SavvySugar -- It Makes Sense.

Ask Savvy: Should I Apply For Every Job Available?

SavvySugar — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 07:30:28 -0800

Dear Savvy,

I'm wondering what you think is the best method for getting into a company. I am looking for a job in my area, and there is a specific company that I want to work for.

My knee-jerk reaction is to apply for any job that I am capable of doing, but the more I think about it the more I think that it may not be a good idea. Does applying for every job available at a company look bad or does it get your name into company conversation?

See my answer when you

Ask Savvy: How Should I Discuss Salary in a Bad Economy?

SavvySugar — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 09:30:38 -0800

Dear Savvy,

With the economy the way it is, what's the average pay cut people are being forced to take after their position is eliminated and they need a job? And what is the best way to handle an employer asking what salary you are looking for in this kind of economy?

See my answer when you

Ask Savvy: Should I Keep a High Limit Credit Card I Don't Want?

SavvySugar — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 09:30:53 -0700

Dear Savvy,

I have a store credit card with a $1,500 limit that I've had for about six years, which I use occasionally to earn store points. They recently changed their program and switched to an actual MasterCard, and sent me a new card with an $11,000 limit. I did not ask for the new card and I certainly don't need it. How will this affect my credit and is it better to keep it or should I send it back as refused?

See my answer when you

Ask Savvy: Should I Apply For a Personal Loan?

SavvySugar — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 12:30:51 -0700

Dear Savvy,

I've been meaning to take a $5,000 personal loan. However, as you may know, my bank WaMu was bought by JP Morgan Chase. I'm not sure what kind of effects this would have on me or my bank. Should I hold off or go to different banks? Also, since we are in economic crisis, will it harm me in the future if I do consider going through with this?

See my answer when you

Ask Savvy: What Should I Wear to a Job Interview?

SavvySugar — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 09:30:45 -0700

Q: Dear Savvy,

I have an advanced degree in Science and Engineering and am currently job hunting. I keep seeing and hearing conflicting reports about what to wear to my interviews. Any advice?

A: Office attire seems to be a common theme this week — the Project Runway contestants certainly had some interesting and varied ideas of what attire is appropriate for a college graduate entering the working world. Some of their creations may have passed once you've been established as an employee, but figuring out what to wear on an interview is more pressing because it's all about making your best first impression. See my tips for interview appropriate attire when you

Ask Savvy: When Should I Cancel My Credit Card?

SavvySugar — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 12:30:32 -0700

Dear Savvy,

Is it a good idea to cancel a credit card you are paying off instead of waiting until you pay it off entirely?

A: No, you need to keep a card open until the balance has been paid off completely. After your balance is zeroed out, call the issuer and ask for your card to be canceled with a note to the credit bureaus that the account was "closed at customer's request."

Find out more things to consider regarding credit card cancellation when you

Tough Job Choice: Fellow TeamSugar Member Needs Help!

SavvySugar — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 06:30:32 -0700

I received this message from a TeamSugar member in need of immediate help! She has a tough job choice to make and must decide by Monday. Situations like these don't always have an obvious right answer, but there's usually a best answer. Can you help her find it?

Dear Savvy,

I have a tough job decision to make and I really don't know what to do. My old boss (whom I have stayed in contact with over the years) called to offer me a position at his new company. The position is for a job that I held at our old company that I really enjoyed. I currently work from home for my husband's company. My old boss offered me the exact salary I am making now, but I know I would need at least 5k more than that a year, to compensate for travel and food at the office.

Also, what is bothering me is how much I enjoy working with my husband. I love it! But some months are very lean because the contracts just don't come in, so a secure paycheck could really help. Also, having a secure paycheck would help with our desire to buy a house. But I have so much liberty working from home that it is hard for me to make a decision to go back to the 9 to 5. Please help me figure this out! He wants a decision by Monday.

—Tough Job Choice

Source

Ask Savvy: How to Manage Money as a Couple

SavvySugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 09:30:39 -0700

Dear Savvy,

My fiance and I combined our finances shortly after we got engaged last August, and I am in charge of managing our money. We're getting married in November. Right now, we pay everything we can with a credit card. This includes any bills we can charge (phone, cable, rent) and all our daily expenses. The plan was that every month we would pay off the card. I figured this would make sure that we never overdrew our checking account.

The problem is that every month it seems like we spend a little more than we can send to the card, and over time that amount is really adding up. My credit is very good, and the card we use was originally in my name only, so we have a very low interest rate. However, it was never my intention for us to be carrying a balance on this card.

