As employers have tightened budgets in this economy, they are shutting down entire functions or departments in favor of cheaper outsourcing. The long-term unemployed were victims of budget problems, not talent problems.

Another retirement rescue ensues in Washington this week. This time, Congress hopes to not only help the appalling savings deficit, but relieve part of the nations debt crisis in the process. Kind of a two-for-one deal.

The economy is poor, retirement funds are down, and wages have been stagnant for years. Workers across all generations are feeling the effects, especially the baby boomers who cant afford to retire, says John Sweeney, human resources knowledge adviser for the Society for Human Resource Management.

Due to recent market volatility, many are claiming that we are in a bear market. Although frightening, it isnt the end of the world. In this climate, a financial advisors duty is to educate their clients about these turbulent periods and to prevent panicked investors from making poor choices.