Knowing that some fast food chains are handing out $5,000 signing bonuses to employees made me jealous… ahem! I mean curious. Curious about how many non-glamorous professions make up the top tier of highest paying jobs in America. If you think actors, professional athletes, politicians and Wall Street wheelers and dealers comprise the top spots, you might be surprised. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the professionals that raked in the most dough in 2010 were: 1. Anesthesiologists = $166,400+ 2. Internists = $166,400+ 3. OB/GYN = $166,400+ 4. Oral Surgeons = $166,400+ 5. Orthodontists = $166,400+ 6. General … Continue reading →

With the economy still in the dumpster, a record number of Americans searching for work, and people pinching pennies to make ends meet, it may be hard to fathom that there are individuals financially worse off than you. As the sun dips below the horizon on the last day of 2011, now is a good time to assess what you really have. In all likelihood you have an abundance of material possessions, some of which can help improve your financial situation. If you are in need of quick cash, go through your closets and garage and see what items you … Continue reading →

Do you pay yourself first? You are the most important of all your creditors. Your financial well being and your overall well being are linked. If you’ve ever felt dread opening the mailbox because you know the bills are waiting for you, then you’ll love the feeling of having money in the bank. The first decision you have to make is how often you plan to pay yourself. You can pay yourself monthly or every time you get paid. Next you need to decide how you’re going to pay yourself. You can set up the way your employer direct deposits … Continue reading →

Many of the things we consider emergencies are not really unforeseen at all. Whatever you own, it’s going to run into trouble or break down eventually. Cars need tune-ups and tires. Appliances need maintenance. Taxes need to be paid. All of these things can be planned for. Planning ahead is not sexy or fun. We can find lots of things in the short term that our money can go to that would bring more pleasure. Unfortunately, then when the timing belt on the car breaks during rush-hour morning traffic on the freeway, you’re left with a $1500 bill you can’t … Continue reading →