La catena delle opzioni mostra i dati chiave delle opzioni azionarie di Luminar Technologies a vari prezzi di esercizio e date di scadenza. I trader utilizzano queste informazioni per analizzare potenziali operazioni e valutare il sentiment del mercato per Luminar Technologies..

Luminar Technologies (NASDAQ:LAZR) Azioni, Catena delle Opzioni

Luminar Technologies

Luminar Technologies Inc is an automotive technology company ushering in a new era of vehicle safety and autonomy. It operates its business through the following segments: Autonomy Solutions and Advanced Technologies and Services. The majority of its revenue is generated from the Autonomy Solutions segment, which engages in the design, manufacturing, and sale of LiDAR sensors, catering mainly to the OEMs in the automobile, commercial vehicle, robo-taxi, and adjacent industries. The Advanced Technologies and Services segment provides semiconductors and related components, as well as design, test, and consulting services to the Autonomy Solutions segment and various third-party customers. Geographically, the company derives its key revenue from North America.

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News

LAZR

Dopo un trimestre oltre le aspettative, il titolo del settore auto-tech registra un&#39;impennata significativa.

Oltre le aspettative: LAZR sbalordisce con i risultati del Q4 e sale del 55%

Luminar Technologies, Inc. - Class A Common Stock

Luminar Technologies Inc

The first weekend of August 2025 has been a whirlwind for Wall Street, marked by a series of unsettling events. From President Donald Trump&#8217;s threats of nuclear action against Russia to a weak U.S. jobs report and new sweeping tariffs, investors have had their nerves tested.
Trump&#8217;s Nuclear Threats Rattle Wall Street
The weekend kicked off with President Trump issuing a nuclear threat against Russia, causing a spike in the fear gauge. This, coupled with new tariffs and a disappointing jobs report, has set the stage for a volatile month on Wall Street.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/08/46805962/trump-russia-medvedev-nuclear-submarines-vix-index-wall-street">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump Fires Bureau of Labor Statistics Chief
In the wake of a weak jobs report, President Trump ordered the termination of Bureau of Labor Statistics Commissioner Erika McEntarfer. Trump accused McEntarfer of manipulating employment data for political purposes, without providing any evidence.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/08/46813901/trump-fires-bureau-of-labor-statistics-chief-erika-mcentarfer-after-weak-jobs-report-directed-my-team-to-fire-this-biden-political-appointee">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/news/politics/25/08/46813128/kevin-oleary-defends-trumps-tariffs-as-markets-shrug-off-hikes-im-an-investor-i-dont-listen-to-all-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kevin O&#8217;Leary Defends Trump&#8217;s Tariffs As Markets Shrug Off Hikes: &#8216;I&#8217;m An Investor. I Don&#8217;t Listen To All The Noise&#8217;</a>
Federal Reserve Governor Resigns
Adriana Kugler, a Federal Reserve governor, announced her resignation effective August 8. This unexpected departure could complicate the succession process for Fed leadership, especially given the tense relations with President Trump.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/08/46813822/federal-reserve-governor-adriana-kugler-resigns-handing-trump-a-key-vacancy-ahead-of-powells-term-end">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump&#8217;s Trade Deal Deadline Looms
Despite recent trade deals with the European Union, Japan, Vietnam, and Indonesia, President Trump has yet to secure agreements with over 85% of the world&#8217;s population. With a &#8220;hard deadline&#8221; of August 1 for countries to sign a trade deal or face tariffs, the global trade landscape remains uncertain.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46716020/trump-is-yet-to-sign-a-trade-deal-with-over-85-of-humanity-here-are-the-major-countries-that-are-yet-to-sign">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump Issues Ultimatum to Pharma Giants
President Trump has given 17 major pharmaceutical companies, including AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABBV#NYSE">ABBV</a>) and Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>), a 60-day ultimatum to lower drug prices in the U.S. or face severe consequences.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/health-care/25/08/46783827/trump-issues-60-day-ultimatum-to-us-pharma-giants-to-slash-drug-prices-if-you-refuse-to-step-up-we-will">Read the full article here.</a>
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<li><a href="https://benzinga.com/news/politics/25/08/46785847/the-trade-war-has-lost-all-credibility-markets-shrug-off-trumps-tariff-blitz-on-multiple-countries" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&#8216;The Trade War Has Lost All Credibility:&#8217; Markets Shrug Off Trump&#8217;s Tariff Blitz On Multiple Countries</a></li>
</ul>
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>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Politics

ABBV

AMGN

Nuclear Threats, Trump Fires Labor Statistics Chief, Fed Governor Resigns And More: This Week In Politics

This "grey divorce" trend has far-reaching implications, including impacts on retirement plans, a new <a href="https://www.allianzlife.com/about/newsroom/2025-Press-Releases/Gray-Divorce-Trend-Threatens-Retirement-Security">survey</a> by Allianz Life Insurance Company finds.&nbsp;
Divorce rates among middle-aged and older Americans are on the rise, according to a 2022 academic study. The study, published in "<a href="https://academic.oup.com/psychsocgerontology/article/77/9/1710/6564346">The Journals of Gerontology</a>," found that between 1970 and 2019, the "grey divorce" rate more than doubled among those 50 and up, from five divorcing persons per 1,000 to ten divorcing persons per 1,000.
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According to Allianz, 56% of married Americans say that a divorce would derail their retirement strategy. Millennials, in particular, are worried about the ways a divorce could impact their savings goals, with 63% saying it would affect their ability to retire. This is compared with 52% of Gen Xers who report that a grey divorce would impact their retirement plans, and just 35% of boomers.
"No one wants to prepare for a divorce," Allianz Life Vice President of Consumer Insights Kelly LaVigne said in the report. "But divorce later in life – especially after retiring – is increasingly common. If you have been planning for retirement as a couple, then splitting up your assets to fund separate retirements can leave you short of achieving your retirement goals."
Among those who have already gone through a divorce, 40% of Americans say it derailed their retirement plans entirely, and 34% say it set them back significantly.&nbsp;
Trending: $100k+ in investable assets? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wiseradvisor-retirement-planning">Match with a fiduciary advisor for free to learn how you can maximize your retirement and save on taxes</a> – no cost, no obligation.
"It may sound cold hearted, but it's important to consider how a divorce would affect your financial future," LaVigne says. "Those going through ‘gray divorce' don't have the time to rebuild retirement savings on their own. Trying to fund two separate lives, instead of a joint one, can deplete retirement accounts faster than anticipated. They may need to delay their retirement to accumulate more savings and consider additional risk management strategies to ensure their funds can last their lifetime."
One in three respondents told Allianz that they don't have a financial plan if they were to get divorced. This is creating a lot of worry, especially for millennials and Gen Xers.
There is certainly some basis for that worry. About 54% of Americans say that they'd have substantially more financial responsibility if they were to get divorced than they do currently. How to split bills and financial obligations as a couple has long been a hot-button issue, and one that many people approach differently.
Among already divorced respondents, 41% say they feel more stressed about their financial situation post-divorce, both as it relates to retirement and otherwise, than they did previously.
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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 $10.</a></li>
<li>The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement —<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/smartasset"> How do you compare</a>?</li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Personal Finance

The Impact Of 'Grey Divorce': 40% Of Americans Say Later-In-Life Splits Derailed Their Retirement Plans

