Many stores have recently gone cashless, requiring shoppers to pay for their purchases with a credit card or digital app. These business owners say security is better without cash on hand, and check-out lines move faster. But not everyone has a credit card, say opponents, who claim that the policy discriminates against low-income shoppers. Several big cities have now banned cashless businesses in response to complaints. Listen to hear more about the pros and cons of a cashless economy and then debate: Should cashless businesses be allowed?
Story Length: 3:57
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January 16, 2020
4:17
When someone borrows money and pays it back on time, they build credit, and good credit allows them to borrow more. People without a good credit history are often blocked from important economic transactions like renting an apartment or buying a car. Low-income people, immigrants, and others often have trouble getting their first loan to build a good credit history. Lending circles offer a community-based solution by arranging for people to borrow from each other. Listen to hear participants explain how lending circles work and how the loans they receive can improve their lives.
Read MoreMay 8, 2018
4:08
A workshop in North Texas aims to give people who have money the experience of what it’s like for people who live in poverty. Whether it's cashing a check, sending money to family, or trying to borrow money, people living in poverty have a different experience from others. This workshop simulation has people cash checks and complete other tasks without a bank account, social security number or a car. Listen to what they learn.
Read MoreAugust 19, 2016
2:06
It costs nearly two cents for every penny produced by the U.S. Mint. The government is actually losing money when a new penny is made. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew said that the government is reviewing a proposal to stop making the penny. According to recent polls, most Americans are in favor of keeping the penny. Listen to the story to find out how United States currency could change in the future, and debate your opinion on whether or not we still need pennies.
Read MoreApril 25, 2016
4:29
The $5, $10, and $20 bill are all due for an update, and there has been a big push to honor a woman on the face of U.S. currency. Escaped slave Harriet Tubman will replace Andrew Jackson on the face of the $20 bill. Jackson will be moved to the back of the bill. The change came after the US Treasury Secretary invited the public to submit their own ideas of which female from US history should be featured. Tubman not only escaped slavery but created the Underground Railroad through connections and networks, bringing people together to reach a goal. Listen to learn more about the changes in store for U.S. currency.
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