Traveling Tight: Saving with Stopovers

Once upon a time, before airlines charged for pillows, they allowed travelers to make stopovers for free. That meant you could ski on your way to L.A., or overnight in Paris en route to Italy, without extra charge. For the most part those days are gone—especially on cheapo coach tickets. But the downturn has inspired a few major stopover deals to encourage tourism, and a number of airlines are dropping fees on stopovers.

Stopovers can be an economical way to drop extra destinations into a trip—especially places you might not otherwise hit, like Singapore. The tiny city-state is offering a bang-up deal, the Fabulous Singapore Stopover. Travel to Asia on Singapore Airlines, and get a super-discounted hotel rate…

Barter 101

Busted-flat? As Janet Joplin sang, “it ain’t nothin’ honey, if it ain’t free.” You can get what you want without paying a nickel if you know how to barter. We should know: the website you’re looking at is partly the result of bartering. Barter isn’t about making some kind of shady deal: it’s a legitimate form of commerce that has been going on since the beginning of time, and is making a strong comeback in the downturn. Do you need a new backyard fence? Tech support? Babysitting? Chances are, there is someone who can provide these services in exchange for something you can offer.

1. Get the word out
First, you have to know what you’ve got and get the word out to your social network. Bartering requires a certain level of trust, so it makes sense to look first in your own communities. Church groups, social clubs, Facebook circles, and neighborhood associations all make great settings for finding a barter partner…

Love in the Time of Layoff: Recession Killed My Romance

Twenty-three years after they broke up, Lesa and Ken embarked on a new romance from different corners of the country. On a whim, Ken had entered his college sweetheart’s name into Google – and discovered Lesa was living in Portland, Oregon. He was living in Avon Park, Florida. Between the two of them, they had lived through divorce, spousal death, children and heart attack. Despite the distance, the sparks were still there.

As their relationship grew stronger over two years of visiting, talking, emailing and Skyping, they made plans to move in together – in December 2008, he was to pack up and join her in Oregon.

At the same time, the economic clouds were moving in. The job market was getting worse in a hurry. Meanwhile, Lesa’s ten years as a social worker for the state of Oregon gave her security and stability there (somewhat – Oregon’s unemployment rate is 12.5% and states are not exactly guaranteeing employment…

Recession Briefing 4.30

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

The American economy is contracting at its steepest pace in 50 years, but a rise in consumer spending suggests the worst may have passed. (New York Times)

Where is all of the bailout money going? This guide to the government’s pledged relief funds and spending breaks it down. (Christian Science Monitor)

Initial jobless claims decreased by 14,000 last week, to 631,000, but the total number of unemployed Americans is continuing to set records. (Bloomberg)

Trying to do more with less, evidently, some brands are shrinking the portions of their products — while keeping prices the same. (Consumerist)…

Screwed: Another 38,000 at GM

A daily review of the employment fallout around the country and the world.

In yet another round of layoffs, General Motors will lay off 38,000 employees in Canada… Cessna is extending its summer furlough from two to four weeks and laying off another 2,300 workers… Ford talks about laying off 380 workers in its Louisville plant… The Baltimore Sun has laid off up to 60 employees yesterday…

Are You Better Off Now Than You Were 100 Days Ago?

In the first two months of Barack Obama’s presidency, the economy shrank 6.1 percent, according to a government report out today.

The drop was greater than the 4.7 percent estimated by Briefing.com but less than the 6.3 percent fall in the fourth quarter of last year.

In that same period, unemployment has also hit record levels, with the national rate now at 9 percent according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and above 10 percent in 109 cities, according to the government report.

But there have also been some bright spots…

When the Going Gets Tough, the French Sell Underwear

Charlott’ Lingerie, a French company that sells unmentionables door-to-door, is seeing the recession through rose-colored lace—uh, lenses. More women being laid off doesn’t mean less money for spending on frilly things, but a bigger pool of potential saleswomen.

That’s according to Eurosavant, an intelligent blog about the non-English-language press in Europe that summarized a recent series in Libération. The French newspaper explored how a number of companies are taking advantage of the downturn…

Five Priceless Mother’s Day Gifts

The National Retail Federation reports that spending is down more than ten % this year for Mother’s Day gifts. Expensive jewels and perfume may not be feasible for the cash-strapped, but don’t despair. You don’t have to break the bank to make Mom smile. Here are a few ideas for priceless gifts she’ll treasure.

1. Breakfast in bed
Mom took good care of you, now it’s her turn for a little pampering. Make her breakfast in bed, complete with a small vase of fresh flowers from the garden. A fragrant tea, like jasmine or Earl Grey, is a delightful thing for her to wake up to.

2. Memory Jar
Buy a pretty jar or vase or other container and fill it with memories. Write each one on a small piece of colored paper, then fold it up. Tie a colorful bow around the container and call it a “memory jar.” You can add new memories each year for a fabulous Mother’s Day tradition.

3. Spring Flowers
Spring has sprung, and now’s the time to enjoy nature’s eye candy…

Recession Briefing 4.29

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

Real estate has declined more precipitously in Phoenix, Ariz., than in any other big city in the country. Home prices there are down 35% in the past year, and down 51% from their peak. (Phoenix Business Journal)

A new plan from the Obama Administration is aimed at expanding relief to homeowners with second mortgages, offering cash incentives and subsidies to lenders who agree to substantially reduce their monthly payments. (New York Times)

It seems like everyone is now talking about signs of the economy “stabilizing” and the slackening pace of decline. But companies are still laying off employees and the financial markets remain a mess. (Washington Post)…

Screwed: 300 at Hutchinson Tech

A daily review of the employment fallout around the country and the world.

Hutchinson Technology plans to lay off 300 employees by the end of June in another round of layoffs… California’s Flour Corp. is laying off close to 300 employees… 230 employees of the Virginia Department of Transportation are losing their jobs on June 6… Fremont, California is eliminating 74 positions, 54 of which are already vacant..