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I've been applying for (private sector) jobs recently and have noticed a fair number of screening questionnaires include a question on whether or not I've been employed by the government or a government contractor in the last N (typically 5) years. These jobs don't involve any interaction with any governmental bodies. Why do companies ask this? Bonus question inside. [more inside]
posted by btfreek at 9:24 AM - 4 answers

I was re-reading this kottke.org post and the related McKinsey report and news articles about the declining labor share of national income, as calculated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. GDP is in the denominator. What would be the equivalent measurement be for an individual company? [more inside]
posted by AbelMelveny at 1:34 PM - 5 answers

When your doctor gives you cash for submitting billing forms on his behalf...but you only submitted them, you didn't do the actual legwork. [more inside]
posted by Kitteh at 12:29 PM - 18 answers

Seeking recommendations for Canadian personal banking options and credit card plans that include but are not limited to low fees, actually useful reward points, incentives, conditions for eligibility/balance requirements, etc. [more inside]
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 3:25 PM - 10 answers

Someone I know was told by a friend about an opportunity to interview at Amazon. It's a "walk-in interview". [more inside]
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 12:32 PM - 14 answers

What are your tips and techniques for negotiating a raise? I work as a Principal Product Manager at a very profitable startup. My equity is laughably low. I have shipped a ton of stuff. I had zero direct reports, now I have four. The founders have said I am one of their MVPs. Help me negotiate a 20% raise. [more inside]
posted by jasondigitized at 4:54 AM - 12 answers

This is in the context of the TV show "Your Friends & Neighbors". [more inside]
posted by Ickster at 7:57 PM - 2 answers

Weeks ago, I did Kid Blah's taxes via TurboTax, and he ended up owing $2.00 to the state of CA. We filed the taxes and did the payment electronically via his bank account, both of which I re-confirmed today…when he got a hard copy check in the mail for $2.00 from the state of CA, marked "state income tax refund" and labeled "tax year 2024." Um, why? [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 3:14 PM - 13 answers

A recent MeFi answerer said: I used to have my paper checks (remember those?) sent to my local [bank] branch. I'm not on the same page as this flippant MeFi answer. Of course I use fewer checks every year, but how can anyone suggest no longer having or even remembering paper checks? [more inside]
posted by JimN2TAW at 10:28 AM - 100 answers

I imagine that a successful real estate agent in a large city would need to make themselves available for clients and showings on many weekends and evenings. How would the agent carve out time for themselves?
posted by Lemkin at 3:46 PM - 2 answers

(Disclaimer: I know you are Not My Accountant). I've been getting rid of stuff on eBay, and this is the first time I've sold enough to make a "profit" and receive a 1099-K from eBay. EBay's 1099-K only lists the gross total without the deductions for fees, returns, etc. Where/which forms would I list/incorporate these deductions to show what my actual 'income' was? [more inside]
posted by gtrwolf at 3:17 PM - 6 answers

Oh god, yes, it's come for me. My elderly mom just revealed that she was tricked into buying a timeshare. Apparently it was weeks/months ago so it's beyond the period when you can cancel. Help. [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 10:59 AM - 10 answers

I am going to propose to a couple local garden/nursery businesses to offer my work for sale. (See website link in bio for pics.) What would be the financial arrangement likely to be used? [more inside]
posted by falsedmitri at 3:57 PM - 3 answers

What has been your personal experience with a payment plan from the IRS for a tax bill you simply cannot pay? [more inside]
posted by scratch at 2:32 PM - 12 answers

What sources can you recommend to educate myself on a slow and steady approach to grow funds for retirement? Articles, columns, books, blogs, newsletters that outline approaches aside from the stock market would be really helpful. [more inside]
posted by Former Congressional Representative Lenny Lemming at 1:58 PM - 10 answers

I am trying to get a replacement card sent from my US bank to a US address. They have now sent it out three times and it never arrives. They said the first card someone tried to use for fraud. The other two simply never were attempted to activate. The bank has no mechanism for getting my new card to me besides sending it out by regular mail. [more inside]
posted by frumiousb at 9:34 AM - 16 answers

I acknowledge that it’s a universally heinous time to look for work in the United States, but it must be done. How should I approach this? The process of applying for jobs/editing my resume makes me feel so much regret and sadness that I become extremely avoidant about the whole thing. I have real fears of being unemployable. [more inside]
posted by hejrat at 9:21 PM - 24 answers

Why is this 2025 Nissan Leaf SV Plus advertised at 2/3 MSRP? [more inside]
posted by LonnieK at 6:34 PM - 21 answers

A 5 ounce bottle of Cholula Original Hot Sauce - “made in Mexico” - regularly costs $4.49 at my local supermarket. What should I expect to pay after the tariffs kick in?
posted by Lemkin at 11:00 AM - 11 answers

How do I break this to everyone? I've basically lied to everyone about the progress of this project (with lots of hints) for last 3 months and now we're about to be due and we're kind of far off. [more inside]
posted by sandmanwv at 10:09 AM - 19 answers