Imagine shedding weight while sitting quietly watching TV, even without cutting calories. A pioneering pill called SANA, created by Uruguayan startup Eolo Pharma, could one day make that possible.
Early human data in a<a href="https://eolo-pharma.com/2025/06/17/eolo-pharma-publishes-first-in-human-study-in-nature-metabolism-on-novel-obesity-drug-activating-energy-burning-pathway/"> statement</a> by Eolo Pharma shows it can burn fat even at rest, without appetite suppression or serious side effects. That breakthrough could reshape global <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/health-care/25/06/45726872/regeneron-experimental-weight-loss-drug-with-novo-nordisks-wegovy-helps-preserve-lean-mass-in-mid-stage-study">obesity</a> treatment.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Biotech Startup Pioneers First-in-Class Therapies to Treat Obesity and Metabolic Disease</h2>
Eolo Pharma is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on pioneering therapies for obesity and metabolic diseases. The company says it develops first-in-class small-molecule drugs that activate the body's own energy-burning pathways rather than relying on appetite suppression. Its lead candidate, SANA, is the first compound shown to safely activate creatine-dependent thermogenesis in humans, offering a novel approach to resetting metabolic health.
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Headquartered in Delaware with strong scientific roots in South America, Eolo Pharma is a spin-off of the Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, a non-profit foundation that promotes scientific and technological research. The company says it is backed by more than a decade of research into metabolic disorders and cardiometabolic complications.
Eolo Pharma&#8217;s proprietary library of 60 novel chemical entities includes molecules designed to address high-burden, non-communicable diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, hypertension, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease.
Eolo Pharma's leadership team <a href="https://eolo-pharma.com/about/">includes</a> CEO María Pía Garat, a biotech industry leader with a postgraduate degree from Instituto de Empresa Business School; co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer Carlos Escande, a former Mayo Clinic investigator specializing in cardiometabolic disorders; Chief Chemistry Officer Virginia Lopez, a chemist from Uruguay; and Chief Medical Officer Carlos Batthyany, who also serves as head of the Institut Pasteur de Montevideo.
Trending: $100k+ in investable assets? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wiseradvisor-retirement-planning">Match with a fiduciary advisor for free to learn how you can maximize your retirement and save on taxes</a> – no cost, no obligation.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How SANA Activates Fat Burning Without Appetite Suppression</h2>
SANA is a salicylate‑based nitroalkene compound originally developed to target inflammation, Eolo Pharma says. It was repurposed after researchers discovered it stimulates creatine‑dependent thermogenesis in white and brown fat cells.
Unlike glucagon-like peptide‑1 drugs like <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/01/43291098/ozempic-receives-fda-approval-to-treat-kidney-disease">Ozempic</a>, which reduce hunger, SANA boosts energy expenditure in fat tissue by turning on heat‑producing metabolic pathways at cellular level. According to Eolo Pharma, SANA protected lean mass and reduced fat more than standard salicylate or metformin in preclinical models.
"This is the first time a drug has been shown to pharmacologically activate creatine-based thermogenesis, which could lead to a novel therapeutic approach for obesity in humans," Escande said in the statement. "It opens up an entirely new therapeutic pathway for obesity and metabolic disorders."
See Also: 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 $10.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Weight Loss, Glucose Benefits, and Safety Signals</h2>
In a randomized, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled Phase 1a/b clinical trial, participants received single ascending doses or multiple ascending doses of SANA for 15 days. The trial included 17 healthy lean volunteers and 24 individuals with obesity.
According to Eolo Pharma, patients receiving SANA experienced a statistically significant reduction in body weight compared to placebo, along with improvements in fasting glucose and insulin resistance as measured by Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance. No serious adverse events occurred, and only mild headaches and soft stools were reported in some subjects.
A Nature Metabolism<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42255-025-01311-z"> study</a> published in June describes SANA as a first‑in‑class small molecule that activates creatine‑dependent thermogenesis in preclinical models and shows safety and early metabolic benefits in a phase 1A/B trial in humans. The authors suggest SANA as a promising therapeutic candidate for obesity, though they note that its efficacy in humans requires further confirmation in larger trials.
Read Next: The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement —<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/smartasset"> How do you compare</a>?
Image: Shutterstock

Meet The Biotech Startup Challenging Ozempic With A Fat-Burning Pill That Lets You Keep Eating

Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) has reportedly invested a staggering $250 million to secure the talents of 24-year-old AI prodigy, Matt Deitke.
What Happened: Deitke, a former doctoral student at the University of Washington, initially turned down Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg&#8216;s offer of around $125 million over four years. 
However, following a meeting with Zuckerberg, Deitke accepted a revised offer of approximately $250 million, with the potential to earn $100 million in the first year alone.
As per the report <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/08/01/business/meta-pays-250m-to-lure-24-year-old-ai-whiz-kid-we-have-reached-the-climax-of-revenge-of-the-nerds/">by </a>New York Post, this high-profile recruitment underscores Meta&#8217;s aggressive strategy in acquiring AI talent. The company has reportedly spent over $1 billion to assemble a team of industry heavyweights, including former Apple AI models team leader, Ruoming Pang. 
Meta&#8217;s capital expenditures are projected to surge to $72 billion in 2025, marking a $30 billion increase from the previous year.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46382291/mark-zuckerberg-poaches-sam-altmans-talent-with-multimillion-dollar-offers-to-build-metas-ai-team">Mark Zuckerberg Poaches Sam Altman&#8217;s Talent With Multimillion-Dollar Offers To Build Meta&#8217;s AI Team</a>
Deitke has gained recognition in the AI research community through his work at Seattle&#8217;s Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence and his co-founded startup, Vercept. His research on multimodal systems aligns with Meta&#8217;s strategic interests.
Why It Matters: While Meta&#8217;s recruitment of top-tier AI talent could fuel innovation, it has also sparked concerns about increasing economic inequality and the concentration of power in AI development. Critics have lambasted companies like Meta for awarding huge sums to a select few elite researchers while simultaneously laying off thousands of workers.
As Meta continues to invest heavily in AI, the implications of this strategy on the broader tech industry and society at large remain to be seen. 
The recruitment of Deitke and other top AI talents is a clear indication of Meta&#8217;s commitment to AI, but whether this will translate into sustainable success or exacerbate existing inequalities is a question that will unfold in time.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46157544/meta-exec-dismisses-openais-sam-altmans-claims-of-100-million-signing-bonuses-sam-is-just-being-dishonest-here" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meta Exec Dismisses OpenAI's Sam Altman's Claims of $100 Million Signing Bonuses: ‘Sam Is Just Being Dishonest Here'</a>

Tech

Meta Just Paid $250M To Lure This 24-year-old AI Whiz Kid: A Strategic Move Or A Power Play?

The United States is preparing to eliminate its long-standing &#8220;de minimis&#8221; tariff exemption for low-value imports from every country, effective August 29, in a sweeping move to curb tariff evasion and<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/07/46781583/trump-slaps-35-tariff-on-canadian-goods-hits-68-other-nations-with-new-trade-war-amid-fentanyl-security-china-tensions" rel="noreferrer noopener"> bolster import oversight.</a>
Starting late August, packages valued at $800 or less—excluding those arriving via international postal services—will no longer qualify for duty-free entry, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3320315/trumps-order-end-de-minimis-tariff-break-expands-china-rest-world" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a> South China Morning Post.
See Also:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46749812/trump-jamie-dimon-reportedly-meet-after-presidents-fed-visit-ending-years-long-rift-what-changed" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump, Jamie Dimon Reportedly Meet After President&#8217;s Fed Visit, Ending Years-Long Rift: What Changed?</a>
Instead, these shipments will face full tariffs, as part of an executive order issued by President Donald Trump, aimed at halting patterns of abuse reported in global trade, analysts say.
Platforms like Shein, Temu, Etsy, and eBay, which have built businesses on ultra-cheap shipping to U.S. consumers, are set for disruption.
These businesses must now contend with higher compliance costs and potentially lower margins as new tariffs take effect.
According to U.S. officials, loopholes in the de minimis provision have enabled the smuggling of opioids and underpriced goods that undercut domestic producers.
The acceleration of the exception&#8217;s repeal—originally scheduled for mid-2027 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act—reflects rising concern over national security and economic fairness.
This action complements earlier steps taken in May to restrict duty-free imports from China and Hong Kong.
One expert observed that eliminating workarounds has pushed firms toward domestic warehousing or alternative export markets.
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Equities

