Shark Tank's Mark Cuban Prefers Bitcoin Over Gold During a Major Economic Crisis

Mark Cuban, known from Shark Tank, believes Bitcoin is a better option than gold during an economic crisis. He views Bitcoin as a stronger asset for preserving value in uncertain times. Also, President Biden just announced a $4.2 billion in student-loan forgivenes - know more in today's Money Making Moves:  

> In an interview, Mark Cuban compared Bitcoin to gold, noting its appeal as a "store of value" for investors, particularly during economic downturns. He highlighted Bitcoin’s portability, ease of use for smaller transactions, and fractionalization as advantages over gold. While gold has a long history as a recession-proof asset, Cuban believes Bitcoin offers a modern alternative that resonates with younger generations. Despite its volatility, financial experts like Suze Orman note Bitcoin's growing popularity, though they caution that investing in it carries significant risks.

> Jason Oppenheim, star of Netflix's Selling Sunset, has accused Los Angeles landlords of illegally raising rental prices amid the devastating fires in the region. He cited examples of landlords exploiting displaced residents, with one client being asked to pay $23,000 per month for a rental initially listed at $13,000. California’s price-gouging laws prohibit rent increases of more than 10% following a declared emergency, and violators face fines, imprisonment, or both. Despite these laws, officials, including Attorney General Rob Bonta, report widespread violations as residents struggle to find housing, with demand driving up prices and worsening the crisis.

> Used vehicle prices are expected to stabilize further in 2025, continuing the trend from 2024 after years of pandemic-driven volatility. Cox Automotive projects a 1.4% increase in wholesale prices on its Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index for 2025, with fluctuations due to seasonality but less drastic than prior years. Although prices have dropped from the pandemic peak, they remain higher than pre-pandemic levels, with retail prices lagging behind wholesale declines. Used vehicle sales are forecasted to rise by 1% in 2025, reaching 37.8 million, including 20.1 million retail sales, reflecting gradual recovery and steady demand.

Starting a private coaching business can cater to individuals seeking specialized athletic instruction to enhance their skills. With expertise in sports like golf, tennis, soccer, or baseball pitching, you can offer personalized training that goes beyond group classes. Essential qualifications include prior coaching experience and the ability to provide advanced instruction, with certifications or licenses often required for using public facilities. This business idea combines passion for sports with an opportunity to help athletes reach their full potential while building a flexible and rewarding career.

Creating and selling healthy, natural pet food can be a rewarding side hustle for pet lovers looking to combine their passion with business. With growing awareness around pet health, many owners are eager to provide their furry companions with nutritious, high-quality meals free from harmful additives. By researching guidelines and regulations for pet food businesses, you can ensure your products meet safety standards and appeal to health-conscious pet owners. Offering unique options like grain-free treats, organic ingredients, or custom recipes for specific dietary needs can set your business apart in this thriving market.

> Over 70% of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and self-employed individuals turn to loans to address immediate financial concerns, such as managing working capital, buying raw materials, or consolidating debts. Only a small fraction, less than 30%, apply for funding with a focus on growth activities like marketing, upgrading technology, or expanding their workspace. While metro cities like Delhi NCR and Mumbai dominate the demand for business loans, emerging hubs in non-metro areas such as Jaipur and Surat are experiencing notable year-on-year growth. Nearly 45% of loan applications are geared toward working capital, underscoring the persistent liquidity challenges and cash flow constraints these businesses face in their day-to-day operations. For quality, financial education if you're an MSME, click here.

> A single mom of three, aiming to secure her family’s future and build wealth, hired a financial adviser to manage her £812,000 ($1 million) portfolio. Despite her efforts, her investments have underperformed while she continues to pay high adviser fees, estimated at 1.5% of assets under management, which exceeds the industry average. Experts suggest that she could benefit from switching to a fee-only fiduciary adviser who prioritizes her best interests and possibly negotiating a flat-fee structure to better align with her portfolio size. Resources like the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, the XY Planning Network, and SmartAsset can help find trustworthy advisers, but it’s essential to ask the right questions about fees, strategies, and credentials when selecting one.

> President Joe Biden's administration announced $4.2 billion in student-loan forgiveness for over 152,000 borrowers, benefiting those in public service, individuals with disabilities, and those defrauded by their schools. This brings the total debt relief under Biden to $183.6 billion for over 5 million borrowers, providing financial breathing room for many Americans. Despite legal challenges and the Supreme Court striking down broader forgiveness plans, the administration focused on targeted relief, such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness and borrower defense programs. As Biden's term ends, uncertainty remains for broader forgiveness efforts, with incoming leadership unlikely to prioritize expansive student debt relief.