1

Money Materials

Image: Jorge Salvador

We call them paper bills, but do they undergo the same process as any other paper? Naturally, they don’t. U.S. bills are mainly made of two materials: 75% of their composition is cotton and the 25% left is linen. Besides, they have randomly disbursed red and blue security fibers embedded in the paper.

This special blend is made by only one company in America and that is Crane & Co . The company, based in Massachusetts patented this special blend and it has been the sole provider of paper for currency since 1879.

2

Origin of the U.S. dollar symbol

Image: Paris Bilal

The dollar sign is a matter of debate. One line or two across a capital S, the symbol is today a worldwide sign for money, but where does it come from?

Even if there are several theories as to where the U.S. dollar symbol comes from, all of them agree that it was derived from the Spanish peso . When the time came, and the new nation needed its own currency, the basis was that of the Spanish coinage, which was the most common currency in the colonies before the country’s independence.

The adoption of the sign was made official in 1785, and today, the United States is not the only country that uses this symbol, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand do too!

3

Who appears on the bills?

Image: AR

Having your face forever stamped on the little piece of paper that rules the world should be a milestone in your career, right? However, there were certain rules as to who qualifies to be granted this honor .

Probably, the most surprising, yet the most logical one is that no living person can be portrayed in American currency. Since the Founding Fathers considered it unpatriotic to be portrayed while alive, this was first a tradition and then made official in an Act of Congress in 1866 .

However, contrary to popular belief, this honor is not only reserved for presidents! Anyone who contributes to the nation can be portrayed.

4

Folding Papers

Image: Emilio Takas

Bills come and go all the time. We take them out of our pockets and put them in our purses only to take them out again a few hours later and give them to the shop assistant. For a life that busy, we can only hope the paper is tough enough , right?

Well, as a matter of fact, it is. Compared to regular paper, which can only be folded 400 times before it breaks, money paper can be folded up to 8,000 times before it breaks .

It's not that you’re going to try it out and see, but you can rest assured: Fold your bills away, they can handle it!

5

Damaged Goods

Image: Jp Valery

Even if they can be folded that many times, the life of bills is limited, not to mention accidents happen. Who hasn’t sent a bill to the washing machine by chance?

So, what happens when a bill is damaged? Well, at least 50% of it has to be clearly identifiable for the bank to replace it , otherwise, you’ll just lose your money. You don’t feel like folding them much now, right?

On the other hand, and mainly due to time damage, at least 70% of the new bills are used to replace old bills . These bills, once taken out of circulation are shredded and sent to companies that can recycle them!

6

Security Features

Image: Colin Watts

Counterfeiting has been a problem ever since paper money was created and statistics about which countries counterfeited most of the money are simply shocking. But we won’t get into that.

What we will say is that thanks to technological advancement, the U.S. bill is getting harder and harder to counterfeit. In modern bills, there are at least six security features which are: UV security ribbon, raised printing, microprinting, 3D security ribbon, color-shifting ink, and traditional watermarks. Do you pay attention to them?

7

U.S. Coins

Image: Kenny Eliason

Coin production in America is in charge of the U.S. Mint and there are four production facilities across the country. They are located in Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco, and West Point.

It is estimated that every year the Mint produces about 16 trillion coins which are valued at over $1.09 billion dollars. What is truly impressive is that Americans throw away an estimated 62 million dollars worth of coins every day!

They may not be worth much alone but don’t throw them away, all of them together can make you rich!

8

Green Ink

Image: maria pagan

Have you ever wondered why the U.S. dollar bills were green? It is not about design or aesthetics, even if we think they look pretty.

The decision to use green ink was a matter of security, in order to prevent counterfeiting. Back then, black and white ink made it easier to create photographic fakes. For that reason, green was the color of choice, and, when paper money was standardized in 1929, it had great acceptance due to the positive connotations of the color . Do you like it?

9

Andrew Jackson’s Take on Paper Money

Image: Elsa Olofsson

Every denomination has an important figure stamped on the front. In the case of the 20-dollar bill, Andrew Jackson was the chosen one.

Jackson was the seventh president of the United States and, even if it is not a rule that only presidents can be portrayed, his contributions gained him this honor.

Ironically, Jackson was not in favor of using paper money. For him, only gold and silver coins should have remained legal tender. After learning this, one can only assume he wouldn’t be so happy to be the face of the 20-dollar bill, right?

10

Facelifts and redesigns

Image: Kenny Eliason

One of the ways of keeping paper money safe and hard to counterfeit is by giving the bills new designs.

New faces were expected to appear in future bills, but, in the meantime, the changes always had to do with the proportions of the elements within each denomination. Bigger faces, rearrangement of the signatures, stuff like that.

