Bread Finl Hldgs (NYSE:BFH) Bolsa

BREAD FINANCIAL HOLDINGS INC

Bread Finl Hldgs

Formed by a combination of JCPenney's credit card processing unit and The Limited's credit card bank business, Bread Financial is a provider of private-label and co-branded credit cards, loyalty programs, and marketing services. The company's most financially significant unit is its credit card business that partners with retailers to jointly market Bread's credit cards to their customers. The company also retains a minority interest in spun-off LoyaltyOne, which operates the largest airline miles loyalty program in Canada and offers marketing services to grocery chains in Europe and Asia.

Bread Financial Holdings, Inc. Common Stock

Bread Financial Holdings Inc

BENEFICIAL HLDGS INC by Beneficial Holdings, Inc.

Beneficial Holdings Inc

/ Loop Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LOOP#NASDAQ">LOOP</a>) (the "Company," "Loop," "we," "us," or "our"), a clean technology company whose mission is to accelerate a circular economy for polyester by manufacturing 100% recycled polyethylene terephthalate ("PET") plastic and polyester fiber, today announced it has executed a $1.5 million engineering services agreement with Ester Loop Infinite Technologies Private Ltd. ("ELITe"), its India JV with Ester Industries Ltd. ("Ester").

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Loop Industries Executed $1.5M Engineering Services Agreement for Infinite Loop India Project

On the AgingCare forum, a 72-year-old man <a href="https://www.agingcare.com/questions/my-mother-is-going-to-outlive-her-money-this-year-she-will-have-to-leave-her-private-pay-al-facility-445277.htm">turned to the community</a> with a heartbreaking question: "Am I a bad son if I don't want to do this?"
His 94-year-old mother had "outlived her money," and her private-pay assisted living facility—the last one available in his area—was no longer <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/are-you-rich">financially sustainable</a>. Once her funds ran out, she'd be left with only one option: a Medicaid-funded nursing home.
He considered bringing her home, but he'd already tried that. Twice. And both times ended badly.
"Bickering and fighting reached a point where I had to get her out or lose my marriage," he wrote.
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His mother's needs had grown. She was no longer walking, refused to bathe in the shower, needed help changing soiled adult diapers, and insisted on keeping the house at 80 degrees due to being "perpetually cold." Her memory was fading. She was demanding and forgetful. He admitted that taking her in again would be a "24 x 7" responsibility—and would likely destroy his marriage.
Faced with guilt, pressure, and financial strain, he turned to strangers online to ask whether applying for Medicaid and placing her in a nursing facility made him a failure.
The community's response was clear and compassionate.
"You're not a bad son," one user told him. "But your status as a good husband may suffer if you do [bring her home]."
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Others pointed out that his mother's needs—mobility issues, incontinence, memory loss—likely qualified her for skilled nursing care. Some encouraged him to contact Medicaid immediately. One user advised: "She is beyond assisted living and needs a skilled nursing facility… You'll be a much better son if her physical needs are being met by a team of workers."
According to <a href="https://www.carescout.com/cost-of-care">Genworth's 2024 Cost of Care Survey</a>, the median cost of a private room in a nursing home is $10,646 per month, making long-term care unaffordable for most retirees without assistance.
Ultimately, the man returned to the thread with an update. He said he planned to follow the advice: move his mother into a nursing facility a couple of months before her money runs out, pay privately at first, and begin the Medicaid application during that window.
"Now in just two days, there is the kernel of a plan," he wrote. "Lots of work to do and people to contact… Ample time to do things right."
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While the 94-year-old mother may not have planned for her situation, her son's dilemma highlights a widespread concern: Americans across generations worry about running out of money in retirement, according to a <a href="https://www.allianzlife.com/about/newsroom/2025-Press-Releases/Americans-Are-More-Worried-About-Running-Out-of-Money-Than-Death">2025 Allianz Life study</a>. The fear is especially pronounced among Gen Xers (70%) and millennials (66%), but even among baby boomers—many of whom are already retired—61% say they're concerned about outliving their savings.
This specific case illustrates a larger cultural tension: wanting to honor family while also protecting one's own mental health and marriage.&nbsp;
When a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43795796/rich-retirees-are-sitting-on-millions-but-living-like-theyre-broke-turns-out-they-fear-running-out-of-money">parent outlives their savings</a>, there are no perfect solutions. But protecting your marriage and your mental health doesn't make you a bad child—it makes you human.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mark-cubans-advice-for-lotto-winners">Many are surprised by Mark Cuban's advice for lotto winners: Cash or annuity?</a>
Image: Shutterstock

Personal Finance

I'll Lose My Marriage' — 72-Year-Old Man Asks If He's A Bad Son For Applying For Medicaid To Place His Broke 94-Year-Old Mom In A Nursing Home

By the end of his life, Charlie Munger had seen just about everything—wars, depressions, dot-com bubbles, and the rise of billionaires in hoodies. But it was at the <a href="https://youtu.be/u5TI8mPImPk?si=YIgGG5UMiAliZ2rT">2022 Daily Journal shareholder meeting</a>, a full year before his passing, that the Berkshire Hathaway vice chairman delivered one of his most sobering—and simultaneously sharpest—observations yet: America's poor used to bury their children. Now, he said, "they're too fat."
At 98 years old, Munger still wielded a wit as dry as the Mojave and a memory sharper than most men's ambition. Speaking from a small conference room in Los Angeles, a can of Diet Coke in front of him—always repping a Berkshire favorite—he was asked what worried him most about the economy and the stock market—and what gave him hope.
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"You have to be optimistic about the competency of our technical civilization," Munger said, ever the rationalist. But, he added, the nature of what we consider "problems" has radically shifted.
"In the past, if you wanted three children," Munger said, "you had to have six, because three died in infancy. That was our ancestors. Think of the agony of watching half your children die."
That wasn't metaphor. Munger was born in 1924. He <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/12/42416245/charlie-munger-found-it-weird-how-life-was-pretty-brutal-and-short-but-now-things-are-600-better-and-yet-people-are-less-happy">remembered the tail end of those days</a>.
"And now," he said, pausing slightly for effect, "the principal problem of the poor people is they're too fat."
It wasn't a punchline. It was a statement of contrast, loaded with perspective and more than a little bite. "That is a very different place from what happened in the past. In the past, they were on the edge of starving."
Munger's genius wasn't just in numbers. It was in pattern recognition—especially the patterns nobody liked to talk about.
Despite what he called "an enormous increase in living standards and freedom and diminishment of racial inequities," Munger lamented a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/04/45110288/99-year-old-billionaire-charlie-munger-said-iron-rule-of-life-is-everybody-struggles-but-you-have-to-soldier-through-its-your-only-option">darker irony of modern life</a>: "People are less happy about the state of affairs than they were when things were way tougher."
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Why?
"It has a very simple explanation," Munger said. "The world is not driven by greed. It's driven by envy."
Yes, even the man <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44855242/charlie-munger-once-highlighted-how-warren-buffetts-lifelong-learning-made-berkshire-hathaways-success-possible-and-the-crucial-lesson-you-can-take-from-it">who'd sat beside Warren Buffett</a> for half a century, building one of the world's most envied fortunes, argued that it wasn't wealth itself that made society churn—it was comparison.
"They take it for granted," he said of modern Americans. "All they think about is somebody else is having more now, and it's not fair that he should have it and they don't."
This wasn't just some philosophical quip for Munger. He reached straight for the Old Testament to make his point: "That's the reason that God came down and told Moses you couldn't envy your neighbor's wife—or even his donkey."
Yes, Munger really said donkey. "Even the old Jews were having trouble with envy."
From envy to economics to public safety, Munger wove it all together, noting that as a kid during the Great Depression in Omaha, Nebraska, he felt safer walking the streets than he did in modern-day Los Angeles. Even after all the societal gains, he said, "a lot of people are very unhappy and feel very abused after everything's improved by about 600%."
Then came a personal confession, rare for a man known for his cold-eyed analysis: "I have conquered envy in my own life. I don't envy anybody. I don't give a damn what somebody else has."
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But not everyone's so lucky. And many, he noted, "play to the envy in order to advance their own political careers," even entire media networks "pour gasoline on the flames of envy."
Still, even in his cynicism, Munger offered advice—especially for the younger generation tempted by Instagram lifestyles and status watches.
"If you stop to think of the pretentious expenditures of the rich—who in the hell needs a real Rolex watch, so you can get mugged for it?" he said. "Don't go there. The hell of the pretentious expenditure—I don't think there's much happiness in it."
But here's the kicker: it's those same expenditures, those same ego-driven flexes, that drive the capitalist engine. "It does drive the civilization we actually have," he said. "It drives the dissatisfaction."
Munger referenced Harvard psychologist Steven Pinker, pointing out that objectively, life has vastly improved. But, he said, "as it gets better and better, people are less and less satisfied. That is weird—but that's what's happened."
In the end, Munger's message wasn't just about the economy. It was about human nature. How we never stop comparing. How we rewrite our own baseline for suffering. And how, in the land of plenty, we've somehow convinced ourselves we're starving.
But maybe the real hunger is for contentment.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/are-you-rich">Are you rich?</a> Here&#8217;s what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy.
Image: Shutterstock