Markets

General

US Ends De Minimis Tariff Loophole for All Imports, Disrupting Global E-Commerce

For people trying to get better with money, one <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/04/44657313/ramit-sethi-shares-a-valuable-lesson-about-money-that-most-people-miss-few-people-teach-you-how-to-spend-money-meaningfully">mindset shift</a> can make a big difference: stop thinking of purchases in dollars and start thinking of them in hours of your life.
This idea recently gained traction on <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/DeepThoughts/comments/1m854qz/money_is_hours_of_our_life/">Reddit</a> after a person shared how earning $18 an hour changed the way they look at spending. "When I see something that costs $20 like a candy or some small thing I ask myself: ‘Does this mean I'm giving up an hour of my life for it?'" they wrote. "And that thought stops me every time."
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">From Dollars To Decisions</h2>
That simple shift from thinking &#8220;$20 isn&#8217;t much&#8221; to &#8220;this cost me an hour of my life&#8221; struck a nerve with others. Many said this mindset has helped them stop impulse spending and prioritize what really matters.
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&#8220;Every dollar you save is another minute of freedom you get back,&#8221; one person wrote.
Another added, &#8220;I dropped $40 into a slot machine, pulled the handle and it said: &#8216;You Lose.&#8217; I just poured 2 hours of my life into that machine. This sucks. I never gambled again.&#8221;
Some took it even further, linking money to freedom and control over time. "That's what wealth is, the ability to buy time," one user said. "Money is the closest thing we have to a store of time."
Others pointed out that time doesn't always have to equal money. &#8220;It might mean an hour of my job, which seems like a lot,&#8221; one person noted. But if it makes the rest of their day better, it could be worth it to them.
Trending: Accredited Investors: Grab Pre-IPO Shares of the AI Company Powering Hasbro, Sephora &amp; MGM—<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/rad-intel">Just $0.63 Before NASDAQ Launch</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mindful Spending, Not Miserable Budgeting</h2>
While this idea can help people be <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/06/39565262/you-may-be-suffering-from-money-dysmorphia-almost-one-third-of-americans-are-and-heres-why">more conscious about money</a>, people warned it shouldn&#8217;t become a joy-killing habit. &#8220;Sometimes it&#8217;s nice to make yourself happy. Just don&#8217;t let that be an excuse for everything,&#8221; one commenter advised.
Some offered a helpful twist: focus on the experience, not just the cost. &#8220;If that candy cost 20 bucks, you better do everything in your power to get the best experience you can for that candy,&#8221; one person wrote. &#8220;Make the experience worth the twenty bucks, NOT the purchase.&#8221;
Some also <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-personal-finance-books">pointed to the book</a> &#8220;Your Money or Your Life,&#8221; by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez, which lays out this exact framework. Several people said it changed their lives.
In the end, many agreed on one thing: seeing purchases as chunks of your life can help you pause, think, and spend more intentionally. It's a simple but powerful way to align your spending with what actually matters to you.
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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 $10.</a></li>
<li>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></li>
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Image: Shutterstock

Want To Save More And Spend Smarter? Try Seeing Every Purchase As Hours Of Your Life—It Puts Things In Perspective Fast

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>) posted a 3.8% decline in second-quarter operating earnings, dragged down by weak insurance underwriting and a hefty $3.8 billion impairment<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/08/46815600/berkshire-hathaway-warns-of-adverse-consequences-on-most-if-not-all-operating-businesses-as-q2-results-reflect-mounting-global-pressures" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> tied to its stake in The Kraft Heinz Company (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KHC#NASDAQ">KHC</a>).</a>
However, other parts of Warren Buffett&#8217;s sprawling conglomerate helped cushion the blow.
Insurance underwriting profits fell 12% year-over-year to $1.99 billion, with reinsurance losses offsetting modest gains at GEICO.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/07/46713700/warren-buffetts-berkshire-now-earns-138-every-second-how-decades-old-bets-on-apple-coca-cola-chevron-are-paying-off-big-in-2025" rel="noreferrer noopener">Warren Buffett&#8217;s Berkshire Now Earns $138 Every Second—How Decades-Old Bets On Apple, Coca-Cola, Chevron Are Paying Off Big In 2025</a>
In contrast, BNSF Railway saw a rebound with 19.5% growth year over year to $1.47 billion, logging strong earnings growth on the back of improved freight volumes and better pricing.
However, BNSF&#8217;s outstanding debt was $23.9 billion as of June 30, 2025 an increase of $355 million since December 31.
Berkshire Hathaway Energy delivered steady results with 7.2% growth to $702 million, supported by regulated utilities that provided a buffer amid broader market uncertainty.
Berkshire didn&#8217;t repurchase any of its own shares during the period.
The firm&#8217;s earnings <a target="_blank" href="https://www.berkshirehathaway.com/qtrly/2ndqtr25.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener">report </a>highlighted that it will not repurchase stock if it reduces consolidated cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bills holdings to below $30 billion.
But Berkshire affirmed that it may &#8220;repurchase its shares any time that Warren Buffett, Berkshire&#8217;s Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, believes that the repurchase price is below Berkshire&#8217;s intrinsic value, conservatively determined.&#8221;
In this regard, The Wall Street Journal <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wsj.com/business/earnings/berkshire-hathaway-q2-earnings-warren-buffett-deeff105" rel="noreferrer noopener">quoted </a>CFRA Research analyst Cathy Seifert, &#8220;Against the backdrop of very mediocre results, the lack of buybacks does not send a particularly confident or inspiring message for investors looking to get back into the stock.&#8221;
An Edward Jones analyst, Kyle Sanders told Reuters, &#8220;Investors are getting antsy and want to seek activity, and nothing is happening. Buffett definitely views the market as overvalued, and will sit back and wait for something to come to him.&#8221;
On the consumer side, Berkshire&#8217;s results were more mixed. Consumer products group revenues declined 5.1% year over year.
Year-to-date revenues declined at Fruit of the Loom (down 11.7%), Garan (down 10.1%) and Jazwares (down 38.5%), primarily attributable to lower volumes, including the impacts of business restructurings and uncertainties arising from international trade policies and tariffs, which produced delays in orders and shipments, particularly in the second quarter.
Service group revenues increased 8.9% in the second quarter, with p pre-tax earnings increasing 15.2%.
Berkshire said that shareholders&#8217; equity at June 30 was $668 billion, an increase of $18.6 billion since December 31, 2024.
Still, the most eye-catching figure remains Berkshire&#8217;s growing cash reserves.
As of June 30, the firm sat on $344.1 billion, just below the March record. With valuations cooling and interest rates still elevated, analysts speculate that Berkshire could target acquisitions across sectors—ranging from mid-sized insurers and industrials to energy infrastructure and even logistics.
&#8220;He probably feels that there&#8217;s less opportunity to allocate their capital at the moment and he&#8217;s talked about being patient,&#8221; Macrae Sykes, a portfolio manager at Gabelli, which owns Berkshire shares <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wsj.com/business/earnings/berkshire-hathaway-q2-earnings-warren-buffett-deeff105" rel="noreferrer noopener">told </a>The Wall Street Journal. &#8220;That&#8217;s a continuation of the last several quarters.&#8221;
As Buffett prepares to step aside at the end of 2025, successor Greg Abel may be poised to put some of that war chest to work, reshaping Berkshire&#8217;s dealmaking legacy in a new era.
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Earnings

Movers

Berkshire Buyback Pause Signals Caution Despite $344 Billion Cash Hoard, Rail Gains

