A new study found that IRS audits can lead to a significant decrease in the survival rate of small businesses, with non-compliant companies being 2.7-12.6 percentage points less likely to survive. However, compliant businesses may experience operational costs but also benefits from improved tax efficiency and increased investment.
A 10-year study found that aggressive law enforcement tactics can actually increase trade-based money laundering (TBML) in the EU, with up to 11% of all trade involving 'dirty' money
A new study found that suicidal ideation increased by nearly five times during the pandemic, particularly among people living in low-income households and those struggling with loneliness. The study highlights the need for policies and programs providing financial and social support to vulnerable populations.
A new AI tool helps governments decide whether to bail out a bank by predicting if the intervention will save money for taxpayers. The algorithm assesses financial implications and suggests optimal bailout strategies.
Research at Aston University found a significant link between childhood deprivation and impulsive behavior, leading to addictions and unhealthy choices later in life. The study showed that children from deprived areas had a higher discount rate, indicating a preference for immediate gratification.
Researchers at Cornell University found that FEMA's federal home buyout policies are inaccessible and inequitable due to bureaucratic hurdles. By studying regional and state programs, the team suggests that coordinating local strategies can make these buyouts more effective and equitable for all communities.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that at least 60 percent of Danes who promised to donate never followed through on their commitments. Digital payment solutions made it easier for people to delay donations, but also led to larger average cash contributions. Social pressure was identified as a key driver of charity gi...
Researchers found that COVID-19 challenge trial participants are motivated by a desire to help others, not financial gain. The study suggests that volunteers have a thorough understanding of the risks involved and are driven by altruistic intentions.
A new book by Aston University financial regulation expert Dr Daniel Cash proposes a temporary change to the way credit ratings are decided to help poorer countries avoid downgraded ratings and borrow money for vital improvements like healthcare and infrastructure.
A majority of gig economy workers report feeling threatened by online reviews, which can negatively impact their earnings. The study found that algorithms used to rank workers are opaque and volatile, leaving workers vulnerable to malicious customers. This 'reputational insecurity' is creating instability in the workforce, with some wo...
Researchers propose experience cocreation to transform shared coupons into a tool for relationship building, suggesting it can boost social goals and alleviate norm conflict. The study recommends three steps for managers to utilize social influence, including sending reminder messages that emphasize economic and social value.
A new study by University of Waterloo professors Seda Oz and Steve Fortin found that daily box office earnings can accurately predict stock market returns for up to five days, creating upward pressure on stock prices.
A decades-long study found that cash changed the Ju/’hoansi economy, allowing individuals to keep their earnings and fill their own needs. The study also revealed a decline in the traditional system of gifting and sharing, which had previously distributed possessions throughout communities.
A new study from the Strategic Management Journal found that budgeting flexibility is crucial for financial security in higher education. Universities that can reallocate resources more regularly are more likely to run larger budget surpluses, with high governance arrangements actually weakening resource allocation flexibility.
Researchers found that men who received positive fortune telling outcomes were more likely to take financial risks, while the effect was weaker in women. This study suggests that superstition can influence behavior, even among those who claim not to be superstitious.
A study by Jerome Adda (Bocconi University) finds that new skills are the main contributor to higher salaries. Routine manual skills increase productivity and earnings in early career stages, while structured training and cognitive abstract skills have long-term effects. Trained workers earn higher wages and are less unemployed.
Researchers found that specialized ETFs invest in overvalued areas with an average return about 30% lower than diversified funds. These hot-topic funds are often launched when the hype is at its peak, causing them to lose value quickly.
A study by University of California San Diego found that cash transfers were more effective than workforce training in improving the lives of Rwandan youths. The research revealed that cash transfers improved ownership of assets and productive hours, while training only enhanced business knowledge.
A new study finds that Harry Potter's economic model is distorted from professional models, influencing readers' views on economics. The paper highlights key aspects of the 'Potterian economy,' including its critique of market-based systems and government corruption.
Researchers examined precarity in employed adults and found that most fell into two categories: those doing well financially and those struggling. The study highlights the need for organizations to consider the long-term consequences of using precarious work arrangements, which can lead to a less healthy and less productive workforce.
