Healing a Wounded Credit Score
by Tara Siegel Bernard
Millions of consumers have fallen out of favor with the credit scoring gods.
Some lost their jobs or were just overwhelmed by mounting debt. Others got caught up in the real estate bubble or had major medical bills. Whatever the reason, the rising number of foreclosures, short sales, late credit card payments and the ultimate credit sin -- bankruptcies -- have left black marks on credit reports most everywhere.
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So what can these people do to repair their credit?
The simple answer is to focus on the information that is used to generate the all-powerful FICO score -- the measure used most frequently by traditional lenders to determine creditworthiness. Its scale runs from 300 points to 850 points; the higher the score, the better your credit standing. "FICO is still the 500-pound gorilla," said John Ulzheimer, president of consumer education at SmartCredit.com. "In 2011, the best way to get credit from the mainstream lenders is to have a good FICO score."
Consumers can hope that the banks will eventually consider alternatives to the traditional FICO score, which was developed by Fair Isaac Corporation and has been in wide use for about two decades. After all, as banks regain their appetite for lending, they will be looking for ways to differentiate between borrowers with the same scores, some of whom are temporarily struggling and others who chronically have trouble with money.
[Click here to check current credit card offers, including rates and terms.]
For now, though, the FICO score reigns. The best antidote to a poor score is time. Still, there are a half dozen ways to speed the process, or, at the least, avoid even more credit trouble.
What to Do
Assess Your Situation
Before you even start to think about rehabilitating your credit, make sure that you can pay your bills on time and not do any more harm. If keeping up with your credit card bills is still an issue, then call the issuer, explain your situation and try to negotiate payments you can afford. Ask the issuer how that will be reported to the major three credit bureaus: Not paid as agreed, which can hurt your score? Or will the new terms say that you are now paying as agreed?
"You have to get in writing that this is what they agreed to do," said Mechel Glass, director of education at CredAbility, a nonprofit consumer credit counseling agency. Ditto for other providers, like utility companies.
Then, assess all the damage by getting a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus through annualcreditreport.com. Each of the major credit bureaus -- Equifax, Experian and TransUnion -- generate their own FICO scores based on the data they collect. Two versions of your FICO score are also available for $19.95 each, through myFico.com.
How far your credit score has fallen will depend on where it started, as well as the frequency and severity of your credit mistakes. If you had almost perfect credit, but because of the loss of a job your credit card bills ended up at a collection agency, you can expect to lose anywhere from 80 to 150 points from your FICO score. A short sale or foreclosure? Both, Mr. Ulzheimer said, "would turn a FICO 790 into a FICO 590 overnight."
Clean Up Your Score
Start with the low-hanging fruit. Let's say you were late paying a bill from a company that no longer exists, or a bank that has since merged with a larger institution. If the credit reporting bureaus cannot verify the accuracy of that black mark, they are required to remove it. "Not only does it have to be correct, but it has to be verifiable," Mr. Ulzheimer said.
Next, focus on paying off the loans -- namely, credit cards -- that will help give your score the most lift. Paying off a mortgage, a student loan or other installment debts, like car loans, feels good but that won't necessarily do much for your credit score.
[Secrets of People With Great Credit Scores]
You also want to get your so-called debt utilization rate into good shape. FICO considers how the total amount of debt on each of your credit cards compares with your total available credit. The credit score "elite" -- that is, people with FICO scores above 760 -- typically don't have debts that exceed 7 percent of their available credit. But if you are at 50 percent and can get the rate down to 30 percent, that will help.
Leave a Note
Because prospective employers may pull a copy of your credit report, consider adding the equivalent of a doctor's note to each of your reports explaining your hardship, like a job loss. All three major credit bureaus allow you to add a brief statement through their Web sites. FICO doesn't consider these statements when formulating scores, however, so don't expect it to sway lenders.
Get Secured Cards
It will obviously be hard to get a traditional credit card when you have a poor credit history. Secured cards, if used strategically, can help nurse your credit back to health more quickly. These cards require you to put a set amount of money in a bank account, say $250 or $500, which is used as collateral. And the amount of available credit should be equivalent to the amount on deposit.
"What is the most predictive and powerful in your score are the things you've done most recently," Mr. Ulzheimer said. "That cuts both ways. If you add a secured card and you pay it religiously and the balance is low, it will help your score a lot more quickly than if you do nothing."
But read the fine print before signing up. Consumer advocates said some unscrupulous card issuers have charged the security deposit to the card. And be sure the issuer reports your payment information to the big three credit bureaus, since not all do.
Curtis Arnold, the founder of CardRatings.com, recommended two cards, both of which report payments to the big three: the Orchard Bank Secured MasterCard, which has an attractive interest rate of 7.9 percent, waives the annual fee in the first year and charges a moderate $35 annually thereafter. He also likes the Citi Secured MasterCard, largely because it offers an interest rate on the security deposit equivalent to an 18-month certificate of deposit, which he says is an industry first.
Talk to a Credit Union
These institutions may be more willing to work with members who have checkered histories. Their offerings vary, but they may be more likely to consider alternative credit scores, offer free credit counseling or have products tailored for people with poor credit histories. "Certainly, many credit unions have credit builder or rebuilder loans, often structured as a loan with a built-in savings component so that a person gradually builds up funds that can act as partial collateral," said Clifford Rosenthal, the president of the National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions, a trade association representing credit unions in low- and moderate-income areas.
Alternative Verification
There are other credit reporting agencies and services that -- for a monthly fee, and sometimes a hefty one -- will collect your payment history from sources that aren't included in your traditional credit report or FICO score. At this point, however, most mainstream lenders base their decisions on the big three bureaus' reports and FICO scores. So you're better off saving your money. "All of those companies say they will report your accounts to a credit bureau, and they may be doing that," Mr. Ulzheimer said. "But if it is not the big three, then who cares?"
This could change, of course, as banks become more willing to lend and potentially open to using other means to identify promising borrowers. Lenders may begin to consider rental payment histories, for instance. Or they may be willing to look at alternative credit scores that incorporate payment information that doesn't show up on traditional credit reports.
[Best Credit Cards For 2011]
Or perhaps one lender will permit so-called shoe box credit: Did you know that if you walk into a lender with a box stuffed with receipts proving that you paid your cable bill, for instance, that they are required to consider it? They aren't obliged to give you a loan, but the regulation says they must consider the information.
What to Avoid
Credit Repair Offers
You may have seen the advertisements for credit repair companies on the Web. "We really tell our clients to stay away," said Ms. Glass, of CredAbility. One re-emerging scam, she says, involves companies that claim they can clean up your credit. Some companies manage to do this for a limited time by disputing all of your accounts, sending letters to the bureaus claiming the accounts aren't valid. But after the credit bureaus validate the accounts and debts, they reappear on your report and your score will plummet again.
Legitimate credit repair companies exist, and they can assist in disputes. But there's nothing they can do that you can't do yourself at little cost. Besides, these companies often besiege the bureaus with letters, and the bureaus are allowed to ignore what they believe are frivolous disputes. Be wary of companies that do not disclose in writing that you can do these tasks free on your own, that guarantee results or that try to charge you before they perform any services.
Certain Cards
Despite the tighter credit environment, Chi Chi Wu, a staff lawyer at the National Consumer Law Center, said the center was still receiving complaints about credit cards aimed at people with poor credit histories.
"These cards are pitched as a way to build credit, but with these kind of steep fees and high interest rates, there is a good chance they will hurt," she said.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Jobs For Smart People
Jobs For Smart People
See how you can train for a great-paying career that will fully utilize your brain power.
By Chris Kyle
Smart people come in all shapes and sizes.
So do smart career choices.
A bright NFL quarterback, for example, can read a defense and understand its strengths and weaknesses, all in the blink of an eye.
It's called spatial intelligence, and it's the same skill that graphic designers use to imagine smart visual solutions that their clients want but can't articulate.
[Search for Graphic Design schools near you now]
The bottom line: intelligent people - you know who you are! - are well-suited to certain careers.
These six careers, for example, can be smart options for smart people.
1.Accountant
2.Medical Manager
3.FBI Agent
4.Registered Nurse
5.Computer Systems Administrator
6.Teacher
Keep reading to learn about how you can get into one of these jobs. You'll be smarter for it…
#1 - Accountant
Accountants need to have more than just a knack for numbers. They should also have sound reasoning skills, since the simplest answer is often the right one when dealing with even the most complex calculations.
Education: A quick mind isn't enough to become an accountant. Formal training matters too. Fortunately, there are plenty of accounting and finance programs that can prepare you for a career as an accountant. A bachelor's degree is the most common entry-point into the profession.
Average Pay: $67,430
[Find Accounting and Finance schools now]
#2 - Medical Manager
Health care isn't just big business; it's also incredibly complex. As a result, medical managers need a sharp mind and keen business sense to keep up in this ever-evolving industry.
Education: Some medical managers have technical backgrounds, while others are experts in areas like finance or team-building. To qualify for most management roles, you'll need to earn a bachelor's degree in an area like health care administration, followed by an MBA.
