Follow the Money
Premiums are only part of the story. We examine the insurance business model — underwriting, investment income and risk transfer — and what it means for the people paying the bills.
Investigations
Surprising business models. Everyday economics. Unexpected winners. Follow the questions behind our documentaries and investigations.
Upcoming films and format previews are labeled below. Open a story to explore its working brief and sources. How we label our work
All investigations
The Hidden Economics
Prices, interest rates, insurance, taxes and maintenance all landed on the same household budget. This documentary follows each cost to its source — and asks who benefits when housing gets more expensive.
The Collapse
The mall was once the center of American consumer life. We trace the economics behind its decline — anchor stores, real-estate finance and changing habits — and what replaces it.
The Hidden Economics
The Hidden Economics
Big-ticket upgrades are often sold on savings and resale value. We look at how to test those promises with simple arithmetic before signing a contract.
Follow the Money
Late fees, auto-renewals and default settings can quietly become a revenue line. This file explains the business models — and the habits that protect you.
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The American Money Trap
The Money Trap Briefing.
- 1
The lead investigation
The new documentary, in five minutes of reading.
- 2
Follow the money
One business model, explained plainly.
- 3
From the edit room
What we're researching next, and why.
- 4
Further reading
The primary sources behind the story.