The global credit crisis and a stagnant home economy have made this one of the most difficult times in recent history to find work. Approximately 14 million individuals are currently unemployed, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly double the number since the recession began in December 2007. And, while the unemployment rate in

During a recession, a solid investing approach is to look for companies that are retaining strong balance sheets or stable business models despite the economic downturn. Utilities, basic consumer products conglomerates, and defense stocks are examples of these types of businesses. Investors frequently increase exposure to these groups in their portfolios in anticipation of declining

The federal government responded to the recession by significantly expanding UI eligibility, increasing TANF allocations, and expanding the EITC and CTC. During the slump, other government safety net spending surged as the population eligible for services grew. These limited increases of the social safety net were critical in keeping families and children from falling deeper

A recession is a period of falling economic performance that lasts several months and affects the entire economy. Businesses, investors, and government officials monitor a variety of economic indicators that can help anticipate or confirm the onset of recessions, but the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) is the one who officially declares them. To