Finance

• 

  The Psychology Behind Impulse Buying

  Ever walked into a store for toothpaste and walked out with candles, a hoodie, and a new water bottle? That’s impulse buying — and you’re far from alone. This common behavior might feel random or silly, but there's real science behind why we do it. From dopamine hits to clever marketing tactics, impulse buying taps into deep psychological triggers. And while it’s often harmless (hello, $5 coffee mug), unchecked it can hurt budgets and sabotage financial goals. Let’s dive into why our brains love spontaneous spending — and how we can outsmart them when it matters. The Psychology Behind Impulse Buying Impulse buying isn’t about need — it’s about emotion. Here are some of the psychological factors that drive it: Dopamine rush: Your brain releases dopamine — the “feel good” neurotransmitter — when you anticipate a reward. Just the act of spotting something you want can create a temporary high. Instant gratification: We’re wired to prefer immediate rewards over long-term…

  Authored by Lila Barns 29th Apr
• 

  The History of Paper Money in 9 Facts

  We swipe cards, tap phones, and transfer digital dollars with ease — but for most of human history, money was physical and often quite strange. Shells, stones, salt, and even livestock once stood in as currency. But the shift to paper money marked one of the most transformative moments in economic history. Today, paper bills are everywhere (even as they fade behind digital payments), but how much do we really know about where they came from? These nine surprising facts reveal the winding, global journey of paper money — from ancient China to modern wallets. The History of Paper Money in 9 Facts Here are nine fascinating facts that trace the journey of money from scrolls to ATMs: China invented it first: Paper money first appeared during the Tang Dynasty in the 7th century but became widely used in the Song Dynasty (11th century). Merchants used promissory notes to avoid carrying heavy coins. Marco Polo was amazed: When Marco Polo…

  Authored by Lila Barns 22nd Apr
• 

  What Gold Rushes Taught Us About Wealth

  The words “gold rush” instantly conjure up images of muddy boots, pickaxes, and fortune seekers scrambling through rugged terrain in search of treasure. But beyond the drama and glitter, gold rushes weren’t just wild historical events — they were wealth experiments that reshaped entire societies. From California to Australia to South Africa, these frantic episodes taught us surprising lessons about economics, migration, innovation, and even greed. In this article, we dig into what gold rushes reveal about wealth — how it's created, chased, and sometimes lost as fast as it's found. What Gold Rushes Taught Us About Wealth Here are some of the most important insights that history’s gold rushes offer when it comes to money and success: The real winners weren’t always the miners. Few prospectors struck it rich. Most of the actual wealth went to those selling tools, food, and lodging — think merchants, hoteliers, and laundromats. The phrase “selling shovels in a gold rush” still describes the…

  Authored by Lila Barns 7th Apr
• 

  Weird Taxes from Around the World

  Taxes may not seem like the most exciting topic — until you realize just how strange, specific, and downright bizarre some of them can be. While most of us are familiar with income tax, sales tax, and maybe even property tax, governments around the world have devised some truly unexpected ways to collect revenue. Whether meant to curb behavior, raise funds creatively, or just make you scratch your head, these unusual taxes offer a fascinating glimpse into the quirks of global governance. Here are some of the strangest real-world taxes ever devised. Weird Taxes from Around the World Let’s take a world tour of some of the oddest taxes you never knew existed: Window Tax – England: Introduced in 1696, homeowners were taxed based on the number of windows in their house. To avoid paying more, many people bricked up windows — which is why some old buildings in Britain have oddly placed or sealed window frames. Beard Tax –…

  Authored by Steve Harris 1st Apr
• 

  How Pirates Invented Modern Insurance

  When you think of pirates, what comes to mind? Eye patches, treasure maps, and maybe a parrot or two. But here’s a fact you might not expect: those swashbuckling sea rogues played a surprisingly important role in shaping modern insurance systems — especially for life and disability coverage. Long before government-backed policies and corporate premiums, pirate crews were running their own version of risk management. These arrangements weren’t just about protecting plunder; they formed the foundation of a kind of social safety net. Let's dive into how these feared outlaws influenced an industry built on trust and protection. How Pirates Invented Modern Insurance Insurance, at its core, is about managing risk. Pirates knew risk better than anyone — every voyage meant facing storms, shipwrecks, disease, and combat. So they came up with clever ways to share that risk and protect each other from financial ruin. Here’s how: Equal shares and mutual coverage: Pirate crews operated under agreed-upon codes that outlined…

  Authored by Steve Harris 30th Mar
• 

  7 Money Myths That Keep You Broke

  Money advice is everywhere — blogs, YouTube videos, social media, and late-night conversations with friends. But not all advice is good advice. In fact, some of the most commonly shared financial “truths” are actually myths that could be holding you back from saving, investing, or getting ahead. In this article, we’ll bust seven popular money myths that sound smart on the surface but can quietly sabotage your financial well-being if you follow them. Some might surprise you, others might be things you’ve heard your whole life — but by the end, you’ll be better equipped to make wiser financial decisions. 7 Money Myths That Keep You Broke Let’s dive into the myths that may be costing you more than you think: “Buying is always better than renting.” Homeownership can be great, but it’s not always the right choice. Renting can offer flexibility, fewer maintenance costs, and in some cases, better value depending on where you live. “Credit cards are evil.”…

  Authored by Lila Barns 24th Mar
• 

  What’s Inside a Billionaire’s Budget?

  Ever wonder how the ultra-rich spend their money? It’s easy to assume it’s all yachts, private jets, and diamond-studded everything — and sometimes, that’s true. But behind the headlines and flashy photos lies a more complex picture of wealth management, risk, and often, surprising frugality. While most of us manage budgets for groceries and rent, billionaires deal with a different kind of financial ecosystem. Their “budgets” are less about day-to-day spending and more about asset allocation, philanthropy, and preserving wealth across generations. Let’s peek into what a billionaire’s budget might actually look like — and what it says about money at the top. What’s Inside a Billionaire’s Budget? Here are some key categories where billionaires commonly allocate their wealth: Investment Portfolios: Most billionaires don’t keep large sums of cash. Their wealth is usually tied up in assets — like stocks, private companies, real estate, or venture capital funds. Their “budget” often revolves around how to balance risk and return across…

  Authored by Steve Harris 25th Feb
• 

  How Coins Changed the Course of History

  It’s easy to overlook the humble coin — that round bit of metal jingling in pockets, vending machines, and tip jars. But coins weren’t always so ordinary. In fact, their invention transformed civilizations, powered empires, and reshaped how people traded, ruled, and even rebelled. Before coins, trade was a messy business. Bartering livestock for grain or cloth for salt worked in small, familiar settings — but as societies grew, the need for standard, reliable, and portable money became urgent. Enter the coin: small, mighty, and world-changing. Let’s explore how these tiny tokens made a big difference in human history. How Coins Changed the Course of History Coins might seem like mere currency, but their impact stretches far beyond economics. Here’s how they helped shape civilization: Standardizing trade: The first coins, minted in Lydia (modern-day Turkey) around 600 BCE, created a uniform system for valuing goods. No more haggling over how many chickens equaled a sack of wheat — coins brought…

  Authored by Steve Harris 20th Feb