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Economy

Labor Numbers Conjure Up Ghosts Of Past Crises

This month, the U.S. hit another milestone — 5.7 million people filed for unemployment benefits in just one week, more than at any time since the figures began to be collected in the 1960s. Host Jacki Lyden reflects on the unemployment figures and speaks with financial historian Richard Sylla about just how relevant past times of hardship — especially the Great Depression — are today.

Labor Numbers Conjure Up Ghosts Of Past Crises

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Financial Turmoil Grips World Markets

In Down Economy, Layoffs Are Contagious

The government has announced the U.S. economy shrank at its fastest pace in nearly 27 years. That because consumers and businesses cut spending. Layoffs that began in the real estate and finance sectors are now hitting workers in nearly every field. Some iconic firms are slashing jobs by the thousands.

In Down Economy, Layoffs Are Contagious

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Financial Turmoil Grips World Markets

Dueling Pig Ads Urge People To Save, Spend

An American campaign tells people to brew their own coffee and bring their own lunches to work — so they can feed their piggy banks. Meanwhile, a campaign in Finland features a piggy bank with little devil ears — and a message not to feed the recession.

Dueling Pig Ads Urge People To Save, Spend

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Opinion

StoryCorps

Recession Triggers Memories Of Great Depression

The nation's current financial crisis has been called the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. James Bost, 86, says the tough times have him emulating his father — who took some extreme measures to survive those lean years.

Recession Triggers Memories Of Great Depression

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Financial Turmoil Grips World Markets

Marketing When Consumers Aren't Buying

With the economy deteriorating and consumers hunkering down, companies face the task of peddling products to people who don't want to spend money. Timothy Calkins, a marketing professor at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, discusses how companies market during recessions.

Marketing When Consumers Aren't Buying

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Financial Turmoil Grips World Markets

More Bad News Brewing At Starbucks

Coffee giant Starbucks says it is closing 200 more U.S. stores and 100 abroad. Nearly 7,000 employees may lose their jobs in a new round of store closures and cost cutting. With quarterly profits down sharply and the economy getting weaker, Starbucks hopes to slash its costs by $500 million this year.

More Bad News Brewing At Starbucks

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Economy

Credit Crunch Hits Commercial Real Estate

Declining demand and the oversupply of office space suggest this will be a tough year for commercial real estate. Add to this a dearth of credit, and many are urging Congress to use some of the TARP money to help restart commercial real estate securities.

Credit Crunch Hits Commercial Real Estate

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What Don't We Know About Life In A Recession?

We know you're doing your best to keep your job, or looking hard for a new one. We know some are going back to school, and we know everybody's scrimping. But what don't we know? Tell us what you, your friends, family, co-workers and communities are doing now that's new.

What Don't We Know About Life In A Recession?

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Financial Turmoil Grips World Markets

Home Loan Program Benefits Rural Families

Though the country is in the midst of a financial crisis, it's still possible to buy a house with no money down. Relatively small but growing numbers of Americans are turning to an obscure home loan program backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Home Loan Program Benefits Rural Families

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Financial Turmoil Grips World Markets

State Farm Abandons Florida's Homeowners Market

State Farm has notified officials in Florida that it plans to stop selling property insurance there. The move may leave 1.2 million State Farm customers in the hurricane-prone state looking for an insurance company.

State Farm Abandons Florida's Homeowners Market

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100 Days: On The Road In Troubled Times

In Paradise, A Prayer For More Snowmobilers

In winter, snowmobiling is like a religion in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Devotees flock to the area, where restaurants advertise "Snowmobilers Welcome," and gas stations serve more snowmobiles than cars. But residents in the town of Paradise say the sinking economy is keeping many tourists home this year.

In Paradise, A Prayer For More Snowmobilers

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Pinching Pennies Doesn't Have To Be So Painful

As President Barack Obama works to push his $825 billion dollar economic stimulus package through Congress, recent reports of massive layoffs have many pinching pennies to survive a wounded economy. Money coach Alvin Hall offers tips on how lessen the sting of a turbulent economy.

Pinching Pennies Doesn't Have To Be So Painful

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Financial Turmoil Grips World Markets

Ding Dong: New Sales Reps Answer Avon's Call

Avon was the perfect job for many of America's homemakers back in the bucolic '50s. Now, a new generation of women hopes Avon, as well as Mary Kay Cosmetics, will offer some financial stability in this hard-hit economy. During a downturn, customers still spend money on personal care items.

Ding Dong: New Sales Reps Answer Avon's Call

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Financial Turmoil Grips World Markets

Thousands Of Workers Begin Week With Layoffs

Several big names in corporate America announced layoffs Monday. Pfizer, Caterpillar, Sprint Nextel, Home Depot and Texas Instruments said they were cutting thousands of positions. So far this year, nearly 200,000 jobs have been eliminated.

Thousands Of Workers Begin Week With Layoffs

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Health Care

Health Care Hurting Because Of The Recession

In the U.S., millions of people have lost their jobs and their health insurance. Even those who still have insurance may find themselves cutting back on medical treatments and care. In this recession, are you making difficult decisions about your health care?

Health Care Hurting Because Of The Recession

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