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>), has expressed concerns over potentially losing control of the electric vehicle giant <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44657033/elon-musk-loses-11-billion-as-tesla-stock-plummets-in-wake-of-new-trump-tariffs">due to the influence of activist shareholders</a>.
What Happened: Musk, who currently owns a 12.8% stake in Tesla, is apprehensive about being dethroned by shareholders who may not align with his vision for the company&#8217;s future. 
He suggests that a 25% ownership stake would offer him adequate influence, while still leaving room for his possible removal.
Musk&#8217;s fears are rooted in past instances where shareholders voted in favor of a compensation package tied to the company&#8217;s growth targets, only to be overruled by&nbsp;Delaware Chancery Court Judge Kathaleen&nbsp;McCormick. 
Earlier in January in a post on X, he shared that about 25 percent ownership stake&nbsp;would be enough "to be influential, but not so much that I can't be overturned.&#8221;
<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">I am uncomfortable growing Tesla to be a leader in AI &amp; robotics without having ~25% voting control. Enough to be influential, but not so much that I can't be overturned. Unless that is the case, I would prefer to build products outside of Tesla. You don't seem to understand…
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1746999488252703098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Musk has the opportunity to acquire an additional 304 million shares, which would boost his voting control by roughly 4% post-tax.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/07/46510590/elon-musk-returns-to-intense-work-schedule-back-to-working-7-days-a-week-and-sleeping-in-the-office">Elon Musk Returns To Intense Work Schedule: &#8216;Back To Working 7 Days a Week and Sleeping in the Office&#8217;</a>
In a recent statement on Friday on X, Musk affirmed that he has no personal loans against Tesla stock and reiterated his anxieties about being ousted by &#8220;activist shareholders&#8221;. He expressed optimism that these concerns would be addressed at the forthcoming shareholders&#8217; meeting.
<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">Just fyi I don't have personal loans at this time against Tesla stock. Also, the taxes on the options are ~45%, so net gain in voting control is more like 4%. It is worrying in that I don't want to build millions of robots and then potentially be ousted by activists and…
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1951025300156092778?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2025</a></blockquote>
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There are rumors that Musk may resign if his ownership stake is curtailed, akin to the limitations imposed on his pay package. 
Nonetheless, a majority of shareholders who endorsed Musk&#8217;s pay package continue to support his leadership of Tesla&#8217;s operations.
Why It Matters: Musk&#8217;s concerns highlight the potential power dynamics at play within Tesla&#8217;s shareholder base. His potential loss of control could significantly impact the company&#8217;s strategic direction, given his instrumental role in shaping 
Tesla&#8217;s innovative trajectory. The upcoming shareholders&#8217; meeting will be a critical event, potentially determining the future of Musk&#8217;s leadership at Tesla.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/05/45602416/elon-musk-commits-to-intense-focus-on-x-xai-and-tesla-back-to-spending-24-7-at-work-sleeping-in-conference-server-factory-rooms" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Commits To Intense Focus on X/xAI and Tesla: ‘Back To Spending 24/7 at Work, Sleeping in Conference/Server/Factory Rooms'</a>
Image: Shutterstock

TSLA

Elon Musk Warns of Losing Tesla Control, Denies Personal Loans Tied To Shares

Warren Buffett&#8216;s&nbsp;Berkshire Hathaway Inc.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>) has reported&nbsp;a $3.8 billion impairment on&nbsp;its stake in&nbsp;Kraft Heinz Co.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KHC#NASDAQ">KHC</a>), marking a significant setback for the billionaire investor.
What Happened: Berkshire Hathaway has reduced&nbsp;the carrying value of its&nbsp;Kraft Heinz investment to $8.4&nbsp;billion, a significant drop from over&nbsp;$17 billion at the end&nbsp;of 2017. 
This marks&nbsp;a rare disappointment for Buffett,&nbsp;who played a key role in the merger of&nbsp;Kraft and Heinz about a&nbsp;decade ago, reports Bloomberg. 
The&nbsp;stock of the packaged foods&nbsp;giant has plummeted 62% since the merger, while the S&amp;P 500 has surged 202%. 
Berkshire&#8217;s&nbsp;Kraft Heinz stake is now&nbsp;marked at its fair value&nbsp;as of the end of&nbsp;June. The writedown was &#8220;overdue,&#8221; Kyle Sanders, an analyst at&nbsp;Edward Jones, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-02/buffett-s-berkshire-takes-3-8-billion-hit-on-kraft-heinz-stake?srnd=homepage-americas">told </a>the outlet. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/08/46815600/berkshire-hathaway-warns-of-adverse-consequences-on-most-if-not-all-operating-businesses-as-q2-results-reflect-mounting-global-pressures">Berkshire Hathaway Warns of &#8216;Adverse Consequences on Most, If Not All, Operating Businesses&#8217; as Q2 Results Reflect Mounting Global Pressures</a>
Kraft Heinz is currently considering&nbsp;a spinoff of part of&nbsp;its business as it grapples&nbsp;with challenges such as inflation and a shift in consumer preference towards healthier alternatives. 
Last month, the company reported&nbsp;a decline in sales that&nbsp;wasn&#8217;t&nbsp;as bad as analysts had&nbsp;predicted, thanks in part to higher prices.
Why It Matters: The recent developments indicate a shift in Berkshire&#8217;s relationship with&nbsp;Kraft Heinz. In May, Kraft&nbsp;Heinz announced that Berkshire gave&nbsp;up seats on the packaged&nbsp;foods company's board.&nbsp;
The writedown, disclosed Saturday in&nbsp;a regulatory filing, was driven&nbsp;in part by the sustained&nbsp;decline in fair value. 
This could potentially signal a strategic move by Berkshire to distance itself from the underperforming packaged foods company.
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Image: Shutterstock

Berkshire Hathaway Faces $3.8 Billion Loss Tied to Kraft Heinz Stake

For many <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-pay-off-debt">drowning in debt</a>, filing for bankruptcy seems like the only escape. But one Redditor insists they escaped tens of thousands in debt with a risky bluff — one that skirted the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/financial-advisors/25/07/46386533/dave-ramsey-warns-bankruptcy-is-huge-red-flag-that-can-delay-homeownership-by-years">scarlet letter</a> of a formal bankruptcy. <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/UnethicalLifeProTips/comments/1m8mavu/ulpt_tell_creditors_youre_declaring_bankruptcy/?share_id=5G5kTZvSj2BBCQ1HQspM5&amp;utm_medium=ios_app&amp;utm_name=iossmf&amp;utm_source=share&amp;utm_term=4&amp;sort=qa">Their story</a>, which garnered over 7,000 upvotes in the notorious Unethical Life Pro Tips subreddit, sparked kudos, curiosity and some skepticism.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Play? A Then-Unintentional Bluff</h2>
Years ago, the original poster was buried under credit card debt, with some accounts in default for multiple years. Collection calls were escalating, and lawsuits seemed imminent. Instead of ignoring the calls or folding under pressure, OP paid a bankruptcy attorney an initial retainer — roughly $1,800 — and directed all creditors to them.
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"I'm in the process of declaring bankruptcy and here is the attorney," became their mantra. Almost instantly, the calls stopped. No lawsuits followed. Creditors, assuming OP was on the verge of bankruptcy, seemingly wrote off the debt as a lost cause.
The twist? OP never ended up actually filing. Over time, the debts aged past the statute of limitations, and most were canceled. Five years later, they claimed to have an 800-plus credit score, a mortgage and multiple car loans, all while avoiding the stain of bankruptcy on their record —&nbsp;although it's worth noting that bankruptcy doesn't condemn you to being persona-non-grata with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-mortgage-lenders-that-work-with-chapter-7">lenders</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why the Unorthodox Tactic Might Work</h2>
Bankruptcy departments at creditors often pause aggressive collections once an attorney is involved, as pursuing a debtor nearing bankruptcy is often futile. But the poster's success hinged on a critical detail: They actually retained a lawyer, even if only briefly.
Trending: $100k+ in investable assets? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wiseradvisor-retirement-planning">Match with a fiduciary advisor for free to learn how you can maximize your retirement and save on taxes</a> – no cost, no obligation.
"To be clear I did actually retain the bankruptcy attorney," OP said in the comments. "Then I never followed through with whatever else I was supposed to provide and the bankruptcy filing never got done." This distinction may have been enough to deter creditors from escalating.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Similar Experiences and Skeptics Weigh In</h2>
Not everyone was convinced. One former Citibank collections employee noted that creditors often verify attorney retention. If they can't confirm it, calls resume and debtors may consequently even face a heightened level of scrutiny.
Another commenter, however, backed OP's story with their own experience: "I didn&#8217;t even retain a lawyer. I simply told every collector that called me that I was &#x2A;going to&#x2A; declare bankruptcy and that I was ‘in the middle' of it," they wrote.
See Also: 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 $10.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Fine Print</h2>
While OP's strategy worked in their case, it's far from foolproof. Creditors may still sue if they suspect bad faith, and lying about bankruptcy could have legal consequences. Plus, unpaid debts can linger on credit reports for years, even if uncollectible.
But whether a loophole or just luck, for OP the gamble paid off: "I avoided tens of thousands in debt with no real repercussions."&nbsp;
Read Next: The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement —<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/smartasset"> How do you compare</a>?
Image: Shutterstock

