A story from Ashlee Vance's 2015 New York Times bestseller, "Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future," recently resurfaced, portraying the billionaire CEO as a very demanding leader. The narrative detailed how Musk's assistant of 12 years, Mary Beth Brown, requested a raise, leading Musk to ask her to take a two-week leave of absence. Upon her return, Musk allegedly let her go, stating he could manage her workload himself, framing this as "an important career lesson."

Musk quickly dismissed the story as "total nonsense," but the tale was widely circulated, originally reported by Business Insider and later picked up by other outlets such as Entrepreneur and promoted by Fortune on social media. While the authenticity of the story remains uncertain, it underscores the harsh reality that anyone can be replaced in the corporate world.

In light of this, becoming indispensable in a corporate setting is crucial. Experts suggest developing a unique skill set, sharing knowledge, focusing on skill development over titles, and cultivating relationships with key decision-makers. Additionally, demonstrating receptiveness, maintaining respect, embracing transparency, solving problems creatively, delivering results, and continuously improving can make an employee invaluable to their company. (Full story)

Fueled by a desire to secure a brighter future for her family, Anne Curry transitioned from earning $5 an hour as a preschool teacher to becoming a successful real estate investor with a portfolio of 300 units and 12 apartment buildings across Washington and Arizona. In a recent interview with GOBankingRates, Curry shared insights into her real estate journey, emphasising three crucial questions she asks before investing in property: "What is the area like?" to evaluate the neighbourhood's suitability and potential for growth, "Will it cash flow?" to ensure the property can generate positive income, and "What is your exit strategy?" to plan for the property's long-term marketability and potential resale. These questions guide her decision-making process, helping her select properties that promise growth and profitability.

Curry's professional journey began in early childhood education, a path influenced by her parents' expectations. However, the financial limitations of this career led her to explore real estate as a means to provide for her family. A chance encounter with a real estate mentor ignited her passion for property investment, providing hands-on experience in flipping homes and managing rentals. Despite numerous setbacks and mistakes, Curry learned valuable lessons, ultimately leading to her substantial success in the real estate market. Emphasising long-term investment strategies, Curry prioritises patience and strategic planning in her real estate ventures, advising aspiring investors to develop unique skills, build strong relationships, and continuously improve their approach. (Full story)

Scammers are increasingly using card skimming devices to collect credit or debit card data from magnetic stripes at ATMs, gas pumps, and payment terminals, costing consumers and banks nearly $1 billion annually. These devices are hard to detect as they blend in seamlessly with the machines, and scammers often use additional phishing tactics, such as hidden cameras or fake keypads, to capture PINs. According to FICO, the number of compromised debit cards due to skimming rose by 96% in 2023, affecting over 315,000 cards. A recent operation by the United States Secret Service in Florida uncovered 13 skimming devices, preventing potential losses of $1.3 million.

To avoid falling victim to card skimming, the Federal Trade Commission recommends inspecting ATMs and point-of-sale machines for signs of tampering, such as loose card readers or mismatched faceplates. Non-bank ATMs, especially those in bars, grocery stores, and restaurants, are particularly vulnerable. Changing PINs regularly, checking for suspicious transactions, and using mobile wallets like Apple Pay can help mitigate risks. Additionally, EBT cardholders should utilise features like card freezing to protect their benefits. If an EBT card is compromised, it is crucial to report it immediately and request a replacement to prevent further losses. (Full story)

Legendary investor Warren Buffett's value investing strategies continue to distinguish him in the investing world, particularly during volatile market periods. His approach of acquiring great businesses at low prices for long-term holding has significantly benefited Berkshire Hathaway, with its stock up 12.86% year-to-date and over 91% in the past five years, despite global conflicts and the pandemic. Recently, Buffett has focused on energy stocks, allocating 10% of his $331 billion portfolio to this sector. In early June, he purchased over 7 million shares of Occidental Petroleum at an average price of $60 per share when oil prices were around $77.52 per barrel. Since then, oil prices have risen to over $83, which is expected to benefit both Occidental Petroleum and Chevron, the fifth-largest holding in Berkshire Hathaway's portfolio.

Chevron, which pays a 4.22% dividend yield, has shown robust performance, with significant increases in global production and strategic advancements in renewable energy projects. In Q1, Chevron returned $3 billion to shareholders in dividends and reported total earnings of $5.5 billion. Meanwhile, Occidental Petroleum, where Buffett now holds a nearly 29% stake, continues to expand its low-carbon initiatives and chemical manufacturing capabilities. Berkshire Hathaway's renewable energy subsidiary is collaborating with Occidental to commercialise lithium extraction for electric vehicle batteries. Despite a 2.08% YTD growth in its stock, Occidental remains a key part of Buffett's portfolio due to its ambitious energy plans and effective management. Both companies, as dividend aristocrats, offer stable income streams through consistent and growing dividend payouts, making them attractive to investors seeking reliable returns. (Full story)

A bank insider warns that having over $3,000 in your checking account may not be as secure as you think, highlighting potential risks and better money management strategies for security and financial growth. Rachael P., a veteran bank teller, shared her insights with GOBankingRates, explaining the drawbacks of keeping excessive funds in checking accounts. Her key reasons include the lack of interest earned, the temptation for impulsive spending, missed bank bonus opportunities, limited FDIC insurance coverage, and the potential impact on loan applications. Additionally, large balances in checking accounts can expose you to a higher risk of fraudulent activity.

Rachael advises that large sums should instead be placed in high-yield savings accounts or other investment vehicles to take advantage of compounding growth. She emphasises that separating funds can help manage impulsive spending and maintain clearer financial distinctions, which can be beneficial during loan approvals. By keeping smaller balances in checking accounts, individuals can minimise their attractiveness to scammers and better protect their finances. Following these tips can help safeguard your money and ensure it works for you by earning interest and growing over time. (Full story)