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Sound Energy PLC is the holding company for a group of energy-focused companies, whose principal activities are currently the exploration, appraisal, and development of gas assets. The group's current principal area of activity is in Morocco, and the company is focused on achieving its first production from an onshore discovery. The group categorizes its operations into three business segments: corporate, exploration and appraisal, and development and production.

Sound Energy PLC

The past week in the world of cryptocurrency was nothing short of eventful. From legislative moves aimed at curbing alleged corruption in cryptocurrency ventures to bold predictions about Bitcoin&#8217;s dominance, the week was filled with intriguing developments.
Here&#8217;s a quick recap of the top stories that made headlines.
Adam Schiff Takes Aim At Trump&#8217;s Crypto Ventures
In a bid to curb what he calls &#8220;corruption in plain sight,&#8221; Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) introduced legislation targeting cryptocurrency ventures by President Donald Trump and other senior administration officials. Schiff&#8217;s proposed COIN Act seeks to put an end to the alleged corruption in these ventures.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/46067898/trumps-crypto-ventures-have-been-lucrative-but-adam-schiff-says-he-is-bringing-in-a-law-to-">Read the full article here.</a>
Tim Draper Foresees Bitcoin&#8217;s Dominance
Billionaire investor Tim Draper predicts that Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) will completely dominate the dollar within the next five years. Draper, a long-time Bitcoin advocate, attributes this potential dominance to the unprecedented innovation on the Bitcoin network.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/25/06/46107772/tim-draper-says-this-will-be-the-fate-of-bitcoin-and-the-dollar-in-5-years-billionaire-highlights-apps-built-on-btc-that-matter">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/46150671/bitcoin-ethereum-xrp-dogecoin-trade-flat-on-friday-but-one-major-leg-up-left-says-trader" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Dogecoin Trade Flat On Friday But &#8216;One Major Leg Up Left,&#8217; Says Trader</a>
Cathie Wood&#8217;s Exciting Prediction for Bitcoin
Despite Bitcoin&#8217;s 400x rise, Cathie Wood, CEO of ARK Invest, believes that the &#8220;next exciting leg&#8221; of Bitcoin&#8217;s growth journey is just beginning. Wood&#8217;s comments came in response to billionaire hedge fund manager Philippe Laffont&#8217;s views on Bitcoin.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/46087464/bitcoins-400x-rise-aside-cathie-wood-says-the-next-exciting-leg-is-just-beginning">Read the full article here.</a>
Tom Lee&#8217;s Prediction for MicroStrategy
Tom Lee, head of research at Fundstrat Global Advisors, predicts that Strategy Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>), formerly known as MicroStrategy, could deliver superior returns compared to Bitcoin itself as the cryptocurrency rallies.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/25/06/46089976/tom-lee-says-microstrategy-could-outpace-bitcoin-gains-goes-up-a-lot-more-as-btc-rallies">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump Family-Backed Crypto Venture&#8217;s New App
World Liberty Financial, a crypto venture backed by U.S. President Donald Trump, plans to launch a new app aimed at making it easier for lay investors to use cryptocurrencies. The Trump family, which holds a 75% claim on the venture&#8217;s net revenues, has faced criticism due to potential conflicts of interest.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/46107720/trump-family-backed-world-liberty-financial-plans-to-launch-a-new-app-that-will-make-it-eas">Read the full article here.</a>
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<li><a href="https://benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/46146124/bitcoin-yields-of-up-to-8-are-no-longer-a-fantasy-heres-whos-offering-them" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bitcoin Yields Of Up To 8% Are No Longer A Fantasy: Here&#8217;s Who&#8217;s Offering Them</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/ananya-gairola" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ananya Gairola</a>

Coverage of Bitcoin, Etherum, Ripple and all the latest digital currencies.

Cryptocurrency

$BTC

MSTR

Trump's Crypto Ventures, Draper And Cathie Wood's Bitcoin Predictions, MSTR Estimates, And More: This Week In Crypto

Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) CEO Elon Musk, publicly criticized President Donald Trump&#8216;s One Big Beautiful Bill, which advanced in the Senate Saturday night, calling it &#8220;utterly insane&#8221; and &#8220;destructive.&#8221;
What Happened: Musk&#8217;s criticism comes in the midst of an ongoing public disagreement with President Trump, who is a supporter of the bill. Musk&#8217;s criticism is aimed at the sections of the bill that propose tax hikes on a range of energy projects.
These include solar, battery, geothermal, wind, and nuclear energy projects. Tesla, the electric vehicle and clean energy company Musk heads, has significant interests in both battery energy storage systems and solar photovoltaics.
Musk took to X, his personal social media platform, to express his concerns about the bill. He stated that it &#8220;will destroy millions of jobs&nbsp;in America and cause immense&nbsp;strategic harm to our country!&#8221;. 
He also criticized the bill for its perceived bias towards &#8220;industries of the past&#8221;, which he believes will be detrimental to future industries.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">The latest Senate draft bill will destroy millions of jobs in America and cause immense strategic harm to our country! Utterly insane and destructive. It gives handouts to industries of the past while severely damaging industries of the future. <a href="https://t.co/TZ9w1g7zHF">https://t.co/TZ9w1g7zHF</a>
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1939051424995786839?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Latest Musk referred to a poll saying, "Polls show that this bill is political suicide for the Republican Party."</figcaption></figure>
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45828038/trump-vs-musk-trump-hints-at-canceling-musks-contracts-well-take-a-look-at-everything-hes-got-a-lot-of-money-heres-how-musk-responded">Trump vs. Musk: Trump Hints at Canceling Musk&#8217;s Contracts: &#8216;We&#8217;ll Take a Look at Everything, He&#8217;s Got a Lot of Money.&#8217; Here&#8217;s How Musk Responded</a>
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Polls show that this bill is political suicide for the Republican Party <a href="https://t.co/HJwKZ9g4tu">pic.twitter.com/HJwKZ9g4tu</a>
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1939069416756650401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
The proposed legislation also includes&nbsp;a new subsidy for coal&nbsp;used in steel production. This public criticism from Musk has led to a strain in his relationship with President Trump. Following Musk&#8217;s comments, Tesla&#8217;s shares fell by 14% after the president threatened to review government contracts awarded to Musk&#8217;s companies.
Despite expressing regret over some of his posts, Musk continues to voice his opposition as the legislative debate over the bill approaches.
Why It Matters: Musk&#8217;s criticism of the Senate&#8217;s domestic policy package is significant given his position as the CEO of Tesla, a company heavily invested in renewable energy. The proposed tax increases on energy projects could potentially impact Tesla&#8217;s business operations and future growth.
The public feud with President Trump and the subsequent threat to reassess government contracts for Musk&#8217;s companies has already had a noticeable impact on Tesla&#8217;s share price. 
This ongoing situation highlights the potential risks and uncertainties faced by companies in the renewable energy sector.
Read Next
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Image: Shutterstock/Shutterstock AI

Politics

TSLA

Elon Musk Calls Trump's Megabill 'Political Suicide,' Says 'It Is Utterly Insane and Destructive,' Will 'Destroy Millions of Jobs in America'

