Be a Lone Saver

Americans aren't particularly good atsaving money. Back in October 2001, thesavings rate stood at just 0.3% of after-taxincome. Earlier this year, that figurehad rebounded to 4.3%, as consumershave responded to a long period of so-soeconomic conditions by rebuilding batteredbank accounts. That has some economistsworried that the consumer mightbow out of the effort to kick-start theeconomy. The Bush tax cuts, however,have put more cash in consumers' wallets,and they're showing a willingness touse it, raising hopes that the economy willcontinue to move forward.