The Smart Start Money Podcast: Recent Episodes
Smart Start Money LLC
Smart Start Money provides information on making smart money decisions. Providing tips, personal experiences, and opinions on saving smart and spending smart.
Times have changed since getting a job and keeping the same place of employment for a lifetime. The average time spent with one employer is now three to five years. Companies are replacing workers with lean staff that previously held more people to accomplish the same tasks. This has resulted in periods of unemployment for many people making it challenging to save for retirement and stay debt-free.
The rising costs of healthcare, consumer goods, and wages that often do not seem to keep pace with the cost of daily life make it more important than ever to make smart financial decisions.
Millions of people struggle each day to get ahead. The intention of Smart Start Money is to not only provide insight into saving or spending but also open conversations. Discussions relating to the economy, employment, and even the occasional forbidden topic of politics are possible. If the subject matter has a correlation to helping people with their finances or questioning the so-called experts, it is open for dialogue.
It has never been more important than ever to save and stay out of debt. No one has all the answers when it comes to personal finance. People come from all different backgrounds in life. The choices we make and the opportunities available are never identical. We can all learn from each other.
The world today appears to be full of workplace bullies. According to a survey on bullying released in 2021, 30 percent of Americans report having experienced abusive conduct at work. This is up 57% from 2017. An estimated 48.6 million Americans are bullied on the job.
The problem with bullies in the workplace is they can hurt an organization’s productivity. More importantly, it impacts those that are being bullied by often causing harm physically, mentally or both. With the destruction workplace bullies can trigger, why do so many employers keep these people employed? If you are the target of bullying at work, what can you do?
This podcast episode talks bullies in the workplace.
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When it comes to telling a lie on your resume most career experts will agree that it is a bad idea. The problem with this is how can a job seeker compete with other applicants that do blatantly not tell the truth when it comes to their employment credentials?
Because so many people stretch the truth about their employment background most do get away with it to some extent. A study by Ladders.com found that 80% of the people they surveyed of over 1000 that lied on a resume claimed to have never been found out. Only 8% of the resume storytellers admitted to facing anything negative for their lies.
The fact is no one is going to tell a person to be a liar and not tell the truth on their resume. Look at just about any career website or book and it’s easy to quickly discover no authority on resumes is going to teach resume storytelling and how to stretch the truth. Yet, the unspoken and quiet rule in addition to the statistics shows that not telling the truth on a resume is not only accepted but often most people get away with it.
This podcast episode talks about lies on a resume.
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Workplace slackers are nothing new. If you have been in the workplace for any length of time, you know the type of person that tries to do the least amount of work they possibly can. Although some people are just fundamentally lazy, there are also plenty of people in the working world that are not naturally the type of people that enjoy doing nothing except for when it comes to their job.
The problem with slackers in the workplace is they always tend to create more problems other than just trying to do the least amount of work. Deadwood at a company will bring down morale and ultimately result in people leaving that do get the job done.
This podcast episode talks about workplace slackers and how to deal with them.
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People that are looking to purchase a home frequently question how much they can afford to pay for a house. Although numerous financial experts claim to have a simple formula for the answer, the truth is there are several factors to consider. Affordability of just the purchase cost, down payment, and monthly mortgage price shouldn’t be the only components to consider when trying to calculate the affordability of purchasing a house. Buying a home has always been part of the American dream. However, it is important to carefully consider what a buyer can realistically afford so a home purchase does not become an unaffordable nightmare.
This podcast episode talks about how much money a person should spend on a home.
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Getting ahead in corporate America or with just about any employer is likely more challenging than it ever has been. With a growing number of companies consistently moving to a model of more with less while chasing the cheapest price to compete on a global level, employers appear to be comfortable telling many of the same lies they have been for decades. The only difference now is a growing number of people are beginning to get wise to the deceit.
This podcast episode talks about top lies corporate America and employers are still telling.
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Most markets around the country are seeing outrageous and unrealistic housing prices. According to a Bankrate report, the average home price has increased by about 30% in the last decade as the money people make has only seen a gain of around 11%. The American dream of buying a home is becoming out of reach for a growing number of middle-income families in the country and it is leaving many people on a fixed income in a serious financial situation that has the potential to leave them homeless.
If home prices do not come down, employers do not start to pay even more, and additional living costs do not slow down, there will be some very big problems in the future. This will be particularly the case for middle America.
This podcast episode talks about the surge in prices to buy a home and also rent a place to live.
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Proponents of renewable energy are frequently implying it will come from things that won’t run out like wind, water, sunlight, and plants. Moreover, they claim these new clean energy sources will not only be easily replenished but will also be better for the environment. The problem with the claim is many supposedly renewable energy resources are not renewable and they are also not exactly environmentally friendly.
Politicians in Washington use renewable energy claims to move America away from fossil fuels. Furthermore, there are claims of not being reliant on other countries for energy resources as a reason to build the infrastructure for renewable energy resources. The issue with this claim is even with green energy resources in the U.S. it doesn’t mean the country would not still be vulnerable to energy shortages. The reason for this is there isn’t anything exactly renewable with most energy resources although government representatives would like most of America to believe there is.
This podcast episode talks about renewable energy resources and why it would not make America energy independent.
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Sports fans need to start realizing a growing number of professional sports athletes and team owners could really care less about their fans. From overpriced game tickets and concessions to high parking fees, professional sports figures and owners simply have no concern that many middle-income families can no longer afford to attend a game. These people care about only one thing and that is greed.
Make no mistake. The recent Major League Baseball lockout between the owners and players was about one thing and that is money. With the average player making over 500k per year, these people need to understand they are already in the top 1% of household incomes in America. Moreover, both owners and players fail to recognize who really provides their income while they fight over how many more millions of dollars they can either earn or keep.
Although lucrative television and broadcasting deals provide a lot of revenue for professional athletes and team owners, the fans are the real employer. Without people watching there would not be millions to fight over.
The only people that really get hurt in professional sports strikes or lockouts are the fans, day-to-day team lower-level support staff, and small business owners that depend on game day. Maybe it’s time fans remind the privileged professional athletes and team owners who provides their paychecks and go on strike themselves. Maybe it’s time to lock out professional sports and no longer be a fan or viewer.
This podcast episode talks about the recent MLB lockout and how most fans of professional sports should probably be thinking about a lockout of their own.
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With an estimated 15% of student loan holders in default at any given time, the question that often comes up is “What happens if you don’t pay your student loans?” This question is nothing new when it comes to higher education debt. However, it does seem as though the uncertainty of repaying student loans for a growing number of borrowers is bringing up the subject of student loan repayment more frequently.
