'Don't Withdraw Money From Cash Machines': 5 Money Resolutions Britons Should Make For The New Year

Joe Lytwyn of Viva Money offers five financial resolutions for Britons in 2025, including budgeting, saving, and improving credit. Also, check out the 'Wirkin,' an Hermes Birkin look-alike from Walmart that costs less than $100 in today's Money Making Moves:  

> As the New Year approaches, Joe Lytwyn of Viva Money shares five practical financial resolutions to help Britons improve their financial health in 2025. These include setting realistic savings goals, creating a monthly budget, reviewing Direct Debits, improving credit scores, and avoiding credit card cash withdrawals. Lytwyn emphasizes starting small, such as saving manageable amounts, reassessing unnecessary subscriptions, and building credit by paying at least the minimum monthly balance. By following these steps with patience and consistency, individuals can make meaningful progress toward financial stability.

> The US housing market is seeing an increase in inventory as elevated prices and high mortgage rates deter buyers, with November marking a four-year high in housing supply. Homes are staying on the market longer, with 55% of listings unsold after 60 days, the highest share for November since 2019. Florida and Texas are experiencing significant stagnant inventory, driven by a homebuilding boom and factors like rising homeowners association fees and natural disasters. However, some indicators, such as an uptick in pending home sales and single-family home sales turning positive, suggest a potential easing of the market’s stagnation.

> Investigators are probing why a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 crash-landed without its landing gear at Muan International Airport, killing 179 of 181 onboard in South Korea's deadliest air disaster in decades. The 15-year-old aircraft, previously operated by Ryanair, has a strong safety record, and experts deem a design flaw unlikely, focusing instead on possible causes like a bird strike or human error. Emergency inspections of Boeing 737-800s in South Korea have been ordered, while the U.S. NTSB is assisting the investigation led by South Korean authorities. The crash raises questions about why manual landing gear deployment wasn’t attempted, with answers potentially taking over a year to emerge.

A virtual assistant business offers remote support to clients, helping them manage tasks like social media, graphic design, admin work, and sales. This flexible business model eliminates the need for physical proximity, allowing you to serve clients worldwide. You can start by promoting your services on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr or join established agencies like Time etc or Fancy Hands. Over time, you can scale by hiring additional virtual assistants, turning your solo venture into a thriving business.

Starting a niche podcast is a simple and low-cost side hustle, requiring just a quality microphone and free audio software. Focus on a unique topic not widely covered to differentiate yourself from the many general podcasts available. Resources like John Lee Dumas's free course from Entrepreneur on Fire can guide you through the setup process. With a well-defined niche, you can attract a dedicated audience and grow your podcast into a profitable venture.

> In 2024, YouTube saw significant growth in viewership on TVs, with creator earnings from TV content rising over 30% and more highly produced, episodic content gaining traction. Creators are increasingly optimizing their videos for big-screen viewing, with trends like sports watch-along streams, kids' content, and long-form video podcasts performing exceptionally well. Features like playlists, TV analytics, and interactive tools are helping creators cater to this growing audience. Looking ahead, YouTube is piloting innovations such as multiview and "watch with" features, enabling more interactive and engaging TV experiences for viewers and creators alike. To know more about YouTube and how to become a creator, click here. 

> Walmart shoppers are buzzing over affordable handbags dubbed "Walmart Birkins" or "Wirkins," which mimic the look of the iconic Hermès Birkin bag but cost under $100. TikTok videos showcasing these lookalikes have gone viral, sparking a mix of praise for their affordability and debates over their legality due to trademark protections. While Hermès Birkin bags, priced from $10,000, are symbols of wealth with long waitlists, the "Wirkins" offer everyday shoppers a chance to achieve a similar aesthetic. Despite their popularity, fashion experts note distinct differences in quality, such as zipper placement and craftsmanship, that set the real Birkin apart.

> Indian authorities have uncovered a human trafficking network exploiting Indian nationals under the guise of international student migration to the United States via Canada. The investigation, sparked by the tragic deaths of the Patel family in 2022 near the US-Canada border, revealed fraudulent college admissions and smuggling operations involving thousands of victims. Two Mumbai-based organizations allegedly worked with over 260 Canadian colleges to facilitate these schemes, earning exorbitant sums while endangering lives. The case has exposed the human cost of illegal migration, diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, and the need for stricter oversight of educational institutions involved in such operations.