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Mark Cuban made numerous deals during his time on hit show "Shark Tank," including many in categories he knew well like sports, entertainment and men's products.
Cuban may have broken one of his investment rules during the Season 14, episode 15 of "Shark Tank."
What Happened:&nbsp;Mark Cuban&nbsp;likes to invest in companies that have products he could see himself using or that could be used by the Dallas Mavericks, the National Basketball Association<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/23/03/31348294/mark-cuban-has-a-new-role-in-life-to-prepare-for-after-investing-shark-tank-and-nba-success" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;team he owns.</a>
On a past episode of "Shark Tank," Cuban offered a deal for a company whose products he'll likely never use.
The Season 14, episode 15 of "Shark Tank" aired in early March and featured a pitch by makeup company Youthforia.
The company launched in April 2021 and had $2 million in sales prior to appearing on the episode, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2023/03/06/mark-cuban-shark-tank-deal-with-youthforia-is-for-daughters-wife.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CNBC</a>. The company had seen some levels of viral success thanks to&nbsp;TikTok&nbsp;and mentions of its color-changing oil blush that reacts and blends into customers' skin. On TikTok,&nbsp;<a href="https://youthforia.co/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Youthforia&nbsp;</a>has over 130,000 followers and over three million likes.
The Sharks liked the TikTok success and were also impressed with the company's founder and CEO&nbsp;Fiona Co Chan.&nbsp;
Kevin O'Leary&nbsp;offered&nbsp;Co Chan $100,000 for 20% of the company along with a $300,000 loan and a cut of distribution pay.
"It's a bet on the jockey on this deal," O'Leary said of Co Chan. "You're really impressive."
Co Chan wanted to hear from the other Sharks, with Cuban and&nbsp;Barbara Corcoran&nbsp;not putting out bids yet. Co Chan tried to lure them in by saying there was a launch of more shades of blush coming, which neither was thrilled about.
"When you have something that's completely differentiated, you ride that, and you don't do anything else, because that just dilutes your efforts," Cuban said. "Sometimes, you shouldn't listen to your customers."
Co Chan turned to O'Leary and offered 5% equity for $400,000 and a 50 cent royalty for each unit sold by the company up to $500,000.
O'Leary countered with an $800,000 offer for 10% equity and a $1 royalty on each unit.
This is when Cuban decided to step in, offering $400,000 for 10% without a royalty and said the reason he was interested in the makeup brand was because his<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/22/08/28577562/what-its-like-to-have-mark-cuban-as-a-dad-you-dont-just-get-a-credit-card-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;daughters and wife</a>&nbsp;would "understand" the product, which he didn't.
Cuban offered to wear the color-changing blush himself as part of demos.
O'Leary countered with a $400,000 offer for 7.5% and a 75 cent royalty on sales up to $1 million.
Ultimately, Cuban got Co Chan to accept with his final offer of $400,000 for 8% and no royalties, which he offered "just to prove a point" and ended up&nbsp;beating O'Leary.
 You may not be a billionaire like Mark Cuban, but you can uncover hidden gems in the stock market using our proprietary data and pattern recognition — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/46157351/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-71">check out five stocks flying under the radar that deserve your attention.</a>
Why It's Important:&nbsp;The company and Co Chan drew praise from the Sharks during portions of the pitch and after Cuban's offer was accepted.
Herjavec and Corcoran, who sat out on the offers, said they were impressed with Co Chan's negotiating skills.
"Kevin, you have to get up and leave the ‘Shark Tank,'" Herjavec said. "Fiona's taking your chair."
The offer for Youthforia that was accepted makes the first deal Cuban has ever done with a makeup brand, which could provide several lessons. Cuban has often stuck to his principles in investing in products that he would use himself or the Mavericks would use.
Hearing how much the other Sharks loved the company&#8217;s CEO and the product going viral on TikTok, Cuban trusted in his family and made the investment&nbsp;because he could see his daughters and wife using the product.&nbsp;
Youthforia is available on Amazon.com and also at&nbsp;Ulta Beauty&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ULTA#NASDAQ">ULTA</a>)&nbsp;stores. While we won't likely see the makeup products at Mavericks games in the future, they could end up becoming a staple in the Cuban household.
Cuban stepped away from "Shark Tank" after Season 16, which aired in May 2025.
"It's not being on TV that's made it special. It's sending a message to everybody that watches that the American dream is alive and well,"&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/10/41271567/mark-cuban-reflects-on-shark-tanks-enduring-success-the-american-dream-is-alive-and-well" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cuban said</a>&nbsp;on the "Life in Seven Songs"&nbsp;podcast of "Shark Tank."
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/07/46262871/mark-cuban-and-elon-musk-have-something-in-common-beyond-their-billions">Mark Cuban And Elon Musk Have Something In Common Beyond Their Billions</a></li>
</ul>
This story is part of a series of features on the subject of success,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/benzinga-inspire" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Inspire.</a>
This article was previously published by Benzinga and has been updated.
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ULTA

Cuban Broke His Own Rule—Invests $400,000 In Makeup He'll Never Use

For years, hitting a six-figure salary was considered a major milestone, a sign that you had officially &#8220;made it.&#8221; But in 2025, that benchmark doesn&#8217;t mean what it used to. A widely shared <a href="https://x.com/unusual_whales/status/1942553501814620607">post on X</a> citing the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics <a href="https://www.bls.gov/data/inflation_calculator.htm">calculator</a> noted that a $100,000 salary in January 2020 has the same buying power as $124,353 in April 2025.
Despite inflation cutting into its value, many people still treat $100,000 as a symbol of success.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Cultural Milestone, But Not A Financial One Anymore</h2>
In a <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Salary/comments/1luz2tw/why_do_people_continue_to_use_six_figures_as/">Reddit</a> thread that shared the tweet and asked, &#8220;Why do people continue to use &#8216;six figures&#8217; as their standard of success for a given career?&#8221; one user put it simply: &#8220;Because it&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/07/46262294/is-earning-100k-year-in-the-u-s-easy-a-project-manager-says-it-requires-getting-off-your-ass-and-doing-more-than-working-fast-food">still hard to make 100K</a>.&#8221; Another noted, &#8220;Only 18% of individual Americans and only 34% of households make six figures or more.&#8221;
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Yet, the emotional weight attached to that number hasn't kept pace with economic reality. As one person said, &#8220;Emotions haven't kept up with inflation. If you're working towards six figures for 10 years, your emotions may not register that last year&#8217;s inflation made $100K more like $80K.&#8221;
People who recently crossed the six-figure mark expressed mixed feelings. &#8220;I hit six figures in 2024 and it made a huge positive impact on my life,&#8221; one person said. Another added, &#8220;I hit six figures pre-pandemic and it didn't feel as comfortable as I thought it would. It was a nice benchmark, but as I got older bills got higher, etc.&#8221;
A lot of the disillusionment comes from rising costs, especially housing, healthcare and childcare. &#8220;The childcare&#8217;s the killer,&#8221; one parent shared. &#8220;$2,500 per month with pickup before 5:30 or it's an additional fee. It was literally more cost-effective to retire my mother-in-law.&#8221;
Trending: The secret weapon in billionaire investor portfolios that you almost certainly don't own yet. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">See which asset class has outpaced the S&amp;P 500 (1995-2024) – and with near-zero correlation.</a>
For those in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/05/45685741/the-cost-of-living-crisis-hits-hard-in-these-8-cities-where-you-need-to-earn-at-least-100k-to-live-c">high-cost areas</a>, the situation is even more stark. &#8220;That is almost exactly the median individual income in San Francisco,&#8221; one commenter said. &#8220;That makes sense,&#8221; they added, implying that even six figures just gets you by in some cities.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Still Symbolic, Still Out Of Reach For Many</h2>
Some argued the term still holds weight because of its cultural significance. &#8220;Same reason people use six feet to denote a tall person. People like round numbers,&#8221; one person commented. Others mentioned it as an emotional or generational touchstone: &#8220;It was kind of the gold standard for a lot of us growing up.&#8221;
But many agreed it&#8217;s time to update expectations. &#8220;$150K is the new ‘six figures,'&#8221; one person claimed. Another said, &#8220;Even $180K feels like the new $100K.&#8221;
See Also: <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>
Still, the thread was filled with reminders that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/financial-advisors/25/06/46128507/think-youll-make-100k-right-out-of-college-in-these-10-fields-you-might-be-ri">six figures</a> remain out of reach for most Americans. &#8220;I make 48K a year and I think six figures sounds really, really good,&#8221; one commenter said. Another added, &#8220;I&#8217;ve lived off of 30K for nearly a decade. 100K is more than enough to live off of when you consider just how poor you can actually be.&#8221;
Even those doing well financially recognized the disconnect. &#8220;I make six figures. 102K to be exact. I have a small house, a reliable car, and live comfortably,&#8221; one said. &#8220;Six figures is absolutely success, if you&#8217;re smart with your money.&#8221;
At the end of the day, six figures may no longer signal wealth, but it still signals something important: security. &#8220;$100K still puts you in the top 20% of individual incomes,&#8221; one person pointed out. &#8220;Just because it doesn&#8217;t have the same purchasing power as five, 10, or 20 years ago doesn&#8217;t mean it isn&#8217;t a lot more than most people are getting.&#8221;
Read Next: Over the last five years, the price of gold has increased by approximately 83% — Investors like Bill O&#8217;Reilly and Rudy Giuliani are using this platform to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/american-hartford-gold">create customized gold IRAs to help shield their savings from inflation and economic turbulence.&nbsp;</a>
Image: Shutterstock

