Rising mortgage rates will make housing less affordable, but not to worry, Money magazine says. "This rising-rate environment is more likely to temper growth than curtail it altogether." For one thing, economists say that "a better job market will help offset the drag from higher interest rates."
By wire services
Published June 20, 2004
Teens looking for a summer job can take steps to improve their chances of being hired. Fill out applications neatly and with correct spelling, recruiter SnagAJob.com says. Teens who have little or no job experience shouldn't leave that section empty. Use that space to describe any volunteer work and extracurricular activities.
Many employees feel they're overworked, and that's not likely to change soon. Three-quarters of more than 2,600 employees and employers surveyed by Randstad North America said that even if the economy were to sizzle, workers will be asked to keep their heavy loads.
The number of millionaires in North America increased by 14 percent last year as the stock market rallied. Today, about one in 130 Americans has more than $1-million of stock, bonds and other financial assets, according to a report by Capgemini and Merrill Lynch & Co.
Summer typically is a slow season for job hunting and hiring, but career coaching company Clear Rock says it's rich with networking possibilities. Don't overlook opportunities to make new contacts at picnics, beach parties and on long airplane flights.
Many workers admit to surfing the Internet on company time. But there's a big gap between how much personal time they say they spend on their computer and how much information technology people say they do. About half of workers surveyed by a San Diego company said they spend an hour or two each week surfing for their own interests. The IT folks estimate the real number is more than six hours weekly.
