The Finance Whisperer

April Showers Bring May...Hours?

Job growth hit a 5-year high in April, despite the slightly higher U.S. unemployment rate, which furthers beliefs that the economic recovery will continue to pick up speed throughout 2011 and the unemployment rate will resume its downward pattern in May. But as more and more job seekers are finding work, more and more of the workforce are realizing their dissatisfaction with wages.

Luckily for them, a recent analysis of emerging labor trends points to growing wages in the months to come. This growth, however, will be closely tied to job growth - and other indicators of an improving U.S. economy - and will likely be limited to specific industries, including Finance & Accounting.

But before you consider making a career switch into finance simply for the higher pay, you may want to think about whether your sole motivation for doing so is the potential pay check. After all, higher wages may be coming your way next.

-The Finance Whisperer

Need to Control your Spending?

Who doesn't? In fact, wouldn't it be nice to have a personal accountant who keeps track of your funds and spending for you and simply gives you the go-ahead (or doesn't, for that matter) to splurge on that dinner, TV, or vacation?

Truth is, saving money can be a lot more complicated than you think. As one saving expert points out, sticking to a budget that accounts only for minimal spending is next to impossible - you never know when you'll have to go to the doctor or pick up a new shirt for an interview. But there are some great tips in this article that will help you keep your spending under control.

-The Finance Whisperer