Personal Finance

The Six-Figure Salary Was Once A Finish Line. Now It Feels Like The Starting Point For Basic Adulthood

Six Secret Service agents have been reportedly suspended without pay following a disciplinary review related to the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump during a<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46381096/trump-administration-ordered-by-judge-to-stop-immigration-arrests-without-probable-cause-in-southern-california-report" rel="noreferrer noopener"> 2024 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.</a>
The internal investigation concluded the officers failed to uphold key security protocols during the July event where 20-year-old Thomas Crooks opened fire on Trump, wounding him slightly and fatally striking an attendee, <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/07/10/secret-service-suspends-agents-butler-shooting-00448223" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports </a>Politico.
The suspended agents have been reassigned to limited or administrative roles.
Also Read:<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46380710/trump-administration-lays-off-over-1350-state-department-employees-after-getting-supreme-court-go-ahead" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Trump Administration Lays Off Over 1,350 State Department Employees After Getting Supreme Court Go-Ahead</a>
Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle stepped down shortly after the incident as the agency came under intense scrutiny.
A separate independent probe, initiated by the Biden administration, pointed to major communication breakdowns and a "troubling&#8221; lack of judgment by field personnel during the rally.
The Butler incident, followed by a second attempt on Trump's life at his Florida golf resort weeks later, prompted bipartisan calls for an overhaul of agency protocols.
Lawmakers in both chambers demanded greater accountability and comprehensive reforms to the agency's event management and response structure, POLITICO adds.
A major point of failure, according to the internal report, was the disorganized coordination with local authorities.
While there had been sightings of the shooter prior to the attack, critical intelligence never reached Trump's security team.
Investigators found that communication among officers occurred via a disjointed stream of texts, emails, radio chatter, and phone calls, instead of a unified command system.
With Trump back in office, he appointed Sean Curran, who had been part of his security detail during the Butler attack, as the new agency director. In a statement, Curran stressed that the Secret Service had undertaken extensive internal reforms to prevent such failures in the future.
"I have kept my experience on July 13 top of mind, and the agency has taken many steps to ensure such an event can never be repeated in the future," he said. &#8220;Nothing is more important to the Secret Service than the safety and security of our protectees,&#8221; POLITICO adds.
Trump, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.foxnews.com/video/6375507942112" rel="noreferrer noopener">speaking </a>to Fox News, acknowledged that "mistakes&#8221; were made but expressed confidence in the agency's renewed direction. "They had a bad day," he said.
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</ul>
Image: Shutterstock/Juli Hansen

Politics

Secret Service Suspends Six Agents After Butler Rally Failures Last Year — Trump Says 'They Had a Bad Day'

An investor sparked a lively debate on Reddit&#8217;s <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/stocks/comments/1lu1gkx/can_someone_eli5_how_the_sp500_can_keep_an/">r/stocks</a> after asking a simple but heavy question: How can the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/sp-500-price-prediction">S&amp;P 500 continue to grow</a> at an average annual rate of 10% for another 30 years?&nbsp;
The user pointed out that if the index maintains that pace, its market cap would double roughly every seven years, ballooning from $52 trillion today to around $900 trillion by 2055.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Inflation, Globalization And Productivity</h2>
That number sounded &#8220;really stupid and impossible&#8221; to the original poster, who noted that with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/health-care/25/06/46133755/elon-musk-says-people-need-to-have-3-kids-to-avoid-population-collapse-says-this-is-to-make-up-for-people-who-have-one-or-none">declining birth rates</a> and slowing population growth, the math just didn't add up. "Where is all this money going to come from?" they asked. "Even if we assume inflation wipes out half of that $900 trillion in growth of the S&amp;P 500 in today's money, that's still a ridiculous increase that makes no sense."
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</ul>
But many Redditors disagreed or at least explained why it's not as crazy as it sounds. One of the top comments framed it this way: "In 1995 the S&amp;P 500 market cap was ~$3T&#8230;&nbsp; Nvidia (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), 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>) today are all individually larger than the entire S&amp;P 500 was in 1995. It's unfathomable."
Several investors pointed out that this kind of growth has happened before and could happen again because of inflation, global expansion and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/24/03/37594210/promising-signs-for-productivity">major leaps in productivity</a>.
&#8220;S&amp;P500 companies don't only sell in America," one added. "All the big U.S. companies are just getting started with their globalization," pointing to China and India and their <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44851085/why-india-china-and-brazil-are-potential-safe-havens-for-investors">growing middle class</a>.&nbsp;
Another commenter chimed in: "Half the world&#8217;s population lives on $7 a day, so I would say there is room for plenty of growth even if population growth slows down."
Trending: The secret weapon in billionaire investor portfolios that you almost certainly don't own yet. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">See which asset class has outpaced the S&amp;P 500 (1995-2024) – and with near-zero correlation.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Not Everyone's Buying The Optimism</h2>
Other Redditors were more skeptical. For example, one said that population growth, a major tailwind in the past, is slowing down significantly. "Returns will not be what they have been on a market-wide level," they argued. "Large companies finding increased markets via globalization will not be enough."
Another user took issue with the assumption that historical trends will keep repeating. "You are assuming that the tailwinds of interest rates, taxes, suppression of labor wages will continue to trend the same way," they wrote. "Any of those trends continuing to the point we have multiple companies&#8230; having wealth bigger than many countries combined, could result in the kind of social unrest preventing that growth."
Still, others offered a middle-ground take: yes, inflation will play a big role, and yes, some technological innovations might drive value, but don't expect a repeat of the past 30 years. "Past performance does not indicate future results," one person reminded.
See Also: <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>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Bet On Innovation Or Just Inflation?</h2>
Many pointed to advancements in AI, renewable energy, automation and healthcare as areas that could push corporate profits higher, even with slower consumer growth. "Humans are a dynamic, innovative species," one commenter said. "We may well find the world unrecognizable in 30 years."
Others focused on the U.S. dollar itself. "If you divide the S&amp;P 500 over the money supply, you get almost a constant," they argued. "It has never been true growth&#8230; just almost keeping purchasing power."
So, is the idea of a $900 trillion S&amp;P 500 absurd? Depends on who you ask. But most Redditors agreed on one thing: inflation will do a lot of the heavy lifting, and whether it's real growth or just more dollars chasing assets, the index might keep climbing.
Read Next: Over the last five years, the price of gold has increased by approximately 83% — Investors like Bill O&#8217;Reilly and Rudy Giuliani are using this platform to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/american-hartford-gold">create customized gold IRAs to help shield their savings from inflation and economic turbulence.&nbsp;</a>
Image: Shutterstock