Not paying student loans can have long-lasting consequences resulting in further financial hardship. Not only can this put a borrower’s financial goals on hold but it can also limit other things in life like getting married or starting a family.
Defaulting on student loans will not make them go away.
This podcast episode talks about the consequences of falling into student loan delinquency.
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It doesn’t matter. Both republicans and democrats never seem to tell the complete truth and neither does the media. They all spin a story for their own politics and financial gain. The truth always seems to lie somewhere in the middle.
The President’s press conference today on the decision to stop importing Russian oil is not the entire story. Furthermore, it is not looking at the big picture. Washington and the media like to portray themselves as believing in doing the right thing. A good public image campaign and ultimately financial gain are their ultimate goals. The American people do not fall into these objectives. If we did, they would all be pointing out all the solutions for the problems at hand. Solutions to solve problems now and in the future.
This podcast episode talks about how the elite media and Washington politicians are not talking about additional problems related to Russia, Ukraine, and security in America. They are all looking to profit off the decline of the country. Someone really needs to start asking a lot more questions.
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futureofAmerica
RussiaUkraine
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china
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politics
With the current state of America and the conflict with Russia and Ukraine, no one seems to be asking the real questions. Corporate America and Washington have gotten wealthy from overseas cheap labor and manufacturing. It doesn’t seem like anyone wants to address the elephant in the room.
While Russia gets sanctions, they have made a deal to sell energy to China. This is all at the same time America imports just about everything from China and has sold out middle American jobs for cheap labor.
All the talk of sticking up for democracy and doing the right thing by helping Ukraine and America does businesses with a country that has one of the worst records for treating workers and they are certainly not a democracy.
It is time for someone in the media and Washington to really start asking the right questions without the fear of bringing in less revenue.
This Smart Start Money Podcast episode talks about problems that have been staring right at America with no one willing to talk about any of them. The reason is greed and power. There will not be any improvement in America until the real questions are asked and answered with solutions.
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America is clearly divided. You only need to look at recent government elections. Combine this with financial uncertainty for a growing number of families in the country. Add the most recent tensions felt around the world with Russia and Ukraine. It should not come as a surprise that most Americans are stressed out, depressed, and angry. The mounting bad news even seems to make Covid a concern of the past on nightly television stations.
All the events in the world have been piling up for some time now. Honestly, much of it should not completely come as a surprise with it all becoming much more real. The problem with everything is you will never know the complete story. The media is going to report events for their benefit and Washington will do the same.
There should be questions of how the world and particularly the United States got to this point. However, most of the answers have been starring at us all along. Moreover, the people running the country and making the policies have steered America into what it has become for their own benefit. Politicians are certainly to blame but so is much of corporate America.
The possibility of a terrible conflict is now a concern but if we get through it some issues need to be addressed going forward. Right now, the immediate concern should be are we going to get through all of this. Yet, it is important to start planning on where to go from here if we make it through the other side.
This Smart Start Money Podcast talks about the recent world events with Russia invading Ukraine and what likely needs to happen for long-term solutions in America and around the world. Solutions need to be made to avoid problems in the future for America and start taking care of things at home again.
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Many companies like to give employee satisfaction surveys. They do this by explaining it helps the company identify areas of improvement. Businesses claim employee surveys are for the benefit of their employees. Moreover, there is also almost always an added statement that the employee survey will be anonymous. However, this is likely rarely ever the case.
The truth is employee satisfaction surveys or engagement surveys are hardly ever for the benefit of a company’s employees and they are almost never completely truly anonymous. Satisfaction surveys at most of today’s companies are just another piece of corporate nonsense that is both outdated and a complete waste of time.
In this Smart Start Money podcast episode, I talk about workplace condition surveys and why they are never truly anonymous.
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With the continued growth of e-commerce and home delivery services, porch thieves are seeing an increasing amount of opportunity to plunder online shoppers. Not only is the holiday season a great time for the patio bandits to take what is not theirs, but just about any day is now a good time for them to go to work.
The problem with porch pirates is only getting worse and there likely will not be a slowdown anytime soon. The reason for this is the acceptance of its existence and the somewhat lenient laws for offenders that still exist. For this reason, it’s important to know the steps to prevent porch piracy and what to do if it does occur.
In this Smart Start Money podcast episode, the problems with package delivery theft are discussed along with solutions and preventions.
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People that have student loan debt have been coping with it the same way they have been for some time now. They have been dealing with it by taking decades to pay back student loans while putting their life on hold.
Large amounts of student loan debt are not uncommon today with the average around a little over $30,000 and 50k or more is not unusual. This has resulted in an average monthly student loan payment of $393. Moreover, this debt is now taking a bachelor's degree student over 21.1 years to pay it all off.
In this Smart Start Money podcast episode, I talk about how a growing number of college students are having to cope with a larger amount of school loan debt.
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I recently purchased a new vehicle and like most buyers, I hate the traditional car dealer experience with trying to negotiate a fair deal. Researching the truck I was interested in purchasing, I looked for ways to limit the outdated annoying typical car sale experience. The long negotiation and waiting game at the dealership to get a fair deal was something I really tried to see if I could avoid.
With all the things people can buy online with the click of a mouse today, my initial idea to evade the conventional car sale experience at the dealership was to see if I could factory order a new automobile through the internet. To somewhat of a surprise I discovered this is not something that is possible. People can order prescription drugs, booze, and realistically just about anything by going to the internet.
Why can’t I factory order a new vehicle online directly from the manufacturer?
In this podcast episode, I talk about why a factory order from one of the popular automakers is not possible directly on the internet and how a buyer can still use technology to their advantage for a new car purchase.
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With the price of automobiles skyrocketing in the United States, it should not come as a surprise the average car payment for a new vehicle in 2021 is now $563. American drivers are increasingly becoming poor due to the need for transportation. Although auto loans are leaving many people with little money left at the end of the month, it is not just the initial cost of a car that is a problem. Record-high gasoline prices and maintenance costs are making car ownership increasingly a financial burden.
In this podcast episode, I talk about the average auto loan payment and why it is a problem.
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In the previous podcast, I talked about my initial car buying experience in a difficult market. The pandemic has created a shortage of computer chips and inventory for new vehicles. Car dealers are trying to use the pandemic as an excuse to charge more for the vehicles they are selling. It is true that you might have to pay close to retail depending on the car you are looking to buy. Rebates and incentives are almost non-existent. However, you shouldn’t have to pay a large market adjustment price.
