Americans can’t account for some purchases

Americans can’t account for some purchases

NEW YORK — One of the biggest hurdles to saving money is figuring out where you’re spending it.

Americans cannot account for an average of $21 per week in cash spending, according to a recent telephone survey commissioned by Visa Inc.

That adds up to more than $1,000 per year.

The poll of more than 1,000 adults in the U.S. found that mystery purchases happened most often while buying food and other groceries, while almost a third said they can’t account for money spent enjoying a night on the town. About a quarter of respondents said dining out leads to unexplained expenditures.

Military to civilian job tips NEW YORK — People leaving the military face a unique challenge in their job search: They have to translate their experience into skills that will resonate with civilian employers and recruiters.

Rephrasing military duties as relevant job experience can be difficult, say Wendy Enelow and Louise Kursmark, authors of “Expert Resumes for Military-to-Civilian Transitions.” The goal is to downplay titles while highlighting expertise with an achievement-focused resume.

Remember, your entire background counts, including everything from a 10-year infantry career with the U.S. Army to time as a volunteer for a local organization. Consider any experience acquired in event planning, logistics, volunteer training, fundraising, media affairs or contract negotiations.

Associated Press