Lose your job? Rebuild your career

As the U.S. unemployment rate climbs to almost 10 percent, and Michigan sits at 15.3 percent, no industry or profession has been spared when employers needed to cut jobs. That includes fields once considered untouchable. - 11/02/2009

Brian J. O'Connor

Cutting some junk from financial trunk is slam dunk

This week's foray into frugality takes aim at the "Misc." category of my budget, the metaphorical junk drawer of family finances where old expenses go to be forgotten even though they still put a drain on the pocketbook. - 11/02/2009

7 rules for working at home

Amid high unemployment, many people are moving from employee to entrepreneur, says business etiquette expert Barbara Pachter, author of "When the Little Things Count ... And They Always Count." - 11/02/2009

Brian J. O'Connor

$1,000 savings goal hits pothole of reality

After 10,000 flops in his attempt to invent the light bulb, Thomas Edison famously said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." In that spirit, let me say that in my first week of trying to cut $1,000 from my family's monthly budget -- an even grand -- that I also did not fail. I just found four ways that won't work. - 10/26/2009

• New FHA condo rules may hinder mortgages
• 5 ways to protect a child's ID

• Blog: Brian O'Connor's Your Money

New FHA condo rules may hinder mortgages

The Federal Housing Administration is ready to implement new rules that could, in some cases, make it harder to get a mortgage to buy a condominium unit. - 10/26/2009

• $1,000 savings goal hits pothole of reality

5 ways to protect a child's ID

Children have become especially attractive targets for identity thieves, because youngsters have unblemished credit records, making it easier for thieves to take out loans in a child's name. - 10/26/2009

• $1,000 savings goal hits pothole of reality

Brian J. O'Connor

Follow Metro family's effort to cut monthly budget

Starting today and for the next 10 weeks, I'll devote this column to taking my own family budget apart, line-by-line, in a project called the Grand Experiment. Each week, I'll sift through one of our 10 largest spending categories, looking to lop $100 off of each one until we've cut our monthly spending by $1,000 -- an even grand. - 10/19/2009

• Blog: Brian O'Connor's Your Money

Your budget buddy: How to track your own spending

Whether you're using a computer program, online budgeting service such as Mint.com, or just a legal pad and a pencil, money expert Robin Thompson says a budget system needs to include your monthly spending, your big annual bills and monthly savings for your financial goals. It also needs to help you adjust your spending from day to day to keep on track. Here's how to start: - 10/19/2009

Economy watch: 10 college majors with job openings

It's just the beginning of the school year, but students may fret over their college-to-career transition. The key is to choose an academic major connected to stable jobs, or those considered necessary despite fluctuations in the economy. - 10/19/2009

Lucrative mortgage deals are likely to last a few more months, experts say

If you've been waiting to see how low mortgage rates can go, you can stop. This is it. The latest surveys show the national average rate on 30-year mortgages stayed below 5 percent for the second or third week in a row, depending on which surveys you choose. While these ultra-low rates aren't likely to last for long, experts say rates will hover around 5.5 percent for at least a few months more. - 10/12/2009

Brian O'Connor

Need some job luck? Be a suck-up

If you're out of a job, it could be a long while until you find someone willing to give you a new one. And if you've got a job, chances are you want to keep your boss completely happy. - 10/12/2009

Job hunters must match dress, image with credentials

To land a job these days, prospective job seekers need more than an impressive resume. Their dress and image need to mirror their credentials. Dick Lerner, a certified wardrobe consultant and certified custom clothier, points out, "An investment in an appropriate wardrobe is an investment in career success." - 10/12/2009

Economy watch

3 proven tactics to land a job

The "Job-Hunter's Survival Guide" is a slim, paperback manual of little more than 100 pages, chock-a-block with bullet points and tips. - 10/12/2009

Choices available as heat costs fall

As experts predict lower home heating bills this winter, alternative gas suppliers in Michigan are attempting to lure customers with competitive fixed rates. - 10/07/2009

• Chaos at Cobo: Detroiters turn out for federal help
• Thousands seek lifeline for rent, utilities
• Should you lock in a price now?