Billionaire Charlie Munger Said Watching Your Kids Die Was Once the 'Agony of Poverty' — Now the Poor's Biggest Problem Is 'They're Too Fat'

Costs for various goods and services have soared over the years. Many restaurants have raised their prices, even fast food restaurants that previously touted low prices in their marketing efforts.&nbsp;
Some people have adjusted to these costs by eating out less and doing more grocery shopping. However, some people have been taken aback by recent grocery price hikes, and it's even <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/DaveRamsey/comments/1le08bs/is_it_me_or_budgeting_for_groceries_is_becoming/">affecting Walmart shoppers</a>. This trend generated quite the chatter on Reddit as people talked about how much groceries have gone up, even if you don't live in a city or shop at Whole Foods.
"Our grocery bill is insane," a Walmart shopper said on Reddit.
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The Redditor lives by a keto diet, which eliminates cheap foods like beans, rice, and potatoes. This post came in the Dave Ramsey subreddit, where people are looking carefully at how they spend money and working hard to get out of debt. A few people offered suggestions for navigating higher costs.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">‘Survival Mode' Grocery List</h2>
One Redditor explained that they created a ‘survival mode' grocery list that costs $75 per week during emergencies. This list consists of spinach, blueberries, bread, protein (the Redditor mentioned salmon and turkey), bananas, and some protein powder.
However, this Redditor mentioned that they live alone without any kids. Some people can operate on less food, but there is a limit. If you find yourself living too close to the edge, it may be worth picking up a side hustle to boost your income or look for other expenses to cut.
Groceries should be one of the last expenses you cut. It's better to cancel every single streaming subscription and other unnecessary costs before trimming groceries. Avoiding places like Whole Foods can also get more mileage out of every dollar you spend on groceries.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Buy What's On Sale</h2>
Many grocery stores will run special sales to attract more customers and sell inventory that has been a little slow. Some Redditors use this to their advantage and only buy food that is on sale.
Hunting for discounts can reduce your grocery bill while resulting in a good meal. Some people apply this strategy to other spending categories instead of limiting it to grocery bills.
"I base what I cook completely on what's on sale that week," one Redditor stated.
Other Redditors suggested buying in bulk. It's similar to buying what's on sale since larger orders allow you to buy the same groceries at a lower price. For instance, if you buy bottled water, it's much cheaper to buy an entire case than it is to buy individual water bottles.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Medical Bills Are Worse</h2>
Although you can save money by eating unhealthy food, one Redditor warned that medical bills are a lot more expensive if you neglect your health. Those medical bills can also pile up when you are retired and don't have a salary to keep you afloat.
While healthy food is more expensive, it is an investment in the present and the future. You'll feel better by consistently eating healthy food, and you will be less likely to incur substantial medical bills when you get older.
You can still look for coupons and shop at grocery stores that offer plenty of value for your dollar. Some people said that prices have soared over the past few years but remained stable over the past year.
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Image: Shutterstock

'Our Grocery Bill Is Insane'—Why Even Budget-Savvy Shoppers Are Struggling at Walmart Now

A father&#8217;s post revealing a hefty Disneyland breakfast bill of $937.65 has caused widespread disbelief and criticism.
What Happened: The father, known on social media as John &#8216;Rock &amp; Roll&#8217; Tolkien or @jrockandrollt, shared his family&#8217;s breakfast bill from the&nbsp;Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures at&nbsp;Disneyland Resort in California. 
The bill, which included a $150 tip, was for a family of five and totaled just under $1,000.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">"Princess Breakfast" at Disneyland with my kids. Almost spit out my coffee <a href="https://t.co/05iO8AeCJ2">pic.twitter.com/05iO8AeCJ2</a>
&mdash; John "Rock &amp; Roll" Tolkien (@jrockandrollt) <a href="https://twitter.com/jrockandrollt/status/1934752252079820913?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2025</a></blockquote>
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The post, featuring a snapshot of the bill, has garnered nearly 17 million views. The comment section is rife with reactions of shock and criticism, with many arguing that the father&nbsp;must have been aware of&nbsp;the high prices at the venue.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/entertainment/25/06/45712604/man-says-girlfriend-ran-off-with-3-6-million-lottery-winnings-after-he-bought-the-ticket">Man Says Girlfriend Ran Off With $3.6 Million Lottery Winnings After He Bought the Ticket</a>
The breakfast took place at the Napa Rose Restaurant, located&nbsp;inside Disney&#8217;s Grand Californian Hotel&nbsp;&amp; Spa, a 4-star hotel situated within&nbsp;the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim,&nbsp;California.
Disneyland has been contacted by Newsweek for a response to the incident.
This incident has sparked a conversation about the high costs associated with visiting theme parks like Disneyland. Critics argue that these prices can make such experiences inaccessible for many families. 
The father&#8217;s post serves as a stark reminder of the financial implications that can come with a day out at such venues. 
It remains to be seen how Disneyland will respond to this controversy and whether it will lead to any changes in their pricing policies.
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Image: Shutterstock/Shutterstock AI

$1,000 Disneyland Breakfast Sparks Outrage: Dad Says He 'Almost Spit Out My Coffee'

In the wake of escalating global tensions and US-Iran conflict, the cryptocurrency market has taken a significant hit. 
What Happened: Cryptocurrency Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) has dipped below the $100,000 mark, while XRP and Dogecoin have plunged to their lowest in two months.
On Sunday morning, Bitcoin&#8217;s value fell below the $100,000 mark, while XRP and Dogecoin prices hit a two-month low.
This drop in cryptocurrency prices comes in the aftermath of the U.S.&#8217;s involvement in the conflict between Israel and Iran. Late on Saturday, President Donald Trump announced that U.S. forces had bombed three Iranian nuclear facilities in an operation named &#8216;Midnight Hammer&#8217;.
At the time of writing, Bitcoin&#8217;s price was at $99,843, marking its lowest since early May. Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>), another major cryptocurrency, also took a significant hit, falling more than 10% to $2,171. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/45939432/bitcoins-current-cycle-sees-a-656-surge-matching-market-maturation-pace">Bitcoin&#8217;s Current Cycle Sees A 656% Surge, Matching Market Maturation Pace</a>
Other major altcoins like XRP, Solana (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/sol/usd">SOL</a>), and Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>) also experienced a fall, with their prices hitting a two-month low.
As per CoinGlass, liquidations across the crypto market have accelerated, with $949 million worth of positions liquidated in the last 24 hours. 
Ethereum led the way with about $369 million worth, followed by Bitcoin at $242 million.
The recent geopolitical unrest has triggered a wave of uncertainty in the global financial markets, including cryptocurrencies. 
Amid the chaos, users of prediction market Myriad have become increasingly bearish on Bitcoin&#8217;s price prospects, giving a nearly 65% chance that Bitcoin will plunge below $95,000 next.
The current scenario underscores the volatility of cryptocurrencies and their susceptibility to global events. It remains to be seen how the crypto market will respond in the coming days as the geopolitical situation evolves.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/05/45335892/decade-old-bitcoin-whale-emerges-transfers-207-51-million-btc-with-nearly-112000-profit" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Decade-Old Bitcoin Whale Emerges, Transfers $207.51 Million BTC With Nearly 112,000% Profit</a>

