Job development and job recovery could get a shot within the arm from a drop in worker productivity. Companies have enjoyed fat balance sheets by getting more from less after slashing payrolls during the recession. But the work force may be reaching its limit depending on the latest Labor Department report. If that proves to be true, companies may have to start creating jobs to drive the economic recovery they need to keep growing.

A new meaning for falling worker productivity  [read the full article...]

Granny claims she didn't know $50,000 savings invested in high-risk unit trust
By Elysa Chen

September 15, 2008

SHE wanted to put her $50,000 in a fixed deposit account to earn more interest.  [read the full article...]

Hi forumers,

I just started working not long ago and have only savings of a few thousand. Any tips to leverage on what I have currently?

Thanks,
Tez

Three Cheers for the Cheapskate

Spending money now can be fun, but it can hurt your future financial well-being if you don't save enough. Here's how to cut back.

Higher gas and fuel prices are making it harder for Americans to do something they're not too keen on anyway—saving for the future. Even before the recent economic slowdown and spike in commodity prices squeezed household budgets, Americans were spending too much by many measures. The national savings rate has hovered just above 0% in recent years, even as a generation of baby boomers quickly approach retirement. The rate was more than 10% as recently as the 1980s.  [read the full article...]

The Dow's Financial Root Canal
Daryl Guppy  [read the full article...]

You ready for part 2?

I think you are. So let's dive straight in...

10. If it isn’t an absolute necessity, delay the purchase of a car. Even if we don’t take car loan into consideration, other expenses like the road tax, parking fees, insurance, petrol and maintenance of the car are enough to ‘kill’.

BMW is not bad actually – use the Bus, MRT or Walk! Not shabby at all!

   [read the full article...]

CHUCK JAFFE

No skin in the game

With most funds, managers have none of their own funds at stake

By Chuck Jaffe, MarketWatch

Last update: 1:39 p.m. EDT July 6, 2008Comments: 67BOSTON (MarketWatch) --

In times like these, investors would like to take some comfort that they are investing like the pros. Indeed, it's comforting to know that the people running your mutual fund have their money -- and their family's cash -- mixed into the same pool as yours.
Alas, all too often it's not and the fund managers don't have enough belief in what they are doing to actually live by it.  [read the full article...]

Have you ever wanted to do something about your financial health but held back because you think it’s a lot of hassle or you just do not know how?

Then give your attention to the following 17 short and clear cut financial starter tips to get you moving then.

Putting into place simple and straightforward practices can do wonders for your financial well being. Now let’s get acquainted with them, shall we?

1. Plan your monthly budget and be disciplined in sticking to the plan.

   [read the full article...]

ok, i admit i need a dummies guide.
i received this in my email. so i shall share.

creative.asiaone.com/2008/IA/optionetics_IA080617/

Berita Harian Financial Planning Conference 2008 opens for registration

Singapore, 12 June 2008 – The Berita Harian Financial Planning Conference 2008 is now open for registration. The conference, to be held on July 20, 2008 at Raffles City Convention Centre, will look at financial planning for retirement. Mr Lim Boon Heng, Minister, Prime Minister’s Office, will be opening the conference.

Topics relating to the conference theme of “Plan Early, Retire Comfortably” will be discussed. These include the impact of the recent CPF reforms on planning for retirement, the common pitfalls of retirement planning and other sources of retirement funds.  [read the full article...]