A US boomer returns to work full-time after struggling with $1,470 in Social Security payments. Despite retirement, she now works seven days a week to make ends meet. Also, get to know if Brits will be getting extra holiday breaks for 2025 in today's Money Making Moves: 

> Pamela Shields, a 67-year-old from Fort Worth, Texas, exemplifies the struggles many retirees face when Social Security benefits fall short of covering basic expenses. Forced to retire early at 59 due to a car accident, Shields found her $1,470 monthly Social Security checks insufficient, especially after medical bills and delayed disability payments drained her 401(k). To make ends meet, she “unretired,” working night shifts at a grocery store and caregiving for neighbors during the day, boosting her income by $600 but leaving her exhausted. Despite her financial struggles and lingering pain from her injury, Shields continues to support her family, urging others to plan early for unexpected life challenges.

> A Senate subcommittee criticized U.S. airlines for generating $12.4 billion in seat selection fees between 2018 and 2023, including charges for extra legroom, window or aisle seats, and seats closer to the front. United Airlines alone earned $1.3 billion from seating fees last year, surpassing revenue from checked bag fees for the first time since 2018. Airlines have eliminated many ticket change fees but have increased charges for popular seats and added more premium seating options to boost profits, which the Biden administration has labeled as "junk fees." Budget carriers like Spirit and Frontier were also criticized for paying gate agents to enforce bag policies, leading to additional fees for passengers.

> The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched a broad antitrust investigation into Microsoft, focusing on its software licensing, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence practices. The investigation, approved by FTC Chair Lina Khan before her expected departure in January, explores allegations that Microsoft uses punitive licensing terms to discourage customers from moving data from its Azure cloud service to competitors. Critics, including rivals like Amazon and Google, have accused Microsoft of practices that lock customers into its ecosystem, with Google also filing a complaint in Europe over high mark-ups and delayed security updates. Microsoft has declined to comment, leaving the probe's outcome uncertain as political leadership shifts may influence regulatory approaches.

Rebecca Rosenberg, founder of ReBokeh Vision Technologies, created a free app to help individuals with moderate, uncorrectable vision impairments optimize their existing sight using smartphone or tablet cameras. Inspired by her own struggles with inadequate assistive technologies, her startup now serves users in over 90 countries and continues to refine its tools through extensive community feedback. Rosenberg highlights the lack of accessibility in diversity and inclusion conversations, advocating for greater awareness and venture funding for entrepreneurs with disabilities. She encourages fellow entrepreneurs to trust their judgment when faced with conflicting advice and draws motivation from role models like Dr. Bonnie Swenor and uplifting songs like "This Is Me" from The Greatest Showman.

If you’re short on time and space but want a side hustle, consider drop-shipping. This business model lets suppliers handle inventory, packaging, and shipping, while you focus on customer service and communication. Success often comes from targeting a niche market, like Jeff’s cricket drop-shipping venture featured in Episode 46. It’s a simple way to earn extra income with minimal overhead.

> Danielle Fang, a former teacher and stay-at-home mom, began volunteering by leading a literacy course but noticed many students struggled with the time commitment. To address this, she uploaded the lessons online, inadvertently creating a side hustle. Her YouTube channel, supported by Google AdSense, now earns her around $2,000 a month while helping others access free educational resources. Danielle encourages other parents to explore similar ventures, emphasizing how giving back can also be financially rewarding through advertiser-supported models like hers. For more tips on how to grow a YouTube channel, check here. 

> The UK government has dismissed speculation about adding a bank holiday in 2025 to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, confirming no such plans are in place. Despite calls for a commemorative day, the government emphasized honoring VE and VJ Day anniversaries through a £10 million fund for national events, using the existing early May bank holiday for remembrance. This decision reflects concerns over the economic impact of additional bank holidays, disappointing many who hoped to celebrate the contributions of the wartime generation. While past events like the Platinum Jubilee and King Charles III’s coronation saw extra holidays, the government’s consistency on such decisions remains under scrutiny.

> Negotiating a promotion requires preparation, patience, and a willingness to build trust over time, according to negotiation expert Horacio Falcão. He emphasizes the importance of avoiding three common mistakes: moving too fast, failing to ask questions, and having an overly rigid idea of success. Regular conversations with supervisors can help employees set clear goals and demonstrate leadership potential, while asking thoughtful questions during negotiations can provide clarity and foster better communication. Falcão highlights that successful negotiations should aim for a collaborative “win-win” outcome rather than a one-sided victory.