Economics

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

In 2008, more than $1 billion was stolen via ATM skimming. So exactly how does it work and how can you protect yourself?

By Wesley Fenlon

As you peruse TLC Cooking to pick out dinner for tonight, there are many men and women out there who wonder if they will have any food at all to serve their families. This is where food banks come into play -- and they need your help.

By Sara Elliott

The founding fathers felt that the press had a special job -- so special that they gave journalists the freedom to do their work. The Supreme Court has since expanded to include other liberties, but there have been some growing pains along the way.

By Marie Willsey

Free enterprise means unfettered industry powered by profit-focused individuals. But after the labor and finance abuses of the Gilded Age, many people felt the men at the top got too much of the pie. Where are we now?

By Jessika Toothman

For the people of Anuta, money is an afterthought, not a reason for being. How does a gift economy work, and can generosity and gratitude alone really keep a community going?

By Jessika Toothman

A common consumer reaction to American bank bailouts in 2008 and 2009 was, "Where's my bailout?" The Wall Street reform bill signed into law in July 2010 doesn't bail out strapped citizens, but it does provide some additional consumer protections.

By Chanel Lee

For many years, there's been a bit of a stigma attached to food stamps. But with recent economic turmoil, views have changed and participation in the program has increased. After improvements and a significant overhaul, the program doesn't just have a new face -- it has a "snappy" new name, too.

By Colleen Cancio

Every charity organization faces the same problem: stretching the budget to help everyone in need. Hosting a charity event is a great way to raise funds for an organization whose cause you support. Here's how.

By Alia Hoyt

As the saying goes, you can't take your money with you when you die. If you admire the kind of charitable contributions made by people like Bill and Melinda Gates, maybe you should set up a trust of your own.

By Gallagher Flinn