Average Pay: $90,970
[Search for Health Care and Business schools now]
#3 - FBI Agent
While it probably comes as no surprise that the FBI is looking for smart recruits, it may startle you to learn that it's not only bright law enforcement types who are in demand. Computer specialists, language experts, accountants, and lawyers are just a few who regularly become FBI agents.
Education: While work experience is highly valued, a bachelor's degree is required. Common majors include information technology and accounting. Majoring in a foreign language is also a plus.
Average Pay: $73,170
[Search for Bachelor's degree programs now]
#4 - Registered Nurse
Registered nurses are among the most educated in the health care industry. Knowing what to do and when to do it is crucial, as is the ability to communicate effectively with patients and their families, not to mention the doctors you are assisting.
Education: Most registered nurses have a bachelor's of science in nursing. Accelerated programs are available to those who already have a degree. Additional training options include an associate's degree in nursing and a nursing diploma.
Average Pay: $66,530
[Find Nursing degree programs near you]
#5 - Computer Systems Administrator
Getting called a geek in the computer industry isn't an insult; it's a compliment. The good news: figuring out the most efficient way to share and store information may not be as complicated as rocket science, but it's still highly prized in today's digital world.
Education: An associate's or bachelor's degree can help you get your computer skills up to speed. Employers look for brainy applicants well-versed in areas like computer science, network administration, and IT & information systems.
Average Pay: $70,930
[Find IT degree programs now]
#6 - Teacher
The best teachers are gifted communicators and motivators who enjoy healthy discussions and debate. If you want to be a teacher, you'll need to be able to take complex subjects and present them in a straightforward way.
Education: While the temperament of a teacher may be a natural gift, formal training can provide you with the necessary academic background and teaching certification. It's best to begin with a bachelor's degree. From there public school teachers need to get certified. And keep in mind that a master's degree can help increase your pay and employment opportunities.
Average Pay: $55,150
[Search for Teaching programs].
*Average salary comes from the U.S. Department of Labor, using 2009 median salary information. For salary purposes, data for "Federal government criminal investigators" was used for FBI agents; data for "Secondary school teachers" was used for Teachers.
See how you can train for a great-paying career that will fully utilize your brain power.
By Chris Kyle
Smart people come in all shapes and sizes.
So do smart career choices.
A bright NFL quarterback, for example, can read a defense and understand its strengths and weaknesses, all in the blink of an eye.
It's called spatial intelligence, and it's the same skill that graphic designers use to imagine smart visual solutions that their clients want but can't articulate.
[Search for Graphic Design schools near you now]
The bottom line: intelligent people - you know who you are! - are well-suited to certain careers.
These six careers, for example, can be smart options for smart people.
1.Accountant
2.Medical Manager
3.FBI Agent
4.Registered Nurse
5.Computer Systems Administrator
6.Teacher
Keep reading to learn about how you can get into one of these jobs. You'll be smarter for it…
#1 - Accountant
Accountants need to have more than just a knack for numbers. They should also have sound reasoning skills, since the simplest answer is often the right one when dealing with even the most complex calculations.
Education: A quick mind isn't enough to become an accountant. Formal training matters too. Fortunately, there are plenty of accounting and finance programs that can prepare you for a career as an accountant. A bachelor's degree is the most common entry-point into the profession.
Average Pay: $67,430
[Find Accounting and Finance schools now]
#2 - Medical Manager
Health care isn't just big business; it's also incredibly complex. As a result, medical managers need a sharp mind and keen business sense to keep up in this ever-evolving industry.
Education: Some medical managers have technical backgrounds, while others are experts in areas like finance or team-building. To qualify for most management roles, you'll need to earn a bachelor's degree in an area like health care administration, followed by an MBA.
Average Pay: $90,970
[Search for Health Care and Business schools now]
#3 - FBI Agent
While it probably comes as no surprise that the FBI is looking for smart recruits, it may startle you to learn that it's not only bright law enforcement types who are in demand. Computer specialists, language experts, accountants, and lawyers are just a few who regularly become FBI agents.
Education: While work experience is highly valued, a bachelor's degree is required. Common majors include information technology and accounting. Majoring in a foreign language is also a plus.
Average Pay: $73,170
[Search for Bachelor's degree programs now]
#4 - Registered Nurse
Registered nurses are among the most educated in the health care industry. Knowing what to do and when to do it is crucial, as is the ability to communicate effectively with patients and their families, not to mention the doctors you are assisting.
Education: Most registered nurses have a bachelor's of science in nursing. Accelerated programs are available to those who already have a degree. Additional training options include an associate's degree in nursing and a nursing diploma.
Average Pay: $66,530
[Find Nursing degree programs near you]
#5 - Computer Systems Administrator
Getting called a geek in the computer industry isn't an insult; it's a compliment. The good news: figuring out the most efficient way to share and store information may not be as complicated as rocket science, but it's still highly prized in today's digital world.
Education: An associate's or bachelor's degree can help you get your computer skills up to speed. Employers look for brainy applicants well-versed in areas like computer science, network administration, and IT & information systems.
Average Pay: $70,930
[Find IT degree programs now]
#6 - Teacher
The best teachers are gifted communicators and motivators who enjoy healthy discussions and debate. If you want to be a teacher, you'll need to be able to take complex subjects and present them in a straightforward way.
Education: While the temperament of a teacher may be a natural gift, formal training can provide you with the necessary academic background and teaching certification. It's best to begin with a bachelor's degree. From there public school teachers need to get certified. And keep in mind that a master's degree can help increase your pay and employment opportunities.
Average Pay: $55,150
[Search for Teaching programs].
*Average salary comes from the U.S. Department of Labor, using 2009 median salary information. For salary purposes, data for "Federal government criminal investigators" was used for FBI agents; data for "Secondary school teachers" was used for Teachers.
2011 Top (Car) Picks from Consumer Reports
2011 Top Picks from Consumer Reports
Best cars in 10 categories proving goodness doesn’t require paying top dollar.
Six new models made our Top Picks list this year, representing a diverse selection from Japan, South Korea, and the U.S. No automaker dominates; the 10 picks come from six manufacturers and eight brands, which reflects the increasing competitiveness within today's auto market. Toyota is the only brand with more than one model.
MORE AT CONSUMER REPORTS
ª Consumer Reports’ annual auto issue
ª Complete Ratings for 200 cars and trucks
Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on Yahoo!.
Our Top Picks are the best all-around models in their categories. Chosen from the more than 270 vehicles we've recently tested, these vehicles scored well in our testing, have average or better predicted reliability, performed well in government or insurance-industry safety tests, if evaluated, and offer stability control—a proven, lifesaving feature.
Small car: Hyundai Elantra
Redesigned for 2011, the Elantra delivers a lot for the money. With its makeover, this well-rounded sedan is now more stylish and engaging to drive. The Elantra provides fairly nimble handling; a decent ride, a smooth, responsive powertrain; a well-finished interior; and a relatively roomy rear seat. It's also miserly on gas, achieving 29 mpg overall in our tests and 39 mpg on the highway. We expect this new model to be as reliable as the previous one. Price: $18,445
Budget car: Honda Fit
Electronic stability control is now a standard feature in the 2011 Fit, which helps solidify this versatile subcompact hatchback as the best in its class and a great value. The Fit provides an amazing amount of interior space for its size, aided by a flexible rear-seat design in which the seatbacks can fold down or the lower cushion can flip up to open an area stretching from floor to ceiling. Agile handling makes the Fit enjoyable to drive. And it pays back with excellent fuel economy: 30 mpg overall with an automatic transmission, 33 mpg with a manual. Price: $16,020 to $16,730
Family sedan: Nissan Altima
The Altima provides an impressive balance of comfort and performance while delivering some of the best fuel economy in its class: 26 mpg overall for four-cylinder models and 24 mpg with a V6. The Hybrid version gets 32 mpg. Its comfortable ride, secure handling, and spirited acceleration make the Altima enjoyable to drive. And it has a roomy, well-finished, and very quiet interior. The four-cylinder models earned an above-average reliability Rating, and the V6 model was average. Price: $23,970 to $30,335
Small SUV: Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 returns to our Top Picks list for the fourth time in the past five years. Its winning formula includes a roomy interior, agile handling, and very good fuel economy for its class. The four-cylinder version provides the best gas mileage of any automatic, nonhybrid SUV we've tested. The spirited V6 version accelerates about as quickly as the Cadillac CTS and Volkswagen GTI and gets only 1 mpg less than the four-cylinder model. A small third-row seat is optional. Price: $25,405 to $31,435
Green car: Toyota Prius
Even as more hybrids have entered the market in recent years, the Prius still gets the best fuel economy—44 mpg overall—of any vehicle we've recently tested. Moreover, the Prius is a pleasant car to drive, with a roomy interior, a comfortable ride, hatchback versatility, and excellent crash-test results. That combination of attributes has helped it earn our pick in this category for the eighth straight year, the longest run of any current model. Software problems in the antilock brake system affected the first-year reliability of this redesigned model, but those problems have been fixed. Price: $26,750
Family SUV: Kia Sorento
The Sorento was redesigned for 2011 and is now a more well-rounded SUV. A roomy, nicely finished interior includes comfortable seats and easy-to-use controls. An optional third-row seat, although tight, allows the Sorento to carry up to seven passengers. The smooth V6 engine provides good performance and fuel economy—20 mpg overall—that's as efficient as the base four-cylinder engine. The Sorento is also stocked with an inviting list of features for its price, making it one of the bargains of this class. Price: $26,590 to $32,390
Sporty car: Ford Mustang
One of the high points of this iconic sports car is the strong, rumbling V8 engine that propels our GT coupe and convertible test cars. It delivers scorching acceleration, a great exhaust sound, and good fuel economy for this class. For 2011, the Mustang received a refined, punchy V6, which provides strong acceleration and a decent 24 mpg overall with a manual transmission. But there's now more to the Mustang than power. Agile handling, a decent ride, comfortable front seats, and very good fit and finish make this thoroughly modern version a reasonable choice for daily driving. A tight rear seat limits passenger versatility, though. Price: $28,880 to $43,880
Sports sedan: Infiniti G37
The G37's inviting combination of agile handling, blistering acceleration, and a luxurious interior makes it one of our highest-scoring sedans and earned it a spot on this list for the fifth straight year. It's fun to drive on a twisty road but is still a fairly comfortable cruiser on the highway. A snug cabin and small trunk are the only notable weaknesses. Rear-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive optional. New for 2011 is a less expensive G25 model that gets 24 mpg, 3 better than the G37. Price: $37,225
Family hauler: Toyota Sienna
The previous Sienna set a high standard for minivans, earning it a place in our Top Picks in three of the past five years. Redesigned for 2011, the current model doesn't quite live up to that standard, but it's still a very comfortable, versatile minivan with excellent reliability. The spacious cabin can seat up to eight people. The engine delivers lively performance and decent fuel economy. And the Sienna is still the only minivan available with all-wheel drive. The redesigned Honda Odyssey scored slightly higher in our testing, but we don't have reliability data yet. Price: $35,810 to $38,201
Pickup truck: Chevrolet Avalanche
This versatile crew-cab model is unique among full-sized pickups. Its unified bed and cab helps give it a steady, comfortable, quiet ride. And the innovative partition between the cab and bed can be folded to extend the cargo area into the back of the cab. That allows the truck to carry longer cargo. A three-piece bed cover provides a weather-tight and lockable cargo area. We recommend getting the optional backup camera to reduce the truck's large blind zone. Price: $47,435.
