Mar 16 Government agencies responsible for $125 billion worth of improper payments last year By Stephen Ohlemacher, Associated Press WASHINGTON — Federal agencies made $125 billion in improper payments last year, including tax credits to people who didn't qualify, Medicare payments for treatments that might not be necessary and unemployment benefits for people who were actually working, said a… Continue reading
Feb 23 White House pushing tougher rules on retirement account brokers By Jim Kuhnhenn, Associated Press WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is proposing tougher restrictions on brokers who manage Americans' retirement accounts, reigniting a confrontation with the financial services industry over rules affecting trillions of dollars in 401k and other savings accounts. Continue reading
Feb 08 Watch 3:08 The pitfalls of Powerball: Why some states are on the losing end of the lottery system By PBS News Hour Wednesday's Powerball jackpot has spiked to more than $450 million and is likely to grow. The prize is expected to boost sales this week, but ticket buying has reportedly dropped 35 percent since 2013, which is putting state budgets on… Continue watching
Feb 01 Watch 8:33 Savings programs tied to prizes to become more widely available By PBS News Hour Since the American Savings Promotion Act became law in December, banks can now offer prize-linked savings programs, which were previously only available in a handful of states through credit unions. But will the passage of the bill actually help boost… Continue watching
Jan 12 As payment forms evolve, so do ATMs By Anna Sillers Between credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay and Venmo, the need for cash is on the decline -- and so is the ATM. And yet North American and European banks aren’t necessarily decreasing ATM production or removing the machines. Some… Continue reading
Aug 11 Secret Service brings down decade-old counterfeit ring By Dave Sloan An Israeli-based counterfeiting ring produced and circulated over $77 million of mostly fake $100 bills for more than a decade without being discovered, until now. Continue reading
Jul 20 Can you be nudged into saving money? Some companies are banking on it By Sam Weber New evidence from behavioral economists, researchers who study the psychology behind financial decisions, is at the root of what a number of major companies are using to help consumers get a better fiscal foothold. Continue reading
Jul 20 Watch Can betting against yourself online help you save money? By PBS News Hour Behavioral science is behind a host of new online applications that nudge people into making better decisions on everything from health care to saving money. Continue watching
Apr 24 Money, the root of all infections By Ruth Tam Don’t accept anyone’s dirty money. Not because it’s wrong, but because it’s loaded with germs. Continue reading
Apr 21 In Canada, find a penny, recycle it By Jordan Vesey Across Canada a beloved and familiar face is silently disappearing. Everyday transactions in shopping centers and banks are slowly feeding a systematized extinction unnoticed by most. The object of destruction: the Canadian penny. Continue reading