There are deals that exist for purchasing a new car even in this challenging market. You just need to be patient and do your research. Don’t believe everything you hear and particularly from your local car dealer.
In this podcast episode, I talk about the conclusion of my recent car buying experience.
Listen to Part 1 of My Car Buying Experience in a Difficult Market: https://smartstartmoney.podbean.com/e/my-car-buying-experience-in-a-difficult-market/
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Buying a car right now in this market might not be the best idea. A shortage of inventory and computer chips is making it challenging for buyers to get transportation at a fair price. Car dealer incentives and rebates appear to almost not even exist.
Although it is a terrible time to purchase a new vehicle, I had to make the decision to do it. Car buying for most people is never a pleasant experience. My affection when it comes to shopping for transportation is no different. There is a reason car dealers and their salespeople have a bad reputation and I have found not much has changed with this since my last buying experience several years ago.
In this podcast episode, I talk about my recent car buying experience and how sellers are trying to use the pandemic to their advantage. Even though there might be a shortage of inventory for cars, it doesn’t mean you still can’t find one at a fair price. It might be a seller’s market when it comes to car buying right now but there are some tools buyers can use to still get a reasonable price.
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With the economic and political divide in America, listening to the news has become both annoying and often a waste of time. Politicians and media outlets never seem to be telling the entire story. Transparency is lost in Washington and journalism. Regardless of a person’s political beliefs, both sides are regularly reporting the news while omitting important details.
No one has all the answers for improving America socially and economically. This includes the media and politicians that repeatedly spin a story on how they want it to be perceived for their own benefit.
This Smart Start Money Podcast episode talks about how the media and Washington don’t report the actual news. They are regularly only informing America on their own version of it while excluding important details that do not fit the story they want to tell.
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In the last podcast on The Degradation of America, there were a lot of comments and questions. This episode is a continuation of that conversation and why there is clearly a decline in America for every class of life. The changes are not just economically for much of the lower and middle class. There is also a deterioration of integrity and honesty at the cost of power, greed, and fame across every economic class.
This Smart Start Money podcast episode talks about the decline of American values, families, and economic opportunities.
Listen to Part 1 The Degradation of America: https://smartstartmoney.podbean.com/e/the-degradation-of-america-a-decline-in-the-standard-of-living-quality-and-basic-decency/
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degradationofamerica
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With the average cost of a college education today in the United States estimated at around $35,720, not including living expenses, the question many people have is how to pay for it all. Do most college students need to hold a full-time job while they are going to school? Moreover, are most of the students today working out of necessity while in school to pay for their education, and should a college student work 40 or more hours per week while trying to obtain a college degree?
This Smart Start Money podcast episode talks about working while in college and takes a look at how many students are actually working full-time.
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thesmartstartmoneypodcast
college
workingwhileincollege
payingforcollege
smartstartmoney
Turning 50 years of age next year I have started to really think lately about how America has changed. The United States no longer seems to have the same values it once did just a few short decades ago. There seems to be a degradation of America that includes a decline in family values, helping one another, and just basic decency.
This Smart Start Money podcast episode talks about how America has changed for the worse and is it possible for things to improve.
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thesmartstartmoneypodcast
america
declineofamerica
podcast
smartstartmoney
Although numerous laws are in place for fair advertising, businesses do not always play by the rules. They many times try to bend them as far as possible. How can the tiny words on print advertising really be completely transparent when often the larger ad is there to quickly deceive someone not paying attention to the details?
Who is regulating advertisers and what makes an advertisement deceptive or unfair?
This Smart Start Money podcast episode talks about fine print advertising and how advertisements are rarely fully transparent.
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thesmartstartmoneypodcast
advertising
podcast
smartstartmoney
A shortage of homes for sale in markets around the country has resulted in an enormous number of investors and wholesalers turning to unsolicited purchase offers to buy houses. If you own a home, you have probably received texts, emails, and phone calls asking if you want to sell. Although it might seem like your home is in demand and the buyer is willing to pay a fair price, this is seldom ever really the case.
All unsolicited purchase offers to buy a home are not exactly scams. However, they almost always are not a good financial transaction for the seller. There are reasons real estate investors are sending out thousands of unsolicited offers regularly and it’s not to help a homeowner. More frequently they are looking to take advantage of sellers that might be in a desperate situation.
There needs to be a stop to the ridiculous amount of unsolicited home buying offers and to the scams some of the companies sending out the offers are running.
This podcast episode talks about the epidemic of unsolicited home buying offers and how annoying they have become.
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thesmartstartmoneypodcast
sellingyourhome
podcast
smartstartmoney
Giving to a charity or a non-profit is something a lot of people make the decision to do each year. Unfortunately, some of these organizations hide behind the disguise of kindness to create jobs with large paychecks. Even worse, there are some charities established for the only purpose to deceive and scam people out of their money.
Each year numerous charities are set up to improve people’s lives and the communities they live in. However, not all of them are exactly transparent on how they operate and where the donations received end up being spent. Just because an organization calls itself a charity, this doesn’t automatically mean all the donations they receive end up going to help the cause being represented.
This podcast episode talks about charitable organizations and the importance of researching them before giving.
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The answer is absolutely not. The reason for this is because higher education costs today are higher then they ever have been. Tuition rates tend to increase at about twice the rate of inflation. The average increase is around 8% per year. This means the cost of college is doubling about every nine years. A more expensive college education for each generation that outpaces inflation at about twice the rate has resulted in more student loan debt for each generation. Thus, this is why the student loan debt in America is now around $1.6 trillion.
College students today should look for every way they can to minimize student loan debt.
This podcast episode talks about the student loan debt issues in America and why the goal of today's college students should not be an education at all costs.
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It is easy to see with many businesses right now that they are having a difficult time finding people to work. Just take a walk around your town and you will see all the hiring signs in the windows. Although part of the blame for companies having a challenging time finding workers can be the favorable federal government unemployment benefits in addition to state benefits, I believe there is really something much deeper occurring with the high number of jobs available.
This podcast episode talks about why there are so many open job positions in the market that are not being filled right now.
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The average cost for four years of college in the United States is estimated at $35,720. The typical cost for four years of a college education is no doubt expensive. Add the cost to live during the college years and it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the student loan debt in America is now approaching $1.6 trillion.
The average cost of a four-year college education is likely not going to decrease anytime soon. Moreover, it may just keep increasing at the alarming rate it historically has.