Best cars in 10 categories proving goodness doesn’t require paying top dollar.
Six new models made our Top Picks list this year, representing a diverse selection from Japan, South Korea, and the U.S. No automaker dominates; the 10 picks come from six manufacturers and eight brands, which reflects the increasing competitiveness within today's auto market. Toyota is the only brand with more than one model.
MORE AT CONSUMER REPORTS
ª Consumer Reports’ annual auto issue
ª Complete Ratings for 200 cars and trucks
Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on Yahoo!.
Our Top Picks are the best all-around models in their categories. Chosen from the more than 270 vehicles we've recently tested, these vehicles scored well in our testing, have average or better predicted reliability, performed well in government or insurance-industry safety tests, if evaluated, and offer stability control—a proven, lifesaving feature.
Small car: Hyundai Elantra
Redesigned for 2011, the Elantra delivers a lot for the money. With its makeover, this well-rounded sedan is now more stylish and engaging to drive. The Elantra provides fairly nimble handling; a decent ride, a smooth, responsive powertrain; a well-finished interior; and a relatively roomy rear seat. It's also miserly on gas, achieving 29 mpg overall in our tests and 39 mpg on the highway. We expect this new model to be as reliable as the previous one. Price: $18,445
Budget car: Honda Fit
Electronic stability control is now a standard feature in the 2011 Fit, which helps solidify this versatile subcompact hatchback as the best in its class and a great value. The Fit provides an amazing amount of interior space for its size, aided by a flexible rear-seat design in which the seatbacks can fold down or the lower cushion can flip up to open an area stretching from floor to ceiling. Agile handling makes the Fit enjoyable to drive. And it pays back with excellent fuel economy: 30 mpg overall with an automatic transmission, 33 mpg with a manual. Price: $16,020 to $16,730
Family sedan: Nissan Altima
The Altima provides an impressive balance of comfort and performance while delivering some of the best fuel economy in its class: 26 mpg overall for four-cylinder models and 24 mpg with a V6. The Hybrid version gets 32 mpg. Its comfortable ride, secure handling, and spirited acceleration make the Altima enjoyable to drive. And it has a roomy, well-finished, and very quiet interior. The four-cylinder models earned an above-average reliability Rating, and the V6 model was average. Price: $23,970 to $30,335
Small SUV: Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 returns to our Top Picks list for the fourth time in the past five years. Its winning formula includes a roomy interior, agile handling, and very good fuel economy for its class. The four-cylinder version provides the best gas mileage of any automatic, nonhybrid SUV we've tested. The spirited V6 version accelerates about as quickly as the Cadillac CTS and Volkswagen GTI and gets only 1 mpg less than the four-cylinder model. A small third-row seat is optional. Price: $25,405 to $31,435
Green car: Toyota Prius
Even as more hybrids have entered the market in recent years, the Prius still gets the best fuel economy—44 mpg overall—of any vehicle we've recently tested. Moreover, the Prius is a pleasant car to drive, with a roomy interior, a comfortable ride, hatchback versatility, and excellent crash-test results. That combination of attributes has helped it earn our pick in this category for the eighth straight year, the longest run of any current model. Software problems in the antilock brake system affected the first-year reliability of this redesigned model, but those problems have been fixed. Price: $26,750
Family SUV: Kia Sorento
The Sorento was redesigned for 2011 and is now a more well-rounded SUV. A roomy, nicely finished interior includes comfortable seats and easy-to-use controls. An optional third-row seat, although tight, allows the Sorento to carry up to seven passengers. The smooth V6 engine provides good performance and fuel economy—20 mpg overall—that's as efficient as the base four-cylinder engine. The Sorento is also stocked with an inviting list of features for its price, making it one of the bargains of this class. Price: $26,590 to $32,390
Sporty car: Ford Mustang
One of the high points of this iconic sports car is the strong, rumbling V8 engine that propels our GT coupe and convertible test cars. It delivers scorching acceleration, a great exhaust sound, and good fuel economy for this class. For 2011, the Mustang received a refined, punchy V6, which provides strong acceleration and a decent 24 mpg overall with a manual transmission. But there's now more to the Mustang than power. Agile handling, a decent ride, comfortable front seats, and very good fit and finish make this thoroughly modern version a reasonable choice for daily driving. A tight rear seat limits passenger versatility, though. Price: $28,880 to $43,880
Sports sedan: Infiniti G37
The G37's inviting combination of agile handling, blistering acceleration, and a luxurious interior makes it one of our highest-scoring sedans and earned it a spot on this list for the fifth straight year. It's fun to drive on a twisty road but is still a fairly comfortable cruiser on the highway. A snug cabin and small trunk are the only notable weaknesses. Rear-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive optional. New for 2011 is a less expensive G25 model that gets 24 mpg, 3 better than the G37. Price: $37,225
Family hauler: Toyota Sienna
The previous Sienna set a high standard for minivans, earning it a place in our Top Picks in three of the past five years. Redesigned for 2011, the current model doesn't quite live up to that standard, but it's still a very comfortable, versatile minivan with excellent reliability. The spacious cabin can seat up to eight people. The engine delivers lively performance and decent fuel economy. And the Sienna is still the only minivan available with all-wheel drive. The redesigned Honda Odyssey scored slightly higher in our testing, but we don't have reliability data yet. Price: $35,810 to $38,201
Pickup truck: Chevrolet Avalanche
This versatile crew-cab model is unique among full-sized pickups. Its unified bed and cab helps give it a steady, comfortable, quiet ride. And the innovative partition between the cab and bed can be folded to extend the cargo area into the back of the cab. That allows the truck to carry longer cargo. A three-piece bed cover provides a weather-tight and lockable cargo area. We recommend getting the optional backup camera to reduce the truck's large blind zone. Price: $47,435.
6 Questions to Ask in a Job Interview
6 Questions to Ask in a Job Interview
Seth Fiegerman
Monday, February 28, 2011
Job interviews usually close with the same five words: "Do you have any questions?" It may sound benign, but for a job applicant, it can feel like the moment of truth.
By this point, the employer has read your cover letter and resume, corresponded with you by e-mail and phone to learn more about you and has probably just finished lecturing you on the company and the position. It's been a long process of showing your worth, and when they ask this final question, it may feel like it's the last real opportunity to prove yourself to a potential employer before they decide if you are, in fact, the one.
But according to several career experts we spoke with, job candidates should never feel pressured to make up questions.
"The biggest problem when asking questions during a job interview is that if the question isn't something you genuinely need to know, it can be way worse than not asking anything at all," said Penelope Trunk, a popular business blogger and CEO of the Brazen Careerist, a career management site. "Once you make it to the job interview, you've already passed the skills test, so it's all about personality. And nobody becomes likeable by asking disingenuous questions."
Trunk urges job applicants to change the way they think about the interview process. Rather than waiting until prompted to ask questions in the final moments of the interview, it's crucial to take the initiative to get your questions out during the course of the conversation.
