Maximize savings now to take worry out of future finances

More than a quarter of U.S. workers say they're not confident about their ability to afford a comfortable retirement. That statistic has reached its highest percentage in two decades, according to an Employee Benefit Research Institute report.

How confident do you feel?

Fundamental to your retirement is to have a plan - and to have it sooner rather than later, say financial planning experts at the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Take the time now to plan for retirement and monitor your investments. You'll begin to feel confident, rather than apprehensive, about your future. Also, know that small changes can make a big impact in the long …

PANAMA - WESTINGHOUSE RADAR SALE

Civil Aviation Authority Director Faustasio Fabrega said August 8 that Panama's civil aviation safety will be dramatically improved from as US$11 million secondary surveillance radar, made by …

Government Housing Bank overseas debt plan nixed.

Byline: Wichit Chantanusornsiri

Jul. 24--The Government Housing Bank will restructure its asset-securitisation plans to focus more on the domestic market, according to Sommai Phasee, the deputy finance minister.The state-owned GHB had proposed securitising up to 40 billion baht in mortgage assets in the offshore market to help raise funds for business expansion.

"I have told the GHB that I don't agree with the plans to offer securitised bonds offshore. The debt should be offered locally. Even though funding costs might be higher locally, once you include currency hedging costs, the costs should be about the same," Mr Sommai said.

The Finance …

PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN GLASS HOUSES THEY STARTED OUT IN COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS, BUT TODAY, GLASS BLOCKS ARE TURNING UP IN THE HOME, FROM BATHROOM TO STAIRWELL.(Home)

Byline: FRANCES INGRAHAM Staff writer

Historically, thick glass blocks were used in residential design as a basement window treatment, primarily for security reasons but also for additional light. Like several products for the home, glass block was first designed for commercial use.

The glass blocks of today lack the chicken-wire mesh that used to be embedded in the center, but remain very strong. Their many shapes, sizes and designs give unlimited opportunities for decorative and architectural enhancement. In a 1990 survey by Builder Magazine, glass block was ranked among the most desirable interior features.

Glass blocks are particularly favored by architects and designers for creating contemporary, lavish and innovative facades, window walls, stairwells and patterned partitions. Because the blocks are clear, an open space is achieved: There's plenty of light, colors and forms are discernible and acoustic privacy is retained. Glass blocks replace the traditional barriers that confine and enclose space.

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Indian foreign minister takes finance portfolio

The newly elected Indian government announced key Cabinet positions Saturday, including former Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee as finance minister.

A government statement said the foreign affairs portfolio went to S.M. Krishna, a longtime member of the ruling Congress Party and former chief minister of the southern state of Karnataka. A.K. Antony will continue as defense minister.

A Congress-led coalition won national elections that ended May 16, capturing more seats than most analysts predicted. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was sworn in for a second term on Friday.

Some 19 senior ministers were also sworn in Friday with several more expected …

`Hawk' Prevails in Playoff

NORTH FALMOUTH, Mass. White Sox announcer Ken "Hawk" Harrelsondefeated NHL veteran Dan Quinn in a playoff Sunday to win the$125,000 Mobil Celebrity Golf Invitational.

Harrelson, able to play because of the baseball strike, overcamea three-stroke deficit by parring the …

SET THE STAGE.(Real Estate)

The moment you put your house on the market, you must let go -- literally. Know the commemorative plate collection or antique cuckoo clock you cherish? Pack them up and store them away, along with anything else prized and personal you may have on display. While you're at it, give your home a cleaning as you would if your mother-in-law were coming by. And by all means, stop cooking fish and other pungent foods.

All done? If so, you're on your way to successfully staging your home.

Home staging is the art of preparing a home for sale, inside and out.

Be it vacant or occupied, a staged home can sell more than 50 percent faster, according to the Real Estate Staging Association. Plus, staging a home gives it "curb appeal," inside and out. This increases the value of your home.

Staging is often done by professionals, and can cost from $1,000 to $5,000, plus $200-plus for an initial consultation. If you can't afford a stager, or want to give it a try on your own, here are some tips from area home-staging experts, all of whom are trained to see a home through the buyer's eyes.

If you have more than three of …