I'm afraid if we switch to using a check card and paying all bills directly from checking, we'll risk overdrawing the account. But I know the current credit card plan isn't working, because we are just going into debt. I need help!

See my advice when you

Ask Savvy: What to Say When Asking For a Lower Interest Rate

SavvySugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 09:30:07 -0700

Dear Savvy,

I currently am trying to pay off a high revolving balance on my Citibank MasterCard. I have a good credit rating (730-740) and am current on all my bills with no late payments. My current credit card interest rate is 14.99 percent. I heard that if you contact the credit card company and say that you are receiving offers for lower rates in the mail they would lower your interest rate. I would do this but I don't know what to say or what would be considered a reasonable interest rate. Can you help?

See my answer when you

Ask Savvy: Should I Mention My Sorority on My Résumé?

SavvySugar — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 11:04:36 -0700

Dear Savvy,

I just finished a masters degree in engineering and I'm applying for jobs. My question is about my résumé, namely whether I should include the sorority I belonged to in undergrad. I've had it on there along with my other more technical activities to show that I'm well-rounded and social, but I've heard that some recruiters can be disdainful of someone mentioning something frivolous like a sorority.

My undergraduate school was a small technical university so the sorority scene was a far cry from partying animal-house antics, and it really was just a way to have a social life in a school with lots of antisocial kids who sat in their rooms playing video games all the time. So many engineers have trouble working with people, that I thought mentioning my sorority might be a good way to show that I am in fact social and good at teamwork, etc. But I guess I'm worried it could be misconstrued so I'm thinking about taking it off. Any thoughts on this from people with more experience would be greatly appreciated.

See my answer and share your own thoughts in the comments. Just

Ask Savvy: In Need of Savings Tricks to Pay Off Debt

SavvySugar — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:30:13 -0700

Dear Savvy,

I read the Savvy posts almost every day because I am in tons of debt and seriously need help. I'm the type of person that needs actual tricks to save. I have zero willpower when it comes to money. I keep seeing the Bank of America adds for Keep the Change and I feel that could really work for me. I was just wondering if you knew of any Canadian institutions offering similar programs. I've tried searching on the Internet but with no success. Any more tricks you could offer?

See my answer when you

What Happens If My Husband Has Bad Credit, or No Credit at All?

SavvySugar — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:30:35 -0700

You know it's important to maintain your own credit identity when you're married, but here's what ehadams is curious about: "What happens to credit when you get married? For example, if he has bad (or no credit) and you have excellent credit, what happens?" The answer to this is less complicated than going through the process of changing your last name! Find out what it is when you

Ask Savvy: How Do I Know If a Collections Agency Is Real?

SavvySugar — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 09:34:36 -0700

Dear Savvy,

I just received a letter from a collections agency (RJM Acquisitions) for an overdrawn checking account. It says the date account opened was 12/14/01. I had gone through some rough times and around that time had defaulted on two credit cards. A couple years ago, two different collection agencies contacted me on those and I paid them off. When I look up this company online, Rip Off Reports and such are pretty much all that come up, so I feel like this might be something fishy. My question is this: What do I do to confirm this is real and legal? I don't have any bank records or information from that time.

See my answer when you

Ask Savvy: Who Should I Address My Cover Letter To?

SavvySugar — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:27:20 -0700

Dear Savvy,

I am writing a cover letter to a position I am dying to get and therefore, wanting everything to be perfect. Here is my dilemma: I know both the full names of the recruiter and the hiring manager. Whose name should I use when addressing the cover letter?

In addition to that, what else should I do to let them know that I would love, love, love to get the job and will be the most hard-working employee they have ever hired? I know about this position via the company's external career website but I will have somebody who is working for the company forward my résumé and make the introduction. What else can I do?

See my answer when you

Ask Savvy: My Boyfriend's Parents Ruined His Credit

SavvySugar — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 12:34:16 -0700

Dear Savvy,

My boyfriend's family has had a lot of money problems in the past few years that they kept hidden from him. Things all came out in the open when he was kicked out of school because his parents couldn't pay his tuition, which they had told him was already paid. Turns out they had almost lost their house and had to resort to opening credit cards in both his and his brother's names, which they couldn't afford to make payments on.

He's been working hard to try and pay off the debt his parents put him in, but it seems like every time he gets close they tell him of another loan or credit card in his name that he didn't know about. He can't even go back to school because he can't get a loan anywhere to pay for it, and is now afraid he will never be able to get a good job. Is there anything he can do to help his situation, or is his credit going to be bad forever?

