Archives May 2025

A product is emerging that is so powerful, it is already threatening trillion-dollar companies.

And almost no one is using it yet.

That’s the dynamic we saw play out this week.

This week, Apple executive Eddy Cue testified in the Justice Department’s antitrust case against Google owner Alphabet. According to news reports, Cue testified that Apple is “actively looking at” adding AI as an alternative to search.

The reason why is in the numbers. Searches on Apple’s web browser Safari fell for the first time last month, he said. Cue said the decline was caused by users increasingly relying on AI, according to Bloomberg News. Google pays an estimated $20 billion annually to be the Safari default search engine.

On Wednesday, Alphabet shares closed down 8% on the news.

We’ve written plenty in the Digest about AI and why it’s going to be a major disruptor to every industry sector, including big tech.

But that’s only half the story this week.

You may have heard predictions about how AI will change the American workplace. In March, Microsoft founder Bill Gates predicted that advances in AI will render humans unnecessary for most things in the world.

But we’re not close to that … yet.

Recently, abundance of news stories and surveys make it clear that very few American workers are using AI.

A Pew Research survey published in February found that only about 16% of American workers are doing at least some of their jobs with AI.

Another 63% say they don’t use AI much or at all in their job; and 17% reported that they have not heard of AI use in the workplace.

What’s the takeaway?

We’re still very early in the AI megatrend … but the future is coming at you fast.

No Turning Back From the AI Revolution

Quotes like the one from Gates above make good headlines and often frighten people about the future.

But as the Pew Research survey shows, we’re nowhere near the point of mass adoption of AI tools.

Investors such as Ray Dalio, founder of the world’s largest hedge fund, Bridgewater Associates, have warned that an “AI bubble” will burst like the dot com bubble. Jeremy Grantham, co-founder of investment management firm GMO LLC, who famously predicted the dot-com bubble burst, has said it will likely “deflate.”

Those outcomes may happen. But one thing is certain…

The non-AI economy is disappearing.

You can either invest in it or be left behind.

Our own in-house investing legend Louis Navellier makes a similar point to his Growth Investor subscribers.

When ChatGPT launched, the AI tool could only answer questions based on its training data, which was up to September 2021. Plus, it had a bad habit of making up facts when it didn’t know the answer – what we now call AI “hallucinations.”

Still, it was a revolutionary tool. More than 1 million people used ChatGPT in the first five days.

And the world hasn’t been the same since.

Fast-forward to March 2023, when GPT-4 rolled out. The AI tool could pass the bar exam, scoring in the 90th percentile. According to some studies, it could also pass medical exams, outperforming med students with ease.

The growth and acceleration of AI have only continued since then. And today, we find ourselves at a moment I call the Economic Singularity.

This is the moment when AI crosses a threshold and makes most human labor economically irrelevant.

Regular Digest readers know that Louis is a classic “quant.” He uses data and high-speed computers to identify fundamentally superior stocks that have the institutional buying pressure to push them higher.

So, when he selects stocks in a megatrend, it’s based solely on data – not hunches or gut-feels.

A good example came this week with earnings announcements from AppLovin Corporation (APP).

If you don’t know the stock, APP targets the more than 1 billion people who play mobile games. Specifically, the company owns and operates an AI platform that provides advertising to mobile gamers.

The ads aren’t just for other games. Their AI platform is now expanding into broader industries such as e-commerce, fintech, healthcare and entertainment.

And they posted blowout earnings this week. Here’s Louis writing in Growth Investor:

Shares of AppLovin Corporation (APP) soared higher on Thursday after the company posted blowout earnings and revenue for its first quarter. Total revenue increased 40% year-over-year to $1.48 billion, besting estimates for $1.38 billion. Advertising revenue jumped 71% year-over-year to $1.16 billion

First-quarter earnings surged 144% year-over-year to $576.42 million, or $1.67 per share, compared to $236.18 million, or $0.67 per share, in the first quarter of 2024. Adjusted earnings per share came in at $2.38, topping estimates for $1.96 per share. So, AppLovin posted a 21.4% earnings surprise.

Click here to find out more about what Louis is calling the Economic Singularity.

AI Winners Beyond Tech Stocks

On Thursday, Bloomberg published a story about how the data centers that help power AI are increasingly in water-resource-scarce areas.

The data centers that help power AI need high volumes of water to cool hot servers, and, indirectly, to help generate the electricity needed to run the centers.

From the Bloomberg report:

Even before ChatGPT launched in late 2022, communities complained about data centers guzzling up millions of gallons of water every day from cities that didn’t have all that much to spare. The problem has only deepened in the years since ChatGPT kicked off an AI frenzy.

More than 160 new AI data centers have sprung up across the US in the past three years in places with high competition for scarce water resources, according to a Bloomberg News analysis of data from World Resources Institute, a nonprofit research organization, and market intelligence firm DC Byte. That’s a 70% increase from the prior three-year period.

The story goes on to detail how data centers and tech firms are starting to deal with the problem while acknowledging that demand is only going to grow.

This trend offers an investing example beyond the obvious demand for more data centers.

All investors want to grow their wealth, but often, the most successful investors identify opportunities based on future economic needs that come to fruition.

For example, most investors are familiar with the story of Levi Strauss. During the California Gold Rush, it wasn’t most miners who grew wealthy—it was Strauss, who sold them the durable pants they needed to mine the gold.

In today’s AI boom, Eric isn’t chasing the most obvious chipmakers. He’s looking deeper—at the water flowing through the server farms—and not long ago, he made an important tech-adjacent call.

Eric noted in his New Manhattan Project report in Eric Fry’s Investment Report that water handling businesses have a tailwind based on this new technology, as well as in an old one.

