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Top Five Booming Jobs
Editor's Note: This guest post is contributed by Olivia Coleman
While
many of Americans are struggling to make ends meet and find steady
employment, there are some sectors of the economy that are not only
surviving, they're thriving. These sectors are projected to see amazing
employment growth in the coming years, and college students especially,
should pay close attention to this list of top five booming jobs in
America.
The job facing the greatest boom in the country right now is biomedical engineering. According to the editors of Money magazine, demand for biomedical engineers is expected to increase by 72 percent by 2018. And with these professionals earning an average of $76,000 per year, their economic outlook is equally as positive. This is a highly complex and technical field, however, as engineering principles and techniques are applied to the medical fields in order to improve medical diagnosis and treatments.
The profession to see the second-greatest demand is that of telecommunications network engineers. This field is expected to grow by 53 percent in the next ten years. These engineers work to solve and prevent problems that occur in telecom networks. They work to meet the needs and goals of their clients regarding voice, wireless and data communications, and help with installations and troubleshooting.
Physician assistants are projected to see the third-greatest employment growth in ten years, 39 percent. These medical professionals are expected to become increasingly important to the health care industry because of recent budget cuts and increased care demands. Hospitals can save money because these professionals do not garner the same salaries as physicians, yet they are highly trained in various medical sectors. Physician assistants usually earn around $92,000 a year, depending on their area of expertise, locality, and experience level.
While
many of Americans are struggling to make ends meet and find steady
employment, there are some sectors of the economy that are not only
surviving, they're thriving. These sectors are projected to see amazing
employment growth in the coming years, and college students especially,
should pay close attention to this list of top five booming jobs in
America.The job facing the greatest boom in the country right now is biomedical engineering. According to the editors of Money magazine, demand for biomedical engineers is expected to increase by 72 percent by 2018. And with these professionals earning an average of $76,000 per year, their economic outlook is equally as positive. This is a highly complex and technical field, however, as engineering principles and techniques are applied to the medical fields in order to improve medical diagnosis and treatments.
The profession to see the second-greatest demand is that of telecommunications network engineers. This field is expected to grow by 53 percent in the next ten years. These engineers work to solve and prevent problems that occur in telecom networks. They work to meet the needs and goals of their clients regarding voice, wireless and data communications, and help with installations and troubleshooting.
Physician assistants are projected to see the third-greatest employment growth in ten years, 39 percent. These medical professionals are expected to become increasingly important to the health care industry because of recent budget cuts and increased care demands. Hospitals can save money because these professionals do not garner the same salaries as physicians, yet they are highly trained in various medical sectors. Physician assistants usually earn around $92,000 a year, depending on their area of expertise, locality, and experience level.
Surety Bonds: Investments that Protect Investments
Editor's note: This is a guest post from Chris Foley of SuretyBonds.com
Anybody
who contributes their time, effort, and, of course, finances to a
project feels more confident about the decision if the commitment can
somehow be assured. When it comes to finances - whether personal or
corporate - surety bonds provide this guarantee. Most industries in
America utilize surety bonds to provide protection for those investing
in business deals, as well as those who might be vulnerable after a
contractual agreement has been made.
Surety Bond Basics
Surety bonds essentially work as a legal contract between three parties:
1. The Principal: the entity required to purchase the bond to guarantee the quality of work to be done
2. The Obligee: the entity that requires the bond to protect its interests
3. The Surety: the agency that issues the bond to the principal and assures the obligee with a financial guarantee
The bond is written to assure the obligee that the principal will fulfill all duties appropriately, whether developing construction projects, collecting debts, or signing official documents as a notary. If the principal fails to uphold the guarantee outlined in the bond's language, then the obligee can make a claim on the bond. If the principal is unable to compensate the obligee, the surety will be held accountable for reparation, whether achieved financially or otherwise.
Although bonds may sound similar to insurance policies, they are completely separate entities that serve different purposes. Insurance policies provide retroactive compensation for situations gone awry. Conversely, bonds provide a kind of preventative credit by encouraging principals to make appropriate, professional decisions. This is why the application process for bonds is so thorough. Many surety specialists avoid putting themselves at risk by working exclusively with financially-sound clients.