See my answer when you

Ask Savvy: Is It Too Late to Follow-Up After My Interview?

SavvySugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:34:47 -0700

Dear Savvy,

I interviewed for a job nearly two weeks ago. I thought the interview went very well, but I haven't yet heard back. I sent thank-you notes to the HR Director, as well as to the hiring manager. The hiring manager actually responded to my email with "we'll be in touch." Now that two weeks have passed, should I assume they chose someone else, should I stay patient, or should I follow-up?

Unfortunately I did not think to ask them about their hiring process and time-line during the interview. If I follow-up, what would be appropriate? Asking if I'm still being considered or if they would like more information? And should I follow-up with both individuals I spoke with? I'm seeking advice because I'm afraid my desperation to land this job is outweighing my good judgment!

See my answer when you

Ask Savvy: How to Respond When Asked For Salary Requirements

SavvySugar — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:32:34 -0700

Dear Savvy,

When you are applying for a job and they ask for your salary requirements how should you respond, especially if you do not have a current salary? I just graduated from law school and I am looking for my first job as a lawyer and have no idea how to respond to this.

See my answer when you

Ask Savvy: Unemployed and Unsure of What to Do For Money

SavvySugar — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:31:21 -0700

Dear Savvy,

I've been unemployed for over a month now and am unsure of what to do for money. I've sent out around 30-40 applications for various jobs, mostly administrative assistant positions and I'd say I was well qualified for at least 90 percent of those jobs. I am signed up for two temp agencies but neither seems to have any jobs at all right now. I've applied for unemployment but it's been a very slow process. I'm feeling incredibly frustrated and helpless, what can I do for money for my basic necessities? Borrowing from my parents is not an option.

See my answer when you

Ask Savvy: How Do I Approach My Boss About More Money?

SavvySugar — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 12:41:11 -0700

Dear Savvy,

I love my job and the company I work for. I've just recently hit my one-year mark and received the typical yearly raise. However, I am weeks away from finishing my masters degree (which does relate to my job) and my salary, even with the raise, does not reflect what I should be earning as a master. Is there a proper way to approach my boss to talk about new responsibilities and compensation once I finish my degree?

See my answer when you

Ask Savvy: What Should a Cover Letter Include?

SavvySugar — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:36:49 -0700

Dear Savvy,

My problem is not exactly related to my résumé, but I am having problems when it comes to my cover letter. I don't know what it should include or how to correctly send one. So what should a cover letter include? Also, I usually sent my resume via email because that's the way they want to receive it, but should I send it as a PDF or a .doc?

See my suggestions and share your own in the comments! Just

Ask Savvy: Should Engagement Announcements Include School and Work Details?

SavvySugar — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 12:34:28 -0700

Dear Savvy,

I am looking ahead to engagement announcements in newspapers for my upcoming wedding. Is it necessary to list where both the bride and groom went to college and subsequently what each does for a living? I do not mind, but my soon-to-be fiancé says he doesn't want his place of work in the article. Also, is it still customary to put a picture of just the bride or of both bride and groom? I would love to see what fellow Sugars suggest about things like including education and work in the engagement announcements!

See my answer and then share your own opinion in the comments! Just

Ask Savvy: I Relocated and Was Laid Off After Two Weeks, What Are My Rights?

SavvySugar — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 10:58:53 -0700

Dear Savvy,

I have a major dilemma that I'm hoping you can help me with. I moved to Seattle for a job that seemed great on paper but turned out to be a total nightmare. They actually let me go after 2 weeks, without any reason given other than "you weren't the right one" — this is after I just moved several states away from home, and before I was given a chance to perform my job! Because of the lovely legal agreement known as a contract, I now have to pay $3,700 to break my lease.

Sad, this has been an absolute nightmare and I want to know — what are my rights? I have only had the keys to the apartment for a week! If I absolutely have no rights and must pay that ridiculous fee to break my lease, can I write the $3,700 (plus the first month's rent and deposit) off as a relocation/job-search expense? Thanks so much for your help, I am truly devastated by this turn of events.

See my answer when you

Ask Savvy: Looking For a Job While Pregnant

SavvySugar — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 11:04:50 -0700

Dear Savvy,

I am a recent college graduate. I feel like I should be looking for a position in line with my degree, but I am also four months pregnant. Should I wait until after the birth of my child or start looking now?