This podcast episode talks about why college costs are so high in America and how the price compares to other countries around the world.
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If you don’t already have an emergency fund established for unexpected life events, you need to put one in place today. Unexpected things happen in life. Auto repairs, job loss, and health issues can arise at any time. Having an emergency fund in place not only allows you to take care of many sudden things that come up, but it can also keep you out of debt.
What are the top reasons to have emergency money set aside?
This podcast episode talks about why it is important to have an emergency fund for unexpected expenses.
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Should you pay off debt or save money for emergencies? This question often comes up about personal finance. The answer really isn’t just as simply one or the other as some supposed financial experts claim. There is a lot more that goes into deciding to pay off debt or saving for unexpected emergencies.
It’s essential to both save money for emergencies and pay off debt. Don’t just focus on one of these goals at a time. Both need to be achieved and finding a balance between saving money and paying debt is almost always the best solution financially.
This podcast episode talks about deciding to pay off debt or save for an emergency fund.
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The student loan default rate is estimated on average at around 15% at any given time. This number should not come as a surprise with the higher education debt problem now at almost $1.6 trillion. Student loan debt has been on the rise as colleges have historically seen their tuition rates rise at about twice the rate of inflation.
Defaulting on student loan debt can result in serious consequences to a person’s financial life and well-being overall. Carrying a mountain of debt for higher education expenses for so many people is a stressful situation that leaves numerous borrowers choosing to default on their student loans.
This podcast episode talks about the student loan default rate.
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With the cost of higher education today, getting tuition reimbursement through an employer to pursue a college degree can certainly be beneficial. More than half of all employers are now estimated to offer some type of tuition reimbursement. However, just because a company offers the benefit of helping with college costs this doesn’t mean it is available to everyone.
If you are interested in tuition reimbursement from a potential or current employer, there are some important questions to ask in order to establish the chances of getting the support. There are no guarantees from companies that claim to provide tuition reimbursement and often it comes at their full discretion with several obstacles to overcome to get help with tuition costs.
This podcast episode talks about employer-provided tuition reimbursement and why it is not a guarantee.
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Financial advisors licensed to sell whole life insurance often have a motivation to sell it to their clients. The reason results from the generous commissions insurance companies are willing to pay for a whole life policy that is sold. The payout from selling a whole life insurance policy can be as much as 70% of the first year’s premium for an insurance salesperson. A sale might also include 3% or more in further commissions each year a policy remains in force.
Whole life insurance policies are sometimes conveyed to save for retirement or to accumulate cash value. There are some rare instances it can make sense to purchase a whole life insurance policy. However, most people should never purchase whole life insurance strictly for the savings component and there are several reasons why.
This podcast episode talks about why whole life insurance should not generally be used for saving.
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Popular auto rental companies selling their vehicles are nothing new. Some people would claim you can find a good deal on buying a car through a rental car company. However, I am not so sure. There are both pros and cons to buying a used car through a car rental company and the negatives often far outweigh any possible upside.
This podcast episode talks about buying a car through a rental car company.
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The stimulus checks sent out by the government were not just free money. There will be a price paid for all the money printing that has occurred. There is no question the pandemic with Covid created some real economic problems. However, stimulus checks are not going to solve most of the trouble with money for America.
This podcast episode talks about the government stimulus checks that were sent out as a result of the pandemic.
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The politicians in Washington that are proponents of a $15 minimum wage claim that it will raise the pay rate for people to one that is a livable wage. Although the Congressional Budget Office estimates a rise in the minimum wage to $15 would increase the income of around 7 million people, the increase in wages would also result in a loss of 1.3 million low-end jobs, according to the Department of Labor.
A $15 an hour minimum wage might sound like a good idea. This is particularly the case if you are currently earning a low wage. There is no argument that living on a low hourly pay rate is a challenge. However, raising the federal minimum wage to $15 will not likely have the outcome many people are hoping for.
This podcast episode talks about the problems with raising the federal minimum wage to $15.
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If you have a teenager approaching the age to drive, you are likely starting to consider how much auto insurance costs for a teen driver. Most parents of teen drivers already expect their auto insurance rates will probably go up in cost. However, some are shocked when the price goes up much more than they expect.
There really isn’t an economy insurance rate for first-time drivers. Yet, there are some things you can do to try and save as much money as possible.
This podcast episode talks about the high costs of auto insurance for teenage drivers.
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Free college and student loan debt forgiveness has become a popular topic. This is particularly the case with several politicians in Washington. The subject was also a hot issue in this last Presidential election. People being able to attend college without incurring any debt or having decades of current student loans forgiven seems like a good idea to some people. However, free college really doesn’t solve the ultimate problem with higher education which is the cost.
This podcast episode talks about why student loan forgiveness and free college are not a good idea.
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Door to door sales would seem like it should be something of the past. Yet, it seems there are still quite a few businesses that believe in a face-to-face sales method by knocking on doors. The problem with this is the opportunity for less than honest salespeople to pressure unsuspecting consumers to buy into a sales pitch. Scams involving door-to-door solicitations are also nothing new but they do seem to be on the rise.
This podcast episode talks about door-to-door sales and how to protect yourself from a scam.
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Although wages have increased over time, the cost of a college education has soared. Four-year public college tuition has increased 571% since the late 1980’s. Even taking inflation into consideration, the increase has been 213%. The higher prices for private universities have done a little better with an increase of 129% over the last three decades. Tuition rates tend to increase at about twice the rate of inflation. The average increase is around 8% per year. This means the cost of college doubles about every nine years.
Why does the price of college tuition keep going up?
This podcast episode talks about the reasons why college tuition keeps increasing.
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The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 is theoretically assumed to protect people 40 years of age and older from employment discrimination but like many laws, it really doesn’t live up to the reason it was created. If you are an older person in the workplace, you need to know the Age Discrimination Act is not going to protect you. Companies and their Human Resource Departments have several techniques at their disposal to phase out older employees.
This podcast episode talks about the ways companies get rid of older workers so they do not get in trouble for age discrimination.
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The decision to retire might be based on what your vision of retirement looks like. Is retirement a time when you just no longer work? A period that you still work part-time? Retirement may even be viewed as a stage in life to enjoy the things you did not have the time for while working. The answer to being financially ready to retire begins with your vision of retirement and it starts when you have the money to make the concept a reality.
This podcast episode talks about being ready financially to retire.
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You would think with advances in technology for fighting credit card fraud that the problem should be diminishing. However, this is anything but the case. Credit card fraud is a big problem that doesn’t look to be slowing down any time soon.