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A $900 Trillion S&P 500? Reddit Debates The Math Behind 10% Market Growth Rate For Another 30+ Years

Elon Musk has found himself at odds with President Donald Trump, a situation that was foreseen by Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI. 
The disagreement has been triggered by Musk&#8217;s criticism of the Trump administration and the President&#8217;s subsequent threat to pull government subsidies from Musk&#8217;s business ventures.
The alliance between Musk and Trump has been strained following Musk&#8217;s critique of the White House&#8217;s decision-making. 
Musk was particularly critical of Trump&#8217;s Big, Beautiful Bill, claiming it reversed all the budgetary efficiencies achieved by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and would push the country deeper into debt.
Altman, who had a falling out with Musk in 2018, was not taken aback by the development. Talking to reporters he <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nStQhons8u0">said</a>, &#8220;Elon busts up with everybody, that's what he does.&#8221; 
Altman and Musk were among the founding partners of OpenAI, but their relationship deteriorated over time, resulting in Musk&#8217;s exit from the company.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44348000/elon-musk-and-sam-altman-just-agreed-on-one-thingand-no-its-not-a-business-deal">Elon Musk And Sam Altman Just Agreed On One Thing—And No, It&#8217;s Not A Business Deal</a>
After the fallout, Trump expressed his disappointment in Musk&nbsp;and threatened to withdraw government&nbsp;subsidies from Musk&#8217;s private ventures. Despite the disagreement,&nbsp;former Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross&nbsp;told Fortune that a fallout between the two influential figures was inevitable.
Musk has yet to comment on the fallout. In the meantime, Altman is also dealing with challenges from other tech giants, including Mark Zuckerberg&#8216;s super intelligence research lab at Meta, which has been poaching talent from OpenAI.
The fallout between Musk and Trump could have significant implications for Musk&#8217;s businesses, particularly Tesla, which has benefited from government subsidies. 
The strained relationship could also impact the broader tech industry, given both Musk&#8217;s and Trump&#8217;s influence. 
Furthermore, the ongoing talent war between OpenAI and Meta underscores the intense competition in the tech industry, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence.
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Trump Vs Musk: Sam Altman Saw the Signs: 'Elon Busts Up With Everybody, That's What He Does'

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is under mounting pressure as he navigates contentious trade talks with the United States amid fresh threats from President Donald Trump to impose a 35% tariff on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/06/46158982/trumps-canada-trade-flip-oil-market-shock-and-nvidias-rise-to-the-top-this-week-in-economy" rel="noreferrer noopener">Canadian imports starting August 1.</a>
Trump&#8217;s latest warning arrives while both nations are in the midst of hammering out a broader trade agreement—talks that have grown increasingly tense following several concessions from Ottawa.
These include a recent rollback of a proposed Digital Services Tax targeting tech giants, after Washington vowed to end trade talks unless the plan was scrapped, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg81518yyyo" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports </a>BBC News.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/07/46382047/trump-targets-mexico-eu-with-30-tariffs" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Targets Mexico, EU With 30% Tariffs</a>
Carney&#8217;s approach, once symbolized by a combative &#8220;elbows up&#8221; hockey metaphor, is now being questioned across the political spectrum.
Analysts and commentators have described his trade posture as inconsistent, with Canadian columnist Robyn Urback likening it to a &#8220;chicken dance.&#8221; Critics argue that caving on the digital tax and not responding to recent tariff escalations on steel and aluminum undermines his promise of standing firm against U.S. pressure.
While Carney&#8217;s government continues to enjoy strong domestic support in polls, some political scientists say the prime minister&#8217;s broader strategy—pursuing an expansive trade and security deal—lacks coherence.
Blayne Haggart, a professor at Brock University, said Canada&#8217;s recent reversals have accomplished &#8220;less than nothing.&#8221;
Others, like former government adviser Roland Paris, argue it&#8217;s too soon to judge and that the final agreement will determine whether Carney capitulated or played a smart long game.
Trump&#8217;s tariff warning letter also revived his criticism of Canadian drug policy, accusing Ottawa of not doing enough to curb fentanyl flow across the border.
Despite the friction, Carney has avoided retaliatory action and reiterated Canada&#8217;s commitment to protecting its workers and industries.
The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement remains intact for now, exempting many Canadian goods from the threatened 35% tariff.
Canadian politicians across party lines have presented a united front. Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative leader, pledged full support to secure a strong deal, while British Columbia Premier David Eby emphasized national unity.
Experts, including Carleton University&#8217;s Fen Hampson, caution against judging the talks prematurely, pointing out that American businesses would also suffer from the tariffs and that Carney has made moves to diversify trade, including with the EU.
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Carney Faces Cross-Border Pressure Amid High-Stakes US Trade Talks

When 24-year-old Matt called into <a href="https://youtu.be/BVQGi9FJPeg?si=jT1l3poYraf9AkyE">"EntreLeadership" to speak with Dave Ramsey</a>, he wasn't looking for a pep talk. He opened with brutal honesty: "I have $260,000 in super crappy debt," and admitted he spent client deposits to cover payroll and past mistakes. "Now I'm screwed," he said.
Matt owns a remodeling business pulling in $750,000 a year with six full-time employees. But the books? A disaster. He racked up $185,000 in debt with credit cards, merchant cash advances, and bank loans. Then there's another $72,000 in unpaid vendor bills.
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And the worst part? He used money from new clients to patch up the old mess.
"I made some super silly decisions and didn't have a lot of financial clarity when I took these deposits," he said. "A lot of those deposits went towards kind of cash flowing the business and making up for losses on past projects."
Translation: He started projects with no cash to actually finish them.
One client paid him $128,000 up front for a $256,000 home addition — and the money's long gone. "We used that to float the business for the past six months," Matt admitted. Ramsey didn't need to say it out loud, but he did anyway: "They're going to go ballistic at some point — and rightly so."
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And it gets worse. Another project came with a $45,000 cabinet bill. Matt said he fears the vendor might slap a mechanics lien on the client's house because he can't pay up.
Still, Matt hasn't thrown in the towel. In fact, he's clawing his way back by focusing on smaller jobs with faster turnarounds — the kind that pay quicker and hurt less if something goes sideways.
Ramsey's advice was blunt but actionable: "Go take a bunch of short-term projects. Prioritize where every dollar goes. You've got to start generating some cash."
Ramsey told him to avoid large jobs for now and stick to the "quick-turn ankle-biters." If Matt can pull off $500,000 to $800,000 in these smaller gigs over the next year — at a 40% margin — he could work his way out of the hole.
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That doesn't mean it'll be fun. "You're working for the mess you made," Ramsey said. "And you can clean it up, but you're going to pay for your sins by having no life for the next eight months."
Still, Ramsey <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/07/46285325/son-wants-to-cash-out-on-dads-6-million-business-dave-ramsey-brings-up-a-teary-man-who-regretted-selling-for-400-million">thinks the business can make it</a> — and maybe even thrive — if Matt stays focused, keeps job costs separate, and never touches deposit money until the job is finished.
Lesson learned? "Absolutely not doing that again," Matt said.
One more <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/07/46319259/dave-ramsey-warns-a-28-year-old-to-avoid-investing-in-a-business-with-zero-experience-you-have-no-freaking-idea-what-youre-getting-into">hard-earned win for experience</a>. And a cautionary tale for every business owner who thinks a deposit is just free cash. It's not. Ask Matt.
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24-Year-Old Used Client Deposits To Pay Off Debt —Now He's $260K Down And Dave Ramsey Warns, 'They're Going To Go Ballistic'

