Your Money

DAY TRADING YOUR 401(K)? More companies are adding brokerage accounts to their 401(k)s; 14 % of plans offered them last year, up from 7% in 1997. Ameritrade has partnered with two plan providers, touting same-day transfers from core investments into self-directed accounts. It's risky business, and roughly 5% of 401(k) participants are trading. At Fidelity, the majority are baby boomers with six-figure salaries.

HOLDING OUT Hard to believe, but you may not be the only one your boss is underpaying. The IRS recently warned that more small-business owners are failing to withhold income and other taxes from their employees' paychecks. Some companies are even bragging on the Net or in seminars about how easily they get away with it, making spurious claims that the taxes apply only to foreign corporations. Offenders caught in the new crackdown could face time in jail and severe fines. But working stiffs don't get off the hook either. In the event that your boss manages to dodge the feds, you will have to foot the bill. So if you think he or she is cheating the IRS, call 800-829-1040.

CHARGING AHEAD With $670 billion in credit-card debt, Americans will get some relief in next month's statement. Banks and card companies followed the Fed last week in dropping interest rates for the third time this year. The prime rate for lenders has fallen from 9.5% to 8% since January, saving the average household $60 a year, says CardWeb.com. The windfall will reach cardholders with variable rates in May. Those with fixed rates could get a break come summer.