The past week has been a whirlwind of tech and entertainment news, with Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) at the center of it all. From the box office success of their Brad Pitt-starrer &#8216;F1: The Movie&#8217; to the company&#8217;s ambitious plans for AI and iOS updates, Apple has been making waves in multiple sectors. Here&#8217;s a recap of the top stories.
&#8216;F1: The Movie&#8217; Races Ahead, &#8216;M3GAN 2.0&#8217; Lags
Apple&#8217;s Original Films&#8217; &#8220;F1: The Movie,&#8221; has surpassed expectations, raking in $10 million in previews and is set for a $115 million global opening. Meanwhile, &#8220;M3GAN 2.0&#8221; has had a slower start. The racing drama, directed by Joseph Kosinski, earned $7 million from Thursday night shows and $3 million from sneak screenings, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/entertainment/25/06/46156319/apples-brad-pitt-starrer-f1-the-movie-sets-the-pace-with-10-million-in-previews-poised-for-115-million-global-opening-m3gan-2-0-faces-slower-start-despite-strong-sequel">Read the full article here.</a>
Chamath Palihapitiya Criticizes Apple&#8217;s Innovation Prospects
Venture capitalist Chamath Palihapitiya has expressed skepticism about Apple&#8217;s potential for future breakthroughs during an episode of the All-In podcast. He stated that the tech giant has no &#8220;chance of anything&#8221; when it comes to upcoming innovations.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46068152/whats-next-for-apple-chamath-palihapitiya-fires-back-dont-think-they-have-any-chance-of-anything-dismisses-glasses-and-ai-hopes">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also: <a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46156518/elon-musk-reacts-after-tesla-completes-autonomous-delivery-of-model-y-from-factory-to-customer-home-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Reacts After Tesla Completes Autonomous Delivery Of Model Y: From Factory To Customer Home Across Town, Through Highways</a>
Apple Plans to Use AI to Speed Up Custom Chip Design
Apple is reportedly planning to use generative artificial intelligence to expedite the development of its custom chips, according to senior executive Johny Srouji. During a speech in Belgium, Srouji highlighted the potential of generative AI in enhancing chip design productivity.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46010207/apple-hardware-executive-says-iphone-maker-plans-to-use-ai-for-speeding-up-custom-chip-design-high-potential-in-getting-more-design-work-in-less-time">Read the full article here.</a>
Apple Considers Perplexity AI Acquisition Amid Lawsuit
Apple executives have reportedly discussed the potential acquisition of Perplexity AI internally. Adrian Perica, Apple&#8217;s head of M&amp;A, proposed the idea to senior leaders, including services chief Eddy Cue. This comes as Apple faces a shareholder lawsuit over exaggerated AI progress reports.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46041473/apple-eyes-perplexity-ai-acquisition-while-facing-shareholder-lawsuit-over-exaggerated-ai-progress-report">Read the full article here.</a>
Apple Tweaks Liquid Glass in iOS 26 Beta 2 After Readability Criticism
Following widespread criticism over poor readability, Apple has rolled out iOS 26 Beta 2 with key changes to its new Liquid Glass user interface. The company adjusted the background blur in Control Center to make buttons and sliders more legible
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46066274/apple-liquid-glass-gets-tweaks-in-ios-26-beta-2-after-early-testers-slam-readability-issues-heres-what-else-has-changed">Read the full article here.</a>
Apple Opens iOS 26 Lock Screen Animation to Third-Party Music Apps
Apple is reportedly extending one of iOS 26&#8217;s new features—animated album art on the lock screen—to third-party music and audio apps, breaking its exclusive tie to Apple Music.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45942472/apple-opens-ios-26-lock-screen-animation-to-spotify-and-other-third-party-music-apps-report">Read the full article here.</a>
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Photo courtesy: Shutterstock
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/Rounak-Jain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rounak Jain</a>

Tech

AAPL

Apple's F1 Surpasses Expectations, Chamath Palihapitiya's Criticism, AI For Chip Design, And Perplexity Acquisition In Consideration: This Week In Appleverse

The past week has been a rollercoaster ride for Wall Street, with unexpected turns in trade negotiations, surprising oil market reactions, and tech giants reaching new heights.
Here&#8217;s a quick recap of the top stories that kept the financial world buzzing over the weekend.
Trump&#8217;s Trade Turnaround
In a shocking move, President Donald Trump abruptly halted all trade negotiations with Canada, sending Wall Street into a frenzy. The President announced on Truth Social that Canada&#8217;s new Digital Services Tax on American tech companies was &#8220;a direct and blatant attack on our Country.&#8221; This sudden reversal sent investors scurrying from risk assets, dampening the earlier optimism.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46150909/trump-canada-tariffs-dollar-deal">Read the full article here.</a>
Oil Market Defies Expectations
Contrary to predictions, oil markets crashed by over 7% to $68 a barrel, even as Iran launched missiles at U.S. military installations in Qatar. Instead of triggering a surge in crude prices, the attack seemed to confirm market expectations of a controlled response rather than the onset of a full-blown war.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities/25/06/46061928/iran-oil-attack-us-qatar-trump-negotiation">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities/25/06/46120819/platinum-miners-forecasts-stocks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Platinum's Biggest Rally In 40 Years: These 6 Mining Stocks Could Be Top Gainers</a>
Recession Risks Rise
The Conference Board Leading Economic Index fell 0.1% month-over-month in May, marking its sixth consecutive monthly decline. This signals an increasing risk of recession for the U.S. economy, with the index declining in 37 of the last 39 months, one of the worst streaks since 1960.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/06/46088021/us-recession-risk-rises-as-leading-economic-index-falls-again-in-may-37-declines-in-39-mont">Read the full article here.</a>
Dollar&#8217;s Worst Slide in Decades
The first five months of Donald Trump&#8217;s presidency have seen one of the steepest collapses in the U.S. dollar in over three decades. Economic contraction, surging deficits, and political friction with the Federal Reserve have all contributed to the greenback&#8217;s decline.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/06/46146713/trump-dollar-outlook-tariffs-debt">Read the full article here.</a>
Nvidia&#8217;s Rise to the Top
Wall Street returned to record highs at the end of June, with both the S&amp;P 500 and Nasdaq 100 breaking above their February peaks. Amidst this, Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) became the most valuable company as investor sentiment turned positive and geopolitical and trade risks eased.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/06/46152595/wall-street-soars-to-record-highs-nvidia-becomes-worlds-most-valuable-company-this-week-in-markets">Read the full article here.</a>
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Photo courtesy: Shutterstock
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/ananya-gairola" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ananya Gairola</a>

Economics

NVDA

Trump's Canada Trade Flip, Oil Market Shock And Nvidia's Rise To The Top: This Week In Economy

The past week has been a whirlwind of political and economic developments. President Donald Trump&#8217;s approval ratings took a hit following an attack on Iran, while he hinted at potential changes to the July tariff deadline. The Supreme Court handed Trump a significant victory, limiting judges&#8217; power to block presidential directives. Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the GOP&#8217;s budget reconciliation bill, and Trump&#8217;s defense budget signaled a strategic shift towards advanced missile systems and unmanned warfare capabilities.
Trump&#8217;s Approval Ratings Drop After Iran Attack
President Donald Trump&#8217;s approval ratings have dipped in the wake of an attack on Iran, as revealed by a recent Morning Consult poll. The president&#8217;s approval among voters has been negatively impacted on several key campaign issues.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46129934/trump-approval-ratings-drop-after-attack-on-iran-tie-for-worst-since-second-term-started">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump Hints at Flexibility on July Tariff Deadline
President Trump has suggested that the early July deadline for reinstating significant U.S. tariffs on various countries may not be set in stone. &#8220;We can do whatever we want,&#8221; he told reporters at the White House.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46156587/trump-says-july-tariff-deadline-not-set-in-stone-we-can-do-whatever-we-want">Read the full article here.</a>
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Supreme Court Limits Judges&#8217; Power to Block Presidential Directives
The Supreme Court has made a ruling that alters how birthright citizenship policies can be challenged in court. The decision restricts judges' ability to block President Trump's policies across the nation.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46156417/supreme-court-hands-trump-a-monumental-victory-as-it-limits-judges-power-to-block-presidents-birthright-citizenship-order">Read the full article here.</a>
Schumer Criticizes GOP&#8217;s Budget Reconciliation Bill
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer launched a scathing attack on the Republican Party's budget reconciliation bill, calling it "flawed" and "irredeemable." He criticized the bill for its extensive cutbacks on welfare and tax breaks for the wealthy.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/06/46132709/chuck-schumer-slams-gops-big-beautiful-bill-as-flawed-it-guts-healthcare-kills-jobs-to-fund-tax-breaks-for-billionaires">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump&#8217;s Defense Budget Shifts Focus to Missiles, Drones
President Trump&#8217;s fiscal 2026 defense budget request indicates a strategic pivot towards advanced missile systems and unmanned warfare capabilities while reducing traditional fighter jet procurement.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/06/46111024/trumps-defense-budget-shifts-focus-to-missiles-drones-f-35-orders-cut-by-31">Read the full article here.</a>
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Photo courtesy: Shutterstock
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/Rounak-Jain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rounak Jain</a>

