Today's number: 825

        Jobs being cut by Corning Inc., the No. 1 maker of optical fiber and cable for telecommunications networks, as demand for fiber-optic components slows; it's about 2.1 percent of the work force.

Today's money tip:

        Funding a 401(k) might be easier — and much more worthwhile — than you think. Skip a dinner out or other luxury. Such budgeting can free up $24 a week.

        Then there are the benefits:

        • First, you get a tax savings. If you're taxed at federal rate of 28 percent (not counting FICA, state and local taxes), you could put $6 a week in your pocket instead of the government's.

        • Then, you'll likely get an employer match. A typical match is 50 cents up to 4 percent of your salary that you save, or 2 percent of your salary. Who would turn down an extra 2 percent bonus?

        • Plus, the grows over time. For example, $36 a week gaining 10 percent interest grows into $356,199 after 30 years, and almost $1 million in 40 years.

Today's career advice:

        Remember, for sages, theory is less valuable than raw experience, says Annett Moser-Wellman in The Five Faces of Genius.

        Sages are less interested in analysis. They want to know the story of what happened. They get their inspiration from the narrative. The story has more texture.

        Amazon.com, when interviewing candidates, pays little attention to job history. Candidates are asked questions about their values and interests and are given real-time scenarios to consider.

Today's promotion

        James H. Goetz has been named executive vice president and chief financial officer at the David J. Joseph Co. He succeeds William J. Zeck, who retired after 25 years with the company. Mr. Goetz joined Makro Inc., a subsidiary of David J. Joseph's parent company, SHV of the Netherlands, as corporate controller. Since transferring to the David J. Joseph Co. in 1989, he has served as vice president/finance for the company's transportation division and metals division. He most recently concluded a one-year assignment in Europe with SHV Holdings Netherlands as a member of the operations staff.

Today's Company — Procter & Gamble

        Marriage Merger: The company was born in 1837 when two local manufacturers married sisters. Soap-maker James Gamble and candle-maker William Procter decided to merge their operations and soon were making other home products.

        Burgeoning Business: Procter & Gamble sells more than 300 products to more than 500 billion consumers in 140 countries. The only continent on which the corporation does not have a market presence is Antarctica.

        Coins As Coupons: In the 1920s, Procter & Gamble began using metal “coupons” to offer consumers discounts on its products. The coin-like tokens were eventually replaced with paper coupons, which were cheaper to make.

        Rising Revenues: Procter & Gamble reported net sales of $10.18 billion for the fourth quarter of 2000.

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