Boomers and Direct Deposit--Not

By Andrea Sachs

Only 59% of baby boomers use direct deposit for their federal-benefit checks--a sharp falloff from the 72% rate of older generations. That has officials in a stir because the government spends 83-c- for every check it mails, costing taxpayers $120 million annually. The push is on to convert reluctant boomers before the oldest reach early-retirement age, in 2008. Even if saving the government money isn't top of mind, direct deposit makes sense for Social Security and more. It's easier, and the funds are less vulnerable to theft. "Direct deposit gives you far greater control over your money and time than waiting for a paper check to arrive each month," says Richard Gregg, commissioner of the Treasury's Financial Management Service. "Come payment day, you know your money will be safely in your account--on time, every time." The Treasury has streamlined the sign-up process: Call 800-333-1795, or go to godirect.org