Anybody
who contributes their time, effort, and, of course, finances to a
project feels more confident about the decision if the commitment can
somehow be assured. When it comes to finances - whether personal or
corporate - surety bonds provide this guarantee. Most industries in
America utilize surety bonds to provide protection for those investing
in business deals, as well as those who might be vulnerable after a
contractual agreement has been made.Surety Bond Basics
Surety bonds essentially work as a legal contract between three parties:
1. The Principal: the entity required to purchase the bond to guarantee the quality of work to be done
2. The Obligee: the entity that requires the bond to protect its interests
3. The Surety: the agency that issues the bond to the principal and assures the obligee with a financial guarantee
The bond is written to assure the obligee that the principal will fulfill all duties appropriately, whether developing construction projects, collecting debts, or signing official documents as a notary. If the principal fails to uphold the guarantee outlined in the bond's language, then the obligee can make a claim on the bond. If the principal is unable to compensate the obligee, the surety will be held accountable for reparation, whether achieved financially or otherwise.
Although bonds may sound similar to insurance policies, they are completely separate entities that serve different purposes. Insurance policies provide retroactive compensation for situations gone awry. Conversely, bonds provide a kind of preventative credit by encouraging principals to make appropriate, professional decisions. This is why the application process for bonds is so thorough. Many surety specialists avoid putting themselves at risk by working exclusively with financially-sound clients.
Exchange Traded Funds (ETF) - Is it The Right Option for Wary Investors?
Editor's Note: This is a guest article sent by Sachin
To
say that the current global investment market has given investors pause
for thought would be a major understatement. They want out of the
nuthouse, and they want some security for their money, for once. The
2008 crash did one useful thing, if nothing else- It redefined the
relationship between investors and the investment market more than
anything since 1929. The US market went from the biggest market of all
time to a testimony to the powers of debt collection, and took its
professional credibility with it.
Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) started in the 90s, largely as an alternative to mutual funds. They were like the small mammals among the dinosaurs, and were “boutique” investments with high unit prices for investing in baskets of stocks which were usually based on specific indices. Unlike mutuals, they could also be traded in real time on the markets, so they gained some popularity as low risk, high value investments.
ETFs are managed funds, (small percentile fees) and they’re generally managed by major leaguers like Vanguard, Deutsche Bank and other heavyweights. That level of management helped separate the wheat from the chaff when the mortgage securities disaster happened. There were several ETFs specializing in mortgage securities, and they, like anything and everything connected with those securities, were hammered by the markets.
To
say that the current global investment market has given investors pause
for thought would be a major understatement. They want out of the
nuthouse, and they want some security for their money, for once. The
2008 crash did one useful thing, if nothing else- It redefined the
relationship between investors and the investment market more than
anything since 1929. The US market went from the biggest market of all
time to a testimony to the powers of debt collection, and took its
professional credibility with it.Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) started in the 90s, largely as an alternative to mutual funds. They were like the small mammals among the dinosaurs, and were “boutique” investments with high unit prices for investing in baskets of stocks which were usually based on specific indices. Unlike mutuals, they could also be traded in real time on the markets, so they gained some popularity as low risk, high value investments.
ETFs are managed funds, (small percentile fees) and they’re generally managed by major leaguers like Vanguard, Deutsche Bank and other heavyweights. That level of management helped separate the wheat from the chaff when the mortgage securities disaster happened. There were several ETFs specializing in mortgage securities, and they, like anything and everything connected with those securities, were hammered by the markets.
3 Ideas for Having Fun on a Budget
Editor's Note: This is a guest article from Gunter Jameson
Everyone
is trying to cut costs. We’re clipping more coupons, cutting back on
gas, turning the thermostat down and wearing more sweaters. We’re all
trying to learn how to do more with less. But all that penny pinching
and stress about finances can get to you. Sometimes you just want go out
to the movies and buy a big tub of buttery popcorn even though you know
it’s way too expensive. In fact, did you know that the average family
spends over $1,800 a year on entertainment? That’s a lot of money you
could be saving. But there are ways to have fun and save money at the
same time, you may even find that they’re even more fun than spending
all the money you used to spend on movies, cable, and sporting events.