No Bankruptcy, No Lawyer — Just One Risky Statement That Paused the Collection Calls

U.S. home sellers are pulling their properties off the market as buyers resist high asking prices.
What Happened: According to a report from Realtor.com, 48% surge in nationwide delistings in July compared to the same period last year. For every 100 homes newly listed in the US market in July, 21 were delisted. 
This trend suggests that sellers are clinging&nbsp;to peak-era price expectations and&nbsp;are unwilling to negotiate, said Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com.
The US housing market is at a pivotal juncture, with potential buyers wrestling with skyrocketing home prices, high mortgage rates, and other escalating costs. 
This has resulted in a lackluster home selling season this year.&nbsp;As a result, sellers are&nbsp;increasingly offering&nbsp;price discounts, and the market&nbsp;is slowly tilting in favor of buyers.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/06/46062859/mystery-seller-behind-105-million-plot-next-to-jeff-bezos-estate-finally-revealed">Mystery Seller Behind $105 Million Plot Next to Jeff Bezos Estate Finally Revealed</a>
&#8220;We are just getting past the peak of the selling season traditionally, and home sales tend to slow through the rest of the year as kids get back to school and families settle in,&#8221; Joel Berner from Realtor.com <a href="https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/summer-sales-home-inventory-housing-weekly-market-update-2025/">said</a>. 
The highest proportion&nbsp;of delistings compared to new&nbsp;listings nationwide was observed in Miami, Florida, at 59, more&nbsp;than double compared to May.&nbsp;Phoenix, Arizona, and Riverside, California, followed with 37 and 30 delistings respectively.
The current situation in the US housing market is a clear indication of the challenges sellers face in a market dominated by high prices and elevated mortgage rates. 
The reluctance of buyers to meet these high asking prices has led to a shift in the market dynamics, with sellers being forced to offer discounts or withdraw their properties from the market. 
This trend, if it continues, could have significant implications for the overall health of the US housing market.
Read Next
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Image: Shutterstock

Real Estate

American Home Sellers Retreat as Buyers Push Back Against Record Prices

When times feel uncertain — especially during retirement — it can be tempting to lock in a sense of security. For one couple, that meant wondering if they should prepay their rent for the next two to three years using a work bonus. But financial expert <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/topics/25/07/46637541/worried-about-job-insecurity-suze-orman-recommends-making-this-smart-career-move-right-now">Suze Orman</a> says this move could cause more problems than it solves.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Question: Is Prepaying Rent a Smart Move?</h2>
On a <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/suze-ormans-women-and-money/ask-kt-suze-anything-how-can-i-get-a-mega-retirement-account">recent episode</a> of the "Women &amp; Money" podcast, Orman and her partner, KT, read a question from a listener named Linda. Linda and her wife, both recently retired at ages 73 and 70, asked whether they should use a recent bonus to pay several years of rent in advance. The couple already had $600,000 in a diversified investment portfolio and hoped to avoid drawing from it until 2028.
Orman's answer? A firm no.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why Paying Rent in Advance Can Be Risky</h2>
"Rent is the keyword here," KT said quickly after reading the question. Orman agreed — and for what she called "a whole lot of reasons."
One of the biggest concerns is that prepaying rent doesn't give you anything in return — it's not building equity like a mortgage would, and it doesn't improve the value of an asset. It's simply money spent, upfront, for a place you don't own. That can become a problem if your circumstances change.
Orman isn't against renting itself. In fact, she's recommended it in certain situations. But handing over two or three years of rent in advance during retirement raises red flags. Here's why:
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<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Life changes happen. Anything could happen to you or your partner over the next few years. If you pay now and plans change — due to health, relocation, or other circumstances — you might not be able to get your money back.</li>
<li>Landlords can change too. "Who is she paying rent to?" Orman asked. "The landlord." Landlords can sell, pass away, or change the terms of a lease. That could complicate things — especially if rent payments were made years in advance.</li>
<li>The money could work harder elsewhere. Instead of locking it away in rent, Orman suggests keeping it in a safe, interest-earning account like a money market fund. That way, it's still accessible if needed and earning something in the meantime.</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Better Approach for Retirees</h2>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/07/46383766/can-you-guess-what-a-rich-retiree-with-3-million-spends-per-year-its-a-lot-less-than-youd-expect">Retirees</a> looking to delay drawing down investment income may benefit more by keeping bonus funds liquid. Orman pointed out that even in volatile markets, there are ways to grow your money conservatively. "Just put it somewhere safe as your rent money, making money market interest rates," she said. "These markets still have a lot to go."
In short, tying up tens of thousands of dollars in prepaid rent isn't just unnecessary — it could limit your financial flexibility during retirement.
See Also: 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 $10.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bottom Line</h2>
While <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/25/07/46383048/gen-z-doomed-to-pay-rent-forever-number-of-first-time-buyers-shrink-as-average-house-tops-422000">paying rent</a> years in advance might seem like a smart way to reduce future stress, Orman says it introduces too many risks. From changes in your own life to uncertainties with landlords, the safer strategy is to keep that money earning interest and available for when you need it.
As Orman put it, "That's such a waste of money — I cannot even tell you."
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>
Image: Shutterstock

'Should We Pay Our Rent 2 To 3 Years In Advance?' Suze Orman Says No For 'A Whole Lot Of Reasons'

