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Start a Salary Negotiation With a Ridiculous Request

by Flexo

There’s some evidence that the first number mentioned in salary negotiations serves as an anchor. As an employee, you can influence the employer’s final salary by asking for a high number up front. That high number, you may know, is out of the employer’s range, but by asking for a somewhat reasonable high number, you’re ... Continue reading this article…

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2011 Stimulus Package: American Jobs Act

by Flexo
Dollar - 2011 Stimulus Package

Update: The Buffett Rule, if implemented, could help pay for the American Jobs Act. As long as the public holds the general impression that economy isn’t favorable, and that’s certainly the case, for example, when unemployment is high or after a stock market crash, political leaders will propose stimulus plans to help move the country ... Continue reading this article…

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Earn More Money: Teaching and Tutoring

by Flexo

This is the third article in a series about methods of supplementing income with spare-time projects. I typically focus on the big changes people can make that result in earning significantly more money, but this series focuses on incremental income. The first article was about becoming a secret shopper and the second was about selling ... Continue reading this article…

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Smithee Update: Six Months in San Diego

by Smithee

This article is by Consumerism Commentary staff writer Smithee, who is juggling about a dozen clients and creative projects as a freelancer. It’s been a year since I was laid off and decided to become a full-time freelancer, and it’s been six months since my wife and I made a risky decision to move the ... Continue reading this article…

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Taking a Salary Cut

by Flexo
Twin Towers, World Trade Center

In the midst of the recession, more than a few corporate executives made the difficult choice to cut their employees’ salaries. Companies whose profits depended on the health of the economy might have been at risk for bankruptcy if unable to cut costs. Reluctant to lay off employees, many troubled companies convinced the employees that ... Continue reading this article…

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Personal Balance Sheet, August 2011 ($368,817, -2.6%)

by Flexo

Almost every month since July 2003, I’ve been reporting my month-end financial reports on Consumerism Commentary. This reporting started as a way to hold myself accountable as I attempted to improve my finances through earning more and spending thoughtfully while saving and investing for my future. Somewhere along the way, the website became not only ... Continue reading this article…

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How to Qualify for a Mortgage Without a Steady Paycheck

by Flexo
Dollar

It’s been almost nine months since I had a regular paycheck. Last year around this time, I was starting to make my plans for leaving my day job. One of my concerns was the possibility of qualifying for a mortgage with only self-employment income. Banks are still tight with their lending. Although mortgage rates are ... Continue reading this article…

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Net Worth Competition: Don’t Compare Yourself With Others

by Flexo
Calculator

One of the most important metrics for tracking financial progress is net worth. I write about my net worth, or a modified form of it, every month when I report my balances. I’ve been in the practice of publishing my net worth updates for eight years. By watching my net worth change over time — ... Continue reading this article…

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