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Garden Stage Ltd is a Hong Kong-based financial services provider principally engaged in the provision of placing and underwriting services; securities dealing and brokerage services; and asset management services. Its business is carried out through its wholly owned Operating Subsidiaries: a) I Win Securities, which is licensed to conduct Type 1 (dealing in securities) regulated activities under the SFO in Hong Kong, and b) I Win Asset Management, which is licensed to conduct Type 4 (advising on securities) and Type 9 (asset management) regulated activities under the SFO in Hong Kong.

Garden Stage Ltd

The past week has been a whirlwind of economic news, with President Donald Trump&#8217;s influence on the Federal Reserve and the U.S. economy taking center stage. From former Federal Reserve Chairs&#8217; warning about potential economic damage to record-setting inflows into U.S. assets, the week was filled with significant developments.
Let&#8217;s dive into the top stories of the week.
Former Fed Chairs Warn Of Economic Damage
Former Federal Reserve Chairs Ben Bernanke and Janet Yellen have expressed concern over President Trump&#8217;s pressure on current Fed chief Jerome Powell. They warned that this could lead to higher inflation and economic damage. They emphasized the importance of the central bank&#8217;s independence and urged Trump to nominate a successor for Powell who would uphold this independence.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/07/46537558/former-fed-chairs-ben-bernanke-janet-yellen-warn-trumps-pressure-on-powell-could-le">Read the full article here.</a>
Record Inflows Into US Assets
Despite fears that President Trump&#8217;s aggressive tariff policy would deter foreign investors, the opposite has happened. Foreign investors have been buying American securities at a record pace, contributing to one of the strongest rallies in recent history. The total net capital inflows into the U.S. reached an unprecedented $1.76 trillion over the 12 months ending in May 2025
&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/07/46521011/trump-stocks-bonds-foreign-inflows-record">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/large-cap/25/07/46641084/wall-street-stock-bubble-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Is A Stock Market Crash Imminent? Bubble Warnings Grow Louder</a>
Japan&#8217;s Bond Market Reacts To US Trade Deal
Japan&#8217;s 10-year bond yields surged to 1.59% on Wednesday, a level not seen since 2008. This surge was a reaction to a new U.S. trade deal and political turmoil surrounding Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/07/46587245/japan-bond-yields-trump-trade-deal">Read the full article here.</a>
Bill Ackman Supports Capital Reform
Hedge-fund billionaire&nbsp;Bill Ackman&nbsp;has voiced his support for a proposal to restructure the capital requirements of government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs), Federal National Mortgage Association, Fannie Mae, and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Freddie Mac. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called for sweeping changes to the bank capital framework, arguing that current rules are outdated and stifling growth.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/07/46573123/bill-ackman-supports-capital-reform-that-could-bring-fannie-and-freddie-back-to-nyse">Read the full article here.</a>
Wall Street Predicts Moderate Inflation Hike
As the deadline for President Trump&#8217;s tariffs approaches, Wall Street analysts are predicting a more moderate increase in inflation. This is a shift from earlier fears of a significant surge. Analysts now anticipate a potential delay or a single inflation hike instead of a continuous increase.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/07/46597344/scott-bessent-once-called-tariffs-as-dog-that-didnt-bark-now-wall-street-analysts-p">Read the full article here.</a>
Read More:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46512871/trump-says-he-doesnt-need-scott-bessents-advice-to-fire-jerome-powell-i-know-better-than-anybody-whats-good-for-the-market" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Says He Doesn't Need Scott Bessent's Advice To Fire Jerome Powell: ‘I Know Better Than Anybody What's Good For The Market'</a></li>
</ul>
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/ananya-gairola" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ananya Gairola</a>
Photo courtesy: godongphoto / Shutterstock.com

Economics

FMCC

FNMA

Trump's Economic Impact, Ackman's Support For Capital Reform And Wall Street's Tariff Predictions: This Week In Economy

The week was a whirlwind of news, with former President Donald Trump at the center of several controversial stories. From his criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell to the discovery of his name in the late financier Jeffrey Epstein&#8217;s files, Trump made headlines on multiple fronts. Here&#8217;s a recap of the top stories.
Kevin O&#8217;Leary Criticizes Trump&#8217;s Attack on the Fed
&#8220;Shark Tank&#8221; investor&nbsp;Kevin O&#8217;Leary&nbsp;warned that Donald Trump&#8217;s criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell could harm global confidence in U.S. financial markets. O&#8217;Leary expressed his concerns in a video clip from his Fox News appearance, stating that &#8220;whacking the Fed is not a good idea, period.&#8221; He added that Trump&#8217;s approach to the Fed&#8217;s role is a &#8220;weird situation.&#8221;
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46647787/kevin-oleary-warns-trumps-powell-criticism-threatens-us-financial-credibility-whacking-the-fed-is-not-a-good-idea">Read the full article here.</a>
FEMA Pledges $608 Million for Trump&#8217;s Migrant Detention Expansion
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is set to distribute $608 million to states for the construction of immigrant detention centers. This move aligns with the Trump administration&#8217;s efforts to increase capacity for detaining migrants. FEMA has initiated a &#8220;detention support grant program&#8221; to cover the expenses of states in building temporary facilities.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46647389/fema-commits-608-million-to-support-trumps-migrant-detention-expansion">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump&#8217;s Fed Visit Sparks Rate Fight Amid $7 Trillion Debt
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/news/global/25/01/42884764/how-trump-could-impact-chinas-role-in-emerging-greenland-mining-frontier" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">How Trump Could Impact China&#8217;s Role In Emerging Greenland Mining Frontier &#8211; Benzinga</a>
President Donald Trump&#8217;s visit to the Federal Reserve last Thursday escalated a dispute over interest rates amidst America&#8217;s spiraling $7.1 trillion deficit. Trump&#8217;s appearance, only the fourth ever by a sitting U.S. president at the Fed, led to a public clash with Chair Jerome Powell over the cost of the central bank&#8217;s real estate overhaul.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/07/46633129/trumps-fed-visit-powell-interest-rates">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump&#8217;s Name Found in Epstein Files
The Justice Department has discovered Donald Trump's name in documents related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. Attorney General Pam Bondi informed Trump of this during a routine briefing in May. The documents reportedly contain unverified information about numerous individuals who had socialized with Epstein.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46591231/trumps-name-reportedly-found-in-epstein-files-by-justice-department-pam-bondi-says-president-was-made-aware-of-the-findings">Read the full article here.</a>
Adam Schiff Warns of Potential IRS Data Breach
Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) has urged Americans to treat their tax records as potentially compromised, blaming an &#8220;unprecedented&#8221; data grab orchestrated by President Donald Trump. Schiff warned, &#8220;Your personal data may have been breached. And the culprit wasn&#8217;t a hacker. It was Donald J. Trump.&#8221;
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46564464/adam-schiff-says-your-irs-data-may-have-been-breached-and-not-by-a-hacker-but-donald-trump-consider-this-your-warning">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46647448/us-cant-meet-its-own-beef-demand-let-alone-export-so-much-to-australia-say-traders-after-trumps-boa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">US Can&#8217;t Meet Its Own Beef Demand, Let Alone Export &#8216;So Much&#8217; To Australia, Say Traders After Trump&#8217;s Boast: &#8216;Not Going To Be Selling Anything&#8230;&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/Rounak-Jain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rounak Jain</a>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Politics

Kevin O'Leary's Criticism, Trump's Fed Visit And Epstein Files: This Week In Politics