Now, these changes and facelifts haven’t reached all the bills. 1-dollar bills haven’t been changed or redesigned ever since 1929. Why is that? Because it is not worth the trouble for criminals to counterfeit. One dollar won’t take them too far!

1

Disney: A signature of magic

Image: Gui Avelar

Some logos inspire happiness at first glance, don’t you think? Walt Disney’s logo is a perfect example for us. It’s playful and inviting, and that’s because it’s modeled after Walt Disney’s very own signature, or at least an artistic version of it.

The truth is that Walt’s actual handwriting looked pretty different from the logo we know today because he changed his signature frequently, making it nearly impossible to determine if this version was ever truly his. In any case, it was very successful, and if you ask us, this logo screams "happily ever after."

2

McDonald’s: Golden arches or hidden symbol?

Image: Janet Ganbold

The moment you see a golden "M," your mouth starts watering, doesn’t it? However, the famous Golden Arches weren’t always part of McDonald’s logo history.

Back in the 1950s, they were part of the restaurant’s architecture, we mean actual arches on either side of the building!

When designing a logo, the company leaned into that imagery to create something unforgettable. Well, they definitely did it! And we’re lovin’ it!

3

Coca-Cola: Scripted for success

Image: Efekan Akyüz

That classic Coca-Cola logo has remained surprisingly consistent since 1887. The secret? A font called Spencerian Script, which was highly fashionable back in the late 19th century.

The smooth, flowing letters give it a friendly, approachable feel, it’s like an invitation to "have a Coke and a smile."

Over the years, the brand played with design elements (remember the old glass bottles?), but the logo’s handwritten charm never wavered. The old-school way truly is the best way in some cases.

4

Dove: A symbol of softness

Image: Akshay Bandre

Some logos are so powerful, that you can almost taste them. In this case, you can smell and feel it at the same time. Have you ever noticed the graceful bird on Dove products? That dove isn’t just for show, it represents peace, gentleness, and care , which is exactly what the brand aims to evoke.

When Dove first launched in 1955, its messaging was all about moisturizing and being kind to your skin. The logo, paired with the brand’s soothing colors, reinforces that sense of softness. It’s one of those designs that just feels good, even before you try the products.

5

Amazon: The smile that points the way

Image: Christian Wiediger

The story behind the name is quite fascinating, but let’s focus on the logo. Amazon’s logo isn’t just a smile—it’s a smile with a purpose. Look closely, and you’ll notice the arrow stretches from "A" to "Z," symbolizing the company’s goal to offer everything you could ever need.

And that curved arrow? It’s designed to look like a grin, giving the brand a friendly, customer-first vibe. With a logo this clever, it’s no surprise they’ve grown into an online shopping powerhouse. This is the kind of logo we like—what about you?

6

Google: The colors of curiosity

Image: sarah b

At first glance, one might think Google just put together the letters, chose random colors, and launched the site. But that’s definitely not the case—this logo is packed with meaning.

To begin with, they are not random colors, they are primary colors, chosen to represent creativity and approachability .

As for the unexpected green "L," it’s a nod to the idea that Google likes to break the rules (in a good way, of course). Over the years, the company has refreshed the logo’s font and shading, but the vibe remains the same. And let’s not forget about the festive Doodles—they’re genius!

7

Starbucks: From the sea to your cup

Image: Athar Khan

That green mermaid on your Starbucks cup? She’s actually a two-tailed siren, inspired by an old Norse woodcut. Why a siren, you may ask? Well, the brand wanted to evoke the allure of coffee as something irresistible —like a siren’s call.

Over time, the logo has evolved, losing the "Starbucks Coffee" text to let the siren shine on her own. Curious enough, the first design included the name of the company on the outer part of the circle, but they decided to eliminate that and let the siren do all the luring work on her own!

8

FedEx: The arrow you didn’t see

Image: Jan Rosolino

FedEx has one of the sneakiest logos in the business world. Between the "E" and the "X," there’s a hidden arrow that represents speed and precision . And once you see it, you can’t unsee it!

This wasn’t the original version, though. Designed in 1994, the logo is a masterclass in subtlety and clever branding, much like Amazon’s. It’s a perfect fit for a company that prides itself on delivering packages quickly and efficiently.

9

Domino’s: Three dots, infinite pizza

Image: Miroslav Denkov

Speaking of logos you can taste, right? Domino’s logo features three dots, which represent the first three locations of the pizza chain .

Originally, the company planned to add a new dot for every store they opened. Can you imagine if they had kept that idea? They quickly realized that wouldn’t work with their explosive growth.

Paired with the iconic red and blue colors, the logo is as comforting as a fresh box of pizza. And let’s be real—who doesn’t love their pizza?

