A year ago, James B. Beeler was the director of information systems at a large company providing student achievement tests for departments of education across the United States. Since his October 2002 layoff, however, his personal savings have dried up. So, to bring in extra money, Beeler has sold his beloved 1974 Ford Bronco, as well some of his family's antique furniture. Of course, he has used the year to look for work in his field, too--sadly, to no avail.

"Unemployment benefits were some help," says Beeler, who lives in San Antonio, Texas. "They at least paid for my COBRA insurance; of course, that's gone now."