They were once the grunge-loving, MTV-watching latchkey kids. Now, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45609421/i-am-just-done-gen-x-er-wants-to-retire-at-55-but-has-no-money-saved-in-a-single-income-household-why-does-everything-have-to-be-so-hard">Generation X is approaching retirement</a> with a new label — and it's not exactly flattering.&nbsp;
Meet the "Silver Squatters," a nickname born out of a growing reality: many Gen Xers are so underprepared for retirement that they're counting on their adult children for support — even if they haven't said it out loud yet.
According to Prudential Financial's 2024 "<a href="https://news.prudential.com/latest-news/prudential-news/prudential-news-details/2024/2024-Pulse-of-the-American-Retiree-Survey/default.aspx#:~:text=%E2%80%9CThe%20upside%20is%20that,%20with,only%20longer,%20but%20better.%E2%80%9D">Pulse of the American Retiree Survey</a>," nearly one in four 55-year-olds say they'll need financial help from family when they stop working. One in five expects they'll need help with housing. But here's the twist — almost half haven't even had the conversation with their kids yet.
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That awkward silence might be masking something bigger: a full-blown generational handoff. After years of bankrolling their children's lives, Gen Xers are now quietly preparing to reverse the roles. Whether it's moving in, cash infusions, or shared expenses, they're bracing for a retirement that won't go by the old rules.
The problem isn't <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/05/45234639/are-you-upper-class-heres-the-net-worth-you-need-in-your-50s">just personal finance</a> — it's systemic. The typical 55-year-old has saved less than $50,000 for retirement. That's a fraction of what's needed, especially for a generation that likely won't see the full benefits of Social Security and didn't get the pensions their parents did. Many also bought homes during the 2000s boom and ended up underwater after the crash, setting back their financial trajectory.
The report explains Gen X is "the first modern generation to confront retirement without full Social Security support, and in most cases without a defined benefit pension plan."
Trending: This AI-Powered Trading Platform Has 5,000+ Users, 27 Pending Patents, and a $43.97M Valuation — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/finally-a-fully-automated-trading-platform-for-individual-investors?">You Can Become an Investor for Just $500.25</a>
Now they're being squeezed from all sides. As the so-called "sandwich generation," Gen Xers are often supporting both aging parents and grown kids — while still trying to keep up with mortgages, inflation, and rising health care costs. Jessica Lautz, deputy chief economist at the <a href="https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/the-next-real-estate-trend-silver-squatters">National Association of Realtors</a>, says Gen X was hit hard by the financial crisis and is only now starting to bounce back.
Still, many are adapting in their own way. Nearly 1 in 5 Gen X buyers are opting for multigenerational homes, according to Lautz. Some do it to care for aging relatives. Others simply need help covering the bills. In some cases, multiple incomes in one home help everyone stay afloat. In others, the Gen Xer ends up footing the whole thing.
That mix of support and stress defines the current reality. About a third of those in the sandwich generation say caregiving has either blocked them from buying a home or paying off the one they have, <a href="https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/sandwich-generation-survey-financial-impact-homebuying/">according to a Realtor.com study</a>. But there's a small upside: those who receive help from family are more likely to afford a home and save for retirement, according to Laura Eddy, <a href="http://realtor.com/">Realtor.com</a>'s vice president of research and insight.
See Also: Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die."<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/warren-buffet-make-money-when-you-sleep"> Here&#8217;s how you can earn passive income with just $10.</a>
Caroline Feeney, CEO of Prudential's U.S. Businesses unit, says it's time to shift the spotlight beyond just baby boomers. "We must also focus on the opportunity to help a slightly younger generation of workers enter the critical 10-year countdown to retirement," she said, pointing out that women in particular face especially uncertain futures.
In other words, Gen X isn't doomed — but the clock is ticking. And if "silver squatting" is going to be the backup plan, someone might want to give the kids a heads-up.
Read Next: The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement —<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/smartasset"> How do you compare</a>?

Personal Finance

Gen X Is Nearing Retirement With Empty Wallets And A New Nickname — 'Silver Squatters' As 1 In 5 Plan to Lean On Their Kids For Housing

If someone making over $200,000 a year told you they only had $50 a week left to spend, you'd probably assume there was a Porsche in the driveway or a private school tuition buried in the budget. But one couple insists it's not lavish living—it's just life.
A <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/MiddleClassFinance/comments/1em1owd/upper_middle_class_200k_family_income_but_money/?share_id=M1gvr31miNqa_Og3Oun8N&amp;utm_content=1&amp;utm_medium=ios_app&amp;utm_name=ioscss&amp;utm_source=share&amp;utm_term=1">post in r/MiddleClassFinance</a> detailed the situation: a household income of $210,000 between a husband and wife living in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. They own a $320,000 home with a $2,000 mortgage. No debt. No splurging. Just a laser focus on saving.
They're contributing 12% of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/06/45825806/is-your-retirement-nest-egg-above-average-heres-what-people-have-in-their-401k-and-ira-at-each-age">both salaries to Roth 401(k)s</a>, putting $14,000 annually into Roth IRAs, sending $7,000 to a health savings account, allocating 10% of income to an employee stock purchase plan, dropping $420 a week on daycare, and stashing away $3,000 a year for college. After groceries and utilities, they said they're left with just around $50 each per week in spending money.
"Am I over-saving, being cheap, or is this just what upper middle class should look like?" they asked.
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Reddit didn't hesitate to answer.
"You're saving a lot lol—that's the reason why," one commenter replied bluntly.
Another was far less amused: "I always see these f&#x2A;&#x2A;ing articles about ‘Families making $200K living paycheck to paycheck!' It's the dumbest clickbait bulls&#x2A;&#x2A;t If you can afford to save a bunch of money toward retirement, you aren't living paycheck to paycheck—you're being smart."
Many users pointed out the difference between feeling broke and actually being broke. "Money isn't actually tight for you," one person said. "You just feel tight because your cash flow is mostly tied up in your savings rate and daycare."
"You're living like a pauper in order to save at a rate that is overkill," another added. "Sure, more is better—but at what cost?"
To be fair, the couple wasn't pretending to be broke. They emphasized they were looking for feedback—not sympathy. Still, the post drew pushback for the title alone: "Upper middle class &#8211; 200k family income but money feels tight."
Trending: This AI-Powered Trading Platform Has 5,000+ Users, 27 Pending Patents, and a $43.97M Valuation — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/finally-a-fully-automated-trading-platform-for-individual-investors?">You Can Become an Investor for Just $500.25</a>
According to a <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/09/16/are-you-in-the-american-middle-class/">Pew Research report published in September 2024</a>, middle-income households are defined as earning two-thirds to double the U.S. median household income. That range currently falls between $56,600 and $169,800 for a family of three. Anything above that is considered upper income.
At $210,000, this couple is well above that line. And in Minnesota, the gap is even wider.
The median household income in Minnesota is $86,372, and according to a report by <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/money/economy/how-much-you-need-to-earn-to-be-upper-middle-class-in-every-state/">GoBankingRates using U.S. Census Bureau data</a>, the upper-middle class range there starts at $134,357 and tops out at $172,744. Minnesota also ranks 38th in affordability for reaching upper-middle class status—meaning it's not exactly cheap, but it's far from the priciest.
By any national or state-level metric, this couple is not middle class. They're <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/05/45234639/are-you-upper-class-heres-the-net-worth-you-need-in-your-50s">upper income</a>, with savings to match.
But that doesn't mean they're swimming in luxury. Their tight budget is self-imposed—driven by discipline, not scarcity. It's a strategy with trade-offs. As <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/10/41305175/nba-legend-shaq-says-you-should-save-75-of-your-paycheck-its-not-about-how-much-you-make-its-abo">Shaquille O'Neal once said</a>, "It's not about how much money you make. It's about how much you keep."
And in this case, they're keeping plenty. It just doesn't leave much room for anything else.
Whether that's responsible or restrictive depends on your perspective—and apparently, how many Reddit tabs you've got open.
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Image: Shutterstock

31-Year-Old Couple Making $210K Has Only $100 Left to Spend Each Week — Now They're Asking 'Is This Really What Upper Middle Class Looks Like?'

