Latest news with #KeithSpencer
CNET
30-05-2025
- Business
- CNET
Don't Pull Your Retirement Savings From the Stock Market Without Reading This First
Never let a momentary market dip derail your investment strategy. LordHenriVoton/Getty Images Stock market drops can be scary, especially when your retirement savings are affected. Following last month's market plummet, many investors are understandably nervous about keeping their nest egg in something as volatile as stocks. But does that mean you should move your money into lower-risk assets like certificates of deposit? Not so fast, experts say. "Stocks and CDs play very different roles in a well-diversified investment portfolio. Neither is inherently good or bad," said Keith Spencer, CFP, founder and financial planner at Spencer Financial Planning, LLC. "CDs can feel like a safe haven in this kind of environment because they offer predictability, which is appealing when everything else feels shaky," says Taylor Kovar, certified financial planner and CEO of 11 Financial. But, he warns, "There are some trade-offs." Here's what you need to know before you upend your investment strategy. Read more: The Simple $1 Trick Helped Me Pay Off Debt and Retire on My Terms. Here's How It Works If you have decades before retirement, stick to the plan Stock market swings are stressful but a smart investing strategy factors in the dips. The S&P 500 has historically delivered about a 10% annual return for investors who keep their money there for decades. If you have many years before retirement, you can afford to ride out the waves and grow your money over the long term. "One of the biggest retirement risks is getting too conservative too soon," said Noah Damsky, CFA, principal of Marina Wealth Advisors. "Retirement can last for over 20 years, so get too conservative too soon, and you risk prematurely depleting your portfolio." Keeping some of your retirement savings in low-risk assets is wise, but the amount depends on a number of factors, including your age and risk tolerance. A financial adviser or robo-advisor can help you create the best strategy for you. If retirement is near, low-risk assets like CDs make more sense If you're close to retirement -- or are already retired -- you have less time to recover from stock market dips. So, your priority should be less on growing your nest egg and more on preserving it. In this case, allocating more of your savings to low-risk, fixed-income assets like CDs and bonds can be a smart move. "For retirees, it would be recommended to allocate a higher percentage of your portfolio to lower-risk CDs," said Faron Daugs, CFP, founder and CEO at Harrison Wallace Financial Group. "Think of it as a second tier of stability in your portfolio. Once your liquid investments -- such as money market accounts -- run out or become low, use a laddered CD approach. This allows CDs to mature and refill those buckets." You can learn more about CD ladders here. Again, a financial adviser can help you determine your best route. Note that you can buy a brokered CD through your brokerage account rather than taking money out of the stock market and putting it into a bank CD. However, there are pros and cons to consider. Don't let emotion derail your retirement plan Whatever your age and investment goals, don't let the economic headlines scare you into making any drastic changes to your retirement strategy. "For investors rattled by the recent dip, I'd say this: Don't make emotional decisions in response to short-term volatility. Step back, review your timeline, and make sure your investments match your goals and risk tolerance today, not what they were five years ago," said Kovar. "A well-balanced plan usually includes both stocks and CDs, one for growth, the other for peace of mind."
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
7 Best Industries To Find a Job With High Demand and Wage Growth
In spite of rising wages, many Americans are worried about their future in the job market right now. Roughly 33% of Americans reported 'layoff anxiety,' while 25% said they feel insecure about their job because of the current economic climate, a survey by lending firm Clarify Capital revealed. Half of American workers are looking to change industries, according to a separate report from Explore Next: Try This: The good news is that workers in certain sectors and those willing to change industries, will find plenty of opportunities for jobs with average hourly wages over $20 an hour, according to research from Talroo and Resume Now. Below are the seven industries with both the highest demand and wage growth. Industry Avg. Hourly Wage (Q1 2025) Wage Growth (%) 1) Trucking $25.49 16% 2) Warehousing $19.78 15% 3) Administrative $22.13 10% 4) Customer service $19.15 10% 5) Caregiving $16.82 8% 6) Retail $17.44 7% 7) Allied healthcare $33.80 3% 'Despite continued uncertainty across sectors and broader economic concerns, the need for skilled frontline workers remains strong — and in many industries, it's growing,' Thad Price, CEO of Talroo, said in the Top Frontline Industries by Demand and Wage Growth: Q1 2025 report. Using data from Talroo, Resume Now broke down some of the industries with the largest demand right now, based on the number of applicants compared to the number of job postings. Trucking remains a secure industry, for now and happens to have both the largest talent gap and the highest wage growth of 16%. For You: Not surprisingly, high-pressure fields like allied healthcare, caregiving and customer service held spots two through four in terms of talent gaps, with retail coming in not far behind in the sixth slot. While healthcare showed the smallest increase in wages, a mere 3%, it's also the highest paying industry on the list, with an average hourly wage of $33.80. When you're changing industries, evaluate your existing skillset and consider areas where you might need additional training. For instance, if you're entering the field of healthcare or even upper-level caregiving, like a Home Health Aide or Certified Nursing Assistant, you might need specific degrees or certifications. 