Pay & Benefits

Was the Creation of the 401(k) a Mistake?

More than half of American retirees haven’t saved enough to continue their normal lifestyle when they’re done working, even when with Social Security’s public pension payments.

Management

Obama Came Up With a New Retirement Plan Inspired by Behavioral Economics

The president wants to make it so that money is deducted from paychecks before workers receive them.

Management

Chart Shows U.S. Running Out of Cash As Soon As Oct. 18

Government reached its public debt limit on May 19, but Treasury has taken measures to keep money flowing.

Management

Ten Billion Reasons Why the Government Should Make Life Easier for Homeowners

Some analysts fear the success of Fannie Mae repaying loans will make it harder for US lawmakers to pull back from government involvement in the mortgage markets.

Management

Half the United States’ Most Skilled Workers Don’t Have a Bachelor’s Degree

Think you need a college degree to be a skilled worker? Think again.

Management

Seven ways to look at US Energy Secretary Steve Chu’s resignation and legacy

The Nobel-prize-winning physicist symbolized the Obama administration’s belief in science.

Management

Why the $1 trillion platinum coin won't solve the U.S. debt problem

Administration officials have said the president will not resort to constitutional or legal loopholes to avoid the debt ceiling.

Management

Baseball players are also worried about the fiscal cliff

Outfielder B.J. Upton asks for $3 million bonus to be paid before Dec. 31.

Oversight

The budget deficit is shrinking faster than at any time since World War II

It's still huge, but this year alone it fell by $210 billion.

Management

Over the fiscal cliff: Bigger budget austerity than in Europe

Combination of sequester and tax hikes would lead to deeper cuts more quickly than European nations in crisis have experienced.

Oversight

Obama hails renewed Gang of Six effort

President praises group of senators for coming up with a plan that is "balanced" and includes tax revenues.

Oversight

U.S. long-term debt outlook worsens

Increasing debt will make it harder for lawmakers to adopt spending priorities in good times and will give them less flexibility during recessions.

Defense

For incoming Defense chief, no easy answers on budget cuts

Cost of maintaining the U.S. presence in Afghanistan will remain high even after troop withdrawals begin.

Oversight

Pawlenty lays out Reaganesque economic agenda

The former governor cites USPS, the Government Printing Office, Amtrak, and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as candidates for privatization.

Oversight

Geithner, defending Obama plan, says GOP owns potential U.S. default

Treasury head says he is confident deal will be made.

Oversight

As government hits debt limit, tensions rise

Vice President Joe Biden is heading up talks with congressional leaders designed to reach a deficit reduction framework and pass an increase in the debt ceiling.

Defense

The cost of battling bin Laden: $3 trillion

Over 15 years, the terrorist leader cost America more than any villain, ever -- which is exactly the way he wanted it.

Oversight

As debt ceiling nears, Washington gropes for agreement on budget tool

Debt-reduction package could allow politicians to save face and punt the consequences of future disagreements.

Oversight

Study shows budget deal will cut spending by only $352 million

Congressional Budget Office analysis shows total outlays are actually some $3.3 billion more than in 2010, if emergency spending is included.