The Dow Jones industrial average topped 25,000 for the first time Thursday, picking up in 2018 where it left off in 2017 with sizable stock market gains. (USA TODAY)

With the new federal tax law that includes tax breaks that are not nearly as generous as previous years, homeownership can be costly. Here are a few things to be aware of if you're planning to go from renter to owner in 2018. (USA TODAY)

Many economists are predicting sustained economic growth for the U.S. in 2018. The optimism is in part due to improved economic conditions worldwide. When other countries, such as Europe, are doing well they will often purchase more U.S. goods. (NPR)

There are simple ways that professionals can continue to be productive, but find some respite from work stress. With just a few adjustments, you can save time and control stress. (Fast Company)

Generation Z, those born in 1995 or later, is poised to become the newest and largest generation entering the workforce in 2018. Most Gen Z’ers want to engage one-on-one with their leaders. So much so, that corporate mentorship programs fell only slightly behind health care on their list of most important benefits. (HR Technologist)

The way to recruit, retain, and develop diverse staff is not to get rid of resource/affinity groups—or eliminate top diversity positions, as companies such as Deutsche have done—but to reimagine business resource groups to allow for intersectionality. (Quartz)

According to a report by the Business-Higher Education Forum and PwC, job postings in the U.S. calling for data science and analytical skills are expected to reach 2.7 million in 2020, up from almost 2.4 million in 2015. (Virginia Business)

Along with pursuing lawsuits over irregularities in the FCC process (like millions of fake citizen comments being submitted), several states are crafting their own net neutrality laws, which they will start debating as new legislative sessions commence this month. (Fast Company)

New Year’s resolutions are difficult to keep, but the digital age allows you an abundance of tools to help keep you accountable. Here are a few to help you start the New Year off right. (Forbes)

Online shopping during the holiday season was the strongest in years, so consumers need to be extra vigilant in watching for activity from cybercriminals. (Fox Business)

Before you consider starting a franchise, you should do some research to find out which ones could best match your entrepreneurial skills and interests. With more than 3,000 to choose from, here is a look at the fastest-growing enterprises in franchising for 2018. (Black Enterprise)

U.S. employers announced plans to cut 32,423 jobs in December, bringing the year's total to the lowest since 1990, according to global outplacement consultancy Challenger, Gray & Christmas. (USA TODAY)

Power outages have already hit thousands of customers in Florida and the Southeast because of the massive storm. National Fuel warned that it expects outages in New England that could take multiple days to restore. (CNBC)

With a new calendar year dawning, many are looking to get a better handle on personal finances. Following some simple steps can help move you toward a more successful financial life. (Forbes)

According to a Lincoln Financial Group study, 83% of Americans who set a specific financial goal in 2017 feel better about their finances now than they did at the start the year. The study also revealed that just by making a New Year’s resolution on finances,it could bring about increased confidence in a consumer’s financial situation even if they don’t reach their goal. (Black Enterprise)

The first step to getting out of debt is organization and a specific plan to attack your debt. (Business Insider)

In a search for meaning in the workplace, the key is finding purpose. Working with a sense of purpose day-in and day-out is an act of will that takes thoughtfulness and practice. (Harvard Business Review)

ESSENCE Magazine was acquired by Essence Ventures, LLC this week in a deal that has allowed the renowned black women's magazine to be 100 percent black-owned. Essence Ventures, which is an independent African-American owned company focused on merging content, community and commerce, acquired the magazine from Time, Inc. (Blavity)

Experts believe that many states will search for ways to get around the SALT deduction cap in the new Trump tax bill. The SALT provision places the cap on sate and local tax deductions at $10,000. (CNN Money)