'It can vary by industry and by role,' said Keith Spencer, certified professional resume writer (CPRW) and Resume Now career expert. He advised considering skills you might be lacking and work on diversifying your skillsets to make yourself as marketable as possible. 'A lot of people focus too much on one narrow track and then find out they're missing pieces that could potentially help their job search,' he added. Spencer said it's important to know your audience as you tailor your resume for a specific role or job application. 'Your audience is the recruiters and hiring managers looking to fill the roles you're targeting. You want to read job descriptions carefully, find out what your audience wants and then show them you have a substantial portion of what they want,' he said. In areas you may be lacking, consider volunteer work, freelancing or gig work or classes that can fill in those knowledge and experience gaps. Spencer emphasized the importance of transferable skills from past job titles and also soft skills that are important in virtually any industry. He recommended adding a 'Professional Summary' at the top of your resume that is tailored directly to the job description. Below that, Spencer said, jobseekers can add a 'Highlighted Accomplishments' section that demonstrates special training and skills, courses you've taken and bullet-point examples demonstrating how you've applied your soft skills in past jobs. 'Those are the two big [areas of a resume] I'd leverage a career-changer,' he said. More From GOBankingRates 5 Luxury Cars That Will Have Massive Price Drops in Spring 2025 7 Luxury SUVs That Will Become Affordable in 2025 9 Downsizing Tips for the Middle Class To Save on Monthly Expenses Clarify Capital, 'How Layoff Anxiety Is Reshaping Job Security in 2025.' 'The Great Resignation Rush: When Americans Are Most Likely to Quit Their Jobs.' Thad Price, Talroo Resume Now, 'Top Frontline Industries by Demand and Wage Growth: Q1 2025 report.' Keith Spencer, Resume Now This article originally appeared on 7 Best Industries To Find a Job With High Demand and Wage Growth Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
7 Best Industries To Find a Job With High Demand and Wage Growth
In spite of rising wages, many Americans are worried about their future in the job market right now. Roughly 33% of Americans reported 'layoff anxiety,' while 25% said they feel insecure about their job because of the current economic climate, a survey by lending firm Clarify Capital revealed. Half of American workers are looking to change industries, according to a separate report from Explore Next: Try This: The good news is that workers in certain sectors and those willing to change industries, will find plenty of opportunities for jobs with average hourly wages over $20 an hour, according to research from Talroo and Resume Now. Below are the seven industries with both the highest demand and wage growth. Industry Avg. Hourly Wage (Q1 2025) Wage Growth (%) 1) Trucking $25.49 16% 2) Warehousing $19.78 15% 3) Administrative $22.13 10% 4) Customer service $19.15 10% 5) Caregiving $16.82 8% 6) Retail $17.44 7% 7) Allied healthcare $33.80 3% 'Despite continued uncertainty across sectors and broader economic concerns, the need for skilled frontline workers remains strong — and in many industries, it's growing,' Thad Price, CEO of Talroo, said in the Top Frontline Industries by Demand and Wage Growth: Q1 2025 report. Using data from Talroo, Resume Now broke down some of the industries with the largest demand right now, based on the number of applicants compared to the number of job postings. Trucking remains a secure industry, for now and happens to have both the largest talent gap and the highest wage growth of 16%. For You: Not surprisingly, high-pressure fields like allied healthcare, caregiving and customer service held spots two through four in terms of talent gaps, with retail coming in not far behind in the sixth slot. While healthcare showed the smallest increase in wages, a mere 3%, it's also the highest paying industry on the list, with an average hourly wage of $33.80. When you're changing industries, evaluate your existing skillset and consider areas where you might need additional training. For instance, if you're entering the field of healthcare or even upper-level caregiving, like a Home Health Aide or Certified Nursing Assistant, you might need specific degrees or certifications. 'It can vary by industry and by role,' said Keith Spencer, certified professional resume writer (CPRW) and Resume Now career expert. He advised considering skills you might be lacking and work on diversifying your skillsets to make yourself as marketable as possible. 'A lot of people focus too much on one narrow track and then find out they're missing pieces that could potentially help their job search,' he added. Spencer said it's important to know your audience as you tailor your resume for a specific role or job application. 