Scammers are taking advantage of rumours about the Tesla Pi Phone to deceive eager fans. Despite the buzz, there's no confirmation the phone is real. Also, some JetBlue Airways routes might soon be a thing of the past as the company plans to cut unprofitable routes. All these and more in today's Money Making Moves: 

> Rumours of a Tesla Pi Phone have sparked excitement, but scammers are exploiting the buzz, especially among loyal Cybertruck owners. While the phone remains purely speculative, fake videos and posts online have fueled interest in its potential features, like Starlink connectivity and solar charging. Scammers have targeted Tesla fans with phishing schemes, including impersonating Elon Musk and offering fake early access deals. Savvy fans recognize these scams, but the frenzy underscores the need for caution amid the hype.

> JetBlue Airways announced plans to cut unprofitable routes, redeploy aircraft with its premium Mint business class, and adjust its European services to improve profitability. The carrier will stop flights between key cities, including Miami and JFK, and end service to San Jose, California, while continuing Miami service from Boston. JetBlue also plans to drop its second JFK-Paris flight and summer-only JFK-London Gatwick route by summer 2025, with new European routes to be announced soon. Passengers impacted by these changes can choose alternate flights or request refunds, as JetBlue focuses on cost reduction and adapting to shifts in post-pandemic demand.

> Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida is under intense pressure to turn around the struggling automaker amid weak sales in North America and China, job cuts, and production challenges. Critics blame Uchida’s management strategy for Nissan’s missteps, including the failure to offer hybrids in the U.S. and production issues with its new EV, the Ariya. Activist investors are increasing their stakes as Uchida pledges cost-cutting measures and recovery plans to make Nissan leaner and more competitive. The company’s struggles, exacerbated by external challenges like U.S. tariffs and rapid shifts in the EV market, have sparked doubts about Uchida’s leadership and calls for new management.

Many aspiring writers dream of becoming published authors but are discouraged by the complexities of working with traditional publishing companies. By becoming an "author-preneur," writers can take control by self-publishing their books, selling directly to readers, and leveraging social media to build a loyal fan base. Print-on-demand services make it easy to produce and ship books without the need for inventory, while offering related merchandise can create additional income streams. Success stories like poet Rupi Kaur show how self-publishing and online engagement can lead to bestselling books and thriving businesses.

Turn your event-planning skills into a lucrative side hustle by organizing high-end retreats. Many people dream of luxurious getaways but don’t have the time to plan them, creating a demand for this service. You can design unique, upscale experiences tailored to clients' preferences and charge a service fee for your efforts. Start by reaching out to friends and family who might be interested to build your portfolio and reputation.

> Starting your own business in 2025 could become a reality with the right preparation and action steps. Begin by refining your idea, identifying your motivation, and ensuring it has the potential to make money. Research your competition to gain insights and build connections, and assess your finances to determine costs and funding options. Finally, create a detailed business plan to guide your journey, anticipate challenges, and present to potential investors or lenders. Building your brand? This tool can help you promote your business. 

> Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani met UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss trade, investment, and a potential free trade agreement with Gulf Cooperation Council nations. The UK government hopes the deal could add GBP1.6 billion ($2 billion) to its economy and open new markets for British businesses. During the visit, Qatar announced a GBP1 billion ($1.3 billion) investment in UK climate technologies, and Starmer praised the partnership while noting Qatar's mediation role in the Middle East. The visit included royal ceremonies, a Sandhurst military academy visit, and a planned dinner in London's financial district, though human rights concerns were also raised.

> Do you shop in dollar stores? Dollar Tree and Dollar General are facing significant challenges despite their appeal to value-conscious shoppers, with both reporting declining sales and cutting forecasts for 2024. Leadership shakeups, messy stores, and increased competition from rivals like Walmart, Amazon, and Aldi have contributed to their struggles. Dollar Tree is considering selling its Family Dollar brand, which has performed poorly, while both retailers deal with backlash over store conditions and safety violations. High inflation, changing shopper habits, and the shift to digital platforms have further strained their business models, causing shares to drop over 40% this year.