The Recession Killed the Gas Guzzler

There was no mistaking the recession’s influence at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this month. Although the crowds have returned since last year’s somber affair, the cars themselves were a far cry from the gas-guzzling behemoths that once covered the floor of the massive convention space.

Yes, it appears change is afoot in the auto industry. Blame it on the recession, the high gas prices, or the growing eco-consciousness of society, but this year’s show featured an endless stream of hybrid, electric, and generally eco-friendly cars with lower price points than before the economic collapse…

The Newest Ways to Share and Save

We understand why you might not want to share everything (spouses and swimsuits spring to mind). But saving a few bucks by sharing other things is turning out to be one of the year’s big trends.

Sharing-based businesses are hardly a new phenomenon–though the old fashioned term for it is “renting.” Back in July we put together a roundup of our favorites, including textbooks and movies, back in July. But more companies are jumping on the sharing-is-caring bandwagon, letting customers take temporary ownership of party dresses and eco-friendly cars. After the jump, a roundup of the newcomers…

Recession Briefing 10.29: Your Cash for Their Clunkers

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

The “Cash for Clunkers” program cost taxpayers approximately $24,000 for each extra vehicle sold when you factor in the cars which would have likely been sold anyway in the second half of 2009. (CNN/Money)

Remarkably, there has been a decline in deaths during the recession. The truth, little known but well documented, is that death rates decline and healthy living habits improve in tough economic times. (Fortune)

The economy grew at a 3.5 percent pace in the third quarter, the best showing in two years, fueled by government-supported spending on cars and homes. It was the strongest signal yet the economy entered a new phase of recovery. (AP)…

Recession Briefing 9.11: Marijuana Farming Grows

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

The typical American household made less money last year than the typical household made a full decade ago. (New York Times/Economix)

Marijuana farming has increased during the recession as hard-luck entrepreneurs supplement their income with backyard pot plantations. (Associated Press)

Both Harvard University and Yale University have reported that the value of their respective endowments fell about 30% in the past fiscal year. (Associated Press, Wall Street Journal)…

Recession Briefing 8.25: Fatal Car Accidents Decline

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

Cities nationwide have been logging fewer traffic fatalities since the current recession officially started in December 2007, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (Arizona Republic)

Beginning late this fall, a new Cash-for-Clunkers-type program will authorize rebates of $50 to $200 for purchases of high-efficiency household appliances. (BusinessWeek)

After spawning legions of victims, the recession is forging a class of winners. Downturns “are very fertile fields of opportunity,” says Nancy Koehn, a business historian and professor at Harvard Business School. (Wall Street Journal)…

Recession Briefing 8.21: Elmo’s Recession Woes

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

Elmo, Sesame Street‘s most giggly spokesmonster, is going through some tough economic times. His mommy has lost her job. (Daily Finance)

Data is beginning to show that the rich, as a group, are no longer getting richer. Over the last two years, they have become poorer. And many may not return to their old levels of wealth and income anytime soon. (New York Times)

The rough economy is inflicting hardship on people even in death. Coroners and funeral directors in several cities say the number of people seeking government-paid funerals, cremations and burials is spiking… (USA Today)

If you come across a good article or blog post about the recession pass it on. To receive Recession Briefing in your inbox, subscribe to our daily email.

Recession Briefing 8.17: A Cocktail to Kill the Recession

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

Brian Redzikowski, executive chef at Bond Street Beverly Hills serves up a blueberry cocktail these days called “Is the Recession Over?” Here’s the recipe. (Vanity Fair)

The recession, tight job market, depressed stock portfolios and mounting bills have prompted a growing pool of new game show hopefuls: unemployed white-collar professionals seeking quick-fix stimulus packages to keep afloat in turbulent times. (USA Today)

How has the recession been affecting one affluent Westchester suburb? One resident describes how she’s now “squeaking by” on just $300,000-a-year. (Washington Post)…

8 Things We’re Glad the Recession Killed

There have been many sad passings in the downturn, some the results of the economy (lots of jobs, Domino magazine) others not (John Hughes). But as always, there is an upside: The bust seems to have killed off some of the more distasteful boom trends, expressions of excess that just aren’t appropriate anymore.

McMansions
All around the country, sprawling new developments sit empty, oversized homes are being foreclosed on, and home buyers are choosing—for the first time in 15 years, more normal-sized properties. A double-height great room does not a happy (or financially sound) family make.

SUVs
The McMansions of cars also boomed in the boom, when we didn’t care how much we spent for gas and were happy to tower over pathetic hippie cyclists. Wired.com says that 60 percent of the cars that have been junked through the Cash for Clunkers program are gas-guzzling Ford Explorers…

Recession Briefing 8.13: Fed Says Recession Almost Over

What you need to know today to survive and thrive in the recession. (If you come across a good article or blog post about the recession pass it on. To receive Recession Briefing in your inbox, subscribe to our daily email.)

JetBlue Airways will offer an “all-you-can-jet” pass for $599 in which passengers can book an unlimited amount of flights within a one-month span. (CNN/Money)

The Federal Rerserve says the recession looks to be coming to a close, and so it’s starting to return to business as usual. (NY Times)

The French and German economies both grew by 0.3% between April and June, bringing to an end year-long recessions in Europe’s largest economies. (BBC)

Florida’s gator hunters are hurting as demand for high-end alligator skin purses, wallets, and belts has slackened due to the recession. (Tampa Tribune)…

Recession Briefing 6.10

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

Congress has approved a “cash for clunkers” bill that aims to boost new auto sales by allowing consumers to turn in their gas-guzzling cars and trucks for vouchers worth up to $4,500 toward more fuel-efficient vehicles. (Associated Press)

Nigerian email scammers have adapted to the recession and are starting to target job seekers. (Gawker)

Seventy-one percent of high-school guidance counselors this year saw an increase in the number of their students who chose a more-affordable option over their “dream school,” according to a survey. (Chronicle of Higher Education)…