Here are some ways that you can save money, but still have a good time:
Cut the Cable and Borrow Movies
Most people spend anywhere between $50-$100 a month on cable or satellite service. You may have 500 channels, but there still nothing on TV. Cutting out that monthly cost may open you up to new possibilities, like spending more time with your family or reading instead of watching reruns of Jersey Shore. Cutting out cable frees you up to take more walks and maybe even finish up a few projects around the house that you keep meaning to get to.
Everyone
is trying to cut costs. We’re clipping more coupons, cutting back on
gas, turning the thermostat down and wearing more sweaters. We’re all
trying to learn how to do more with less. But all that penny pinching
and stress about finances can get to you. Sometimes you just want go out
to the movies and buy a big tub of buttery popcorn even though you know
it’s way too expensive. In fact, did you know that the average family
spends over $1,800 a year on entertainment? That’s a lot of money you
could be saving. But there are ways to have fun and save money at the
same time, you may even find that they’re even more fun than spending
all the money you used to spend on movies, cable, and sporting events.
Here are some ways that you can save money, but still have a good time:Cut the Cable and Borrow Movies
Most people spend anywhere between $50-$100 a month on cable or satellite service. You may have 500 channels, but there still nothing on TV. Cutting out that monthly cost may open you up to new possibilities, like spending more time with your family or reading instead of watching reruns of Jersey Shore. Cutting out cable frees you up to take more walks and maybe even finish up a few projects around the house that you keep meaning to get to.
Annuity Rates and Open Market Option
Editor's Note: This is a guest post by Eleanor Whitelee, a personal finance blogger from Kent, UK.
Annuity
rates are falling. Unfortunately, that’s undeniable. However, rather
than focusing on this in a negative light, what we really should be
doing is to simply ensure that, whatever the rates are, we are getting
the best financial deal for our pension funds.
The Open Market Option is the best way to do this. To explain it briefly, the Open Market Option is what gives you the right to shop around for the best deals. You no longer have to take the first annuity offered to you by your pension provider. You can now go through the entire market to find the best deal for your own personal circumstances. By doing so, you could increase your annuity income by up to £1000 per year.
There is also the issue of enhanced annuities. It’s thought that anywhere from 40 to 60% of retirees could benefit from enhanced annuities, which offer a higher rate to people suffering from certain medical conditions or meeting certain criteria. Common examples of qualifying criteria are smoking (having smoked 10 or more cigarettes per day for at least ten years), having an unhealthy BMI or regularly exceeding the maximum recommended weekly alcohol unit intake.
The reason that such criteria, as well as a whole host of medical conditions, can mean higher annuity rates is that rates are calculated based on your life expectancy, so if you have a condition or a lifestyle habit that might mean you do not live as long, the rates you receive will be higher.
Without browsing the entire market, it is impossible to be sure that you are maximizing your pension fund and as annuities play such a vital role in your retirement finances, this can be critical to enhancing your lifestyle in your later years.
About Guest Writer
This post was written by a guest writer. If you'd like to add a guest post in Money Hacker, please check out Write for Us page for details about how YOU can share your knowledge with our community.
Annuity
rates are falling. Unfortunately, that’s undeniable. However, rather
than focusing on this in a negative light, what we really should be
doing is to simply ensure that, whatever the rates are, we are getting
the best financial deal for our pension funds.The Open Market Option is the best way to do this. To explain it briefly, the Open Market Option is what gives you the right to shop around for the best deals. You no longer have to take the first annuity offered to you by your pension provider. You can now go through the entire market to find the best deal for your own personal circumstances. By doing so, you could increase your annuity income by up to £1000 per year.
