Cash compensation comes in two forms: base salary and variable pay. As the term implies, cash is any type of compensation paid in the form of a bank check or direct deposit into your bank account. But what does cash compensation for doing your job really mean? Base Salary Base salary is a cash payment from the employer in exchange for your performance of your job. For most role, base salary makes-up the largest proportion, about 85% on average, of an employee’s total cash compensation. Base salary represents a fixed cost to the company, and the total cost of all employee’s base salaries are of... view article details

With economic uncertainty around us, now more than ever, we need to find little ways to escape from the stress and reward ourselves for hanging in there. We all need balance in our lives and deserve to treat ourselves every once in a while. Here we suggest some affordable ways to pamper ourselves at a time when many of us do not have extra cash to spend.A little chocolate never hurt anyone Who doesn’t love chocolate? And there is no harm in treating yourself to a little chocolate every once in a while. Better yet, treat yourself to a box of your favorite higher end cho... view article details

Stock Market Indexed CDs  'For those who have amassed substantial savings but don't want to risk a penny - no way, no how - there are a few securities that provide access to the market without jeopardizing the original sum invested.'     People work hard for their money, so risky investments often make them think twice. A volatile stock market means higher risks, even for people who have been investing for years. For those who have amassed substantial savings but don't want to risk a penny - no way, no how - there are a few securities that provide access to the market without jeopardizing the ... view article details

It’s almost time for our Canadian friends to grab some Mountain Dew and Little Debbies and dust off those DVDs of Harold and Kumar go to White Castle – recreational marijuana will soon be available nationwide. The Cannabis Act Bill-C45, more commonly known as The Cannabis Act, was passed in the Senate last week and is expected to go into effect on October 17th. The measure specifically allows the possession, growth, and sale of marijuana for adults, though some provinces have unique regulations. Quebec and Manitoba, for instance, are banning home cultivation entirely. Hiring Sprees: As the Mar... view article details

They Didn't All Win Oscars, But These Work-Related Movies Hold a Special Place in Our Hearts And the Oscar Goes to... The nominees for this year's Academy Awards feature whimsy and fantasy, wartime adventures and family dramas. These movies may be praiseworthy, but they largely lack any perspective on the things that occupy most viewers' daily lives: impersonal cubicles, tedious commutes, the chances of promotion. We, therefore, have assembled an alternate list of deserving films that offers a peek into what it is to be a worker, striving for career advancement and negotiating all the hurdl... view article details

In order to make room for the great new work habits you’re resolving to adopt on January 1st, be sure to ring out any bad office practices. And, yes, procrastination is on the list, so reading this now instead of later is a great first step in the right direction. Here are some tips for banishing common office behaviors that can get in the way of success.1. Put off procrastination…now Overwhelmed by the difficulty or size of a pending chore? Make use of calendars and computer alarms to plan out and schedule small pieces of big projects. Doing a little at a time is usually ea... view article details

If you’ve elevated into management, you can often negotiate higher bonuses, stock options, and profit sharing, tying your performance into the success of the overall company. Since you may have put your stake down on a house, priorities change in that you might take a job that’s closer to home, has a less brutal commute, or allows you flextime to work from a home office a few times per week. And with your kids reaching school play and Disneyland age, you’ll want to lobby for more vacation to keep up your work-life balance.For those not ready to throw in the flag on middle age just yet, many pr... view article details

Likeanomics Examines the Truth Behind Earning Trust, Influencing Behavior & Inspiring Action Ever lose out on a new job or promotion even though you were the more qualified person? Maybe you're just not likeable. Rohit Bhargava is this week's "Salary Talk" guest and the author of the recently released book "Likeonomics: The Unexpected Truth Behind Earning Trust, Influencing Behavior, and Inspiring Action." Bhargava contends that likeability has become modern currency and is invaluable to everyone from political candidates to job seekers, making it more necessary now than ever before for pe... view article details

Don't Let These Common Mistakes Cost You When Negotiating a Job Offer Salary Negotiation is About Facts, Not Myths A rough translation of a myth could be "a legendary story, usually concerning a hero or event, especially one that is concerned with deities or some practice, rite, or phenomenon of nature." Many people play up salary negotiation as some kind of mythical exploit, as if a Cyclops from human resources was guarding a 10 percent salary increase. Perhaps only few select heroes can effectively navigate this rite of passage and pierce the heavily guarded castle. In reality, as author... view article details

Like it or not, money is power. And if you want to be included in powerful circles, you need to look and act the part. But how can you look and act like a millionaire without the millions?Enter Vicky Oliver, whose brand new book 'The Millionaire's Handbook: How to Look and Act Like a Millionaire Even If You're Not,' serves as a guide for faking it 'til you make it into the inner sanctum of the rich and influential. And since social standing is often determined by perception, Oliver's book is a treasure trove of helpful tips to help get you rubbing elbows with the bigwigs in a hurry.The one big... view article details