THE SIMPLE LIFE | During the economic boom of the past decade, many people relaxed their definitions of “need.” But as banks go out of business and friends get laid off, many Americans, even wealthy ones, are beginning to reconsider the question of what they really need, and what they can just as well do without. Article

SOFT SELL | The roller-coaster stock market and plunging housing prices have left many consumers afraid. In response, marketers are adopting a softer approach to peddling their products, playing up comforting images in their ads and focusing on family and the warmth and safety of home. Article

BRAND NEWS | Many Americans are changing their everyday purchases and abandoning brand loyalty, prompted by the persistent financial pressure of rising food and energy prices. Article

PREVIEW THE JANUARY 2009 ISSUE

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IN A SLUMP | As signs of a worsening economy undermine consumer confidence, it’s clear that the sports business won’t escape untouched. The crisis in financial markets is already cooling the enthusiasm of many longtime season-ticket holders and once-wealthy corporate sponsors. Subscribers only

A TEXTBOOK CASE | Studying the Constitution and the Bill of Rights is a regular part of a public-school education. But what lessons are today's students learning about freedom of expression? Subscribers only

INDEX OF BUSINESSES AND BRANDS. Click here

How I Got Into College: 6 Stories
College admissions are expected to be as competitive as ever. We've asked a range of students to share what they've learned from the application frenzy. Article

Budget Woes Force Colleges to Cut Back
As public colleges grapple with reductions in state funding, the prospect of reduced access to higher education is looking more likely. Article

Avoiding ID Theft at College
Installing a firewall on your computer is just one of the ways you can protect your identity while attending college. Article

The 'Trophy Kids' Go to Work
In this adaptation from "The Trophy Kids Grow Up," Ron Alsop describes the workplace attitudes of a new crop of young people in the work force -- the millennials. Article

Visit CRUNCHONOMICS, a collection of recent articles and past advice on what readers can do to secure their family finances, careers, retirement savings and homes during financial turmoil.