$BTC

$DOGE

$ETH

$SOL

Global Tensions Trigger Cryptocurrency Crash: Bitcoin, XRP, And Dogecoin At 2-Month Lows

In a move that has drawn widespread criticism, President Donald Trump has appointed&nbsp;22-year-old Thomas Fugate to a&nbsp;critical terrorism-prevention role, amidst rising tensions with Iran.
What Happened: Fugate, who previously worked as a landscaper and grocery clerk, has been tasked with overseeing&nbsp;the Center for Prevention Programs&nbsp;and Partnerships (CP3)&nbsp;at the Department of Homeland&nbsp;Security (DHS). 
This appointment comes at a time when the U.S. is preparing for potential Iranian terrorist attacks following a&nbsp;U.S. military strike on three&nbsp;Iranian nuclear sites.
Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) voiced his criticism of the appointment on X, highlighting Fugate&#8217;s lack of experience in counter-terrorism. &#8220;22&nbsp;years old. Recent work experience:&nbsp;landscaping/grocery clerk. Never worked a&nbsp;day in counter-terrorism. But he's&nbsp;a BIG Trump fan. So&nbsp;he got the job,&#8221; Murphy stated.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">As our nation girds for possible Iranian terrorist attacks, this is the person Trump put in charge of terrorism prevention. 22 years old. Recent work experience: landscaping/grocery clerk. Never worked a day in counter-terrorism. But he's a BIG Trump fan. So he got the job. <a href="https://t.co/FIlMWFoudZ">pic.twitter.com/FIlMWFoudZ</a>
&mdash; Chris Murphy &#x1f7e7; (@ChrisMurphyCT) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisMurphyCT/status/1936750454270247004?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Pro Publica&#8217;s <a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/trump-dhs-thomas-fugate-cp3-terrorism-prevention">investigation </a>revealed that Fugate secured the job in May, succeeding William Braniff,&nbsp;an Army veteran with over&nbsp;twenty years of national security experience. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46043305/donald-trump-announces-spectacular-military-success-as-us-strikes-key-iranian-nuclear-sites">Donald Trump Announces &#8216;Spectacular Military Success&#8217; As US Strikes Key Iranian Nuclear Sites</a>
Braniff&nbsp;resigned in protest of cuts&nbsp;to CP3. Critics are concerned about the decision to assign Fugate to such a crucial role, especially given the current geopolitical scenario.
Political observers are questioning the president's decision to entrust a 22-year-old with a critical role—especially as the position has taken on even greater importance recently.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">As major U.S. cities brace for possible terror attacks in response to the strikes on Iran, just a reminder of who Trump put in charge of terror prevention God help us all <a href="https://t.co/0UgrP6jHNQ">pic.twitter.com/0UgrP6jHNQ</a>
&mdash; Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/RpsAgainstTrump/status/1936636306987118777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">22-year-old gardner/grocery clerk Thomas Fugate in charge of counterterrorism making everyone feel safe right about now? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Iran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Iran</a><a href="https://t.co/z641lmCIjg">https://t.co/z641lmCIjg</a>
&mdash; Enough Alrighty (@enough_alrighty) <a href="https://twitter.com/enough_alrighty/status/1936598414286102875?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Why It Matters: The appointment of a young individual with no counter-terrorism experience to a key role in terrorism prevention has raised eyebrows, particularly in the context of escalating tensions with Iran. 
The decision reflects a broader trend of political appointments based on loyalty rather than experience. This could potentially undermine the effectiveness of the DHS in preventing terrorist attacks and safeguarding national security. 
The move also raises questions about the administration&#8217;s prioritization of national security amidst geopolitical tensions.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46042298/trump-publicly-contradicts-dni-gabbards-claim-that-iran-lacks-nuclear-capabilities-shes-wrong" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Publicly Contradicts DNI Gabbard's Claim That Iran Lacks Nuclear Capabilities: ‘She's Wrong'</a>
Image: Shutterstock/chrisdorney

Politics

Outrage Mounts Over Trump's Appointment of 22-Year-Old to Terrorism Unit Amid Iran Crisis

How much money does it take to retire comfortably? Using the <a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/econres/scf/dataviz/scf/chart/#series:Net_Worth;demographic:all;population:1;units:median">Federal Reserve's 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances</a>, retirees' net worth has been split into six tiers, offering a sharp snapshot of financial health for those aged 65 and up. The Fed doesn't list these tiers outright, <a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/publications/files/scf23.pdf">but the data</a>—based on percentiles—is rich enough to draw a clear picture.
Net worth is calculated by adding up everything someone owns—homes, retirement accounts, investments—and subtracting debts like mortgages or credit cards. This survey is done every three years, and since the last update was in 2022, the insights here will remain the benchmark until new data arrives, most likely in late 2026.
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</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bottom 25%: Under $50,000</h2>
About one in four retirees falls here, with net worth under $50,000. Many rely primarily on Social Security, including the average $1,900 monthly benefit. There is often little in savings, and emergency needs—like medical bills—can quickly drain limited resources.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lower Middle Tier: $50,000 to $410,000</h2>
Next up, retirees with net worth between $50,000 and the median $410,000. Homeowners in this group may be debt-free or carry manageable mortgages. With cautious planning, they often stretch Social Security and modest savings to make ends meet, though luxury remains out of reach.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Upper Middle Tier: $410,000 to $1.52 Million</h2>
Between the median and the 80th percentile, retirees in this bracket likely hold paid-off homes and healthy investments. They have enough flexibility for travel, health surprises, and occasional extras without jeopardizing their budget.
Trending: Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wideradvisor-retirement-planning">Schedule your free call with a financial advisor to start your financial journey – no cost, no obligation</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Affluent Tier: $1.52 Million to $2.99 Million</h2>
Here, retirees enjoy real financial comfort. Investments are diversified and managed. Philanthropy, home upgrades, and travel are doable. They sleep better knowing unexpected costs are unlikely to derail their plans.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top 10%: $2.99 Million to $13.7 Million</h2>
These retirees sit in the 90th to 99th percentile. Their wealth allows for complex financial strategies—multi-generational planning, private wealth advisors, long-term care budgets. They've often <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/are-you-rich">built this through long-term investing</a> or real estate gains.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top 1%: Over $13.7 Million</h2>
At the pinnacle, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/06/45895323/think-youre-rich-heres-the-income-and-net-worth-it-actually-takes-to-join-the-top-1-5-and-10">just 1% of retiree households</a> exceed $13.7 million in net worth. This group enjoys complete financial choice—most continue working by choice, not necessity—and can focus on legacy, impact, or passion projects.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Surprising Retirement Gap</h2>
Americans often underestimate the challenge. The <a href="https://news.northwesternmutual.com/2025-04-14-Americans-Believe-They-Will-Need-1-26-Million-to-Retire-Comfortably-According-to-Northwestern-Mutual-2025-Planning-Progress-Study">Northwestern Mutual 2025 Planning &amp; Progress Study</a> found the average person believes they need $1.26 million to retire well. Yet data shows <a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/econres/scf/dataviz/scf/chart/#series:Net_Worth;demographic:agecl;population:all;units:median;range:1989,2022">most households age 65 to 74 </a>hold under $410,000. Only about one in ten have saved more than ten times their income.&nbsp;
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">So… How Much Do You Really Need?</h2>
That depends on more than just a number. Are you planning to renovate your home—or downsize? Do you see yourself spending retirement traveling the country, or helping raise grandkids? Will you pay off a mortgage, start a small business, or take on part-time work for fun and flexibility?
Your lifestyle matters just as much as your balance sheet. Two retirees with the same net worth might live very different lives depending on how they spend, where they live, and how much support they have. One might be sipping coffee in a paid-off condo while the other is juggling property taxes, adult children, and a second car payment.
The six wealth tiers can <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/smartasset">give a sense of where you stand</a>—but the real question is how you'll use what you have. The number alone won't define your retirement. What you do with it will.
Read Next: Can you guess how many retire with a $5,000,000 nest egg? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/5mil-nest-egg-adv">The percentage may shock you</a>.
Image: Shutterstock

There Are 6 Tiers Of Wealth For Retirees — Are In The Top 1% Or Just Upper Middle Class?

