When the economy is booming, 401(k) plan asset values soar, making people spend more and work less.

FORBES: Why Defined-Benefit Plans Are Safer Investments for State Governments and Workers

Some in the tourism industry see in the bridge ban an unwise attempt to appease European leaders demanding that Spaniards work more and spend less amid various economic reforms.

WSJ: Spain Plans to Burn Its Bridges to Keep Vacationers on the Job

The Kunskapsporten allows each student to work at his own level, and spend less or more time on each subject, depending on his strengths and weakness.

ECONOMIST: Private education