Here is what he wrote about his pick, Aris Water Solutions Inc., (ARIS):

ARIS is an emerging leader in the water-handling business for the oil & gas industry. As I detailed in the October issue of Fry’s Investment Report, Aris has developed an extensive water infrastructure in the Delaware Basin of West Texas.

The company also has permits in place to expand the scope of its operations significantly. This growing network of water-handling facilities is generating solid earnings growth for Aris.

But the company’s growth curve could ramp higher over the coming years, thanks to a prospective, new “data center alley” in West Texas. Since data centers require prodigious volumes of water to cool themselves, Aris’ advanced water treatment capabilities could attract robust demand from the tech companies that might build centers in the region.

This is a great illustration of the global macro investing perspective Eric has. He leans on the world’s megatrends, but his focus is narrow. It’s not enough to simply say “invest in AI.” Eric considers all the economic/investment ripples originating from the trend.

ARIS is up 25% since Eric picked it in October, even amid the market volatility.

Eric believes that, like the Manhattan Project, the AI race is a high-stakes competition to develop a powerful technology of weaponization. And, like the Space Race, it’s also a race to control a limitless frontier.

Here’s Eric describing the stakes.

The stakes could not be higher. AI is a technology that has the potential to create, or destroy, on a scale that humanity has never before encountered. That’s why the U.S. will be pursuing an all-hands-on-deck strategy to master AI’s capabilities before anyone else does.

That’s why I believe we’re about to see a massive partnership between the U.S. government and the private sector that could shower the AI industry with trillions of dollars in new investments.  

You can learn more about Eric’s stocks for the New Manhattan Project by clicking here.

AI isn’t everywhere yet, but adoption rates are rising.

Savvy investors will want to get in early to ensure they can maximize their returns and not get caught flat-footed when mass adoption occurs.

Enjoy your weekend.

Luis Hernandez

Editor in Chief, InvestorPlace

Early Entry, Long-Term Potential: Why Pre-Sales Matter More Than Ever

Major crypto pre-sales provide investors with a great chance of acquiring early access to new tokens at drastically reduced prices. In 2025, two standouts are redefining what early access is in the world of decentralized finance and blockchain gaming, DexBoss on $DEBO and AurealOne through $DLUME.

The projects offer not just speculative upside, but also actual utility and long term use cases.

DexBoss: The Bridge Between Centralized and Decentralized Finance

DexBoss is carving a niche for itself within the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem by bringing trading within reach of both beginners and professionals. The platform’s ultimate mission? To act as the go-to point of contact between traditional finance and blockchain-based alternatives.

Tools Built for Every Level of Crypto User

DexBoss is equipped with features that make it easy and powerful to trade: 

• User-friendly interface to remove confusion and facilitate adoption.
   
• More than 2000 different supported cryptocurrencies, including stablecoins and meme tokens.
   
• Solid liquidity pools to reduce slippage.
   
• Higher-level features such as margin trading, staking, and yield farming.
   
• High-speed order handling in high-volatility situations.

$DEBO Token: Fueling the DexBoss Ecosystem

The utility token of Dexboss, $DEBO, is used across the platform. The presale is divided into 17 successive stages, starting at $0.01 and ending at $0.0458, with a 1 billion capped token supply. Currently trading at $0.011, $DEBO is to go public at $0.0505.

A key differentiator? The platform takes advantage of trading fees for carry outs and token burns (reducing supply and increasing scarcity).

DexBoss Roadmap: What’s Ahead in 2025

• Q1: Launch of presale and initial marketing
   
• Q2: Public exchange listings and live platform launch
   
• Q3: Margin trading rollout
   
• Q4: Expansion of Fiat on-ramps and advanced tools

Why DexBoss Has Breakout Potential

• Built-in scarcity model with token burns
   
• Massive asset support appeals to a wide audience
   
• Simplified fiat onboarding improves accessibility
   
• Institutional-grade tools support larger traders

How to Buy $DEBO in the DexBoss Presale

1. Set up a crypto wallet (e.g., MetaMask, Trust Wallet)
    
2. Fund your wallet with BNB or USDT (Binance Smart Chain)
    
3. Visit the DexBoss presale portal: [Insert link]
    
4. Connect your wallet to the site
    
5. Choose how much $DEBO you want to buy and complete the transaction
    
6. Your purchased tokens will be available for claim after the presale ends

AurealOne: Powering Next-Gen Blockchain Gaming

AurealOne is a dedicated blockchain solution for gaming and metaverse economies, developed to address common blockchain riddles such as slow transactions, high gas, and digital currency’s poor gamification.

Gamer-Centric Design with Dev-Ready Infrastructure

Offering extremely fast and scalable blockchain infrastructure, AurealOne utilizes zero-knowledge rollups. The platform is optimized to provide non-stop performance in the game, even in stressful network connections.

Meet $DLUME: The Backbone of AurealOne’s Ecosystem

While $DLUME is more than a gaming token, it is the heart and soul of the entire AurealOne universe:

• Used for seamless in-game purchases.
   
• Grants reward and governance rights.
   
• Keeps costs low because of ultra-light transaction charges.
   
• AurealOne plays as a unified currency for all AurealOne games/ experiences.

DLUME Pre-Sale Snapshot

The $DLUME presale goes through 21 rounds, ranging from $0.0005 to $0.0045. At present, the token costs $0.0013, with the public listing expected to begin at $0.0055 or more.

Tokens are first distributed on the Binance Smart Chain (BSC) and then bridged to the native chain after the mainnet, effectively making them early adopters.

First Game Release: Clash of Tiles

It will be released in Q2 2025, and it will be the first demonstration of real-time capabilities of AurealOne. It will integrate native DLUME and be a technical proof-of-concept for further game development.