"Don't wait til the end if you have questions you want answered. It screams, 'I'm not a self-starter,'" she said. "As soon as it's time for you to talk in the interview, start asking questions and engage with the person interviewing you."
As Trunk and other experts point out, when the interviewer asks if you have any questions, it's generally a formality, but a formality that may hurt you if you don't take advantage of it.
"You absolutely must ask at least two questions. Staying silent shows you haven't done enough homework to know what to ask," said Alexandra Levit, a career expert and author of "New Job, New You: A Guide to Reinventing Yourself in a Bright New Career."
Keep in mind that just because you are encouraged to ask questions doesn't necessarily mean you should ask a thousand of them.
"Your job is not to ask questions or to interview the interviewers, so I wouldn't ask too many questions," said John Challenger, CEO of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, an outplacement consulting firm.
We've rounded up the six best questions to ask in your next job interview, as suggested by our panel of experts, which can help you get a better idea of whether the position is right for you and perhaps even impress the interviewer in the process.
What do you really enjoy about working here?
When you step into an interview, it's important to remember that the person conducting the interview isn't just there to intimidate you; he or she is also your window into the company. And with this question, you can tactfully get a better sense of how the interviewer -- and perhaps employees in general -- feel about the company you may one day call home.
"The answer to this question as well as the tone of the answer will provide critical insights as to how happy and supported employees feel at the organization," Levit said.
If you want to take this question one step further, Tory Johnson, founder of WomenForHire.com, suggests rewording it to ask what one thing the interviewer would change about the company if he or she could. "This is a way of asking, 'What's wrong with this place?' without being so direct," she said.
What are your goals for the company in the next year?
Much of the interview itself will likely be devoted to the specifics of your position and your qualifications for it, so it's a good idea to break out of that pattern when possible to get a sense of the big picture.
According to Levit, this particular question can give you a better sense of "how your position fits into the company as a whole, and more broadly, about whether the company is a good place to work."
What skills do I need to have most to help the team?
Trunk emphasizes that the best questions one can ask are the ones that show you care about teamwork, bottom line results and know how to manage yourself in a group. With this particular question, you accomplish all of those points and can get better a sense of what will be expected of you once you start working.
If I were hired, what would you like to see me achieve in my first three to six months on the job?
As with the previous question, this one will help you get a better sense of how you'll be judged in your new career.
"It's important to understand expectations from the get-go," Levit said. "This is especially true if you are being hired for a management position."
Why is this position vacant?
It may sound like an off-putting question at first blush, but according to Johnson, it's essential.
"It's important to know whether the position is vacant because someone was promoted from within, or the job is newly created because of growth or if it's a vacant because of high turnover," she said. "Don't wait until getting hired to discover you're the sixth person in three months to occupy the seat."
Indeed, this question could lead to others and prove to be the most profitable exchange you have in the interview.
"Many times a position is vacant because the previous person wasn't right for the job. You'll want to explore why through follow-up questions like, 'If you could have changed something about that person, what would it have been?' This line of questioning will absolutely make you more memorable to the interviewer," she said.
Do you have any reservations in hiring me?
If all your questions have been answered, Trunk recommends ending the interview with this powerful line.
"Just have some self-confidence and say, 'No, I don't have any questions, but I've learned a lot here and I know this is a great job for me. Do you have any reservations in hiring me?'" she said. "It forces the hiring manager to tell you what reservations they do have, and gives you an opportunity to combat them."
What Not to Ask
For all the questions you should ask during an interview, there are many more that you should generally avoid asking.
"Don't ask them questions about what you want out of the job -- money, advancement opportunities -- it just comes off as selfish," said Challenger, the consulting firm CEO. Likewise, Trunk recommends holding off on asking about vacation days and salaries.
"These are kiss-of-death questions," she says. "Save them for after you actually get the job offer."
6 Questions to Ask in a Job InterviewIt’s crucial to ask questions during an interview. Here are some to help you get started.
9 Ways to Ace a Job Interview
Here are some tips to help you land the interview and come out on top.
The Industries with the Most Job Openings
Seth Fiegerman
Monday, February 28, 2011
Job interviews usually close with the same five words: "Do you have any questions?" It may sound benign, but for a job applicant, it can feel like the moment of truth.
By this point, the employer has read your cover letter and resume, corresponded with you by e-mail and phone to learn more about you and has probably just finished lecturing you on the company and the position. It's been a long process of showing your worth, and when they ask this final question, it may feel like it's the last real opportunity to prove yourself to a potential employer before they decide if you are, in fact, the one.
But according to several career experts we spoke with, job candidates should never feel pressured to make up questions.
"The biggest problem when asking questions during a job interview is that if the question isn't something you genuinely need to know, it can be way worse than not asking anything at all," said Penelope Trunk, a popular business blogger and CEO of the Brazen Careerist, a career management site. "Once you make it to the job interview, you've already passed the skills test, so it's all about personality. And nobody becomes likeable by asking disingenuous questions."
Trunk urges job applicants to change the way they think about the interview process. Rather than waiting until prompted to ask questions in the final moments of the interview, it's crucial to take the initiative to get your questions out during the course of the conversation.
"Don't wait til the end if you have questions you want answered. It screams, 'I'm not a self-starter,'" she said. "As soon as it's time for you to talk in the interview, start asking questions and engage with the person interviewing you."
As Trunk and other experts point out, when the interviewer asks if you have any questions, it's generally a formality, but a formality that may hurt you if you don't take advantage of it.
"You absolutely must ask at least two questions. Staying silent shows you haven't done enough homework to know what to ask," said Alexandra Levit, a career expert and author of "New Job, New You: A Guide to Reinventing Yourself in a Bright New Career."
Keep in mind that just because you are encouraged to ask questions doesn't necessarily mean you should ask a thousand of them.
"Your job is not to ask questions or to interview the interviewers, so I wouldn't ask too many questions," said John Challenger, CEO of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, an outplacement consulting firm.
We've rounded up the six best questions to ask in your next job interview, as suggested by our panel of experts, which can help you get a better idea of whether the position is right for you and perhaps even impress the interviewer in the process.
What do you really enjoy about working here?
When you step into an interview, it's important to remember that the person conducting the interview isn't just there to intimidate you; he or she is also your window into the company. And with this question, you can tactfully get a better sense of how the interviewer -- and perhaps employees in general -- feel about the company you may one day call home.
"The answer to this question as well as the tone of the answer will provide critical insights as to how happy and supported employees feel at the organization," Levit said.
If you want to take this question one step further, Tory Johnson, founder of WomenForHire.com, suggests rewording it to ask what one thing the interviewer would change about the company if he or she could. "This is a way of asking, 'What's wrong with this place?' without being so direct," she said.
What are your goals for the company in the next year?
Much of the interview itself will likely be devoted to the specifics of your position and your qualifications for it, so it's a good idea to break out of that pattern when possible to get a sense of the big picture.
According to Levit, this particular question can give you a better sense of "how your position fits into the company as a whole, and more broadly, about whether the company is a good place to work."
What skills do I need to have most to help the team?
Trunk emphasizes that the best questions one can ask are the ones that show you care about teamwork, bottom line results and know how to manage yourself in a group. With this particular question, you accomplish all of those points and can get better a sense of what will be expected of you once you start working.
If I were hired, what would you like to see me achieve in my first three to six months on the job?
As with the previous question, this one will help you get a better sense of how you'll be judged in your new career.
"It's important to understand expectations from the get-go," Levit said. "This is especially true if you are being hired for a management position."
Why is this position vacant?
It may sound like an off-putting question at first blush, but according to Johnson, it's essential.
"It's important to know whether the position is vacant because someone was promoted from within, or the job is newly created because of growth or if it's a vacant because of high turnover," she said. "Don't wait until getting hired to discover you're the sixth person in three months to occupy the seat."
Indeed, this question could lead to others and prove to be the most profitable exchange you have in the interview.
"Many times a position is vacant because the previous person wasn't right for the job. You'll want to explore why through follow-up questions like, 'If you could have changed something about that person, what would it have been?' This line of questioning will absolutely make you more memorable to the interviewer," she said.
Do you have any reservations in hiring me?
If all your questions have been answered, Trunk recommends ending the interview with this powerful line.
"Just have some self-confidence and say, 'No, I don't have any questions, but I've learned a lot here and I know this is a great job for me. Do you have any reservations in hiring me?'" she said. "It forces the hiring manager to tell you what reservations they do have, and gives you an opportunity to combat them."
What Not to Ask
For all the questions you should ask during an interview, there are many more that you should generally avoid asking.
"Don't ask them questions about what you want out of the job -- money, advancement opportunities -- it just comes off as selfish," said Challenger, the consulting firm CEO. Likewise, Trunk recommends holding off on asking about vacation days and salaries.
"These are kiss-of-death questions," she says. "Save them for after you actually get the job offer."
6 Questions to Ask in a Job InterviewIt’s crucial to ask questions during an interview. Here are some to help you get started.
9 Ways to Ace a Job Interview
Here are some tips to help you land the interview and come out on top.