This podcast episode talks about why credit card fraud is such a big problem and what can you do to try and avoid being a target.
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Although many managers in the workplace like to be labeled as a leader, this is rarely the case. There is a difference between being a manager and a true leader.
This podcast episode talks about why there are so many terrible managers in the working world and why many of them are not true leaders.
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There seem to be a lot of internet money maker experts...
Thousands of people make claims of having the secret to getting rich working on the internet. The idea sounds nice to work from the comfort of home each day while earning a comfortable living. Some might not claim the ridiculous amount of wealth that others do. However, all the so-called experts on building an online business or starting a side hustle that can make thousands of dollars each month do seem to make it sound much easier than it typically is.
The truth is most people are selling their secrets to online money-making success for another reason and it isn’t always to help the people buying the information.
This podcast episode talks about why there are so many mentors, programs, and books that want to show people how to make a fortune with an internet business.
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A Severance Package Is Not Offered Out of Kindness Employers do not offer severance pay out of the kindness of their heart for a worker that is let go. A company that decides to give a parting employee severance does it to protect their interests.
Not all companies offer severance pay and it isn’t a requirement in most instances. Yet, a growing number of businesses are putting packages together for employees that are let go. What is severance pay and why are a growing number of employers choosing to offer it?
This podcast episode talks about why companies decide to offer severance packages.
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Considering a Reverse Mortgage? With 1 in 5 Americans having no retirement savings, it should not come as a surprise that a reverse mortgage is sometimes something people turn to in order to try and solve a financial problem at retirement. A reverse mortgage might seem like a good way to come up with some extra money for daily living expenses, medical bills, or to provide the money needed to stay in a home. However, taking a reverse mortgage is almost always a bad idea and there are several reasons why.
This podcast episode talks about the dangers of taking a reverse mortgage.
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Most employers in America have rules. It could be a dress code or requiring employees to act a certain way on the job in which an employer wants to be portrayed. For most people in America, there are rules they must follow to be employed, and often this means sticking to actual work rather than getting involved with other employees on political or religious beliefs.
Most employers in the real world know it is important to keep political, religious, and sexual beliefs to a minimum at work. The reason for this is because it can create division and hurt working relationships that can ultimately hurt productivity.
It seems professional athletes and sports teams are given a special pass for drug use or being a felon. They also are able to use their time at work to let everyone know how they feel politically. They are given a pass for not following company culture or tradition.
Everyone has the right to express themselves freely. However, politics and time in the game do not mix.
This podcast talks about why politics do not belong in professional sports.
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With the rising cost of a college education, it can be challenging to come up with the money to pay for higher education. Student loans, grants, scholarships, and college savings plans can all help with financing a college education. However, sometimes even with several different funding sources there just never seems to be enough money for a college education.
For a homeowner, taking out a home equity loan or line of credit can appear to be a solution to funding a college education. However, the cons of doing this will almost always outweigh the advantages for numerous different reasons.
Borrowing from the equity in a home to fund college is not a good idea. The cost of doing this could end up being the most valuable thing a person has and this is a place to live.
This podcast episode talks about why taking a home equity loan is not a good idea for funding a college education.
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The negative perception of performance reviews by employees is simply because, for the most part, they are a waste of time. The truth is performance appraisals are not in place for the benefit of employees. Performance reviews are negatively perceived by employees because for a lot of companies they are in place for control.
This podcast episode talks about why most people hate performance reviews at work.
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Aside from most new automobiles being a terrible purchase from a financial perspective, are new cars worth the money? The truth today is when you buy a new car you are paying for the technology and not necessarily the overall build quality.
The ever-changing global business model and the chase for the highest profits while continually cutting costs does not just come in the form of shopping at your local Walmart. The concept of low-quality cheap throw away consumer items doesn’t stop at the discount store. It might also be present at your local car dealership.
This podcast episode talks about the lack of quality in new cars today.
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How long does it take most college students to pay back their student loans? College graduates regularly believe they will repay their education debt in ten years or less but statistics show this is not typically the case. Students that take out debt for higher education are almost always underestimating how long it will take to repay the money they borrow. The result is college graduates that time and again must put their life on hold to climb out of a mountain in student loans.
This podcast episode talks about the student loan crisis and why it is taking longer for college students to pay back the money borrowed for higher education.
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The low retention rate of financial advisors is really nothing new. However, the rate at which financial advisors actually survive in the industry has likely gotten even lower over the last 20 years or so.
It is estimated right now that around 70% of newly licensed financial professionals will leave the business within three years. This leaves a retention rate of just 30% for someone entering the business as a financial advisor.
This podcast episode talks about the career path of a financial advisor.
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Much of society still do see education from a community college as inferior and this is due to the numerous misconceptions associated with learning at a 2-year school. With the costs of higher education continually on the rise, a changing business world, and technology, community college is gaining in popularity. Even with a growing acceptance of community college, there are still a lot of people that refuse to believe an education from a quality community college can be beneficial.
This podcast episode talks about why community college has such a stigma attached to it.
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Why shouldn’t you take a job just for the money? Money definitely matters and it certainly can be a major motivation when it comes to finding work and establishing a career. It’s easy to say not to take a job just for the money. It is also understandable that when a person really needs an income for survival, they will take a position just for the pay. However, taking a job just because it pays well is not always the best choice.
This podcast episode talks about factors other than just high paycheck that can be important.
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Do employers care about age? The Age Discrimination Employment Act is in place to protect people over the age of 40 in the workplace. The act was formed to prohibit discrimination of employment based on age. This includes hiring and firing. Salary, promotions, training, benefits, and any other terms or conditions of employment are also included.
Although it is not exactly legal for an employer to discriminate based on age, it happens much more frequently than most of the business world would like to admit. Discrimination in the workplace based on age is common and some organizations even make it a regular habit.
This podcast talks about the issues with employment age discrimination.
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Colleges are doing a disservice in not advising students to be cautious of incurring student debt. This is particularly the case today when the gamble of a college degree is not quite as good as it once was. Not only are colleges doing a disservice, but also high schools and many academic counselors. Society in general is not helping when it comes to college debt. This is due to the perceptions and expectations that college is the only path to success.
This podcast episode talks about why colleges, high schools, and society, in general, does not talk much about the issues with college debt.
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Renters insurance is far too often something people are either not aware of its existence or believe the cost is just excessive. Insurance in general is just a topic many folks don’t want to talk about until it’s too late. Buying insurance is something most people don’t think they need until a situation comes up where it is needed.