Millions of low-income American families are set to lose critical food assistance under a new law signed recently by President Donald Trump, as wealthy individuals and major corporations <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46508677/six-in-10-believe-trumps-new-tax-and-spending-bill-will-benefit-wealthy-hurt-low-income-groups">receive fresh tax breaks</a>.&nbsp;
The sweeping policy overhaul, part of what Republicans dubbed &#8220;One Big Beautiful Bill Act,&#8221; is facing backlash for what critics say are cruel tradeoffs.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Small-Town Grocers And Families Brace For Impact</h2>
The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/financing/25/07/46215083/how-trumps-big-beautiful-bill-impacts-snap-medicaid-taxes-and-student-loans">cuts</a> to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, are projected to affect 22.3 million households, with an average loss of $146 per month in benefits, according to research by the <a href="https://www.urban.org/research/publication/how-senate-budget-reconciliation-snap-proposals-will-affect-families-every-us">Urban Institute</a>. The law also imposes stricter work requirements and new eligibility rules that could disqualify many people, including veterans, older adults and working parents—if they fail to meet documentation or hour thresholds.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">The richest Americans who are doing phenomenally well? Rewarded with tax breaks. The largest corporations enjoying record-breaking profits? Tax breaks.   American families in need? Trump and Congressional Republicans cut nutrition support to 22.3 million of them. Disgusting. <a href="https://t.co/jBGaDFgxE0">pic.twitter.com/jBGaDFgxE0</a>
&mdash; Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) <a href="https://twitter.com/BernieSanders/status/1946627859981742085?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
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&#8220;The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/topics/25/06/45783272/bernie-sanders-says-there-is-a-new-breed-of-uber-capitalists-who-really-believe-they-are-superior-human-beings">richest Americans</a> who are doing phenomenally well? Rewarded with tax breaks,&#8221; Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) <a href="https://x.com/BernieSanders/status/1946627859981742085">wrote on X</a> recently. &#8220;The largest corporations enjoying record-breaking profits? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46258994/trumps-big-beautiful-bill-hands-5-billion-win-to-big-pharma-report">Tax breaks</a>. American families in need? Trump and Congressional Republicans cut nutrition support to 22.3 million of them. Disgusting.&#8221;
Critics argue that the policy disproportionately hurts low-income communities, especially in rural areas that often supported Trump in the last presidential election. In many small towns, SNAP recipients make up the majority of customers for independent grocery stores, which now fear closure or layoffs.
&#8220;I lean pretty heavily right most of the time,&#8221; Spence Udall, the mayor of conservative St. Johns, Arizona, which has just one grocery store, told <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/07/19/trump-snap-food-cuts-rural-grocers-megabill-00463048">Politico</a>. &#8220;But one of the things that I do lean to the left on is we're a pretty wealthy country, we can help people out.&#8221;
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Grocers like RF Buche, who operates the only store on South Dakota&#8217;s Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, say the impact could be devastating. &#8220;I&#8217;d just as soon cut a leg off than have my customers out in the poorest county of the United States go without food,&#8221; Buche told Politico. He estimates that 60% to 80% of his shoppers rely on SNAP, which makes up nearly half his revenue.
A study by the <a href="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/issue-briefs/2025/mar/how-cuts-medicaid-snap-could-trigger-job-loss-state-revenue">Commonwealth Fund</a> warns that the SNAP cuts will trigger thousands of job losses across agriculture, grocery retail and food processing sectors. That ripple effect could be especially harsh in rural areas, where small stores double as community hubs and economic anchors.
As the legislation rolls out, grocery store owners, food bank operators, and families across the U.S. are bracing for a sharp decline in food access. As Sanders put it: &#8220;This bill wipes out nutrition assistance for millions of hungry kids at a time when we have the highest rate of childhood poverty of nearly any major nation on earth.&#8221;
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<li>How do billionaires pay less in income tax than you?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/tax-deferring-adv"> Tax deferring is their number one strategy</a>.</li>
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Image: Imagn Images

The Rich And Profitable Corporations Get Tax Cuts But 22 Million Families Lose Nutrition Support, Says Bernie Sanders, Calls It 'Disgusting'

As the value of Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) and other cryptocurrencies continues to rise, forgotten wallet passwords are becoming a significant problem for crypto owners. 
Professional Crypto Recovery, a business that assists clients in retrieving their abandoned wallets, is seeing a surge in demand.
Julia Burlingham, the founder of Professional Crypto Recovery,&nbsp;started her business five years&nbsp;ago to help clients recover lost access to their crypto wallets. 
Her services are now in high demand as the value of cryptocurrencies continues to rise. Burlingham&#8217;s clients range from original Bitcoin investors to recent account holders who have lost access to their wallets.
With the help of high-powered supercomputers,&nbsp;Burlingham runs password recovery tools&nbsp;that can test millions of combinations. She also helps victims of crypto scams, which have become increasingly common, with over $2 billion stolen from cryptocurrency services in 2025 alone.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46648687/dormant-bitcoin-whale-awakens-after-14-years-moves-469-8-million-worth-of-btc">Dormant Bitcoin Whale Awakens After 14 Years, Moves $469.8 Million Worth of BTC</a>
Despite the advanced technology, the recovery process can be lengthy and energy-intensive. In some cases, the lost crypto cannot be recovered. It&#8217;s&nbsp;estimated that between two and&nbsp;four million bitcoins are permanently&nbsp;lost.
The rise in forgotten crypto passwords and the subsequent demand for recovery services like Burlingham&#8217;s highlight the challenges associated with managing digital assets. The issue is further compounded by the increasing number of crypto scams, leading to significant losses for investors.
Burlingham&#8217;s advice to crypto owners is to make multiple copies of their seed phrase and store them in&nbsp;secure physical locations, such as&nbsp;a locked safe or bank&nbsp;vault. 
She also warns against storing&nbsp;passkeys on Google Drive or&nbsp;password managers due to their vulnerability to hacking.
Read Next
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Image: Shutterstock/CKA

Coverage of Bitcoin, Etherum, Ripple and all the latest digital currencies.

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$BTC

Scams, Lost Keys, and Forgotten Wallets: The Bitcoin Whisperer Who Brings Crypto Back

According to a report, approximately 50,000 officials have reportedly joined a platform led by an opposition figure, aimed at overthrowing the Tehran regime.
What Happened:&nbsp;Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran&#8217;s last monarch, has established a secure platform&nbsp;for regime defectors to register&nbsp;and access information on campaign strategies. 
Launched a month ago, the platform has seen a substantial number of registrations, predominantly from Iran&#8217;s military, paramilitary, and security forces. Pahlavi, often dubbed Iran&#8217;s &#8220;crown prince&#8221; by his followers, mentioned that the registration numbers are still being verified.
As per the report <a href="https://www.politico.eu/article/exile-iran-prince-reza-pahlavi-50000-defectors-topple-regime/">by </a>Politico, Pahlavi also stated that a separate website&nbsp;for ordinary Iranian citizens to&nbsp;express&nbsp;their interest in joining the&nbsp;national campaign against the regime will be launched soon. 
"There's tens of thousands, the last estimate is over 50,000 at least, maybe more. Every week we have additional numbers coming. Clearly we have to analyze the data, it's an arduous process, it will take some time, but the signals are quite strong. We have received tremendous response, and of course we are giving top priority to key elements within those designated segments that I mentioned," he told the outlet. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46264609/trump-reportedly-told-iran-it-was-ok-to-strike-back-after-us-attack-i-said-go-ahead-i-understand">Trump Reportedly Told Iran It Was OK To Strike Back After US Attack: &#8216;I Said, &#8216;Go Ahead, I Understand&#8221;</a>&nbsp;
He disclosed plans for a conference in Munich on Saturday, where&nbsp;at least 500 opposition supporters,&nbsp;including activists, artists, and athletes, will gather. 
The conference is designed to bolster the morale of the regime&#8217;s opponents in Iran, who can follow the proceedings online via unauthorized internet services.
While Pahlavi has expressed his willingness to lead Iran&#8217;s&nbsp;transition to democracy if the&nbsp;Islamic Republic regime falls, critics argue that he has not done enough to unify the various&nbsp;groups within the Iranian opposition&nbsp;during his 46 years in exile.
Why It Matters: The mass defection of officials to Pahlavi&#8217;s platform indicates a growing dissatisfaction with the current regime within Iran&#8217;s official ranks. 
The planned conference in Munich and the upcoming website for ordinary citizens further demonstrate the escalating momentum of the opposition movement. 
However, the effectiveness of these efforts and Pahlavi&#8217;s ability to unify the opposition remain to be seen. The future political landscape of Iran hinges on these developments, with potential global implications.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45940864/trump-threatens-iran-with-unprecedented-us-military-action-in-case-of-attack-if-we-are-attacked-in-any-way-us-armed-forces-will-come-down-on-you-at-levels-never-seen-before">Trump Threatens Iran With Unprecedented US Military Action In Case Of Attack: &#8216;If We Are Attacked In Any Way, US Armed Forces Will Come Down On You At Levels Never Seen Before&#8217;</a>
Image: Shutterstock/GraphixTreasure