The Industries with the Most Job Openings
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Tax Deductions
Tax Deductions With Some of the Biggest Payouts
Andrea Coombes
A $5,000 or $6,000 deduction for IRA contributions, a $4,000 deduction for college tuition and fees, a $1,000 child tax credit — these are hefty tax breaks for which a taxpayer may understandably yearn. But they’re small beans when compared with the tens of thousands of dollars in savings some reap through deductions and credits.
How about taking a $50,000 deduction for state and local taxes paid, a $37,000 deduction for medical expenses, a $28,000 deduction for mortgage interest, or a $21,000 deduction for charitable contributions?
More from MarketWatch.com:
• Five Top Online Tax-Prep Sites
• Tax Itemizer? Wait Until Valentine's Day to File
• File Your Tax Return for Free
Those are the average amounts claimed for each of those deductions in 2008 by taxpayers with adjusted gross income higher than $250,000, the group with the highest average claim for each of those deductions that year, said Mark Luscombe, principal tax analyst with CCH Inc., a Riverwoods, Ill.-based tax publisher and unit of Wolters Kluwer. (The average dollar amounts are rounded, and count only those taxpayers who claimed that particular deduction.)
Some tax breaks “basically don’t have any limit,” Luscombe said. For example, to take the medical-expense deduction your expenses must exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income.
“That puts a floor on it, but as far as a top number, the more medical expenses you have, the higher the deduction,” Luscombe said. (Some deductions discussed here are restricted or disallowed under the alternative minimum tax.)
For taxpayers with adjusted gross income of $30,000 to $50,000 in 2008, the average deduction for state and local taxes was about $3,800; for medical expenses, $6,000; mortgage interest, $9,000; charitable contributions, $2,200, according to CCH.
For taxpayers with AGI of $50,000 to $100,000, the average deduction for state and local taxes was about $6,000; medical expenses, $7,000; mortgage interest, $10,600; charitable contributions, $2,700.
The mortgage-interest deduction is limited by the value of your home — generally speaking, you can claim it for interest paid on mortgage indebtedness up to $1 million, plus another $100,000 of home-equity debt. See this IRS page for more on the mortgage-interest deduction.
Meanwhile, some credits don’t have an upper limit, Luscombe said. The residential energy-efficient property credit for installing solar, wind or geothermal systems is worth 30% of the amount spent — whatever that amount is.
But don’t confuse that credit with the one for home energy-efficient upgrades, such as new windows and doors. That credit was worth up to $1,500 in 2010 but lawmakers reduced it for 2011, in the Tax Relief Act passed in December.
Other credits have a top limit, but it’s hefty: The adoption tax credit is worth up to $13,170 in 2010, up from $12,150, and it’s now refundable. Read more about the adoption credit on IRS.gov.
Almost Half of Taxpayers Don’t Owe Federal Income Tax
Taxpayers may enjoy the bounty, but these deductions and credits — plus other tax breaks that never show up on our returns, including those we get through 401(k), Roth IRA and 529 plans — all add up to a lot of money the U.S. government is not collecting.
While the definition of what should be counted as a so-called “tax expenditure” varies, “by any measure, the revenue losses from tax expenditures are large,” according to a Tax Policy Center report, co-authored by Eric Toder.
“Adding up all the tax expenditure estimates in the 2010 federal budget, we calculate a sum of about $1.1 trillion in fiscal year 2012, or about 6.7% of projected gross domestic product.” Read the report.
That’s a lot of tax breaks.
“Our tax system is such that for 2010 we estimate 45% of American households will pay no income tax, because of the combination of credits and deductions and so forth,” said Roberton Williams, a senior fellow at the Tax Policy Center, a joint venture of the Urban Institute and Brookings Institution in Washington.
And that includes high-income people, he said. For instance, recent IRS statistics showed that about 2,000 people with income of $1 million or more don’t pay income tax, Williams said. “A part of it is that money is earned overseas and is subject to foreign taxes; a part of it is they have a lot of money in tax-exempt bonds so they don’t pay tax on that income,” he said.
“For one reason or another these very, very wealthy people have set up their financial situation in such a way that they avoid U.S. federal income taxes entirely.”
Keep in mind that some of the largest tax expenditures don’t show up on your tax return. For instance, the value of employer-provided health insurance isn’t counted as income for most taxpayers.
Few Deductions Available to Some Taxpayers
Still, for his clients — most of whom are high-net-worth retirees who’ve paid off their home mortgage — deductions can be hard to tap, said Rial Moulton, a certified financial planner and certified public accountant in Spokane, Wash.
For a married couple filing jointly, the standard deduction in 2010 is $11,400, and it’s $5,700 for a single filer. “To think about itemizing, you have to have [deductions that total] more than that,” Moulton said. “For most people in our area, if you have your house paid off, it’s hard to get above that number unless you have significant health-care costs.”
Meanwhile, for taxpayers at a lower income level, one of the most valuable deductions is the earned income tax credit, worth as much as $5,666 for those with three qualifying children in 2010. For a family with three children to be eligible, AGI can’t exceed $43,352 for head-of-household filers and $48,362 for married-filing-jointly filers. Read this IRS page for more information.
There’s also a saver’s credit, worth up to $2,000 for married-filing-jointly couples and up to $1,000 for single filers, but that maximum credit phases out as income rises. And the maximum adjusted-gross-income limit to get any of the credit is $55,500 for married-filing-jointly filers and $27,750 for single filers. See this IRS page for more information.
Andrea Coombes
A $5,000 or $6,000 deduction for IRA contributions, a $4,000 deduction for college tuition and fees, a $1,000 child tax credit — these are hefty tax breaks for which a taxpayer may understandably yearn. But they’re small beans when compared with the tens of thousands of dollars in savings some reap through deductions and credits.
How about taking a $50,000 deduction for state and local taxes paid, a $37,000 deduction for medical expenses, a $28,000 deduction for mortgage interest, or a $21,000 deduction for charitable contributions?
More from MarketWatch.com:
• Five Top Online Tax-Prep Sites
• Tax Itemizer? Wait Until Valentine's Day to File
• File Your Tax Return for Free
Those are the average amounts claimed for each of those deductions in 2008 by taxpayers with adjusted gross income higher than $250,000, the group with the highest average claim for each of those deductions that year, said Mark Luscombe, principal tax analyst with CCH Inc., a Riverwoods, Ill.-based tax publisher and unit of Wolters Kluwer. (The average dollar amounts are rounded, and count only those taxpayers who claimed that particular deduction.)
Some tax breaks “basically don’t have any limit,” Luscombe said. For example, to take the medical-expense deduction your expenses must exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income.
“That puts a floor on it, but as far as a top number, the more medical expenses you have, the higher the deduction,” Luscombe said. (Some deductions discussed here are restricted or disallowed under the alternative minimum tax.)
For taxpayers with adjusted gross income of $30,000 to $50,000 in 2008, the average deduction for state and local taxes was about $3,800; for medical expenses, $6,000; mortgage interest, $9,000; charitable contributions, $2,200, according to CCH.
For taxpayers with AGI of $50,000 to $100,000, the average deduction for state and local taxes was about $6,000; medical expenses, $7,000; mortgage interest, $10,600; charitable contributions, $2,700.
The mortgage-interest deduction is limited by the value of your home — generally speaking, you can claim it for interest paid on mortgage indebtedness up to $1 million, plus another $100,000 of home-equity debt. See this IRS page for more on the mortgage-interest deduction.
Meanwhile, some credits don’t have an upper limit, Luscombe said. The residential energy-efficient property credit for installing solar, wind or geothermal systems is worth 30% of the amount spent — whatever that amount is.
But don’t confuse that credit with the one for home energy-efficient upgrades, such as new windows and doors. That credit was worth up to $1,500 in 2010 but lawmakers reduced it for 2011, in the Tax Relief Act passed in December.
Other credits have a top limit, but it’s hefty: The adoption tax credit is worth up to $13,170 in 2010, up from $12,150, and it’s now refundable. Read more about the adoption credit on IRS.gov.
Almost Half of Taxpayers Don’t Owe Federal Income Tax
Taxpayers may enjoy the bounty, but these deductions and credits — plus other tax breaks that never show up on our returns, including those we get through 401(k), Roth IRA and 529 plans — all add up to a lot of money the U.S. government is not collecting.
While the definition of what should be counted as a so-called “tax expenditure” varies, “by any measure, the revenue losses from tax expenditures are large,” according to a Tax Policy Center report, co-authored by Eric Toder.
“Adding up all the tax expenditure estimates in the 2010 federal budget, we calculate a sum of about $1.1 trillion in fiscal year 2012, or about 6.7% of projected gross domestic product.” Read the report.
That’s a lot of tax breaks.
“Our tax system is such that for 2010 we estimate 45% of American households will pay no income tax, because of the combination of credits and deductions and so forth,” said Roberton Williams, a senior fellow at the Tax Policy Center, a joint venture of the Urban Institute and Brookings Institution in Washington.
And that includes high-income people, he said. For instance, recent IRS statistics showed that about 2,000 people with income of $1 million or more don’t pay income tax, Williams said. “A part of it is that money is earned overseas and is subject to foreign taxes; a part of it is they have a lot of money in tax-exempt bonds so they don’t pay tax on that income,” he said.
“For one reason or another these very, very wealthy people have set up their financial situation in such a way that they avoid U.S. federal income taxes entirely.”