In the face of potential penalties threatened by President Donald Trump, India has affirmed its decision to continue buying cheap oil from Russia. This development surfaces amidst ongoing India-U.S. talks concerning a bilateral trade agreement.
What Happened: According to a report, Indian officials have expressed their determination to persist with their oil imports from Russia, despite the looming&nbsp;threat of penalties from President&nbsp;Trump. 
The U.S. President had recently announced a new series of tariffs, incorporating an unspecified penalty on India should it not halt&nbsp;its imports of Russian crude&nbsp;oil.
Two high-ranking Indian officials <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/02/world/asia/india-russia-oil-trump-threats.html">told </a>The New York Times on Saturday that there has been no alteration in their policy. One of them stated that the government has not directed oil companies to cut down imports from Russia. The precise nature of the potential penalty from the U.S. is yet to be clarified.
India&#8217;s purchases of Russian oil have seen a significant surge&nbsp;since the war in Ukraine&nbsp;commenced. Russia now supplies over a third of India&#8217;s oil imports, positioning India as&nbsp;the second largest importer of&nbsp;Russian oil after China. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46714946/trump-warns-india-of-25-tariffs-as-trade-talks-stall-ahead-of-august-1-deadline">Trump Warns India Of 25% Tariffs As Trade Talks Stall Ahead Of August 1 Deadline</a>
There is speculation that Trump&#8217;s emphasis on India&#8217;s procurement&nbsp;of Russian oil could be&nbsp;a strategic move in the ongoing trade agreement negotiations between the two countries.
Why It Matters: India&#8217;s decision to continue importing Russian oil despite U.S. threats of penalties underscores the country&#8217;s strategic and economic considerations. With Russia accounting for over a third of India&#8217;s oil imports, the country&#8217;s energy security is closely tied to its relationship with Russia. 
This move also indicates India&#8217;s determination to maintain its foreign policy independence, even in the face of potential economic sanctions.
The ongoing trade agreement negotiations between India and the U.S. add another layer of complexity to the situation. 
If President Trump&#8217;s focus on India&#8217;s purchase of Russian oil is indeed a negotiating tactic, it could potentially impact the outcome of these discussions. However, with India standing firm on its decision, the ball is now in the U.S.&#8217;s court to respond.
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Image: Shutterstock

India Stands Firm on Russian Oil Imports Despite Trump's Sanction Threats

OpenAI CEO <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/05/45600321/sam-altmans-150m-ai-chip-bet-crashes-rain-ai-faces-sale-as-openai-nvidia-and-microsoft-circle-the-wreckage">Sam Altman</a> delivered a striking metaphor during a recent appearance on Theo Von's "This Past Weekend"<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYn8VKW6vXA&amp;ab_channel=TheoVon"> podcast</a>, comparing the creation of advanced artificial intelligence systems to the development of the atomic bomb.
Altman acknowledged that the future of AI is far too complex for anyone to map out with certainty, even as its potential impact rivals the most groundbreaking inventions in history. "I think no one can predict the future. Human society is very complex. This is an amazing new technology. Maybe a less dramatic example than the atomic bomb is when they discovered the transistor a few years later," he said.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">OpenAI CEO Draws Chilling Parallel to Manhattan Project</h2>
Altman explained that researchers at OpenAI occasionally feel the same moral weight as scientists who witnessed the first nuclear weapon test in 1945. "There are these moments in the history of science where you have a group of scientists look at their creation and just say, you know, what have we done?" he said on the podcast.
Altman also discussed the growing competition in AI development. "I think there is a race to get somewhere, but people don't agree on where it's to," he said, adding that he does not have a clear finish line for what AI success ultimately means.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sam Altman Warns Social Media May Be More Harmful Than AI</h2>
Altman said he believes <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/25/04/44824966/sam-altmans-openai-explores-creating-social-media-competitor-to-elon-musks-x">social media</a> poses a greater danger to children than artificial intelligence. He described short‑form video platforms as addictive, saying, "I think this scrolling, the kind of like, you know, short video feed dopamine hit, it feels like it's probably messing with kids' brain development in a super deep way."
While older adults may find it difficult to adapt to an AI‑driven economy, Altman believes younger generations will adjust naturally to new technologies. He argued that historically, children who grow up with new tools always find ways to use them effectively, while older adults may struggle to learn radically different skills.
"If you look at the history of the world here, when there's a new technology, like people that grow up with it, they're always fluent," he said. "They always figure out what to do. They always learn the new kind of jobs. But if you're a 50-year-old and you have to kind of learn to do things in a very different way, that doesn't always work. So, I think the kids are gonna be fine."
See Also: 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 $10.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Concerns About AI Companions and Unpredictable Outcomes</h2>
Altman also warned about potential downsides of "AI companions" that could replace human relationships. "I don't think we know quite the ways in which it's going to have those negative impacts, but I feel for sure it's gonna have some and… I hope we can learn to mitigate it quickly," he said.
Despite the risks, Altman said predicting the future impact of AI is nearly impossible. He compared the uncertainty to how people in 1900 could not imagine life in 2000, saying the unpredictability is part of what makes innovation both thrilling and unsettling.
Read Next: <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.
Image: Shutterstock

Sam Altman Compares OpenAI To The Manhattan Project—And He's Not Joking About the Risks

Kevin O&#8217;Leary has publicly expressed his disapproval of President Donald Trump&#8216;s decision to fire Erika McTarfer, the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What Happened: O&#8217;Leary, who is the chairman of O&#8217;Leary Ventures, voiced his criticism on CNN on Friday. He disagreed with Trump&#8217;s decision to dismiss McTarfer, stating, &#8220;You don't shoot the messenger.&#8221;
<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">&quot;So tell me why the American economy right now is at its highest value in history? This is not an ad for Trump. I&#39;m an investor. Something&#39;s working here. It&#39;s a policy decision. I&#39;m a policy guy.&quot; Kevin O&#39;Leary pushes back aggressively on CNN&#39;s downplaying of Trump&#39;s economy. <a href="https://t.co/c8duz2SKCx">pic.twitter.com/c8duz2SKCx</a>
&mdash; Thomas Hern (@ThomasMHern) <a href="https://twitter.com/ThomasMHern/status/1951331560264761827?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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Previously, Trump had baselessly accused McTarfer of &#8220;faking&#8221; the job numbers. 
This accusation came after a July report that indicated&nbsp;the weakest job growth in&nbsp;a month since December 2020, and included significant downward revisions for May and June.
In a <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114954846612623858">post </a>on Truth Social, Trump slammed McEntarfer stating she altered job reports to favor former Vice President Kamala Harris during the November election and said he'd given his team orders to dismiss the&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;appointee "IMMEDIATELY."
Despite having previously argued that Trump&#8217;s&nbsp;policies had been beneficial to&nbsp;him as an investor, O&#8217;Leary stated that the decision to fire McTarfer &#8220;makes no sense whatsoever.&#8221;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/macro-notification/25/06/46042491/kevin-oleary-highlights-growing-concern-over-401k-contributions-amid-rising-household-debt">Kevin O&#8217;Leary Highlights Growing Concern Over 401(k) Contributions Amid Rising Household Debt</a>
"We had a bad print on jobs. I did not agree on whacking the commissioner. I don't like that. "Whacking statisticians makes no sense whatsoever. You don't shoot the messenger," O'Leary said during the interview. 
"I think the market is a little concerned about major trading partners not getting deals yet. It's not a good idea to have 35 percent tariffs on Canada. We know that that's coming into place at midnight right now unless something magic happens," O'Leary further added. 
Why It Matters: The dismissal of McTarfer by President Trump has sparked controversy and criticism. The Bureau of Labor Statistics plays a crucial role in providing accurate and essential data related to employment and labor market activity. 
The dismissal of its Commissioner, especially under baseless accusations, raises concerns about the integrity and reliability of future data. 
O&#8217;Leary&#8217;s criticism underscores the importance of maintaining credibility and transparency in such crucial institutions. The impact of this decision on investor confidence and market stability remains to be seen.
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Image: Shutterstock

Kevin O'Leary Slams Trump for 'Whacking' BLS Chief After Disappointing Jobs Report: 'You Don't Shoot the Messenger'

