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?

From This Collection

I've Always Wondered ...

Why do companies flush with cash still carry debt?

by Janet Nguyen

Jan 13, 2023

Google, for instance, has more than $116 billion in the bank, but isn’t rushing to pay off its borrowings.

Unlike many of us, Google isn't prioritizing paying off its debt — but there are some good reasons for that.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

I've Always Wondered ...

Who are "the markets"?

by Janet Nguyen

Jan 6, 2023

Financial experts love to toss-around this catch-all term. What does it actually mean?

Traders working on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange during morning trading.

Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

I've Always Wondered ...

How did the pandemic affect the Corona Beer brand?

by Janet Nguyen

Dec 30, 2022

Sales of the beer brand went up during the pandemic, despite a small initial dip in favorability.

Corona sales didn't fizzle during the start of the pandemic, despite sharing its name with the coronavirus.

Scott Olson/Getty Images

I've Always Wondered ...

How much profit do fireworks stands make?

by Janet Nguyen

Dec 16, 2022

One fireworks business owner said a 20% profit margin is considered "great."

As the new year approaches, some fireworks businesses are starting to pitch their tents.

franckreporter/Getty Images

I've Always Wondered ...

When did movie credits get so long?

by Janet Nguyen

Dec 9, 2022

Some early Hollywood films didn’t even list the actors.

A view of the credits for 2021's "Dune," which lasted nearly 8 minutes.

I've Always Wondered ...

Why are Flintstones vitamins and cereal still popular decades after the show ended?

by Janet Nguyen

Dec 2, 2022

It’s easy to grasp the visual iconography of “The Flintstones,” even if you’ve never seen the show, allowing the characters to live on in the public imagination.

Fun in a box: The Pebbles cereal line has endured for more than 50 years.

Courtesy Post Holdings Inc.

I've Always Wondered ...

What is the best way to support musicians?

by Janet Nguyen

Nov 18, 2022

Buying tickets to live shows is one. Collecting their merch is another. But what they need most is systemic change, union organizers say.

Going to a live show is one of the best ways to support artists. But amid the pandemic, even going on tour has become economically unfeasible for some.

nd3000/iStock/Getty Images Plus

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I've Always Wondered ...

Don't avocado prices ever go down?

by Janet Nguyen

Nov 11, 2022

Consumers like the fruit at all stages of ripeness.

Avocados seem to be always be in high demand.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

I've Always Wondered ...

Why are there so many auto insurance commercials?

by Janet Nguyen

Nov 4, 2022

Car insurance companies spend billions each year trying to reach TV viewers and keep ahead of the competition.

Drivers in nearly every state are required to have insurance.

Carl Court/Getty Images

I've Always Wondered ...

Why do baseball games have such weird start times?

by Janet Nguyen

Oct 28, 2022

There’s a reason your favorite team’s game is scheduled for 4:07 on the dot.

Nick Maton of the Philadelphia Phillies singles against the Houston Astros at a baseball game earlier this month. Tonight, the two teams will compete in the first game of the World Series.

Tim Warner/Getty Images

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