To: All customer financial advisors/
From: Head office/
Re: Credit card use/
With Thanksgiving next month, and Christmas also getting closer, we would like you to use the following information to help you advise customers. When customers come to get advice about reducing or avoiding credit card debt, give them a copy of the attached article. Explain to them that they should spend only what they can afford. Help them understand the main reasons for debt. Also, please become familiar with our new interest rates because customers may ask about them.

HOLIDAY DEBT/
During the holiday season, many Americans find themselves in great financial trouble. Recent studies show that the average American buys many more gifts than he or she can afford. That may help explain why the average American has a debt of $7,000. Many citizens have even larger debts of between $15,000 and $18,000. The use of credit cards is the main source of debt in holiday spending. Financial advisors recommend that consumers only spend as much as they can afford during the holiday season to avoid financial difficulties in the following months. Interest can significantly increase the final costs. Please ask one of our advisors for a list of current interest rates.

1. What is the main reason for debt in holiday spending?

2. How much does the average American owe?

3. Who is this article for?

4. What can cause debts to increase?

5. When was this memo probably sent?

Job announcement
Orbitron Technologies is now in the process of hiring thirty new system engineers. This expanding company, located in Golden Oaks, California, will pay each new employee a minimum of $45,000 a year (up to $75,000, depending on qualifications) and offers two weeks of vacation time per year. Applicants must hold a degree in systems engineering from an accredited university and have a minimum of two-three years of experience in the field. Please send a current resumé by mail or FAX to Dr. John Poplack by December 15^th.

FAX
To: Dr. John Poplack

From: Alex Fenwood

Fax #: 02-992-2006

Date: December 5^th
Dear Dr. Poplack,

I am very interested in the position of systems engineer advertised in this week’s Golden Oaks Times. I have been working as an engineer for the past four years. I graduated from the University of California, Davis with an honors degree in systems engineering. I am sending you a copy of my resumé and the name and telephone numbers of three reference. My current employer says he would be very happy to recommend me and is available for discussion of my work.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Alex Fenwood

1. How much experience should preferred candidates have?

2. Where must qualified candidates have a degree from?

3. What is the maximum salary possible?

4. How often is the Golden Oaks Times published?

5. Which of the following is NOT true?