SmartReads

For job seekers, the search for a new role now comes with an added source of stress: determining whether an opportunity is real or an attempt to exploit their need for work. Employment scams rank among the most common types of consumer fraud, and they’re on the rise, according to the Better Business Bureau. Scammers… read more…

Innovation can attract investment and reshape economies. The U.S. Economic Development Administration identifies innovation as a driver of global competitiveness, job creation and economic growth. However, innovation activity varies substantially by region. Some states generate more patents, support greater research and development activity, and attract more venture capital than others, giving them a stronger foundation… read more…

Common expenses tied to raising a child — including child care, food, medical care, housing and other necessities — can total tens of thousands of dollars annually. While costs are high across major metro areas, the burden varies sharply by location, with families in some places facing annual expenses more than twice as high as… read more…

A university degree is one of the biggest investments many Americans will make, and public institutions are often perceived as the most affordable path toward a higher education. But sticker price alone does not determine value. Outcomes can vary widely by school, meaning some public universities may offer stronger returns for students seeking manageable costs… read more…