Lose Your Job? Five Steps to Get Back on Track

Thursday, April 8th, 2010

While the current economic forecast is considered by economists to be less dismal than in past months, many of the same economists are predicting unemployment will stay high over the next several years—noting that recession-scarred employers are likely to stay conservative in their hiring practices even as recession-scarred citizens continue their search for a dwindling number of jobs. Recent unemployment figures show that North Carolina unemployment grew to 11.2% in the month of February.

So, what if you’re one of the unfortunate many facing job cuts or recently suffering from unemployment? Here are five easy steps to get you back on track when time is short.…

New Tax Credits Yield Higher Tax Refunds in 2010

Sunday, March 28th, 2010

As you know by now, this country’s recent Great Recession has dealt, and continues to deal, a significant blow to the budgets of many American families, leaving millions in debt, underwater in their mortgages, perpetually jobless and looking for any means necessary to get back on a financially-healthy track.

However, there may be a silver fiscal lining to this year’s spring season: The Recovery Act’s tax credits. Now we’re seeing that tax time—normally considered a harrowing economic experience for many Americans—is yielding it a bit of a reprieve for some cash-strapped citizens struggling to stay afloat amid rising education costs, mortgages, and even car payments.…