Man with five degrees now drives Uber due to job struggle; also, can you claim Social Security benefits from an ex?

A man with five degrees struggles to find a job and has turned to driving for Uber - highlighting the challenges many highly qualified individuals face in today’s job market. 

Meanwhile, a woman is exploring whether she can claim Social Security benefits from her ex-husband after a long marriage in which she supported his career but missed out on building her own retirement benefits. Find out if it's possible in today's Money Making Moves.

> Kevin Cash, a 43-year-old father from Portland, Oregon, holds five degrees and extensive experience but has been unable to secure a full-time job since being laid off in 2022, despite applying for over 2,000 positions. Facing financial strain, he now works for Uber and Taskrabbit, while balancing a high cost of living and caring for his daughter. Cash has encountered numerous fake job postings, adding frustration to his job search, and has experienced continuous rejections—even after receiving referrals from his Uber passengers. To raise awareness and share his journey, he’s launching a podcast, We're Moving Forward, to inspire others facing similar struggles in today’s challenging job market.

> Carson, a middle-class man in his 30s, frequently shoplifts from stores like Whole Foods, seeing it as a way to save on items he deems overpriced. This habit began in his teens and has continued into adulthood, largely due to the ease of self-checkouts and his sense of privilege, which makes him feel confident he won’t be suspected. He, like many others, rationalizes stealing from large corporations, especially Amazon-owned stores, because he doesn’t see it as morally wrong. This casual, opportunistic shoplifting is common, with many middle-class individuals feeling justified or indifferent, attributing it to frustrations over rising prices and the perceived impunity of big businesses.

> Berkshire Hathaway’s cash reserves soared to a record $325.2 billion by the end of Q3, as Warren Buffett continued to offload major stock holdings. The conglomerate reduced its Apple stake by roughly 25% and sold over $10 billion worth of Bank of America shares. Buffett’s selling activity totaled $36.1 billion for the quarter, marking a strategic shift as no Berkshire share buybacks were made during this period. Buybacks have slowed as Berkshire shares reached record highs, with repurchases only happening when Buffett deems the stock undervalued.

Starting a cleaning business can be a straightforward, low-overhead venture that serves homeowners, apartment complexes, and commercial properties. Charging $25 to $50 per hour, you only need a few staff members, cleaning supplies, and transportation to get started. To stand out from competitors, consider offering premium add-ons like floor waxing or power-washing, which can appeal to clients seeking a more thorough service. This personalized approach can help your business attract loyal customers and set it apart from larger, less flexible cleaning companies.

Listing your car on a car-sharing platform like Turo.com can be a profitable side hustle by renting it out for daily, weekly, or monthly use. Starting with a lower rental price can attract initial customers and help you build positive reviews. As your ratings improve, you can gradually raise your rates to increase your earnings. This approach lets you earn passive income from a car you already own.

> The Nationwide House Price Index shows UK home prices rose by 2.4% year-on-year in October, but the rate of growth has slowed from September’s 3.2%. Robert Gardner, Nationwide’s chief economist, notes resilient housing market activity due to stable labor market conditions and strong income growth despite higher interest rates. Anticipated stamp duty changes in 2025 may drive a surge in transactions before the new thresholds take effect, especially affecting first-time buyers in higher-cost regions like the South East. The impact of these changes is expected to be less significant in areas with lower average house prices, such as Yorkshire, Northern England, and Northern Ireland. 

For trusted mortgage lenders, click here. 

> Gilbert Santiago, a Navy veteran, faced significant repair costs after discovering critical safety issues in a used 2022 Volvo S60 he purchased from HGreg, a dealership in Florida. Despite the car passing the dealership's inspection, Santiago was left with $7,500 in repair bills for undisclosed issues with the airbag and seatbelt systems. A technician found that someone had tampered with the seatbelt tensioner, using a resistor to bypass safety checks, raising serious safety concerns. Santiago’s case has highlighted potential dealership oversight and the need for stronger consumer protection laws for used vehicle sales.

> A woman who recently ended her marriage of 30 years is looking into claiming Social Security benefits based on her ex-husband's record, as her own benefits are limited due to years spent supporting his career and raising their children. After remarrying a lower-earning part-time worker, she's concerned about financial stability and wants to avoid a "hand to mouth" life. Her eligibility depends on specific Social Security rules, especially around age and marital status; remarriage after 60 allows survivor benefits from a former spouse after their passing if the marriage lasted at least 10 years. Despite concerns about her ex-husband’s reaction, the Social Security Administration (SSA) assures confidentiality in the claims process, requiring documentation for verification.