AurealOne’s Path Forward

• Q1 2025: Core blockchain completed
   
• Q2 2025: Alpha release of Clash of Tiles
   
• Q3 2025: Native token swaps and full network activation
   
• 2026: Expansion to more games and broader metaverse applications

Why DLUME Could Dominate the Blockchain Gaming Arena

• Built for modern games with fast, scalable infrastructure
   
• Real usage ensures long-term token utility
   
• Supply-reducing features like staking and governance
   
• Positioned to capitalize on gaming’s continued shift to Web3

How to Buy $DLUME in the AurealOne Presale

1. Set up a crypto wallet (MetaMask or similar)
    
2. Fund it with BNB (Binance Smart Chain)
    
3. Go to the DLUME presale site: [Insert official presale link]
    
4. Connect your wallet and select the amount of tokens
    
5. Complete the transaction
    
6. $DLUME will be delivered as BSC tokens, which can be swapped for native tokens once the mainnet launches

Final Word: Two Projects with Tangible Value and Growth Potential

DexBoss and AurealOne are not hype, they are solving real problems in DeFi and blockchain gaming. If you are into financial tools or next-gen gaming ecosystems, then $DEBO and $DLUME display strong fundamentals, hence early investment potential. The novelty of these projects makes them exceptional competitors for crypto giants like Bitcoin. This combination of emerging and established assets creates a balanced portfolio, offering both stability and strong growth potential.

As usual, invest wisely and keep in mind that crypto markets are volatile, early access may bring high rewards, but it also requires attention. ​

Disclaimer: The views and opinions presented in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of CoinCheckup. The content of this article should not be considered as investment advice. Always do your own research before deciding to buy, sell or transfer any crypto assets. Past returns do not always guarantee future profits.

The United States Department of Education reopened the application for income-driven repayment (IDR) plans on March 26, 2025, after having suspended it in February. While applying for an IDR plan might be worth it for people with limited incomes or hefty loan balances, IDR might not be the right choice if you’ve nearly finished repaying your federal student loan debt or can afford the standard repayment plan.

The State of IDR Plans

While the Saving for a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan is listed as a repayment option on the FSA’s website, it’s not actually available. A U.S. appeals court blocked the plan, and it’s unlikely to be revived under the current administration. That said, you can still apply for the following income-driven repayment (IDR) options:

• Income-Based Repayment (IBR): Payments are based on 10% or 15% of your discretionary income and the repayment period is 20 or 25 years (depending on when you took out your loans).
• Pay as You Earn (PAYE): Payments are 10% of your discretionary income and repayment lasts 20 years.
• Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR): Payments are 20% of your discretionary income and repayment lasts 25 years.

If you’re concerned about whether these plans will remain unchanged in the years to come, the IBR plan may be your best bet. Since it was established by Congress, any alterations would require Congressional approval.

The Potential Future of IDR Plans

While the SAVE plan is essentially dead, the other IDR plans may yet still change. Most notably, Congress has proposed replacing the existing IDR plans with something called the Repayment Assistance Plan.

Under this proposed plan, loan forgiveness would only be available after 30 years of qualifying monthly payments. With the Repayment Assistance Plan, monthly payments would be based on a borrower’s total adjusted gross income (AGI).

All current repayment options would be maintained for borrowers with loans disbursed before July 1, 2026, except for the ICR plan, which would be terminated. Borrowers enrolled in an ICR plan would be transferred into a revised version of the IBR plan.

Under the modified IBR plan, payments for loans disbursed after July 1, 2014, would be raised to 15% of the borrower’s discretionary income; the standard repayment cap and partial financial hardship requirement would both be eliminated, and the repayment term would now be based on whether you’re an undergraduate or graduate borrower.

Is It Worth Applying?

Whether or not you should apply for an IDR plan entirely depends on your personal financial situation and goals. For instance, a low-income borrower or someone who’s just lost their job could greatly benefit from the lower monthly payments.

On the other hand, an IDR plan might not make the best financial sense for someone with sufficient earnings and who can afford payments under the standard repayment plan. In this scenario, you’d risk paying more in interest on an IDR plan due to your higher discretionary income and the longer repayment term. It’s also probably not worth it if your student loan balance is low and you’re managing the repayments without issue.

If you think you’d benefit from applying for an IDR plan, keep in mind that your options might change if the proposed modifications to the current plans are rolled out. For instance, if you take out student loans on or after July 1, 2026, there may only be one IDR plan available to you. Meanwhile, if your loans were or would be disbursed before July 1, 2026, then you may not have access to the ICR plan in the future, and the terms of the IBR plan could different than they are now.

Since borrowers were unable to submit their recertification information while IDR applications were unavailable, the deadline for recertification has been extended to February 2026 (if your recertification date was originally on or after March 18, 2025, or if your recertification date was on or after March 17, 2025, you submitted your recertification form on or before Feb. 20, 2025; and your servicer failed to process your request).

The Bottom Line

Student loan repayment has never been more confusing, which is why it’s important to monitor your student loans and keep detailed records of your payments. Additionally, don’t hesitate to contact your loan servicer with any questions you have about IDR plans. You also can reach out to your school’s financial aid office for information about your loans and to discuss your repayment options.

Charlie’s got a gold watch
Don’t seem like a whole lot
After thirty years of driving up and down the interstate
But Charlie’s had a good life
And Charlie’s got a good wife
And after tonight she’ll no longer be counting the days

Eighteen wheels and a dozen roses

The song “Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses,” by Kathy Mattea is about a truck driver who is retiring. After 30 years on the road, he’s coming home to his wife, where they’ll trade the semi-truck for a Winnebago and head off to see the country together.

It’s a classic staple of a distinct sub-genre of country music that’s about as American as apple pie: the truck-driving song.

But that song hits differently in 2025 than it did in 1988 – especially after the latest self-driving car news.

Because today, that romanticized dream of a long, steady, good-paying career, followed by retirement, is under threat.

