'Stock mutual funds can be geared toward an investor's risk threshold. The more conservative investor would focus on lower-risk balanced funds that usually are composed of high-dividend-yielding stocks and bonds.' Anyone who's shopped for a mutual fund knows finding the right one can be harder than locating that proverbial needle in a haystack. There are so many to choose from. Remarkably, people seem to navigate the selection process somehow, because statistics show that most stocks held by the average American are purchased by way of a mutual fund. Mutual funds do the work for you'Certainly ... view article details

Job descriptionComputer Programmers are responsible for creating code that essentially tells a computer how to operate. They write, test, and maintain these coded instructions, also referred to as programs. The work of programmers has been expanded in today's world, due to the innovative and advanced technologies that now exist. Programmers are now heavily involved in all aspects of technical problem solving for companies. Common computer languages that programmers use include COBOL, C++, BASIC, Java, and HTML. Most programmers know several computer languages because they tend to be similar, m... view article details

Part-time work offers employees the flexibility to stay at home with their children, care for relatives, go to school or have more time to themselves. These kinds of jobs are also a way to earn supplemental income throughout the year or on a temporary basis during the holidays. Whether you already have a job and you want to work part-time to supplement your income, or you just need extra money for the holidays, we have some suggestions for jobs that may suit your needs.Part-time Seasonal and Supplemental Jobs Before you start your search, consider the following: Use a... view article details

Of Love and Money When we checked out our site statistics on Tuesday morning, we couldn't figure out why a bunch of random job searches spiked the night before. The reason? Monday night was ABC's 9th season premiere of The Bachelorette.For those unfamiliar with the show, 25 men compete for the heart of one woman -- this year it's 27-year-old Desiree Hartsock. Each week at the end of the telecast, she gives roses to the men she likes and sends the rest packing. That continues until she chooses one of the original 25 and they (theoretically) live happily ever after.So what does a realit... view article details

 Finding the house of your dreams is a cinch if you have the money. You can buy where you want, the size and style you want, you can even tear it all down and remodel how you want. 'I've taken out pristine, custom-built $100,000 kitchens to replace them with pristine, custom-built $150,000 kitchens that looked a little different,' said John C., a building contractor from Marina del Rey, California. 'Not that they seemed like the kind of people who spent much time in a kitchen anyway.' Staying within your means For the rest of us, buying a home is a knotty process of checks and balances. Ironic... view article details

Employee Reward Ideas: Small Acts of Recognition and Appreciation Can Go a Long Way Incentivize Employees with Appreciation Gifts Do you ever wonder how to reward employees? Some bosses feel a paycheck is the only reward an employee needs. But employees want to feel that their hard work is appreciated, whether they are paid minimum wage or a six-figure salary. Wondering about employee reward ideas? Get creative and experiment with a few new employee recognition ideas - you’ll be amazed by how productive your staff suddenly becomes. 10. Gift CardsGift cards are a classic. Nobody ever tur... view article details

Which Jobs Are on the Rise? As the last chapter of 2013 is written, we once again turn our sights on what’s to come in the new year. And as it turns out, 2014 has a lot to offer in the way of new job growth.We looked into our own Salary.com crystal ball and then referenced sources like the US Bureau of Labor Statistics to determine which fields are slated to enjoy the most growth over the next few years. So if you’re currently unemployed and searching for a job, or if you’re unsatisfied and hoping to change careers, the first thing you need to do is see if your job is on this list.8. ... view article details

Survey Analyzes a Year's Worth of Tweets & Finds the 10 Most Hated Jobs Let the Hate Flow Through You If you hate your job and like to complain about it on social media, you’re probably a man living on the East Coast and working in retail. So says a recent study courtesy of Brandwatch and Monster, which analyzed more than 1 million tweets over the course of one year, from March 2014 to March 2015. Attention was paid to how many people tweeted about loving and hating their jobs, with states such as Hawaii, Oregon, and California ranking high on the “love my job” list, while workers in Florid... view article details

Q: I have been an estimator for a plumbing and mechanical company for two years. I am also a project manager. I have produced about $747,000 in sales this year and am managing about $1 million in construction projects. My salary is $32,800 per year. Should I be outraged?A: Maybe a little outraged.Let's assume that when you were hired, you were not expected to bring in sales. But perhaps your job has changed a great deal since then. I recommend that you ask your supervisor to review your current job responsibilities.Bringing in $747,000 is a significant amount of revenue. Typically, people resp... view article details

Q: I have an interview tomorrow with a prominent company and am very eager to please them. Can you give me some important pointers on interviewing?A: Jitters are a marvelous sensation, providing that refreshing sense of being alive in a big wide world. Your nerves are telling you that you would like to show this company You at Your Best. Isn’t it wonderful to feel that way about an opportunity?I’m sure you have prepared for the interview in the basic sense – printed fresh copies of your resume and slipped them into your classic portfolio, studied the company’s recent financial performance, spe... view article details