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Recession Briefing 4.28

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

Some recession-minded entrepreneurial types have started marketing Livestrong-style yellow wristbands that read “Laid Off Need a Job.com” (Wall Street Journal)

“Fixing is apparently the new buying.” Businesses that repair consumer goods (cobblers, tailors, auto mechanics, etc..) are seeing a spike in business as people try to fix what they have instead of spending money on something new. (Boston Globe)

Retailers are noticing that consumers are not so much price-conscious as discount-conscious. For a while, 50 percent off seemed the norm, but now hefty percentage discounts beyond that have become the standard. (New York Times)

The Federal economic stimulus package is being committed at a rate of over $1 billion per day. So far, $14.5 billion of it has been spent. (CNN/Money)

The Obama administration plans to expand its mortgage relief program by offering mortgage lenders incentives to lower borrowers’ bills on second mortgages. (Associated Press)

“Mortgage vultures” are taking advantage of cash-strapped homeowners by claiming that they can negotiate down debts in exchange for hefty fees. (Huffington Post)

College students — and others hoping to get their foot in the door — are finding internships increasingly scarce amid the recession. (Forbes)

Some businesses in Seattle are trying to take advantage of the Obama stimulus funds and innovate their way out of the recession. (BBC)

“One thing this recession can provide executives is more time,” writes John Baldoni. “This gives business leaders an opportunity to adopt a ‘fresh take.’” (Bloomberg)

Some colleges are touting lower cost “no frills” degrees — offering core courses without many of the other expensive add-ons found at traditional campuses. (Christian Science Monitor)

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

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