An international study found that caffeine impacts what shoppers buy and how much they spend when shopping. Caffeinated individuals purchased more non-essential items and spent more money compared to those who drank decaf or water.
A new study from Keck School of Medicine of USC suggests that willingness to give away money may be linked to the earliest stages of Alzheimer's disease. Participants who gave more money scored significantly lower on cognitive tests known to be sensitive to Alzheimer's disease.
New research by Nicola Limodio finds that terrorist attacks are sensitive to local funding availability, with more attacks occurring in cities with higher funding. Financial counter-terrorism can be effective in limiting the ability of terrorist organizations to access funds.
A study by the University of Washington found that Seattle's democracy voucher program increased donations by 53% per race and boosted small donations by 270%. The program also led to an 86% increase in candidates and a decline in incumbent electoral success.
A study by researchers at Keck School of Medicine of USC found that interpersonal problems, such as loneliness and relationship dissatisfaction, predict vulnerability to financial exploitation in older adults. Social connectedness is shown to be a key protector against financial abuse.
A study by Washington State University and Harvard University researchers found that service employees' volatile work schedules are a key predictor of their reliance on high-cost debt. The more schedule volatility people experienced, the more likely they were to take out expensive loans or use credit cards in problematic ways.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a new position-based quantum encryption method that uses a person's geographical location to guarantee secure communication. This method makes it difficult for hackers to impersonate users and exploit online communications.
A study analyzing global aid responses to Ukraine's invasion found that assistance is often focused on short-term measures rather than sustainable goals. The research highlights the need for more effective and long-term support to address the country's reconstruction and rebuilding needs.
A $1000 cash incentive significantly increased COVID-19 vaccination rates among hesitant individuals, reaching 87 percent. The study highlights the effectiveness of monetary incentives in addressing collective action problems like vaccine hesitancy and climate change.
A new study suggests charities use the word 'spend' instead of 'give' to donors to increase donations, as it implies a sense of control over financial gifts. Researchers found people are more willing to donate their time rather than money due to feelings of personal control.
Researchers found that framing charitable giving as gifts increases donors' willingness to contribute and actual donations. This strategy makes donors feel psychologically closer to beneficiaries, leading to higher charitable contributions.
A review of 1,987 conservation reports found that only 8.8% reported total costs, making it difficult to determine cost-effectiveness and make informed decisions on funding allocation. Standardized cost reporting is crucial for efficient decision-making in biodiversity conservation.
New research from the University of Notre Dame finds that donors prefer to give their time rather than money, but this preference can be eliminated when they have a choice about how their donation is used. Charities can increase donations by giving people more control over their donations.
Researchers found a connection between how people think about their finances and their financial behaviors. Identifying situations when spending patterns are likely to occur can help predict triggers.
A survey of young adult cancer survivors found that crowdfunding provides relief in paying bills, but also involves compromises such as revealing personal health details and feeling uncomfortable asking for help. The study suggests that crowdfunding could be exacerbating racial and economic disparities.
A new study found that a higher minimum wage was associated with fewer people defaulting on their rent payments, particularly among those at the lower end of the housing expense market. However, landlords responded by increasing rent payments, offsetting some but not all of the increased income.
A recent data-driven study by Emory University researchers highlights the struggles of US farmers to make a living, even with government subsidies. The study creates a free online data hub to track farmer livelihoods and suggests that federal subsidies need to be reimagined to support innovation and adaptation in agriculture.
A new study suggests that digital financial services, intended to reduce inequality, may actually amplify economic disparities among women in developing countries. The study found that physical infrastructure, mobile phone network quality, education, and wealth all play a significant role in determining access to digital finance.
A study by Fuqua School of Business found that people who feel financially constrained experience less
A study of 54,000 academic physicians reveals significant gender-based disparities in earning potential, with women starting at lower salaries in nearly every subspecialty. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities and promote equal opportunities for women in academia.
In a nascent market, high-reputation underwriters choose low-quality IPO firms due to higher fees, while long-term reputation concerns are sacrificed. As regulations strengthen, their client-picking behaviors adapt, prioritizing high-quality firms over fee-driven choices.
