Job guides and websites will often publish lists of what employers are looking for in the workers they hire. But let’s turn that around: What are employees looking for in an employer?
Some would say that it doesn’t matter, that workers are stuck taking whatever their bosses hand out. But in reality, you probably have more power than you think.
Just about everyone wants a fatter paycheck, of course. But there are plenty of other valuable things that a good employer can offer. So, the next time you hunt for a job, keep an eye out for these 14 things employees want from their employers.
One scary part of retirement is knowing you could have 30 more years in front of you but only a limited amount of cash available to pay for them. How do you make sure your retirement account doesn’t run dry before you say your final goodbye?
Well, there are no guarantees, but following are numerous smart strategies you can use to stretch your money — however little or much you have — over the decades to come.
Sure, you regularly clean toilets and kitchen counters — but there is filth, bacteria and even more distasteful things lurking in everyday items you touch daily.
You should clean these, but chances are you don’t. It’s time to turn that bad habit around.
Following are 10 things that deserve a deep cleaning — right now.
In an age of digital media, bookstores might appear to be headed for the same fate as the dodo. But millions of us still love to browse for actual books as well as e-books.
If you’re a book lover, Barnes & Noble probably holds a special place in your heart. And the nation’s largest retail bookseller offers several ways to trim the expense of your favorite books and other merchandise.
Following are seven ways to cut the cost of purchases at Barnes & Noble.
Congratulations, 30-somethings: After spending your 20s getting acclimated to adulthood, you finally have your sea legs.
Perhaps you are married with kids. You may have a house. With any luck, you make more money than ever.
Regardless of the particulars of your current life, here are some money moves everyone in their 30s should make during this decade:
1. Revisit your retirement savings
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By this point, you should have a retirement fund, such as a 401(k) or an IRA. If you don’t, getting one set up should be a priority.
If you already have such an account, look at where your money is invested. Over time, a retirement account can fall out of balance. Maybe you’re taking on too much risk — or too little.
In theory, creating an emergency fund is another money move you should have made earlier in life. If you don’t have one, putting money aside for a rainy day is another big priority.
If you already have such a fund, it might be time to add to it. Your emergency fund should have enough money to cover three to six months’ worth of expenses. Add up all your current monthly expenses and see if your fund falls short on covering them.
3. Rebalance the budget
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Revisit your budget at least once a year or every time you have a major life change. If it’s been a while since you crunched the numbers, sit down and do a thorough review.
Does your budget support your current life goals? If not, revise it.
4. Track your spending for a month
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Track your spending for an entire month. Keep tabs on every penny. That sounds like a lot of work, but if you use your debit card or a credit card for virtually everything, it’s not so bad.
We tend to idealize where our money goes. (“Oh, I never eat out!”) But once you start tracking, there’s no denying that you hit the drive-thru once a week or go on a spending spree at the mall once a month.
Compare your actual spending with your budgeted amounts. Depending on where the numbers land, you’re going to either need to rework the budget or rethink your spending.
5. Pay off your debt
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Of course, we all wish we had never gone into debt in the first place. But there’s no use in rehashing past mistakes: Now is the time to take action and correct them.
In your 30s, you’ll likely make some major purchases. You may also have more discretionary income to buy the things you want.
Stretch your dollars by learning to bargain like a pro. There’s no reason to pay full price when a little negotiating can help you save money on purchases big and small.
7. Consider starting a college fund
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For those of you who have become parents, your 30s are a good time to set up a college fund for your kids. Don’t wait until they hit high school to make a plan for their higher education.
Options range from 529 plans to Coverdell Education Savings Accounts and prepaid tuition plans.