Keep in mind that some of the largest tax expenditures don’t show up on your tax return. For instance, the value of employer-provided health insurance isn’t counted as income for most taxpayers.
Few Deductions Available to Some Taxpayers
Still, for his clients — most of whom are high-net-worth retirees who’ve paid off their home mortgage — deductions can be hard to tap, said Rial Moulton, a certified financial planner and certified public accountant in Spokane, Wash.
For a married couple filing jointly, the standard deduction in 2010 is $11,400, and it’s $5,700 for a single filer. “To think about itemizing, you have to have [deductions that total] more than that,” Moulton said. “For most people in our area, if you have your house paid off, it’s hard to get above that number unless you have significant health-care costs.”
Meanwhile, for taxpayers at a lower income level, one of the most valuable deductions is the earned income tax credit, worth as much as $5,666 for those with three qualifying children in 2010. For a family with three children to be eligible, AGI can’t exceed $43,352 for head-of-household filers and $48,362 for married-filing-jointly filers. Read this IRS page for more information.
There’s also a saver’s credit, worth up to $2,000 for married-filing-jointly couples and up to $1,000 for single filers, but that maximum credit phases out as income rises. And the maximum adjusted-gross-income limit to get any of the credit is $55,500 for married-filing-jointly filers and $27,750 for single filers. See this IRS page for more information.
Natural remedies
Natural remedies for the 15 most common aches, pains, and health complaints.
By Sarah Irani, EcoSalon
Is the economy beating you up? It’s time to get creative. Next time you have an ache or pain, forget about a costly trip to the drugstore and test-drive some of your grandmother’s remedies instead. It’ll save money and be gentler on your body and the environment. Recessionistas (and gents), welcome to the DIY medicine cabinet.
1. Stop Bleeding
You’d think it would burn, but a sprinkle of cayenne pepper on a cut will quickly stop the bleeding and actually relieve the pain.
2. Toothache
There’s nothing so bad as the shooting pain of a toothache. You don’t want to ignore a tooth problem, because an infection that close to your brain can be extremely dangerous if it spreads. But in order to reduce swelling and pain while you wait for a dentist appointment, try putting a few drops of clove oil on your tooth and gums, and bite down on a smashed piece of garlic (which has excellent antibacterial properties). This has always worked for me.
3. Rashes and Allergies
Prescription and OTC antihistamines can cause some serious side effects. Before you head for the strong stuff, try green tea, which contains compounds with antihistamine properties. You’ll need to drink 2-3 cups a day to get the full effect.
4. Athlete’s Foot
It’s a foot fungus, and it stinks. Air those piggies, then soak them in salty water, wash them with garlic juice, or soak them with diluted white or apple cider vinegar. All of these things will help kill the fungus.
But you have to be persistent, consistent, and diligent: No matter what treatment you use, do it a few times a day and stick with it until at least a week after you think the symptoms are gone! Fungus excels at hiding out and coming back when you least expect it.
5. Acne and Sensitive Skin
First, you really have to look at your lifestyle, because imbalances in your health can show up in your skin. But in the meantime, wash your face with oatmeal. It’s a gentle exfoliant and draws out oil and impurities.
6. Ear Infections
Ear infections can become quite serious and cause permanent damage, so please see a doctor if your ear ache has become severe.
But if you feel like your infection is mild and at the beginning stages, put a few drops of garlic oil or white vinegar into your ear canal and lay down on the opposite side to let those drops do their work. Garlic and vinegar create an environment that won’t support the bacteria causing the infection. Repeat a few times a day until the symptoms disappear. (If your symptoms last longer than a few days, you should definitely see a doctor!)
7. Sore Muscles and Bruises
After a hard afternoon of rowing with a friend, I resigned myself to a few days of burning muscles and soreness. But my friend saved the day with a tube of arnica cream. He rubbed it on my shoulders and voila, instant relief and absolutely no aches the next day. The humble arnica flower makes an incredible cream that no medicine cabinet should be without. Use it immediately to speed up the healing of bruises, sprains, sore muscles, and other general aches.
8. Flatulence
Some foods, like beans and raw veggies, are more likely to cause gas, but if you find flatulence to be too common of an occurrence, try taking a digestive enzyme with your meals. You can find these at any health food store.
In the meantime, make use of digestive spices such as ginger, anise, peppermint, coriander, and dill. You can make tea with these ingredients or incorporate them into your food.
9. Dandruff
Have you looked at the ingredients in dandruff shampoo? It seems like they contain almost everything in the Toxic Ingredients You Must Avoid list. Better to try something natural first before resorting to chemicals. Many people swear by rubbing aloe vera gel onto the scalp (leave it on for 20 minutes than rinse it out). This will certainly help with dry, itchy scalp.
Another remedy is a rinse with apple cider vinegar. Try these remedies a few times before deciding if they work for you. Even dandruff shampoo requires regular use to see results, so give the natural stuff a chance!
10. Headache and Migraine
Try rubbing peppermint or lavender oil on your temples and the base of your neck; sniffing these oils may also help.
Rub a fresh cut lemon or lime on your forehead. Feverfew is a good herbal remedy for headaches.
Have a little caffeine by way of green tea, and don’t forget to use an ice pack for 20 minutes to dull the throbbing.
11. Indigestion and Heartburn
It almost goes without saying – but consider why you’re getting heartburn in the first place. Did you overeat? Too much grease or spicy food? Eating late at night? Scout out the cause and try to stop this before it happens. Then, put down the antacids.
The belching, bloat, and heartburn caused by indigestion come about because you don’t have enough stomach acid to do the job right. A spoonful or two of apple cider vinegar will help break down the excess food that is causing you trouble and bring your stomach back to balance.
12. Constipation
First, drink more water and eat more fruit and salads. You’re backed up for a reason and taking lots of laxatives is not the answer. Meanwhile, drinking a few teaspoons of olive oil mixed with a bit of orange or (diluted) lemon juice can help things get moving.
Another surefire remedy is 1/4 teaspoon of epsom salts drunk in 1/2 a glass of water. Sometimes calorie restriction or avoidance of healthy fats (such as the good fats found in fish, nuts, and avocados) can worsen constipation.
And though it’s counterintuitive, some people relieve their constipation by actually cutting back on grain consumption! True, grains contain fiber, but some people don’t digest grains very well. Other causes of constipation include stress, depression, inactivity, and nutritional deficiencies. If your constipation is chronic, it may be a sign of a more serious problem, so please seek medical advice and adjust your lifestyle.
13. Sore Throat
Sore, scratchy throats are usually a sign of a cold or flu coming on, so you don’t want to ignore this symptom, but you can relieve the pain by gargling with warm salt water a few times a day and then drinking a soothing honey-lemon tea.
14. Burns
So you bumped up against the stove again? Ouch. Rinse first with cold water, but then immediately apply aloe vera gel to the burn.
For those of us who don’t have aloe in the house, slice a potato and rub its cool, soothing juices all over the burn.
And honey, with its antibacterial properties, is also good topical ointment. If you can catch the burn immediately, mustard is also reportedly a great salve.
15. Nausea
The classic cure for nausea or carsickness is ginger tea or candied ginger. You can chew on the stuff raw, if you like, but it’s so spicy and strong it might just make you feel worse.
Sniffing real peppermint or lavender oil can also help.
Give some of these remedies a try – and share your own tried-and-true treatments, too.
EcoSalon is the leading conscious culture and fashion website for women. Our motto: Have a heart.
More from EcoSalon:
•Simple, Natural Solutions to Eight Common Beauty Dilemmas
•11 Toxic Cosmetic Ingredients to Avoid
•20 Natural Tips to Stop Tossing and Turning
•7 Natural Sleep Aids for Insomnia
•7 Healthy Ways to Soothe Cramps
By Sarah Irani, EcoSalon
Is the economy beating you up? It’s time to get creative. Next time you have an ache or pain, forget about a costly trip to the drugstore and test-drive some of your grandmother’s remedies instead. It’ll save money and be gentler on your body and the environment. Recessionistas (and gents), welcome to the DIY medicine cabinet.
1. Stop Bleeding
You’d think it would burn, but a sprinkle of cayenne pepper on a cut will quickly stop the bleeding and actually relieve the pain.
2. Toothache
There’s nothing so bad as the shooting pain of a toothache. You don’t want to ignore a tooth problem, because an infection that close to your brain can be extremely dangerous if it spreads. But in order to reduce swelling and pain while you wait for a dentist appointment, try putting a few drops of clove oil on your tooth and gums, and bite down on a smashed piece of garlic (which has excellent antibacterial properties). This has always worked for me.
3. Rashes and Allergies
Prescription and OTC antihistamines can cause some serious side effects. Before you head for the strong stuff, try green tea, which contains compounds with antihistamine properties. You’ll need to drink 2-3 cups a day to get the full effect.
4. Athlete’s Foot
It’s a foot fungus, and it stinks. Air those piggies, then soak them in salty water, wash them with garlic juice, or soak them with diluted white or apple cider vinegar. All of these things will help kill the fungus.
But you have to be persistent, consistent, and diligent: No matter what treatment you use, do it a few times a day and stick with it until at least a week after you think the symptoms are gone! Fungus excels at hiding out and coming back when you least expect it.
