Looking for work? You’re not alone. Unemployment has hit a 14-year high. That means hoards of people are heading to the Internet with hopes of finding a new job. There are lots of job listing sites and resources for the unemployed online. But where do you turn for reliable, up-to-date information? Here are some sites to consider when looking for work online:

Indeed.com

The site says it’s posted nearly a million new jobs in the past week. But it’s how you sort through those listings that makes this site so great. It works pretty much like the search engine Google. Put in keywords, job title or company name along with a city, state or zip code. You’ll then be able to search through the listings you like.

MarketVendorJobs.com

This is a great site for anyone looking for a job or looking for an employee in the financial sector. With so many banks getting hit hard, this is a popular area for job seekers. If this is your industry, you’ll definitely want to check out MarketVendorJobs.com.

Vault.com

Research is key for staying on top. Head to Vault.com for valuable data on industry trends, companies your targeting or schools you may want to attend. Search jobs, get help with your resume or network on the message boards.

LinkedIn.com

Networking is a great way to find a new job. Use LinkedIn.com as a social networking tool to reconnect with old co-workers or meet new people in the field you are targeting. Soon the site will let users notify members when they’re on the hunt for a job.

GlassDoor.com

This site offers a free inside look at over 18,000 companies. Find out how much businesses are paying for people in your position. Read reviews about different companies.

Financial times are scary and the thought that your broker might not have your best interest in mind can push you right off the deep end. No matter what you think about the person on the other side of that desk you should always get informed yourself.

Check up on your broker using the FINRA BrokerCheck. It allows you to do a search of your broker to check for any complaints or disiplinary actions.

Read the material you are offered. The broker can go over it and explain it but you should still read it for yourself. Ask for time to read each and every word or take the material home with you. Either way - READ before you sign.

Talk with your tax accountant before making any moves with your money. The broker may THINK he knows tax law but things could have changed. It is best to talk with the tax expert before making decisions that affect your taxes.

The news media and other sources make the financial situation seem doomed. It can be scary for the average consumer. It is hard to know what to do with investments – even those in what is thought to be the safety of bank accounts. There is one step that everyone can benefit from taking:

Don’t Panic!

No matter how bad it may seem, take your time when making decisions. You need to look at all of the angels before you make a move. Taking money out of an investment account may give short term security in these financial times, but what will it do to the long term tax picture?

Take a deep breath and write out what you are considering for your next step. Review it with your spouse, parents or other trusted advisor. Seek out the advice of your tax professional, your financial advisor and other industry experts. Listen to the words of others, do your own research and then make a decision about the right path for your finances.

It is the rash decision that will cause financial pain. Take the time needed to give your finances the attention that they deserve and you will find that your financial decisions are usually right on target.

The tough economic times has forced many people to evaluate their finances. The fear of losing a job (or the pain of one already lost) has stopped the spending and forced the savings. Although the changes have made the economic times even tighter it may turn out to be the best thing for everyone.

1. Stop spending money that you do not have. It is one thing to use a credit card for convenience. It is a different story when you are using it because you do not have the money to buy the item out right. If the money is not already set aside for the new couch, new computer or other purchase then put it off until the money can be saved.

2. Skip one evening out or meal out every week. Put these savings into a special account that you will not touch for any reason what so ever.

3. Start an accountability group. Share tips for building savings, cutting spending and even investing. Having people that will call you out when you are going down the wrong path can be the best way to get on the right track for your finances.

Start the New Year with a new attitude about finances no matter how you might end the old one. You can begin saving money right now, start cutting back on spending and find new ways to create a sound financial future.

The holiday season is in full swing and I watched my children eagerly open gifts yesterday. They have already forgotten all about the paper and the ribbons, but they are still talking about the trip to see the Christmas lights and pet the reindeer.

It is easy to get caught up in the commercial part of the holidays. This tight economic time has caused many people to look beyond the commercial and find inexpensive or free ways to enjoy the holidays. Like my own family, most of us are discovering that the best things in life are free.

1. Homemade gifts take thoughtfulness, imagination, creativity and time. It shows the receiver that you spent some time and energy and not just some dollars.

2. Time is a gift that is beyond any measure of money and it spreads out into memories that last a life time.

3. Laughter is good for the heart, soul and mind and it’s free. Playing games with the family, riding bikes or going to the park are all great ways to create holiday memories that will last longer than any batteries.

This holiday season may be winding down, but it is never too early to start thinking about next year. No matter what the future may hold for your finances, commit today to make the holiday season about the memories and not about the bucks!

My friend has been struggling recently with her finances. She married an ex-boyfriend after her husband was killed. The new husband went through the money she received for the death and dug her back into debt after she had struggled to get free. Now she’s alone again and having to face the debt, the empty savings account and four children that expect the stay at home mom to provide for their needs.

It seems that when things are at their worst is when you get hit the hardest. Instead of throwing in the towel or trying to bury your head in the sand, take the bull by the horns and get started right now on fixing the problem.

1. Find creative ways to make some money – she is looking at using her love of writing to start a freelance writing career.

2. Talk to creditors – if they know you are facing a problem BEFORE you get behind then they are much more willing to work with you.

3. Start rebuilding the savings – even if it is just a few dollars a week, having some money set back will make any situation feel a little lighter.

4. Ask for help – when every rug imaginable has been pulled out from under you it is time to reach out to those that you trust and ask for some help (guidance, accountability and yes even financial).

No matter how bad things get there is always hope. The key is to start right now to make the bad days a part of a past instead of allowing them to control your future.