Trump's Approval Ratings, Tariff Deadlines, Schumer's Criticism, And Defense Budget Shifts: This Week In Politics

Mark Cuban may have a net worth north of $5 billion, but when it came time to split the check with his dad, the math didn't matter.
In a 2019 appearance on "<a href="https://youtu.be/t3DQciFECoY?si=vRlE43Fabbb6sMoI">The Dan Patrick Show,</a>" Cuban shared that his father, Norton Cuban, "did upholstery on cars and I don't think he ever made more than $40,000 in a year." Still, that never stopped him from grabbing the dinner bill—even after his son became one of the richest entrepreneurs in America.
"He was dad," Cuban said plainly. "If we went out to dinner, he was pulling out the credit card no matter what. The minute I said, ‘Dad,' he just looked at me with a death stare like, ‘Don't even think that you're going to pay for dinner.'"
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And he meant it.
The billionaire investor admitted it felt "weird" out-earning his father by tens of millions, but the old-school respect never faded. Norton wasn't interested in who had more zeros in their bank account—he was interested in being dad.
Cuban's respect for his father runs deep. At 14, he spent time working with Norton in auto upholstery—not to learn the craft, but to learn that punching a clock for someone else meant giving up your time. "His time was never his own," Cuban recalled in a <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/28/mark-cuban-built-his-career-using-advice-his-dad-gave-him-at-age-14.html">CNBC interview</a>. "He wanted me to create my own path."
So Cuban did. And when he eventually pulled in $100,000 in a single year, he shared the milestone with his dad, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/topics/25/06/46042314/when-mark-cuban-hit-100000-he-told-his-dad-whod-never-earned-even-half-that-he-just-started-crying">who immediately started crying</a>.
Trending: This Jeff Bezos-backed startup will allow you to<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/bezos-landlord-100-dollars"> become a landlord in just 10 minutes, with minimum investments as low as $100</a>.
Still, Cuban said the best thing he ever bought his dad wasn't a fancy car or house—it was a trip. That's what stuck.
"My dad is 87. He's going strong, he's a machine," Cuban told the <a href="https://youtu.be/TE4JsAahB2w?si=XKhNcRag7BQzuwCy">crowd at SXSW in 2014</a>. Then he shared Norton's favorite piece of advice:
"Today's the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/06/45775192/mark-cuban-wanted-to-get-rich-enough-to-retire-by-35-not-to-quit-working-but-for-freedom-today-is-the-youngest-youll-ever-be-live-like-it">youngest you're ever going to be</a>. You've got to live like it. You've got to live young every day."
Norton Cuban passed away in 2018 at 92, but clearly, his lessons didn't go anywhere.
Billionaire or not, Mark Cuban's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45553078/mark-cuban-says-you-dont-need-to-have-life-figured-out-by-22-he-got-fired-slept-on-the-floor-partied-like-a-rockstar-and-still-became-rich">still trying to live young</a>, and maybe—just maybe—pick up the check once in a while. Though if his dad were around, that stare might still shut it down.
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<li>Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die."<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/warren-buffet-make-money-when-you-sleep"> Here&#8217;s how you can earn passive income with just $100.</a></li>
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Personal Finance

Mark Cuban Says His Dad Made $40K A Year But Still Paid For Dinner—Even After He Became A Billionaire: 'Don't Even Think That You're Going To Pay'

Investing is one of the common paths to long-term wealth, but it can feel complex if you are just getting started. Luckily, financial guru Vincent Chan recently revealed the simplest way to get started.
Not only is it easy to start investing based on Chan's advice, but <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@vincentchanco/video/7519112459018325281?lang=en">his strategy</a> has a proven track record of multiplying your money in the long run.
The Easiest Things To Invest In Are Low-Cost Index Funds&#8217; Chan explained in the video.
It sounds basic, but that doesn't make it a bad suggestion. Here's why index funds remain one of the most popular ways for people to invest.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why Index Funds Are Easy For Beginners</h2>
Index funds offer investors exposure to a basket of companies. Some index funds contain a few dozen companies, while other index funds contain hundreds of publicly traded corporations. A couple of index funds even have well over 1,000 stocks, offering broad exposure to the market.
You don't have to get the most diversified index fund to get good results. Some funds with 100 stocks perform better than funds with 500 stocks. The main strength of index funds is that they enable automatic portfolio diversification and streamline investing.
You don't have to research a bunch of stocks, know what to look for in a good stock or follow the news every day. A portfolio manager can do all of those things for you as your money grows in an index fund.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Start With Your Tax-Advantaged Accounts</h2>
You can accumulate index funds in any investment account that lets you trade stocks. However, Chan suggests giving preference to tax-advantaged accounts like your 401(k), HSA, and Roth IRA when you make investments.
These accounts let you reduce your tax bill as you grow your investments. Traditional retirement accounts let you reduce your taxes right now, while you won't have to pay any taxes on withdrawals from your Roth IRA.&nbsp;
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Chan suggests investing any remaining money into a brokerage account once you have maxed out your tax-advantaged accounts. Investors should also monitor any changes the IRS makes to the maximum amount they can contribute to retirement accounts. You also get to make catch-up contributions to your retirement accounts the moment you turn 50.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What To Look For In An Index Fund</h2>
Chan recommends looking for index funds that have low expense ratios. This ratio reflects the cost of holding the fund and having an investment firm manage it on your behalf. Passively managed ETFs that mirror benchmarks like the S&amp;P 500 typically have low expense ratios. It's realistic to find passively managed ETFs that have expense ratios below 0.10%.&nbsp;
Investors can further explore index funds by analyzing their total returns. You can look at how much a fund has returned over the past five and ten years to gauge if it's consistent or volatile. It's also good to look at a fund's asset allocation to see if most of the stocks are in the tech sector or another industry.
Some investors also look at a fund's yield to see how much cash flow they will receive just by holding on to shares. While most investors shouldn't prioritize a fund based on its yield, receiving passive income from investments becomes more valuable as you get closer to retirement.
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New To Investing? Vincent Chan Says Low-Cost Index Funds Are the Easiest Way to Get Started

