What is an average pay raise (percentage) and how often should you expect one?
Answers: IT DEPENDS ON THE COMPANY THAT YOU ARE WORKING FOR.
I have worked for companies and no one got a raise for years. I know because I did the payroll, and the company was not making money; therefore no extra money.
The average increase is from 2-5% per year. If the current company is having financial problems, ask for them to cover your tution for you to take some classes that will make you a more valuable employee.
When I worked for the school district they had a freeze on salaries and hiring for three years. We went to the union and they were forced to offer computer classes during, after work and weekends at no cost to the employee. I took advantage of the computer classes and that is why today I know so much about computers.
Money is not everything, but you are.
Depending on your performance and the company you work for you should get a raise once per year of between 3-5% of your pay.
How do I determine if a money order is real?
Answers: Go to a bank. Tell them you want to insure it is valid prior to depositing it.
Take it to the bank and ask them.
Is a state of CT 457 plan better then a Roth IRA?
Answers: no -- stick to the roth ira!
Depends if the state will match you.