Today, the average cost of a family health insurance offered by an employer is $13,375. That’s up 131% over the last decade—a period in which inflation rose only 28%. And one estimate says that if costs continue on their current trajectory, premiums will go up another 166% in the decade ahead.
Careers & Workplace
Cheapskate Wisdom from … Elmo
“Elmo understands Elmo can’t get everything Elmo wants, and Elmo’s parents save money to get what they really need like food.”
Deep in Credit Card Debt? Ask and You Might Be Relieved
Millions of people in credit card debt are getting their terms changed—sometimes meaning they pay no interest—simply by asking.
Ten Links to Help You Find a Job
In honor of the holiday that celebrates the working man (and woman, forgive the male-oriented language), here are ten tips for actually finding some work.
Which Comes First: Financial Security or Baby?
Biological clocks, steady employment and income, and couples’ relationships are ducks that don’t always line up in nice, neat rows. This is especially the case during the recession. The uncertainty of the economy has pushed condom sales up and birth rates down.
Is It Better to Be Joe College or Joe the Plumber?
Going to college—the best college possible—used to be a no-brainer. But now, in light of the big loans and bad job prospects recent grads are facing, perhaps the equation has changed.
1849 All Over Again?
You lose your job. Then the home goes into foreclosure. What do you do? Go west to strike it rich in the gold mines. These are scenes from the 1800s, and from the Great Depression, and from today.
Strictly Business: How Emotions Screw Up Your Investments
Why do many competent, smart people make mistakes with their investments? It turns out that their feelings have been hurt, or they’re trying to save face, or they’re cocky enough to think they’re faster and smarter than the masses. Basically, they get emotional.
Ten Odd Lessons the Recession Has Taught Us
The recession has provided a moment to step back and contemplate, to come to a truer understanding of life lessons like that happiness is not derived from material things. The financial downturn has also passed along some slightly odd teachings, like that fewer people die at the workplace when there are fewer people actually at work.
Paying Thousands to Get Your Kid into an Elite Private School, or to Get Yourself a Job
There’s been a fundamental shift in how people are spending money; unnecessary expenditures on things like pricey, high-end children’s clothing are out of favor. What may be replacing those “treats” are mini-splurges, on things like donuts, fast food, and a night out at the movies. That’s not to say all hefty expenses—ones that seem …
Tough Times Are Everywhere, Right? Wrong
Some towns are defying the recession, with cranes dutifully piecing together new buildings, new businesses opening, populations showing increases, and average resident income actually growing. How do they do it? Chances are, Uncle Sam has given them a helping hand.
“Compassionate Downsizing”: You’re Fired! Want a Hug?
Apparently, there are good ways and bad ways to fire people. From the company’s perspective, layoffs go well if no one sues. From the employee’s perspective, there are really just bad ways and worse ways to handle layoffs. But if you are laid off, don’t simply accept whatever papers are pushed in front of you to sign. Even though you …