Doctors used to be the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44481583/bill-gates-thinks-you-might-only-work-2-3-days-a-week-thanks-to-ai-but-also-says-legitimately-people-are-like-wow-this-is-a-bit-scary">gold standard of job security</a>. After all, you can't outsource a heart transplant to a chatbot… right?
But according to Elon Musk, even the most elite surgeons might want to start looking over their scrub-covered shoulders.
"Robots will surpass good human surgeons within a few years and the best human surgeons within ~5 years," he <a href="https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1916573094367625556">posted on X in April</a>.
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That might sound like a stretch — but Musk pointed to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46012959/elon-musks-neuralink-implants-brain-chip-in-6th-patient-enables-paralyzed-man-to-move-cursor-play-game-with-his-mind">real-world experience at Neuralink</a>. "It was impossible for a human to achieve the required speed and precision," he said, referring to why his neurotechnology company had to rely on a robot to insert brain-computer electrodes.
Neuralink's surgical robot is designed to place ultra-thin threads into the brain, a job too delicate for even the steadiest hands. Musk wasn't just speculating — he was citing the kind of tech already in use.
And the broader field of robot-assisted surgery has been gaining momentum. Around the same time as Musk's post, Medtronic (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MDT#NYSE">MDT</a>) in April <a href="https://news.medtronic.com/2025-04-26-Medtronic-Expand-URO-U-S-clinical-trial-meets-safety-and-effectiveness-primary-endpoints-for-Hugo-TM-robotic-assisted-surgery-system">released results</a> from 137 live surgeries using its Hugo robotic system. The complication rate was just 3.7% for prostate procedures, with the system exceeding success benchmarks by a wide margin.
So what's the problem? According to actual surgeons: nuance, context — and a reality check.
One American neurosurgeon responded directly to Musk's claim on X, <a href="https://x.com/DrSAdusumilli/status/1916612237558419743">saying</a>:
"This is false. As a neurosurgeon, I promise you that no &#8220;robot&#8221; surgeon can EVER autonomously perform brain and spine surgery or likely any surgeries effectively, appropriately or safely. Too many variables require critical thinking."
Another <a href="https://x.com/dr_francisco79/status/1916600843987546183">surgeon chimed in writing</a>: "The problem is that the human body is not a machine and, in surgery in particular, the unexpected happens all the time."
He added, "At this point, the surgeon needs to use creativity to solve problems, and that is what separates the best from the average."
Another robotic surgeon, who claims to have&nbsp; performed more than 2,400 procedures, <a href="https://x.com/DrSAdusumilli/status/1916612237558419743">posted</a>:
"Misleading!! Robots are not actually doing the surgery; the surgeon is doing it with the console. They are great tools, but not surgeons."
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Leaders in outpatient surgery centers echoed those concerns to<a href="https://ascnews.com/2025/04/ai-surgery-debate-heats-up-after-elon-musks-robot-prediction/"> Ambulatory Surgery Center News</a>.
Wes Battiste, CEO of Destin Surgery Center, pushed back diplomatically:
"I admire Elon Musk as an exceptional entrepreneur and visionary. But I would beg to differ with him in regard to his recent post referencing AI replacing surgeons in the next five years."
Battiste emphasized that while AI excels at analyzing patterns, surgery involves subjective decisions and unpredictable anatomy — the kind that doesn't always match textbook diagrams.
"Medicine is called an art and not a science for a reason," he said.
Others, like Michael McClain of Left Coast Healthcare Advisors, warned of regulation lagging behind AI's capabilities:&nbsp;
"There is a ton of work to do in terms of safety, reliability, liability and governance before truly autonomous surgery is a remote possibility."
Robotic systems will absolutely keep playing a bigger role in operating rooms. But for now, most experts agree they're still just tools — not replacements.
Joan Dentler, founder of Avanza Healthcare Strategies, summed up what many doctors were thinking when she told ASCN:
"I'm not sure that the technology will fully replace human surgeons. Perhaps it will augment their abilities."
There are still a few years to go before we find out whether Musk's prediction is prophetic, premature, or just another bold headline. But either way, the conversation isn't just theoretical anymore. Robots are already in the operating room—and the question now is how much further they're allowed to go.
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Elon Musk Says Robots Will Outperform 'Best Human Surgeons' in 5 Years — But Doctors Beg To Differ: Humans Aren't Built Like Car Parts

"Blaze a new trail," singer-songwriter Usher Terry Raymond IV urged Emory University's Class of 2025 during his <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLEzw6D69-g">commencement address</a> on May 12 in Atlanta, stressing that "it's the person who animates the degree."&nbsp;
The <a href="https://www.grammy.com/artists/usher/16167">eight-time Grammy winner</a> received an <a href="https://news.emory.edu/stories/2025/05/er_commencement_honorary_degree_usher_07-05-2025/story.html">honorary doctor of humane letters</a> during the speech, where he recalled being "misunderstood and passed over" in school yet still amassing an estimated $200 million fortune through music, tech bets, and sports ownership.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">From Off-Key To On Top</h2>
"A diploma still matters, yes of course it matters, but it's not the paper that gives the power, it's you," Usher said, urging graduates to match credentials with "ambition, integrity, hustle and heart." Emory highlighted the address in a campus recap.
Cut from a middle-school chorus for singing off-key, Usher signed his first record deal at 14. Decades later,<a href="https://fortune.com/2025/05/16/multimillionaire-music-icon-usher-gen-z-advice-degrees-important-but-show-up/"> </a><a href="https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-celebrities/richest-rappers/usher-net-worth/">Celebrity Net Worth</a> values his net worth near $200 million, crediting chart-toppers, a minority stake in the NBA's, and early tech investments.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Degrees vs. Grit</h2>
Graduates now face a chillier market than when "Yeah!" vaulted up the charts in 2004. The<a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/empsit.pdf"> Bureau of Labor Statistics</a> shows unemployment for workers ages 20-24 hit 8.2% in May while the national rate held at 4.2%. Hiring freezes widen that gap.&nbsp;
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<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gen-z-tech-entry-level-job-market-2025-6">Business Insider </a>reported this month that entry-level openings at Big Tech names such as Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>, GOOGL)) and Apple (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) have fallen more than 50% since 2019.&nbsp;
The 2025<a href="https://www.signalfire.com/blog/signalfire-state-of-talent-report-2025"> SignalFire State of Tech Talent Report</a> echoes the downturn, which shows new-grad hiring now accounts for just 7% of Big Tech additions, down from 15% pre-pandemic.
Students are reassessing the return on that diploma. According to an<a href="https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/news/college-degree-value-generational-divide"> Indeed Hiring Lab survey</a> published in May, 51% of Gen Z professionals believe their degree was a "waste of money" as employers pivot to skill-first criteria and use generative AI for junior tasks.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Dream Big, Even If It Sounds Crazy</h2>
Commencement stages nationwide echoed the mindset message. Olympic gymnast Simone Biles <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_jRzPV7kc0">told </a>Washington University graduates in St. Louis the same day that "the world doesn't need you to be perfect—it needs you to be bold."&nbsp;
Those remarks align with Usher's closing challenge to Emory's class: "Be a little unrealistic—be a little delusional" when pursuing fulfillment, yet stay patient with the process.&nbsp;
As he reminded graduates, obstacles can "make you or break you," but a relentless mindset can still turn classroom setbacks into platinum records—or whatever success looks like after the mortarboards land.&nbsp;
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GOOG

Usher Says He Was Misunderstood And Passed Over In School — Now He's Worth $200 Million And Tells Gen Z 'Blaze A New Trail'

Earlier this week, Quantum Computing, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QUBT#NASDAQ">QUBT</a>) announced a $200 million private placement and Microsoft Corp.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) CEO said quantum computing could take scientific advancements to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/new-etfs/25/06/46080190/quantum-volatility-tradrs-new-etfs-qubx-rgtu-are-built-for-it-says-matt-markiewicz">the next level</a>.
Here&#8217;s a look at this week's highlights, lowlights and news catalysts in the quantum computing sector.&nbsp;
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Highlights: In a fireside chat with Gary Tan at Y Combinator&#8217;s AI Startup School that was posted on YouTube on Wednesday, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said that<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46111393/ai-is-already-speeding-up-discoveries-in-chemistry-and-physics-but-satya-nadella-says-the-real-breakthrough-will-come-when-we-add-quantum-computing-to-the-mix"> it will be</a> a game-changer when quantum computing is integrated with AI.&nbsp;
&#8220;If you want to understand the language of nature, which is simulation, I think the best way to do it is through a quantum computer because, after all, physics and nature are quantum,&#8221; Nadella said.&nbsp;
&#8220;What we are seeing is pretty good advances in using basically HPC+AI as a way to accelerate advances in Chemistry, in Physics, in Material Science and so quantum would be the next step in it."
"But we're very excited about what AI+quantum and HPC in a loop can do,&#8221; he added.
Lowlights: Quantum Computing shares<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/06/46060567/quantum-computing-qubt-shares-slide-following-200m-private-placement-announcement"> fell on Monday</a> after the company announced a $200 million private placement with institutional investors.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The quantum photonics and optics firm disclosed it had entered into securities purchase agreements with institutional investors to sell approximately 14 million shares of common stock at $14.25 per share.
Quantum Computing shares were 10% lower on the week.&nbsp;
D-Wave Quantum, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QBTS#NYSE">QBTS</a>) shares fell 12% over the past five days, while IonQ, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IONQ#NYSE">IONQ</a>) and Rigetti Computing Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RGTI#NASDAQ">RGTI</a>) ended the week mostly flat.&nbsp;
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Image: Shutterstock&nbsp;

