job security

Two new surveys suggest that financial optimism is on the rise. But even with the improving numbers, among average Americans, those who are upbeat about their personal finances are outnumbered by the pessimists, and we're still wary of buying stocks.

Concerns about job security and piles of debt have left American workers more pessimistic about retirement than ever. And many should be concerned: About 60% report total savings and investments of under $25,000 (excluding the value of their home and defined benefit plans.)

A new poll from Bankrate.com shows that only 17% of Americans feel better off financially than they were a year ago. The Financial Security Index fell from 93.9 to 92.8 in October to its second lowest level this year.

According to Bankrate.com's latest Financial Security Index, consumers' feelings about their money and job situations reached a new level of despair for 2011 in early August, with the index hitting a low of 92.3, down from 95.6 the month before.

When I log intoEach time I log in to check my credit card balance I'm always holding Are you like me and hold your breath every time you check your credit card balance? We already know we can't run from our finances, but is there a way to actually relax while tackling money issues? "Even in...

If 2009 ends up anything like 2008, you're going to have to really stand out to get a raise. While excellent performance is a good way to do just that, it may be difficult to do if nobody is buying stuff. Thankfully, there exists another way to merit a raise; continued training. There are plenty of...