Explainers
How the world actually works
Plain-English explainers on energy, money, and the ideas behind the headlines — clear, neutral, and jargon-free.
What we do
What we cover
Energy & Tech
How everyday technology and energy systems really work.
Money & Economy
The forces behind prices, markets, and your money.
Explainers
Neutral, jargon-free background on widely-searched topics.
Quick answers to big questions
The short version — then read the full explainer if you want the detail.
What causes inflation?
Inflation happens when the overall price of goods and services rises over time — usually when demand outpaces supply, or when the cost of producing things (wages, energy, materials) goes up. A little is normal; a lot erodes what your money can buy.
Read the full explainer →How do solar panels work?
Solar panels are made of cells that convert sunlight directly into electricity. When light hits the cell, it knocks electrons loose and creates a flow of current, which an inverter turns into the kind of power your home can use.
Read the full explainer →How does compound interest work?
Compound interest is interest earned on both your original money and the interest it has already earned. Over time that “interest on interest” snowballs, which is why starting early matters so much.
Read the full explainer →What is a heat pump?
A heat pump moves heat rather than burning fuel to create it — pulling warmth from the outside air or ground to heat your home, and running in reverse to cool it. Because it transfers heat, it can be very efficient.
Read the full explainer →What is a mutual fund?
A mutual fund pools money from many people to buy a basket of investments — stocks, bonds, or both — managed as one. It’s a simple way to spread risk across many holdings instead of betting on one.
Read the full explainer →From the blog
Latest articles
- How Does Home Insulation Work?
A plain-English guide to how home insulation slows heat transfer, what R-value measures, the common types available, and why it trims heating and cooling bills. - What Is GDP and How Is It Measured?
A plain-English guide to gross domestic product: what GDP is, the three ways it’s measured, the difference between nominal and real GDP, and what the figure leaves out. - What Is a Credit Score and How Is It Calculated?
A plain-English guide to credit scores: what the number actually measures, how scoring models calculate it from your credit reports, the main factors that move it, and why the same person can have several different scores at once. - What Is a Money Market Account and How Does It Work?
A plain-English guide to money market accounts: how they work, how they earn interest, their pros and cons, and how they stack up against savings accounts and money market funds. - How Do Tariffs Work? A Plain-English Explainer
A clear, jargon-free guide to what tariffs are, who really pays them, why governments use them, and how they ripple through prices and supply chains. - What Is a Kilowatt-Hour? Reading Your Energy Bill
A plain-English guide to what a kilowatt-hour is, how to spot it on your electricity bill, and how to work out what your appliances really cost to run.
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