If you are renting a place to live there is a good chance you currently do not have renter’s insurance. For a renter that doesn’t have insurance, there are several reasons why you should.
This podcast talks about the reasons to have renters insurance and the misconceptions with it.
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The Narcissistic Boss Working for someone that is a narcissist can be toxic. For this reason, it is important to identify the signs of a narcissistic boss. The decision to stay with an employer that allows terrible behavior can be a difficult one. There are some ways to deal with narcissistic people in the workplace, but the stress will likely take its toll over time.
This podcast episode talks about the signs and problems with a narcissistic boss.
The Student Loan Problem
The student loan issue is nothing new and it has been a growing problem for some time now. The rising cost of tuition and the cost of living combined with stagnant wages is part of the problem. Furthermore, a failed education system that has been consistently teaching young adults that a college degree is the only path to financial success is only adding to the student loan crisis.
This podcast episode talks about how student loan debt has become such a big problem. Is there a way to correct the issue and how could this be accomplished?
There isn’t just one simple reason a lot of jobs do not pay enough for a person to afford to live any longer in America. The answer really is a combination of several factors. The problem has been a growing issue of several challenges for some time now.
This podcast episode looks at why so many people in America no longer can afford to live on the money they make.
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A growing number of Americans are retiring outside of the United States. This is partly due to retirees increasingly having a challenging time financially. Also, more retired people are choosing to relocate abroad because they realize the U.S. will be just too expensive to live up to the lifestyle desired. Not having enough income in retirement is a serious issue and more people are solving this problem moving abroad. Although some retirees are moving abroad for a sense of adventure and change of life, the primary motivation is often a financial one.
This podcast episode talks about why more Americans are choosing to retire outside the United States.
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College and the Pandemic The coronavirus has created some questions on what higher education will look like in the future. It is impossible to predict. However, the pandemic will forever change several universities without question. The changes in higher education due to the pandemic today are going to have a lasting impact for some time. Some of these adjustments will certainly be welcomed while others might not be so positive. The future is unknown, but the challenges and changes are guaranteed.
This Smart Start Money Podcast episode talks about the challenges with college related to the pandemic and how many schools will be changed forever.
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It is estimated that 1 in 5 Americans have no retirement savings at all. Not having sufficient retirement income is a serious issue for much of America. The average savings is much lower than it should be and there are several reasons why.
There are some real changes that need to be made for Americans to have a future and one that includes retirement.
This podcast episode talks about the average retirement savings in America and the issues with the amount being very low. The recent pandemic has only added to the likelihood of the average retirement savings falling even further for most of the United States.
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The pandemic the world is experiencing with COVID-19 has forced numerous employers to allow more of their employees to work remotely. Although many companies have resisted widespread remote work policies for some time, more have been forced to accept it. With cell phones, computers, and conference technology, working remotely is not as difficult as some employers would freely like to admit.
Proponents of remote and telecommute work have claimed for some time now that the benefits of working away from a traditional office far outweigh the negatives. While many jobs are now performed at home during the pandemic, companies are discovering not all roles need to be in a traditional office space. Employers have been forced to embrace a work from home policy. Will the trend of remote work continue following the pandemic?
This podcast episode talks about the remote workforce resulting from the pandemic and if companies are likely to continue to allow remote work once the pandemic is over.
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Getting advice from a financial advisor can be advantageous in the right setting, but it isn’t something every investor needs. The truth is that for most people the reasons to not have a financial advisor can outweigh the advantages.
This podcast episode revisits a question on hiring a financial advisor. Why do a lot of people say a financial advisor is not worth it?
Saving for retirement should be one of the biggest financial goals that you have through your working life. Putting money away for a home can also be something important if homeownership is something you want to accomplish.
There can be a real danger of saving too much money for retirement or buying a home without having a financial foundation.
This podcast episode talks about the importance of having a financial foundation prior to saving for retirement or home.
Is index investing a good choice? Index fund investing has grown in popularity as a passive investment strategy to invest in the market. It is now estimated that almost half of the market is composed of passive investing. With an increasing number of people no longer looking to financial professionals who are unable to consistently beat average market returns, investors are many times choosing index funds.
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Do employers seek out either an introvert or an extrovert in their hiring process?
Looking at introverts compared to extroverts in the workplace I wanted to see if most employers have a preference of one over the other. Conclusive confirmation over what most hiring managers prefer was very challenging to find. However, I did find some key information that tends to show introverts often have a more challenging time in the workplace.
This podcast episode looks at introverts and extroverts in the workplace.
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Should having debt be normal? The kind of debt defines it as being positive or negative. For investing it can be positive to have debt. If you can take a loan and have an investment appreciate faster than the money borrowed, this can be good debt.
Negative debt, unfortunately, is the kind of debt most people have. This comes in the form of something like an auto loan. Vehicles are a depreciating debt and can be negative. Credit cards with high-interest rates can also be a negative debt.
This podcast episode talks about debt and if it is just a normal part of life for people.
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Are stock buybacks good? Stock buybacks have been a debate for some time now. With outrageous company executive and CEO compensation tied to stock options and pleasing shareholders, the practice of buying back a company’s stock has become commonplace. This is all while American workers have been consistently outsourced in favor of cheaper labor and employer-provided benefits are steadily reduced.
This podcast episode takes a look at stock buybacks.
- What are stock buybacks?
- The problems using buybacks frequently
- Issues with stock buybacks and government financial assistance due to the pandemic
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Recurring Bank Fees Are a Waste of Money Today’s technology and choices for banking make it much easier to find one that offers great service but without all the hidden fees or ongoing charges.
There are alternatives to the mega fee big banks that only have their profits and shareholders’ interests in mind.
This podcast talks about bank fees and how to avoid them.
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Thinking About Moving for a Job?
The decision to relocate for employment can be a big one. The choice can affect a person personally and professionally. Problems with moving for a new employer can only be greater when the person has a spouse and children. There are so many details to consider moving for work. How do you know what the right decision is?
This Smart Start Money podcast talks about relocating for work.
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Can people who are affected by COVID-19 recover their savings or is that money truly gone for them?
The pandemic being experienced in America and around the world is likely going to have long-lasting consequences. Financially some people will have no choice but to use savings intended for other things. This might include money planned for retirement or education. Some people will be able to eventually replace the money spent to make ends meet during a difficult time, but many more will likely never fully recover.
This podcast episode talks about the loss of a person's savings during the pandemic and the future.