See my answer and weigh in with your own opinion in the comments! Just

Ask Savvy: When Compensation Prevents Employers From Hiring You

SavvySugar — Fri, 30 May 2008 04:07:30 -0700

TeamSugar member polrber182 posted this toughie in my Résumé Remedy group, but it isn't her résumé that's causing employers to refrain from hiring her. Here's her question.

I've been working in marketing for almost 9 years now. I need to find a job closer to my home (gas!!). However, all my résumé responses have been "We only pay XX, sorry." For some reason they all assume I will not take a pay cut. How do I indicate that money is not the object, the job is!

To see my answer just

Ask Savvy: Is It Acceptable to Apply For Multiple Positions at One Company?

SavvySugar — Tue, 20 May 2008 12:32:59 -0700

Dear Savvy,
I am in the post-grad school job search process and am wondering if it is appropriate to apply for more than one position within the same organization? I'm worried that it may show a lack of commitment, but they are all positions I'd be interested in and mostly qualified for.

To see my answer just

Ask Savvy: Should I Ask For a Raise or Look For Another Job?

SavvySugar — Tue, 13 May 2008 12:32:45 -0700

Dear Savvy,

I need your help and advice! A year and a half ago I started an awesome job with a company. It was perfect for what I needed then. It was close to home and was relatively small in size, so it was very personal and I have grown to be friends with a lot of the people here. Since I have started, I have grown a lot and learned a lot. I am still very young in the eyes of a professional, but even on my yearly review I was told that they couldn’t believe my work ethic for someone my age and that I am a very good worker and they are glad they have me around.

But here’s the problem – I am not getting paid enough. I live in a city where there is a great economic boom, people working at fast food joints can make up to $15 an hour! I recently got my yearly raise, but when it boils down to it. . . . I need more. The cost of living here has also taken a hike up, and I can barely afford to pay my bills and save on what they pay me let alone try to go on a vacation.

My question is this, should I ask for another raise, or should I just look elsewhere for a job? I have been doing my research and figure I can make at least an extra $3,000/year if I found a job somewhere else, which could really go a long way for me.

To see my answer just

Ask Savvy: How Can I Save Money on My European Vacation?

SavvySugar — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:27:07 -0700

Dear Savvy,

On June 10^th I'm leaving to go to Europe for two weeks with my roommate. Her family is loaded, but mine? Not so much. I've been working a lot but since I'm in college, I really am trying to have a budget. Basically, do you have any tips on saving money while there? I'll be going to London, Paris, and Rome for four days each. All I've heard about is how awful the exchange rate is so I understand I'll be spending a significant amount of money. I think there are different currencies in London than there are in Paris and Rome, so I'm assuming I'll need different types of money as well. I could use any advice you could give me, like should I use my credit card overseas — basically any kind of money saving tips! I'd really appreciate it!

To see my answer just,

Ask Savvy: Should I Invest in a Roth IRA or CD?

SavvySugar — Tue, 06 May 2008 06:48:57 -0700

Dear Savvy,

I'm a college freshman and I took Economics about 2 years ago and I vaguely remember my teacher advising we should invest some money into a Roth IRA or CD. I don't have a job right now, but this summer I'm definitely looking to work for as long as I can. How would this affect my financial aid eligibility in school? What is the difference between the two and the pros and cons? Lastly, What should I do?

To see my answer just

Ask Savvy: What Should I Consider When Opening a Brokerage Account?

SavvySugar — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 09:55:22 -0700

SweetPeasMom asked this important question in my Ask Savvy group — have you joined yet?

My husband and I are starting to look at investment and retirement accounts. Right now, we've decided on a Traditional IRA. Does it make a difference where we get an IRA? If so, what do we want to look for in choosing the bank/credit union/etc?

To see my answer just

Ask Savvy: Should I Use Someone Else's Address on My Resume?

SavvySugar — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 08:30:41 -0700

Dear Savvy,

I'm relocating to a very popular city and I've been told one of the reasons I haven't been getting responses is that I don't have a local address. I stay with close friends when visiting the city for job interviews, and they recommended I use their address on resumes/cover letters. Is this practice pretty typical, or will it come back to haunt me?

To see my answer just

Ask Savvy: I Can't Pay the IRS in Full, What Should I Do?