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MSFT

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QUBT

RGTI

Quantum Stocks Surge And Stumble: Here's What Happened This Week

In a recent <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/SocialSecurity/comments/1laxdo4/true_or_false/">Reddit post</a> on r/SocialSecurity, a user shared a dilemma that stirred up plenty of advice — and some confusion. The poster's friend is 67, still working full-time, and just sold his house. He hasn't started collecting <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/06/46056038/still-working-at-69-eligible-for-social-security-should-he-keep-waiting-or-claim-now">Social Security</a> yet, but a bank advisor told him he should claim now — or risk "losing money" because of a so-called "look back" tied to his high income.
Commenters quickly weighed in, but let's break down what's really going on — and whether the advisor's warning holds up.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">At 67, Is It Too Late to Wait?</h2>
No — in fact, he's right on time to make a smart decision.
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Because the man is already 67, he's reached his full retirement age, or FRA, under <a href="https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10069.pdf">Social Security rules</a>. That means he can earn as much as he wants from working — or from selling his home — and it won't reduce his monthly benefit at all.
Claiming now is an option, but not a requirement. And waiting a bit longer will actually increase his benefit thanks to delayed retirement credits, which add about 8% per year up to age 70.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Will Selling the House Hurt His Benefits?</h2>
This is where the bank advisor's claim gets shaky.
Social Security only cares about earned income — money from working or self-employment — when it comes to calculating any reductions in benefits before FRA. Once you hit FRA, those limits go away entirely.
On top of that, profits from a home sale are considered capital gains, not earned income. They don't affect your Social Security benefit calculation — and there's no "look back" rule in Social Security that would penalize him later.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wait, Is There Any "Look Back" Rule at All?</h2>
As some of the commenters on the thread mentioned, the "look back" the advisor mentioned probably comes from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/06/46044386/ill-lose-my-marriage-72-year-old-man-asks-if-hes-a-bad-son-for-applying-for-medicaid-to-place-his-broke-94-year-old-mom-in-a-nursing-home">Medicaid</a>, not Social Security. Medicaid has a five-year look-back period to see if applicants transferred assets below market value in an attempt to qualify for long-term care coverage.
That rule has nothing to do with claiming Social Security benefits.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Could Medicare Costs Go Up?</h2>
Here's the one area where income from a house sale might have an impact: Medicare.
If the sale significantly increases his taxable income this year — with the sale of his property, his annual income this year went from $87,000 to $300,000 — he could get hit with higher Medicare premiums in a couple of years. Medicare uses a two-year income "look back" to determine whether someone owes Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, or IRMAA, surcharges on their premiums.
But this doesn't affect whether or not he should claim Social Security — it's a separate issue.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Reddit Gets It Right — Mostly</h2>
Many Reddit commenters correctly pointed out that claiming Social Security right now is a choice, not an urgent requirement. There's no penalty for waiting once you hit <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45534539/social-security-full-retirement-age-shift-means-filing-at-62-could-chop-your-check-by-30-what-every-worker-born-in-1960-or-later-must-know">full retirement age</a>, and in this case, there's no financial downside to holding off — especially if he doesn't need the money yet.
The takeaway? It's worth getting advice, but make sure it's from someone who understands the rules — not just a bank advisor trying to be helpful.
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He's 67, Still Working, And Just Sold His House — His Bank Advisor Says Claiming Social Security Now Or Lose Money Later. Is That True?

President Donald Trump revealed a peace agreement on June 27 between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, aimed at halting long-standing violence in eastern Congo and unlocking U.S.-backed economic <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities/25/06/46157422/trump-ally-eyes-500-million-deal-in-peace-plan-for-dr-congo" rel="noreferrer noopener">development in the region</a>.
The treaty announcement follows rising international concern over Rwanda&#8217;s alleged support of rebel forces destabilizing mineral-rich parts of eastern Congo.
The agreement comes as part of the Trump administration&#8217;s broader strategy to end global conflicts and facilitate American investment in strategic regions, USA Today <a target="_blank" href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2025/06/27/trump-basks-in-another-peace-deal-this-one-in-africa/84383556007/?tbref=hp" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
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Secretary of State Marco Rubio played a pivotal role in securing the deal, hosting a formal signing ceremony with Congolese Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner and Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe at the State Department before bringing both diplomats to the Oval Office.
Eastern Congo has suffered decades of unrest, fueled by territorial disputes and competition over valuable natural resources like cobalt and copper, USA Today adds.
The DRC government blames the M23 rebel group—which the U.N. says is backed by Rwanda—for thousands of deaths and the displacement of more than 450,000 civilians this year alone. Rwanda denies any involvement.
Senior administration adviser Massad Boulos, who is also connected to Trump&#8217;s family, is reportedly in talks to secure mineral supply deals that could channel billions of dollars into the DRC&#8217;s economy.
The Trump administration sees peace as a pathway to stabilizing the region and boosting access to critical minerals essential for electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and national security.
This latest agreement builds on Trump&#8217;s efforts to broker ceasefires in Gaza and Ukraine.
According to State Department officials, the treaty covers a ceasefire, respect for borders, refugee return, and a regional economic framework—though they caution that real peace will depend on actual implementation on the ground.
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Equities

Trump Brokers Peace Deal Between DR Congo And Rwanda — Now Eyes Billions In US Investment

"So wild to see her reaction," Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian said on the <a href="https://www.possible.fm/podcasts/ohanian/">"Possible" podcast</a> last month, after ChatGPT vaulted his childhood pencil sketches into vivid starships for his&nbsp; 7-year-old daughter, Olympia Ohanian.&nbsp;
The venture capitalist added that super-intelligence is becoming a commodity. "I want her to understand this is a superpower that she should have," framing generative <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43903135/ais-19-9-trillion-impact-could-create-the-first-trillionaire-but-mark-cuban-says-it-wont-be-musk-or-bezos">artificial intelligence</a> as a creative engine kids can wield daily. His real-time demo spotlights how quickly AI is shifting from lab curiosity to home art supply for young creators.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Classroom Superpowers Or Caution Signs</h2>
In the same conversation, Ohanian explained that he photographed "half-finished" cartoon rockets he drew as a kid and let ChatGPT return "full-color illustrations" in seconds.&nbsp;
"I want Olympia using it every day," he said, arguing that access to super-intelligence will soon be table stakes for homework. "It was just so wild to see her reaction to it," he said when the new drawings appeared. Ohanian recalled how the second-grader immediately asked to "make it fly through space."&nbsp;
"I still need her to know the fundamentals of reading and writing and arithmetic," Ohanian said, "but I want her to know that the raw intelligence part has been solved." Beyond art, he points to the AI-powered tutoring platform <a href="https://www.synthesis.com/tutor">Synthesis</a> as Olympia's homework helper—a tool that drills math and logic while still encouraging her to practice traditional pencil skills.
Trending: Invest early in CancerVax's breakthrough tech aiming to disrupt a $231B market. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/this-company-may-have-found-a-way-to-treat-cancer-by-tricking-the-bodys-immune-system-and-early-studies-show-some-promise-find-out-how-you-can-invest-in-the-future-of-cancer-treatment">Back a bold new approach to cancer treatment with high-growth potential.</a>
Washington began laying the groundwork for that vision in April, when a White House <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/advancing-artificial-intelligence-education-for-american-youth/">executive order</a> created a task force to train teachers, fund AI-literacy curricula, and stage a nationwide "Presidential AI Challenge" for K-12 students. The directive also asks the Education Department to publish funding guidance within 90 days and calls for public-private partnerships to stock classrooms with vetted AI tools.
Classroom adoption is already accelerating. A nationally representative survey released in April by researchers at the University of California, Irvine, and <a href="https://www.foundry10.org/news/press/uci-news-uc-irvine-leads-national-survey-of-artificial-intelligences-role-in-education">nonprofit Foundry10</a> found 69% of teens said AI helped them learn something new, while less than 6% said they had experienced negative social or academic impacts from their use of AI.
Still, caution resonates in Washington. During a <a href="https://www.techpolicy.press/transcript-sam-altman-testifies-at-us-senate-hearing-on-ai-competitiveness/">Senate Commerce Committee hearing</a> last month, OpenAI CEO <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/04/44590350/courtroom-clash-no-thank-you-sparks-lawsuit-as-altman-shuts-down-musks-97-4b-bid">Sam Altman</a> told lawmakers that children require "a much higher level of protection" before forging chat-based friendships.&nbsp;
Altman urged age gates and independent safety audits, warning that unsupervised AI companions could mold identity development. Ohanian contends safeguards and exploration can coexist. "I want her to understand this is a superpower that she should have," he said.
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/are-you-rich">Are you rich?</a> Here&#8217;s what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy.</li>
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'So Wild To See Her Reaction' — Alexis Ohanian, Co-Founder Of Reddit, Uses AI To Turn Childhood Doodles Into Space Adventures With His Kid