In today’s Market 360, I’ll discuss why the latest development in the race to self-driving vehicles is a game-changer – and also potentially devastating news for millions of Americans. I’ll detail exactly what’s going on, and how this is a part of a much bigger shift… and what you can do to prepare and profit.

Hit the Road, Jack

Last Thursday, Aurora Innovation Inc. (AUR) became the first company to launch a fully commercial, self-driving trucking service in the United States.

Aurora’s autonomous semis are now running driverless deliveries between Dallas and Houston. These are not test runs – these are revenue-generating operations happening on public highways, right now.

According to TechCrunch, Aurora has completed 1,200 miles in a single self-driving truck without a driver so far.

Their system, called Verifiable AI, uses radar, lidar, cameras and sensors to assess road conditions and execute driving decisions. The tech is even built with “invariants” – hard-coded rules the truck must follow, like stopping at red lights or staying in its lane.

Here’s more from TechCrunch:

Aurora’s plan is to start its driverless trucking operations by owning, maintaining, and insuring its own trucks for customers. The company is working with its strategic partners Volvo Trucks and Paccar to develop self-driving trucks for high-volume manufacturing. Aurora expects its customers to buy those trucks directly from manufacturers starting in 2027 or earlier.

Uber Freight is already a client. And by the end of the year, Aurora expects to expand its driverless routes to El Paso and Phoenix.

And just like that, after years of talk… years of trial and error… AI-powered autonomous semitrucks are officially on our roads.

Your Services Are No Longer Required

Now, this rollout won’t happen overnight, but it will happen sooner than you think.

The implications of this technological leap are profound.

All of a sudden, we’re talking about a potential pink slip for every long-haul driver in America.

That’s a chilling thought.

Trucking is one of the most common occupations in the U.S. As of the latest data, there are roughly 3.5 million truck drivers in America.

The average full-time trucker earns around $52,000 per year.

For high school-educated men, it’s one of the single most common jobs in the country.

Some, like experienced owner-operators, earn a lot more, well into six figures. Walmart Inc. (WMT) offers up to $110,000 for new drivers in their first year.

Now, imagine what happens when driverless tech expands coast to coast.

You’re talking about stripping millions of working-age men (and women) of their jobs. Their dignity.

It’s the kind of thing that tears families and societies apart.

Revolutions have started over things like this, folks.

What Happens When Every Job Is on the Line?

Now, I don’t say this to scare you,  but rather to warn you of what’s ahead.

Because whether you work on a factory line making cars or behind a desk writing code, the ground beneath your feet is starting to shift. You may have even already felt it.

Slowly but surely, working people are being told their services are no longer needed. Not because they aren’t willing to show up. Not because their work isn’t quality.

But simply because AI is cheaper, faster and in many cases, better.

Also, AI doesn’t take days off. It doesn’t ask for raises, either.

The early signs are everywhere, folks.

Factory lines that once needed 50 workers now run with five. But it’s not just blue-collar jobs. The hidden truth is that the AI layoff wave stretches across every major sector of the economy.

Take the tech sector, for example. Between 2022 and 2024… 

• Meta Platforms, Inc. (META) eliminated 21,000 positions 
• Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN): 27,000 
• Alphabet Inc. (GOOG): 13,000 
• Microsoft Corporation (MSFT): 16,000…  

It’s not just tech, either. AI is already coming for accountants, paralegals, designers, analysts – even doctors.

And it’s accelerating.

While workers face career displacement, the companies providing AI technology are experiencing explosive growth. In 2024 alone, NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) added more than $2 trillion in market value, a windfall created by the same chips that are erasing people’s paychecks.

This is what I call the Economic Singularity.

It’s the moment when AI crosses a threshold and makes most human labor economically irrelevant.

Let’s be clear. I’m not talking about a robot uprising, like you’ve seen in the movies.

I’m talking about a systematic, top-down reshaping of the economy. One where millions are left behind while a few at the top reap the rewards.

It will rewrite the social contract between companies and employees, governments and citizens.

And it’s already underway.

Get on Board, or Get Left Behind

Here’s the reality: AI is building dynastic wealth for tech company executives and shareholders even as it erases household income for workers. 

While workers face career displacement, the companies behind AI are raking in record profits.

That growth was driven by the very same chips that are now enabling companies to replace people with machines.

The numbers back this up.

McKinsey’s 2024 State of AI report says 65% of companies now use generative AI (AI that’s capable of creating original content, analysis and decision making) in at least one core business function.That’s nearly double the 33% reported in the previous survey from April 2023, just 10 months earlier.

And here’s the kicker: McKinsey estimates this tech could unlock $2.6 trillion to $4.4 trillion in annual value, mostly in customer service, banking, retail, logistics and software development.  

So, yes, what’s coming is a profound, fundamental shift in our economy. But it’s also an incredible opportunity. And because of that, it’s practically inevitable, folks.

The Choice Ahead

So what do you do in a world like this, where AI is reshaping every corner of the labor market and changing the rules for who gets ahead and who gets left behind?

We can either choose to ignore it… or prepare and profit. 

Let me be crystal clear: You need to get positioned on the right side of the Economic Singularity.

Because while this technology is displacing millions of jobs, it’s also creating an enormous opportunity for investors who understand where the money is flowing.

AI isn’t going away. And frankly, trying to fight it is a losing battle. But learning how to profit from it? That’s a different story, folks.

That’s why I’ve put together a full video briefing on what’s happening.

In it, I’ll tell you more about the companies at the forefront of this transformation – firms already seeing exponential growth as the Singularity unfolds.

These are the kinds of businesses that can turn this economic upheaval into serious long-term wealth.

Click here to watch the full presentation and see how you can position your portfolio now.