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Online Reviews: Fake or Real? If you have purchased anything online, you know most sellers have some type of product or service review. This often comes with something like a star rating. These ratings are designed to inform customers of quality and customer service. However, the evaluations provided are not always completely honest.
This podcast episode talks about the problems with fake product and service reviews.
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Do employers view online higher education as less desirable compared to a traditional college education?
The success of online education can depend on a number of factors. Because attending a university online is becoming more common, there is no longer quite as large of an issue with employers and online degrees. However, there are still numerous employers holding onto traditional values and they favor a traditional college education.
This podcast episode talks about how employers are likely to view a college education earned completely online.
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What are some good financial lessons that everyone is learning from the pandemic? The current global pandemic the world is experiencing will forever change many lives individually, entire families, and future generations. For people that lose loved ones, there is no recovery that will ever be made. The psychological and economic impact of the Coronavirus will never be forgotten, but some lessons can be learned.
From a financial and economic perspective, it will be important to learn from this experience to be better prepared for the future. Not everything has been a complete disaster. I am hopeful there will be some real changes in the future that we can make by learning from this experience.
This podcast episode talks about some of the expected financial lessons America and the world are going to learn from the pandemic.
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401k and Employer Matching Contributions It is true that not taking advantage of an employer matching contribution to a 401k is like giving up free money. However, there are reasons some people chose not to contribute to their 401k even when an employer will put in some money to help.
This podcast episode talks about why more people do not take advantage of an employer-provided 401k and particularly when there is a matching dollar amount.
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The wealth gap in America is likely going to get a whole lot bigger.
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted lives socially, economically, and will forever change some families who experience lost loved ones. The lasting effects are going to likely remain for decades while future generations feel the impact of what not only America is experiencing, but the entire world. Before the Coronavirus, a growing gap between the wealthy and poor already existed. The separation between the rich and poor has increased substantially in the last 40 years.
The wealthy and powerful are better positioned for recovery from a pandemic and for this reason the income gap is about to get a whole lot wider.
This podcast episode talks about the income gap in America and how the Coronavirus with an economic shutdown is going to speed up the gap further between the rich and poor. There are solutions, but changes need to be made to ensure all of America has a future.
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Should a recent college graduate be putting 15% into their 401k? Saving for retirement is and should be one of the most important financial goals for just about anyone. However, for a recent college graduate with a first job in the professional world, it is important to have a financial foundation in place first before putting too much money into retirement.
This podcast episode talks about the importance of having a financial foundation before putting too much money away for retirement. Saving for retirement is important and starting at a young age can make it easier to reach a goal. However, there are some dangers if an early withdrawal is needed.
Payday Lenders Are Not There to Help People that find themselves in an emergency money situation have several choices to choose from for solving the problem. Credit cards, an emergency fund or a loan from a relative is sometimes an answer to short term financial issues. However, a lot of individuals are forced to use Payday loans. These easy loans come with little or no credit requirements. They can be a simple way to get money fast for someone in a bad financial situation. Even though Payday loans might give people quick access to cash, they are an evil business in the world of loans.
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How Do We Fix the Future of Retirement in America? The pandemic currently being experienced around the world has certainly disrupted lives socially and economically. Although it seems most people are dealing with it the best they can and experts continually state everything will eventually be better, I am personally concerned about the future of retirement. Future generations and plans for retirement might not only be affected by the downturn seen in the stock market along with the economy most recently but also the impact is likely going to last for some foreseeable time.
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Renting vs Buying a House There is always some debate over the better choice when it comes to renting or buying a home and there are valid arguments to each side. If you are debating over the decision to rent or buy, there are some key details to consider.
This podcast episode looks at the advantages and disadvantages of homeownership.
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Insider Trading and Politics Insider trading has been known to be an illegal practice for some time. For politicians and lawmakers trading on information not available to the public is really nothing new. However, trading on non-public information for Congress was supposed to theoretically stop in 2012 with the Stock Act that was put in place to prevent these people from taking advantage of their positions for financial gain.
With the recent pandemic of COVID-19, many people on Capitol Hill, including lawmakers and congressional aides, have made questionable financial transactions potentially based on information they received that was not public. The alleged misuse of information for financial gain is clearly a problem both legally and from an ethics standpoint, if just not even morally wrong.
This podcast episode takes a look at the issue of politicians and how they need to be held accountable for their actions when it comes to profiting from non-public information.
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When it comes to saving money buying an electric car may be something a person considers. But is it really worth the money for the possible savings?
For someone looking to get out of debt or save more money, an electric car might appear to be a good purchase. Spending much less on gasoline could potentially put more money back into the pocket of a driver. But are we really at a point yet where it makes sense to convert over to a pure electric mode of transportation?
This podcast episode looks at electric automobiles and if driving one will truly save money.
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This Smart Start Money Podcast episode answers a question that was recently received.
"Is minimum wage in the U.S. job specific? Do CEO's have a minimum wage that they earn?"
This podcast looks at how CEO's are paid compared to someone that makes minimum wage.
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If you have started selling online for a little extra money or even for a full-time income, the rewards can be great. But there are hazards you will encounter. In particular, there are scammers, fraudsters, and just plain old nasty people looking to take advantage of sellers online.
This podcast episode talks about some of the scams buyers use to take advantage of online sellers and how to avoid problems.
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It seems like there is an extended warranty for just about anything today. Although it might sound like a good idea to purchase the extended warranty on something like a television or even an automobile, is it really ever a good deal?
This podcast episode talks about why companies offer extended warranties and if it ever makes sense to buy one.
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How much life insurance a person should have is not the same for everyone. Some experts just throw out a figure, such as 8-12 times someone’s annual income, for the correct dollar amount to carry. The problem with this is every person’s situation, income, and age are not the same.
This Smart Start Money Podcast episode talks about how much life insurance a person should have.
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Having a monthly budget is important for planning financially. Knowing where our money is spent helps achieve financial goals. This can include getting out of debt or saving for retirement. The idea of tracking income and expenses seems like it should be an easy task. However, sticking to a budget is not always simple.
This podcast episode covers 4 common reasons a monthly budget can fail and how to avoid them.
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On this Smart Start Money Podcast episode, we take a look at a question that recently came in regarding minimum wage. Does the cost of living generally rise when the minimum wage is increased?
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With the growing popularity of the Robo-Advisor, are they a good option compared to a conventional financial professional?
This podcast episode looks at what a Robo-Advisor is and the pros versus the cons for using one.
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There seems to be a real lack of customer service for many businesses today. With advances in technology, big discount mega-retailers and online shopping becoming the standard for consumers, the human interaction of customer service seems to be disappearing.