5. Acne and Sensitive Skin
First, you really have to look at your lifestyle, because imbalances in your health can show up in your skin. But in the meantime, wash your face with oatmeal. It’s a gentle exfoliant and draws out oil and impurities.
6. Ear Infections
Ear infections can become quite serious and cause permanent damage, so please see a doctor if your ear ache has become severe.
But if you feel like your infection is mild and at the beginning stages, put a few drops of garlic oil or white vinegar into your ear canal and lay down on the opposite side to let those drops do their work. Garlic and vinegar create an environment that won’t support the bacteria causing the infection. Repeat a few times a day until the symptoms disappear. (If your symptoms last longer than a few days, you should definitely see a doctor!)
7. Sore Muscles and Bruises
After a hard afternoon of rowing with a friend, I resigned myself to a few days of burning muscles and soreness. But my friend saved the day with a tube of arnica cream. He rubbed it on my shoulders and voila, instant relief and absolutely no aches the next day. The humble arnica flower makes an incredible cream that no medicine cabinet should be without. Use it immediately to speed up the healing of bruises, sprains, sore muscles, and other general aches.
8. Flatulence
Some foods, like beans and raw veggies, are more likely to cause gas, but if you find flatulence to be too common of an occurrence, try taking a digestive enzyme with your meals. You can find these at any health food store.
In the meantime, make use of digestive spices such as ginger, anise, peppermint, coriander, and dill. You can make tea with these ingredients or incorporate them into your food.
9. Dandruff
Have you looked at the ingredients in dandruff shampoo? It seems like they contain almost everything in the Toxic Ingredients You Must Avoid list. Better to try something natural first before resorting to chemicals. Many people swear by rubbing aloe vera gel onto the scalp (leave it on for 20 minutes than rinse it out). This will certainly help with dry, itchy scalp.
Another remedy is a rinse with apple cider vinegar. Try these remedies a few times before deciding if they work for you. Even dandruff shampoo requires regular use to see results, so give the natural stuff a chance!
10. Headache and Migraine
Try rubbing peppermint or lavender oil on your temples and the base of your neck; sniffing these oils may also help.
Rub a fresh cut lemon or lime on your forehead. Feverfew is a good herbal remedy for headaches.
Have a little caffeine by way of green tea, and don’t forget to use an ice pack for 20 minutes to dull the throbbing.
11. Indigestion and Heartburn
It almost goes without saying – but consider why you’re getting heartburn in the first place. Did you overeat? Too much grease or spicy food? Eating late at night? Scout out the cause and try to stop this before it happens. Then, put down the antacids.
The belching, bloat, and heartburn caused by indigestion come about because you don’t have enough stomach acid to do the job right. A spoonful or two of apple cider vinegar will help break down the excess food that is causing you trouble and bring your stomach back to balance.
12. Constipation
First, drink more water and eat more fruit and salads. You’re backed up for a reason and taking lots of laxatives is not the answer. Meanwhile, drinking a few teaspoons of olive oil mixed with a bit of orange or (diluted) lemon juice can help things get moving.
Another surefire remedy is 1/4 teaspoon of epsom salts drunk in 1/2 a glass of water. Sometimes calorie restriction or avoidance of healthy fats (such as the good fats found in fish, nuts, and avocados) can worsen constipation.
And though it’s counterintuitive, some people relieve their constipation by actually cutting back on grain consumption! True, grains contain fiber, but some people don’t digest grains very well. Other causes of constipation include stress, depression, inactivity, and nutritional deficiencies. If your constipation is chronic, it may be a sign of a more serious problem, so please seek medical advice and adjust your lifestyle.
13. Sore Throat
Sore, scratchy throats are usually a sign of a cold or flu coming on, so you don’t want to ignore this symptom, but you can relieve the pain by gargling with warm salt water a few times a day and then drinking a soothing honey-lemon tea.
14. Burns
So you bumped up against the stove again? Ouch. Rinse first with cold water, but then immediately apply aloe vera gel to the burn.
For those of us who don’t have aloe in the house, slice a potato and rub its cool, soothing juices all over the burn.
And honey, with its antibacterial properties, is also good topical ointment. If you can catch the burn immediately, mustard is also reportedly a great salve.
15. Nausea
The classic cure for nausea or carsickness is ginger tea or candied ginger. You can chew on the stuff raw, if you like, but it’s so spicy and strong it might just make you feel worse.
Sniffing real peppermint or lavender oil can also help.
Give some of these remedies a try – and share your own tried-and-true treatments, too.
EcoSalon is the leading conscious culture and fashion website for women. Our motto: Have a heart.
More from EcoSalon:
•Simple, Natural Solutions to Eight Common Beauty Dilemmas
•11 Toxic Cosmetic Ingredients to Avoid
•20 Natural Tips to Stop Tossing and Turning
•7 Natural Sleep Aids for Insomnia
•7 Healthy Ways to Soothe Cramps
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
15 Toughest Interview Questions and Answers.
15 Toughest Interview Questions (and Answers!)
by Tania Khadder
For many people, job interviews are the most stressful part of the job-search process. And it's true that an interview is often a make-or-break moment: If you flub the interview in a big way, you probably won't make the cut--no matter how good your resum is, or how excellent your qualifications are.
You can combat nerves and increase your chances of success by practicing your answers to difficult interview questions. Here are some of the toughest, with suggested answers:
1. Why do you want to work in this industry?
Bad answer:
"I love to shop. Even as a kid, I spent hours flipping through catalogs."
Tip:
Don't just say you like it. Anyone can do that. Focus instead on your history with that particular industry, and if you can, tell a success story.
Good answer:
"I've always loved shopping, but my interest in retail marketing really started when I worked at a neighborhood boutique. I knew that our clothes were amazing, but that we weren't marketing them properly. So I worked with management to come up with a marketing strategy that increased our sales by 25 percent in a year. It was great to be able to contribute positively to an industry I feel so passionate about, and to help promote a product I really believed in."
2. Tell us about yourself.
Bad answer:
"I graduated four years ago from the University of Michigan, with a bachelor's in biology--but I decided that wasn't the right path for me. So I switched gears and got my first job, working in sales for a startup. Then I went on to work in marketing for a law firm. After that, I took a few months off to travel. Finally, I came back and worked in marketing again. And now, here I am, looking for a more challenging marketing role."
Tip:
Instead of giving a chronological work history, focus on your strengths and how they pertain to the role. If possible, illustrate with examples.
Good answer:
"I'm really energetic, and I'm a great communicator. Working in sales for two years helped me build confidence and taught me the importance of customer loyalty. I've also got a track record of success. In my last role, I launched a company newsletter, which helped us build on our existing relationships and create new ones. Because of this, we ended up seeing a revenue increase of 10 percent over two years. I'm also very interested in how companies can use web tools to better market themselves, and would be committed to building on your existing platform."
3. What do you think of your previous boss?
Bad answer:
"He was completely incompetent, and a nightmare to work with, which is why I've moved on."
Tip:
Remember that if you get the job, many of the people interviewing you will someday be your previous bosses. The last thing they want is to hire someone they know will badmouth them. Instead of trashing your former employer, stay positive, and focus on what you learned from him (no matter how awful he really was).
Good answer:
"My last boss taught me the importance of time management, didn't pull any punches, and was extremely deadline-driven. His no-nonsense attitude pushed me to work harder, and to meet deadlines I never even thought were possible."
=========================================
Monster+HotJobs: More Opportunities
Transfer your HotJobs account to Monster for access to more jobs and more employers. Learn More
=========================================
4. Why are you leaving your current role?
Bad answer:
"I can't stand my boss, or the work I'm doing."
Tip:
Again, stay away from badmouthing your job or employer. Focus on the positive.
Good answer:
"I've learned a lot from my current role, but now I'm looking for a new challenge, to broaden my horizons, and to gain a new skill set--all of which I see the potential for in this job."
5. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Bad answer:
"Relaxing on a beach in Maui," or "Doing your job."
Tip:
There's really no right answer to this question, but the interviewer wants to know that you're ambitious, career-oriented, and committed to a future with the company. So instead of sharing your dream for early retirement, or trying to be funny, give an answer that illustrates your drive and commitment.
Good answer:
"In five years I'd like to have an even better understanding of this industry. Also, I really love working with people. Ultimately, I'd like to be in some type of managerial role at this company, where I can use my people skills and industry knowledge to benefit the people working for me, and the company as a whole."
6. What's your greatest weakness?
Bad answer:
"I work too hard," or for the comedian, "Blonds."
Tip:
This question is a great opportunity to put a positive spin on something negative, but you don't want your answer to be a cliche--joking or not. Instead, try to use a real example of a weakness you have learned to overcome.
Good answer:
"I've never been very comfortable with public speaking--which, as you know, can be a hindrance in the workplace. Realizing this was a problem, I asked my previous employer if I could enroll in a speech workshop. I took the class, and was able to overcome my lifelong fear. Since then, I've given several presentations to audiences of over 100 high-level executives--I still don't love it, but no one else can tell!"
7. What salary are you looking for?
Bad answer:
"In my last job I earned $35,000--so now I'm looking for $40,000."
