Coping with a Jobless Spouse

During these uncertain times, job loss can affect anyone at anytime. With the global economy in shambles, we must all be prepared if and when this happens to us or our significant other. When this happens, here are suggested specific steps that can help both of you weather the hard times, save your relationship, and overcome the situation. Read more

How to Negotiate for a Higher Paycheck

If you don’t ask for it, chances are you’ll never get it.

Many employees today are unhappy in their jobs because they feel they are underpaid. However, only a handful of these employees would ask for a raise because most of them are either shy or afraid of being thought of as greedy by their employers. Unknown to them, job dissatisfaction relating to low salary might cause their downfall later on if it will affect their day-to-day work performance. Read more

Spending Your Tax Refund

Ah, the pleasure of getting a tax refund. People work their tails off and just keep at it, thinking about expenses and how to get by when – voila! – a tax refund comes. Most people would have an urge to splurge when they get a refund, whittling away at a perfect opportunity to benefit for the long term. So how should one go about spending this tax refund? Read more

5 Ways to Avoid An Audit

Every year Uncle Sam puts on his reading glasses, and examines almost 1.5 million tax returns a little more closely. Avoid sending red flags to the IRS this year and increasing your changes of being audited by keeping a few things in mind when filing your return this year. Read more

5 Ways to Negotiate a Better Severance Package

Layoffs are at 25 year high, and that means it is not only is harder to find a new job but your savings and severance package has to last longer while your out looking for a new one. To get the best severance package, be prepared to negotiate as soon as you get the news. Many employees sign the first offer they are given, not realizing severance packages are negotiable. Companies create a budget for layoffs and often put aside reserve funds for unexpected issues. The reserve can be yours for the taking if you negotiate right. Read more