I recently had a terrible experience with a big box home improvement store and also a local plumbing company. With the decline in customer service experiences I recently have had, I wanted to research this issue further and see if businesses really care about their customers like they once did. What I found with some of the information was not only disturbing, but some of it was also encouraging. Luckily technology has not just been a killer of customer service with no interaction business chat sessions and robot answering services.
If you have an issue with some of the service you receive when making a purchase, there are some things you can do and you should do something. After all, you are paying for a product or service and should get what you pay for.
This podcast episode discusses how customer service for big and small businesses seems to be lacking in today's world and how you can fight back when you have a poor customer experience.
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Choosing a type of life insurance can be complicated. There is term insurance and whole life insurance. Indexed Universal Life is a type of whole life insurance. It is sometimes presented by agents as a type of investment with market upside potential without downside loss. This is catchy because who would not want an investment that only has upside potential?
There are pros and cons to having an Indexed Universal Life policy. This podcast episode looks at both of them and concentrates on the con’s as this will apply to almost everyone, except those rare situations. These scarce situations need to have all the stars aligned in the universe for it to be right and you will learn why.
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Mutual funds can be a great choice for investing. They offer a number of advantages over other types of investments and are a popular choice for retirement planning. When it comes to choosing the right mutual funds, it can be difficult navigating all of the choices available. There are thousands of mutual funds to pick from and company retirement plans likely only have a limited amount of these available for selection. How do you choose the right mix of mutual funds when you are investing?
This podcast episode looks at 10 things to consider when choosing mutual funds.
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Americans spend more than $7,700 per year on groceries and dining out. For the people living in the suburbs of big cities, food is the third biggest expense. Residents of major cities tend to spend more on food than anything else except a place to live.
There is nothing wrong with eating out, but doing it several nights each and every week will be costly. Most people eat out a majority of the time due to convenience, but it does not have to take a lot of time to eat more at home. It won’t only save a lot of money, but it will make you healthier.
This podcast episode looks at the high cost of eating out.
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Not every young adult needs to go to college nor should everyone get a college education. However, giving someone at least the opportunity for a college education can make a difference in their life.
This podcast episode answers the question "Is It Selfish Not to Pay for Kids' College?
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Hiring a qualified financial professional can be challenging. You might get a referral from a friend or relative. A co-worker might even suggest an advisor they work with. Yet, how do you know the referral is the right person for you? Are they qualified, trustworthy and do they have integrity?
This podcast episode covers twenty-five questions to ask a financial professional you might be considering hiring to manage your investments.
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The benefit of attending college can be a valuable one. It is a good time for a person to learn about themselves and their interests. However, the cost of a college education can be high and leave a mountain of debt for years following graduation. Saving for attending college should be part of any financial plan if there is an intention to go to school in the future. This is particularly the case for people that have children. 529 College Savings Plans make saving money for an education attainable.
This podcast episode looks at what 529 College Savings Plans are and who can benefit from one.
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The question always seems to come up, “Do Ivy League graduates earn more money compared to other public university graduates?” The benefits of an Ivy League education compared to other universities has been a debate for some time. I wanted to see if I could uncover the facts to decide for one side or the other. Is an Ivy League education worth the price?
This podcast episode looks at whether the investment of an Ivy League education always leads to financial success.
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There can be several approaches to the issues of unemployment. Most of the time the argument includes taxes. However, there is a much bigger issue with keeping jobs in America and it is not a new one. This problem is one that has been building for some time and it's not just American jobs in jeopardy. It's also national security.
This podcast episode looks at some ways to reduce unemployment in America and how to keep people working. Not only keep them working, but also earning a better wage.
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Young adults today many times are labeled as lazy or disconnected in the workplace by previous generations. Although there might be some millennials not wanting to work, this is no different than any other generation. There are always people that want to get to the top as fast as they can in life.
Generations previous to millennials many times label them unfairly. Baby boomers don’t seem to quite understand millennials and their work ethic. The boomers and previous generations see millennials as a generation that appears to feel entitled. But is this really the case? Do millennials really expect career and financial success too fast or is there something else that has made them seem different?
This podcast episode looks at why millennials are different in the workplace when compared to previous generations. They just might actually be somewhat disconnected and there are valid reasons why.
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I recently responded to a question on why people in their 30's and 40's work for less than a higher wage. Some of the comments I saw on this subject were not only disrespectful, but they were simply not the truth. Not all older people that work for lower wages are drug addicts, ex-cons or government system leaches.
This podcast episode takes a look at why many people are working for less than they are likely qualified to earn.
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How can you save money on new technology?
From the newest cell phone to computers, the newest technology can be expensive.
This Smart Start Money podcast episode looks at ways to save money when it comes to buying the latest and greatest technology.
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Saving for retirement is crucial for everyone. Defined benefit plans, such as a pension plan, is not something that is readily available for most people any longer.
For many year’s pensions were a standard retirement plan that many employers provided. Some do still offer these, but they are becoming much rarer. Most employers have opted to offer 401k plans in place of these because they can be less expensive to administer. As companies continue cost-cutting and fuel the philosophy of more with less, more defined benefit pension plans will likely start to disappear.
Being 401k’s are for retirement, it is important for plan participants to ensure the investments have the possibility of growing as much as possible and also avoid mistakes.
This podcast episode looks at things you should and should not do with your 401k.
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Company Human Resource departments are often labeled as being there to help employees. This could only be further from the truth.
HR departments are not employee advocates. Their main objective is to keep a business out of trouble with the government and employment laws. Issues, such as sexual harassment and discrimination, are a few examples of real problems that do exist. The EOC (Equal Opportunity Commission) has a number of laws in place to protect workers. It is the Human Resource department’s responsibility to ensure a company does not get caught up in complaints that have the potential for further action.
This Smart Start Money podcast episode looks at what role a Human Resource Department really has. It isn't to help with conflict resolution or assist employees with their problems. The truth is HR does not care about you. Their role is to do the very best from the moment you walk in the door to protect the company that provides for them.
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If you are currently job hunting or even considering a career change, finding a good employer to work for is important. Not only is the employer investing in you, but you will be spending a great deal of your time with your new chosen employer. This is time away from your family, hobbies, and interests.
The problem with how to find a good employer today is they are becoming smaller in numbers. Employers are increasingly seeing their employees as being an expendable resource.
This podcast episode talks about things to look for in a good place to work. A workplace that is respectful and one that rewards people for their contributions.