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The Banknote Typos in History

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Written by Michelle Selina                 Banknotes are more than just pieces of paper, they are symbols of a nation’s identity, security, and trust. While advanced security features like holograms, watermarks, and microprinting are critical to preventing counterfeiting, even the smallest typographical errors can undermine confidence and spark public debate. An example is Australia’s $50 banknote, which features a misspelled word in its micro print. This incident raises important questions about the quality control processes in banknote production and how such errors impact public perception. The Australian $50 Banknote Typo In 2018, Australia introduced a newly redesigned $50 banknote featuring Edith Cowan, the first woman elected to an Australian parliament. However, a spelling error was discovered in the microprint beside her portrait: the word “Responsibility” was misspelled as “Responsibilty.” Despite this error, approximately 46 ...

Friendly Fraud: The Rise of Cyber Shoplifting

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Written by Michelle Selina  E-commerce fraud has evolved dramatically in recent years, with cyber shoplifting emerging as one of the most devastating threats to online retailers in 2025. Unlike traditional retail theft, where products physically disappear from shelves, this digital variant allows them to obtain merchandise and money simultaneously through sophisticated chargeback manipulation. Recent studies reveal that chargeback fraud now affects over 75% of online merchants, with each fraudulent incident costing businesses an average of $190. Even more alarming, merchants lose approximately $3.75 for every $1 charged back, creating a multiplier effect that threatens the very sustainability of many online businesses. As digital commerce continues its exponential growth, understanding and combating this modern form of theft has become imperative for the retail industry's survival. What Is Digital Shoplifting? Cyber shoplifting, also known as digital shoplifting or friendly f...

The Real Cost of Trade Wars: Trump’s Tariffs 2025

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Written by Michelle Selina The global economy is bracing for another wave of trade tensions as former U.S. President Donald Trump, now back in office, reinstates aggressive tariffs on imports from China, Mexico, Canada, and the European Union. As of April 2025, the U.S. has imposed 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum, along with over 100% duties on select Chinese goods, including electric vehicles (EVs) and semiconductors. These measures have triggered retaliatory actions from trading partners, raising fears of inflation, supply chain disruptions, and slower economic growth worldwide. Experts warn that U.S. consumers could lose up to $78 billion annually due to higher prices, with low-income households bearing the brunt. Meanwhile, businesses, especially retailers and manufacturers, face rising costs, stock market volatility, and weakened currency exchange rates. What Are Trump’s Tariffs Trump’s tariffs are taxes on imported goods designed to protect U.S. ...

How Losing 1-Cent Coins Affects Your Wallet

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Written by Michelle Selina After 100 years in circulation, the U.S. penny is on its way out. In February 2025, the government announced plans to stop making these coins because they cost more to produce than they're worth. Each penny costs 3.69 cents to make, yet it's only worth 1 cent. This means taxpayers lose money on every single penny made, adding up to about $100 million per year. Many countries like Canada and Australia already stopped using their 1-cent coins years ago without problems. In America, several factors kept the penny around longer: tradition, lobbying by metal companies, and concerns about public reaction. But with most people now using credit cards and mobile payments and metal prices getting more expensive, the penny has become unnecessary. Removing it will save money and make transactions simpler for businesses and consumers. Why Coins Are More Expensive Than Banknotes Producing coins is more costly than printing paper currency for several reasons...

The Rise and Fall of Forever 21

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  Written by Michelle Selina Forever 21, once a global fashion powerhouse, is facing its third bankruptcy, signaling a turbulent phase for the fast-fashion giant. Known for its trendy, affordable clothing, Forever 21 expanded rapidly, opening stores worldwide and becoming a favorite among millennials and early Gen-Z shoppers. However, the brand has struggled to adapt to changing consumer behaviors and market dynamics, leading to repeated financial crises. With its latest bankruptcy filing, Forever 21 plans to close all U.S. stores, including five in Colorado, while its international stores remain operational. What led to this downfall, and what’s next for the iconic retailer? The Rise and Fall of Forever 21 Forever 21 was founded in 1984 by Do Won Chang and Jin Sook Chang in Los Angeles. The brand quickly gained popularity for its affordable, on-trend fashion, appealing to young shoppers. At its peak, Forever 21 operated over 800 stores globally, becoming a staple in malls worl...

The First Banknote Made with Banana Hemp

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Written by Michelle Selina   When you think of banknotes, materials like paper or polymer are likely to come to mind. But what if we told you that the Philippine Peso is breaking the mold by incorporating banana hemp into its composition? The new Philippine Peso is made from 80% cotton and 20% banana hemp, making it 100% biodegradable and a trailblazer in sustainable currency. This innovative approach not only reflects the Philippines' commitment to environmental sustainability but also leverages its abundant natural resources. Let’s dive deeper into why banana hemp was chosen, how it’s transforming the peso, and what this means for the future of currency worldwide. Why Banana Hemp? The Philippines is one of the world’s largest producers of bananas, making banana hemp a readily available and sustainable resource. Here’s why it’s an ideal choice for banknotes: Eco-Friendly: Banana hemp is biodegradable, reducing the environmental impact of currency production and di...

Instant Cash Cachets?

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  Written by Michelle Selina As the world embraces digital payments, many are starting to wonder, could cash be gone one day? Despite the convenience of cashless transactions, cash remains an essential part of daily life, offering unmatched reliability and security when it’s needed most. But what if the future of cash wasn’t like now, but about evolving? Imagine a future where you could carry a tiny 'cash cachet' of something small and compact that when needed, expands instantly to cover emergencies. Could this be the next step in how we use money? This article dives into how cash might transform, offering new possibilities for both convenience and security. What If Cash Became Smaller? Imagine a world where countries opted to reduce the size of cash to make it more convenient. Right now, many people fold their banknotes to fit into small wallets, making the current size somewhat cumbersome. If cash were resized, perhaps to a more "cachet" size (a small, portabl...