The Federal Reserve announced on Friday that all 22 of the nation&#8217;s largest banks successfully passed its 2025 stress test, maintaining adequate capital buffers even under a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/insights/analyst-ratings/25/06/46125160/expert-outlook-bank-of-america-through-the-eyes-of-15-analysts" rel="noreferrer noopener">hypothetical recession scenario</a>. However, analysts noted that this year&#8217;s exam was less demanding than previous iterations, CNBC <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/27/big-banks-all-pass-less-vigorous-federal-reserves-stress-tests.html" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
The central bank&#8217;s simulated downturn included milder assumptions compared to 2024—featuring smaller declines in housing and commercial real estate prices, a more moderate unemployment spike, and reduced overall market disruption.
Also Read:<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/46071825/big-short-investor-eisman-warns-jpmorgan-wells-fargo-domination-squeezes-regional-banks" rel="noreferrer noopener"> &#8216;Big Short&#8217; Investor Eisman Warns JPMorgan, Wells Fargo Domination Squeezes Regional Banks</a>
The report adds that these factors likely contributed to the more favorable outcomes for major financial institutions.
Michelle Bowman, the Fed&#8217;s newly appointed vice chair for supervision and a President Donald Trump appointee, said in a statement, &#8220;Large banks remain well capitalized and resilient to a range of severe outcomes,&#8221; CNBC adds
The scenario estimated roughly $550 billion in total losses across the tested firms, yet all remained above regulatory minimums.
Unlike last year&#8217;s exam, which included steeper declines and more severe economic pain points, the 2025 version omitted deeper stress on private equity holdings and did not evaluate exposure to private credit markets—a rapidly growing $2 trillion segment.
Fed officials offered limited explanation for the shift, only citing past volatility in test outcomes and a plan to seek public input for future revisions.
Notably absent from the 2025 methodology was any direct testing of bank vulnerabilities to private credit. Despite recent warnings from Fed researchers—including the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston—about the systemic risks private credit could pose in a sharp downturn, the Fed&#8217;s stress test documents made no reference to the sector.
Top-tier institutions such as JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>), Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GS#NYSE">GS</a>), Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/C#NYSE">C</a>), and Bank of America Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>) were among those that cleared the exam.
Their solid performance positions them to resume capital return programs, including dividend payouts and share buybacks, with announcements expected next week, the report adds.
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</ul>
Image: Shutterstock/christianthiel.net

Big Banks Pass Fed's 2025 Stress Test With Ease—But Some Say It Was Too Easy

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/retirement-income-calculator">Retiring early </a>could be a dream for many. Allison Esposito Medina was one of many who was able to retire early.
Before re-entering the workforce years later, Medina wanted to make sure that she focused on a work-life balance that fit her new lifestyle.
What Happened: Medina lasted only <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-retirement-plans">five months in retirement,</a> but a decision to re-join the workforce needed to accommodate the new hobbies and activities the then 40-year-old had taken up.
&#8220;I worked at Foursquare and Google, and in 2014, I started my business, Tech Ladies. My goal was to help women in the industry find jobs, negotiate and network,&#8221; Medina wrote for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/15/40-year-old-who-retired-and-only-lasted-5-months-it-was-boring.html?forYou=true" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CNBC</a>.
Median sold Tech Ladies in 2021, which came after a decade working in the New York tech scene.
After the sale of the company, helping with the transition and realizing she had enough saved, Medina decided to retire early at the age of 40.
Medina&#8217;s retirement lasted only five months. During retirement, Medina worked on a flower garden, started exercising, did volunteer work and went for walks with new friends made during a move from New York City to New Jersey.
&#8220;Five months in, my quality of life had vastly improved. But I had mixed feelings, and at time it felt boring.&#8221;
Medina decided to re-join the workforce with her business idea to launch an online community for Gen Z and Millenial pet owners.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/entrepreneurship/25/06/46026335/from-side-hustle-to-big-business-young-entrepreneur-makes-354000-a-month">How 25-Year-Old Tried 23 Side Hustles And Finally Built A $350,000/Month Business</a>
Why It&#8217;s Important:&nbsp;Medina&#8217;s trip back to the workforce this time around has been different, putting an emphasis on work-life balance while founding&nbsp;<a href="https://www.juniperpet.co/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Juniper</a>.
&#8220;I was proud of the mission, but I never exercised or took a vacation, and I rarely saw friends,&#8221; Medina recalled of her previous time working before retirement.
Medina shared the most valuable lesson she has learned, thanks to previously having an obsession with time and energy while running Tech Ladies.
&#8220;The most valuable lesson I learned is that you shouldn&#8217;t wait to do the things you dream about in retirement.&#8221;
Medina&#8217;s three questions she asked herself before founding Juniper were:
<ol start="1" class="wp-block-list">
<li>If you didn&#8217;t have to work, what is on your list of things you&#8217;d do that brings you joy?</li>
<li>How many hours a week would it take to actually do it?</li>
<li>What can you take off your plate to give yourself more time and energy to do it?</li>
</ol>
Medina said it&#8217;s important to &#8220;push yourself to be honest&#8221; about how much time you have.
Juniper was launched by Media in November 2023 after she started working on it in August of the same year.
Now, Medina works 40 hours instead of 80 in her past life. Her non-negotiables for work-life balance include having time to walk her dog, exercising and cooking every day, not skipping vacations and having weekends off.
&#8220;I want to build another successful company, but my definition of success now is accomplishing my goals without sacrificing my health, or the things that bring me joy and purpose.&#8221;
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</ul>
If you enjoyed this story, check out more coverage on entrepreneurship and stories of success&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/benzinga-inspire" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">with Benzinga Inspire.</a>
This article was previously published by Benzinga and has been updated.

Entrepreneurship

Success Stories

Startups

She Retired At 40, Got Bored, And Came Back Smarter: Her 3 Millionaire Rules For A Life That Actually Works

