminate about 15 percent of its workforce. The move comes as part of American Airlines' bankruptcy protection plan.
CEO pay cut: Who saw pay halved in '11?

CEO pay of $84 million earned him the top spot in 2010, but dropped to $43 million in 2011. So who was tops in CEO pay last year? Apple's Tim Cook.
AT&T posts huge loss on charges, iPhone subsidy

AT&T lost $6.7 billion in the fourth quarter, its first lost in three years. AT&T remains heavily dependent on iPhone for subscribers.
With 2012, state laws kick in on everything from immigration to shark fins

State legislatures passed close to 40,000 new laws in 2011, and a number of those measures take effect on Jan. 1. On some issues, like immigration, state laws are taking markedly different stands.
Russia elections won't pave the way for a Putin dictatorship

Anyone who thinks that Vladmir Putin’s party United Russia Party will cruise to power in this weekend's parliamentary elections – and that this is the first step in his inevitable rise to dictatorship – had better think again.
Public pensions must be on the table

With the cost of retirement plans soaring, public employees need to do their part in balancing state budgets.
Retirement revised: Jerry Brown proposes pension reform in California

Other states, also struggling with budget problems, will be watching closely to see how California handles this key issue with its 1.6 million public employees and retirees.
Stocks mixed ahead of Slovakia vote on rescue fund

The Dow slid 16 points to close at 11416 on a quiet day of trading. The Nasdaq and S&P 500 rose slightly.
99 Cents Only Stores now worth $1.6 billion

99 Cents Only Stores says it has a deal to be acquired by two investors. The deal must be approved by 99 Cents Only share owners.
401(k) plan not on track? Look in the mirror.

401(k) plans increasingly come with advice. But few 401(k) investors take advantage of it.
On the Economy
Medicare and health care: Where have they been in the budget debate?

Medicare and health care costs were an insignificant part of the budget talks. If health care costs keep growing faster than GDP, can we ever come up with a solid debt deal?
Want to earn $120,000? Become a Newport, Calif., lifeguard.

Full-time lifeguards in Newport Beach, Calif., get a great pension, too. But they're not the lifeguards sitting in the chairs.
Stock split for Citigroup: Will it work?

Stock split boosts Citigroup's share price. The big question: Will reverse stock split bring in institutional investors?
Illinois leading states facing a pension crisis

In a crisis that built up over years of paying in too little, Illinois's pensions were only half-funded by 2009, according to a new report. They're the worst offender, but they're not alone.
Jerry Brown taking his budget-cutting campaign into GOP territory

After the collapse of the California budget deal, Jerry Brown is appealing directly to Republican voters where they live, including a GOP-friendly proposal to reform public employee pensions.