News

Exiled Iranian Prince Reza Pahlavi Claims 50,000 Defectors Have Joined His Movement To Topple Tehran Regime

Meta Platforms Inc&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) has reached a settlement with its shareholders and company leadership, thereby avoiding an $8 billion trial. 
What Happened: This move spares CEO&nbsp;Mark Zuckerberg from testifying about&nbsp;alleged data violations.
The lawsuit was initiated by Meta shareholders against Zuckerberg&nbsp;and other former company officials, including ex-Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg. 
The shareholders aimed to hold them accountable&nbsp;for billions of dollars in&nbsp;fines and legal costs the&nbsp;company has incurred in recent years.
Meta shareholders had alleged that&nbsp;current and former officers and&nbsp;directors of Facebook failed to safeguard users&#8217; data, reports Reuters. 
In 2019, the Federal Trade Commission imposed a $5 billion fine on Facebook for not adhering to a 2012 agreement to safeguard users&#8217; data. 
The shareholders demanded&nbsp;the 11 defendants to use&nbsp;their personal wealth to compensate the company. The defendants refuted the allegations, which they dubbed as &#8220;extreme claims&#8221;.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/03/44209921/meta-secretly-keeps-block-lists-of-ex-employee-former-google-hr-chief-calls-it-unheard-of">Meta Secretly Keeps &#8216;Block&#8217; Lists of Ex-Employee, Former Google HR Chief Calls It &#8216;Unheard Of&#8217;</a>
The settlement enables the plaintiffs to sidestep a challenging case, while Zuckerberg and other defendants evade having to respond to intense questions under oath. 
The case emerged following&nbsp;revelations that data from millions&nbsp;of Facebook users was accessed&nbsp;by Cambridge Analytica, a now-defunct&nbsp;political consulting firm that worked&nbsp;for Donald Trump&#8217;s&nbsp;successful U.S. presidential campaign in&nbsp;2016.
The settlement not only saves Meta Platforms from a potential $8 billion payout but also prevents further damage to its reputation. 
It also provides some relief to Delaware, which has been facing criticism for its perceived leniency towards shareholders suing directors. 
The outcome of this case could potentially influence future decisions by companies considering Delaware as their legal domicile.
Read Next
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Image: Shutterstock/JarTee

Tech

Mark Zuckerberg's Meta Platforms Dodges $8 Billion Trial With Eleventh-Hour Settlement

A 27-year-old man with cerebral palsy is working to take control of his Supplemental Security Income payments after claiming his mother misused the benefits for years. In a recent <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/SocialSecurity/comments/1lzw780/27_disabled_cerebral_palsy_trying_to_be_payee_of/">Reddit post</a>, he explained how he's trying to become his own representative payee so he can manage the money himself and build a better future.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SSI Payments and the Role of a Payee</h2>
The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/07/46508470/redditor-gets-a-surprise-letter-from-the-ssa-months-after-their-mothers-death-im-just-tired-of-all-the-death-related-paperwork">Social Security Administration</a> provides SSI to individuals who are disabled and have limited income. When a recipient is considered unable to manage their benefits, the SSA appoints a representative payee — often a family member — to handle the money on their behalf. The payee is expected to use the funds for the recipient's housing, food, medical needs, and other essentials.
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But according to this Reddit user, his mother has been receiving and spending his checks without ensuring the money went toward his care. "She just does what she wants with it," he wrote. He also said she lost or hid his Social Security card, making it harder for him to get an ID and regain control of his finances.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Moving Toward Independence</h2>
After an eviction earlier this year, the man began living with his uncle, who is now helping him get back on his feet. He recently fixed a name mismatch on his records — a first step toward obtaining proper ID and a replacement Social Security card.
He wants to become his own payee but isn&#8217;t sure what the process involves. "I'm in their face telling them that I'm 100% capable of managing my own money," he wrote, wondering whether SSA would require a doctor's statement or other evidence.
Trending: This AI-Powered Trading Platform Has 5,000+ Users, 27 Pending Patents, and a $43.97M Valuation — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/finally-a-fully-automated-trading-platform-for-individual-investors?">You Can Become an Investor for Just $500.25</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What It Takes To Become Your Own Payee</h2>
According to <a href="https://disabilityrightswa.org/publications/how-change-remove-or-report-representative-payee/">Disability Rights Washington</a>, individuals can request a new capability determination at any time if there's reason to believe they are now capable of managing their benefits. The agency evaluates requests using legal, medical, and personal evidence.
To support a request, a beneficiary may want to gather:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>A doctor's statement confirming their ability to manage money</li>
<li>Letters from people who can attest to their independence</li>
<li>Details about how they handle expenses, such as rent or groceries</li>
</ul>
If SSA determines that the individual is capable, the agency can remove the current payee and begin making payments directly to the beneficiary.
See Also: Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die."<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/warren-buffet-make-money-when-you-sleep"> Here&#8217;s how you can earn passive income with just $10.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What To Do If a Payee Misuses Funds</h2>
If a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/06/46073802/she-thought-her-ssi-ended-at-18-now-shes-worried-her-mom-may-still-be-collecting-it">representative payee</a> uses SSI funds for personal expenses or doesn't provide for the beneficiary's basic needs, this can be considered misuse. The beneficiary — or anyone aware of the situation — can report it to the Social Security Office of the Inspector General.
While this Reddit user acknowledged others have suggested reporting his mother, he hesitates. "I don't want to see my own mother locked up," he wrote, pointing out that she still has other children in her care.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Support May Be Available</h2>
The user said he doesn't have access to a caseworker or social worker, but he may be able to get help through agencies like Disability Rights organizations or the Department of Human Services in his area. Others in the Reddit thread encouraged him to speak with a doctor or have his uncle apply to become the new payee if SSA does not approve direct payment.
SSA typically looks for the person who will best serve the beneficiary's interest — and that might not be the current payee.&nbsp;
Read Next: Many are using retirement income calculators to check if they&#8217;re on pace —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-do-i-calculate-my-retirement-income-adv"> here&#8217;s a breakdown on what&#8217;s behind this formula.</a>
Image: Shutterstock

'She Just Does What She Wants With It': Disabled Man Says Mom Misused His SSI — Now He's Fighting For Control

