I've Always Wondered ...

If you’re like us, you’ve got a lot of questions about the small, simple, ubiquitous things in the world of business. Let's find the answers.

What have you always wondered about the economy?

Does it make cents to get rid of the penny?

I've Always Wondered ...

What happens to your Christmas tree after the holidays?

I've Always Wondered ...

Why are bananas so cheap?

I've Always Wondered ...

What is the economic impact of lost and stolen packages?

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I've Always Wondered ...

Would changing the Fed's inflation target help people afford homes?

by Janet Nguyen

Nov 15, 2024

The trick is finding inflation's sweet spot — too much or too little can lead to a lot of problems for the economy and consumers.

If the Fed allows inflation to go up to 4%, then mortgage rates will rise, says Michael Klein, an economics professor at Tufts University.

Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

I've Always Wondered ...

How do natural disasters impact consumer spending?

by Janet Nguyen

Nov 8, 2024

They cause billions of dollars worth in damage, but many regional economies prove to be resilient.

An aerial view of destroyed and damaged buildings in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Mario Tama/Getty Images

I've Always Wondered ...

Who pays to maintain old graves at a cemetery?

by Janet Nguyen

Nov 1, 2024

If you want to learn the history of your community, cemeteries are a good place to start.

Green-Wood Cemetery in New York, which was founded in 1838, is a National Historic Landmark.

Maike Schulz

I've Always Wondered ...

Longer mortgages could make housing more affordable. Why is 30 years the standard?

by Janet Nguyen

Oct 25, 2024

Longer-term mortgages would mean lower monthly payments, but they're more expensive overall.

All financial loans come with tradeoffs. The 40-year mortgage would be no exception.

Allison Dinner/Getty Images

I've Always Wondered ...

13 GOP-led states rejected federal funding to feed kids. Where does that unused money go?

by Janet Nguyen

Oct 18, 2024

A new summer program is helping to feed millions of families in dozens of states. But not everyone qualified.

Families in dozens of states received $120 in summer EBT benefits for each eligible child.

Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images

I've Always Wondered ...

You have savings bonds from the '90s. What should you do with them?

by Janet Nguyen

Oct 11, 2024

Try not to hold onto them past their maturation date.

If you still have a savings bond past its maturation date, you're effectively giving the government an interest-free loan.

jetcityimage/iStock/Getty Images Plus

I've Always Wondered ...

Do celebrities use ATMs? Who pays their bills? Here’s how business managers handle an artist’s finances

by Janet Nguyen

Oct 4, 2024

They have debit cards and do go to the bank to withdraw money. Stars, they’re just like us.

simonkr/Getty Images

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I've Always Wondered ...

Does the presidential election take a bite out of small businesses?

by Janet Nguyen

Sep 27, 2024

Interest rates and seasonal changes influence the real estate market or small business sales more than election season.

Current president Joe Biden stopping at an Iowa cafe during his 2020 presidential campaign.

Scott Olson/Getty Images

Election 2024

How does election spending impact the economy?

by Janet Nguyen

Sep 20, 2024

Spending can spur job creation in specific sectors, like broadcast news.

Presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump squared off in a debate earlier this month.

SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images

I've Always Wondered ...

How do small, independent motels stay in business?

by Janet Nguyen

Sep 13, 2024

They don’t have the name recognition of a Motel 6, but low prices, little competition and a sense of community help Indian hoteliers withstand inflation.

The humble motel may not have as many amenities as a branded hotel. But they tend to be cheaper and provide lodging in areas with few options.

Jon Bilous/Getty Images Plus

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