A minor investment bank, guided by&nbsp;Donald Trump Jr.&nbsp;and&nbsp;Eric Trump, has enabled a relatively unknown toymaker to make a profitable shift to cryptocurrency, causing its stock to skyrocket by more than 500%.
What Happened: Dominari Holdings Inc., where the Trump brothers are advisors, played a key role in two transactions within a month that resulted in a $120 million profit. 
Dominari initially helped an investment fund, overseen by its senior executive Soo Yu, to purchase a stake in the struggling toymaker&nbsp;SRM Entertainment Inc.
Last week, SRM revealed plans to rebrand as&nbsp;Tron Inc., with crypto entrepreneur Justin Sun joining as an advisor. This announcement caused SRM&#8217;s stock to jump from less than $2 to over $9, yielding significant profits for Dominari, Soo Yu, and the fund she manages, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-06-18/trump-linked-bank-helped-set-up-120-million-tron-deal-windfall?sref=TBDibEcD">reports </a>Bloomberg. 
The fund&#8217;s stake, acquired for $5 million in May, was valued at $127 million by Tuesday night.
While the Trump family holds advisory positions at Dominari, there is no proof of their participation in these transactions. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46042224/donald-trump-jr-joins-mark-cuban-in-slamming-elizabeth-warren-on-healthcare-pricing">Donald Trump Jr. Joins Mark Cuban In Slamming Elizabeth Warren on Healthcare Pricing</a>
Nonetheless, this swift profit contributes to the financial wins of executives linked with the Trump family over the past year, especially in the cryptocurrency sector.
SRM&#8217;s metamorphosis includes a strategic shift towards buying virtual tokens associated with Sun&#8217;s crypto platform. This step signifies another expansion to the growing network of crypto-related ventures connected to Trump allies.
Although the ultimate recipients of the investment fund&#8217;s successful wager are yet to be determined, Dominari and Yu were given warrants for their involvement in the May deal, which rose in value from $230,000 to $3.8 million by Tuesday.
Why It Matters: The sudden windfall for SRM Entertainment Inc., now Tron Inc., highlights the growing influence of cryptocurrency in reshaping traditional industries. 
The involvement of high-profile figures such as the Trump brothers and Justin Sun further underscores the mainstream acceptance of digital currencies. 
This event also draws attention to the potential for significant financial gains in the crypto sector, even for struggling businesses.
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Small Investment Bank Tied to Trump's Sons Facilitated $120 Million Trading Windfall

For anyone stuck in a low-paying, high-stress job, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43759794/are-you-a-top-1-earner-heres-what-you-need-to-rake-in-to-be-among-the-richest">making six figures</a> might sound like the ultimate goal. A recent Reddit <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Salary/comments/1lfmvlh/to_those_of_you_making_100k_per_year_how_hard_is/">post</a> asked a simple question: &#8220;To those of you making $100K+ per year, how hard is your job, really?&#8221; The answers surprised a lot of people.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Big Pay Doesn't Always Mean Big Stress</h2>
While some six-figure earners put in long hours or deal with intense pressure, many say their work is surprisingly manageable.
&#8220;I am making $205K this year and I&#8217;m stoned most of the time while doing my job,&#8221; one person said about their remote public relations role in New York. &#8220;My job is easy to me, but maybe not to other people.&#8221;
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A <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/01/43346851/surprisingly-feasible-software-engineer-shares-how-a-175k-second-job-helped-him-save-20k-in-just-two-months">software engineer</a> making $450,000 admitted, &#8220;I work about 40 hours a week, just like most other jobs. My job would be very hard for engineers with less experience in my domain,&#8221; but for him, &#8220;things feel pretty straightforward.&#8221; Another added, &#8220;I work about 15 hours a week running email campaigns in my boxers [for $110,000]. Could easily be making $150-200K, but the work/life balance is invaluable.&#8221;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Experience Is Everything</h2>
Many said their jobs only feel easy because of the years of work they put in earlier. One person summed it up like this: &#8220;The job isn't hard. What was hard was getting here.&#8221;
Some roles, like development, security, and operations, or DevSecOps, come with real responsibility. &#8220;I make 225k base with 30-70k bonus. The pressure is real&#8230; infrastructure being the backbone of everything,&#8221; one worker said. But even in those demanding fields, the payoff can be worth it: &#8220;I wouldn't trade it. I've reached a point where the pay is good, the work is meaningful, and I have enough autonomy.&#8221;
Trending: Invest early in CancerVax's breakthrough tech aiming to disrupt a $231B market. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/this-company-may-have-found-a-way-to-treat-cancer-by-tricking-the-bodys-immune-system-and-early-studies-show-some-promise-find-out-how-you-can-invest-in-the-future-of-cancer-treatment">Back a bold new approach to cancer treatment with high-growth potential.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hard Isn't Always Physical</h2>
There's a big difference between physical labor and mentally demanding work. A registered nurse making around $120,000 said, &#8220;It's more so mentally tough having to take care of the more difficult patients.&#8221; Dealing with families was one of the top complaints among nurses.
Others echoed that not all &#8220;hard&#8221; jobs feel the same. &#8220;Jobs aren&#8217;t paid by how hard they are,&#8221; one commenter wrote. &#8220;You&#8217;re paid based on how easily replaceable your skill set is and how much value the position creates.&#8221;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sales And Tech Reign Supreme</h2>
Sales and tech roles were common among high earners, often with flexible hours and big bonuses. &#8220;When it&#8217;s great, it feels like I am cheating in life,&#8221; said one tech salesperson. &#8220;When it&#8217;s bad, I regret all my life decisions. In sales, you don&#8217;t just make &#8216;less,&#8217; you get fired.&#8221;
Another person in the same field making about $300,000 a year said, &#8220;As long as I get my sh&#x2A;t done, my manager doesn't care what I do. I take off early to golf a lot, wake up 30 minutes before my meetings, and can take my calls from anywhere in the world.&#8221;
See Also: Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wideradvisor-retirement-planning">Schedule your free call with a financial advisor to start your financial journey – no cost, no obligation</a>.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Some Jobs Really Are That Tough</h2>
Not everyone in the thread had it easy. Military officers, air traffic controllers, and clinical nurse managers described heavy stress and long hours.
&#8220;Work/life balance is terrible,&#8221; one officer wrote. &#8220;I heavily dislike it but I have a family to feed and the retirement is literally the best there is. 40 hours a week isn&#8217;t even close enough to cover all the sh&#x2A;t that I need to do, on top of all the things I&#8217;m expected to do outside of work—physical training, master&#8217;s degree, military education.&#8221;
The responses made one thing obvious: pay and difficulty aren't always connected. A job might be stressful, but not hard. Or it might be chill, but it took years of hustle to get to that point. As one person put it: &#8220;You aren't paying someone to push the buttons so much as you are paying them to know what button to push.&#8221;
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/gbr-savings-by-age">If You're Age 35, 50, or 60: Here&#8217;s How Much You Should Have Saved Vs. Invested By Now</a>
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Earning More Than $100,000 Feels Like A Dream To Many. But When You Look Closer, Some Of These Jobs Aren't As Difficult As You'd Think