'Your audience is the recruiters and hiring managers looking to fill the roles you're targeting. You want to read job descriptions carefully, find out what your audience wants and then show them you have a substantial portion of what they want,' he said. In areas you may be lacking, consider volunteer work, freelancing or gig work or classes that can fill in those knowledge and experience gaps. Spencer emphasized the importance of transferable skills from past job titles and also soft skills that are important in virtually any industry. He recommended adding a 'Professional Summary' at the top of your resume that is tailored directly to the job description. Below that, Spencer said, jobseekers can add a 'Highlighted Accomplishments' section that demonstrates special training and skills, courses you've taken and bullet-point examples demonstrating how you've applied your soft skills in past jobs. 'Those are the two big [areas of a resume] I'd leverage a career-changer,' he said. More From GOBankingRates 5 Luxury Cars That Will Have Massive Price Drops in Spring 2025 7 Luxury SUVs That Will Become Affordable in 2025 9 Downsizing Tips for the Middle Class To Save on Monthly Expenses Clarify Capital, 'How Layoff Anxiety Is Reshaping Job Security in 2025.' 'The Great Resignation Rush: When Americans Are Most Likely to Quit Their Jobs.' Thad Price, Talroo Resume Now, 'Top Frontline Industries by Demand and Wage Growth: Q1 2025 report.' Keith Spencer, Resume Now This article originally appeared on 7 Best Industries To Find a Job With High Demand and Wage Growth Sign in to access your portfolio
Independent Singapore
20-05-2025
- Business
- Independent Singapore
High-paying jobs that AI can't steal — and you don't need a degree to get them
INTERNATIONAL: College has long been viewed as a rite of passage for most young adults in the U.S. and many parts of the world. However, real life is far different. According to the Education Data Initiative, only 38% of Americans over 25 have a college degree. While a degree is frequently seen as the path to high-paying permanent jobs, several professional routes don't necessitate a college education but offer competitive earnings and continuing stability. A recent article from Resume Now, published by USA Today, highlights 13 careers, many of which are resistant to automation and AI pressures. Challenges in the job market and the cost of college Keith Spencer, a career specialist at Resume Now, clarifies that the report is motivated by some key apprehensions confronting people today—worries about a decelerating job market, the escalating cost of college, and doubts about the efficacy of a college degree in today's workforce. With the upsurge of automation, many employees are also apprehensive that androids, machines, and AI systems will invade the workplace and take away their jobs. Notwithstanding these qualms, the report discloses that many areas still require human involvement and participation, particularly those jobs that demand creativity, manual skill, or personal collaboration. These careers not only provide solid earnings but also entail abilities that AI can't duplicate. Careers with low AI risk and high earning potential Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists Job Description: These experts evaluate fire threats, examine the sources and reasons of wildfires, and craft deterrence plans. Why AI-Resistant: Wildfire management comprises multifaceted, volatile settings that call for human know-how. Median Pay : $71,420/year. Flight Attendants Why AI-Resistant : AI may assist with taking reservations, but it can't imitate the human touch essential for in-flight customer service and meal service. Median Pay : $68,370/year. Lodging Managers Job Description : Supervise hotel operations, control staff, and guarantee visitor satisfaction. Why AI-Resistant : From dealing with customer grievances to unblocking toilets, lodging supervisors offer personal touches that AI can't imitate. Median Pay : $65,360/year. Electricians Why AI-Resistant : Electrical work demands practical, real-life problem-solving aptitude, from installation of chandeliers to resolving wiring issues. Median Pay : $61,590/year. Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Job Description : Connect/fix service water and gas systems. Why AI-Resistant : Plumbing frequently involves random and labor-intensive work that AI can't entirely accomplish. Median Pay : $61,550/year. Moderate AI risk careers that still need human input Although some vocations are more vulnerable to computerization, many still necessitate human decisions and flexibility, making them valued even in the age of AI. Maintenance Workers (Machinery) Job Description : Maintain and overhaul industrial equipment. Why AI-Resistant : While a few responsibilities can be mechanized, intricate machinery restoration still needs human proficiency and instantaneous problem-solving. Median Pay: $61,170/year. Insurance Sales Agents Why AI-Resistant : AI may help with data processing, but insurance sales vastly depend on interactions, maintaining relationships, and sustaining personal exchanges. Median Pay : $59,080/year. Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors Why AI-Resistant : Whereas a few facets of cargo management can be computerized, human overseers are still required to deal with unforeseen situations. Median Pay : $58,920/year. Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers Why AI-Resistant : The installation and troubleshooting tasks of these systems require hands-on work that AI cannot yet execute. Median Pay : $56,430/year. A bright future without a degree For those not sold on the value of a college degree, these career options can provide promising substitutes. They establish that success in the workforce is not contingent on graduating from a four-year college course. Instead, several of these positions highlight the development of real-world, human-centered abilities that remain in high demand. Whether you're seeking a job with negligible AI risk or one that provides stable pay and job security, prospects abound that don't entail the cumbersome price of a college education.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