Deciding when to claim Social Security can be a tricky choice — even more so when your partner disagrees with your plan.
One woman recently turned to Reddit's <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/SocialSecurity/comments/1m6rovi/im_going_to_strangle_my_partner/">r/SocialSecurity forum</a> to vent about her 67-year-old partner, who is earning $175,000 annually but wants to start collecting his Social Security benefits now — even though waiting three more years would increase his monthly check by more than $1,000.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why He Wants the Money Now</h2>
Her partner spent much of his career running a business, often paying himself little or nothing in salary. After selling the business, he began working in accounting and now earns a high salary working directly for a private client.
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Despite not needing the money, he wants to claim <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/07/46570058/78-americans-fear-their-social-security-wont-stretch-far-enough-aarp-survey-finds-as-trust-funds-clock-ticks-down">Social Security</a> at 67 — a decision his partner says doesn't make sense. &#8220;He would barely be making $2,000 a month," she wrote. &#8220;With his current income that would jump by over 1000 when he hits 70.&#8221;
But for him, it's not about financial need. He simply wants the money &#8220;in the bank now.&#8221;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Waiting Until 70 Would Do</h2>
Under current <a href="https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/delayret.html">Social Security rules</a>, delaying benefits past full retirement age — which is 66 or 67 depending on your birth year — increases your monthly check by 8% per year, up until age 70.
For someone like this Reddit user's partner, waiting could mean an extra $12,000 a year for life. But the trade-off is missing out on three years' worth of lower payments — about $72,000 total — before that extra income starts.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Commenters Weigh In: Is It Worth the Wait?</h2>
The responses to her post highlighted the classic Social Security dilemma: Take the smaller check sooner or hold out for a bigger benefit later?
"It's a gamble," one commenter wrote. "Nobody knows when they'll be taken from this world." Another pointed out that if the partner passes away before 70, all that waiting could amount to nothing.
Others emphasized the break-even point — typically around age 76 to 78 — when the total value of waiting surpasses the value of claiming early. &#8220;He'll be 76 before he starts recovering funds lost that would&#8217;ve been given up by retiring early,&#8221; one user calculated.
Still, some said that if he doesn&#8217;t need the income, waiting seems like a logical move.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Not Married? Survivor Benefits May Not Apply</h2>
Some commenters brought up an important point: if the couple isn't married, survivor benefits may not apply. "I just watched a friend lose out on benefits after her long-time partner passed away," one commenter noted.
See Also: 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 $10.</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/07/46559438/he-lost-his-wife-and-now-hes-been-waiting-over-6-months-for-her-social-security-benefits">Social Security survivor benefits</a> are generally available only to legal spouses. So if the partner were to pass away before or shortly after claiming, and they aren&#8217;t legally married, the woman might not be eligible to receive those benefits. It's a detail worth clarifying when planning for the long term.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">There's No One-Size-Fits-All Answer</h2>
Ultimately, the decision depends on health, life expectancy, financial needs — and in some cases, peace of mind. Users recommended tools like <a href="http://opensocialsecurity.com/">OpenSocialSecurity.com</a> to help crunch the numbers based on individual situations.
One user summed it up: "It&#8217;s your partner&#8217;s decision to make."
For <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/financial-advisors/25/06/46067517/how-much-do-rich-couples-have-saved-for-retirement-heres-what-a-wealthy-nest-egg-really-looks-like">couples nearing retirement</a>, it's a good reminder that Social Security planning isn't just about the numbers — it's also about communication.
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>
Image: Shutterstock

She Says He Should Wait Until Age 70 For A $1,000 Bigger Social Security Check — But Her 67-Year-Old Partner Earning $175K Wants The Money Now

A Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) wallet that has been inactive&nbsp;for over a decade was&nbsp;emptied on Friday, marking a significant movement in the cryptocurrency market.
What Happened: The Bitcoin wallet, known by the initial &#8220;1c5Cb,&#8221; was first funded back in 2013 through a CoinJoin address, reveals the blockchain <a href="https://intel.arkm.com/explorer/address/1C5CbStPFhstsxkzxxrat27nCQT7kuR8rq">data</a>. Back then, Bitcoin was primarily used for transactions&nbsp;on the darknet market Silk&nbsp;Road and was valued at around $75.
Since its initial funding, the value of Bitcoin has skyrocketed by 152,300%, bringing the total value of the wallet to a staggering $34.8 million. The recent price of Bitcoin has been fluctuating below $114,000.
Just two weeks ago, another dormant address moved a whopping&nbsp;$4.7 billion to crypto exchange&nbsp;Galaxy Digital. The firm later announced&nbsp;it had sold 80,000 Bitcoin&nbsp;worth $9 billion on behalf&nbsp;of a client. 
A similar transaction involving&nbsp;50 Bitcoin worth $5 million&nbsp;was activated in April.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46510203/1-billion-bitcoin-transfer-triggers-massive-liquidations-this-is-where-it-was-offloaded">$1 Billion Bitcoin Transfer Triggers Massive Liquidations — This Is Where It Was Offloaded</a>
According to on-chain data firm CryptoQuant, Bitcoin may be&nbsp;in a months-long correction phase&nbsp;as long-term holders cash in. The firm noted that the market is experiencing significant selling from large holders, known as &#8220;whales,&#8221;&nbsp;for the third time since&nbsp;2024.
The Bitcoin moved on Friday&nbsp;was split between two wallets,&nbsp;holding 106 and 200 Bitcoin respectively. The transaction&nbsp;did not appear to be&nbsp;heading to an exchange.
CoinJoin addresses are used to&nbsp;enhance the privacy of Bitcoin&nbsp;transactions by combining multiple users&#8217;&nbsp;Bitcoin into a single transaction.&nbsp;This makes it more difficult&nbsp;to track the flow of&nbsp;transactions.
Experts have identified early Bitcoin&nbsp;miners as potential targets for quantum computers, capable of cracking Bitcoin&#8217;s&nbsp;encryption for early wallet-address types.&nbsp;
This includes coins belonging to Bitcoin&#8217;s pseudonymous creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, who is&nbsp;believed to own 1.1 million&nbsp;Bitcoin,&nbsp;worth $125 billion at current&nbsp;prices.
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Image: Shutterstock/Paopano

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

Cryptocurrency

$BTC

Decade-Old Bitcoin Wallet Emptied, Millions in BTC Moved Amid Market Correction

Each summer brings us a new "it drink." The last few years have seen the Dirty Shirley, the Chilton, and the Hugo Spritz all having their moment, but this year, a lesser-known pick is taking top billing: the spaghett.
The spaghett consists of a bottled beer – Miller High Life is the preferred choice – topped with Aperol and a splash of lemon. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/spaghett-recession-economy-miller-high-life-aperol-drink-consumer-spending-2025-7">Business Insider</a> says that the wallet-friendly option, which is sometimes called a "trailer park spritz," is yet another recession indicator.
While there are a number of reasons the spaghett is seeing its popularity surge this summer— from a Miller High Life marketing push to a culture shift in attitudes towards alcohol— the outlet says there's one factor that stands out above the rest. Namely, that beer cocktails like the spaghett tend to be a lot cheaper than mixed drinks.&nbsp;
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&#8220;As consumers are looking to pull back a bit on spending and shift to lower ABV beverages, we&#8217;ve seen a rise in the popularity of beer cocktails — across restaurants on Square, orders for Spaghetts and other beer and spirit mixes have been increasing over the past few years,&#8221; Square Head of Food and Beverage Ming-Tai Huh said.&nbsp;
According to Square data, Spaghett orders are up by 65% from the first half of the year, and have increased by 1000% since 2022. Google searches for the drink, the outlet reports, are also on the rise.
As consumers become increasingly concerned about the state of the economy and the impacts tariffs will have on their wallets in the coming months, they've begun to look for easy ways to save a buck or two. They'll vacation closer to home, spend less on eating out, and reduce the number of shopping trips they're partaking in.
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Alcohol spending is another effortless place to cut back. When Business Insider polled a series of bartenders about how they charge for a spaghett, answers varied from no extra charge to a dollar to double the price of a low-cost beer. Regardless of exactly how they configure the bill, it almost always comes out to less than a Hugo Spritz or a Dirty Shirley.
Spaghetts aren't the only beer cocktail trending this summer. The Corona sunrise, the beermosa, the lagerita, and the shandy are also popping up on menus in joints around the country. For many consumers, the drinks are a way to add a little fun to a day without breaking the bank.
If you find yourself appreciating the cost-saving element of the trend, but are unsure about the taste, Julianna McIntosh, author of the beverage recipe book "Pretty Simple Cocktails," says not to worry. "Don&#8217;t knock it till you try it,&#8221; she said of the spaghett. &#8220;It&#8217;s actually really, really fun.&#8221;
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Step Aside, Hugo Spritz: Why The Spaghett Is The Drink Of The Summer – And A Recession Indicator

