February 2009 Archives

While many retail giants have fallen by the wayside, it is no secret that thrift stores have flourished in these tough economic times. 

However, many thrift store owners are worrying that the new legislation that regulates lead content in clothing and toys could very well drive them out of business as well.

Thrift stores already are civilly liable if someone is injured by a product. But under the new law, selling any product containing lead becomes a criminal offense, making it virtually impossible to obtain insurance coverage and exposing resale businesses to unnecessary risks.  -- Salt Lake Tribune

Here's how the new lead laws will affect you as a thrift store shopper (or owner), or if you're a crafter who makes handmade items and sells them on places like eBay and Etsy...

No one who invests money expects to be caught in a Ponzi scheme.  After all, Ponzi schemes are illegal!

Still, many investors are now finding themselves at a loss because they were duped by investments that appeared to be legitimate.  

Here are some basic tips and warning signs, so you won't be taken advantage of or caught up in a Ponzi scheme...

In an effort to save jobs and keep companies running, more and more companies are asking employees to take a temporary leave of absence.

Temporarily lay-offs (or furloughs) can range from the employee taking a few days off each month without pay to the company closing down for a short period of time. Furloughs are implemented as a cost savings measure for the company.

While many jobs are saved, a furlough can still create hardships for families -- especially when finances are already stretched.

Here are some tips for surviving furloughs or being laid off...

If you are a single parent living below the living wage, you are not alone.

Those who make below a living wage "make insufficient income to live locally given the local cost of living," according to Poverty in America.

Use this living wage calculator to determine if you fit into this group. You can also see which professions you should aim for in order to rise above the living wage for your state.

Of course, the long-term plan for most below the living wage is to work toward raising one's wage and to make it to a point where you are no longer struggling. Meanwhile, you must still survive day-to-day life while working towards that goal.

That's where things become difficult...