The recent US strike on Iran&#8217;s nuclear facilities has sparked concerns about the potential repercussions on global oil prices, as market analysts and traders assess the situation.
What Happened: According to a report, the US&#8217;s Saturday assault on Iran&#8217;s nuclear infrastructure could significantly influence oil prices, although the long-term consequences are still unclear.
Oil market participants are now contemplating whether the US&#8217;s actions might trigger a broader conflict that could disrupt Persian Gulf exports, Muyu Xu, a&nbsp;senior Asia crude oil analyst&nbsp;at&nbsp;Kpler,&nbsp;a global commodities and shipping&nbsp;data firm, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/22/business/us-iran-oil.html">told </a>The New York Times. 
Such a situation could inflate&nbsp;prices if oil-loading facilities are&nbsp;compromised or tanker traffic is impeded.
Despite the recent intensification of the Israel-Iran conflict, oil supplies have remained largely unaffected. However, oil prices have surged approximately 10 percent since the onset of hostilities with Israel&#8217;s unexpected attack on Iran on June 13.
Any Iranian military response that disrupts oil flow would predominantly impact China, Iran&#8217;s main oil export customer and close ally. 
In contrast, the US, which purchases&nbsp;less than 3 percent of&nbsp;the Persian Gulf&#8217;s oil, would be less affected due to its increased domestic oil production from fracking technologies.
Als<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46043305/donald-trump-announces-spectacular-military-success-as-us-strikes-key-iranian-nuclear-sites" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">o Read: Donald Trump Announces ‘Spectacular Military Success' As US Strikes Key Iranian Nuclear Sites</a>
Meanwhile, Iran's parliament voted on Sunday to authorize the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, following overnight US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Strait of Hormuz is the world&#8217;s most sensitive oil shipping chokepoint.
Iran's state media has reported that the vote, though largely symbolic, grants authority to the Supreme National Security Council to move forward with the proposed measure. 
While no immediate steps are expected, the move underscores Tehran's determination to respond to what it has described as a clear act of U.S. aggression, reports <a href="https://gulfnews.com/business/markets/irans-strait-of-hormuz-closure-threat-raises-stakes-for-global-energy-shipping-1.500172765">The </a>Gulf News. 
Why It Matters: The recent escalation in US-Iran tensions has significant implications for global oil markets. The potential for a wider conflict could disrupt oil&nbsp;exports from the Persian Gulf,&nbsp;a critical region for global oil supplies. 
This could lead to a surge in oil prices, affecting economies worldwide. Particularly, China could face significant challenges as the main buyer of Iran&#8217;s oil exports. 
On the other hand, the US could be less affected due to its increased domestic oil production. However, the situation remains fluid, and the long-term impacts are still uncertain.
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US-Iran Tensions Escalate as Iran Threatens Hormuz Closure, Potentially Rattling Global Oil Markets

It turns out, being single in your 30s and 40s isn&#8217;t just emotionally isolating for some—it&#8217;s financially punishing, too.&nbsp;
A recent Reddit <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Millennials/comments/1letggy/no_one_really_talks_about_how_expensive_being/">post</a> in r/Millennials sparked a wide-ranging discussion, with many users pointing out that the economic system just isn&#8217;t built for individuals.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Economy Is Designed For Pairs, Not Individuals</h2>
&#8220;I can&#8217;t <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/01/42880871/a-couple-asks-can-you-get-away-with-spending-only-300-per-month-on-groceries-heres-what-people-said-most-agreed-on-this-one-thing">buy food in bulk</a> because on average it would spoil before I could get through it,&#8221; the original poster wrote. &#8220;So buying smaller portions is not cheaper but somehow more expensive in the end.&#8221;
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Many agreed that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-much-should-i-spend-on-groceries">groceries</a> were only a fraction of the problem. &#8220;I&#8217;m less concerned about bulk food shopping and more about paying an entire mortgage on my own,&#8221; one person replied. &#8220;Spinach going bad before I eat it all is not the thing killing my budget.&#8221;
As one person explained, their mortgage would have been one-third the cost of their current rent—if only their original plans hadn't fallen through due to family circumstances. Others noted that being able to split rent and bills would completely change their financial standing.
The conversation quickly expanded to cover a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/06/45761398/why-do-we-feel-so-poor-middle-class-american-says-every-u-s-state-pays-more-than-the-uk-and-we-have-lower-costs-yet-brits-still-live-better">wide range of financial stressors</a> faced by single people: rent, mortgage, home repairs, car maintenance and the inability to split costs.
&#8220;It's super painful to pay alone. My life would be lavish if I could halve my expenses,&#8221; one commenter said.
Trending: Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wideradvisor-retirement-planning">Schedule your free call with a financial advisor to start your financial journey – no cost, no obligation</a>.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Roommates Aren't Always The Answer</h2>
Several people pointed out that even <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/11/42193386/mark-cuban-shared-600-a-month-dallas-apartment-with-5-guys-and-slept-on-the-living-room-floor-i-had-nothing-so-i-had-nothing-to-lose">having a roommate</a> isn&#8217;t always a good fix. &#8220;For me, the peace of not having to deal with another person is worth not having that extra $1,000 a month,&#8221; one wrote. Another added, &#8220;Having a roommate can unfortunately be a case of financial Russian Roulette.&#8221;
Others admitted that the risks and emotional drain of living with strangers just aren&#8217;t worth the savings: &#8220;I am an introvert. I&#8217;ve had roommates I adored, but even just existing in the same space as another person is exhausting,&#8221; one person shared. &#8220;Home should be my sanctuary.&#8221;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A System That Doesn't Fit</h2>
The bulk of responses echoed the idea that the current economic model is more suitable for couples. "Society was not designed for single people and it's not sustainable long term," one commenter wrote. Others pushed back, saying it can be done—but only with a high income or extreme discipline.
&#8220;Sure, you can freeze food, meal prep and shop sales,&#8221; one person said, &#8220;but not everyone has the time, energy, space or mental bandwidth to do that every week.&#8221;
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Several comments referenced what's often called the &#8220;single tax&#8221;—not an actual tax, but the lack of financial perks enjoyed by couples. "When my partner and I met, moved in together and combined finances, all my money concerns disappeared," one person wrote.
Another said, &#8220;I work with couples who each make twice what I make. They live in a world with four times the income and half the expenses.&#8221;
For many Millennials, the price of independence is higher than anyone warned. And while living alone offers freedom, it often comes with a financial penalty that's quietly reshaping how people think about adulthood and stability.
Read Next: Many are using retirement income calculators to check if they&#8217;re on pace —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-do-i-calculate-my-retirement-income-adv"> here&#8217;s a breakdown on what&#8217;s behind this formula.</a>
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No One Warned Millennials That Being Single Could Be So Expensive. It's Becoming One Of The 'Biggest Financial Barriers No One Talks About'

Receiving regular insights from personal finance experts can help you set long-term goals and adopt good money habits. However, most of the strategies revolve around saving money and ruthlessly cutting costs. That's why "I Will Teach You To Be Rich" author Ramit Sethi proposed a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFTAGjeWBXs">different path</a>.
"Very few people talk about increasing your earnings," he said in a recent video about mastering your personal finances.
Sethi then shared the mentality you should have when thinking about your income and expenses, plus some strategies you can use to boost your earnings.
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</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">There Is No Limit To How Much You Can Earn</h2>
There are limits to how much you can reduce expenses. If you earn $5,000 per month, you cannot reduce expenses by more than $5,000 per month since you need housing, groceries, and other essentials. You can operate more efficiently to save money, but every penny-pincher always bumps into the necessities and gets stuck.
However, there is no limit to how much you can earn. Sethi explains that most people operate as if they have been given a fixed pie that dictates how much they earn. Since people are always taught to cut these expenses above all else, it's easy to view income as a ceiling instead of looking for ways to boost your income in a meaningful way.
Sethi says that an extra $500 per month can change most people's lives. He then upped the ante and asked how your life would change if you made an additional $5,000 per month. Having these thoughts can shift the conversation from relentlessly cutting costs to discovering better ways to make extra money.
Trending: Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wideradvisor-retirement-planning">Schedule your free call with a financial advisor to start your financial journey – no cost, no obligation</a>.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Adopting An Abundance Mentality</h2>
Suppose you're thinking about going on a vacation. You have a destination in mind, and it may have been on your list for a few years. However, there's one problem: it's a very expensive trip.
People without an abundance mindset may wave off their bucket list item and say that they can't afford it. However, an abundance mindset can make that dream trip more attainable. Sethi says that if you want to travel to that major destination, look for ways to make more money.
Using a trip like that as your goal can inspire you to work harder and smarter as you look for ways to boost your earnings.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Develop Skills That Increase Your Earnings</h2>
Having the right mindset and focusing on boosting your income will lead to plenty of possibilities. You can invest more, save more, and spend more without feeling bad about yourself. However, you have to put your time into the right areas to get results.
See Also: Invest early in CancerVax's breakthrough tech aiming to disrupt a $231B market. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/this-company-may-have-found-a-way-to-treat-cancer-by-tricking-the-bodys-immune-system-and-early-studies-show-some-promise-find-out-how-you-can-invest-in-the-future-of-cancer-treatment">Back a bold new approach to cancer treatment with high-growth potential.</a>
Sethi suggested picking up a side hustle and learning career skills that can introduce new revenue streams. Job hopping is also a great solution, as you can get a higher salary this way than by waiting for a raise. However, Sethi mentions he knows someone who went from earning $45,000 per year to $90,000 per year while staying at the same company. Sethi credited this individual's ability to negotiate a higher salary as the reason for doubling their salary without switching jobs.
If you are motivated to earn money and prioritize income growth over cost cutting, you can give yourself more options in the future. It's still important to track your expenses and trim unnecessary costs, but if you focus on income growth, there's no limit to how much wealth you can accumulate.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/gbr-savings-by-age">If You're Age 35, 50, or 60: Here&#8217;s How Much You Should Have Saved Vs. Invested By Now</a>
Image: Shutterstock