There is also the issue of enhanced annuities. It’s thought that anywhere from 40 to 60% of retirees could benefit from enhanced annuities, which offer a higher rate to people suffering from certain medical conditions or meeting certain criteria. Common examples of qualifying criteria are smoking (having smoked 10 or more cigarettes per day for at least ten years), having an unhealthy BMI or regularly exceeding the maximum recommended weekly alcohol unit intake.
The reason that such criteria, as well as a whole host of medical conditions, can mean higher annuity rates is that rates are calculated based on your life expectancy, so if you have a condition or a lifestyle habit that might mean you do not live as long, the rates you receive will be higher.
Without browsing the entire market, it is impossible to be sure that you are maximizing your pension fund and as annuities play such a vital role in your retirement finances, this can be critical to enhancing your lifestyle in your later years.
About Guest WriterThis post was written by a guest writer. If you'd like to add a guest post in Money Hacker, please check out Write for Us page for details about how YOU can share your knowledge with our community.
Why Do Annuity Rates Vary
Editor's Note: This is a guest post by Ivan Harrison, a personal finance enthusiast from London.
Annuity
rates can be confusing business. Aside from the fact that the rates
vary according to age and gender, the same person could get different
rates from a number of different providers. So just what does affect the
rates you could be offered?
Gender
Annuity rates are based on your life expectancy. Men typically have shorter life expectancies than women and are therefore typically offered higher rates.
Smoking
Smokers could be eligible for specialist “smoker” annuities or enhanced annuities, depending upon how much they smoke and for how long they have been doing so. Again, this relates to the fact that smoking is related to a high number of potentially life threatening illnesses and medical conditions.
Alcohol Intake
Again, those who regularly exceed the maximum recommend alcohol intake are potentially eligible for certain enhanced annuities. Again, this comes down to the link between excessive drinking and a host of medical conditions.
Annuity
rates can be confusing business. Aside from the fact that the rates
vary according to age and gender, the same person could get different
rates from a number of different providers. So just what does affect the
rates you could be offered?Gender
Annuity rates are based on your life expectancy. Men typically have shorter life expectancies than women and are therefore typically offered higher rates.
Smoking
Smokers could be eligible for specialist “smoker” annuities or enhanced annuities, depending upon how much they smoke and for how long they have been doing so. Again, this relates to the fact that smoking is related to a high number of potentially life threatening illnesses and medical conditions.
Alcohol Intake
Again, those who regularly exceed the maximum recommend alcohol intake are potentially eligible for certain enhanced annuities. Again, this comes down to the link between excessive drinking and a host of medical conditions.
Money Saving Tips For Gardening
I have a small garden in my home with full of flowers and required vegetables to my family. This garden is in my village home thus I am not a full time gardener, but whenever I am there for a vocation, I will be there in that garden for considerable amount of time because I love it. If I say truth, we never spend more money on this garden. In my experience, I have found the money lose on garden happens from three ways - water, fertilizers and pesticides. If the gardener found her own way to arrange or make these things intelligently, would help to save huge money.
Type of garden would be different for different people. However, a small start up with increasing the size of garden, slowly, would be the right approach. Understand, if watch carefully, one can easily find most of the items required to maintain a garden available around our home itself. Use of such would help to save lots of time and money. As said earlier, watering, pesticides and fertilizers are the major money losing elements in a garden. Intelligent use of water, self made composts and organic pesticides are the best reply to such lose possibilities.
1. If it is a vegetable garden, enquire and collect quality seeds from relatives, neighbors or friends, before you move to the next shop
2. Once if you plan to purchase plants, purchase smaller plants. This would be cheaper than buying large plant.
3. Before ordering soil to your garden, check the quality of soil. Using fertilizers and composts sometime convert your soil to a fabulous one that is suitable for any garden.
Simple Stock Investment Idea for Utterly Confused People
Article by Sherin Dev; Follow me in Twitter or Facebook
This
is certainly not an article for you once if you are an experienced
investor. If so, better move to number of useful articles in this blog
and read that. This is for stock investment infants and not even for
stock investment kids. This article is totally based on the bottom
fishing approach that is suitable for those who are a big zero in
investment knowledge. This article arranged with some steps for them to
follow and get success with minimal knowledge in direct stock or stock
market investment. Have a look and comment your points below the
article.
