Want $100K in Side Hustles? Plus, Sam’s Club Pay Hike & Perfume Machines

We’ve got a packed edition today, covering everything from Sam’s Club wage hikes to Tupperware’s latest financial struggles. We'll also explore some smart investment ideas, a fun business opportunity in perfume vending machines, and Justin Welsh’s expert tips on side hustles that could help you rake in $100K a year. Plus, we dive into personal finance tips, from building an emergency fund to handling the pressures of keeping up with tech trends. Grab your coffee and let’s get into it!

> Amazon UK workers are pushing back against the company's new return-to-office policy, which mandates five in-office days starting January 2025. Online searches for "legal right to work from home" have surged by 3,950% in the past week, reflecting growing employee concerns. The policy follows a previously unpopular mandate requiring three days in the office, sparking significant resistance from workers, including threats to "soft quit." Union leaders, like Amanda Gearing of GMB, criticize the policy, highlighting Amazon's reputation as an unfriendly employer and noting increased union membership since the announcement.

> Elon Musk’s social media company, X (formerly Twitter), is moving its headquarters from San Francisco to Austin, Texas. Local business owners, like Cristian Torres and Perry Dann Pancho, reported significant drops in sales due to the departure, while some community members and officials criticized X for not being a "good neighbor" under Musk's leadership. San Francisco officials, including Mayor London Breed, expressed indifference toward X’s exit. 

> Tupperware, famous for its plastic food containers, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after years of declining popularity and financial struggles. The company hopes to restructure and transform into a digital-first, technology-led business to survive. Once a household name through direct sales at “Tupperware parties,” the brand struggled to stay relevant with younger, eco-conscious consumers. Despite securing new financing and reducing debt earlier this year, Tupperware’s financial position deteriorated, leading to layoffs and the closure of its US plant.

Perfume vending machines are a fun and convenient business idea, perfect for anyone looking to tap into on-the-go shopping. You can place them in busy spots like malls, airports, gyms, or hotels, giving people a quick and affordable way to grab a fragrance. With low costs and the ability to offer premium scents in smaller doses, the potential for earnings is solid, especially in tourist-heavy areas. Plus, it’s an easy-to-manage business that taps into impulse buying, making it a great option for anyone looking for a simple yet profitable venture. Click here and here to know more.

Justin Welsh, a successful entrepreneur, now runs a one-person business teaching creators how to monetise their skills through side hustles. He emphasises the power of LinkedIn for building an audience and recommends four side hustles that could earn $100K annually: starting a service-based business like consulting, creating digital courses to share your expertise, developing paid communities to engage with like-minded individuals, and launching subscription emails for regular content delivery. Each hustle offers significant earning potential with the right approach and tools, helping people create extra income streams.

> Investors are flocking to US farmland, seeing it as a valuable asset amid rising global population and resource scarcity. Farmland held by investment groups has more than doubled to $16.6 billion by the end of 2023, driven by the pandemic, inflation, and disruptions from Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Interested in farmland investing? Explore these top US farmland options.

> Building an emergency fund is essential for financial stability, but how much of your paycheck should you save? Experts recommend setting aside 20%, but if that seems difficult, small steps like saving $5 or $10 a month can help break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle. Prioritising savings for an emergency fund, retirement, and other goals like buying a home or travelling is key to long-term financial health. Boosting income through side gigs, renting out space, or using roundup savings tools can also help build a solid financial cushion even on a tight budget.

> A tween was furious after her dad bought her a $600 iPhone 13 instead of the $1,200 iPhone 15 she wanted, claiming he was "ruining her life." The father shared the incident on Reddit, sparking a debate among parents about the pressures of keeping up with tech-savvy teens. While the daughter argued all her friends had the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the dad felt the iPhone 13 was more than enough, especially with rising inflation. A survey revealed 63% of Americans are delaying new phone purchases due to inflation, questioning whether such expensive upgrades are necessary.