Your Money: Dec. 28, 1998

Minivans Offer Cheap Ride

O.K., so they don't exactly project the cool, rough-and-tumble aura of a sport utility vehicle. But if you're looking for spacious family transportation that will lighten your financial load, the minivan has seldom been more attractive. With sales flat in recent years, makers are offering great rebates this winter, like $750 to $1,500 on the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager, $500 on Ford's redesigned 1999 Windstar and $500 to $2,000 on GM models.

More Paying Less in Taxes

Talk about a hangover helper. Thanks to the new $400 child tax credit, more Americans won't have to wake up New Year's Day to the painful prospect of paying the taxman. Close to 48 million people will owe no federal income tax come April 15, Congress's Joint Committee on Taxation said last week. If you're downing Dom Perignon, though, you've probably seen your taxes rise.

Double-Check That Price

Holiday shoppers stocking up on bargains often aren't getting such a good deal. Check-out scanners record the wrong price on 1 out of every 28 items on sale at supermarkets and department stores, according to a Federal Trade Commission study out last week. They usually overcharge $3 but occasionally give a $5 refund. Be careful when buying a hammer: hardware stores have the most trouble nailing down the right price.

--By Daniel Eisenberg