News

Recession Briefing 4.15

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

Hoping to restore investor confidence, The Obama Administration is planning to release the results of the “stress tests” it has conducted on the 19 largest banks in the country.  (New York Times)

Treasury Secretary Ben Bernanke said yesterday that he is seeing signs that the recession is easing up, asserting that it could be the “first step” toward recovery. (CNN/Money)

With less money to eat out and more frustration and anxiety to subdue, Americans are heading to the gym for more frequent workouts. (Bloomberg)

With a dearth of available summer jobs, some teens are getting in the entrepreneurial spirit and starting their own small businesses. (Wall Street Journal)

President Obama is continuing to push his domestic agenda, asserting that changes are needed in areas like healthcare so that the economic recovery can take hold. (Los Angeles Times)

If you’re unemployed, it can be awkward talking to your friends about it. Here are some conversation talking points. (Save the Assistants)

For some people, the recession could actually be a matter of life or death: Diabetics are increasingly cutting back on doctor visits, insulin, medicines and tests as they lose income and health insurance. (Associated Press)

While CEOs are feeling the pinch of the recession — though certainly less than the peons who work for them — their changes in income don’t correlate to the degree to which their businesses have suffered. And, on the whole, more CEOs got pay raises than cuts in 2008. (Washington Post, Reuters)

Unsurprisingly, as the recession bares down fewer Americans are buying vacation homes — even in tropical paradises and at deeply discounted prices. (USA Today)

Another victim of the hard times: funeral homes. People are reportedly cutting back on funeral-related expenditures, according to a new report.  (CNN)

What to do with recession-related stress? Control what you can, try to stay optimistic, and keep your sense of humor. (New York Times)

If you come across a good article or blog post about the recession pass it on.

Tags: business, CEOs, health, obama, The Unemployed Life