SavvySugar — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 08:02:57 -0700

Dear Savvy,

Yesterday I got a notice that I owe the IRS for a 2-year-old tax error. The amount is more than I have and I have only one option of paying it and that is to make payments. I called the IRS and they said that I could make payments for up to 60 months at 6 percent interest and there is a $105 dollar fee. The other option I have is to send them the entire amount owed with a check I received from a credit card I have. The fee for that is $75 and 5.9 percent interest. Just looking at the numbers it makes the most sense to put it on the credit card, however I am trying to get my credit score up. My question is: Does owing the IRS make your credit score decrease? If it does, then I might as well pay them with the credit card check since it would save me a few bucks. However, if the IRS doesn't make the FICO score decrease, I will just pay them and not use the credit line at all on the credit card.

To see my answer with information about convenience checks and unpaid income taxes just

Ask Savvy: Is It Better to Get a Mortgage From a Bank or a Broker?

SavvySugar — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 04:27:30 -0700

Dear Savvy,

My fiance and I are just getting into the process of buying our first house. We were just walking around and found an amazing house at an amazing price. Neither of us have gone through the process of getting pre-qualified for a loan so I have a few questions of what would be the best way to go about it. I have heard there are two ways, getting your mortgage through a bank and pay less fees but possibly not get the best rate, or get your mortgage through a broker and possibly get a better rate, but with higher fees. I have a credit score that is pretty high (above national average) so I want to take advantage of that. What do you suggest is the best way to go about this? Would you suggest a credit union?

To see my answer just

Ask Savvy: Why Was My Credit Card Application Denied? Part II

SavvySugar — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 09:52:56 -0700

Dear Savvy,

I'm new at this credit thing and I'm not sure when or why I should check my credit report. I have never had a credit card (still don't) but I got denied for one a few weeks ago and I don't know why. Does checking my credit report worsen my credit score? Does getting denied for a card? How often should I check my credit report and/or score? What's the difference?! Obviously I am not financially savvy! No one ever explained to me how to manage credit so now I'm trying to get some and I'm completely lost!

To see my continued answer just

Ask Savvy: Why Was My Credit Card Application Denied? Part I

SavvySugar — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 06:48:19 -0700

Dear Savvy,

To see my answer just

Ask Savvy: Should I Pay Off My Loans or Save For a Home?

SavvySugar — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 08:19:51 -0700

Dear Savvy,

My fiancé and I are thinking about buying a house in the next year or two, and are starting to put aside savings for a down payment. I have quite a bit of money in student loans (about $35,000), and we're not sure if would be more beneficial to be putting any extra money into a fund for a larger down payment or paying off a larger portion of my loans. Which would be better when we are ready to buy our home?

To see my answer just

Ask Savvy: Money Tips For College Students

SavvySugar — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 09:29:11 -0700

Dear Savvy,

I'm still a student and am in my last year of school. While hearing about what I can do about budget and credit card debt has been very helpful, I don't really know what I can do now to reduce/eliminate debt as a student on the cusp of starting a new chapter in her life! Any suggestions?

You bet I have some — to see what they are just

Ask Savvy: Do I Really Need to Know My Credit Score?

SavvySugar — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:32:14 -0700

This excellent question was posted by lemonfizz in my Ask Savvy group: I check my credit reports regularly for errors, but I've never paid extra to find out my credit score because I don't have any plans to take out a mortgage or buy a car (I live in the city and rent). Is there any other reason I'd need to know my credit score?

To see my answer just

Ask Savvy: Tips For Traveling Abroad

SavvySugar — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 09:24:36 -0700

Dear Savvy,

I will be going to the UK this spring, my first international trip in many years. Do you have any tips on exchanging currency, or using debit or credit cards overseas? The dollar is low right now (as you know) - does that change anything I should be doing?

To see my answer just

Ask Savvy: Should I Choose a Roth 401(k) or a Traditional 401(k)?

SavvySugar — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 04:24:40 -0700

My girlfriend, a 25 year-old Human Resources Associate, manages to pay her Manhattan rent and save for retirement. She just got a great new job and asked me what direction to take with her new 401(k). Her employer offers a traditional 401(k) plan and a Roth 401(k) option, and she's not sure which one would be best for her. To see my answer just

Ask Savvy: How to Handle References When My Job Search Is on the DL

SavvySugar — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 11:34:59 -0800

Dear Savvy,

I read your recent post on references, and have a question for you about giving prospective employers job references. What is the etiquette if I'm currently employed and actively seeking a new job, but am trying to do it on the DL as not to make it obvious to my current employer that I'm unhappy at the job? Do I give the prospective employer the go-ahead to contact my current employer as a reference, blowing my cover? I don't want to burn any bridges where I am now by having another person contact my boss and ask them about me, especially if I don't get that job.