Tip:
"If you can avoid it, don't give an exact number. The first person to name a price in a salary negotiation loses. Instead, reiterate your commitment to the job itself. If you have to, give a broad range based on research you've conducted on that particular role, in your particular city."
Good answer:
"I'm more interested in the role itself than the pay. That said, I'd expect to be paid the appropriate range for this role, based on my five years of experience. I also think a fair salary would bear in mind the high cost of living here in New York City."
8. Why should I hire you?
Bad answer:
"I'm the best candidate for the role."
Tip:
A good answer will reiterate your qualifications, and will highlight what makes you unique.
Good answer:
"I've been an executive assistant for the past ten years--my boss has said time and time again that without me, the organization would fall apart. I've also taken the time to educate myself on some of the software I regularly use (but didn't really understand the ins and outs of). I'm an Excel whiz now, which means I can work faster, and take over some of what my boss would traditionally have had to do herself. What's good enough for most people is never really good enough for me."
9. What is your greatest failure, and what did you learn from it?
Bad answer:
"I never finished law school--and everything that's happened since has taught me that giving up, just because the going gets tough, is a huge mistake."
Tip:
You don't want to highlight a true major regret--especially one that exposes an overall dissatisfaction with your life. Instead, focus on a smaller (but still significant) mishap, and how it has made you a better professional.
Good answer:
"When I was in college, I took an art class to supplement my curriculum. I didn't take it very seriously, and assumed that, compared to my engineering classes, it would be a walk in the park. My failing grades at midterm showed me otherwise. I'd even jeopardized my scholarship status. I knew I had to get my act together. I spent the rest of the semester making up for it, ended up getting a decent grade in the class. I learned that no matter what I'm doing, I should strive to do it to the best of my ability. Otherwise, it's not worth doing at all."
10. How do you explain your gap in employment?
Bad answer:
"I was so tired of working, and I needed a break," or "I just can't find a job."
Tip:
Employment gaps are always tough to explain. You don't want to come across as lazy or unhireable. Find a way to make your extended unemployment seem like a choice you made, based on the right reasons.
Good answer:
"My work is important to me, so I won't be satisfied with any old job. Instead of rushing to accept the first thing that comes my way, I'm taking my time and being selective to make sure my next role is the right one."
11 through 15. Read the final five "Toughest Interview Questions."
More from Excelle.com:
6 ways to boost your self-confidence
Top 19 essential career research tools
8 ways to customize your resum
Also on Monster+HotJobs:
The highly efficient job search
Do your research before a job interview
Find a new job near you
by Tania Khadder
For many people, job interviews are the most stressful part of the job-search process. And it's true that an interview is often a make-or-break moment: If you flub the interview in a big way, you probably won't make the cut--no matter how good your resum is, or how excellent your qualifications are.
You can combat nerves and increase your chances of success by practicing your answers to difficult interview questions. Here are some of the toughest, with suggested answers:
1. Why do you want to work in this industry?
Bad answer:
"I love to shop. Even as a kid, I spent hours flipping through catalogs."
Tip:
Don't just say you like it. Anyone can do that. Focus instead on your history with that particular industry, and if you can, tell a success story.
Good answer:
"I've always loved shopping, but my interest in retail marketing really started when I worked at a neighborhood boutique. I knew that our clothes were amazing, but that we weren't marketing them properly. So I worked with management to come up with a marketing strategy that increased our sales by 25 percent in a year. It was great to be able to contribute positively to an industry I feel so passionate about, and to help promote a product I really believed in."
2. Tell us about yourself.
Bad answer:
"I graduated four years ago from the University of Michigan, with a bachelor's in biology--but I decided that wasn't the right path for me. So I switched gears and got my first job, working in sales for a startup. Then I went on to work in marketing for a law firm. After that, I took a few months off to travel. Finally, I came back and worked in marketing again. And now, here I am, looking for a more challenging marketing role."
Tip:
Instead of giving a chronological work history, focus on your strengths and how they pertain to the role. If possible, illustrate with examples.
Good answer:
"I'm really energetic, and I'm a great communicator. Working in sales for two years helped me build confidence and taught me the importance of customer loyalty. I've also got a track record of success. In my last role, I launched a company newsletter, which helped us build on our existing relationships and create new ones. Because of this, we ended up seeing a revenue increase of 10 percent over two years. I'm also very interested in how companies can use web tools to better market themselves, and would be committed to building on your existing platform."
3. What do you think of your previous boss?
Bad answer:
"He was completely incompetent, and a nightmare to work with, which is why I've moved on."
Tip:
Remember that if you get the job, many of the people interviewing you will someday be your previous bosses. The last thing they want is to hire someone they know will badmouth them. Instead of trashing your former employer, stay positive, and focus on what you learned from him (no matter how awful he really was).
Good answer:
"My last boss taught me the importance of time management, didn't pull any punches, and was extremely deadline-driven. His no-nonsense attitude pushed me to work harder, and to meet deadlines I never even thought were possible."
=========================================
Monster+HotJobs: More Opportunities
Transfer your HotJobs account to Monster for access to more jobs and more employers. Learn More
=========================================
4. Why are you leaving your current role?
Bad answer:
"I can't stand my boss, or the work I'm doing."
Tip:
Again, stay away from badmouthing your job or employer. Focus on the positive.
Good answer:
"I've learned a lot from my current role, but now I'm looking for a new challenge, to broaden my horizons, and to gain a new skill set--all of which I see the potential for in this job."
5. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Bad answer:
"Relaxing on a beach in Maui," or "Doing your job."
Tip:
There's really no right answer to this question, but the interviewer wants to know that you're ambitious, career-oriented, and committed to a future with the company. So instead of sharing your dream for early retirement, or trying to be funny, give an answer that illustrates your drive and commitment.
Good answer:
"In five years I'd like to have an even better understanding of this industry. Also, I really love working with people. Ultimately, I'd like to be in some type of managerial role at this company, where I can use my people skills and industry knowledge to benefit the people working for me, and the company as a whole."
6. What's your greatest weakness?
Bad answer:
"I work too hard," or for the comedian, "Blonds."
Tip:
This question is a great opportunity to put a positive spin on something negative, but you don't want your answer to be a cliche--joking or not. Instead, try to use a real example of a weakness you have learned to overcome.
Good answer:
"I've never been very comfortable with public speaking--which, as you know, can be a hindrance in the workplace. Realizing this was a problem, I asked my previous employer if I could enroll in a speech workshop. I took the class, and was able to overcome my lifelong fear. Since then, I've given several presentations to audiences of over 100 high-level executives--I still don't love it, but no one else can tell!"
7. What salary are you looking for?
Bad answer:
"In my last job I earned $35,000--so now I'm looking for $40,000."
Tip:
"If you can avoid it, don't give an exact number. The first person to name a price in a salary negotiation loses. Instead, reiterate your commitment to the job itself. If you have to, give a broad range based on research you've conducted on that particular role, in your particular city."
Good answer:
"I'm more interested in the role itself than the pay. That said, I'd expect to be paid the appropriate range for this role, based on my five years of experience. I also think a fair salary would bear in mind the high cost of living here in New York City."
8. Why should I hire you?
Bad answer:
"I'm the best candidate for the role."
Tip:
A good answer will reiterate your qualifications, and will highlight what makes you unique.
Good answer:
"I've been an executive assistant for the past ten years--my boss has said time and time again that without me, the organization would fall apart. I've also taken the time to educate myself on some of the software I regularly use (but didn't really understand the ins and outs of). I'm an Excel whiz now, which means I can work faster, and take over some of what my boss would traditionally have had to do herself. What's good enough for most people is never really good enough for me."
9. What is your greatest failure, and what did you learn from it?
Bad answer:
"I never finished law school--and everything that's happened since has taught me that giving up, just because the going gets tough, is a huge mistake."
Tip:
You don't want to highlight a true major regret--especially one that exposes an overall dissatisfaction with your life. Instead, focus on a smaller (but still significant) mishap, and how it has made you a better professional.
Good answer:
"When I was in college, I took an art class to supplement my curriculum. I didn't take it very seriously, and assumed that, compared to my engineering classes, it would be a walk in the park. My failing grades at midterm showed me otherwise. I'd even jeopardized my scholarship status. I knew I had to get my act together. I spent the rest of the semester making up for it, ended up getting a decent grade in the class. I learned that no matter what I'm doing, I should strive to do it to the best of my ability. Otherwise, it's not worth doing at all."
10. How do you explain your gap in employment?
Bad answer:
"I was so tired of working, and I needed a break," or "I just can't find a job."
Tip:
Employment gaps are always tough to explain. You don't want to come across as lazy or unhireable. Find a way to make your extended unemployment seem like a choice you made, based on the right reasons.
Good answer:
"My work is important to me, so I won't be satisfied with any old job. Instead of rushing to accept the first thing that comes my way, I'm taking my time and being selective to make sure my next role is the right one."
11 through 15. Read the final five "Toughest Interview Questions."
More from Excelle.com:
6 ways to boost your self-confidence
Top 19 essential career research tools
8 ways to customize your resum
Also on Monster+HotJobs:
The highly efficient job search
Do your research before a job interview
Find a new job near you
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