Tucker Carlson, the former Fox News host, has alleged that the late financier Jeffrey Epstein was a pawn in the hands of Israeli intelligence, tasked with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46264647/elon-musk-renews-demand-for-jeffrey-epstein-files-release-weeks-after-alleging-trump-is-named-in-them">blackmailing American politicians</a>.
Carlson made these contentious claims&nbsp;at a Turning Point USA&nbsp;summit held in Tampa on Friday. He raised questions about Epstein&#8217;s sudden accumulation of wealth and his influential connections, hinting at the possibility of Epstein being a tool for a foreign intelligence service, specifically Israel&#8217;s Mossad.
The Department of Justice recently&nbsp;concluded that Epstein did not&nbsp;have a rumored list of influential clients. This conclusion was a letdown for many supporters of President Donald Trump, who were anticipating a full disclosure of Epstein-related materials.
"The real question was not, was Jeffrey Epstein a weirdo? The real question was why was he doing this, on whose behalf, and where was the money coming from? I think the real answer is Jeffrey Epstein was working on behalf of intel services, probably not American, that foreign government is Israel.&#8221;
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">&#x26a1;&#xFE0F;Tucker Carlson says Epstein was &quot;working on behalf&quot; of Israel and Israel was &quot;committing crimes&quot; on American soil. <a href="https://t.co/lQBZpoXD4N">pic.twitter.com/lQBZpoXD4N</a>
&mdash; War Monitor (@WarMonitors) <a href="https://twitter.com/WarMonitors/status/1943839948559593634?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Carlson took a jab at those defending the DOJ&#8217;s findings, emphasizing the need to scrutinize Epstein&#8217;s activities and sources of funding. He maintained that there was no anti-Semitic intent in suggesting that Epstein might have been working for Israel.
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At the same summit, Laura Ingraham, another Fox News host, conducted an impromptu poll, inquiring from the audience about their satisfaction with the administration&#8217;s&nbsp;handling of the Epstein case.
Carlson&#8217;s allegations, if proven true, could have significant implications for the US-Israel relationship. It could also potentially impact the reputations of politicians who were in Epstein&#8217;s circle. However, without concrete evidence, these claims remain speculative and controversial.
Moreover, the DOJ&#8217;s conclusion about Epstein not having a list of influential clients contradicts Carlson&#8217;s claims. This discrepancy raises questions about the credibility of the allegations and the motives behind them.
As the Epstein case continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how these allegations will influence public opinion and the ongoing investigations.
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Tucker Carlson Claims Jeffrey Epstein Was an Israeli Agent Blackmailing US Politicians

President Donald Trump&#8216;s tariff policies are said to be providing a significant boost to the private credit market. 
What Happened:&nbsp;This comes as companies are projected&nbsp;to shift operations to the&nbsp;U.S. and decrease their&nbsp;dependence on global supply chains,&nbsp;as per&nbsp;Moody&#8217;s Ratings.
Marc Pinto, the&nbsp;global head of private credit&nbsp;at&nbsp;Moody&#8217;s Ratings, is of the view that the current tariff policies are putting pressure on governments and revealing their limitations. He suggests that this is a scenario where the private credit market can step in and make a significant impact.
Pinto has observed a rise in deals in the infrastructure sector. He predicts that around $2.5 trillion will be invested in data centers over the next five years, with private credit expected to be a major contributor to the financing, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-11/trump-s-trade-war-is-good-for-private-credit-moody-s-says">reports </a>Bloomberg. 
However, Pinto also emphasized that large purchasers of private credit, such as banks and insurance companies, require more comprehensive information on deals. He noted that the intricacy of direct-lending transactions could lead to credit risk.
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Contrary to common perception, Pinto clarified that the private credit market does not solely cater to high-yield companies. It also serves investment-grade firms. 
&#8220;Insurance companies primarily want investment-grade risk,&#8221; he said, signaling a shift in the private credit market.
Why It Matters: The shift in the private credit market, as indicated by Pinto, could lead to a significant change in the investment landscape. With the current tariff policies in place, the private credit market could play a pivotal role in supporting companies&#8217; transition to domestic operations and reducing their reliance on global supply chains. 
This could potentially lead to a surge in private credit investments, particularly in the infrastructure sector. 
However, the increased complexity of direct-lending transactions also highlights the need for more transparency and detailed information on deals to mitigate credit risk.
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Private Credit Market Sees Opportunity Amid Donald Trump's Tariff Policies, Moody's Reports

GameStop Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GME#NYSE">GME</a>) is auctioning off a notorious stapler that caused damage to Nintendo Switch 2 screens. 
What Happened: The company&#8217;s CEO, Ryan Cohen, has added a personal touch to the auction, promising to include his underwear and even personally deliver the items if the bidding exceeds $1 million.
As reported <a href="https://fortune.com/2025/07/11/gamestop-nintendo-switch-2-stapler-auction-ryan-cohen/">by&nbsp;</a>Fortune, the&nbsp;infamous stapler that punctured the&nbsp;screens of new Nintendo Switch&nbsp;2 consoles is being auctioned off by&nbsp;GameStop Corp.&nbsp;
The auction took when Cohen pledged to include his own underwear if the bidding reached six figures.
On Friday, Cohen upped the ante, stating that if the bidding crosses the $1 million mark, he will personally deliver the items and treat the winner to a lunch at McDonald&#8217;s. 
The auction, which began at a starting bid of over $120,000, had reached $218,401 by Friday 11:45 a.m. ET.
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The auction, which also includes the repaired Switch 2 console, is being held to raise funds for the Children&#8217;s Miracle Network Hospitals. 
With five days still left for the auction to close, there is plenty of opportunity for interested bidders to join in.
Why It Matters: This unusual auction not only adds a humorous twist to the company&#8217;s recent mishap with the Nintendo Switch 2 consoles, but also serves a noble cause. 
The funds raised from the auction will be donated to the Children&#8217;s Miracle Network Hospitals, a non-profit organization that raises funds for children&#8217;s hospitals, medical research, and community awareness of children&#8217;s health issues. 
The inclusion of CEO Ryan Cohen&#8217;s personal items and his promise of a personal delivery adds a unique touch to the auction, potentially attracting more bidders and raising more funds for the charity.
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GameStop Auction Sees Over $200K Bid for Stapler That Broke Nintendo Switch 2 Consoles

