UnitedHealth Group and other companies are accused of charging Americans up to 1000% more for prescription drugs. The price hike has sparked widespread criticism and calls for greater transparency in drug pricing. Also, do you love Costco? Find out why a couple cancelled their account a year into their membership in today's Money Making Moves:

> UnitedHealth Group has been accused of imposing exorbitant markups on prescription drugs, with an FTC report revealing that its pharmacy, OptumRx, and others charged markups exceeding 1,000% on lifesaving generic medications. The report claims the 'Big 3' pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) collectively generated $7.3 billion in revenue from 2017-2022 through such practices. UnitedHealth Group and CVS refuted the findings, asserting they help lower costs for patients, while critics argue the data was cherry-picked. This controversy comes amid UnitedHealth’s strong financial performance and the tragic December 2024 death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

> Elon Musk questioned the financial feasibility of President Donald Trump's $500 billion AI infrastructure plan, Stargate, involving OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank, claiming the companies lacked sufficient funding. Musk's comments on his X platform suggested SoftBank had less than $10 billion secured, sparking a sharp exchange with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who refuted the claim and invited Musk to view the project's progress. The public disagreement highlighted tensions between Musk and Altman, who are also rivals in AI development, and underscored early discord among tech leaders during Trump’s second administration. Despite the controversy, Trump touted Stargate as a historic collaboration poised to advance AI and create jobs in the U.S. over the next four years.

> CNN plans to lay off hundreds of employees as it shifts focus toward a global digital audience and reduces production costs, with some shows potentially moving to Atlanta for cheaper production. The cuts are part of Warner Bros. Discovery’s $70 million investment in CNN's digital operations, which includes expanding into areas like data science and product development. Most high-profile anchors under contract will not be affected, and CNN recently launched a $3.99-per-month digital paywall to capitalize on online users. Similarly, NBC News is planning smaller-scale layoffs this week, reflecting a broader industry trend as audiences increasingly shift from linear TV to digital and streaming platforms.

A unique business idea is to start a medical courier service to meet the growing needs of the expanding healthcare industry. With a reliable vehicle and strong time management skills, you can transport essential medical items like lab specimens, prescription drugs, and medical equipment. The business can cater to a diverse client base, including hospitals, nursing homes, labs, and private practices, offering job stability and growth potential. You can begin as an independent driver or scale the business by hiring a team, leveraging the projected 1.9 million annual job openings in healthcare-related fields.

A great side hustle idea is creating unique jewelry pieces and selling them at local farmers' markets. Farmers' markets are thriving across the U.S., providing a perfect platform to showcase your creativity and earn extra income. For example, after changing continents multiple times, an elementary school teacher found true love, settled in New Zealand, started panning for gold, and now makes $40,000 a year creating and selling gold jewelry, working mostly on weekends. This flexible venture allows you to turn your passion into profit without interfering with your weekday schedule.

> Obesity is a complex, costly chronic disease influenced by access to healthy food and physical activity opportunities, requiring collective efforts to support healthier lifestyles. The federal government addresses obesity through research, promoting dietary and physical activity guidelines, supporting low-income families, and collaborating on initiatives like the White House National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. States and communities contribute by creating walkable communities, expanding healthy food programs, and implementing family-focused obesity prevention strategies. Healthcare providers play a vital role by using respectful communication, assessing risk factors, recommending treatments, and connecting patients with resources like Food Is Medicine programs. Also there are programs that offer monetary incentives for weight loss. To know more, check here. 

> The price of Ripple's XRP surged to $3.25 on January 22nd, fueled by optimism over a potential resolution to its legal battle with the SEC as the agency prepares for a closed meeting on January 23rd. The SEC's lawsuit, filed in 2020, alleges Ripple offered XRP as an unregistered security, part of broader enforcement actions under former SEC Chair Gary Gensler. The meeting marks the first under pro-crypto SEC acting chair Mark Uyeda, who has called for reforms to cryptocurrency regulations and enforcement policies. Despite speculation, former SEC lawyer Marc Fagel suggested a settlement is unlikely at this meeting and more likely after Paul Atkins, a pro-crypto figure, becomes SEC Chair.

> A Costco membership initially seemed like a great idea, but one individual found it unsuitable for their two-person household. Although they appreciated the retailer's products, the bulk-buying structure encouraged impulsive shopping and led to wasted food and money, especially with large quantities of unused or forgotten items. Snacks purchased in bulk contributed to unhealthy eating habits and clutter, as the oversized packaging overwhelmed their limited storage space. After letting the membership lapse, they discovered a more organized and efficient shopping routine that better suited their lifestyle.