Money Hacker never advices anyone to invest in stocks directly, unless the person is excellent in direct stock investments. However, number of people asked questions that they required managing their money than give to the hand of any person to whom they never want to trust. Such people also don't have any previous investment experiences or have not involved direct stock market before. They are however ready to invest money for long term and willing to take all risks. Whenever receiving such requests, it was difficult for me to answer. However, I have found the below steps for them to invest directly to stock with minimal knowledge and control money lose to the minimum or none.
As told earlier, this is a bottom fishing approach with selected highly reputed companies that have good reputation all over the nation and among people. This investment approach means the investment would happen only when the stock market comes down to the bottom level along with the prices of selected stocks. If market dips to the bottom level, but stock prices of selected companies are intact, this idea will not work properly. One should identify various historical down level of stock markets along with company stock price changes at each market cycles. This would help him to understand how well the company prices when various market high times and how low the prices would fall when the market is down. This is the critical success point in this idea.
This
is certainly not an article for you once if you are an experienced
investor. If so, better move to number of useful articles in this blog
and read that. This is for stock investment infants and not even for
stock investment kids. This article is totally based on the bottom
fishing approach that is suitable for those who are a big zero in
investment knowledge. This article arranged with some steps for them to
follow and get success with minimal knowledge in direct stock or stock
market investment. Have a look and comment your points below the
article.Money Hacker never advices anyone to invest in stocks directly, unless the person is excellent in direct stock investments. However, number of people asked questions that they required managing their money than give to the hand of any person to whom they never want to trust. Such people also don't have any previous investment experiences or have not involved direct stock market before. They are however ready to invest money for long term and willing to take all risks. Whenever receiving such requests, it was difficult for me to answer. However, I have found the below steps for them to invest directly to stock with minimal knowledge and control money lose to the minimum or none.
As told earlier, this is a bottom fishing approach with selected highly reputed companies that have good reputation all over the nation and among people. This investment approach means the investment would happen only when the stock market comes down to the bottom level along with the prices of selected stocks. If market dips to the bottom level, but stock prices of selected companies are intact, this idea will not work properly. One should identify various historical down level of stock markets along with company stock price changes at each market cycles. This would help him to understand how well the company prices when various market high times and how low the prices would fall when the market is down. This is the critical success point in this idea.
Groupons Replace Coupons to Save Money
Editor's Note: This guest post is contributed by Angelita Williams
Clipping
coupons is an age-old tradition of housewives and frugal individuals
interested in saving a few bucks at the supermarket. But for the rest of
us, there is an updated version of the customary newspaper coupon, the
Groupon. That's right, the Groupon. Groupon is a free website dedicated
to providing members with localized and interested goods and services at
discounted rates.
The website works off of "combined buying power". Each day, the site emails subscribers the deal of the day, which could include discounts at restaurants, spas, attractions, retail stores, and many other venues. These discounts work much like gift certificates, for example $50 worth of food at the local Italian restaurant can be purchased for $25. If a subscriber is interested in purchasing the discount, they simply click "BUY" on the email before midnight of that day.
Clipping
coupons is an age-old tradition of housewives and frugal individuals
interested in saving a few bucks at the supermarket. But for the rest of
us, there is an updated version of the customary newspaper coupon, the
Groupon. That's right, the Groupon. Groupon is a free website dedicated
to providing members with localized and interested goods and services at
discounted rates.The website works off of "combined buying power". Each day, the site emails subscribers the deal of the day, which could include discounts at restaurants, spas, attractions, retail stores, and many other venues. These discounts work much like gift certificates, for example $50 worth of food at the local Italian restaurant can be purchased for $25. If a subscriber is interested in purchasing the discount, they simply click "BUY" on the email before midnight of that day.
Are you paying more than $5 / pack of cigs? I'm buying my cigs from Duty Free Depot and I'm saving over 60%.
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