Your Money: Dec. 14, 1998

Don't Bank on Big Raises

Your company's stock may be skyrocketing as the year comes to a close, but don't expect your pay-check to follow suit anytime soon. Merit raises in 1999 will average just around 4%, according to a recent survey by Buck Consultants. As an alternative, ask the boss for a bonus or stock options; more and more firms are offering them as incentives to stay on the job.

More Money for Mortgages

Some 200,000 Americans should have an easier time affording a home come Jan. 1. Fannie Mae, the government-chartered mortgage financier, just raised its 1999 single-family loan limit to $240,000, from the current $227,000. That means more borrowers will have access to the lower rates and fees of Fannie Mae-backed mortgages.

Inside Stuff on Net Stocks

Here's a warning for all you investors in Net stocks: some company executives seem to think their high-flying shares have hit a peak. In recent weeks, top brass at firms like Excite and Amazon have either sold or filed to sell a large chunk of shares. So with Net stocks defying gravity, you may also want to take the money and run.

--By Daniel Eisenberg

Recent Internet Insider Activity

Company Insiders Shares

Broadcom 11 2,271,800 Excite 10 798,276 Earthlink 12 691,459 @Home 11 542,998 CNET 6 508,928 Amazon 9 446,998 Spyglass 6 331,274

Source: Disclosure Inc.