Save your money help is on the WAY

Good day Tennesseans, I have some wonderfully great news for you! Brace yourself...this is going to shock you. It was good news for me, I'm sure it will be for you too. Answer these questions for me and if you answer yes to one or all then you will be just as excited as I.

• Do you have the technological experience employers need?
• Do you enjoy IT?
• Would you like to go back to school but it's too expensive/costly?
• Looking for a job?
• Would you like for someone to spend time with you and train you?

How, did you do? Did you answer yes to any one of the questions? I'm hoping you did and if you said no...well I'm still going to believe you said, "Yes!" This news that I am so thrilled about and want to share with you is...Microsoft will be offering FREE, absolutely FREE, computer training! Isn't that awesome?! Microsoft has partnered with Tennessee to offer training. You must be at least 18 years of age, and you must register before July 26 for one of the 25,875 vouchers. Space is limited so quit your slacking and get registered now! You know you can do that job just as well, if not better, than that other person, so get certified, give yourself that edge you have been waiting for!

Remember this training will be free and limited to 25,875 people! Get excited, get thrilled, and get certified!

I certainly hope this information will excite you and motivate you to better yourself. If you happen to attend this event, let me know how it goes. I would like to know what they had to offer and how the training went for you.


-Khon Phaxai
Article information found here. Register for the Microsoft Training: Microsoft Elevate America.

Read more...

HIRE ACT 2010

This year, 2010, is the year of BIG change, don't you think? Honestly, there has been much change this year (which I am not going to list because that would take forever.)

However, I have found that networking is one of the best availibilites that internet has to offer. After all, technology at its best sometimes...can take hours. But while networking I found this useful information that most, I don't think, are not aware. Information is mainly for companies and recruiters, provided below. This information would provided from: http://2010hireact.com/

The 2010 HIRE Act has many dimensions, but it contains two critically import incentives for businesses to hire unemployed workers:

1.Companies are exempt from paying their 6.2% portion of withholding taxes in 2010 for new employees hired between February 3, 2010 and Jan 1, 2011.
2.Companies can receive up to a $1,000 tax credit for keeping the new employees they hire in 2010 on the books for at least a year.
A few key details:

•Job seekers can qualify for HIRE Act benefits if they have worked up to, but not exceeding, 40 hours during the 60 day period proceeding their hire date.
•For businesses to receive the $1,000 tax credit, the wages they pay a covered employee the second six months of their tenure must be at least 80% of the wages paid during the first six months of their employment.
•Business owners can not take advantage of these benefits to hire relatives. Companies can not fire a current employee and hire a new employee covered by the HIRE Act to take the existing position, unless the original employee quit or was fired for cause.
This website is a resource for job seekers and business owners. Please use and share any of the content you find here to help Americans get back to work.

Please leave a comment about how the 2010 HIRE Act benefited you!


-Khon Phaxai

Read more...

Nashville Job Fair this Wednesday, April 14th

Photo by: DVIDSHUB

For those that are looking for a job and tired of searching...you need to be at the Smyrna Town Centre, Wednesday, April 14th from 10am-3pm. This event is open to ALL AGES!

Times are tough right now and we know that you are tired of attending job fairs that don't have companies that are looking to fill positions. All you see are schools that are looking to recruit students? Well, you don't have to worry about walking into one of the Employment Guide job fairs and find no one hiring. The reason? We ask that they, recruiter/employers, actually have job openings, even for schools. What does all of this mean for you? Well, there are jobs. It means that you should NOT just walk in to the job fair and walk out without talking to ALL of the employers. That is a major tip when you are attending a job fair. If you are willing to stand in line early in the morning along with other people in hope of finding a job that suits you, why are you NOT willing to spend a little bit more time to actually speak to the employers that are present?

I say this, because I understand the frustration that you, a jobseeker, are going through; however, it does not give you a reason to be rude to the employers/recruiters that are present. If it was not for them there would not be any job fairs or would you get the chance to speak with a recruiter face to face. There are companies that have on-site interviews. Your attitude is a little part of you that makes a BIG difference. Keep that in mind. We all get frustrated from time to time and expect something...something out of nothing even. Don't be so negative, instead think positive.

Also, appreciate those that are at the event. Have you ever about how much time and effort they put into preparing for a job fair? It takes an incredible amount of time. The recruiters/employers that attend the event are present for your benefit. By all means do not be rude and neglect them...you never know, that certain person could end up being your next boss.

Jobseekers of all ages are welcome.

ALL AGES ARE WELCOME!

Read more...

Update for the Memphis March 24th Job Fair at the Beautiful Botanic Garden

It was a beautiful Wednesday out at the Memphis Botanic Garden where the birds were singing, flowers blooming, and the sun was shining. It was definitely, a better day for a career fair than it was two days prior, compared to the Atlanta Fox Theatre where it was raining and snowing. Despite the weather conditions that were present for Atlanta, there were still some 3000 job seekers present. Memphis had a little bit less, but a much happier crowd. With the weather in agreement we had roughly 2000-2300 job seekers.


In partnership with AARP and WiserWorker.com the Memphis event had many jobseekers that were satisfied with the event. AARP offered help to those that wanted help with their resume, needed suggestions, and/or tips…this was open to all ages. There were many jobseekers leaving with positive feedback. Several were surprised that we actually had companies with positions to fill-not just schools that were looking to recruit. The Census Bureau itself had over 10,000 positions that they were looking to fill, another company had 30 positions, and another company needed to fill two shifts. Needless to say there were positions that needed to be filled and those that did not find anything are looking forward to attending our next Memphis job fair event on July 21st at the AgriCenter to find what we have to offer.

