It can be challenging to write about the same topic for months/years on end without repeating yourself. And coming up with new and exciting angles about the recession is next to impossible (type the word “recession” into Google and you come up with more than 49 million hits!) So, to make things easier for you, I’ve created this handy Recession Sentence Builder. Think of it as a depressing version of Mad Libs.

Using the Recession Sentence Builder is easy. Simply pick a word from each category and call it done. For example, I think that “The fiscal turmoil is stabilizing” would make one heck of a good headline. Give it a try—there are 512 possible combinations!

When asked about their biggest money mistakes, most people talk about mistakes made with the money they’ve already earned. Generally, the mistakes are along the lines of “I should have starting saving sooner,” “I should’nt have cosigned for my boyfriend,” and “I didn’t diversify.” However, I think the biggest money mistakes happen before you earn your first paycheck.

There is no doubt that resume mistakes can cost you a job. In fact, according to Accountemps, three out of four executives interviewed said just one or two typos in a resume would remove applicants from consideration for a job. (See some real life resume mistakes at Resumania.com.)

While typos, spelling errors, and word misuse rank high on most recruiters’ list of top mistakes, there are many other resume mistakes that can decrease your chances of getting a job. Here is a list of the top 10 resume mistakes from Monster.com.

1. Typos and grammatical errors
2. Lack of specifics
3. Attempting one size fits all
4. Highlighting duties instead of accomplishments
5. Going on too long or cutting things too short
6. A bad objective
7. No action verbs
8. Leaving off important information
9. Visually too busy
10. Incorrect contact information

Even if your resume is perfect, there are also some resume delivery mistakes to avoid. For example, NPR reports that it is not a good idea to have a husband-and-wife email address.

One way to prevent common resume mistakes is to have several friends or family members edit your resume before sending. Even better, consider finding a mentor to guide your job hunt. The bottom line is that an error-free resume is well worth the time and effort. After all, you can’t make money mistakes if you don’t have any money.

The economic crisis has lead to an increase in many types of fraud including occupational fraud, Internet fraud, used car fraud, and mortgage fraud. The word fraud means an action or lack of action that is punishable by law. This includes outright deception, and sometimes almost “accidental” misrepresentation that causes damages. Fraud can also include the failure to reveal facts. The bottom line is that falling prey to fraud costs a lot of time and money. In 2007, the average loss was $3,091 per telemarketing victim.

While it may be obvious that you should to steer clear of get-rich-quick schemes and phony contests, some types of fraud are not so easily detected. Unfortunately, thieves adapt as consumers become educated; fraud has seeped its way into more trustworthy covers including “charities,” credit repair, loans, travel, online auctions and work-from-home offers. Following are some ways to foil fraud:

-Be informed. You can educate yourself about current known scams by visiting IDTheftCenter.com.

-Practice due diligence. Before making any purchase, find out if any complaints have been registered with the Attorney General’s office. While a clean complaint record is not a guarantee, it is a step in the right direction.

-Be wary of high pressure appeals. For example, be skeptical if someone thanks you for a pledge you don’t remember making. Legitimate companies should not intimidate you into making an on-the-spot donation or purchase.

-Be skeptical. If someone promises you an easy way to make fast cash, be wary. As the old saying goes, “if it’s too good to be true, it probably is.”

-Remember your budget. Even if a solicitation proves to be legitimate, ask yourself if it is really something you want. Remember, before they called you probably didn’t know you “needed” what they’re selling.

-Head them off at the pass. Ask telemarketers to put you on their “do not call” list. Under federal law, they are required to comply. If they continue to call you can sue them in small claims court. For information on how to stop unsolicited email spam, review your state’s laws at SpamLaws.com.

If you suspect a scam, call the National Fraud Information Center at 800-876-7060.