Meta Platforms Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>),&nbsp;under the leadership of CEO&nbsp;Mark Zuckerberg, is on a relentless pursuit for artificial intelligence (AI) specialists, with remuneration packages that outstrip those of professional sports stars and Fortune 500 CEOs.
What Happened: As per a&nbsp;report, Meta&#8217;s recruitment drive is focused on assembling an elite AI team for its Superintelligence Labs. The social media giant is allegedly offering premier AI researchers compensation packages that can reach&nbsp;up to $300 million over&nbsp;a four-year period, with first-year earnings surpassing $100 million.
This assertive hiring approach is a countermeasure to competition from rivals like OpenAI, Google, and DeepSeek. A notable recruitment is ex-Apple executive Ruoming Pang, who&nbsp;was enticed to join Meta with a compensation&nbsp;package reportedly exceeding $200 million, reports <a href="https://fortune.com/2025/07/11/how-much-ai-salary-meta-zuckerberg-200-million-compensation/">the </a>Fortune. 
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman confirmed Meta&#8217;s aggressive offers on the &#8220;Uncapped&#8221; <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2025/06/17/sam-altman-says-meta-tried-and-failed-to-poach-openais-talent-with-100m-offers/">podcast</a>, revealing that Meta has been making &#8220;giant offers&#8221; to many on their team, including $100 million signing bonuses.
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These generous offers have revolutionized tech compensation and amplified the global competition for AI dominance. They have also led OpenAI&#8217;s leadership to reconsider&nbsp;their own compensation strategies and&nbsp;express concern over the impact&nbsp;on company culture.
Zuckerberg&#8217;s&nbsp;personal involvement in the recruitment&nbsp;process has been widely reported.&nbsp;He has been directly reaching&nbsp;out to top AI talent,&nbsp;hosting potential hires, and making&nbsp;offers that have caught competitors off guard.
Why It Matters: Meta&#8217;s aggressive recruitment strategy underscores the increasing importance of AI in shaping the future of tech companies. The escalating competition for AI talent among tech giants like Meta, OpenAI, and Google signifies the high stakes involved in gaining AI supremacy. 
This trend is not only reshaping tech compensation but also&nbsp;intensifying the global race for&nbsp;AI dominance. 
As companies reassess their compensation strategies to attract and retain top AI talent, the impact on company culture and the broader tech industry will be significant.
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Tech

Mark Zuckerberg Poaches Sam Altman's Talent With Multimillion-Dollar Offers To Build Meta's AI Team

A woman who called into &#8220;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L81C702G2K4">The Ramsey Show</a>&#8221; recently shared a shocking story about her in-laws, saying her 80-something-year-old mother-in-law had drained nearly $750,000 from a retirement account and given it to an internet scammer.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Money Vanished Almost Instantly</h2>
&#8220;My father-in-law went to the hospital about a year ago,&#8221; the caller said. &#8220;He decided to go ahead and give my mother-in-law access to her <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-ira-accounts">retirement account</a>, thinking that he didn&#8217;t have much longer. She drained that within about a week, giving it to some <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45810362/scammers-exploit-tariff-confusion-to-dupe-online-shoppers-into-paying-for-packages-that-never-arrive-bbb-warns-heres-how-to-spot-the-red-flags">online scammer</a>.&#8221;
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The caller said her in-laws had been married for 60 years and built up a nest egg of roughly $3.5 to $4 million. Her father-in-law had always managed the finances and kept them debt-free. But once his health started to decline, things unraveled.
The woman said the family later discovered that her mother-in-law had been giving money away for years. They believe she is involved in delusional, one-sided online relationships, calling it a possible mental illness. &#8220;She&#8217;s involved in a one-way romantic relationship with this person she&#8217;s never met,&#8221; the caller said. &#8220;She&#8217;s got multiple Facebook profiles, same picture, different name, doing the same thing all over the country.&#8221;
Despite being visited by the FBI and local police, the mother-in-law still believes her relationship is real.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Family Ties Don't Always Mean Emotional Closeness</h2>
The caller expressed deep concern that her mother-in-law will blow through the rest of their joint assets after her father-in-law passes, potentially leaving the family on the hook for her care. &#8220;My husband and I—I&#8217;m in my late 40s, he&#8217;s in his mid-50s—we&#8217;re <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/07/46200580/kevin-oleary-says-if-you-got-a-bonus-dont-blow-it-pay-off-your-debt-kill-your-credit-cards-and-chase-freedom-by-living-debt-free">going to be debt-free</a> in the next two years,&#8221; she said. &#8220;I don&#8217;t want to go into debt to take care of somebody else who&#8230; I don&#8217;t even like her like that.&#8221;
John Delony and Jade Warshaw, who hosted the show that day, advised the caller that she and her husband had no legal or moral obligation to rescue someone who continued to make reckless choices.
&#8220;There are times where you feel the need to swoop in&#8230; but those are choices,&#8221; Warshaw said. &#8220;It&#8217;s not your responsibility.&#8221;
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Delony recommended pursuing conservatorship through the courts, though he warned it would be difficult and possibly met with resistance. &#8220;You&#8217;re just throwing a Hail Mary pass, hoping somebody catches it,&#8221; he said. She&#8217;d have to prove she&#8217;s a harm to herself.
The caller said her husband had talked to his father about giving financial power of attorney to one of the sons, but they have no proof that anything was filed. She suspects embarrassment is stopping him. &#8220;I think there&#8217;s a part of him that&#8217;s very embarrassed about this,&#8221; she said. &#8220;We&#8217;re just finding out about this, and it&#8217;s been going on to a certain degree for 60 years.&#8221;
Delony emphasized the urgency. &#8220;Your husband and his brothers are faced with: Do we watch our mom burn her life to the ground, or do we go down swinging?&#8221;
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Dave Ramsey Caller Says Her 80-Year-Old Mother-In-Law Is A Serial Cheater Who's Given Away Almost $1M To Internet Scammers

In the face of an ongoing power struggle within the Trump administration, the position of Attorney General Pam Bondi remains unthreatened, says Ty Cobb, a former White House lawyer.
What Happened: FBI Director Kash Patel&nbsp;and Deputy FBI Director Dan&nbsp;Bongino were contemplating resignation if Bondi continues her tenure as attorney general. This development comes in the wake of a controversy related to the Jeffrey Epstein case.
Bondi, Patel, and Bongino had&nbsp;all pledged to disclose vital documents associated with Epstein, a deceased financier and a convicted sex offender. 
However, a memo from&nbsp;the Department of Justice and&nbsp;FBI revealed&nbsp;that Epstein did not have&nbsp;the much-anticipated &#8220;client list&#8221; that many, including Trump supporters, believed he possessed.
The memo&#8217;s findings triggered a strong backlash from Trump&#8217;s supporters. Cobb, who served during Trump&#8217;s first administration, mentioned on CNN that President Donald Trump would certainly favor Bondi over Patel or Bongino.
"I think Patel clearly has gotten the message because he sort of silently sat on the sidelines and rallied behind the team concept that the White House and the Justice Department are trying to sell," Cobb said. 
"And I think what you'll see is that Bongino has to come back from the weekend, and say, ‘Gee, sorry I had a bad day.&#8217;"
As per Cobb, if Bongino fails to express regret, &#8220;he&#8217;s gone.&#8221; He further underscored that Bondi&#8217;s position is secure, asserting, &#8220;Bondi&#8217;s not going.&#8221;
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"And for a specific reason, which is Bondi, like Hegseth, is very senior to the other people in their departments who are screwing up. And while they've both been a huge embarrassment and done some just astonishing things, and for the history of the country, if he terminates one of them, he picked them,&#8221; Cobb said. 
&#8220;And he put him in those senior positions, and it'll be a huge embarrassment to him. So, the further down the pecking order you go, if you're Trump, in his thinking, if somebody leaves that's further down, if it's not the top dog, it's not as big a reflection on him," he further added. 
Why It Matters: The power struggle within the Trump administration and the controversy surrounding the Epstein case have put the spotlight on key figures like Bondi, Patel, and Bongino. 
The assurance from Cobb, a former insider, about Bondi&#8217;s secure position, provides a glimpse into the dynamics of the administration. The potential resignations of Patel and Bongino could lead to significant shifts in the administration&#8217;s power structure. 
The fallout from the Epstein case continues to have repercussions, influencing public opinion and the administration&#8217;s internal politics.
Read Next
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Image: Shutterstock/Joshua Sukoff

Jeffrey Epstein Case: Ex-Trump White House Lawyer Says Pam Bondi Isn't Going Anywhere Amid Power Struggle