Sincerely,

Louis Navellier

Editor, Market 360

The Editor hereby discloses that as of the date of this email, the Editor, directly or indirectly, owns the following securities that are the subject of the commentary, analysis, opinions, advice, or recommendations in, or which are otherwise mentioned in, the essay set forth below:

NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) and Walmart Inc. (WMT)

Business owners have a special opportunity when planning for their financial future—when the time comes to retire, they can sell their business and combine those proceeds with money that they’ve been saving over the years in a retirement account.

However, some business owners discover that when it’s time to retire, they haven’t planned carefully enough (or at all) for life after owning a business.

Unlike employees with pensions or 401(k)s, entrepreneurs need to navigate saving for retirement as they grow their business and plan for their exit.

They also need to develop a tax-smart retirement savings withdrawal plan that aligns with their business exit and retirement. Otherwise, both personal and professional goals can slip out of reach.

Here’s what business owners need to know to avoid common planning pitfalls and to retire on their own terms.

Set Your Retirement Goals

As an entrepreneur, understanding your personal vision for retirement—whether it incorporates travel, family support, or philanthropy—makes it easier to create a financial roadmap that isn’t tied entirely to a future sale of your business.

Set your retirement goals based on this vision, and work toward them by both, building your business and adding to your savings consistently.

“Many business owners overestimate the value of their business and delay saving outside of it,” says Christopher Stroup, founder of Silicon Beach Financial.

He says you should treat business and personal goals as “two parallel tracks.” Saving separately ensures you’re retiring by choice, not because the business demands it.

Chris Diodato, CFP and founder of WELLth Financial Planning, echoes this. “It’s paramount to have at least some separate funds not associated with the business earmarked for retirement savings,” he said.

Choose the Right Retirement Account

Business owners have several powerful retirement savings options. For those running solo, SEP IRAs and Solo 401(k)s offer high contribution limits with low costs and minimal administrative hassle.In 2025, individuals can contribute up to $23,500 to a solo 401(k).

“For self-employed people, an individual 401(k) is often the most attractive option,” says Justin Pritchard, founder of Approach Financial.

Solo 401(k)s allow you to choose between pretax and Roth contributions, and even offer features like plan loans and mega backdoor Roth strategies, Pritchard notes.

For businesses with employees, SIMPLE IRAs and traditional 401(k)s are common. However, Diodato warns that SIMPLE IRAs have “too low” contribution limits for ambitious savers. Diodato often recommends SEP IRAs for their simplicity.

As a business owner, you’ll need to evaluate and weigh the flexibility, employee needs, and contribution goals to help pick the right fit for you.

Build a Business Exit Strategy

Without an exit plan, business owners risk having to sell in a rush—or for less than their company is worth.

“Start early, ideally three to five years before exit,” Stroup advises. Good exit planning includes determining a good business valuation, having a clear succession or sale strategy, and considering your preferred timeline for retirement.

“A carefully planned exit strategy can maximize a business sale price, minimize tax frictions, and keep clients happy through a smooth and long-term transition period,” says Diodato.

Whether selling to employees, a competitor, or passing the business to family, early planning creates better outcomes and more peace of mind.

If you have questions or need guidance, work with an expert to navigate your business exit.

Avoid Tax Surprises

Selling a business and tapping retirement accounts are taxable events, but proactive planning can soften the tax blow.

For example, spreading sale income over multiple years, using installment sales, or structuring deals strategically can lower taxes, Diodato says.

Stroup also recommends exploring long-term capital gains treatment or qualified small business stock exclusions where possible.

After retirement, strategic Roth conversions and tax-efficient withdrawals can help preserve more of your wealth.

If you have a traditional individual retirement account (IRA), which has required minimum distributions (RMD), take just that amount to limit your tax bill and to keep as much money as possible growing tax-deferred.

Plus, work consider working with a financial advisor to iron out the specifics, like the best age to retire, when to start collecting your Social Security benefits (e.g., at full retirement age, early, or at age 70) and how to avoid outliving your savings.

The Bottom Line

Retiring when you own a business isn’t just about selling at the right time, it’s about planning carefully, saving wisely, and staying flexible.

Starting building your personal retirement savings early, select the right retirement account, find an advisor your trust, and craft a clear exit strategy to help you to retire securely and confidently.

Juan Rodriguez had tried for five months to land a job before finishing his senior year at Texas State University.

After graduating on Friday, his anxiety about finding a position is mounting.

Rodriguez is among the more than 2 million American college students estimated to graduate with a bachelor’s degree this semester and enter an increasingly uncertain job market. Hiring slowed from March to April, and economists expect it to slow even more in the coming months. Business leaders said the uncertainty of tariffs has made it harder to invest and hire new employees.

Rodriguez said job listings have seemed scarcer since he began looking, just before tariffs were announced. The current job market does not seem accessible to recent graduates, he said.

The Market Is Still Adding Jobs, But Tariffs Are Slowing It Down

In the fall of 2024, employers were hopeful about hiring the Class of 2025 and expected to hire 7.3% more recent graduates compared to the year prior. When asked in spring 2025, that number fell to 0.6%, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers survey of employers.

“Since the labor market is gradually cooling and there’s a lot of uncertainty in the economic climate looming in the background, this graduating class has an expectation of finding work quickly,” said Sam DeMase, ZipRecruiter’s career expert. “So they’re beginning their job search well ahead of graduation day, but the job hunt is definitely proving quite slow.”

It could be especially tough for those like Rodriguez, who is graduating with a degree in manufacturing engineering.

American manufacturers are especially concerned about the tariffs imposed on the countries from which they source their parts and supplies. The high tariffs on Chinese products like electronics and mechanical appliances will likely interrupt supply chains and increase costs for manufacturers.

Although tariffs have stalled hiring for many businesses, the outlook for the Class of 2025 is better than it was for the Class of 2024, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

“The market right now is still definitely adding jobs, but the big picture environment is definitely not stress-free,” DeMase said.

