The US Working Class Has Spoken: Kamala Harris' Loss and the CEO's Death Define This Year's Frustrations

The US working class has expressed frustration through Kamala Harris' loss and the celebration of a CEO's death. These events highlight the growing discontent in the nation this year. Plus, find out why more people turn to TikTok than therapy when it comes to mental health. All these and more in today's Money Making Moves: 

> In 2024, two major events highlighted the frustrations of the American working class: Kamala Harris' election defeat and the public outcry over UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's death. Harris' campaign, criticized for lacking focus on economic issues like inflation and healthcare costs, was seen as emblematic of a Democratic Party out of touch with working-class needs. Meanwhile, Thompson's death exposed deep anger toward a profit-driven healthcare system, with many sharing personal stories of denied care and medical debt as symptoms of broader systemic failures. Together, these events underscored growing demands for substantive reforms in economic justice, healthcare, and political leadership that prioritizes everyday Americans.

> Warner Bros Discovery announced plans to separate its struggling cable TV businesses, such as CNN, from its streaming and studio operations, laying the groundwork for a potential sale or spinoff by mid-2025. The restructuring aims to make the company more deal-friendly and provide a clearer investment picture, as traditional cable revenues decline amid a shift to streaming platforms like Max. Analysts suggest Warner's cable assets could merge with Comcast's spin-off company, creating potential synergies, while its standalone streaming and studio divisions may attract takeover interest. However, challenges remain, including $40.4 billion in debt and a declining cable market, even as Warner bets on recent distribution deals to stabilize pay TV pricing.

> Stanley has recalled 2.6 million Switchback and Trigger Action travel mugs due to a defect in the lid threads that can shrink with heat exposure, potentially causing the lid to detach and posing a burn hazard. The recall follows 91 defect reports, including 38 burn injuries, two of which occurred in the U.S. Customers can check the product identification number on the mug's bottom to see if it's affected and register online for a free replacement lid. The recall does not include the popular Quencher series, and affected products were sold at major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target from June 2016 to December 2024.

Starting a food truck business offers a unique and flexible way to enter the fast-food industry, combining mobility with culinary creativity. While the initial investment can be significant, operating costs are relatively low compared to traditional restaurants. Food trucks can capitalize on events and catering opportunities to boost revenue beyond daily sales. With dedication and consistent quality, a food truck can attract a loyal customer base and achieve profitability.

Transforming your basement into an exercise studio can be a lucrative side hustle with minimal overhead costs. Instead of renting a separate space, you can use your home to offer yoga, meditation, or pilates classes to clients. This setup allows you to save on rental fees and potentially earn an extra $3,000 a month. It's a great way to turn unused space into a profitable business opportunity while pursuing your passion for fitness or wellness.

> BTS member Jungkook recently opened a YouTube channel for his dog, Bam, garnering over 570,000 subscribers despite no content being uploaded yet. Fans are excited about the channel, speculating on the type of content and expressing their love for Jungkook and Bam on social media. Even during his mandatory military service, Jungkook remains connected with fans through various platforms, including Bam’s account. Additionally, his new Disney+ docuseries, Jungkook: I Am Still The Original, explores his artistry, world travels, and preparation for his debut solo album, Golden. Want to know the secrets to a successful YouTube Channel? Click here. 

> Timothy Danikowski and many Gen Zers are struggling with rising credit-card debt as they navigate financial independence. After moving to Seattle and starting a stable job, Danikowski's compulsive spending led him to accumulate $15,000 in debt across three cards, making repayment harder after losing his job. This trend reflects a broader issue: Gen Zers are acquiring debt faster than previous generations, driven by post-pandemic "revenge spending," inflation, and ease of credit access. Experts warn that this early reliance on credit could jeopardize their financial futures, urging young people to tackle debt with structured plans and avoid high-interest loans.

> Mental health content on TikTok has grown in popularity, but it often leads to self-diagnosis among young Brits due to misinformation, long therapy waitlists, and high costs. While influencers aim to destigmatize mental health, their experiences can sometimes mislead individuals, causing confusion and misinterpretation of symptoms. Studies show that self-diagnosed individuals face increased isolation, higher anxiety, and more sick days compared to those with physical health issues. Experts suggest professional support or structured therapy as more reliable environments for addressing mental health, while social media should be approached with caution to avoid misinformation.