Robert Kiyosaki recently shared his views on Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) on X, comparing them to &#8220;pictures of guns&#8221; and advocating for real assets.
On Friday, Kiyosaki shared his thoughts on ETFs. He acknowledged the ease they provide for average investors, even recommending gold, silver, and Bitcoin ETFs. However, he also issued a word of caution.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">BEWARE of PAPER I realize ETFs make investing easier for the average investor….so I do recommend ETFs for the average investor. Yet I extend these words of caution: For the average investor I recommend: Gold ETFs Silver ETFs Bitcoin ETFs Yet an ETF is like having a picture…
&mdash; Robert Kiyosaki (@theRealKiyosaki) <a href="https://twitter.com/theRealKiyosaki/status/1948640635373932683?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2025</a></blockquote>
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He likened owning an ETF to&nbsp;having a picture of a&nbsp;gun for personal defense, emphasizing the importance of holding real assets like gold, silver, Bitcoin, and even a gun. 
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43423389/robert-kiyosaki-predicts-gold-silver-bitcoin-crash-over-trumps-tariffs-says-its-a-buying-moment" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Robert Kiyosaki Predicts Gold, Silver, Bitcoin Crash Over Trump's Tariffs—Says It's A Buying Moment</a>
&#8220;Know the differences when it&nbsp;is best to have real&nbsp;and when it's best to&nbsp;have paper,&#8221; Kiyosaki posted.
His post underscores the ongoing debate between owning physical assets versus their financial counterparts. While ETFs offer liquidity and ease of trading, they lack the tangible security that physical assets provide.
His advice to &#8220;know the differences&#8221; suggests the importance of understanding the unique benefits and risks associated with each type of investment. 
It also implies that a savvy investor should be able to strategically utilize both to maximize returns and safeguard their wealth.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43759418/robert-kiyosaki-predicts-wall-street-crash-and-layoffs-prepare-for-market-crash-depression-and-war">Robert Kiyosaki Predicts Wall Street Crash and Layoffs: &#8216;Prepare for Market Crash, Depression and War&#8217;</a>
Image: Shutterstock/hamdi bendali

Robert Kiyosaki Says ETFs Are Like Pictures of Guns, Real Assets Are Better

Donald Trump administration has been making significant investments in U.S. companies, a move not commonly seen outside of major crises or wartime. This includes taking stakes in companies and embracing state intervention in industries deemed crucial for national security.
What Happened: The Trump administration&#8217;s investments include a controversial merger between Japan&#8217;s Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel, where Trump now holds a &#8220;golden share,&#8221; giving him veto power over major business decisions.
Additionally, the Department of Defense has agreed to purchase a $400 million equity stake in rare-earth miner MP Materials, becoming the company&#8217;s largest shareholder, <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/26/under-trump-us-an-active-investor-at-scale-not-seen-outside-major-crises.html">reports </a>CNBC. 
"You know who has the golden share? I do," Trump said at a summit last week. 
This level of federal support for a mining company is unprecedented, Gracelin Baskaran, who is an expert on critical minerals at the Center for Strategic and International Studies told the outlet. 
These moves indicate a shift in the Republican Party, traditionally a champion of free-market capitalism, towards state intervention in industries considered vital for national security. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46510518/trump-family-crypto-business-nabs-26-million-profit-from-quarter-billion-ethereum-stake">Trump Family Crypto Business Nabs $26 Million Profit From Quarter-Billion Ethereum Stake</a>
"This is the biggest public-private cooperation that the mining industry has ever had here in the United States. Historically, DOD has never done equity in a mining company or a mining project," Baskaran said. 
This approach is similar to nationalizing a company but without the benefits usually associated with such a move, like direct government investment.
Why It Matters: Experts suggest that this level of state intervention could be a new norm, as the Trump administration develops policies to support U.S. companies against state-backed competition from China. 
The government&#8217;s investment in MP Materials is seen as a model for future public-private partnerships.
However, the question remains&nbsp;whether state intervention can solve&nbsp;the failure of the free&nbsp;market to address national security&nbsp;concerns in industries like rare&nbsp;earths, as it could lead to&nbsp;a cascade of new market&nbsp;failures.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46508771/gen-x-voters-boost-donald-trumps-approval-rating-heres-whats-driving-it">Gen X Voters Boost Donald Trump&#8217;s Approval Rating — Here&#8217;s What&#8217;s Driving It</a>

Federal Government Becomes Major Investor Under Donald Trump, Echoing Wartime Scale

The&nbsp;U.S. Attorney for the District&nbsp;of New Jersey,&nbsp;Desiree Leigh Grace, has been dismissed by the Justice Department. 
What Happened: The Justice Department announced the termination of Desiree Leigh Grace from her position as the&nbsp;U.S. Attorney for the District&nbsp;of New Jersey. This move followed the decision of&nbsp;federal judges in the state&nbsp;to select Grace over President Donald Trump&#8216;s nominee, Alina Habba.
Earlier in March, Trump had appointed Habba as the interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey. However, the federal judges in the state decided against making Habba the permanent top federal prosecutor, <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/former-trump-attorney-alina-habba-passed-permanent-us/story?id=123971287">reports</a> ABC News.
Following this decision, Attorney General&nbsp;Pam Bondi&nbsp;announced Grace&#8217;s dismissal, stating,&nbsp;&#8220;This Department of Justice does&nbsp;not tolerate rogue judges &#8212;&nbsp;especially when they threaten the&nbsp;President&#8217;s core Article II powers.&#8221;
Before her promotion, Grace had served as Habba&#8217;s first assistant. Habba, who was awaiting Senate confirmation, saw&nbsp;her 120-day term as interim&nbsp;U.S. Attorney come to an end this week.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46508771/gen-x-voters-boost-donald-trumps-approval-rating-heres-whats-driving-it">Gen X Voters Boost Donald Trump&#8217;s Approval Rating — Here&#8217;s What&#8217;s Driving It</a>
Under current law,&nbsp;district judges have the authority&nbsp;to appoint&nbsp;a United States attorney if&nbsp;the president&#8217;s nominee does not receive Senate approval within 120 days. 
It remains to be seen whether the Trump administration will&nbsp;seek Senate confirmation for Habba.
Why It Matters: This incident underscores the ongoing tension between the Trump administration and the federal judiciary. The dismissal of Grace, following her selection over Trump&#8217;s pick, highlights the administration&#8217;s assertive stance on its nomination prerogatives. 
This could potentially set a precedent for future appointments and dismissals, impacting the balance of power between the executive branch and the judiciary.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46264859/ex-trump-family-attorney-raises-alarms-over-trumps-actions-as-president-i-have-never-been-as-concerned">Ex-Trump Family Attorney Raises Alarms Over Trump&#8217;s Actions as President: &#8216;I Have Never Been As Concerned&#8217;</a>
Image: Shutterstock/Joe Tabacca

New Jersey US Attorney Fired After Being Chosen Over Former Trump Lawyer Alina Habba

He did everything right—at least on paper. Built wealth in tech. Amassed <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43539942/are-you-rich-heres-what-americans-think-you-need-to-be-considered-wealthy-2">an eight-figure net worth</a>. Never drank, never smoked, stayed in shape. But now, at 53, he's looking around and realizing: he's alone. No spouse, no kids, no real sense of meaning. Just money. And regret.
"I let my life pass me by," <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Adulting/s/oCrzEjM9Ew">he wrote in a post</a> that struck a nerve with thousands on Reddit. "I worked 13 hours a day, rejected women, and built a system that's long retired. It meant nothing."
Now he watches young people give up in their twenties, and all he can feel is frustration—and envy. "It makes me sick how 23-year-old men are giving up," he wrote. "I would give it all today to be 23 again."
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He's not angry at them. He's angry at time.
"You become invisible when you get older," he said. "Even women your age don't want you."
Despite having more money than most people dream of, he admits he feels like he missed the point.
He's watched time disappear in a blur of late nights and long hours. He remembers 1994 "like yesterday," when he had just graduated and was working 13-hour shifts in a big-name finance firm. Two of his managers are now dead. The system he helped build is gone. "It meant nothing," he wrote.
Now he's facing what he calls a "lifetime of being alone." No family. No partner. Just the weight of time and a gnawing feeling that he spent decades chasing things that didn't matter. "Hope this post is a wake-up call," he said. "Too late for me."
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But thousands of Reddit users didn't agree. Some said he was still young—53 isn't a death sentence. Others pointed out that people tend to romanticize the past. At 18, they missed being 10. At 25, they missed the freedom of 18. And at 53, it's easy to miss 23. That's how time works—no matter where you are, the last chapter always looks easier.
One user offered a perspective shift: instead of wishing you were 23 again, imagine you're 90 and just got dropped back into your 50s with a second chance. You'd probably do something with it.
Those words snapped something open: the realization that money alone can't fill the emptiness of time wasted or relationships neglected.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/are-you-rich">Are you rich?</a> Here&#8217;s what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy.
It echoes something Warren Buffett—now in his 90s—<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/25/05/45607543/warren-buffett-you-can-make-a-fortune-but-your-life-is-a-disaster-if-you-overlook-this-one-thing">once said about what true success looks like</a>:
"When you get to my age, you really measure your success … by how many of the people you want to have love you actually do love you."&nbsp;
Buffett's words cut through the noise: a big bank account is useless if your life is empty of the people you care about.
Plenty reminded him that having money and good health <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/07/46227704/are-you-secretly-rich-heres-what-the-top-10-of-people-in-their-50s-actually-have">at 53 puts him ahead of more people</a> than he realizes. It's not over. There's still time to build something that matters—not a company or a system, but a life. A good one.&nbsp;
The real tragedy isn't being alone. It's believing you have to stay unhappy and lonely.&nbsp;
Read Next: Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die."<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/warren-buffet-make-money-when-you-sleep"> Here&#8217;s how you can earn passive income with just $10.</a>
Image: Shutterstock