Ramit Sethi Pushes Back On Frugal Habits With One Key Insight: 'Very Few People Talk About Increasing Your Earnings'

When most people imagine the average American's wealth, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43174989/is-your-401k-balance-above-average-find-out-if-youre-beating-most-savers-2">they picture 401(k)s</a>, mutual funds, maybe a pile of cash stashed in a bank account. But if you dig into the data, it turns out the biggest piece of the pie is something you drive by every day: a house.
According to the <a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/publications/files/scf23.pdf">Federal Reserve's 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances</a> — the most recent data available — primary residences make up 30% of the average American household's total net worth. That's right. The roof over your head often holds more weight in a family's finances than any stock ticker ever could.
The report, which surveys thousands of households across income brackets and age groups every three years, gives a unique look into what the typical American portfolio really looks like.
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</ul>
Here's how the rest of it breaks down:
Retirement accounts like <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/06/45825806/is-your-retirement-nest-egg-above-average-heres-what-people-have-in-their-401k-and-ira-at-each-age">401(k)s and IRAs come next</a>, accounting for 25% of household wealth. It's the kind of savings most people don't touch until they're older, but for many, it's their biggest long-term bet.
Public equities and mutual funds make up 15% of net worth. These are the traditional stock market investments — the kind you'd expect to see topping the list. But for most households, it's just a slice of the pie, not the main course.
Private business ownership or equity stakes account for 12%, though this is more common among wealthier households and small business owners. It's a high-risk, high-reward category — one that can heavily tilt net worth upward or downward depending on success.
Trending: Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wideradvisor-retirement-planning">Schedule your free call with a financial advisor to start your financial journey – no cost, no obligation</a>.&nbsp;
Other real estate, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/06/45951931/renters-flood-the-new-jersey-suburbs-the-garden-state-has-more-tenants-than-any-other-state-as-home">including rental properties </a>and vacation homes, makes up 10%. Not everyone is in the landlord game, but those who are tend to diversify here.
Cash and deposits — the checking, savings, and emergency funds — only make up 5% of household wealth on average. It's enough to pay bills, but hardly the driver of long-term financial growth.
And finally, "other" assets like vehicles, collectibles, and miscellaneous valuables total just 3%. While they might feel like assets in the garage or attic, they don't move the needle much on paper.
So why does this matter?
Because the way wealth is held in America isn't just <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/smartasset">about the number in your retirement account</a> — it's about where your money lives. And for most households, that's still in real estate. It's a reminder that while investing is important, owning a home is still the biggest building block of wealth for everyday Americans.
Read Next:
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<li>Invest early in CancerVax's breakthrough tech aiming to disrupt a $231B market. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/this-company-may-have-found-a-way-to-treat-cancer-by-tricking-the-bodys-immune-system-and-early-studies-show-some-promise-find-out-how-you-can-invest-in-the-future-of-cancer-treatment">Back a bold new approach to cancer treatment with high-growth potential.</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/gbr-savings-by-age">If You're Age 35, 50, or 60: Here&#8217;s How Much You Should Have Saved Vs. Invested By Now</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Can You Guess What Single Asset Makes Up 30% Of The Average American's Portfolio? It's Not a 401(k)

Having knowledge of unique sectors and niches may help provide answers to others exploring topics in that area. A unique knowledge of antiques helped Nora Curl turn <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/25/06/45831855/gen-z-turns-to-siblings-and-side-hustles-to-afford-homes-amid-soaring-prices">her side hustle </a>into a full-time job.
&#8220;On weekends, I would go to auction houses, museums, junk stores with friends and just kind of treasure hunt,&#8221; Curl told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2023/12/18/antique-appraiser-nora-curl-makes-an-average-10k-a-month-on-justanswer-her-advice.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CNBC</a>&nbsp;of her time working in Hollywood in the 1990s.
Curl, who was able to identify rare valuables while exploring, got a degree in connoisseurship in fine and decorative arts in 2002. She then moved to New York to explore the sector.
After earning her degree, Curl ended up working at magazines, and antique storage companies, as well as assisting an artist.
By 2012, she moved back home to Pennsylvania to help care for her ailing mother. While there, Curl applied for a job with&nbsp;JustAnswer, an advice site where users pay a monthly fee for expert advice.
Curl now works on the site full-time. In 2022, Curl made $124,000, averaging around $10,000 per month.
Related Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/12/36223545/anyone-can-start-this-side-hustle-that-brings-in-up-to-20k-a-month" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">‘Anyone' Can Start This Side Hustle That Brings In Up To 20K A Month</a>
Advice From The Antiques Expert
Curl believes that anyone who has the drive and determination can build an online career.
Curl offers two main points of advice for those interested.
The entrepreneur says that people should &#8220;invest in yourself.&#8221;
Curl continues to expand her knowledge of antiques so she can be a trusted voice on JustAnswer. She's compliant with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), which came from a 15-hour course. She also became an accredited member of the International Society of Appraisers.
Curl's monetary and time investments help her stand out with designations. It has also led to other income options outside the site.
&#8220;It took a lot of examinations, a lot of courses, and a lot of writing,&#8221; Curl said.
Curl advises entrepreneurs to look for additional revenue streams. JustAnswer is "not guaranteed income," she says.
Curl also appraises items in person. Off of JustAnswer, she charges $175 an hour and $1.25 per mile for travel. Some official written appraisals could take hours to complete and earn her thousands of dollars.
There are lots of ways to make extra income or transition into a new job that could involve working fewer hours, or other&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">non-traditional methods.</a>
Read Next: 
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44539746/31-of-u-s-workers-have-a-side-hustle-but-which-professions-are-the-most-likely-to-take-on-side-gigs">31% Of U.S. Workers Have A Side Hustle &#8211; But Which Professions Are The Most Likely To Take On Side Gigs?</a></li>
</ul>
This story is part of a series of features on the subject of success,<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/benzinga-inspire" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;Benzinga Inspire.</a>
This article was previously published by Benzinga and has been updated.
Photo: Shutterstock

Entrepreneurship

Success Stories

This Woman's Eye For Hidden Treasures Now Earns Her $10K A Month

In the wake of President Donald Trump&#8216;s disclosure of U.S. airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) has called on Americans to pray for protection from potential terrorist attacks.
What Happened: In a post on X, she urged Americans to &#8220;unite&nbsp;and pray for the safety&nbsp;of our U.S. troops and&nbsp;Americans in the Middle East.&#8221; Greene also called for prayers for the U.S. to avoid terrorist attacks, citing the open border over the past four years and the entry of over 2 million &#8220;gotaways.&#8221;
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Let us join together and pray for the safety of our U.S. troops and Americans in the Middle East. &#x1f64f; Let us pray that we are not attacked by terrorists on our homeland after our border was open for the past 4 years and over 2 Million gotaways came in.&#x1f64f; Let us pray for peace.…
&mdash; Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene&#x1f1fa;&#x1f1f8; (@RepMTG) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMTG/status/1936595045215527336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a></blockquote>
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The President&#8217;s announcement, made&nbsp;at 7:50 pm on Saturday, detailed the successful strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites, namely Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. He applauded &#8220;our great American Warriors&#8221; and expressed hopes for peace.
Greene, a staunch Trump ally, has been an outspoken critic of U.S. involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict. She has consistently voted against pro-Israel bills in the House and has publicly voiced her dissatisfaction with the hawkish faction of the GOP.
Als<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46043305/donald-trump-announces-spectacular-military-success-as-us-strikes-key-iranian-nuclear-sites">o Read: Donald Trump Announces &#8216;Spectacular Military Success&#8217; As US Strikes Key Iranian Nuclear Sites</a>
Greene had earlier campaigned against foreign wars and expressed her disapproval of bombing foreign nations on behalf of others, particularly those possessing&nbsp;their own nuclear weapons and&nbsp;significant military power.
Why It Matters: Greene&#8217;s response to Trump&#8217;s announcement underscores her long-standing stance against U.S. intervention in foreign conflicts. Her call for prayers highlights the potential risks associated with such military actions, including the threat of retaliatory terrorist attacks. 
Her reference to the open border and the entry of &#8220;gotaways&#8221; suggests a link between immigration policy and national security, a contentious issue that continues to divide lawmakers. 
The response also reflects the ongoing debate within the GOP about the U.S.&#8217;s role in international conflicts, particularly in the Middle East.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46042298/trump-publicly-contradicts-dni-gabbards-claim-that-iran-lacks-nuclear-capabilities-shes-wrong" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Publicly Contradicts DNI Gabbard's Claim That Iran Lacks Nuclear Capabilities: ‘She's Wrong'</a>
Image: Shutterstock/lev radin