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>) CEO Warren Buffett and his former vice Chairman Charlie Munger passed on investing in Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) stock<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/12/36137985/charlie-munger-admired-bezos-and-musk-but-passed-on-amazon-tesla-at-first-you-have-to-let-ideas-die"> over the years.</a> That hasn't stopped the two legendary investors from praising Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
In an April 2022 interview, Buffett offered his praise for Tesla and the company's accomplishments.
Former CBS journalist&nbsp;Charlie Rose&nbsp;<a href="https://charlierose.com/videos/31221" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asked&nbsp;</a>Buffett about his thoughts on Tesla and the stock's impressive gain of more than 400% in five years at the time. "That shows what America produces," Buffett said.
Buffett added all the other automotive companies have products, but Musk is finding a way to beat&nbsp;the legacy automakers. "Taking on General Motors, Ford, Toyota Motors that have all this stuff. He's got an idea, and he's winning."
Why It's Important:&nbsp;Buffett said that there are a lot of companies that produce cars, but ultimately you have to be the one who makes cars that people want.
Buffett also acknowledged during the interview that we should be doing more to fight climate change, but didn&#8217;t elaborate on the impact of electric vehicles.
"If there's a 1% chance (we can fight climate change), we should be doing something."
Buffett's comments likely ring true today with Musk being one of the top CEOs when it comes to fighting climate change with electric vehicles.
Over the last few years, Buffett was passed in wealth by Musk. While the two billionaires may not always see eye to eye on a number of topics, this interview showed the appreciation Buffett had for the iconic Tesla CEO.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/24/10/41196469/musk-vs-buffett-which-investor-do-benzinga-readers-trust-to-turn-1-000-into-100-000-faster">Musk vs. Buffett: Which Investor Do Benzinga Readers Trust To Turn $1,000 Into $100,000 Faster?</a></li>
</ul>
This article was previously published by Benzinga and has been updated.
Photo: Shutterstock

Education

TSLA

Buffett Skipped Tesla But Didn't Hold Back On Praising Musk In 2022

In the escalating war for AI talent, Google (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) is pulling out all the stops, offering substantial salaries to lure top-tier professionals
What Happened: Recent data reveals that software engineers at the tech giant can earn as much as $340,000. According to reports, Google is revamping its pay structure to stay competitive. This move follows similar strategies by other tech behemoths like Meta and Microsoft, who are concentrating on weeding out low performers.
In a strategic shift in April, Google modified its employee ranking system during annual performance reviews, underscoring the value of high performance. 
As per the report <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/google-salaries-revealed-software-engineers-paid-2025-7">by</a> Insider, while Google&#8217;s salary data is kept under wraps, publicly accessible work-visa data provides a glimpse into the company&#8217;s pay structure. The data indicates that Google&#8217;s software engineers can command salaries up to $340,000.
It&#8217;s crucial to clarify that these figures represent only the base salaries and do not&nbsp;account for the equity or&nbsp;bonuses that Google employees also&nbsp;receive. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/09/34392201/google-salary-leak-reveals-mind-blowing-earnings-top-engineers-make">Google Salary Leak Reveals Mind-blowing Earnings Top Engineers Make</a>
Despite the hefty paychecks, a number of employees still consider themselves underpaid, as per a 2023 internal spreadsheet obtained by Business Insider.
Google has yet to comment on the salary data, which is based on approximately&nbsp;6,800 applications from the first&nbsp;quarter of 2025.
Why It Matters: The tech industry is currently in a fierce battle for AI talent, with companies like Google, Meta, and Microsoft vying for the best professionals. Google&#8217;s decision to offer substantial salaries is a strategic move to attract and retain top talent in this highly competitive field. 
The company&#8217;s shift in its employee ranking system further emphasizes its focus on high performance and productivity. 
However, the feeling of being underpaid among some employees, despite the high salaries, underscores the challenges tech giants face in maintaining employee satisfaction and morale.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/07/33333250/google-salary-data-leak-shows-staggering-salaries-of-engineers-managers-and-others-heres-how-much-th">Google Salary Data Leak Shows Staggering Salaries Of Engineers, Managers And Others — Here&#8217;s How Much They Earned in 2022</a>
Image: Shutterstock/Below the Sky

GOOGL

Google Software Engineers See Pay Surge Amid AI Boom, Here's How Much They Would Be Paid

A recent Reddit thread on <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/povertyfinance/comments/1ltolc0/whats_something_normal_you_had_to_give_up_because/">r/povertyfinance</a> sparked a wide range of responses when one person asked a simple question: &#8220;What's something &#8216;normal&#8217; you had to give up because of money?&#8221;&nbsp;
The flood of responses painted a raw picture of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/financial-advisors/25/06/46169253/earning-45000-mo-and-under-financial-stress-this-ramsey-caller-has-2400-car-payments-3000-private-schools-and-a-massive-mortgage">financial stress</a> and the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38628868/warren-buffetts-frugal-lifestyle-hacks-saved-millions-here-are-5-tips-to-follow-suit-in-your-everyda">quiet sacrifices</a> many people are making just to keep a roof over their heads.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Small Luxuries Are Often The First To Go</h2>
Takeout food and delivery apps were some of the most frequently mentioned casualties. &#8220;I absolutely refuse any form of DoorDash,&#8221; one person wrote. Another said, &#8220;We did some math a while back. With the markup and delivery fees, food was costing us almost double through Uber Eats.&#8221;
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Others noted they haven't eaten out in months. One person shared, &#8220;Now when we do get fast food like every three months, our boys actually enjoy it.&#8221;
Several commenters gave up the habit of grabbing coffee on the way to work or picking up snacks while out. &#8220;Now I think twice before spending $5, even if it's something I really want,&#8221; the original poster wrote.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Everyday Social Life Has Taken A Hit</h2>
Many people said they can no longer afford social outings or traditions they once loved. &#8220;Had to stop going to the restaurant with my sister. I loved that tradition of the two of us going to chat but it was way too expensive,&#8221; one wrote. Another added, &#8220;Same, except for me it was with friends. We agreed to try out a new restaurant once a month&#8230; yeah not anymore.&#8221;
Some have even had to step back from friendships altogether. &#8220;I only hang out with friends if I'm running errands with them,&#8221; one person also said. &#8220;I can only offer my company in a way that doesn't involve getting even coffee.&#8221;
Trending: The secret weapon in billionaire investor portfolios that you almost certainly don't own yet. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">See which asset class has outpaced the S&amp;P 500 (1995-2024) – and with near-zero correlation.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Basic Self-Care Also On The Chopping Block</h2>
Haircuts and grooming were another common theme. &#8220;Haircuts. They&#8217;re a luxury to me. I just cut it myself with kitchen scissors,&#8221; said one person. Others mentioned skipping dental checkups or doctor visits, knowing they couldn't afford treatment anyway.
&#8220;I&#8217;m no longer honest with the dentist when they ask if I have any concerns, because I can&#8217;t afford to get another cap or root canal,&#8221; a commenter admitted.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">No Room For Spontaneity</h2>
Several said they missed things like casual day trips or random drives to explore nearby towns. &#8220;My wife and I just had to stop. We loved driving an hour away to explore parks and woods. Now we don&#8217;t have the money and are stuck,&#8221; one wrote.
The cost of gas alone has made what used to be simple pleasures now feel out of reach. &#8220;We can&#8217;t afford a random $60+ to do that when we feel like it,&#8221; said another.
&#8220;Vacations, a weekend trip somewhere. Now hotels and even motels want $180 to $200+ a night.&nbsp; With gas, food and room it costs $1000 for two people to take a 3-day trip anywhere,&#8221; added someone.
See Also: <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>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">When Even Dreams Feel Out Of Reach</h2>
A few users got deeply personal. &#8220;Gave up on my dreams,&#8221; one said plainly. Another echoed the same thought: &#8220;Hope of upward mobility.&#8221;
In one especially poignant comment, a person shared how they stopped bringing gifts to birthday parties and hoped others would understand. Others echoed the feeling of guilt and shame when unable to participate in basic social customs.
The thread wasn&#8217;t filled with pity or outrage. Mostly, it was quiet resignation.
&#8220;I'll answer this on behalf of 99% of the world population: quality of life,&#8221; one person summed up the thread.&nbsp;
Read Next: Over the last five years, the price of gold has increased by approximately 83% — Investors like Bill O&#8217;Reilly and Rudy Giuliani are using this platform to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/american-hartford-gold">create customized gold IRAs to help shield their savings from inflation and economic turbulence.&nbsp;</a>
Image: Shutterstock