53-Year-Old Tech Millionaire Says He's Invisible, Alone, And Full Of Regret — 'I Let My Life Pass Me By. I'd Give Up Everything To Be 23 Again'

Elon Musk has made a bold prediction that artificial intelligence (AI) will increase birth rates.
Musk responded to a post on X on Saturday suggesting that the combination of technology and AI could lead to sterilization, particularly among&nbsp;those with high time preference&nbsp;and low impulse control. 
Musk disagreed, stating that AI will actually boost birth rates.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Wake up, kid, that was happening even before the Internet. US birth rate has been below replacement since ~1971, except for a split second echo of the baby boom. AI will increase birth rates in order to maximize the future light cone of neurotransmitter tonnage.
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1949043119162606023?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Musk&#8217;s response came on a Tuesday, as part of a conversation about the potential impact of AI on society. He argued that the decline in birth rates predates the internet, with the US birth rate falling below replacement levels since around 1971.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44550912/elon-musk-reveals-the-one-thought-that-keeps-him-awake-at-night">Elon Musk Reveals the One Thought That Keeps Him Awake at Night</a>
Musk&#8217;s views challenge the common fear that advancing technology could lead to a decrease in population. 
Instead, he suggests that AI could be used to maximize the &#8220;future light cone of neurotransmitter&nbsp;tonnage,&#8221; potentially leading to an increase in birth rates.
While Musk&#8217;s prediction is speculative, it reflects his optimistic view of the potential benefits of AI. 
This perspective is significant given Musk&#8217;s influence in the tech industry and his role at the helm of Tesla, a company at the forefront of AI development.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46266380/ex-trump-lawyer-sent-this-message-to-elon-musk-after-feud-with-donald-trump-erupted">Ex-Trump Lawyer Sent This Message To Elon Musk After Feud With Donald Trump Erupted</a>

TSLA

Elon Musk Predicts AI 'Will Increase Birth Rates in Order To Maximize Future Light Cone of Neurotransmitter Tonnage'

President Donald Trump&#8216;s approval rating has seen a notable dip among independent voters, as indicated by a new Gallup survey.
What Happened: The <a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/692879/independents-drive-trump-approval-second-term-low.aspx?utm_source=twitterbutton&amp;utm_medium=twitter&amp;utm_campaign=sharing">poll</a>, conducted from July 7 to 21, 2025, shows a significant drop in Trump&#8217;s job approval rating among all American adults, now at 37 percent, the lowest in his second term. 
The approval rating among self-identified independent voters is even lower, standing at just 29 percent, equaling his lowest rating with this group&nbsp;in either of his terms.
Key&nbsp;issues including the federal budget,&nbsp;economy, and immigration are believed to be contributing factors to this decline. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46266316/donald-trumps-approval-rating-jumps-among-baby-boomers-heres-whats-driving-it">Donald Trump&#8217;s Approval Rating Jumps Among Baby Boomers — Here&#8217;s What&#8217;s Driving It</a>
The poll indicated&nbsp;that 73 percent of independents&nbsp;are dissatisfied with Trump&#8217;s handling of the federal budget, while 68 percent expressed disapproval&nbsp;of his handling of the&nbsp;economy.
Trump&#8217;s approach to immigration, a key part of his agenda, also failed to win over independent voters, with a mere 30 percent expressing approval.
Why It Matters: This downward trend in approval ratings could serve as a red flag&nbsp;for Republican leaders as they&nbsp;strategize for the upcoming 2026 midterm elections, where they hope to maintain their hold on the House and Senate. 
The dwindling support from independent voters, often seen as the swing vote in elections, could potentially upset their plans.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/05/45482902/poll-shows-trumps-approval-rating-underwater-on-nearly-everything-from-economy-to-abortion" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Poll Shows Trump's Approval Rating Underwater on Nearly Everything From Economy to Abortion</a>
Image: Shutterstock/Shutterstock AI

Independent Voters' Approval Rating Of Donald Trump Plummets, Latest Poll Indicates

A long-dormant Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) whale has resurfaced after more than 14 years of inactivity, moving a whopping $469.8 million in Bitcoin, as per recent on-chain data.
What Happened: A dormant Bitcoin whale wallet sprung back into action after an approximately 14.5-year hiatus. 
Blockchain tracking platform Lookonchain disclosed that the whale moved Bitcoin valued at nearly $469.8 million, having been inactive since its last transaction on January 15, 2011.
During this&nbsp;period, the price of Bitcoin&nbsp;soared from about $0.393 to $118,561, marking a remarkable&nbsp;gain of at least 30,168,093%.&nbsp;The whale had&nbsp;accumulated the Bitcoin over two&nbsp;days starting on January 13, 2011.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Update: This whale has transferred all 3,962 <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a>($468M) to a new wallet bc1qcz after being dormant for 14.5 years.<a href="https://t.co/GOp1mQk1Ih">https://t.co/GOp1mQk1Ih</a><a href="https://t.co/2vZYhjVCcp">https://t.co/2vZYhjVCcp</a> <a href="https://t.co/Dv0N34Cj1g">pic.twitter.com/Dv0N34Cj1g</a>
&mdash; Lookonchain (@lookonchain) <a href="https://twitter.com/lookonchain/status/1948350896452104660?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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Prior to moving the enormous Bitcoin stash, the whale executed&nbsp;a test transaction for $218.&nbsp;Despite the wallet&#8217;s inactivity for over 14 years, it may have been subjected to dusting attacks. 
These attacks involve sending minuscule amounts of Bitcoin to a specific address in an attempt&nbsp;to de-anonymize the wallet owner.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/05/45335892/decade-old-bitcoin-whale-emerges-transfers-207-51-million-btc-with-nearly-112000-profit" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Decade-Old Bitcoin Whale Emerges, Transfers $207.51 Million BTC With Nearly 112,000% Profit</a>
This resurgence&nbsp;comes less than a month&nbsp;after two addresses made headlines&nbsp;by moving 80,000 BTC after&nbsp;being dormant since April 2011. At that&nbsp;time, Coinbase director Conor Grogan&nbsp;suggested&nbsp;that the addresses could have&nbsp;been recipients of Bitcoin stolen&nbsp;following a hack.
Earlier this week, crypto analytics&nbsp;platform Santiment reported a minimal drop in&nbsp;Bitcoin whales holding over 1,000&nbsp;BTC amid a slight decrease&nbsp;in the price of BTC.
Why It Matters: The awakening of this Bitcoin whale after such a long period of dormancy has sparked intrigue in the crypto community. 
The significant movement of Bitcoin by dormant addresses can often lead to speculation and volatility in the market. The fact that this whale accumulated Bitcoin when it was worth less than a dollar and held onto it through numerous market cycles is a testament to the long-term belief in the value of Bitcoin. 
This event also highlights the potential risks associated with dusting attacks, reminding Bitcoin holders to remain vigilant about their wallet security.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/03/44348215/bitcoin-whale-takes-332-million-short-position-heres-where-it-gets-liquidated" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bitcoin Whale Takes $332 Million Short Position, Here&#8217;s Where It Gets Liquidated</a>

