Ugly Credit Card Trends

Here are five ways credit-card companies will pad their pockets in 2007.

Many happy (gift) returns
So, despite all those hints you dropped about what you wanted this year, you still got stuck with a rhinestone reindeer sweater and a camcorder you’ll never use.

Early Retirement: The hurry-up offense
Ten years ago, Anne and Joe Raspanti said “I do” in Hawaii. Among the things those two words changed for Joe were his plans for how, and where, he’d spend the rest of his working life.

Millionaires, luv that 401(k)
Most people move into a bigger house when they have kids.

Estate Sale Strategies
They can yield terrific bargains if you know how to shop them.

Early retirement: The magic number
Question: I’d like your view on what percentage of pay I should be putting in my 401(k) for retirement. I’m currently saving 15 percent of my annual salary of $74,000 a year, and have accumulated $392,000 so far. There is no company match in my company plan, nor any pension beyond the 401(k). I have another $46,000 in mutual funds and own a home that’s worth about $320,000, although I owe about $95,000 on a home equity loan.