Who has the time, interest, or confidence to pick and track individual stocks (unless, of course, it's what you do for a living)? For those of us who don't, there are index funds. Every self-help guide on investing champions index funds as the safest gateway into the stock market. As portfolios of securities, indices are designed to match the performance of the market as a whole. They are essentially mutual funds that track the market, allowing even the least savvy investor to benefit from an expanding economy in a hands-off, lower-risk way. Most people have heard of the more famous indices su... view article details

There are many advantages to online courses and degree programs. Not only does it offer an opportunity for those unable to take traditional full-time classes such as working professionals and parents, but it also offers more freedom and flexibility to students of all types. Online education is widely accepted as being just as valuable as the classroom experience. And many colleges, universities, businesses, and organizations worldwide, now offer their students fully accredited online degrees and continuing education programs. But there are still important questions and steps one should conside... view article details

Survey Results Show Employees Crave At Least Some Structure When It Comes to Dress Codes Dress codes are, and always will be, a hot topic that gets fairly contentious in a hurry. Employers need to spend considerable time pondering office dress codes---whether or not to have one, what is permitted/prohibited and how to implement it---and consider the kind of work environment and image to project. Depending on your company and your personality, there are many factors to consider. For instance, if you're opening a beachside surf and skate shop your dress code will likely be much more informal tha... view article details

Distractions are Everywhere, So Know Your Enemy Is this a good time? We can come back later if you’re in the middle of something. We know dealing with potential distractions can really slice into your workday In a recent Salary.com survey, 64% admitted to wasting time at the office on a daily basis -- and we weren’t counting any staff meetings. It happens. The typical work setting is ripe with potential distractions. Can’t help that.But we do have a few ideas on how to manage them. Whether it’s a constantly ringing phone or incessantly chatty co-worker, there are work-arounds that act... view article details

Our first round-up of 13 Must-Read Business Books That Could Change Your Life sparked such an onslaught of suggestions, it was clear we only scratched the surface. So armed with a list of book titles, we decided to follow-up with a list of business books suggested by you, our readers.These books---some old, some new---run the gamut from business-building strategies to helping those who haven’t discovered their passion explore their options and goals.Check out these books that have helped change readers’ lives.Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting out of the Boxby Arbinger InstituteIf you disl... view article details

Q. I've accidentally come into possession of a confidential printout of my fellow employees' pay rates. After reviewing it, I've come to the opinion I am being well underpaid. In the near future I am up for review, which always is nothing more than a formality for a decision already made. What are the possible legal ramifications of possessing this information? How, if at all, may I ethically use this information to my advantage?A. Above all, be very careful.Since you found the information, I would not use it when discussing your salary with your manager nor your HR department. Unless your cow... view article details

Reason No. 1: Your Leadership Doesn’t Care Whenever people attend a cocktail party, invariably someone in the room will have an occupation that others will solicit for some (free) advice. Medical doctors are asked “Does this mole look cancerous to you?” Car mechanics are queried whether the “chunka-chunka” sound the engine makes means a new transmission is needed. And as an industrial/organizational psychologist, I get interrogated about “Why is my company such a lousy place to work? Why do I hate working there?” There can be any number of specific reasons why one’s work experience is l... view article details

Welcome to Our Annual Father's Day Survey Much is made of Mother's Day because it has become a full-blown Hallmark holiday over the years. But once all the hype and hoopla is over, there's this vague feeling that you're leaving something out. That something is dads -- and Salary.com hasn't forgotten.Our annual Father's Day Survey is back this year as we celebrate dads and all the work they do for their families. Every year Salary.com surveys thousands of dads to find out how much time they spend on household and childcare duties. Then, using our extensive salary data containing inform... view article details

Some Situations Present a Compelling Case for Taking Less Money Less Can Be More Just a few decades ago, the thought of taking a pay cut was preposterous. A history of a steadily climbing paycheck as you advanced through your career, gaining experience and promotions, was seen as proof that you were on the right track. The idea was "more, more, more" and if the number of zeroes dropped, so too did your standing. Times have changed. Today, salary ups and downs are seen as par for the course. Given the unsettled economic environment, the only rule about salary is that there are no rules. In a... view article details

Everyone's had mornings when they'd rather stay in their bunny slippers and gloat at the traffic reports while sipping coffee and working from their "home office." But in the past (let's call it the dark ages), some bosses considered "working from home" a euphemism for "doing errands" and only allowed it in the event of major plumbing or medical emergencies. Fortunately, progress in technology has made it possible to stay in your PJs and also be productive. Here's a surefire way to get even the most stubborn boss to let you give "teleworking" a try. Staying home is not just for snow days anym... view article details