No Takeout, No Vacations, No Margin For Error: Cutting Back On Everything Except The Bills

President Donald Trump&#8216;s former lawyer Alan Dershowitz has asserted that he is aware of the identities on the purported client list of the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/social-media/25/05/45710915/elon-musk-once-asked-why-epstein-maxwell-client-list-hasnt-leaked-heres-how-he-responded-to-x-user-who-suggested-he-was-a-client">late financier Jeffrey Epstein.</a>
What Happened: Statements from Dershowitz&#8217;s March appearance&nbsp;on The Sean Spicer Show&nbsp;have come to light again. 
Last week in a post on X, Spicer shared Dershowitz&#8217;s&nbsp;comments, &#8220;I&nbsp;know the names of the&nbsp;individuals. I know why they're&nbsp;being suppressed. I know who's&nbsp;suppressing them. But I&#8217;m bound by confidentiality.&#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">&#x1f6a8;<a href="https://twitter.com/AlanDersh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlanDersh</a> said he saw the entire Epstein list while proving his innocence: &quot;Documents are being suppressed to protect individuals. I know the names of the individuals. I know why they&#39;re being suppressed. I know who&#39;s suppressing them. But I&#39;m bound by confidentiality.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/2bx7SwozN3">pic.twitter.com/2bx7SwozN3</a>
&mdash; Sean Spicer (@seanspicer) <a href="https://twitter.com/seanspicer/status/1943322536189509719?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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Epstein, who committed suicide in 2019, has been the center of conspiracy theories that suggest he provided underage girls for sex to a list of prominent individuals. 
Dershowitz, renowned for representing high-profile clients like Epstein and Donald Trump, was a member of Epstein&#8217;s defense team during the financier&#8217;s investigations for soliciting sex from minors.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46264647/elon-musk-renews-demand-for-jeffrey-epstein-files-release-weeks-after-alleging-trump-is-named-in-them">Elon Musk Renews Demand for Jeffrey Epstein Files Release, Weeks After Alleging Trump Is Named in Them</a>
Earlier this year, the Trump administration hinted at revealing documents and names linked to Epstein&#8217;s inner circle, but later withdrew, sparking outrage among&nbsp;many in the MAGA movement.
Despite a recent government memo stating&nbsp;no new evidence has been&nbsp;found in relation to the Epstein case, Sigrid McCawley, representing several Epstein victims, demanded that those involved in Epstein&#8217;s crimes be brought to justice.
"Epstein could not have run this operation without the help of many people. He needed a lawyer who would, you know, cover things up for him. He needed an accountant who would funnel money in certain ways," McCawley said in a statement.
Why It Matters: The alleged client list of Epstein has been a subject of intense speculation and controversy. The list is believed to contain names of high-profile individuals who were part of Epstein&#8217;s inner circle. 
Dershowitz&#8217;s claim of knowledge about the list and the individuals on it adds a new layer to the ongoing investigations and discussions around Epstein&#8217;s activities.
The Trump administration&#8217;s earlier indication of releasing related documents and names, and its subsequent retraction, has added to the intrigue and public demand for transparency. 
The call by McCawley for those connected to Epstein&#8217;s crimes to be held accountable underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the need for a thorough investigation.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/01/43077007/jeffrey-epstein-allegedly-offered-plea-deal-in-exchange-for-trump-info-if-i-can-give-them-something-on-trump-to-get-him-impeached" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jeffrey Epstein Allegedly Offered Plea Deal In Exchange For Trump Info: ‘If I Can Give Them Something On Trump To Get Him Impeached'</a>
Image: Shutterstock/a katz

Ex-Trump Lawyer Dershowitz Claims Knowledge of Epstein Client List: 'I Know the Names, But I'm Bound by Confidentiality'

The United States has announced sweeping new tariffs on imports from both Mexico and the European Union, citing unresolved trade imbalances and ongoing <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46380544/amid-trump-tariffs-us-customs-duty-collection-exceeds-100-billion-in-a-fiscal-year-for-the-first-time-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">issues with narcotics trafficking.</a>
In two <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114840265771030416">letters </a>dated July 11, 2025, President Donald Trump notified the leaders of both regions that 30% tariffs would be levied on their goods beginning August 1, 2025. These <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114840270617633946">letters </a>were posted in the President&#8217;s social media handle Truth Social. 
The tariffs—outlined in direct correspondence with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen—reflect a broad policy shift that places economic pressure on allies to address long-standing U.S. concerns over trade deficits, narcotics trafficking, and market access.
Also Read:<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst-color/25/07/46381861/us-stocks-to-buy-in-q3-2025-wall-street" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Bank Of America Loves These 8 Stocks For Third Quarter—And Says To Dump These 2 Fast</a>
Trump emphasized that the 30% tariff on Mexican imports was partly a response to the country's continued failure to dismantle powerful drug cartels.
The White House warned that if Mexico attempts to sidestep the tariffs through transshipment or imposes retaliatory tariffs, those actions will trigger additional penalties.
However, Trump offered tariff exemptions to firms that relocate production to the United States, promising a fast-tracked approval process.
The European Union's letter criticized the bloc for its &#8220;non-reciprocal&#8221; trade policies and tariffs that have contributed to one of the U.S.'s largest trade deficits.
Trump stated the new tariff regime is a corrective step and will apply broadly to EU goods, excluding those already under sector-specific tariffs.
He assured that companies shifting operations to the U.S. would be spared and supported through expedited regulatory procedures.
In both letters, Trump signaled a willingness to engage—if counterparts take concrete steps to address U.S. concerns.
Here are five strong picks of publicly traded U.S. companies that stand to be affected by the new 30% tariffs on Mexico and the EU:
Deere &amp; Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DE#NYSE">DE</a>) – The agricultural equipment giant expects approximately $500 million in tariff-related costs affecting parts imported from Mexico and the EU, Thw Wall Street Journal <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/deeres-plans-for-offsetting-500-million-in-tariff-costs-79ae52d8" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a> in May.
General Motors Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GM#NYSE">GM</a>) – Roughly 30% of General Motors vehicles sold in the U.S. during the first three quarters of 2024 were built in Canada and Mexico, CNBC <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/27/gm-stock-trump-auto-tariffs.html" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported </a>in March.
With around half of its vehicles produced outside the U.S. and facing an estimated $4–5 billion in tariff exposure, the firm has adjusted its 2025 earnings forecasts downward and is boosting U.S. production<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/guidance/25/05/45133096/this-is-how-much-it-will-cost-general-motors-from-trumps-tariff-policy" rel="noreferrer noopener"> to offset impact .</a>
Ford Motor Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>) – Ford's earnings are under pressure from higher steel, aluminum, and auto tariffs, with analysts warning that tariffs could cost billions and significantly affect its earnings—specifically due to its heavy parts crossing borders .
5. Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WHR#NYSE">WHR</a>) – With <a href="https://www.whirlpoolcorp.com/global-locations.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">major </a>manufacturing hubs in Mexico for appliances and parts, a 30% tariff on imports would directly raise costs for Whirlpool's U.S. supply chain and potentially erode its retail margins.
These ETFs may bear the brunt of the new tariffs due to their significant exposure to cross-border manufacturing, European industrials, and Mexico-based production networks: iShares Inc iShares MSCI Mexico ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EWW#NYSE">EWW</a>), SPDR DJ Euro STOXX 50 Etf (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FEZ#NYSE">FEZ</a>), and more.
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/07/46381494/mm-skittles-maker-rejects-rfk-jr-s-call-to-drop-synthetic-dyes-people-can-buy-alcohol-and-cigarettesbut-colored-candy-is-an-issue" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">M&amp;M, Skittles Maker Rejects RFK Jr.&#8217;s Call To Drop Synthetic Dyes — &#8216;People Can Buy Alcohol And Cigarettes…But Colored Candy Is An Issue?&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock/Lightspring

