Economics

Countries around the world, collectively, have run up at least $40 trillion in debt, but some are worse off than others. Which nations have the largest slices of that massive debt pie?

By Cristen Conger

If you ever get a chance to buy a blue-chip stock, you'd jump on it -- but what if you can't afford to buy all the shares you'd like? You can open a margin account and borrow the money, but be careful: You can go completely broke if things go south.

By Ed Grabianowski

Some places rise in a blaze of glory, growing and flourishing to become the envy of the world. Other towns seem destined for success -- until their luck runs out.

By Joseph Miller

If you've seen the end of the film "Trading Places," you know the potential outcome of a margin call. What is this terrifying thing -- and how do investors end up having to pay one?

By Dave Roos

It's hard to quantify the economic impact of the events of Sept. 11, 2001 -- and pretty much impossible to tally the emotional cost of that fateful day. How did the events of 9/11 affect the U.S. economically?

By Ed Grabianowski

Your home is in dire need of renovations, and you would like to apply for a federal home improvement grant. Learn about how to apply for a federal home improvement grant in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

You'd like to start a youth center, but don't know where to begin. Learn about how to start a youth center in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

You'd like to start a food pantry, but don't know where to begin. Learn about how to start a food pantry in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

It's sometimes necessary to get power of attorney. Learn about how to get power of attorney in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

How did once run-down neighborhoods like Times Square and the Bowery become such gleaming jewels of New York City geography? It took time, but a process known as gentrification transformed these areas into some of the hottest properties in New York.

By Dave Roos

There's always a need for someone to start a homeless shelter, especially in large cities. Learn about how to start a homeless shelter in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

If you have a product or service and want to use a catchy phrase to attract customers, it's a good idea to learn how to trademark the phrase. Read this article to learn how to trademark a phrase.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

When we think of the Peace Corps, we think of fresh-faced college grads heading off to make the world a better place. But is this an accurate depiction of today's Peace Corps volunteer?

By Beth Brindle

With men and women living longer and healthier lives, retirement no longer means wasting away the day in rocking chair. Today's retirees are active and full of life and many are using volunteerism as a way support causes close to their hearts.

By Beth Brindle

More than 23 percent of boomers age 65 and older volunteer in their communities, and there are some pretty cool benefits -- in addition to the warm fuzzy feelings. Check out five of the most interesting volunteer organizations for boomers.

By Chris Opfer

The freedom of retirement offers the perfect opportunity to donate your time and skills to a worthy cause. Volunteer vacations for retirees are rewarding and big on impact.

By John Kelly

Your friend inherited a large sum of money and would like to create a scholarship fund. This article will try to explain how to create that scholarship fund.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

On April 13, 2011, President Barack Obama proposed a plan for reducing the United State's debt and strengthen its fiscal reputation. But what does it really take to save sums of money so large they hardly seem real?

By Chanel Lee

Everyone loves the underdog -- until the underdog fights back, that is. But what happens when a bunch of them decide to take on the big Kahuna? In the legal world, that's what happens when a class action lawsuit is filed.

By Dave Roos

Register for Toys for Tots, and make the holidays a time your children will never forget. We'll show you how to register for Toys for Tots.

By Kathryn Whitbourne

We often hear about high-end contract negotiations in the entertainment world, but it's easy to forget that these rich guys are still laborers working under the auspices of a union. But how does the regular working stiff handle these negotiations?

By Dave Roos

Writing a legally binding lease agreement will allow you to protect your property. Learn about how to write a lease agreement in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

According to some economists, the most recent U.S. recession ended in June 2009, but why can't we see it? It may surprise you to learn that the economy is showing signs of life, and here are 10 of the most vital.

By Ed Grabianowski

Remember when airlines served full meals or when you could hear your favorite up-and-coming band on mainstream radio? Those days are gone thanks to governmental deregulation. Here are a few other effects of deregulation that we didn't see coming.

By Linda C. Brinson

The U.S. Supreme Court may be the highest court in the land, but the justices that sit on the bench sometimes reverse course. It doesn't happen often, but here are 13 Supreme Court cases in history that have been overturned.

By Ed Grabianowski & Melanie Radzicki McManus