After working for decades and being disciplined about saving, your primary instinct may be to guard your growing wealth.

But you don’t want to take that impulse too far. Overprotecting wealth can lead to the loss of some of the wealth that you’re so eager to protect.

Understanding Wealth Protection

“At its core, wealth protection is about anticipating the biggest threats to your nest egg and addressing them in cost-effective ways,” said Douglas Boneparth, a certified financial planner and president of Bone Fide Wealth.

For appropriate wealth protection, Boneparth recommends having the following:

• An emergency fund: Three to nine months of expenses in cash or cash-like securities so you’re not forced to sell in a down market
• Insurance based on your needs: This could be home and auto insurance as well as umbrella liability insurance if your net worth exceeds six figures
• Legal structures: Work with a lawyer to create wills, trusts, or LLCs for real estate and business assets
• A diversified portfolio: Think about diversifying across asset classes, sectors, and geographies.

“These strategies can feel especially appealing for those in or near retirement when the shift from earning income to relying solely on their nest egg… Even those far from retirement may find a wealth protection strategy alluring during times of market volatility,” said Carla Adams, a certified financial planner and founder of Ametrine Wealth.

Signs You Might Be Overprotecting Your Wealth

If more than 75% of your assets are in cash or bonds with short maturities, this may indicate that you’re overprotecting your wealth.

Other indicators include multiple overlapping insurance riders such as over-insuring jewelry that you rarely wear, and steering clear of growth-oriented assets, Boneparth explained.

Even young people in their 30s and 40s may find themselves overprotecting their wealth.

“Overprotecting is less of a concern for 30-somethings. But it still shows up in the form of sitting on too much cash, investing too conservatively, or carrying more insurance than necessary. Often this happens because they cross paths with an insurance salesperson eager to capitalize on their high-earning status, which is unfortunate, but true,” said Priya Malani, founder of Stash Wealth.

The Costs of Overprotection

Being too conservative with your investments can come at a cost, as you may be missing out on higher returns by not investing more of your money in high-growth assets like stocks.

And overprotection taken to the extreme can hamper your retirement savings. Beware of high fees on annuities, which can erode your returns, and allocating too much of your portfolio towards CDs, money market funds, and fixed income—which can offer paltry interest rates in low interest rate environments.

“Holding excessive amounts of cash and/or bonds may provide short-term peace of mind but in actuality can cause the portfolio to lose substantial value over time relative to inflation,” said Adams. “Annuities, which promise protection, come with high fees and limited upside potential, dampening portfolio growth.”

As Boneparth says, “every dollar parked in an ultra-safe vehicle is a dollar not compounding in equities or other growth assets, over decades that difference can amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars.”

Craft a Financial Strategy Based On Your Goals

Rather than keep your money mostly in cash and bonds, diversify your portfolio so that it has the best opportunity for growth. You’ll also want to periodically rebalance your portfolio to ensure that your investments still align with your financial goals.

“Building a diversified portfolio with the right mix of bonds as well as stocks is key so that the bonds provide stability and modest growth while stocks allow for meaningful portfolio growth over the long term,” Adams recommends. If you’re younger, you likely want to have a higher allocation of your portfolio in equities, yet as you age, you may shift your portfolio more towards fixed-income.

Additionally, try to only buy insurance policies that you need. For example, a whole life insurance policy may not be necessary if you have no dependents and are young and healthy. You want to avoid signing up for too many policies, as premiums can add up.

“We recommend carrying only essential insurance: health, disability, renters or homeowners, and auto,” Malani says. “You want to invest the rest in a diversified portfolio that aligns with your goals and timeline.”

The Bottom Line

Wanting to protect the wealth you’ve accumulated is a natural instinct. But you don’t want to overprotect it and miss the opportunity to grow it further.

You may be overprotecting your wealth if you have more than 75% of your money in cash or short-term bonds and unnecessary or overlapping insurance coverage.

If you think that’s you, try to strike a balance between capital preservation and growth by crafting a well-diversified investment portfolio. Additionally, avoid signing up for insurance policies that you don’t really need.

There comes a time in the lives of many older adults when moving to a retirement community becomes more attractive because of the services, support, and amenities they offer.

Retirement communities throughout the U.S. can offer many of these features along with the opportunity to live among others. To discover what’s out there and whether there’s a retirement community for you, tours are a must.

It’s important to do research and go in with plenty of questions prepared, which, unfortunately, many prospective visitors forget to ask.

Getting answers to questions about services, costs, healthcare, and more can give you a clearer view of what a retirement community has to offer and whether it’s a good fit.

Services and Monthly Fees

You’ll want to ask for details about the various services a community offers and its monthly fees. Find out which services are included in the monthly fees and which cost extra.

“Typically, retirement communities advertise all of the amazing amenities and services they offer, but some may cost extra fees. I recommend making a list of the services that are the most important to you and asking if they are included in monthly fees when you go on a tour,” says Taylor Shuman, senior tech expert and editor at SeniorLiving.org, a site that provides resources and information for seniors.

Resident Experience

When visiting a retirement community, reach out to residents to inquire about their experiences. Ask them about the benefits and drawbacks of living in that community.

“When you tour a retirement community, make sure to talk to current residents. The staff will always paint the most positive picture of the community, as they are trying to sell you on it. On the other hand, residents are more likely to be honest about any drawbacks or things to note before moving in. They’ll give you the real inside scoop,” Shuman said.

And by reaching out before you potentially move in, you could make new friends. Jimmy Zollo, co-founder of Joe & Bella, an adaptive apparel brand for older adults, named his company for the friends he and his grandparents made on a retirement community tour.

