Negative interest rates
If you think interest on savings accounts and CDs is low now, just wait until the Federal Reserve Bank rates go negative. At that point, it might cost you…
Author: Rick Good
Rick Good spent ten years in the newspaper business, including with The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) and The Greenville News (Greenville, SC). He co-wrote, with Melinda Coleman, Rutledge to Riley: Governors of South Carolina, 1776–Present (Published by The Greenville News), and is the author of Mind Games Trivia #1 (Amazon). He has recently spent 15 years creating original trivia content through Sounds Good Mobile Entertainment and continues that with his new company, SGME Software. He edits The Smart Reader's money, real estate, and business coverage.
Telecommuting: It’s common
Telecommuting: It’s common In 1996, just 20 percent of employers offered telecommuting. In 2016, that number has soared to 60 percent, according to the…
National Cliche Day Heard in the workplace and everywhere else
Scene: Viking leader, standing before gathered warriors wielding swords. “Going forward, this is how it will be.” Business cliches are so part of the…
Soft skills rank high in the workplace
To succeed in the modern workplace, it’s not enough to have technical skills. In a highly competitive job market, employers are looking for “soft skills”…
Speed culture: When emergencies destroy productivity
Boss needs that finished by 2 p.m. You give an emergency call to Joe; he’ll know offhand that important statistic you need. Joe has a 3 p.m. deadline. He…
The peculiar Japanese housing market
In Europe, a 200-year-old building would be prime real estate. In Japan, a 15-year building is worthless. The culture of disposable real estate in Japan…
Ask the Expert: Loan Estimates
Q I’m buying my first house. I am pretty sure I can spend $150,000 for my house because I did some calculations online. Problem is, lenders won’t give me…
Taking a close look at a deal Home inspectors actually save stress, even lower prices
For buyers and sellers, having a professional house inspection can ensure a happy sale. According to a study by the American Society of Home Inspectors…
Your dog knows what you are saying
A study from a Hungarian university seems to show that dogs understand what you are saying and how you are saying it. The research focused on family dogs…
Hate needles? Dentists may soon use nasal spray
Forget those scary needles; an anesthetic nasal spray is on its way to the dentist’s office. Kovanaz is a pain-killing nasal spray which has now received…