From This Collection

Why are movie box office results reported in dollars, rather than tickets sold?

Jul 5, 2024
Knowing a movie’s gross is important for Hollywood dealmaking. The rest of us are just obsessed with records.
The highly popular "Inside Out 2," released this summer, has already made more than $1 billion worldwide. Traditionally, the press has measured a movie's success by how much it's earned at the box office, not by how many people saw the film.
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney/Pixar

How large is the shadow economy?

May 31, 2024
Trillions of dollars worth of business goes unreported in this economy — street vending, farm labor, babysitting and more. Let’s do the numbers.
Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

What should you do if your Social Security number is stolen?

May 10, 2024
Freeze your credit, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or use free, online resources, experts say.
Make sure you consistently review your financial statements to spot fraudulent activity.
Sean Anthony Eddy/Getty Images Plus

Why does my electric company need to advertise?

May 3, 2024
Sometimes it's for public service announcements, sometimes it's for public relations after a scandal. Either way, some states are cracking down.
Utilities advertise to sell products, make public service announcements, and improve their image.
George Rose/Getty Images