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, could have been the world&#8217;s first trillionaire if he had retained his original company stock.
What Happened: The Forbes projection comes in light of Gates&#8217; public commitment to donate nearly all of&nbsp;his remaining wealth and wind&nbsp;down the Gates Foundation by&nbsp;2045. 
Gates, along with his ex-wife Melinda, have already donated $60.2 billion to the foundation since its inception in 2000, making them the second-largest philanthropists in America. 
Despite their philanthropic efforts, they remain among the world&#8217;s wealthiest, with an estimated net worth of&nbsp;$113 billion and $30.4 billion, respectively.
According to Forbes&#8217; <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/mattdurot/2025/05/09/bill-gates-would-be-a-trillionaire-if-hed-kept-all-his-microsoft-stock/">calculations</a>, if the Gates had not embarked on their philanthropic journey and retained all their Microsoft shares,&nbsp;their combined fortune would be&nbsp;a staggering&nbsp;$1.5 trillion. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/22/10/29194457/melinda-gates-on-divorce-with-bill-gates-unbelievably-painful-i-just-couldnt-stay-in-that-marriage-2">Melinda Gates On Divorce With Bill Gates: &#8216;I Just Couldn&#8217;t Stay In That Marriage&#8217;</a>
In this hypothetical&nbsp;scenario,&nbsp;Gates alone would likely be&nbsp;the first trillionaire, with a fortune of $1.2 trillion&nbsp;even after his 2021 divorce.&nbsp;
This sum would be over&nbsp;triple Elon Musk&#8216;s peak net&nbsp;worth. Melinda would be worth&nbsp;an estimated $300 billion, potentially&nbsp;making her the world&#8217;s third-richest person.
In reality, Gates has&nbsp;systematically sold and donated shares,&nbsp;diversifying his portfolio. Currently,&nbsp;his Microsoft ownership is an&nbsp;estimated 0.9 percent stake, valued&nbsp;at $28 billion. Melinda&#8217;s Microsoft&nbsp;shares are an estimated $&nbsp;380,000.
Why It Matters: The Gates have made significant contributions to global health and poverty alleviation through the Gates Foundation, distributing an estimated $47.7 billion.&nbsp;
Melinda has also launched Pivotal&nbsp;Philanthropies and committed an additional&nbsp;$12.5 billion for women's and&nbsp;girls' rights. Both remain committed&nbsp;to the Giving Pledge, which&nbsp;they co-founded with Berkshire Hathaway&#8217;s&nbsp;chairperson Warren Buffett in 2010.&nbsp;
Their philanthropic efforts have had a significant impact on global issues, despite the potential personal wealth they could have amassed.
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Image: Shutterstock/Alexandros Michailidis

Bill Gates Could've Been The World's First Trillionaire — and Richer Than Elon Musk — If He'd Kept His Microsoft Stock

At 55, one school bus driver is weighing a tough decision that many people approaching <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/06/46024300/is-your-retirement-plan-just-a-hope-and-a-401-k">retirement</a> can relate to: Should she stick with a job she enjoys, or switch to a new one that offers a pension and free health insurance?
She shared her dilemma in a <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/retirement/comments/1lexwqs/struggling_with_new_job_offer_for_retirement/">Reddit forum</a>, explaining that the job she's considering offers something her current employer doesn't — a pension.&nbsp;
"The pension will take me 7 years to become fully vested," she wrote, adding that after 10 years, she'd qualify for a higher payout. "That would put me right at 65, and I could retire with the small pension and [Social Security]."
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The catch? Switching jobs means starting over. And while the new job offers a lifetime pension, it also requires a longer commute, working summers, and losing some financial benefits she currently depends on.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What She Has Now</h2>
Right now, she drives a school bus part time. The pay is higher per hour, and the job comes with some perks that aren&#8217;t always obvious — like unemployment benefits during school breaks. She also contributes to a 401(k) and relies on her husband's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/health-care/25/06/46013434/dave-ramsey-asks-why-does-this-dang-medicare-feel-so-confusing-blames-government-then-offers-seniors-a-clear-path-forward">health insurance</a>.
Importantly, she enjoys her current role and isn't looking to leave because of dissatisfaction. "I enjoy my job and have nothing against my current employer at all," she said. "What pulls me toward this other employer is the pension and free health insurance for me, which means the hubby can drop me from his health insurance plan."
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What the New Job Offers</h2>
The new job would still involve driving a bus, but with a few key changes. She'd go from guaranteed four-hour days to six-hour days. Even though the hourly pay is lower, the increased hours could mean a slightly higher paycheck overall.
The real draw is the pension and free health coverage. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43432805/workers-long-for-the-day-pensions-make-a-comeback-83-say-everyone-deserves-a-pension-not-just-public-employees">Pensions</a> can be hard to come by these days, especially ones that offer a fixed monthly payment for life. But to earn that benefit, she'd need to stay for at least seven years. To maximize it, 10 years. That would mean working full time, through summers and breaks, until she's 65.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Others Are Saying</h2>
Comments on her post were mixed. Some encouraged her to take the pension while she still has time to vest, pointing out that "pensions are incredibly scarce these days, especially ones that have a lifetime payout." Others urged caution. "If it were me… I think I'd stay at the job I love and just try to max my 401(k) contributions."
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One user raised a practical concern: pensions may not always be as secure as they seem. "They depend on the stability of your company and their competency level to keep your, and others, contributions safe," they said.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">No Easy Answer</h2>
This isn't a straightforward financial decision — it's a personal one. It involves weighing <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44459879/suze-orman-warns-the-absolute-worst-thing-that-you-can-be-doing-right-now-is-panic-because-it-hurts-long-term-security">long-term security</a> against current comfort, and guaranteed income against the flexibility of a 401(k). While a pension sounds appealing, she's also aware that switching jobs at this stage of life comes with trade-offs.
For now, it seems that she's leaning toward staying where she is and increasing her retirement contributions. But as she put it, "I have time to think it over… but not forever."
Read Next: Many are using retirement income calculators to check if they&#8217;re on pace —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-do-i-calculate-my-retirement-income-adv"> here&#8217;s a breakdown on what&#8217;s behind this formula.</a>

Should She Start Over For A Pension? A 55-Year-Old School Bus Driver Weighs Guaranteed Retirement Pay Against Job Comfort

Michael Intrator, the CEO of AI startup&nbsp;CoreWeave, has seen his net worth double to a whopping $10 billion in a mere 12 days. This rapid wealth accumulation is unprecedented in the tech industry.
What Happened:&nbsp;CoreWeave&#8217;s stock has skyrocketed by nearly 300%&nbsp;in the last two months. This followed a rather unimpressive initial public offering (IPO) in March. 
The stock&#8217;s surge has greatly enriched its shareholders, including Intrator, a 56-year-old former hedge fund manager.
Bloomberg notes that Intrator&#8217;s net worth has soared&nbsp;from $5 billion to $10&nbsp;billion in less than two weeks. This is an extraordinary achievement, given that it usually takes a billionaire over three years to double their wealth.
Despite CoreWeave&#8217;s initial lackluster performance on the stock market, Intrator remained steadfast in his belief in the company&#8217;s potential to &#8220;generate enormous value.&#8221;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/45712312/michael-saylor-called-scaramucci-from-a-yacht-and-it-changed-the-ending-of-his-book">Michael Saylor Called Scaramucci From a Yacht and It Changed the Ending of His Book</a>
CoreWeave&#8217;s other co-founders have also seen their wealth grow significantly. Bloomberg reports that the company&#8217;s chief strategy officer, Brian Venturo, is now worth $6.4 billion, while chief development officer, Brannin McBee, is worth $4.7 billion, <a href="https://fortune.com/2025/06/27/billionaire-ai-company-coreweave-ceo-double-wealth-five-to-ten-billion-michael-intrator-no-tech-background/">reports</a> Fortune.
The company&#8217;s success can be attributed to securing major&nbsp;tech companies as clients and&nbsp;partners,&nbsp;including Nvidia, OpenAI, and Microsoft.&nbsp;
Interestingly, all three founders come from finance backgrounds, not tech, highlighting that breaking into AI does not necessarily require a tech background.
Why It Matters: CoreWeave&#8217;s success story is a testament to the immense potential of AI technology and its ability to generate wealth rapidly. 
The company&#8217;s ability to secure partnerships with major tech companies, despite its founders&#8217; non-tech backgrounds, underscores the importance of strategic alliances and business acumen in the tech industry. 
This could potentially inspire more finance professionals to venture into the tech industry, particularly AI, thereby fostering greater diversity and innovation in the sector.
Read Next
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Image: Shutterstock/Odu Mazza

Markets

Here's How This AI CEO Just Doubled His Net Worth To $10 Billion—In Just Only 12 Days

