Posted in Benefits, Employers, Employment, Health insurance plans, Job satisfaction, Money, Money Finesse, Surveys
The benefits at a job are sometimes equally as important as salary, especially when it comes to health plans. But whereas working for a large corporation might offer you more room for advancement and a higher salary, it is less likely to offer a health plan without employer-paid contributions.
The number of US private-sector workers who were enrolled in employer-sponsored health plans that do not require employee contributions fell by one third between 1998 and 2004. In 1998, 35% of all workers were enrolled in such plans, but that number dropped to 24% by 2004.
According to the Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality, your best chance for being enrolled in a no-contribution plan was at a company with fewer than 50 employees. More than half the workers in such companies were not required to pay contributions towards their health care plans. Only 14% of workers employed by larger companies were enrolled in contribution-free plans.
Enrollment in Health Plans With Employer-Paid Premiums Drops by a Third
Posted in Advice, Employment, Free file 2006, IRS, Money, Money Finesse, Tax, Tax forms
The IRS has expanded its Free File program this year. Taxpayers with an AGI (adjusted gross income) of $52,000 or less are eligible to e-file their tax returns for free.
That means that 70% (95 million) of all taxpayers will be eligible to file 2006 tax returns for no fee through one of the private sector tax software companies who are part of the Free File Alliance, LLC.
Free File for 2006:
* Free File is a free service offered by companies for taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $52,000 or less.
* Before selecting a company link, review the tax software company’s criteria to confirm that you meet their eligibility for preparing and e-filing your federal return for free.
* Fees for state tax returns may apply. Some companies offer free state tax return preparation and e-filing. Check company websites for more details.
* Some companies offer extensions for free.
* Some companies offer free e-filing of the Form 1040EZ-T, Telephone Excise Tax Refund, for those who want to claim the refund credit and are not required to file a federal income tax return.
* You are under no obligation to buy any of the company’s other products or services.
To use the service, go to: Free File: Getting Started
Posted in Advice, Email, Employment, Internet Dangers, Money, Money Finesse, Scams, Work at home schemes
We’ve all seen the ads that promise big income for little investment. The jobs that promise us more free time and greater control over our lives. Usually the ads or emails declare something along the line of “Work From Home Stuffing Envelopes!”. Sounds like easy money, and it can be - if you are the scammer who places the ad.
Envelope-stuffing scams are pretty basic. You pay a small fee to get started. What you receive, however, will be instructions on how to send the same envelope-stuffing ad out to others in bulk emailings. The only money you may earn comes from others who fall for the scheme. Congratulations, you’ve become a scammer too.
Let’s face it, unsolicited email offers are not likely to result in legitimate employment. Although there are real jobs you can do from home, envelope-stuffing is one of the oldest scams, dating back well before email when the ads were found in the back of tabloids and magazines. It’s tried and true and still entices enough people to make it worthwhile for the scammer.
Make your work at home the task of deleting these email schemes as soon as they hit your inbox.
Posted in Business culture, Careers, Employment, Job satisfaction, Money, Money Finesse, Research, Small businesses, Surveys, Workplace
According to a Harris interactive poll on Attitudes in the Workplace, employees of smaller companies found more job satisfaction than those working for larger companies.
The survey also showed that employees of smaller companies were less likely to feel their job demands interfered with personal and family needs.
Income was higher for employees of larger companies with 17% of employees earning $100,000 before taxes as opposed to only 5% of employees of small companies attaining that salary.
But income isn’t always the most important factor. Many workers cite home and family obligations, job stress and other considerations as being key to their employment decisions.
Looking for a great place to work? The Great Place To Work Institute can help guide you with their list of the Best Small & Medium Companies to Work For in America.
