A penny saved is a pain -- By the time you get that jar of coins wrapped and rolled, you'll wonder if it's worth it.
PLUS: A penny donated is a blessing

Foreign CDs carry additional risk -- Rates on foreign-denominated CDs look tempting, but they're not as safe as traditional CDs.

Where to stash your cash -- After you decide how you want to save, you need to figure out where to keep it.

Institutions & services ...

Savings account rates fall to record lows -- Passbook and statement savings account rates have dropped again to minuscule levels. The return doesn't even cover inflation. CHART: Passbook and statement rates compared Buying CDs from brokers -- Brokerage houses often provide a variety of CDs with the familiar FDIC protections. Ins and outs of safe-deposit boxes -- What can you put into a safe-deposit box? Just about anything.

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Retirement ...

Calculate your retirement requirements -- Knowing how much money you'll need improves your chances of a comfortable retirement. PLUS: What's your savings personality? 11 ways to save after retirement -- From making a financial plan to claiming a senior discount.

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Tips and strategies ...

Fixed-interest annuities offer CD-like advantages -- Their rates are better than those of CDs, but annuities are not federally insured investments. Cheap is chic -- 25 tips for cutting corners without living a reduced-price life. PLUS: Readers share 20 of their money saving strategies How to survive a personal financial meltdown --Tips for when your debts get out of hand or circumstances damage your personal finances. 15 must-know savings terms --Do you know the difference between an annuity and an IRA?

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Education ...

Which college account should you use first? -- The order can make a big difference in your tax savings and financial-aid eligibility. Tax-deferred education savings deserve another look -- Improvements to the old education IRA make the newly renamed Coverdell accounts worth considering.

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CD/Savings Q&A

Choosing between CD and money market? Can you borrow from your IRA? Ask a Bankrate expert -- Get answers to your savings questions

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