Wages stink at America's most common jobs

America's most common jobs come with lousy pay.

Workers in seven of the 10 largest occupations typically earn less than $30,000 a year, according to new data published Friday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That's a far cry from the nation's average annual pay of $45,790.

Food prep workers are the third most-common job in the U.S., but have the lowest pay, at a mere $18,720 a year for 2012. Cashiers and waiters are also popular professions, but the average pay at these jobs tallies up to less than $21,000 annually. There are 4.3 million retail sales workers out there, making them the most common job, but the position pays only $25,310 for the year.

Property ownership: What’s the best form for me?

In planning your estate, it is customary to consider wills and trusts (as well as intestacy) as a means of property distribution. As a matter of fact, the manner in which you hold title to your assets may supersede provisions contained in other transfer documents. Likewise, significant tax benefits can be gained (or lost) depending on the characterization of your property.

Let's take a look at the general classifications of ownership.

Byrd helps Ronald McDonald House maintain business-with-heart course

Throughout Women's History Month, we have recognized women who are making an impact in their industries. We close out our month-long salute with a conversation with Caron Byrd, who is making a difference in the community through a great cause, Ronald McDonald House.

Frequently when we talk about business, we are referring to "for profit" entities. The same knowledge and skill sets are required to effectively run a non-profit. As the executive director of Ronald McDonald House, Byrd directs one of the most successful non-profits in the area.

Carlee McCullough: Tell us about yourself.

Using Your Inner Hustler to Turn Passion to Profit

Making distribution decisions in retirement

More than one-third of retirees lack confidence that they will have enough money to live comfortably throughout their retirement years. Committing to a savings strategy during your working career could go a long way to help alleviate this concern, but it's also important to make sound decisions when withdrawing assets from the portfolio you worked so hard to accumulate.

The 4 percent solution

One common approach has been to withdraw 4 percent of your portfolio in the first year of retirement, with inflation-adjusted amounts in subsequent years. The so-called "4 percent rule" was developed in the 1990s using historical market research, and it was based on a 30-year retirement with savings in a tax-deferred account and nothing left for heirs.

For Katrina survivor, success after loss is a lesson learned

As a survivor of Hurricane Katrina, Andria Lewis has shown that with hard work and dedication you can do more than exist – you can truly rebuild and win. From corporate functions to elaborate weddings, Lewis makes sure that she places her creative signature touch of vibrant colors and original flair all over the event. Featured in Essence and Ebony, Lewis demonstrates to others how it should be done.

Carlee McCullough: What are you most proud of in your business?

Andria Lewis: That I have built my company after literally losing everything I owned in Hurricane Katrina. I didn't have a car, I barely had clothes and I had no place to live. I lived with family for two months after moving to Memphis. I am most proud that I survived a significantly emotional battle.

McDonald’s to launch egg-white McMuffin

In a bid to reach health-conscious consumers, the iconic fast food franchise McDonald's is going to try and bolster its faltering sales with a lean, new egg-white sandwich.

McDonald's will release the Egg White Delight, an egg white version of the Egg McMuffin breakfast sandwich, nationwide on April 22, said company spokeswoman Danya Proud.

The new sandwich, which contains bacon and white cheddar on a whole grain English muffin, totals 250 calories, according to Proud. That's compared to the classic Egg McMuffin, which has 300 calories. She added that egg whites will also be offered on the other breakfast sandwiches sold at McDonald's.

For event planner Andria Lewis, it’s all about details

Whether pulling together a wedding for 300 or handling a corporate event for 5,000, Andria Lewis Events has demonstrated what professionalism and attention to detail looks like at the highest levels. Lewis' signature events, which are known for vibrancy and color, have been featured in Essence and Ebony magazines.

Carlee McCullough, Esq.: Tell us a little bit about Andria Lewis.

Andria Lewis: Andria Lewis is a survivor, literally and figuratively speaking. I think that is a trait that enables me to juggle so many things at once with my clients. I find a way to make it all work.

Considering the costs of long-term care

It may not be pleasant to think about the possibility of being unable to take care of yourself, but about seven out of ten people over age 65 are expected to need some form of long-term care during their lifetimes.

Many people might be able to stay in their own homes and receive care from family members or friends. But a surprising number – 20 percent to 49 percent, depending on the study – may need expensive full-time care in an assisted-living facility or a nursing home.2

Are you ready for E-Social Security?

As of March 1, paper Social Security checks became a thing of the past, with all retirement and disability payments (with minor exceptions) slated for electronic distribution.

Beneficiaries were given the opportunity to choose to receive their monthly payments by direct deposit to a bank or credit union account or to a Direct Express® debit card. The Social Security Administration has been transitioning to electronic payments for some time, so most recipients are already enrolled.

If you did not sign up by March 1, you will automatically receive a Direct Express debit card. Find more information at the Treasury's website ( www.godirect.org) or by calling (800) 333-1795.

Julia B. Hooks – ‘Angel of Beale Street’

WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH – I am of the mindset we should celebrate the many contributions of women throughout the year. However, March is the month that has been designated as Women's History Month – a dedicated time to celebrate the outstanding achievements of women across the country.

According to the National Women's History Project (NWHP), "recognizing the achievements of women in all facets of life – science, community, government, literature, art, sports, and medicine – has a huge impact on the development of self-respect and new opportunities for girls and young women."

Dress for Success: Reaching back

Dress for Success is one organization that takes a professional look to heart by reaching back. Its mission is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life generally.

Founded in New York City in 1997, Dress for Success is an international not-for-profit organization offering services designed to help their clients find jobs and remain employed. Each client receives one suit when she has a job interview and can return for a second suit or separates when she finds work.

This week, "On Our Way To Wealthy" visits with Cheryl Bingham, the group's executive director.