Looking for a job? The US Census is hiring thousands of people around the country for full and part-time work. The pay is good, the job is flexible and it won’t require a long commute. According to the website, it’s a great opportunity for retirees, college students, people who want part-time work, or people who are between jobs.

Every ten years, a census is conducted. The results from the census determine representation in government, and how funds are spent on things like roads, parks, schools, and public safety. As a census worker you will be helping to update address lists and conduct interviews with residents in your community. The great thing about the job is that you are paid weekly and you are reimbursed for mileage and expenses.

Requirements:
You must speak English, but bilingual speakers are encouraged to apply.
It is best if you have a driver’s license, but in some cases public transportation can be used.
You must bring two forms of approved identification.

To apply contact your local Census Office or by calling 1-866-861-2010. You can also print out an application, fill it out, and take it with you to the Census office. Just to make sure you are ready, take this practice test before you go.

I spent years working in retail. In fact, I consider my first legitimate job (besides detasseling corn) to be selling polyester, elastic-waist pants to ladies in the misses department at Sears. I was a teenager and there were some painful parts to that job (sizing the clearance rack in January) but there were some fun parts (trying on embellished track suits in the fitting room during slow nights.) Today I am sharing my retail wisdom– insider tips from someone who has spent many hours on the other side of the cash register.

Don’t buy your Christmas sweaters before Christmas. Resist the urge. As soon as the 26th of December rolls around that same sweater will be 60-80% off. And it’s going to be virtually the same Christmas sweater that’s on the rack next November and December. The sequins may be a different color. Frosty’s scarf may change from red to green, but other than that, it’s pretty much the same festive wool.

Say no to the credit card offers. I have never been the type to fall for the cash rap credit card offers, but it’s amazing how many people are. I don’t think I have a great ability to convince people into taking on credit card debt, but I was required to ask, or at least strongly encouraged to. Depending on which store I was working for, I would get up to $2 for every completed credit card application. When I worked at American Eagle, I got so many credit card applications I was rewarded with a free cappuccino maker. (I guess I owe my caffeine addiction to them.) But seriously, don’t fall for the 10% off promise– no matter how convincing the salesperson is.

Don’t shop five minutes before closing. As much as you’d like to think the workers are always at your service, they want to go home. They’ve heard the same ten Christmas songs over and over for eight hours. Their feet hurt. Do yourself a favor and get to mall early. Don’t rush in at the last minute. And certainly don’t ignore the announcement that the store is closed.

Ask for gift boxes and gift receipts. These are two perks that usually come free with purchase. Be sure to ask for your gift receipt before your transaction is complete. Sometimes if you forget the entire purchase will have to voided and rung up again in order to get one.

Be nice. It’s amazing how rude people can be to part-time department store workers. Sure the crowds can be maddening and maybe you had to park a football field away from the mall entrance. But try spreading joy this Christmas season and who knows, maybe you’ll get better service for it.

Photo Courtesy of Janet 59

My sister unexpectedly lost her job last summer. She was working at the headquarters of a major retailer and was taking in a great income. Now she’s unemployed in one of the toughest markets in her lifetime. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the unemployment rate is at 6.7%. Another 533,000 people lost their jobs in November alone. That means there are a lot of people out there like my sister. Here are a few things she’s doing to make the best of this tough time.

1. She’s scheduling doctor’s appointments. Thankfully, my sister’s employer offered good insurance that stayed in tact for several months after her job loss. So before it expired she scheduled lots of doctor’s appointments, routine exams and teeth cleanings. If she ends up buying her own insurance, she probably won’t have the high level of coverage her employer offered.

2. She’s reconnecting with former co-workers. My sister still has many contacts in her industry. She’s been reconnecting with them through e-mail, telephone and social networks like LinkedIn. This is a great way to get a heads up on any job leads.

3. She’s starting an online business. Using some of her savings, she’s starting a new business. While this may seem like a risky move to some, she’s using her extensive knowledge in her industry to develop a new business idea that doesn’t require much start up. It’s something she may never have had the motivation to do if she hadn’t been laid off.

4. She’s looking for other income. She recently went on a trip that was planned before she lost her job. In order to earn some cash to pay for that trip she sold Christmas ornaments on Ebay and made over $200 to offset expenses.

5. She’s shopping wisely. While she never used to care about clipping coupons or shopping sales, she’s now spend more wisely when it comes to groceries. She’s using online coupon websites and looking for rebates.

6. She’s having fun. My sister is making the best of this situation by exercising regularly and making time for things she enjoys. It’s a great way to stay positive and turn a less than ideal circumstance into an opportunity.

Photo Courtesy of Bredgur

The economy is tough for most people right now. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be. Even if you face a job loss (or are already experiencing one) there are things that you can do to not only survive without the salary but to actually thrive.

Step One: Get on a budget

If you are not already monitoring and limiting your spending then start right now. Evaluate each and every dollar that you spend to see if you might get more mileage spending it in a different way (why waste $40 on fast food when you have the same thing at home in the freezer? Save that money for movie night).

Step Two: Make some money

There is no law that says in order to be successful you have to get a regular paycheck. Find something that you love and find someone to pay you for doing it. Following your passion will help you enjoy life now (instead of waiting for retirement).

Step Three: Make more money

The holidays are the perfect time to pick up a second job. Set all of that money aside for savings (or to pay down debt).

Living without a salary does not mean living a life of sacrifice. Instead it is all about choices. Choosing the best route for spending each dollar that you bring in will give you more freedom to live the life that you have been dreaming of living.