Perplexity Chief Executive Officer Aravind Srinivas says speed and urgency are nonnegotiable as his artificial intelligence startup races tech giants.
"I don't do anything other than working," Aravind Srinivas admitted in a <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/perplexity_ai/comments/1jv9hvm/ama_with_perplexity_cofounder_and_ceo_aravind/">Reddit Ask Me Anything</a> in May, emphasizing the intense focus needed to stay ahead in the AI race. Srinivas leads a $14 billion search engine challenge to Alphabet (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>, GOOGL)), Microsoft (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), and Apple (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>). <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDtxClXAJ2g">Speaking</a> at Y Combinator's AI Startup School in mid-June, he warned that bigger firms will inevitably copy successful ideas.
Investors crave speed, rivals borrow ideas, and users expect quick answers. Srinivas's strategy is clear: move faster than fear and keep building. His advice to founders is to treat urgency as a protective moat until the tech giants catch up.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Embracing Fear As Strategy</h2>
"Live with that fear. You have to embrace it," Srinivas told the students, explaining that founders must remember "your moat comes from moving fast and building your own identity." He added a broader warning: "You should assume that if you have a big hit… a model company will copy it."
Perplexity shocked Silicon Valley with a <a href="https://www.perplexity.ai/page/perplexity-ai-in-talks-for-500-lkMydBK6QFuNZI6P5sg0Hw">$14 billion valuation</a> after its Series C funding round in May. Bloomberg <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-06-20/apple-executives-have-held-internal-talks-about-buying-ai-startup-perplexity">reported</a> in June that Apple executives even discussed acquiring the startup to strengthen Safari's search abilities. <a href="https://blog.google/products/search/generative-ai-google-search-may-2024/">Google</a> and <a href="https://blogs.bing.com/search/April-2025/Introducing-Copilot-Search-in-Bing">Microsoft</a> responded by adding AI summaries to their search results. Srinivas simply shrugs, insisting that speed outpaces scale.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Work-Life Trade-Offs Get Real</h2>
Srinivas doesn't downplay the personal strain of running an AI startup. In the same Reddit AMA, he admitted to working nonstop, squeezing in audiobooks and podcasts whenever he could—even if sleep had to wait. He <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/doom-scrolling-use-ai-perplexity-ceo-jobs-aravind-srinivas-2025-7">urges</a> individuals to ditch doom‑scrolling on Instagram and focus on mastering AI instead, warning that adaptability and grit—not comfort—will determine who thrives as the field accelerates.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">AI Gold Rush Raises Stakes</h2>
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman <a href="https://x.com/zfellows/status/1831304883141558301">predicted</a> a "one-person billion-dollar company" while chatting with Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian last year. Meanwhile, former "Shark Tank" investor Mark Cuban went further in June, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyRlhORLG6s&amp;t=9s">telling</a> the &#8220;High Performance" podcast that AI may mint the first "trillionaire… just one dude in a basement." Those forecasts intensify the spotlight on Perplexity and the broader AI field.
But with that spotlight comes pressure. Perplexity's head of communications, Jesse Dwyer, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/perplexity-ceo-aravind-srinivas-tech-giants-copy-features-2025-7">told</a> Business Insider that Big Tech companies "not only copy your features but they also try to drown your voice," highlighting the uphill communication battle startups face when competing with dominant platforms.
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AAPL

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'I Don't Do Anything Other Than Working,' Says Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas As His $14 Billion AI Startup Challenges Tech Giants

A 90-year-old woman could soon lose her <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/07/46648812/she-just-does-what-she-wants-with-it-disabled-man-says-mom-misused-his-ssi-now-hes-fighting-for-control">Supplemental Security Income benefits</a> due to a paperwork issue — and her only surviving relative is racing against time to resolve it.
The woman, who lives in an assisted living facility and has been in a fragile state for years, recently became the focus of a situation that's raising questions about how <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/health-care/25/07/46682845/warren-buffetts-2005-warning-echoes-louder-as-social-security-faces-18100-benefit-cut-by-2033-crfb-warns">Social Security</a> handles representative payee assignments for beneficiaries who cannot manage their own money.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SSI Benefits in Jeopardy Without Payee</h2>
According to a <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/SocialSecurity/comments/1m26sp3/90_years_old_in_risk_of_loosing_her_ssimedicare/">post</a> shared on Reddit's r/SocialSecurity forum, the woman's daughter-in-law received a call from the Social Security Administration in May, saying the woman needs a new representative payee — someone officially approved to manage her SSI benefits. Without one, her payments could be suspended.
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The challenge: Her daughter-in-law is not a direct relative, and the assisted living facility where the woman resides won't serve in that role. "They don't do it and don't have capacity for it," the poster explained.&nbsp;
Though she already holds financial power of attorney and is a co-signer on the account, she fears her application to become an official payee may be rejected.
To make matters worse, the woman&#8217;s son — her only child — died in June. No other family members remain to step in.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Is a Representative Payee?</h2>
A representative payee is someone appointed by the SSA to manage benefit payments for individuals who cannot do so themselves due to age, illness, or disability. According to the <a href="https://www.ssa.gov/payee/?tl=1">SSA</a>, they prefer to assign family or friends — and in many cases, a daughter-in-law could qualify. However, the individual must still go through an official approval process.&nbsp;
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If that's not possible, they may appoint a qualified organization; however, the assisted living facility where the woman resides has already said they don't have the capacity to take on that role.
A power of attorney or being a joint account holder is not enough. Only someone officially appointed through SSA's process — usually by completing <a href="https://pl.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/cons_fbu_11.pdf">Form SSA-11</a> — can serve in this role.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Options Still Available</h2>
Reddit users familiar with the system offered potential solutions. One pointed out that the bank has no say in who becomes a representative payee — that authority lies solely with the SSA. Others noted that while <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/05/45458742/who-can-be-my-financial-power-of-attorney-if-i-dont-have-anyone-suze-orman-advises-listener-who-doesnt-have-family-or-children">financial power of attorney</a> is helpful, it doesn't carry the same legal weight as being a court-appointed guardian or SSA-approved payee.
Some commenters recommended contacting the local Adult Protective Services office or the Department of Health Services to explore options for guardianship. Another suggested working with a local ombudsman, who may assist in navigating this process, especially when language barriers and cognitive issues are involved.
See Also: 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 $10.</a>
If the woman is still capable of signing paperwork, she may be able to designate her daughter-in-law as her preferred payee. However, in cases where the beneficiary can't understand or make decisions, SSA must determine someone appropriate to manage the funds.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Complicated System With Real Consequences</h2>
This case highlights a critical issue facing many older adults: when mental capacity declines and family networks shrink, managing government benefits can become a bureaucratic maze.
The SSA encourages anyone concerned about a beneficiary's ability to manage their payments to call 1-800-772-1213 or visit their local office. When no friends or family are available, the SSA may assign a professional or organizational payee to ensure benefits are still used for the recipient's well-being.
In the meantime, families like this one continue searching for answers — and solutions — to avoid the unthinkable: a senior citizen losing access to the support she depends on.
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>
Image: Shutterstock

90-Year-Old Faces Loss Of SSI Benefits Over Lack Of Approved Payee — Family Member Scrambles For Options

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