Dormant Bitcoin Whale Awakens After 14 Years, Moves $469.8 Million Worth of BTC

After losing both her husband and father within two years, Ana turned to spending as a way to cope with overwhelming grief. Travel, shopping, and dining out became temporary comforts — but they also led to $41,000 in credit card debt.
Now 37, Ana has made major financial strides. She stopped unnecessary spending, purchased her first home, and is on track to pay off a 30-year mortgage in just 15. She earns $160,000 a year and has built up $419,000 in a Roth 401(k). She also holds an inherited IRA worth $82,000 — and she&#8217;s wondering if it's wise to tap that account to wipe out her lingering debt.
Ana recently posed her question to Suze Orman on an <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/suze-ormans-women-and-money/ask-kt-suze-anything-should-i-take-money-from-an-ira-to-pay-off-credit-card-debt">episode</a> of the "Women &amp; Money" podcast, looking for an outside perspective not just on the numbers, but on the emotional weight behind her financial choices.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Financial Reality of Tapping the IRA</h2>
Orman's first reaction was clear: from a purely financial standpoint, using the inherited IRA to erase the debt doesn't make sense. Because Ana lives in California and has a relatively high income, a large portion of the IRA withdrawal would go toward taxes. Orman estimated Ana would need to withdraw $70,000 to $75,000 to net $41,000 after taxes.
"It&#8217;s going to cost you an additional $30,000 in taxes approximately to do so," Orman explained. "Makes absolutely no sense at all."
Inherited IRAs also come with a 10-year withdrawal rule, meaning Ana has until 2031 to deplete the account. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/07/46517847/mom-says-her-sons-girlfriend-owes-4000-in-back-rent-suze-orman-tells-her-to-kick-them-both-out-you-have-30-days-to-get-out">Orman</a> encouraged her to consider spreading withdrawals over several years to minimize the tax burden and preserve more of the inherited funds.
Trending: This AI-Powered Trading Platform Has 5,000+ Users, 27 Pending Patents, and a $43.97M Valuation — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/finally-a-fully-automated-trading-platform-for-individual-investors?">You Can Become an Investor for Just $500.25</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What About the Emotional Weight?</h2>
But Orman didn't ignore the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/07/46417602/vibe-based-budgeting-and-revenge-saving-how-emotion-based-habits-could-actually-boost-your-net-worth">emotional side</a>. She acknowledged that the debt represents more than purchases — it symbolizes grief, loss, and perhaps guilt. Orman posed a powerful question: Would eliminating the debt help Ana reclaim a sense of herself and bring closure to the pain she experienced?
Only Ana can truly answer that. Still, Orman noted that even in Ana's own words, she seemed to recognize that using the IRA in this way might mirror the emotional spending that caused the debt in the first place.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Smarter Alternatives for Paying Off Debt</h2>
Orman offered a few practical alternatives. If Ana has a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/what-is-a-good-credit-score">good credit score</a>, she could consider a 0% balance transfer credit card to reduce or eliminate interest charges. Then, with her high income, she could commit to paying off the debt aggressively — without sacrificing retirement funds.
See Also: The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement —<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/smartasset"> How do you compare</a>?
Another option would be to withdraw small amounts from the IRA over time. For example, taking out $17,000 annually over the next few years — depending on <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/07/46509151/what-worked-for-you-5-or-10-years-ago-may-not-be-the-right-strategy-suze-orman-warns-retirees-to-rebalance-while-markets-are-up">market performance</a> and tax impact — could help reduce the debt gradually, while preserving most of the account's value.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Final Takeaway</h2>
In the end, Orman left the final decision up to Ana. From a financial lens, the answer is no: paying off credit card debt using a lump-sum IRA withdrawal is inefficient and costly. But emotionally, it's more complicated. Orman urged Ana to see the debt not as a burden, but as a reminder of how far she's come — and a gift she gave herself to survive unimaginable loss.
With a strong income, solid retirement savings, and a clear commitment to change, Ana has the tools to move forward without draining the inheritance her father left behind.
Read Next: Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die."<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/warren-buffet-make-money-when-you-sleep"> Here&#8217;s how you can earn passive income with just $10.</a>
Image: Shutterstock

After Losing Her Husband And Father, She Turned To Spending — Now She's Asking Suze Orman If An Inherited IRA Can Pay Off Her $41K Debt

Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) has been advocating for Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>), asserting its importance for the U.S. economy and its citizens.
What Happened: During an interview, Lummis communicated her belief that Bitcoin is more than a speculative asset.
She said that she sees it as a form of freedom money that can improve the lives of Americans. Lummis is recognized for her efforts to mainstream Bitcoin and to clarify its regulatory status within the U.S. financial system.
Lummis suggests that Bitcoin can serve as a digital gold, facilitating transactions on a global scale. She underscored the transformative potential of cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin, referring to&nbsp;it as the freedom money&nbsp;that every American requires for daily transactions.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Bitcoin is freedom money and will make life better for every American. Easier, faster, and cheaper transactions. <a href="https://t.co/pIHq6kWsU1">pic.twitter.com/pIHq6kWsU1</a>
&mdash; Senator Cynthia Lummis (@SenLummis) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenLummis/status/1948810480577073370?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2025</a></blockquote>
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From a wider economic perspective, Lummis contends that Bitcoin can offer protection against inflation, reduce transaction costs, and promote financial inclusivity. She also pointed out the advantages for everyday Americans, such as simpler, quicker, and more affordable transactions.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46510203/1-billion-bitcoin-transfer-triggers-massive-liquidations-this-is-where-it-was-offloaded">$1 Billion Bitcoin Transfer Triggers Massive Liquidations — This Is Where It Was Offloaded</a>
In her pursuit to incorporate Bitcoin&nbsp;into the U.S. financial system,&nbsp;Lummis, along with other political figures, has recently proposed a bill. 
This bill aims to provide&nbsp;clear definitions for non-security tokens,&nbsp;tailored disclosures, and updated&nbsp;SEC oversight for cryptocurrencies, especially&nbsp;Bitcoin.
Despite recent sideways trading, market participants continue to be optimistic about Bitcoin, affirming its appeal to both retail and institutional investors.
Why It Matters: Senator Lummis&#8217; advocacy for Bitcoin underscores the growing recognition of cryptocurrencies in the political sphere. 
Her efforts to clarify regulatory guidelines and integrate Bitcoin into the U.S. financial system could potentially pave the way for wider acceptance and usage of cryptocurrencies. This could have significant implications for the U.S. economy, potentially offering protection against inflation and promoting financial inclusivity. 
The proposed bill, if passed, could provide much-needed regulatory clarity, which could further boost investor confidence in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/03/44348215/bitcoin-whale-takes-332-million-short-position-heres-where-it-gets-liquidated" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bitcoin Whale Takes $332 Million Short Position, Here&#8217;s Where It Gets Liquidated</a>
Image: Shutterstock

Senator Lummis Champions Bitcoin as Essential: 'Freedom Money and Will Make Life Better for Every American'

