Apparently, many employers were not prepared to lay off workers during the holidays. Whether the spirit of giving prevailed, or whether many companies just needed the extra seasonal help, the fact remains that the latest ADP payrolls data, just released, shows that job loss is slowing. While the unemployment rate remains high, the pace of job losses has been slowing, and there are hopes that things could turn around solidly, with the economy adding jobs overall, by the end of 2010.
The U.S. services sector is also enhancing, and this is providing a great deal of hope, especially when added to …read more

In an effort to help taxpayers during the recession, a number of tax breaks were introduced to ease matters, as well as help stimulate the economy. However, some of these tax credits will be expiring sooner than you think. The California Society of CPAs, sent to me via email, has an overview of some of the tax breaks that will soon be expiring:

COBRA Extension Benefits: If you are eligible for this tax break, you pay only 35% of your COBRA premiums, and you receive a reimbursement of the other 65% through a tax credit. Termination of your job for COBRA …read more

The jobs market is showing some improvement overall right now. While things have been a bit disappointing lately, the monthly figures from November show that things are moving in the right direction. The unemployment rate dropped back to 10% from 10.2%, and states are starting to add jobs. However, it is true that this is a small improvement, and that true recovery in the jobs market is a ways off. But it’s a nice start.
There are hopes that other economic data will show an improvement in the fundamentals of the U.S. economy. Jobs represent just one piece of the economic …read more

Yesterday, Ben Bernanke talked about the fact that the jobs market appears to be stabilizing as part of the policy statement from the Federal Reserve Board. However, today the news isn’t so rosy. Initial jobless claims rose unexpectedly this past week. Initial claims are still below 500,000, and that is encouraging, but it underscores the fact that there is still quite a ways to go in terms of economic recovery.
Indeed, there are some that think that a double dip recession could be on the way, and that the current jobs market is one of the reasons for it. This is …read more

The big news from the world of finance today is that the U.S. unemployment rate dropped in November. In the wake of a jobs summit at the White House, the latest numbers for the employment picture are in. And in November, it looks as though the economy only shed 11,000 jobs. This is opposed to the 125,000 that many expected the economy to shed in November. The news also meant that the unemployment rate dropped to 10%
Of course, this positive data does not indicate that a significant number of jobs are being added to the economy — just that the …read more

Even though it is good to be grateful all year, I think that it is a good thing that we have a day devoted to giving thanks and reflecting on our blessings. Probably most of us don’t really spend a lot of time thinking about what we’re thankful for, but most people seem to take at least a few minutes to express their thanks.
There are many things I am thankful for. Here are a few things that I feel glad of this year:

Family
Friends
A job I can do from home
Home
Food
Social media ;)
Faith

It’s worth noting, of course, that many of these items …read more

In these times of economic turmoil, one of the biggest casualties has been personal credit. Many people are seeing a drop to their credit scores, and finding it difficult to get the best rates on a number of products and services. This includes car leases, for those who prefer to lease their cars. And, if a double-dip recession becomes a reality, this problem could continue. Those with credit that is good enough to lease may find that they are not getting the best payment plan for their money.
One way that you can improve your chances of getting better pricing is …read more

In a rather dour Friday morning surprise, the U.S. unemployment rate hit 10.2%. There have been predictions for months that the unemployment rate would exceed 10%, but as the economy started showing signs of life, hope was emerging along the lines of thinking that maybe that psychologically important level could be avoided. This morning’s non-farms payroll data destroyed all such thoughts.
However, even though the news sent stocks a little lower initially, they are inching up, desperate to remain in the black, even with the news. Even though the unemployment rate is higher, job loss is moving at a slower pace, …read more

One of the best parts of a college football game is the “team spirit” atmosphere. Whether your team is good or bad, it’s fun to scream on the top of your lungs with the cheerleaders or sing The Hey Song with the band. Unfortunately, that’s not going to happen at Florida International anymore.
FUI has recently reported that they’d be cutting the band program, and following that announcement, they decided to cut the cheerleading program as well. They have one the the worst historic records in major college football, and have been dealing NCAA penalties and problems stemming from playing ineligible …read more

I already mentioned here how the economy is causing a number of schools to cut or consider cutting printed media guides from their budget.
While this decision does make sense, since the information is readily available online, many conferences are now looking at other ways to save money. One thing that’s on the chopping block? Media Day.
Media days, usually held in summer or early fall, give reports the chance to meet players and coaches, have lunch with key staff members, and ask questions. A number of mid-major conferences have announced that they won’t be holding these meet-and-greet days.
Even some FBS conferences …read more