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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 ...
Does it make cents to get rid of the penny?
What happens to your Christmas tree after the holidays? 
I've Always Wondered ...
What happens to your Christmas tree after the holidays? 
Why are bananas so cheap?
I've Always Wondered ...
Why are bananas so cheap?
What is the economic impact of lost and stolen packages? 
I've Always Wondered ...
What is the economic impact of lost and stolen packages? 

From This Collection

I've Always Wondered ...

Just how safe are credit unions?

by Janet Nguyen
Jun 2, 2023
They have been known to fail, but generally they take less risk with their money than banks. Experts say make sure your deposits are insured.
Both credit unions and banks are generally safe, but credit unions may take less risk with the money you've deposited.
sshepard/Getty Images
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I've Always Wondered ...

Who does the U.S. owe $31.4 trillion?

by Janet Nguyen
May 26, 2023
Our creditors range from private investors to foreign governments. Some seek to align the debt limit with the budgeting process.
The debt limit is the amount of money the Treasury can borrow to meet its obligations. The deadline for Congress to lift the limit, lest the U.S. default, is quickly approaching.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
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I've Always Wondered ...

How could the government debt crisis affect individual investors? 

by Janet Nguyen
May 19, 2023
Financial experts advise investors to not panic, reduce debt and build savings.
President Joe Biden speaks during a White House meeting with lawmakers on the debt limit this week.
Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images
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I've Always Wondered ...

Could we mint a $31 trillion coin to pay the national debt?

by Janet Nguyen
May 12, 2023
Issuing a mega-coin has been proposed as a novel solution to the country’s debt ceiling crisis.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has called a trillion-dollar coin a "gimmick." Above, she inspects quarter dies at the Denver mint alongside second gentleman Douglas Emhoff in 2022.
Jason Connolly-Pool/Getty Images
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I've Always Wondered ...

Where has all the store seating gone? 

by Janet Nguyen
May 5, 2023
Many outlets have removed chairs and benches, potentially boosting profits. But some shoppers won’t stand for it.
“If people are sitting, they're not spending," one retail expert told us.
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I've Always Wondered ...

How do carmakers set the "manufacturer’s suggested retail price"?

by Janet Nguyen
Apr 28, 2023
Every car has one, but what you actually pay may differ from this amount.
A car's sticker price communicates its worth — but there might be better deals out there.
David McNew/Getty Images
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I've Always Wondered ...

What would happen if paper money became obsolete?

by Janet Nguyen
Apr 21, 2023
A large number of Americans have gone cashless, but many still have to rely on it.
Cash is still here to stay.
OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images
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I've Always Wondered ...

How does the tax code influence what we do with our money?

by Janet Nguyen
Apr 14, 2023
Get married? Buy a house? Invest or work? Tax rates and deductions reveal what behaviors society values.
A view of single-family homes in Miramar, Florida. The mortgage interest deduction is helpful for homeowners, but economists say it can actually hurt homeownership rates.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
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I've Always Wondered ...

Why do teachers pay for school supplies with their own money?

by Janet Nguyen
Apr 7, 2023
Instructors are investing their cash, along with their skill and passion, in their students' education.
School supplies are often in short supply in the classroom, so many teachers dig into their own pockets to provide them.
Olivier Touron/AFP via Getty Images
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I've Always Wondered ...

Why do pharmaceutical companies give away some expensive drugs for free?

by Janet Nguyen
Mar 31, 2023
Some offer patient assistance programs, where people can access drugs for free, or cheaper than they would normally pay.
Patient assistance programs might provide much needed relief for patients on an individual level, but they can end up costing health insurers more money.
PAUL J. RICHARDS / Staff
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