Marjorie Taylor Greene's Response To Trump Bombing Iran: 'Let Us Pray That We Are Not Attacked By Terrorists On Our Homeland'

Billionaire and Tesla (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) CEO Elon Musk argued in March that if a commercial company operated like the U.S. federal government, it &#8220;would go immediately bankrupt.&#8221; But economist and former U.S. Labor Secretary Robert Reich says that&#8217;s exactly the point—the government isn&#8217;t a business and shouldn&#8217;t be run like one.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Government Is About People, Not Profits</h2>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Musk: If a commercial company operated the way the federal government does, then it would be &#8212; immediately go bankrupt. It would be delisted. The officers would be arrested <a href="https://t.co/UECpw8XgIX">pic.twitter.com/UECpw8XgIX</a>
&mdash; Acyn (@Acyn) <a href="https://twitter.com/Acyn/status/1905389742218432871?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
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&#8220;Let me make it clear. Government should <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/05/45338281/trump-has-a-proven-track-record-of-being-an-absolute-failure-says-gov-tim-walz-we-dont-need-to-run-government-like-a-business">not be run like a business</a>,&#8221; Reich said in a recent YouTube <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqn1uD_B70U">video</a>. While he agrees that no one wants their tax dollars wasted and supports cutting government waste, he warned that it must be done carefully — &#8220;with a scalpel, not a chainsaw.&#8221;
Reich explained that businesses are focused on profit. &#8220;Corporations like McDonald&#8217;s and Walmart, they don&#8217;t exist for the public good. They exist to maximize their shareholder returns,&#8221; he said. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/05/45184462/yeah-no-its-low-wages-a-worker-responds-to-whether-the-skilled-labor-shortage-is-just-because-everyone-was-told-to-go-to-college">That often means low wages</a> and minimal benefits for workers, many of whom rely on taxpayer-funded programs like food stamps and Medicaid to make ends meet.
&#8220;Do you know what it means when somebody pays you minimum wage? It&#8217;s like, &#8216;Hey, if I could pay you less, I would,'&#8221; Reich said, reflecting on his time working at McDonald&#8217;s.
Trending: Invest early in CancerVax's breakthrough tech aiming to disrupt a $231B market. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/this-company-may-have-found-a-way-to-treat-cancer-by-tricking-the-bodys-immune-system-and-early-studies-show-some-promise-find-out-how-you-can-invest-in-the-future-of-cancer-treatment">Back a bold new approach to cancer treatment with high-growth potential.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Profit Can&#8217;t Be The Measure Of Public Value</h2>
The goal of government, Reich argued, is to &#8220;make life better for the people.&#8221; He pointed to the very first sentence of the U.S. Constitution, which says the government should &#8220;promote the general welfare.&#8221;
That mission doesn&#8217;t generate profits, and that&#8217;s okay. &#8220;Making a profit is not the point of government,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Should we <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/futures/17/05/9505887/winners-and-losers-from-trumps-4-trillion-budget-proposal">gut health care services</a> for our veterans because it&#8217;s not profitable? What about inspecting our food? Should we <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44498325/gonna-be-some-upset-seniors-at-town-halls-says-mark-cuban-he-calls-doge-social-security-actions-a-back-door-move-to-cut-payments">cut Social Security</a> and let seniors starve?&#8221;
Reich listed services like schools, highways, libraries, national parks, and mail delivery as examples of public goods that benefit everyone, and aren&#8217;t supposed to turn a profit.
See Also: Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wideradvisor-retirement-planning">Schedule your free call with a financial advisor to start your financial journey – no cost, no obligation</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Real Meaning Behind &#8216;Run It Like a Business&#8217;</h2>
According to Reich, when politicians say they want to run the government like a business, what they often mean is they want to privatize services to benefit corporate interests. &#8220;Wall Street would love to have its hands on your Social Security,&#8221; he said. &#8220;The Trump Organization would love to turn Yellowstone National Park into a private resort for only the wealthiest to enjoy.&#8221;
Reich added that President Donald Trump is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/10/41390158/in-a-brutal-takedown-joe-biden-mocks-trump-bankrupting-a-casino-how-is-that-possible-i-thought-the-h">hardly a model</a> for business success, saying, &#8220;Trump sucks at running businesses anyway. I can make a whole video about Trump&#8217;s many, many business failures. And I have.&#8221;
&#8220;It's not about &#8216;efficiency&#8217; or because these public goods &#8216;cost too much.&#8217; That&#8217;s rubbish,&#8221; he added. &#8220;Private corporations want to profit at your expense.&#8221;
Reich concluded by emphasizing that U.S. citizens are not customers and politicians are not CEOs. &#8220;They are supposed to be public servants. They are supposed to be working for us,&#8221; he said. &#8220;The purpose of government is not to show a profit. It's to achieve the common good.&#8221;
Read Next: How do billionaires pay less in income tax than you?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/tax-deferring-adv"> Tax deferring is their number one strategy</a>.
Image: Shutterstock

TSLA

Should The Government Be Run Like A Business? Robert Reich Says 'Trump Sucks At Running Businesses'

In the holiday-shortened week, these ten large-cap stocks were the worst performers. Are they a part of your portfolio?
<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>AppLovin Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APP#NASDAQ">APP</a>) stock fell 14.68% last week, continuing its fall after a short-sell report <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/short-ideas/25/06/45910389/short-seller-says-applovin-is-desperate-and-doomed-shares-slide" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">issued by Culper Research</a>.</li>
<li>First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FSLR#NASDAQ">FSLR</a>) stock lost 13.6% last week amid a broader decline in solar stocks after the U.S. Senate Finance Committee unveiled its version of President Trump's tax bill, which <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45971345" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">slashed renewable energy incentives</a>.</li>
<li>James Hardie Industries plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JHX#NYSE">JHX</a>) stock declined 11.23%.</li>
<li>BeOne Medicines Ltd. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ONC#NASDAQ">ONC</a>) stock dipped 10.65% last week.</li>
<li>GlaxoSmithKline plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GSK#NYSE">GSK</a>) stock dropped 10.4% last week.</li>
<li>Accenture plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACN#NYSE">ACN</a>) stock fell 10.3% amid a selloff following the company's Q3 financial results.</li>
<li>Arista Networks, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ANET#NYSE">ANET</a>) stock declined 9.94% amid a tech sector pullback driven by rising Middle East tensions between Israel and Iran.</li>
<li>Li Auto Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LI#NASDAQ">LI</a>) stock fell 9.91% amid China's suspension of trade-in subsidies for EVs and fuel-efficient cars in key urban markets.</li>
<li>Corpay, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CPAY#NYSE">CPAY</a>) stock fell 9.64% last week amid pressure from Coinbase Global&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COIN#NASDAQ">COIN</a>) announcement of its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/46004688" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new stablecoin payments</a> stack, which may impact Corpay's business outlook.</li>
<li>Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MA#NYSE">MA</a>) stock lowered 9.56% last week amid a broader selloff in credit card stocks following Coinbase's launch of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/46004688" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">its stablecoin payments infrastructure</a>.</li>
</ol>
Read Next:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46043303/consumer-tech-news-june-16-june-20-fed-holds-rates-trump-eyes-iran-moves-apple-taps-ai-accenture-shifts-strategy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Consumer Tech News (June 16-June 20): Fed Holds Rates, Trump Eyes Iran Moves, Apple Taps AI, Accenture Shifts Strategy</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/06/46043524/ast-spacemobile-and-coinbase-global-are-among-top-10-large-cap-gainers-last-week-june-16-20-are-the-others-in-your-portfolio">AST SpaceMobile And Coinbase Global Are Among Top 10 Large Cap Gainers Last Week (June 16-20): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?</a></li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock

Large Cap

Movers

ANET

COIN

CPAY

FSLR

AppLovin, First Solar And Li Auto Are Among Top 10 Large Cap Losers Last Week (June 16-20): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?

