We all pay taxes and none of us enjoy it. We pay taxes on income, our property, the things we buy and much more. But how does the income tax system actually work and how does the government spend our tax dollars? Radio America’s Charlotte McKinley digs into these questions and explores how higher taxes impact business productivity, whether there is a “right” level of taxation, and what is meant by terms like “trickle-down” economics and “crowding out.”
The Role of Taxes in America’s Economy
Posted in Economics
Tagged economy, government, spending, taxes, trickle down
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Supply And Demand Shocks
Usually we don’t need to think about whether what we want to buy at the store will be in stock, but the COVID-19 pandemic proved that a major jolt in our economy can make it hard to find some of the things we need. Think about how hard it was to get toilet paper for a few weeks! These major disruptions are often the result of supply or demand shocks. In this report, Radio America’s Reagan Gensiejewski explains how these shocks happen, how they impact the availability and price of the products we buy, and different steps the government takes to try to fix the problems.
Cashless Society
When was the last time you bought something with cash? Most of the time we use credit or debit cards or pay with an app. As more and more people stop using bills and coins, is it possible we could one day live in a cashless society? Radio America’s Paige Taylor explains why going cashless is increasingly popular, why others believe it is vital to keep traditional currency in circulation, and how we will pay for things in the years to come.
Posted in Credit, Economics, Savings and Investing
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Paying With Apps
For years, we’ve been able to pay for things through apps like PayPal or Venmo. But now many businesses have their own apps that you can use to pay and get discounts or other perks. Is it a good idea for you to download and use these apps or are there privacy and other concerns that should make you look a little closer? Radio America’s Elaine Mallon reports.
Posted in Budgeting, Credit, Savings and Investing
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Homeowners and Renters Insurance
Your home will likely be the biggest investment you ever make. And while losing that home to fire or some other disaster may seem unlikely, having insurance will allow you to rebuild your life and your home if you become a victim. But before you sign up for that insurance policy, make sure you know what you’re agreeing to. Radio America’s Nick Treglia walks us through the key terms of an insurance policy and also details what coverage renters should get to protect their possessions.
Posted in Economics, Risk Protection
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Car Insurance
Everyone is excited about getting a driver’s license and getting that first car, but before you take that first spin you will need car insurance. But what are the most important things to understand about insurance? How does it protect you from the cost of damages and any medical care that you or another driver may need? Radio America’s Claire Alfree reveals how to find the right policy for you.
Posted in Economics, Risk Protection
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Soft Skills
High school and college teach you the technical skills needed for your future jobs but do you have the soft skills necessary to perform those jobs well? Radio America’s Christian Barrett explains what soft skills are, how strong yours are, and how to hone them.
Posted in Career
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Human Capital and Productivity
We often think of economic strength in job numbers or statistical growth, but the greatest asset in our economy is human capital. What is human capital? How does it grow and what are the costs and benefits of developing it? Radio America’s Asa Hoffman investigates.