Hey Rebels! Let's dive into this week's issue to help you change how you think about money, investing and business in less than 10 minutes a week.
Weekly Intel
Stay current with top news from the business, money, and investing world.
Top Stories
Another one sucks the dust: The maker of your Grandma’s “pet” Roomba, iRobot, just filed for bankruptcy. (more)
What the rate cut means for you: Although the Federal Reserve’s recent quarter-point interest rate cut could eventually lower some borrowing costs, it has had little effect on long-term loan rates like mortgages so far, with most noticeable relief likely limited to short-term credit such as credit cards. (more)
The girls (and guys) in the bubble: Despite growing fears of an AI bubble pop, Time magazine named the “architects of AI” as its Person of the Year. (more)
By the numbers
17%: the percentage of 500 business executives at US companies that saw productivity gains via AI turned around and cut jobs. (more)
$1 billion: the amount Disney is investing in Sora AI, allowing Disney characters on the AI video creator. (more)
1.4%: how much home prices sank in the last three months, for the first time in two years. (more)
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The Financial Rebellion Way
Knowledge and action to help you achieve a life you desire.
“I Suck at Managing Money” — Every 20-Something Ever
This is the most common confession we hear from 18-35 year olds. Here’s the truth: You don’t suck at money. You just haven’t had a win yet. One small victory changes everything.
Your first win starts here:
Switch your bank TODAY: Can’t explain why you bank where you bank? That’s a red flag. Move to a credit union—same services, better rates, they actually care about you.
Name your money: “Savings Account” = gets raided. “Bali Trip Fund” = stays untouched. Unnamed money disappears.
One account, one goal: Create separate accounts for separate dreams. Rent, vacation, emergency fund. When money has a purpose, it stops vanishing.
Big picture: You don’t need a finance degree to stop sucking at money. You need one small win to prove you can do this. Switch banks. Name an account. Save $50. That’s it.
Markets - stocks and crypto
In under 3 minutes, start investing spare change, saving for retirement, earning more, spending smarter, and more.
Click the image above or this link to earn a special $40 bonus.
Prices for the week ending December 12, 2025:
▼ S&P 500 | 6,818 | -0.41% |
▼ NASDAQ | 23,118 | -1.52% |
▲ GOLD | 4,329 | +2.21% |
▲ TESLA (TSLA) | 477 | +8.91% |
▼ IROBOT (IRBT) | 1.215 | -60.42% |
▼ BITCOIN (BTC) | 86,449 | -6.23% |
▼ ETHEREUM (ETH) | 2,985 | -10.27% |
Stock and Crypto Moves
Cuts in rates but not the anxiety: Last week, U.S. stocks were mixed as major indexes reacted to an interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve and growing concerns about tech and AI valuations — the Dow Jones rose modestly, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq declined, with tech stocks lagging behind more cyclical sectors. (more)
No driver, no problem: Tesla stock rose on Monday following more positive developments in its Robotaxi business, with a prominent Wall Street bull claiming the "autonomous chapter” has begun for the EV maker. (more)
Bitcoin prices fell sharply, sliding below $87,000 amid ongoing weakness across crypto markets, with other coins following suit as sellers dominate sentiment. (more)
That being said, the crypto market also stayed relatively calm as $4.3 billion in Bitcoin and Ethereum options expired. (more)
Note: What does it mean when “options expire”? An option is basically a contract that gives someone the right to buy or sell crypto at a set price before a certain date. When that date arrives, the option either gets used (if it would make money) or it expires worthless (if it wouldn’t).
JPMorgan is expanding deeper into crypto by launching a tokenized money-market fund on the Ethereum blockchain called My OnChain Net Yield Fund (MONY). The fund operates like a traditional money-market fund (holding short-term debt and paying daily interest), but its shares are issued as blockchain tokens on Ethereum instead of traditional fund shares. (more)
Real Money Moves
Ashley, 23 - Denver, CO
Each week, we feature a reader’s smartest and dumbest money moves. We’re all in this together; let’s learn from each other.
Best Money Move - Skipping the epic girls’ trip
“My friends planned a $3,000 Cabo trip for spring break. I said no and worked extra shifts instead.”
“They posted beach pics while I served coffee, but I made $2,800 that week and paid off my credit card.”
“They’re still paying off that trip with 24% interest. I used my clear credit to start investing. FOMO hurt for a week, but financial freedom feels better than any tan.”
Worst Money Move - Rushing into student loans
“Could’ve worked one semester and saved $8,000 for tuition, but I wanted to start college ‘on time’ with my friends.”
“Took out loans thinking ‘future me will figure it out.’ Well, future me is currently eating ramen and crying.”
“That one semester of impatience turned into five years of $300 monthly payments. Could’ve just worked at Target for six months and started debt-free.”
The bottom line: Every money move teaches you something — whether it builds your net worth or humbles your ego.
Got a story? Send it in. You might help someone dodge a mistake or make a smarter call.
Side Hustle Differently
Each week, we focus on money-making opportunities for a side hustle that could potentially become a full-time venture. No MLM schemes, no “passive income” lies, just real strategies for stacking cash outside your 9-5
AI Training Mercenary
Teach robots to think by rating responses, writing prompts, and correcting AI outputs for real cash.
Your bot-teaching blueprint:
The Expertise Edge: Have a degree or knowledge in something specific? Ka-ching. Companies pay a premium for subject matter experts to train specialized AI. Your biology degree just became a $35/hour side hustle.
The Time Hack: Most tasks take 5-20 minutes. Perfect for between classes, lunch breaks, or while watching Netflix. Stack enough micro-tasks, and you’ve got rent money.
The Red Flag Radar: Legitimate companies have real websites, clear payment terms, and never ask for your credit card. If it feels sketchy, it is. Trust your gut.
Big picture: While everyone’s worried about AI taking jobs, you’re getting paid to make it smarter. Just stick to verified platforms, ignore the “make $5,000/week” scams, and enjoy getting paid to basically grade robot homework.
Check out the Financial Rebellion podcast to learn about how to turn your passion into profit.
Word of the Week - Dollar-Cost Averaging
Investing the same amount regularly regardless of market conditions. Boring name, powerful strategy.
Trusted Partners
Where you bank is a big deal. We are big fans of credit unions to help you become financially rebellious. Here are some of our current partners that we work with around the country, so you can get to know them and the value of becoming a member to help you achieve your financial goals and dreams.
Did you know the myths about credit unions versus banks? Debunked here.
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Interested in becoming a Financial Rebellion Partner? Reach out to [email protected].
We’ll catch you next week. Rebels OUT.
Todd Romer: Founder and Writer
Corinne Clarkson: Writer and Editor
Dallin Merrill: Chief Newsletter Overlord
Disclaimer: The advice provided in Financial Rebellion is not considered to be financial or legal advice of any kind. It is your responsibility to dig deeper on any opinions or recommendations given.