Before he became the richest man in the world, Elon Musk set out to prove something to himself—that if all his bold ideas failed, he could still survive in America. Literally.
In a 2015 interview with astrophysicist <a href="https://startalkmedia.com/show/the-future-of-humanity-with-elon-musk/">Neil deGrasse Tyson on StarTalk Radio</a>, Musk reflected on his early mindset, revealing just how far he went to test his personal threshold for survival. At the time, he had already founded Tesla and SpaceX, but the conversation turned to a much earlier phase in his life—just after college, when he first arrived in the U.S.
"In America, it's pretty easy to keep yourself alive," Musk told Tyson. "So my threshold for existing is pretty low. I figure I could be in some dingy apartment with my computer and be okay and not starve."
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</ul>
So that's exactly what he tested. Musk challenged himself to live on just $1 a day for food. His grocery list? Hot dogs, oranges, pasta, and bulk green peppers with a big jar of sauce.
"You get really tired of hot dogs and oranges after a while," he admitted, laughing. "And of course pasta and a green pepper and a big thing of sauce. That can go pretty far, too."
He wasn't trying to impress anyone—he just wanted to prove that even if every business venture failed, he wouldn't. "If I can live for a dollar a day, then at least from a food cost standpoint, well it's pretty easy to earn like $30 in a month anyway, so I'll probably be okay."
Musk immigrated to the U.S. from South Africa in the mid-1990s, during his early twenties. By 1995, after earning degrees in physics and economics from the University of Pennsylvania, he co-founded his first startup, Zip2. Back then, money was so tight that he and his brother Kimbal slept in the office and showered at the local YMCA.
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At the time, a dollar stretched further. In the mid-90s, the average cost of a loaf of bread was under $1, and hot dogs ran about $1.29 per pound. By comparison, the average cost of hot dogs today has soared to over $5.22 per pound. Inflation has made Musk's once-thrifty diet virtually impossible to replicate. Even pasta—once a budget staple—is now often $1.50 to $2 a box, and fresh produce prices have more than doubled since his college days.
Now, decades later, he controls some of the most valuable companies in the world and has an <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/25/01/43101102/elon-musk-the-richest-man-in-the-world-is-estimated-to-earn-over-23-million-every-single-hour-of-the-day-heres-how-hes-spending-it">estimated net worth topping $340 billion</a>, according to Forbes and Bloomberg. But that extreme frugality never really left him.&nbsp;
Musk has said he doesn't own a yacht or even a home, doesn't take vacations, and considers his private jet—used for work—his largest personal expense. "It would be very problematic if I was spending billions of dollars a year in personal consumption," he said in a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/cdZZpaB2kDM?si=qTBimIpxJtYaJxm9">2022 TED interview with Chris Anderson</a>. He added, "but that is not the case."
See Also: Invest early in CancerVax's breakthrough tech aiming to disrupt a $231B market. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/this-company-may-have-found-a-way-to-treat-cancer-by-tricking-the-bodys-immune-system-and-early-studies-show-some-promise-find-out-how-you-can-invest-in-the-future-of-cancer-treatment">Back a bold new approach to cancer treatment with high-growth potential.</a>
Today, spending just $1 a day on food in America seems laughable, especially with inflation and rising grocery prices. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, <a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/research/cnpp/usda-food-plans">the average cost of food per person per month in 2024</a> was over $300—even on a thrifty plan.
And for context: a $1 daily food budget in today's economy breaks down to 33 cents per meal—less than a single egg, a slice of bread, or even half a banana in most U.S. cities. For millions of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43748849/food-prices-are-expected-to-keep-rising-in-2025-ramsey-solutions-explains-why-grocery-prices-are-so-high-offers-tips-for-saving">Americans now facing food insecurity,</a> that number isn't just unrealistic—it's unthinkable.
Still, Musk's point wasn't about inflation or cuisine—it was about fear. Or rather, the absence of it. He believed that if he could handle having nothing, he could risk everything. That mindset helped him bet big on <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/25/05/45480331/elon-musk-says-earth-only-has-10-of-its-life-left-before-its-incinerated-by-the-sun-calls-colonizing-mars-humanitys-life-insurance-polic">rockets, electric cars, solar panels</a>—and win.
So yes, Musk once lived off hot dogs and oranges. Not because he had to. Because he needed to know he could.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/are-you-rich">Are you rich?</a> Here&#8217;s what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy.
Image: Shutterstock

Elon Musk Said 'In America, It's Pretty Easy To Keep Yourself Alive' — So He Challenged Himself To Live On $1 A Day, Eating Hot Dogs And Oranges

Top business figures such as Bill Ackman and Jason Calacanis have publicly shared their views on the &#8220;massive precision&#8221; airstrikes carried out by the U.S. military on three Iranian nuclear sites.
What Happened: These strikes mark a major escalation in the ongoing international conflict involving Iran and Israel, with the US now playing a new role.
Bill Ackman, a billionaire hedge fund manager,&nbsp;was among the first to&nbsp;commend the military operation. He expressed his gratitude to the US military for its &#8220;superb execution on ridding Iran&nbsp;of its nuclear threat.&#8221; 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Thank you to our great military for its superb execution on ridding Iran of its nuclear threat. All Americans are eternally grateful for you.
&mdash; Bill Ackman (@BillAckman) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillAckman/status/1936582927212826898?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a></blockquote>
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He also lauded Trump&#8217;s actions as being more effective than relying on Iran&#8217;s commitment to not develop nuclear weapons.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46043305/donald-trump-announces-spectacular-military-success-as-us-strikes-key-iranian-nuclear-sites">Donald Trump Announces &#8216;Spectacular Military Success&#8217; As US Strikes Key Iranian Nuclear Sites</a>
Serial entrepreneur&nbsp;Jason Calacanis&nbsp;highlighted that the US is now involved in three conflicts, five months into Trump&#8217;s term. He refrained from passing judgment, stating that the public lacks the intelligence that leaders possess.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">It's just an observation, published without judgement We don't have the intelligence that our leaders have, so I will reserve judgement until we know more. It should be obvious to everyone, however, that no president can just stop conflicts on day one. We now have three…
&mdash; @jason (@Jason) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jason/status/1936580976664252604?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Spencer Hakimian, the founder of Tolou Capital Management, characterized&nbsp;the US military operation as&nbsp;&#8220;completely undetectable,&#8221; and warned of potential economic havoc if Iran were&nbsp;to close the Strait of&nbsp;Hormuz.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">The most escalatory thing that Iran can do is not to bomb U.S. military bases in the Middle East. It's to close the Strait of Hormuz. And if that happens, Oil goes above $100 in the blink of an eye. Iran is no military match for the United States. But they can wreak havoc…
&mdash; Spencer Hakimian (@SpencerHakimian) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpencerHakimian/status/1936575501747007866?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Other business leaders, including&nbsp;Maguire&nbsp;of Sequoia Capital,&nbsp;Fishback&nbsp;of Azoria investment firm, and&nbsp;Scholl&nbsp;of Boom Supersonic, also voiced their opinions, with sentiments ranging from praise for Trump to relief over the neutralization of Iran&#8217;s nuclear capabilities.
Why It Matters: The varying reactions from business leaders underscore the complexity and far-reaching implications of the US&#8217;s military actions. 
While some praised the operation for neutralizing a potential nuclear threat, others expressed concern about the escalation of international conflict and potential economic repercussions. 
The situation continues to evolve, and the global business community will be closely monitoring the developments.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46042298/trump-publicly-contradicts-dni-gabbards-claim-that-iran-lacks-nuclear-capabilities-shes-wrong" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Publicly Contradicts DNI Gabbard's Claim That Iran Lacks Nuclear Capabilities: ‘She's Wrong'</a>

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