13 jobs that don't require a college degree -- and won't be replaced by AI
If you think most Americans finish college, think again. Going to college is an American rite of passage. But not everyone goes to college, and many students never make it to graduation. Among Americans ages 25 and over, only 38% are college graduates, according to the Education Data Initiative. A new report from the resume-writing service Resume Now identifies 13 careers that offer good pay and long-term stability, and that don't require a college degree. Better still, none of the jobs is likely to be replaced by AI. The analysis 'focused on three or four fears that people have right now,' said Keith Spencer, a career expert at Resume Now. Americans worry about potential signs of a softening job market. They're concerned about the cost of college, and whether a degree is still worth it. And workers in many fields fear that AI – or robots, or other nonhuman hands – might sweep in to replace them. Despite the slow creep of automation, many fields still require the human touch. To build out this list, Resume Now found careers that require only a high school diploma, that pay at least $50,000 a year, and that represent growing fields with high-demand skills. The report draws on Bureau of Labor Statistics data. 'They sort of all have some similarities, in terms of the need for significant human interaction,' Spencer said. 'Maybe they require manual dexterity in unpredictable environments, or high levels of creativity.' The list comes in two parts: Jobs with relatively low AI risk, and positions with 'moderate' AI risk, based on the need for human decision-making, manual labor, personal interactions and other factors. Some of the jobs listed below require 'a level of relevant experience,' Resume Now reports. But none, apparently, requires a college degree. Here's the list, including job descriptions for less familiar positions, and median salaries for all. According to Resume Now, these careers offer a good income and strong job security, because they require skills that go well beyond the capabilities of AI. Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists Job description: Judge fire hazards, investigate wildfire causes and enact prevention strategies. Why it's AI-resistant: Fire prevention requires humans in the field and cannot be entirely automated. Median pay: $71,420 a year Flight attendants Why it's AI-resistant: AI can't serve meals. In-flight customer service requires a human touch. Median pay: $68,370 a year Lodging managers Job description: Think 'White Lotus.' Oversee lodging operations, manage the staff and keep the guests happy. Why it's AI-resistant: AI can't unclog a guest-room toilet. You need people to provide the personal touch. Median pay: $65,360 a year Electricians Why it's AI-resistant. AI can't install your chandelier. Electrical work requires a human presence. Median pay: $61,590 a year Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters Job description: Plumbers and their ilk install and service water and gas systems in homes and businesses. Why it's AI-resistant: Plumbing is unpredictable work. AI-controlled robots could handle some of it, but not all of it. Median pay: $61,550 a year Industrial machinery mechanics Job description: Maintain mechanical systems in industrial workplaces. Why it's AI-resistant: AI would struggle with the real-time problem-solving demands of the work. Median pay: $61,170 per year Chefs and head cooks Why it's AI-resistant: AI can't taste the soup. Recipe development and food prep require a creative touch. Median pay: $58,920 a year Hearing aid specialists Job description: Work with hearing aids and provide patient care. Why it's AI-resistant: AI can't handle the hands-on requirements of the job. Median pay: $58,670 Personal service managers Job description: Oversee wellness programs, event planning or luxury concierge services. Why it's AI-resistant: The work requires personal interactions, emotional intelligence and decision-making that AI cannot handle. Median pay: $57,570 These careers entail tasks that could eventually be automated, Resume Now reports. But, for now, they still rely on human judgment and adaptability. Maintenance workers, machinery Job description: Close cousins to the industrial machinery mechanic, listed above, machinery maintenance workers perform routine upkeep on industrial machinery. Why it's AI-resistant: Complex repairs require real-time problem-solving by human workers. Median pay: $61,170 per year Insurance sales agents Why it's AI-resistant: AI can handle some underwriting tasks, but this career requires personal service. Median pay: $59,080 a year Aircraft cargo handling supervisors Why it's AI-resistant: AI can handle some aircraft cargo tasks, but you need human supervisors to handle the unexpected. Median pay: $58,920 Security and fire alarm systems installers Why it's AI-resistant: Installing and troubleshooting security and fire systems requires humans. Median pay: $56,430 a year This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: These jobs don't require a college degree and won't be replaced by AI Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