A renowned cryptocurrency trader has forecasted a substantial surge for Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>).
What Happened:&nbsp;Ali Martinez, a widely followed crypto analyst, has projected a 109% rise for Dogecoin if it manages to regain a crucial support level. 
In a post on X, he shared that Dogecoin may be forming a bullish reversal pattern on the three-day chart and increase by more than 109% from its current value.
"If Dogecoin is truly forming a double bottom, this is the spot for a rebound. Reclaiming $0.26 as support could set the stage for a rally toward $0.46!" he mentioned. 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">If Dogecoin <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24DOGE&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$DOGE</a> is truly forming a double bottom, this is the spot for a rebound. Reclaiming $0.26 as support could set the stage for a rally toward $0.46! <a href="https://t.co/L9IgDef4Ia">pic.twitter.com/L9IgDef4Ia</a>
&mdash; Ali (@ali_charts) <a href="https://twitter.com/ali_charts/status/1948668042000347468?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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The popular memecoin, currently priced at at around $0.2370, could rally to $0.46 if it successfully forms a bullish reversal pattern.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46508809/dogecoin-set-to-soar-2600-and-hit-1-trillion-market-cap-says-this-crypto-analyst">Dogecoin Set To Soar 2,600% and Hit $1 Trillion Market Cap, Says This Crypto Analyst</a>
Dogecoin continues to rank among the world's top cryptocurrencies, currently sitting at 8th place with a market valuation exceeding $35.6 billion. 
In another post he mentioned that Dogecoin is back in a range that has historically served as a buying zone, triggering major bull runs. 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Dogecoin <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24DOGE&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$DOGE</a> is back in a range that has historically served as a buying zone, triggering major bull runs! <a href="https://t.co/bzHM1K4zBf">pic.twitter.com/bzHM1K4zBf</a>
&mdash; Ali (@ali_charts) <a href="https://twitter.com/ali_charts/status/1948988654430327062?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2025</a></blockquote>
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In the past 24 hours alone, it has seen over $2.27 billion in trading activity—signaling robust market engagement and high liquidity, even in the face of recent price fluctuations.
Martinez also forecasted a potential 55% rise for Avalanche if it can turn&nbsp;the $27 level into support.&nbsp;The layer-1 blockchain is presently trading at $23.22.
Why It Matters: These predictions come at a time when the cryptocurrency market is experiencing significant volatility. The potential rallies for these altcoins could indicate a broader bullish trend in the crypto market. 
Investors and traders will be closely watching these developments, as they could significantly impact the value of their holdings. 
The predictions also underscore the increasing influence and acceptance of memecoins in the crypto market. 
However, as with any investment, potential investors should conduct thorough research and consider the inherent risks associated with investing in cryptocurrencies.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/05/45337617/dogecoin-rockets-up-27-while-bitcoin-climbs-toward-all-time-high" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dogecoin Rockets Up 27% While Bitcoin Climbs Toward All-Time High</a>
Image: Shutterstock/alfernec

$DOGE

Dogecoin Is Back in Historic Buying Zone That Triggered Bull Runs — Is It a Good Time To Buy?

A 33-year-old woman with no debt, a stable income, and even a paid-off master's degree <a href="https://youtu.be/MnQJxBaJ7_U?si=tRWe6lKQmLr-YpcS">called into "The Ramsey Show"</a>—not for advice on what to fix, but to ask a more haunting question: Why does it feel like I'm still losing at life?
Despite earning $60,000 a year, owning a home with just $140,000 left on the mortgage, and having no other debt, the caller—Hillary—admitted, "I just see a lot of people my age or younger bragging and boasting about their nice cars, houses, and vacations, and I just feel like I'm losing at life."
Rather than rush to soothe her, Dave Ramsey got right to the root of what he believes is fueling that discontent.
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"This is the problem," Ramsey said. "The millennial, your generation, was one of the first ones to really, really struggle with it."
He was referring to the social media comparison trap—a constant bombardment of filtered, curated glimpses into the seemingly perfect lives of others.
Ramsey explained that in the past, people compared themselves to the Joneses—neighbors with real, visible lives. You saw the new car in the driveway, sure, "but you also saw them have big fights, and you also knew that their kids were messed up."
"But on social media," he warned, "you're only thing <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/01/43011673/dave-ramsey-says-stop-trying-to-keep-up-with-the-joneses-theyre-broke-warns-people-are-fake-rich-average-household-debt-is-175075">you're looking at is the highlight reel</a>… Nobody posts on there, ‘My husband just got me a 1992 Honda. #Blessed.'"
Even the exotic vacations people post about <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/06/45750505/broke-people-love-to-give-financial-advice-says-dave-ramsey-theyre-scared-youll-outpace-them-by-doing-smart-things-with-money">don't necessarily tell the full story</a>. Hillary mentioned hearing coworkers mention trips to the Bahamas and brand-new Escalades, which left her questioning her own choices.
Trending: This AI-Powered Trading Platform Has 5,000+ Users, 27 Pending Patents, and a $43.97M Valuation — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/finally-a-fully-automated-trading-platform-for-individual-investors?">You Can Become an Investor for Just $500.25</a>
But Ramsey was quick to set the record straight.
"That Escalade is actually really an amazing car… and 99% chance <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/04/44752907/dave-ramsey-says-if-you-want-to-know-what-driving-a-new-car-really-costs-open-your-car-window-once-a-week-and-toss-out-a-100-bill">that's not real money that bought that</a>."
In fact, had Hillary simply called in and said, "I'm a 33-year-old single female, I make 60 grand, I only have $120,000 left on a house I bought myself," Ramsey said the reaction would've been pure celebration.
"We would be going, touchdown! We would celebrate you as like the model," he told her. "I hope my daughter Josephine is in that kind of situation… You're amazing. You've done a great job. You're doing it right."
Co-host John Delony chimed in, likening Hillary's comparison dilemma to indie filmmaking: "You're the indie filmmaker and all you have is a camera and you're telling real stories, and you can't compete with the Godzilla movies that are made in computer labs."
Hillary admitted she had also just paid cash for her master's degree—something she confessed had her second-guessing the trade-off. "All that money I had saved, I'm just like, that could have been a vacation or a car. I shouldn't have done that."
But Ramsey wasn't having it.
"Dude, you just put an <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/06/45980923/study-says-college-has-higher-roi-than-stocks-but-only-if-you-follow-these-rules-suze-orman-says">investment in yourself for the next 50 years</a> of your life. You traded a master's degree for Bahamas. This is a good trade."
See Also: Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die."<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/warren-buffet-make-money-when-you-sleep"> Here&#8217;s how you can earn passive income with just $10.</a>
He shared a personal story to drive the point home. At 28, Ramsey was driving a Jaguar—and went broke. What followed was a season of driving a "hooptie," including a beat-up loaner car that was 90% Bondo with a torn vinyl roof that "filled up with air like a parachute" when he drove.
"I used to have to pull up in those hoopties… Meanwhile I'm sitting next to people in nice cars that just got home from the Bahamas, and I'm looking at them going, what am I doing wrong?"
But perspective changed everything.
"Today, if you did that… the average car payment at that stoplight is $750."
As the call wrapped up, Delony offered Hillary a final insight: beneath all the comparison, maybe the real issue was something deeper.
"How much of these videos you're seeing… are reinforcing a sense of loneliness?"
"Probably a lot," Hillary admitted. "Because I feel like they just can go do whatever, you know?"
Delony's advice was simple: "Start creating opportunities to have friends and community and connection and laughter right where you live… and it's going to make the other shiny stuff… not be that big a deal."
Because no matter what TikTok or Instagram tells you, success isn't about Escalades or beach resorts. Sometimes, it's just about being 33, debt-free, and already winning—even if you don't feel like it.
Read Next: Many are using retirement income calculators to check if they&#8217;re on pace —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-do-i-calculate-my-retirement-income-adv"> here&#8217;s a breakdown on what&#8217;s behind this formula.</a>
Image: Shutterstock

33-Year-Old With $60K Income And No Debt Says She Feels Like She's 'Losing At Life' — Dave Ramsey Blames 'Problem' On Her Generation

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