News

Recession Briefing 3.26

What you need to know today to survive and thrive in the recession.

“Tent cities” are popping up everywhere. There are reports of over a dozen such communities that have sprouted up around the country.  (Huffington Post)

There was an unexpected rise in factory orders for goods like metals, machines and military equipment last month, according to new figures from the government. (New York Times)

Fundamental differences have emerged between U.S. and European approaches to restarting the global economy. The divide reflects differences in Euro-American cultures, institutions, and leadership.  (Christian Science Monitor)

Many employers across the country are cutting 401(k) matching programs, at what may be the worst time in terms of the potential impact of this money on long-term savings. (Wall Street Journal)

The Department of Commerce said that the long slump in new home sales is no longer worsening, and that sales could begin to rebound later this year. A buying spree could be spurred by low mortgage rates and decreased prices. (New York Post)

The U.S. Postal Service is facing huge deficits and could go broke, according to an official. One solution proposed: cutting Saturday delivery.  (AP via New York Times)

College towns, which have traditionally weathered recessions relatively well, are having a hard time these days. “It doesn’t matter how good your football team is or how many Ph.D.s you’ve got, no town can duck a contraction as broad and deep as this one.”  (Forbes)

The slumping economy and President Obama’s promise to make public service “cool” again are leading more young people to seek out government jobs. (Washington Post)

With unemployment and homelessness rising, cities are seeing an increase in squatters living in abandoned buildings. Eduardo M. Penalver thinks cities should resist the urge to simply increase enforcement. (Slate)

Looking for a job? Well, some parts of the country are better than thers these days if you need to restart your career. Raleigh, N.C. tops this top 20 list of best places for businesses and careers. (Forbes)

Tags: bankruptcy, benefits, business, economy, education, investments, politics, poverty, real estate