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?

What happens to all those unsold Valentine’s Day cards?

Janet Nguyen Feb 18, 2021

I've always wondered ...

Green peppers are cheaper than their more colorful comrades. Here's why.

I've always wondered ...

Why do we no longer use $1,000 bills?

I've always wondered ...

What do CEOs do all day long to deserve their pay?

I've always wondered ...

How much money is there in the world?

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I've always wondered ...

A big number that poses big ethical questions

by Katherine Wiles

Apr 15, 2021

Grasping big numbers is a hard thing for humans to do, and that has implications for how we think about billionaires.

Jeff Bezos, seen in 2019, is currently worth $177 billion.

Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

COVID-19

Have cold medicine sales declined during the COVID-19 crisis?

by Janet Nguyen

Apr 8, 2021

With lockdown measures in place, that meant people were limiting their interactions with others.

Cold, flu and cough medicine sales dropped by more than 27% over the past year.

Craig Mitchelldyer/Getty Images

I've always wondered ...

Will economic growth always rely on population growth?

by Katherine Wiles

Apr 1, 2021

In theory, the ingredients of economic growth are capital and investment. In practice, not so much.

In theory, the economy can continue to grow with a stable population. In practice, not so much.

Dmytro Varavin via Getty Images

I've always wondered ...

Why don’t we use 900 numbers anymore?

by Janet Nguyen

Mar 25, 2021

Before the internet, we accessed information — and reached out to celebrities — by dialing a number.

In the days of landlines, you could call 900 numbers to connect with celebs.

Chris Ryan/Getty Images

I've always wondered ...

Why some inflation measurements don’t include food and energy prices

by Katherine Wiles

Mar 18, 2021

Core inflation strips out food and energy prices, because they can be pretty volatile.

Energy and food prices can fluctuate rapidly, so "core" inflation strips those prices out.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

I've always wondered ...

Why “equity” can mean “cash” in real estate and “fairness” in everyday language

by Katherine Wiles

Mar 11, 2021

“Equity” comes from a Latin root meaning “fair” or ”equal.” It’s legal history started in 15th century English equity courts.

Equity has multiple meanings when it comes to real estate that derive from the term "equity of redemption."

Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

I've always wondered ...

How $75,000 became the threshold for receiving a stimulus check

by Janet Nguyen

Mar 4, 2021

COVID-19 stimulus checks began to phase out for individuals making more than this amount.

BackyardProduction/Getty Images

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I've always wondered ...

How many U.S. flags are made in the U.S.?

by Katherine Wiles

Feb 25, 2021

Perhaps the best-known symbol of American patriotism, the American flag is made in the U.S. 94% of the time.

An American flag flies outside the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 9, 2021.

Al Drago/Getty Images

I've always wondered ...

What happens to all those unsold Valentine’s Day cards?

by Janet Nguyen

Feb 18, 2021

Out-of-date cards are sometimes greeted by being discounted or returned to the supplier.

auleena/Getty Images

I've always wondered ...

The economics of nursing homes (and paying for one)

by Janet Nguyen

Feb 11, 2021

Although the facilities are expensive, Medicaid can help with the cost.

A nursing assistant ensures that a patient remains a safe social distance from a visitor.

Wanderluster/Getty Images

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