Forbes

Lord knows that with unemployment at 10%, there are lots of us looking for jobs in places to which we hadn't dreamed of moving. But even in good times, Americans are constantly changing jobs. Indeed, one-fifth of the work force typically switches jobs in a given year, many to different cities in a different state.

Forbes: 05.10.09, 1:00 PM ET

Laurence J. Kotlikoff

"Birds do it, bees do it, educated fleas do it. Let's shack up with mom." The Italians have been singing this version of Cole Porter's classic for decades. Over half of Italian men 25 to 35 now live with their moms (and dads).

Makes sense. Moms cook, clean and iron. And they can fend off unhappy girlfriends. But moms are getting something from the deal as well--a higher living standard assuming junior helps pay for his room and board.

Given how things are going with our economy, we may all start living this peculiar dolce vita.

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Resurrect Your Retirement
Laurence J. Kotlikoff, 04.07.09, 12:00 PM EDT
An economist offers five steps to get one couple's plan back on track.

If you're like me, you've watched your assets get massacred by the malfeasance system we call American capitalism. Insider rating, captured politicians, regulatory "restraint," director kickbacks, off-balance sheet accounting, non-disclosure, fraud, moral hazard, thieving CEOs, Ponzi schemes ... you name it, we've got it.