"New money" became a literal term as the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank released the latest revision of its venerable $100 note into the U.S. currency supply chain on October 8, 2013. Staying a few steps ahead of counterfeiting threats, this new bill was designed with improved security features, making it easier for banks and businesses to validate but more difficult for counterfeiters to fake and bamboozle. Not to worry, if you have any older hundreds, they are still good!
When farmer Isaac Tondo fell on lean times in Liberia's long rainy season, his brother in the capital sent 8,000 Liberian dollars (US$87) to his Lonestar mobile money account, ensuring his children's school fees would still be paid.
Efforts to ban cashless retail are gaining momentum across the nation. Earlier this year, Philadelphia became the first major city to ban cashless retail stores in an effort to protect consumer access to the marketplace. New Jersey, San Francisco, Massachusetts, and other cities and states quickly followed suit. In total there are 11 bills currently approved or making their way through the legislative process.