To see my answer just

Ask Savvy: Bill Collectors Are Calling Me — But They're Looking For My In-Laws!

SavvySugar — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 07:49:20 -0800

Dear Savvy,

I'm having a problem with creditors calling my house to try to find my in-laws. They evidently aren't paying their bills, and since they don't want to be bothered with the creditors, the creditors end up calling my husband and I. This is happening more and more frequently. My husband hasn't been in contact with most of his family since we got married, almost five years now, for reasons much like this. My question is - is there any way to stop the creditors from calling us? And can this cause harm to our own credit? The creditors themselves are usually very nice, and I feel badly that we can't help them retrieve their money from people who choose not to pay the bills. We tried contacting my husband's mom when this all started, but all she said is that she has it taken care of, and refused to take the contact information for the collection agency. Is there any way to solve this embarrassing problem and is there any safeguarding we should be doing for ourselves?

To read my answer just

Ask Savvy: My Lazy Co-Worker Is Affecting My Morale

SavvySugar — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 04:07:29 -0800

Dear Savvy,

I don't know where else to turn for some advice regarding a certain co-worker. Our company has been expanding and growing very quickly with a lot of success so I have been moved around to different job titles a couple times. Now that our company is all settled down (for the most part) I just can't help but notice that one employee is not doing any work. We both have the same job titles, but she does one thing which takes about 2 hours at the most and the rest of the time she is browsing the internet or doing her own personal errands. This is not just a guess either, I know for a fact because she would AIM me that she is bored and tell me all her personal stuff. She strolls in at 11 am and leaves around 4pm which I would never had cared about, but it bothers me now because our department is soooo busy and she is sooo NOT busy.

My manager and other co-workers have noticed and we have all brushed this off by joking about it. It has always been a burning thought in the back of my head whenever I'm rushing to get things done at work and come in for OVER TIME about why wouldn't anyone say anything about this? Today my manager IM'd me joking about how she doesn't do much around here and that she would probably leave early AGAIN — I just can't stand it anymore! How can I bring this issue up seriously to my boss that this is bothering me? Or should I even bring it up in the first place? It is affecting my morale for working hard if I know there are other employees getting paid more than me for doing a lot less AND my managers (including all the employees) are aware of it.

To see my answer just

Ask Savvy: Can I Ask About Salary Before the Interview?

SavvySugar — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 13:44:32 -0800

Dear Savvy,

Is it totally inappropriate to ask about the salary range of a job up front (before the interview)? I've applied for a job that sounds right up my alley, but that I think might be entry level (I've been in the field for several years). Before I waste my time and the company's time, can I ask what the salary is?

To see my answer just

Ask Savvy: I Regret Co-Signing on a Friend's Car

SavvySugar — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 06:36:40 -0800

Dear Savvy,

I did a stupid thing about two years ago. One of my best friends was going through a life crisis and she needed help purchasing a car. (Her own credit score was bad because an old car dealership screwed her over.) So, she asked me to co-sign on her new car purchase. I don't know how I could be so stupid as to agree to it back then, but I did, thinking I was helping out a friend who was in dire need.

Long story short, she was late three times on her payments and of course my credit score has been affected. I've had to pay for her twice so that my credit score would be protected. She has her life back together now and she hasn't been late in a while but it's still something always on my mind.

Would it be better for her to continue to keep the car and make timely payments to improve my credit score? Or should I ask her to sell the car?

To see my answer please

Ask Savvy: Should I Cancel Idle Credit Cards?

SavvySugar — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 04:01:57 -0800

Dear Savvy,
I recently bought a condo and to buy my furniture did one of those no payments no finance for furniture. Obviously paying off quickly. I'm wondering if I should then immediately cancel the credit card? I'm not planning to use it again. I also have a store card that i never ever use. My question is I've heard conflicting advice that if you cancel the cards it lowers your credit score. Obviously at the moment am not purchasing a home but want to maintain to credit score I have.

To see my answer just

Ask Savvy: Will My Promotion Hurt My Friend's Feelings?

SavvySugar — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 04:04:51 -0800

Dear Savvy,
I've been lucky to get some experience in my dream job but the hours have been lacking until recently. I got a promotion! This means more money, responsibilities and job security — but there's a downside. I worked alongside a friend when times were slow and we were always there for each other, but now I'll be working full-time hours while she works less than part-time. We're both in school during the year and need additional income, and I don't want this promotion to ruin our friendship! Do you have any advice on how I can handle this well?

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