Economics

The terms charity and foundation are often used interchangeably. But even though the two types of groups are both considered nonprofit organizations by the Internal Revenue Service, there are some slight differences that set them apart.

By Cherise Threewitt

During tough economic times, charities and other nonprofits can and have to stretch each dollar -- but not without strict oversight. What guidelines do you have to follow if your organization is considered a charity?

By Cherise Threewitt

Initial public offerings are as high as high finance gets. When popular, formerly private companies decide to offer shares of their stock to the public, the price of that stock can skyrocket. Here are 10 companies whose IPOs reached the stratosphere.

By Josh Clark

It might seem impossible for a stagnant economy and high inflation rates to coexist, but that exact situation -- known as stagflation -- existed in the 1970s. Could it happen again? How can it be prevented?

By Dave Roos

Investors line up to purchase a company's newly offered stock, sending the price into the stratosphere. But often, a highly anticipated initial public offering can tank too.

By Dave Roos

If we took all the U.S. dollars, British pounds and every other currency out there and added them up, how much would it come to? Find out why it's so hard to figure out how much money there is in the world.

By Kathryn Whitbourne & Francisco Guzman

An economic bubble forms when an asset is allowed to irrationally increase in value before crashing down to earth and leaving a financial mess behind. As the global economy continues its freefall, people are waiting for the next bubble to pop.

By Dave Roos

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.

By Josh Clark

It doesn't take much skill to steal, but printing and using fake currency requires some finesse. Counterfeiting has become something of a lost art over the years, and you're about to meet five of its best practitioners.

By Josh Clark

Many of us associate the Junior League with high-society refinement, but these women are right in the thick of volunteerism. A legacy steeped in myth and some famous members make the Junior League a fascinating organization.

By Gallagher Flinn

Nursing homes don't have to be depressing places. If you have an outgoing personality and enjoy interacting with people, you might try volunteering in a nursing home and letting some light into someone else's life.

By Cordelia Hamilton

Professional burnout is pretty common in the nursing world. One way to regain your love of nursing is to volunteer your services and help the people who need it most.

By Libby Little

Say you want to dedicate your life to public service. It's a noble path to take, but there are practical considerations. How will you pay for rent and food? Can you build a career on volunteerism?

By Gallagher Flinn

Are you interested in helping preserve the environment, but you're not quite sure how or where to get started? The Student Conservation Association offers hundreds of conservation service opportunities to high school and college students.

By Sarah Siddons

Research shows that happy workers are productive ones, so the tiny Kingdom of Bhutan took the radical step of measuring the impact of the country's happiness on its economy. Is Gross National Happiness a reliable economic indicator?

By Josh Clark

Throughout most of history, dominant opinion held that women and war don't mix. But when men were summoned overseas to the front lines during World War II, who stepped up to serve the armed forces at home?

By Jane McGrath

Every day, millions of people visit museums to admire ancient artifacts, commune with the likes of Monet and relish the simple beauty of a Japanese garden. Volunteers help make this possible.

By Sarah Siddons

From collecting native plant seeds in Alaska's Denali National Park to digging for fossils in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, the U.S. Geological Survey offers hundreds of volunteer opportunities to those wanting to donate time to natural science.

By Sarah Siddons

Across the country, parks and recreation departments maintain outdoor recreation facilities, run programs and offer classes such as yoga, karate and arts and crafts. With so much going on, it's obvious that these departments need volunteers.

By Sarah Siddons

The African Scientific Research Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving African American culture as a legacy for future generations. Want to get involved? You can -- as a volunteer.

By William Harris

You don't need a medical degree to volunteer at a hospital. Sometimes all you need to offer is a smile and some conversation. You'll be brightening someone's day -- and yours in turn.

By Libby Little

Before life-saving (or erection-inducing) drugs reach the public, they go through a lengthy and rigorous series of tests to ensure they're safe and effective. What is life like as a human guinea pig?

By Tom Scheve

The government agencies, nonprofit organizations, substance-abuse centers and mental health clinics that provide mental health services are often understaffed and overwhelmed. This is where you come in.

By Tom Scheve

Want to experience the sights, sounds and smells of history? We're not talking about a musty pop-up book about the Civil War. If you've got the time and mettle, volunteer in historical reenactments.

By Jane McGrath

The YMCA -- or Young Men's Christian Association -- is a large nonprofit with international reach and several thousand local branches that rely on the help of volunteers.

By Eleanor Duse