As the economy weakens and home equity loans become harder to get, more people might be tempted to raid their retirement plans for living expenses or debt repayment. What they might not realize is how harsh the tax consequences will be.

NEW YORK -- Amid the turbulence of the plunging stock market, there's a great opportunity for small business owners _ if they set up retirement plans now, they'll position themselves and their employees for big gains when Wall Street finally recovers. And it's still possible to set up a plan and get a break on 2007 taxes.

NEW YORK - Amid the turbulence of the plunging stock market, there's a great opportunity for small business owners - if they set up retirement plans now, they'll position themselves and their employees for big gains when Wall Street finally recovers.

A law making it easier for employers to automatically enroll their employees in 401(k) and other retirement plans goes into effect tomorrow.