Legendary Investor Warren Buffett had an extreme fear of public speaking in his younger days. If it weren&#8217;t for a $100 college course he took when he was 20 years old, the &#8220;Oracle of Omaha&#8221; might have shorted his own success.
What To Know: Buffett had an extreme fear of public speaking up until the age of 20, according to <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2019/03/21/billionaire-warren-buffett-says-a-100-dollar-course-had-the-biggest-impact-on-his-success.html?utm_content=makeit&amp;utm_medium=Social&amp;utm_source=Facebook&amp;fbclid=IwAR214Hln3Hmu8MUDHCWsWv1Ogxu7wi-TK9fQr8Yo3_bw1ds91gwRc5W4COk#Echobox=1675694538">CNBC</a>.
"Just the thought of it made me physically ill.&nbsp;I would literally throw up,"&nbsp;Buffett told CNBC contributor and&nbsp;"Getting There" author&nbsp;Gillian Zoe Segal.
In his early college days, Buffett, chair and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>) (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>), would select certain classes to avoid having to present in front of his classmates. Furthermore, he designed his schedule so he wouldn't have to be in front of crowds.
He told Segal that he could barely even introduce himself whenever he found himself in a situation where he was required to speak in front of others. 
Buffett set out to change that when he saw an ad for a Dale Carnegie public speaking course at Columbia's Business School. He signed up and even wrote a check to cover the costs, but shortly after, he called it off.
"I just couldn&#8217;t do it. I was that terrified," the Berkshire CEO&nbsp;said.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46047056/ben-horowitz-once-told-columbia-grads-dont-follow-your-passion-but-contribution-instead-something-that-doesnt-coincide-with-the-opinion-of-elon-musk-kevin-oleary-jeff-bezos-and-warren-bu">Ben Horowitz Once Told Columbia Grads, &#8216;Don&#8217;t Follow Your Passion&#8217; But Contribution Instead: Something That Doesn&#8217;t Coincide With The Opinion Of Elon Musk, Kevin O&#8217;Leary, Jeff Bezos And Warren Buffett</a>
Not long after Buffett graduated, he came across the exact same ad in the paper and set out to sign himself up again, with one key difference in his approach.
"This time, I handed the instructor $100 in cash. I knew if I gave him the cash I&#8217;d show up," Buffett&nbsp;said.&nbsp;
He did show up, and he discovered that about 30 other people had the same problem&nbsp;he did, he said: "We all had trouble saying our&nbsp;own names."
By the time he finished the 12-week course, he was ready to put his skills to the test. He applied for a teaching position at the University of Omaha right away, knowing that if he didn't keep at it, he would risk giving up&nbsp;the progress he had made in the public speaking class.&nbsp;
"I just kept doing it, and now you can&#8217;t stop me from talking,"&nbsp;Buffett told Segal with a laugh.
The report indicates that the Berkshire CEO&nbsp;credits much of his&nbsp;<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/23/02/30740695/how-warren-buffetts-fund-manager-turned-70k-into-264m-in-a-perfect-world-nobody-would-know-about-t">success</a>&nbsp;to the public speaking class, which is&nbsp;a lot of praise for someone as successful as the Oracle himself.
According to <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/billionaires/">Bloomberg</a>, Buffett is the eighth-richest person in the world, with an estimated net worth of $152 billion at the time of writing. His fund has historically outperformed the S&amp;P 500, delivering nearly 20% compounded annual returns since Buffett took control of Berkshire in 1965.
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Some elements of this story were previously reported by Benzinga and it has been updated.
Image: Kent Sievers/Shutterstock.

General

Warren Buffett Would Probably Still 'Literally Throw Up' When Speaking In Front Of Crowds If He Didn't Take This $100 College Course

A 35-year-old nurse from Montreal recently stunned listeners of &#8220;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MU9MAmr4VAQ">The Ramsey Show</a>&#8221; when he called in to share that he&#8217;s carrying a total of $1.8 million in debt, despite cutting out everything <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/06/46067665/the-real-budget-killer-isnt-big-purchases-its-the-20-here-20-there-habits-that-quietly-empty-your-account">from snacks to grooming</a>.
&#8220;I had my aha moment when I saw $22,000 going out in one month after doing a budget,&#8221; he told Dave Ramsey and co-host Rachel Cruze. With one child already and another on the way, he&#8217;s desperate to make changes, but feels stuck in a financial hole that&#8217;s quickly closing in.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Triplex, Two Hondas And A Cousin&#8217;s Loan</h2>
The caller said he owes $680,000 on a triplex currently listed for $950,000, and another $590,000 on his family home, which he says is worth about $750,000. On top of that, he has two electric Hondas, each with loans of nearly $70,000, plus $35,000 in credit card and student loan debt. But the most striking part is that he borrowed $350,000 from a cousin to use as a down payment and to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/what-is-flipping-houses">renovate both properties</a>.
His household brings in $110,000 to $120,000 a year before taxes. About half of that comes from his wife, who will be going on <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43716980/i-think-you-could-probably-freaking-struggle-through-dave-ramsey-shocked-by-new-mom-whose-husband-makes-975000-but-wont-let-her-quit-job">maternity leave</a> in 12 weeks. She&#8217;ll be receiving 70% of her salary for a year.
&#8220;I cut out everything from potato chips to haircuts, literally anything I could to curb the expenses,&#8221; he said. &#8220;I wish I could do more jobs a day, but my doctor says that because I&#8217;m bipolar, I need to have a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/03/44157414/mark-cuban-once-shared-a-powerful-yet-humbling-take-on-work-life-balance-here-are-5-more-eye-opening-statements-from-jeff-bezos-jamie-dimon-and-elon-musk-that-will-make-you-rethink-your-lif">healthy work-life balance</a>.&#8221;
Trending: Invest early in CancerVax's breakthrough tech aiming to disrupt a $231B market. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/this-company-may-have-found-a-way-to-treat-cancer-by-tricking-the-bodys-immune-system-and-early-studies-show-some-promise-find-out-how-you-can-invest-in-the-future-of-cancer-treatment">Back a bold new approach to cancer treatment with high-growth potential.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ramsey And Cruze Push Back Hard</h2>
Ramsey and Cruze went straight to the point. &#8220;You sound like you&#8217;re walking around under a 400-pound weight,&#8221; Ramsey told him. &#8220;You sound scared to death.&#8221;
Ramsey urged the caller to sell the triplex immediately, ditch the expensive cars, and stop making financial decisions based on trying to keep his wife happy.
&#8220;You don&#8217;t get to be an investor in triplexes. That thing&#8217;s got to be priced in such a way that your real estate agent can sell it and get it gone,&#8221; Ramsey said. &#8220;We&#8217;re not worried about the environment right now. The environment I&#8217;m worried about is not being broke. Electric Hondas are gone. Bye-bye. We&#8217;re getting cheap cars.&#8221;
And regarding maternity leave, it&#8217;s a luxury they can&#8217;t afford: &#8220;I don&#8217;t really care what the Canadian government says. She gets to go to work. She&#8217;s broke. Broke people work.&#8221;
See Also: GoSun's Breakthrough Rooftop EV Charger Already Has 2,000+ Units Reserved — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/meet-the-company-seeking-to-give-americans-energy-independence-and-learn-how-you-can-become-an-early-investor">Become an Investor in This $41.3M Clean Energy Brand Today</a>
When the caller said his wife was only willing to sell everything except the house and the cars, Ramsey replied, &#8220;You've been running around trying to shovel things in her direction to keep her happy, like she's your child or something. That's not working.&#8221;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Way Out Will Be Hard</h2>
Ramsey said that with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/01/42771996/this-is-unhinged-a-reddit-user-asks-others-for-extreme-acts-of-frugality-they-witnessed-and-the-replies-are-shockingly-entertaining">intense budgeting</a> and lifestyle changes, the couple could eventually dig out. &#8220;Mathematically, I can get you out if you did everything I told you to do. But I don&#8217;t know if you&#8217;ll do it or not.&#8221;
Cruze added that their entire life will have to look &#8220;completely different&#8221; in the next three to six months if they want to survive this.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/gbr-savings-by-age">If You're Age 35, 50, or 60: Here&#8217;s How Much You Should Have Saved Vs. Invested By Now</a>
Image: Shutterstock

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