10

Tesla: An electric secret

Image: Tesla Fans Schweiz

Tesla’s sleek, futuristic logo isn’t just a fancy "T"; it’s actually a nod to the company’s cutting-edge tech. The "T" is designed to resemble a cross-section of an electric motor, tying into Tesla’s mission of revolutionizing transportation .

Pair that with its clean lines and modern vibe, and you’ll see that the logo feels as innovative as the cars themselves. It’s a perfect example of branding that matches the product: bold, forward-thinking, and undeniably cool. What do you think?

11

Levi’s: A stitch in time

Image: Mnz

Few pieces of clothing are as iconic as a pair of Levi’s, right? That’s because both the item and the logo are equally simple, bold, and instantly recognizable .

The classic red tab is the result of eight redesigns. The first version of the logo included two horses pulling in opposite directions of a pair of jeans, trying to rip them—and failing, of course! But that was just the beginning.

The logo we know today was introduced by the same designer who worked on Coca-Cola’s script and the inspiration was the stitching on the back pocket of the jeans. The rest, as they say, is comfortable and durable history!

12

Pepsi: A logo full of energy

Image: Ja San Miguel

This article comes to an end with a classic brand. Pepsi’s logo has gone through dozens of iterations, but the current design—a red, white, and blue globe—is packed with meaning.

The wavy lines represent energy and dynamism, while the patriotic colors nod to its American roots, naturally. And if you were doubtful that it represents our country, you can read the 27-page redesign manifesto from 2008, which reportedly cost millions and came with a full explanation of its symbolism!

1

Preapproved loan

Image: Alexander Mils

Getting a preapproved loan before going to a car dealer is a good way to be sure of how much money one can spend, and it can also reveal any possible credit issues that were not clearly visible.

2

Safety first

Image: Alexandria Gilliott

It goes without saying; safety is always a top priority when buying your new car. When looking at models, go for vehicles with a high safety rating and features like airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and electronic stability control (ESC).

3

Driving habits

Image: why kei

What kind of driving you will do should influence what kind of car you will buy . If you do a lot of city driving with stop-and-go traffic, a fuel-efficient car like a hybrid or electric vehicle could save you significant money on petrol in the long run. Do you need a large vehicle for cargo or passengers, or is a smaller, more agile car for local errands and weekend adventures?

4

Cargo space

Image: Andraz Lazic

And, since we are on the subject of driving habits, cargo space is a crucial feature of whichever car you decide to buy. How much space do you really need? Even if you only need a lot of space a couple of times a year, you will want to have that space when the time comes, so don’t neglect this aspect.

5

Mileage and vehicle age

Image: Wesley Tingey

A simple rule to consider when buying a used car is the average mileage a car is supposed to have, relative to its age. That average is 10,000 to 12,000 miles per year . If the car you're looking at has a lower average annual mileage than that, it could be considered a good mileage.

6

Outside look

Image: Parker Gibbs

A quick inspection on the outside is advisable . Check the body for imperfections like gaps, dents, or discolored paint, inspect the windows for chips and cracks, get under the vehicle, and check the wheel wells and underbody for rust, which could lead to future problems.

7

Test drive

Image: Mira Kireeva

When buying a used car, it is always important to take it for a test drive, even if you don’t have a lot of mechanical knowledge. Pay attention to odd sounds or noises coming from the engine, brakes, or transmission . Test the AC and ensure that it cools quickly. Test the electronics, brake lights, headlights, windshield wipers, and see if the tires are not too worn off. And if you see or hear something that you are not sure about, check with a mechanic before buying.

8

Check for water damage

Image: Caspian Dahlström

Water damage can be a real problem for the interior, the engine, and the electrical system . Pull back the carpets in the footwells and check for moisture or signs of water damage. There are many flood-damaged cars on the market, and most of the time, the signs are concealed.

9

Try all the seats

Image: Wade Lambert

Try out all the seats, even if you probably won’t sit in the rear . Upholstery shouldn’t be ripped or badly worn, particularly in a car with low mileage. Try all the seat adjustments to make sure that they work properly and that you can find a good driving position.

10

Service records and possible crashes

Image: Usman Malik

The past history of a used car can predict future issues . Has it been in a crash? If yes, ask about the extent of the damage and who did the work. Does the car have service records? A good, used car has been well cared for. It should have had maintenance done at the manufacturer-specified intervals.

11

Keep it simple

Image: Erik Mclean

Avoid buying add-ons, extended warranties, or very long car loans , since those usually have higher interest rates and a much higher interest component is paid in the first years than the actual loan.

12

Resale value

Image: Hilbert Hill

Research the resale value of any used car you are interested in buying . The resale value can affect the overall cost of ownership and the financial return on your investment.

By researching its resale value, popularity, demand, and potential for retaining its value over time, you can decide whether to proceed with the purchase.