European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - January 06, 1991, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Page 14 the stars and stripes sunday january 6, 1991business news by Leonard Sloane . Times news sen ice americans Are turning in greater numbers to  of their salaries pensions and social Security payments. Many who were wary of the process at first now Praise the convenience. Some corporations encourage their employees and retirees to participate because it eliminates the time and expense of preparing paychecks. Direct Deposit Means Money is electronically deposited in an employees Bank account without the need for a paper Check. Firms warned not to Cut on ramp a funding by Bart Ziegler a business writer new York apr hard times could put a squeeze on research and development spending by . Businesses but experts warn against cutbacks that divert americans from the global technology  its an easy but foolish place to Cut Quot said Richard Shaffer editor of techno logic computer letter a computer Industry newsletter. Despite gloomy talk Many experts say . Scientists and engineers continue to make breakthroughs in a variety of Fields and hold their own in a number of techno overseas the . Military has made it mandatory for Servic members to use  since 1985.  can designate which financial institution they want their paychecks sent to. Civilians and Servic members who have been in Europe prior to 1985 Arentt required to use  but Many of them do it anyway. A spokeswoman with merchants National Bank the department of defense a banking contractor in Germany Greece the Netherlands and the United kingdom said 45 percent of its account holders use . That a almost three times the rate for Banks in the United states still there Are shadows in this Happy picture. Some Banks savings and loan associations and credit unions bar withdrawals of  Money from automatic tellers on the Date of payment citing As a reason that the Money is not posted in accounts until later in the Day. Also there is Little participation by Low income peo pie who rely so much on each paycheck that they do not want to risk computer errors. Quot do Tow much Money a a i done to think we re any less innovative and creative than  were 20 years ago even though some people think we re becoming soft and the japanese Are going to run Over us Quot said Donald Wilson an assistant professor of  Rochester Institute of technology. Still some financially struggling companies have Little Choice than to make cuts. Quot its self defeating in the Long run but if you re worried about surviving this year you done to worry about the Long run Quot said David Wyss research director of the economic consulting firm Dri mag raw Hill inc. The need for . Companies to maintain research and development spending is especially acute in Light of stepped up research efforts by japanese companies particularly in this country. In recent years Many japanese High technology companies have opened . Research centers. They use nigh salaries to attract . Scientists. Wilson said these moves Are an admission that the United states is a Hub of innovation. A a we re still seen As kind of the creative leaders Quot he said. And some people refuse to participate because they a a not want their spouses to know he they earn. Some consumer organizations say they Are still skittish about  for other reasons. A while the government and the financial services Industry tout direct  a virtually trouble free payments mechanism we fear such observations Are Overly simplistic and do not take into consideration All of the problems Consumers Are experiencing a said William Kent Brunette legislative representative of the american association of retired persons. He said Many  recipients Quot Are experiencing significant delays in receiving Ihei funds particularly when they switch Banks or their Bank changes  about 100,000 corporations in the United states now offer electronic transfers to their employees double the number that did so three years ago. About 17 percent of the workers in private Industry now participate in  plans up from 12 percent in 1989, according to the National automated Clearinghouse association. And financial institutions say direct deposits of social Security payments private pensions and corporate dividends arc rising As Well. V Blit some people still wont use . Specialists in the Field say Many older americans Are especially reluctant. On payment Days Bankers Are not surprised to be deluged with visits and Telephone Calls from the elderly asking it their deposits were made on schedule. Linda Golodner executive director of the National Consumers league said Quot some people feel More comfortable having a piece of paper in  but 20 million corporate employees feel comfortable enough with the procedure to have signed up for  of their paychecks. And the use of direct deposits for other purposes is steadily advancing. Stars and stripes bookstores stars and co 111 g co o o m stay up to Date the stars and stripes 14-month planning Calendar for 1991 is just what you heed to stay up to Date with important social and professional engagements vacation plans doctor and dental appointments Holiday observances maintenance schedules and other important dates and events. Ideal for use in the office As Well As the Home this Calendar also includes a . Metric conversion table to help you select local Economy sizes and measures Best suited for your daily needs. It us cd pc h if o z it. 2 the stars and stripes 14-month planning Calendar for 1991 is available for $1.95 imm at a stars and stripes Bookstore near you. If. Mum m m r m More . Workers than Ever Are using  offered by stateside Banks. Shown below Are the percentages of employees in private Industry who participated h such a program in each of the past two years. 1989 a my 12% 1 . 1990 17% j a amps Wes Booher advice for dealing with missing what if a  never appears in your Bank account Peggy Miller legislative representative of the consumer federation of America offers this advice get in touch immediately with the company or government Agency that issued the Check and report the problem then go to the Bank involved to Frt out the necessary forms. Quot keep the names of All people in the Bank and at the company you talk to As Well As the numbers accompanying any forms a Miller said. She said it is the consumer a responsibility to make sure the  has actually been made. The consumer must Bear in mind she said that by the time the problem arises any number of personnel checks May have bounced. Some Banks charge As much As $20 for each bad Check for which the depositor May be liable. This can add up to a substantial sum in penalties in addition to a damaged credit rating. Miller also suggests finding out if there is a glitch that could make the problem occur again. As soon As a Bank statement arrives she said consumer  make sure each Deposit is credited to their account. Bookstores Drupe air stars and sent p l a n n j n g   d a r 30 co it z o co h m co us o o 2f o 30 m co stars and stripes bookstores stars and stripes bookstores