A new framework, known as the Character Lens perspective, has been developed to account for patterns in individuals' understanding of and approach to ethical choices. This framework acknowledges the significant role of moral character in influencing how people perceive the world and make decisions.
A new study from the University of Sheffield found that city centres will lose £3 billion in annual spending as people work from home more frequently, affecting the hospitality and retail industries. The shift towards working from home is expected to be permanent, with significant consequences for businesses in suburban areas.
A recent study from the University of Georgia found three distinct combinations of personality traits associated with financial outcomes. The Resilient group, characterized by extroversion, openness, and agreeableness, was linked to successful financial decisions. In contrast, the Under Controlled group's high extroversion and neurotic...
Researchers found that minimum payment requirements cause consumers to spread repayments evenly, leading to less paid to higher-interest debts. By displaying interest rates clearly, companies can help consumers make better repayment choices. Fintech products and policy changes can also aid in reducing interest payments.
A Washington State University study found that low- and middle-income parents increased their spending on education, clothing, recreation, and electronics for their children after receiving lump sum payments. In contrast, high-income parents showed no significant increase in child-related expenditures.
The study found that COVID-19 relief funds disproportionately went to hospitals in stronger financial situations, which later experienced the most COVID-19 cases. The analysis suggests a complex relationship between hospital funding and pandemic outcomes.
A new approach to measuring financial and digital literacy is proposed by a team of researchers led by Angela Lyons. The study finds that while promoting literacy is important, it may not be enough to ensure resilience, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women and those living in poverty.
A global study of 46,500 people aged 18-99 found that older adults are more willing to donate to charities within their own country, but less likely to do so internationally. This preference for 'in-group' behavior remains consistent even after accounting for wealth, pandemic severity, and perceived risk.
Researchers use advanced techniques to analyze ancient coins and paper money, shedding new light on historical events. They find that Emperor Nero was more fiscally responsible than often thought, while Benjamin Franklin played a key role in creating the US dollar.
Researchers from the University of Innsbruck found that Covid-19 pandemic did not completely displace other social and political concerns. Participants in a donation experiment donated more to causes when Covid-19 incidence was high, indicating a correlation between pandemic presence and willingness to donate.
New research reveals that individual personal pension plans perform worse than group personal pensions by up to 1.67% per annum without investment oversight. The study highlights the need for better monitoring and regulation to improve returns for individual investors.
A new poll suggests that older adults are not using tax-advantaged savings accounts to save for future health expenses, with those who do more likely to have high incomes and education levels. The findings highlight the need for better understanding and support for low-income and vulnerable populations.
A new study found that Black and Latino families are most likely to experience financial stress due to student loan debt, even with lower levels of debt. The research analyzed data from the 2007-2009 Survey of Consumer Finances and discovered that higher levels of student loan debt increased financial stress for these households.
A new study from the University of Georgia suggests that eliminating physical currency could benefit average Americans as long as certain taxes are lowered too. The research finds that reducing cash transactions would lead to lower tax evasion, allowing governments to reduce other taxes and boost overall well-being.
Research from Lancaster University finds that low-earning and high-earning women are taking more control of their finances, with high-earning women 'going solo' in money management. Meanwhile, low-earning women are seeing a relaxation of male control over household finances.
A recent study found that people willingly share monetary gains with others and dislike inequality, yet behave selfishly in large group decisions. In the Big Robber Game, over half of participants took the maximum amount from their group, while displaying prosocial behavior in small, bilateral games.
A new study from the University of California San Diego's Rady School of Management found that couples who disagree on savings and investment decisions are less likely to own a home or renovate it. The researchers also discovered that newly formed couples become more alike over time, reducing conflict within marriages.
Financial hardship significantly affects voter turnout among the poor in Germany, resulting in a 5 percentage point drop in voting intentions and actual turnout. The study analyzed over 1,000 elections and found that short-term financial difficulties lead to increased stress and alienation from politics.
A study by University of Kansas researchers found that face masks reduced COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in adoptive counties by approximately 60%. The study estimated that masks saved around 500 lives.