2009 comebacks: The savings account

I don't know about the rest of you, but my savings account is due for a comeback in 2009, and I have a feeling that I'm not alone -- many Americans are rediscovering the value of a savings account.

I've had a savings account for most of two decades--I'm 39--but it's taken a beating in the last several years, with the last several months being the final insult. I can't blame all my woes on the economy. I chose a type of profession where it isn't easy to accumulate wealth. Never mind that I've written three books, one of which you can actually buy in stores, and thousands of magazine and newspaper articles. When you're a freelance writer, there is no steady paycheck. Accounts payable pays you when they can, and lately, they can't, or not in a timely manner.