“On that tour, we were able to find a wonderful group of residents, some of whom actually joined and eventually led our tour. They took my grandmother under their wing, eating meals with her from that first day,” said Zollo. “We were lucky enough to meet them, and hear directly from them on the tour what their day-to-day life is like. It brought us a ton of ease and comfort.”

Dining Options

Is dining with others important to you? Is good food and service a priority? Are you a picky eater, a vegetarian, someone with food restrictions?

When you make an in-person visit, check out the options for residential dining and request to eat a meal with current residents.

“Not only will you get a feel for the quality of the food and how accommodating they are to dietary restrictions, but you’ll also get a sense of the community,” Shuman says.

“Meal times are when residents gather and socialize, so it offers a great inside look at what daily life is like in the community.”

Activities and Recreation

If you want to live in a community that regularly holds events—like crafting meet-ups, swim classes, and concerts—consider asking the tour guide about what activities are available to residents.

“Before touring a facility, make a list of the activities and social events that are the most important to you. Then, when you tour, ask to see the community’s social calendar,” said Shuman. “Most importantly, ask about attendance and residence involvement. If the community offers many events but no one shows up, the facility may not have as much resident engagement and socialization, which is incredibly important.”

Health and Medical Services

Many retirement community residents have or will have health concerns, so it’s essential that you make note of what type of healthcare and medical services are available.

These services can make a huge difference—it could either mean needing to seek help outside of the community or getting the care that you need easily and conveniently where you live.

Some retirement communities may offer a wellness center where residents can get care and see doctors. Others offer continuing care, from independent living to assisted living to skilled nursing.

“Don’t forget to explore health services, including the type of care available on-site and how emergencies are managed,” says Michael Smith, managing director of corporate communications for Acts Retirement-Life Communities, a nonprofit provider of continuing care retirement communities. “Lastly, think long-term and the process for transitioning to higher levels of care if your needs evolve.”

Figuring Out If a Community Is Right for You

Another important question is for you to answer: Is a retirement community the right one for you? Here are a few things to think about.

“Determining whether a retirement community is the right fit requires evaluating both your current lifestyle and your future needs. Begin by considering if the community aligns with your personal preferences. Do you enjoy the atmosphere, and does it cater to your hobbies and interests?” said Smith.

“Pay close attention to the culture and overall vibe during your visit. Are the residents and staff warm, welcoming, and inclusive? Assess the community’s ability to meet your needs over time.”

Remember to ask about a retirement community’s financial policies and make sure you understand them. Additionally, read online reviews to learn what current residents or their relatives think about it.

“Are its financial policies and long-term plans transparent and easy to understand? Finally, take the time to research the community’s reputation. Check online reviews and explore its standing with professional organizations,” Smith advises.

“By weighing these factors, you can determine whether the community offers an environment where you can truly thrive.”

And don’t forget to check in with your feelings about a place after your tour.

“Every community has a different feel. You find the one that fits for you,” says Meagan Buckley chief executive officer and president of Wake Robin, a life plan retirement community. “It’s a gut feeling. This could be my home.”

The Bottom Line

There are a lot of things to think about when touring a retirement community. Importantly, there are a lot of questions you’ll need answers to. Make a list before you go and, if necessary, add to it while you’re on tour.

Answers to questions about dining options, social activities, fitness, healthcare and medical services can help you figure out if it’s the right community for you.

Major U.S. equities indexes pulled back from their early gains Friday as investors wait for new developments on tariffs ahead of a weekend meeting between U.S. and Chinese officials.

The S&P 500 finished lower by 0.1% as the benchmark index broke a two-day winning streak to end the week lower by about 0.5%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was down about 0.3% Friday, while the Nasdaq was unchanged. Both indexes also finished the week in negative territory.

Shares of insulin pump maker Insulet (PODD) surged by more than 20% Friday to pace the S&P 500, after the company reported stronger-than-anticipated quarterly results and lifted its full-year revenue outlook. Jefferies analysts lifted their price target on the stock to $360 from $350, suggesting significant upside from the stock’s close near $311 Friday.

Microchip Technology (MCHP) jumped by 12.6% after several analysts raised their price targets for the stock on the chipmaker’s better-than-expected outlook. While Microchip’s fourth-quarter sales fell 27% year-over-year, analysts were expecting a steeper drop.

Tesla (TSLA) shares jumped 4.7% to post gains for the third straight week amid optimism about new U.S. trade deals. The surge came after a weak start to the week following a string of reports on declining sales in Europe and China.

Akamai Technologies (AKAM) stock declined more than 10% after Scotiabank lowered its price target on the cybersecurity and cloud computing company to $105 from $107, with its shares closing just above $76 on Friday.

Expedia Group (EXPE) shares tumbled nearly 8% after the travel booking service delivered worse-than-expected first quarter results and lowered its full-year outlook amid weak U.S. travel demand. CEO Ariane Gorin said the company managed to grow bookings and revenue “despite weaker than expected demand in the U.S.”

Shares of TKO Group Holdings (TKO), the parent of World Wrestling Entertainment and Ultimate Fighting Championship, fell 5.5% after earnings missed analysts’ expectations. The company lifted its full-year revenue forecast.

If you’ve been a homeowner for a while and built up considerable equity in your home, you can use this equity to generate needed retirement income without having to sell your home.

Understanding Home Equity

If you have owned your home for a number of years, there’s a good chance you’ve built up a good chunk of home equity. This can be a valuable resource in your retirement years.

“Home equity is the difference between the market value of a home and the amount still owed on the mortgage,” said Shaun Osher, founder and chief executive officer of Core Real Estate. “Generally, as homeowners pay down and contribute to their mortgage, their property value increases, and their equity grows in the background. This is mostly why people consider their homes to be a major asset—sometimes their most significant asset—as they approach retirement.”

For retirees without many other resources, tapping the home equity in their homes can provide needed retirement income that can be used to pay for medical and other expenses.

