Hey Rebels! Let's dive into this week's issue to help you become smarter about money, investing, and business in less than 10 minutes a week.
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What's new!
The Hustle Wage
What does your side hustle really pay?
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| Selling treats this season? A $30 box that takes 1.5 hours feels like $20 an hour. After supplies and self-employment tax, it pays $10.30. See what yours really pays, and the price that gets you to $20. | |
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Weekly Intel
Stay current with top news from the business, money, and investing world.
Top Stories
Scary high candy prices: But we’ve found a loophole that might help. In many states, candy made with flour (like Twix, Kit Kat, and licorice) is taxed less than flourless candy (like Hershey’s bars and Snickers) because of how states define “candy,” which can save shoppers up to 7%. Check out this article to see how your state deals with the sweets.
Halloween gets even a little more capitalist: A new wave of “pumpkin concierge” businesses will deliver and arrange fall decorations on your porch for anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to $2,000. Not a bad idea for a side hustle, especially if you have an eye for gourds. (more)
Another scary thing this season: Researchers using AI found a serious security flaw in PHP, a programming language behind about 70% of websites, and developers rushed out a fix before hackers could exploit it. A reminder that cybersecurity affects every online account, so keep your software updated and your passwords strong. Feel free to use the one I use for everything - FinancialRebellionRocks123. (more)
By the numbers
1962: The year the Halloween hit “Monster Mash” was released. It's so popular it still makes an estimated $1 million a year. (more)
160: How many years New York has had horse-drawn carriages, which have now been banned after years of controversy. (more)
$402: The average Thanksgiving round trip this year, up 31% from last year. (more)
Weekly Reader Poll
The Financial Rebellion Way
The “Just One More” Drug
Banks and fintech apps are literally designed to trigger dopamine hits, that chemical our brain just can’t get enough of.
This reward-seeking chemical is why you check your trading app 17 times a day and why retail therapy feels so good.
While your banking app is throwing confetti at you, they’re turning your financial life into a slot machine.
So, what should we do with this information? Lesson 2 starts here. Watch the clip.
Want more? Click here for the full module in the Do Money Differently course. It’s free.
Markets: Stocks and Crypto
Last week’s Battleship, the market, and crypto in one minute.
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Worries about the cost of AI spending, plus oil above $116 a barrel, pulled stocks lower. More → Crypto slid with tech stocks, a little more than the Nasdaq. | |||||||||||||
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| Tuesday close to Friday close, Oct 20 to Oct 23. Free to play, bragging rights only. None of it is advice to buy, sell, or hold any stock. Acorns is an affiliate link. | |||||||||||||
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.
Turn Treats Into Cash
Halloween is just around the corner, and the holiday baking season is about to begin. If you have a knack for cookies, cupcakes, or other festive treats, it’s time to turn your kitchen hobby into a little extra income.
Halloween goodies: Sell themed sugar cookies, spooky cupcakes, caramel apples, or treat boxes for parties and trick-or-treating. Cute packaging can make even simple sweets feel special.
Don’t stop with Halloween: Offer Christmas cookie assortments, gingerbread kits, brownie boxes, or festive dessert trays. People love easy, ready-to-give gifts for teachers, neighbors, and coworkers.
Make it easy to order: Post photos of your treats on social media or in local community groups, offer a small menu, and collect preorders with a clear pickup date.
The Big Picture: Seasonal treats can turn a skill you already have into a low-cost side hustle. Start small, take preorders, and let seasonal cravings do some of the marketing for you.
From the podcast: before you pick a side hustle, find what you’re great at. Kraig Kann says that’s your moneymaker.
Want the whole thing? Watch the full episode with Kraig.
Bank Like a Rebel with a Credit Union
You Own the Place: As a member you're an owner, not a transaction.
David vs. Goliath Energy: Big traditional banks primarily exist to serve shareholders while credit unions exist to serve their members.
Better Loan and Deposit Rates: Lower rates on auto loans and mortgages. Higher rates on checking and savings accounts.
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Interested in becoming a Financial Rebellion Partner? See what partners get at https://www.financial-rebellion.com/partner
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.
