CNN/Money has divulged its annual list: “100 Best Companies to Work for in 2010.”  Thanks to the current unemployment rate many of these companies should expect a crushing amount of applications. However, some of the companies on the list were able to continue business as usual — without a single layoff! That truly is amazing.

The Top 5:

1. SAS – sas.com
2. Edward Jones – edwardjones.com
3. Wegmans – wegmans.com
4. Google – google.com
5. Nugget Market – nuggetmarket.com

Two of the top five are information technology companies, two are in the grocery business, and one is in financial services. I’m surprised that Edward Jones remained this high given the issues in the financial sector over the past couple of years.

Look for the one(s) in your backyard.

On my way to work I stopped by the bagel shop near my office. Closed. Last week I stopped by a burger franchise (not a fast food joint, more like semi-fast food) and it was closed too. The week before last, my co-worker and I tried to have lunch at a wonderful Italian deli near our office, but, of course, that was closed too. There are many trends in this recession that I’ve read about but few that I’ve actually seen. It’s depressing to see these establishments go out of business. However, when I stop to think about it I realize that I’ve eaten at home more in the past year. It seems like other people are eating home more often as well; congruently, cookbook sales are up.

What’s the consumer’s role in a recession? Should we be trying to support local businesses, manufacturers, or companies not represented in the local super market?  If you have discretionary income in this climate you have a vote in what’s offered to you. You can vote with your dollars. Think about this the next time you have occasion to spend some money.

If you are wondering how bad it actually is for retailers, review “The Scariest Retail Sales Chart ever” from The Business Insider.

If you’re a regular reader of the Young Money Blog, you’ve probably noticed a few changes around here.  If so, that’s because we’ve had a little facelift.  We’ve got a new name, a new team, and a whole lot of new things to say.  So without further ado, let me introduce you to Young Money Talks, the new blog from Young Money Magazine. 

While YoungMoney.com will continue to bring you the latest articles and tips on financial success, lifestyle, and more, Young Money Talks is a place where you can voice your opinions on a host of issues.  Everyday you’ll find new content on YMT.  Check out our Money 101 segments each Monday, our Cheapskate Report on Tuesdays, find out about the hottest topics around the blogosphere each Wednesday, learn how to trick out Your Digs each Thursday, and scope out our “So Money” Person of the Week on Fridays. 

And there’s whole lot more to look forward to.  Got a question?  All you have to do is ask us.  Of course, you can always send us an email, but why not open it up to the community by posting a comment.   YMT is a place where you can voice your opinions, so speak up.  After all, we wouldn’t be Young Money Talks if we didn’t have anything to say.