Quit smoking and pay down mortgage - 2004-01-02
Britons could save a total of £50bn this year if they maintained their New Year's resolutions and give up a bad habit. Stopping smoking is the most popular pledge, with one in five intending to quit, according to a survey.

And if people saved the money, they would have spent and used it to offset the amount of interest they pay on their mortgage, the savings would be even greater.
Read the full story at This Is Money

Year's Pumped Up Car Sales - 2004-01-02
Generous consumer incentives and a stronger economy appeared to be helping sales of new cars and trucks to one of the highest levels of 2003 in December, analysts say.

He added, however, that sales might suffer in the second half of next year as the wave of mortgage refinancing fades and national fiscal policy likely tightens. Merrill Lynch analyst John Casesa predicts a slightly lower selling rate of 17.9 million for December
Read the full story at Newsday