Human Interest

Beyond Nap Pods: The Importance of Creating a Positive Company Culture
By Dick Resch

It was the final straw. Three coworkers, already aggravated by their callous manager and consultants, learn about companywide layoffs. Angry, they grab a baseball bat and smash a printer to pieces.

Fortunately, while such scenes abounded in "Office Space," most of us leave our Louisville Sluggers at home. But TPS reports and toxic work environments still abound. Just 9 percent of Americans rate their company cultures favorably.

The Other Culprit in the Epi-Pen Price Gouging Scandal? The FDA.
By Sandip Shah

Ordinary Americans, reporters, and even a congressional panel heaped scorn on pharmaceutical company Mylan after it raised the price of its epinephrine injector set from $100 to more than $600.

Making Workplace Wellness Count
By Dick Resch

Going to the gym is about to get a lot more expensive.

That's because the share of companies offering wellness programs dropped 13 percent this year.  These programs -- which often include subsidized gym memberships, free fitness trackers, and bonuses for losing weight -- keep employees healthy, thereby cutting medical and insurance expenses. At least that's the theory.

In practice, many companies aren't seeing a return on their wellness investments. So they're ditching the programs.

Dear Dave,

We just started following your plan, and we have $39,000 in debt. We make $55,000 a year, and two of our smaller debts — one car and a credit card — are both $7,500. The credit card has a higher interest rate, so my wife thinks we should pay it off first. I look at the car as a necessity, and for that reason I think we should pay it off first. Who’s right?

Pat

Dear Pat,

ear Dave,

What are your thoughts on transferring an IRA over to gold?

Sandy

Dear Sandy,

Honestly, I think that’s about the dumbest thing a person could do. I hope I wasn’t unclear.

ail Your 2017 Financial New Year’s Resolutions

Nonprofit credit counseling agency Take Charge America offers eight tips for making – and keeping – New Year’s financial resolutions

PHOENIX – (Dec. 14, 2016) – The New Year has become an opportunity to commit to new goals and rekindle hope. In fact, 40 to 50 percent of New Year’s revelers raise a toast to living better, healthier lives. Yet despite their optimism on Jan. 1, the majority end up missing their marks.

Allstate Finds Burst Pipes From Freezing Claims Increase 266 percent in Utah During the Holiday Season

New Allstate poll reveals first-time homeowners are often slightly better prepared

for holiday home hazards, but everyone should do more

Poll also uncovers risky social media behavior that can lead to home hazards

Majority Rule Equals Tyranny

A Fair Chance to Make Coal Cleaner.

By Terry Jarrett

Dear Dave,

My daughter is in her first year of college. Recently, her math instructor walked students through the process of getting a credit card and building credit. We’ve always followed your plan and taught her to do the same. When she asked the instructor if no credit score was as good as a high credit score, the instructor said no. He told the class the only way to buy a home without a high credit rating is by having a huge amount of assets or savings. I think I know your answer, but how do I explain this to an 18-year-old?

Allison

Dear Allison,