Trump Targets Mexico, EU With 30% Tariffs

After just one month of listening to "The Ramsey Show" and putting herself on a budget, a caller named Mary faced a moment that would shake most people: a credit card debt collector threatening to sue her over a $6,000 balance.
But Mary had been doing her homework.
"I just listened to an episode of Dave Ramsey telling them that, you know, I'm going to file bankruptcy — leave me alone. And that's what I did," she told Jade Warshaw and Ken Coleman <a href="https://youtu.be/KYXx6z4rzdE?si=jNREYSyfRnDR87I5">during a recent show</a>. "I was like, ‘My financial advisor told me that I might file bankruptcy, so if I do, you'll get the call. Uh, remove me off your call list.' And I hung up."
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That move, while terrifying to her in the moment, earned instant praise from the hosts.
"I love it," Jade said. "My financial advisor — she was like, ‘I'm <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/06/45911214/dave-ramsey-told-a-31-year-old-man-making-less-than-10k-a-year-you-have-a-pretty-extreme-income-problem-but-youre-not-bankrupt">going to file bankruptcy</a>,' and then like hung it up. Good for you!"
Still shaken, Mary asked if she had done the right thing. Jade assured her she had.
"What you essentially told them is, ‘I don't have the money that you're asking for and I'm broke.' And so if you think you're going to get that money from me, you're wrong," Jade explained. "You're basically saying, ‘Yeah, if you're going to sue me, sue me.'"
According to the Ramsey team, collection agencies rarely follow through with lawsuits — and in most cases, the debts have already been sold for pennies on the dollar. The smart strategy, they said, is to stop paying them small amounts and instead save up enough to make a settlement offer.
Mary had already sent a $445 payment via money order and tracked it, but she admitted she was still figuring things out. "I don't know if I did that right," she said.
"That's great that you did that," Jade responded. "I would stop doing that, because at this point I would stack up money so that you can make them an offer."
Trending: The secret weapon in billionaire investor portfolios that you almost certainly don't own yet. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">See which asset class has outpaced the S&amp;P 500 (1995-2024) – and with near-zero correlation.</a>
She advised Mary to eventually say something like: "You've been blowing me up and blowing me up — this is the only money I have. And you're going to make a deal with me."
When Mary confessed how terrified she was after that first call, Jade and Ken reassured her that the fear was normal — but the power she felt afterward was real.
"Didn't it feel good a little bit?" Jade asked.
"Yes, it did. It actually did," Mary said. "Because after I said, ‘Remove my phone number,' I don't know — something broke in the spirit, I believe. And I'm like, if another debt collector calls me right now, I'm going to see this."
"That is my favorite line," Ken said. "‘Something broke in the spirit,' she said. That's really good."
While Mary was not officially sued, it's worth noting what the <a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-debt-collector-sues-you">Federal Trade Commission recommends</a> if that day ever comes. According to the FTC, responding to a debt collection lawsuit is critical — even if you don't believe the debt is valid. By answering the complaint or showing up in court, you protect your rights and force the debt collector to prove they have the legal authority to collect. Ignoring a lawsuit, on the other hand, can result in a default judgment, wage garnishment, or even seizure of funds.
See Also: <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>
Mary's confidence and momentum didn't go unnoticed. The hosts gifted her the premium version of the EveryDollar budgeting app, Ramsey's new book, "Build the Business You Love," and a copy of Coleman's "The Proximity Principle."
As it turns out, Mary just launched her <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/financial-advisors/25/06/46129839/woman-with-two-kids-tells-dave-ramsey-her-husband-wants-to-quit-and-sell-their-home-to-start-a-restaurant-without-research-or-business-plan">own meal prep and nutrition business</a> — the same one she went into student loan debt to pursue. She now makes $2,400 per month and has a $261 monthly surplus.
While she still carries $10,000 in student loans and $9,000 in collections, she's not backing down. Jade summed it up best:
"You're capable of far more than you ever thought possible. You really, really are."
Ken couldn't resist tying it all together: "I got goosebumps, because we heard Mary roar."
Read Next: Over the last five years, the price of gold has increased by approximately 83% — Investors like Bill O&#8217;Reilly and Rudy Giuliani are using this platform to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/american-hartford-gold">create customized gold IRAs to help shield their savings from inflation and economic turbulence.&nbsp;</a>
Image: Shutterstock

Caller With $9,000 in Collections Says She Followed Ramsey's Advice, Told Debt Collector 'I'm Broke. Sue Me'— Now She's Second Guessing It

The market's technical health is flashing green: 62% of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/s-p-500-index">S&amp;P 500 stocks</a> are trading above their 200-day moving averages, the highest since January. This is a classic sign of broad market strength and often signals a sustained rally is underway.
Barcharts noted in a post on X:
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">62% of S&amp;P 500 stocks are now trading above their 200-Day moving average, the most since January &#x1f6a8;&#x1f4c8; <a href="https://t.co/AbudEjRObD">pic.twitter.com/AbudEjRObD</a>
&mdash; Barchart (@Barchart) <a href="https://twitter.com/Barchart/status/1943464911075709278?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2025</a></blockquote>
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But strong breadth doesn't mean every sector or stock is firing equally. Traders who zero in on where momentum lives &#8211; and where opportunity hides &#8211; can get ahead. Here are three ways to play this market:
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">1. Ride The Energy Resurgence</h2>
Energy stocks are quietly leading this rally. With oil prices bouncing off key support levels, major players like ExxonMobil Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XOM#NYSE">XOM</a>) (up over 5% in the past month alone) and Chevron Corn (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>) (up over 7% in the past month) are breaking above their 200-day moving averages and showing strong momentum. 
Traders can look for breakout plays and momentum swings in these stocks to capture upside in this overlooked sector.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/broad-u-s-equity-etfs/25/07/46294263/another-july-another-sp-500-rally-but-somethings-seriously-off-this-time">Another July, Another S&amp;P 500 Rally &#8211; But Something&#8217;s Seriously Off This Time</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2. Target Defensive Sector Breakouts</h2>
Not all sectors have joined the party yet. Utilities, as tracked by the Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLU#NYSE">XLU</a>) and consumer staples, as tracked by the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLP#NYSE">XLP</a>), are still below their 200-day moving averages but look poised for a breakout if the rally broadens. 
These defensive stocks can offer lower volatility ways to participate in a market uptrend, especially if traders prefer less risk.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">3. Use Volatility To Your Advantage</h2>
The VIX remains elevated near 15–16, meaning the market isn't calm. That's a boon for option traders who can collect premium selling covered calls or cash-secured puts on fundamentally strong stocks. Volatility also creates swing trade setups as stocks fluctuate, providing tactical entry points.
With most S&amp;P 500 stocks above a key long-term trendline, the market is in a bullish technical stance. Traders should focus on sectors with momentum, watch for late bloomers, and embrace volatility to maximize returns.
Read Next: 
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46342321/nvidia-microsoft-apple-smash-10-trillion-is-this-peak-tech">Nvidia, Microsoft, Apple Smash $10 Trillion—Is This Peak Tech?</a></li>
</ul>

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