Options for Generating Income From Home Equity

Here is a closer look at three options for tapping into a home’s equity: a cash-out refinance, a reverse mortgage, and a home equity line of credit (HELOC).

Cash-out Refinance

With a cash-out refinance, you get a new mortgage and access to cash.

“A cash-out refinance is when a homeowner replaces their current mortgage with a new, larger mortgage. They then will receive the difference between the two loans in cash,” Osher says. “Essentially, it’s a way of benefiting your home’s growth in equity without having to sell.”

A cash-out refinance is one way of getting a lot of cash out of your home in a hurry.

“This approach is particularly appealing to retirees who need a large sum of money quickly for unexpected expenses,” Osher says.

But there are downsides. With a cash-out refinance, you increase the size of your mortgage, and that means larger and longer mortgage payments.

“One of the main issues with a cash-out refinance is that it resets your mortgage timeline, so your debt extends into the later years of your life,” Osher says. “If the home value drops, that could leave the homeowner with less equity than they previously thought.”

Reverse Mortgage

Taking out a reverse mortgage is another way to turn equity in your home into cash.

“A reverse mortgage turns your home’s equity into income, but rather than paying a lender, the homeowner receives it,” Osher says. “It’s only available to homeowners age 62 and older, and allows them to stay in their homes. They receive a lump sum, monthly payout, or a line of credit, depending on their preference.”

But there are drawbacks to consider—since reverse mortgages involve borrowing against the equity in your home, they can add to your debt and reduce your home equity. Additionally, many reverse mortgages have variable interest rates, which means that the interest rate may increased based on the economic environment.

“While the loan doesn’t require monthly payments, there are strings attached. Fees can be higher than the average loan, the interest on the loan accumulates, and the equity that’s left to heirs in the event of the homeowner’s passing is significantly reduced,” Osher says.

To qualify for a reverse mortgage, your credit will be evaluated. If your credit is not great, you could get stuck paying high fees.

“The fees charged by the lender can be significantly higher when poor credit comes into play,” says Bruce Maginn, an advisor at Solomon Financial.

Before taking on a reverse mortgage, you may want to seek out the advice of a financial advisor who can guide you through whether it’s the right decision for you.

“It’s a relatively complicated financial move, and often can be an emotional one, so it’s important to consult a financial advisor who can take a holistic look at your financial situation and make an informed, objective recommendation,” Osher says.

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

A simple way to access your home’s equity is with a home equity line of credit (HELOC).

“Basically a credit card secured by your home, HELOCs give you access to a line of credit, up to a certain limit, allowing you to borrow what you need and repay it over time,” Osher says. “The biggest advantage of a HELOC for retirees is the flexibility it offers, especially if your expenses are not set in stone. They usually carry a lower interest rate.”

Like reverse mortgages, there are downsides to using HELOCs as well—because they have variable interest rates, interest rates can increase and monthly payments can be hard to budget for.

“If you fail to pay the balance, your home is then at risk,” Osher says. “If you’re particularly disciplined with money and a wise spender, this could be a great option, as long as you have a long-term plan to manage the new debt.”

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Home Equity for Retirement Income

Before using your home’s equity to boost your retirement income, consider the advantages and disadvantages of such a move.

“Using home equity to fund retirement can increase cash flow and create financial breathing room, for sure. Its biggest benefit is that you can stay in the home you love, keep your routine and neighbors, and avoid any major disruptions to your everyday,” Osher says. “It does, however, also mean taking on new financial burdens, and if you can’t keep up with payments, there’s always the risk of foreclosure.”

Financial Considerations and Risks

Tapping into your home’s equity may be convenient, but it isn’t free. There are interest rates and fees to consider. Your home is a valuable asset, and you make it less valuable when you use up some of its equity. Before deciding to use your home’s equity for short-term cash flow, carefully consider your long-term financial plans as well.

You will also need to be careful with the amount of equity that you tap from your home.

“If you’re especially responsible with money, [tapping home equity] could be a solid option for you, but if you struggle to stay on top of your finances, taking out new debt may be more trouble than it’s worth,” Osher says.

Alternative Strategies for Generating Retirement Income

There are other ways to use your home to increase your retirement income, such as renting out a room. If you have a larger home, you could even convert the lower level into an apartment. Monthly rent checks will go a long way in boosting your retirement income.

“Renting out a guest suite, starting a short-term rental, or investing in income-generating assets with pulled equity are all creative ways I’ve seen retirees generate income while keeping their home intact,” says Adriana Trigg, owner of Legionary REI.

Retirees can also rent out other parts of their home for some additional income.

“Other parts of the home, such as garages, driveways, basements, and attics, can be rented out for storage or parking spaces,” says Ryan Barone, chief executive officer of RentRedi. “Retirees can also convert parts of their home into spaces that can be used for social gatherings to fulfill certain hobbies and activities.”

Those hobbies could be everything from arts and crafts and sewing to yoga classes.

“This will also generate some extra income while helping retirees remain active and connected to their communities,” Barone says.

The Bottom Line

Tapping into your home’s equity is one way to increase your retirement income, pay for unexpected expenses, and stay in your home. The simplest way to tap into your home’s equity is with a HELOC. It works like a credit card, and no interest gets applied to any of the unused credit line.

A reverse mortgage is another way to convert equity in your home into cash, but you’ll need to be 62 or older to qualify. Reverse mortgages also come with high fees.

A cash-out refinance gives you a new, bigger mortgage and access to cash. But you will also have larger mortgage payments.

Your home is a valuable asset, but tapping into its equity may make it less valuable, so carefully weigh the pros and cons of doing so. Receiving the cash can be helpful, but interest and fees accumulate over time, and your home, which you may intend to leave to heirs, could end up being worth less.