More than ever, Americans have been putting off their retirement plans because of the ongoing recession. Some are doing this by choice however, even opening up their own franchise businesses.

A report in the Associated Press discusses the growing number of people who have been becoming entrepreneurs at an age when many of their peers may be more focused on winding down a career.

The report noted that the recession makes owning a franchise that much more difficult, pointing out that last year's total franchise revenues of $839 billion are expected to be substantially lower this year, along with the total number of employees (9.8 million) that work for franchises.

Franchise owners can reportedly be saddled with higher startup and maintenance costs than independent business owners, but they can also benefit from running a well-established business model and brand.

If running a franchise is an idea that appeals to you, some places to get more information may be the American Franchisee Association and the International Franchise Association.

In the short term however, the International Franchise Association's website warns that the number of jobs as well as the number of franchises are expected to shrink in 2009 because of the economy.