retirement plans

Americans may soon get the opportunity to invest more conscientiously in their workplace retirement accounts: A new survey shows that more and more employers are adding socially responsible investment choices to their plans, screening companies based on social and environmental impact.

Americans' 401(k) plans are healthier than ever before, carrying a record average balance of $74,900 at the end of the first quarter, Fidelity Investments reports -- up 12% from a year ago. Meanwhile, nearly one in 10 participants increased their contribution rate during the first quarter.

Congressional leaders have been battling over the soon-to-expire Bush tax cuts for more than a year. Yet, there's still no word on whether Congress will vote to extend the cuts, allow the cuts to expire or work out some compromise package that might do a little of both. At the center of the tax...