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Recession Briefing 12.2: Downturn Breeds Vegetarians

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

More than half of Americans have cut back on meat, many becoming “recession-bred flexitarians,” says Gourmet magazine—people who use meat as a condiment not as a meal anchor. And even Martha Stewart broadcast a vegetarian Thanksgiving show last week. (AlterNet)

Climbing interest rates, lower spending limits and canceled accounts are prompting more holiday shoppers to leave their credit cards at home this year. (Wall Street Journal)

The wobbly economy is contributing to a rush by millions of online shoppers to a decidedly low-tech business: coupons. (USA Today)

The changes that the health care bills in Congress envision are not soon enough to help the millions of unemployed people who, on Monday, lost their temporary federal subsidies for health insurance. (New York Times/Prescriptions)

As unemployment spikes, the cost of compassion is going up too. By as much as $100 billion. That’s the potential price of a push by Democrats in Congress to continue providing extra help to the jobless beyond the core 26-week unemployment insurance package provided under permanent law. (Associated Press)

Employers in the U.S. last month announced the fewest number of job cuts since the recession began two years ago as the economic recovery encouraged companies to retain workers. (Bloomberg)

Rural areas in middle America are being hit particularly hard by what could be another dip into recession for the region. (Associated Press)

With a growing number of people looking to cash in on their closets, clothing resale stores are becoming more selective about the brands they take and the condition of the items. (Wall Street Journal)

The Federal Housing Administration is proposing to increase the up-front cash paid by borrowers as part of an effort to shore up the agency’s finances, which have been staggered by rising defaults in its flagship mortgage insurance program. (Washington Post)

This recession’s housing crisis has created a significant obstacle to those who might move out of large metropolitan areas: It’s difficult to sell a house. With a captive audience, governments can tax at higher rates with less concern for an exodus by taxpayers. (New York Times/Economix)

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Tags: eating, economy, personal finance, real estate, shopping, spending, The Unemployed Life