Meta's Updated 'Hateful Conduct Policy' Will Allow Users To Say LGBT Members Have 'Mental Illness'

Meta's updated policies now permit posts claiming gay and trans people have mental illnesses under "free expression." Critics argue the changes could increase hate speech and misinformation despite bans on severe hate content. Also, get to know why some retired professionals continue to feel stuck in debt and financially insecure in today's Money Making Moves:  

> Meta has updated its content moderation policies to emphasize "free expression," allowing users to post content asserting that gay and trans people have mental illnesses. These changes eliminate fact-checking partnerships and loosen restrictions on topics like immigration and gender identity, which Meta views as political discourse. While the platform still bans severe hate speech, such as Holocaust denial and dehumanizing comparisons, it now permits certain controversial statements under the guise of mainstream discourse. The policy shift has sparked debate, with critics concerned about the potential rise in hate speech and misinformation on Meta's platforms.

> Starbucks employees in the U.S. are required to attend a three-hour training session between January 21 and 26, as part of CEO Brian Niccol's efforts to revitalize the coffee chain. The meetings, titled "Welcome Back to Starbucks," will focus on the company's role as a welcoming coffeehouse where customers gather and enjoy handcrafted beverages. Some stores will close dining rooms but keep drive-thru lanes open during the sessions, while employees may attend at alternate locations to ensure participation. Niccol, known for his success at Chipotle, has introduced changes like reintroducing condiment bars and streamlining workflows, aiming to balance Starbucks' inviting atmosphere with efficient service.

> International travel is more affordable this year, with long-haul flight prices dropping due to increased capacity and stabilized demand post-pandemic. Flights from the U.S. to Asia are down 11%, averaging $1,087, while flights to Europe have decreased 6% to $754. Domestic ticket prices are rising as airlines face capacity constraints and delivery delays, but international fares benefit from favorable exchange rates, especially for destinations like Japan, where tourism surged nearly 50% in 2024. Interest in business-class travel is also growing, with searches for premium fares up 19% over last year, as airlines like Delta capitalize on this trend.

A healthy foods startup is a promising business idea, leveraging the growing global demand for nutritious snacks, no-sugar alternatives, and easy-to-cook meals. Start small with a limited product line and focus on a specific geographic area to establish a loyal customer base and outpace local competitors. With minimal initial investment, you can test the market, refine your offerings, and build experience. Over time, expand into a full-scale business, competing effectively in the thriving health food industry.

A worm composting business is a sustainable side hustle for eco-conscious individuals who don't mind getting their hands dirty. By turning organic waste into nutrient-rich compost, you can help reduce landfill waste while creating a product gardeners value. Sell the compost to gardening enthusiasts or partner with community programs like Meals on Wheels to establish creative waste recycling systems. It's an impactful, low-cost way to make money while supporting the environment.

> Investing in agriculture can be a smart move this 2025, as food is a constant necessity, making farming relatively recession-resistant and vital as global populations rise. For those who can’t purchase farmland, options like farmland REITs (e.g., Farmland Partners Inc.) offer an affordable and liquid way to invest in agriculture. You can also explore agriculture-focused stocks, such as crop producers (Fresh Del Monte), equipment makers (Deere & Co.), or commodity ETFs like the Teucrium Corn Fund (CORN) and Invesco DB Agriculture ETF (DBA). While these investments hold significant potential, they come with risks, including fluctuating food prices and factors like weather, geopolitical conflicts, and economic shifts. For farmland investing options, click here. 

> 62-year-old Ted, featured on Caleb Hammer's Financial Audit podcast, feels stuck in debt with no retirement in sight despite having a master’s degree and working as a retail manager. Rising living costs and inadequate retirement savings have left Ted and many older Americans working jobs they dislike and scared to retire. Inflation, economic uncertainty, and unexpected expenses have driven some retirees, like Pamela Shields, back to the workforce to supplement Social Security and dwindling savings. For Ted, a debt management plan through a credit relief agency could help reduce his credit card debt, free up his budget, and allow him to start saving for retirement, though it may temporarily impact his credit score.

> The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report highlights the growing importance of AI, big data, cybersecurity, and technological literacy as key skills for job seekers by 2030. Creative thinking and resilience also rank high, reflecting the need for a blend of tech and soft skills in the evolving job market. Conversely, manual dexterity, endurance, and basic literacy skills are expected to decline in importance, with nearly 40% of current skills predicted to change or become irrelevant by 2030. As demand for roles like big data specialists and fintech engineers rises, white-collar industries may face challenges amidst slowing job growth and extended unemployment durations.