The best part about attending job fairs is that you never know what you are going to find. The companies are there to find potential employees and you are looking for an employer, don’t be afraid to talk to them. Talk to the employers, ask questions, and find out what they have to offer and if you are interested hand the employer your resume. Talk to every employer/company present. You never know…it could be the company you end up working for!

Keep updated for the next job fair information.


-Khon Phaxai

Read more...

Health Care: What is your take on it?

I am sure that almost everyone has heard something about the new Health Care Law. I want to know how you feel about it. What is your take on this Health Care? In a way we all knew that President Obama was going to make a change to the health care. It should not be a complete surprise, obviously, there are those that approve and agree with the new bill while there are others that oppose the bill completely. Everyone is subject to their opinion.

Before President Obama even took office he made it clear to the world that he was going to make some much needed changes (whether we need it or not). During his inauguration speech he made it crystal clear that he was going to take a step towards health care when he stated, “health care reform cannot wait, it must not wait, and it will not wait another year.” This statement was made last year, February of 2009. However, it may have taken over a year for legislation to approve; Obama stuck to his words and made a change. There was a preliminary version of the legislation/bill that passed on July 15 of 2009 by Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee (HELP). I could go on to list dates which lead up to this huge chaos that we are facing now. This just goes to say that, we should have known changes were going to occur in the Health Care field, we just didn’t know what day it would hit us or even acknowledge it. Now, the day has come and some people are reacting as if they have not been watching the news. I don’t watch the news but I read to keep updated. Once again, we are all open to our own opinion. Make sure you let me know what you think about this and how it “benefits” you.

There are two sides to every story and we must listen to decide for ourselves. It is not about the money. In the year 2014 the bill will take full affect and those that do not have insurance by that point and time will be fined. Fined? That is ridiculous. There are lawyers/attorneys that are against this and suing because of Constitutional rights. So, in November when it comes time for voting…you can then vote and make your voice heard. Maybe then you can make a change.

I won’t say what I think about the passing of this bill-I will try and keep an open mind, neutral as possible. I can assure there will be changes made in the bill…what bill/law hasn’t been altered?





-Khon Phaxai

Read more...

Is the Housing Market Stabilizing?

Photo by: cindy47452

I don’t have to say much about the housing market because we all know how that has been looking for the past year, two years. There are families that have lived in the same house for years and years, raising their children and even their grandchildren. It doesn’t sound weird now does it? Of course not. A house is usually set on a 30 year mortgage, which can really take a lifetime to pay off, and there are some that even refinance. Times were thought to of been tough a few years back, but compared to the recession we are in currently, it is nothing. Compared to the market in 2009, there has actually been a decline in foreclosure filings, but still a 6 percent increase from a year earlier. It is weird to say that we are doing well and things are looking up, but while taking a look around us there are those that are struggling. Honestly, I believe we are all struggling in some sort of fashion.

The number of foreclosures and bankruptcy are still expected to rise, and there are those out there that would agree with me that this is only the peak for the housing market. With the workforce still struggling, the homeowners that had turned to Uncle Sam for help may be facing the same problem once again, falling behind on bills. Currently, the national unemployment rate is at 9.7 percent, by the end of the year, beginning of 2011, it is expected to be 9.6 percent. Not much a decrease, wouldn’t you say? There are companies that are still hiring, but a lot harder to obtain the position. The recruiter can wait until they run across the right candidate. With that being said, foreclosure will continue and maybe stable around 2011. Those that have the money and can afford a house, right now is the time to buy. It is a buyers’ market.

However, do not rush into buying a house if you do not have money put back. Don’t fall into others footsteps and you too have to file for foreclosure, it will ruin your credit.

Think about how the economy has affected your family and would you want to lose your home? Keep up the good work and don’t slack off at work, there are others that may do the job better than you.

 
-Khon Phaxai

Read more...

Extra Money

 Photo by: Steve Wampler

Get that money, ditch the honey-do list! Wait…in this case you may want to do this. If it lands you more money, you want to do it right? Agreed. Well, I was surprised to find this article, Tennesseans due $19.8M in old tax refunds, when I was browsing along. The reason, read the title again, again, okay one more time-again. How often do you hear anything like that? Not often. What is going on? I have been talking to individuals and they have been told by their accountants it could take weeks before their return comes in, it’s bad news for anyone, because we need money.

The article doesn’t say much, as too much would give the IRS away. However, here is the information for you to get even more money, roughly…almost $600.00. Still that is extra money that you could use, right? So, why not become a part of the $1.3 billion of unclaimed money, from the government. Nothing has changed. The deadline like every year for filing your taxes is April 14/15, somewhere around there, if you haven’t done your taxes for the year yet, do it all at once. Gather all your tax information: interest income, mortgage, vehicle tags, bank information, student loans, etc. (for more information you can call 1-800-TAX-FORM or go online http://www.irs.gov/). The most important, the W-2, don’t forget that!
Keep in mind that if you owe money for the past years (2007, 2008, 2009), well, you are not entitled to any of the money. That makes sense. Isn’t that weird how we, the people, can’t owe IRS money or be late, because they’ll charge you but they can owe us? It doesn’t make sense. None the less, make sure you file your 2006 taxes, if you haven’t, and any of the money left over that is not claimed will be going to the Treasury. Don’t lose out on your money!





-Khon Phaxai

Read more...