Hello, hello! Today is Sept. 17 and we've got something new for you...
Whether you're hustling a 9-to-5, running a business, or dreaming of starting one, Money Making Moves is your go-to newsletter. We cut through the noise to deliver the best in personal finance, business news, and side hustle ideas—no fluff, just what you need to grow your wealth. We’ve done the hard work so you can sit back and dive in. And yes, we’ll sprinkle in some current events too, because your bank account isn't the only thing that matters. Ready to make some moves? Let’s go!
In the Fast Lane of Business...
Amazon is calling its workers back to the office full-time, ending the hybrid work policy in January 2025. CEO Andy Jassy says this will spark better collaboration, though the move has stirred tension, especially after a protest organiser was fired. While remote work for emergencies will still be allowed, the clear message is: it’s back to the office for good!
Home Depot’s been hit with a nearly $2 million bill for allegedly overcharging customers at checkout—thanks to some sneaky “scanner errors” that had prices higher than what was on the shelves. While they denied any wrongdoing, California officials weren’t buying it and now the retailer must pay up and fix its pricing practices. This isn’t the first retail giant to get caught—Walmart faced a similar lawsuit, proving that overcharging at the register is a bigger issue than many realise. Keep an eye on those receipts!
Former MoviePass CEO Mitch Lowe has pleaded guilty to securities fraud for duping investors, after the app's wildly popular $10-a-month movie-a-day plan crashed and burned into bankruptcy. Now facing up to five years in federal prison, Lowe says he's ready to take responsibility and move on. Meanwhile, MoviePass is back in action under cofounder Stacy Spikes, trying for a sequel after its box-office flop.
Influencer-Approved: Business Ideas You Can Kick Off This Week
Cody Schneider, a powerhouse of business ideas, shares his blueprint for building a business that could generate $50K a month. From creating Canva tutorial videos on YouTube to scaling into a consulting business—and even developing your own software to solve the gaps you find along the way—Cody breaks it all down, step by step, to help you turn ideas into serious revenue. (Watch here)
Coupons have come a long way, from Sunday circulars to online codes and apps, making it easier than ever to save money—but timing still matters. According to SimplyCodes, Friday is the best day for snagging deals, with 52% of coupons released between Wednesday and Friday. However, beware of "spaving"—the temptation to spend more just to save, which can lead to overspending and credit card debt. Consumer experts suggest only using coupons when you actually need them and avoiding the urge to buy just because there's a deal. Tools like price trackers and coupon aggregators can help you score the best savings without falling into the spaving trap!
Finance expert Sean Bryant believes the 2024 US elections will significantly impact the stock market, regardless of the winner. If Kamala Harris takes office, Bryant plans to invest in renewable energy companies, delay student loan repayments, and gain exposure to infrastructure development, expecting federal spending to boost these sectors. He also suggests real estate as a smart hedge against inflation, especially with Harris’s potential new tax and interest rate policies. With Trump favouring oil production, the markets could shift either way, making Bryant's strategy a balanced approach to navigating post-election uncertainty.
If you're considering a new savings account or CD, it’s important to know how the Fed’s rate decisions impact your potential earnings. With the federal funds rate currently at 5.25-5.50%, the Fed's next meeting in mid-September could result in a rate cut, which would likely lower interest rates on deposit products. This means now could be a smart time to lock in a competitive CD rate, potentially as high as 5% APY, before rates drop. Actionable steps: review your current accounts, compare high-yield savings accounts or CDs offering the best rates, and consider locking in a long-term CD now to maximise your returns before any changes are made.
In partnership with Elevated Leads Ltd.
2024 U.S. Election: A High-Stakes Battle Between Trump And Harris
"The 2024 U.S. General Election has become a fierce contest following President Joe Biden's unexpected withdrawal, with Vice President Kamala Harris stepping in as the Democratic candidate against Donald Trump - with tight betting odds and key battleground states likely determining the outcome."