money & ethics library

 

From greenwashing to fair trade to credit card practices, the Money & Ethics Channel explores some of our most complex questions around ethics and economics.

Featured Article:  What if I stopped paying bills?

If you miss a monthly payment to your credit card company, you're credit score will drop and your credit report will show it. What else would happen if you stopped paying your bills completely? See more »

5 Gifts You'll Be Waiting in Line for This Holiday Season

5 Gifts You'll Be Waiting in Line for This Holiday Season

It's better to give than to receive. What retailer made that line up? Before you get too cynical about the perils of holiday shopping, pack up some coffee and doughnuts and get out there with the other 5 a.m. shoppers before these hot gifts are gone.

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Does some corporation own the patent for my genes?

Does some corporation own the patent for my genes?

If you've got at least one kidney, a company called Biogen owns the patent for at least one of your genes. Find about about the contoversial "life patent" trend and what it could mean to the future of medical research.

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How can mortgage-backed securities bring down the U.S. economy?

How can mortgage-backed securities bring down the U.S. economy?

If you've picked up a newspaper lately, then you're aware of the economic troubles raging on Wall Street. But the culprit may very well be in your own neighborhood: Are mortgage-backed securities to blame for the mess?

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How Fair Trade Works

How Fair Trade Works

It's pretty trendy to buy and eat organic and sustainable foods, and chances are the swanky coffee shop you frequent proffers some fair trade beans. But what does the label "fair trade" mean?

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How Freegans Work

How Freegans Work

Freegans live off the grid, refusing to buy, work or rent. How do they do it? Dumpster diving. Why do they do it? That's a little more complicated.

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How Greenwashing Works

How Greenwashing Works

Corporations, businesses and even governments spend a lot of money to make themselves appear greener in the public eye. But when environmental claims are false or deceptive, it's considered greenwashing. How do you spot the six sins of greenwashing?

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How Microlending Works

How Microlending Works

Capitalism revolves around the entrepreneurial spirit: Anyone willing to work hard enough to succeed will do so. However, that's easier said than done, especially in the developing world. That's where microlending comes in.

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How Narco States Work

How Narco States Work

How do illegal drugs reach consumers without detection? There are points -- known as narco states -- along the world's drug supply chain where illegal substances are bought and sold with governmental approval.

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How Predatory Lending Works

How Predatory Lending Works

In 2007 and 2008, foreclosures became a hot news topic. But is the crisis the fault of the home buyer, or is the lender to blame?

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How Squatting Works

How Squatting Works

If squatters have taken over your property, keep your cool: They've got a lot more rights than you may realize. How do squatters operate, and how can you get them off your land?

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How the Freecycle Network Works

How the Freecycle Network Works

The Freecycle Network hopes to encourage a "worldwide gift economy” by connecting individuals locally who want to exchange goods. Explore how the Freecycle network aims to reduce landfill waste and decrease consumerism.

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Is Black Friday the biggest shopping day of the year?

Is Black Friday the biggest shopping day of the year?

Waiting in endless checkout lines can make Scrooges out of the cheeriest holiday shoppers. Many of us brave the mall mayhem to be part of the Black Friday rush. But to retailers' chagrin, most of us are browsing and not buying on this storied day.

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What are credit default swaps?

What are credit default swaps?

In the credit default swaps (CDS) market, the health of multinational banks and corporations -- and the portfolios of untold individuals -- are at stake. What's more, the market is entirely unregulated. So how much damage can CDSs really cause?

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What if I didn't file and pay my income taxes?

What if I didn't file and pay my income taxes?

The American tax system is a huge machine with a tax code that seems more complex than rocket science. Many of us have come to dread April 15th: Tax Day. So what if you just didn't file them?

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What if I stopped paying bills?

What if I stopped paying bills?

If you miss a monthly payment to your credit card company, you're credit score will drop and your credit report will show it. What else would happen if you stopped paying your bills completely?

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What is glocalization?

What is glocalization?

Ever wonder why your favorite restaurant from back home offers a completely different menu abroad? This is called glocalization -- global organizations adapting expansive products to fit local markets.

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What's the ultimatum game?

What's the ultimatum game?

Someone offers you $20 -- but only if you agree to share it. Your friend has to accept your offer, or neither of you gets a dime. How generous will you be?

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Who Said It: Trump or Gandhi?

Who Said It: Trump or Gandhi?

One spent his life in service to others, helping the people of India through nonviolence and quiet protest. The other gobbles up real estate, making his name synonymous with “vulgar excess.” But you might be surprised to find out who said what.

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Why do corporations have the same rights as you?

Why do corporations have the same rights as you?

The framers of the U.S. Constitution didn't add any clauses that limited the rights of corporations. But did a Supreme Court reporter set a radical precedent for businesses?

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Why is eBay banning the sale of online-game virtual assets?

Why is eBay banning the sale of online-game virtual assets?

In a move that has shaken up online-gaming profiteers everywhere, eBay has decided to ban the sale of virtual assets in its marketplace. eBay says it is acting to protect its users and maintain the integrity of the marketplace. But is there a bigger

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