Don't miss Giant Eagle's new lower prices this month and discover couponing tips to save even more on your grocery bills

Newsletter Oct 2, 2024 Welcome to your October 2 newsletter! Kroger competitor Giant Eagle is cutting prices on select products—don't miss out if you're planning a grocery trip. Plus, stay updated on Social Security news and discover how millennials are capitalizing on their boomer parents' wealth without relying on inheritance. In the Fast Lane of Business... > Giant Eagle has reduced prices on over 200 grocery items as part of a $25 million initiative to offer long-term value, starting September 30. Price cuts range from 20% to $2 on staples like Giant Eagle brand products, including oranges, cucumbers, and mushrooms. The initiative aims to support families during challenging economic times, with consistent weekly sales, special one-day and three-day deals, and personalized savings through the myPerks loyalty program. Giant Eagle operates over 470 locations and remains one of the largest food retailers in the U.S., with a commitment to affordable, high-quality products. > Amazon has advised employees not to use third-party AI chatbots like ChatGPT and introduced its own internal tool called Cedric. Cedric is designed to be a safer alternative, allowing employees to ask questions, summarize documents, and brainstorm ideas. The tool aims to enhance productivity and job satisfaction while ensuring security by keeping confidential information within the company. Unlike external AI, Cedric is approved for use with highly confidential data, and its use is encouraged across Amazon for internal tasks and decision-making. > Nike is withdrawing its full-year guidance and postponing its investor day as it prepares for CEO John Donahoe to step down, with Elliott Hill set to take over on October 14. The company cited the need for flexibility to reassess strategies and business trends amid a challenging retail environment. Nike reported mixed first-quarter results, with a revenue drop of about 10%, lower-than-expected sales, and a 28% decline in profits despite beating earnings per share estimates. Nike's focus on legacy products like Air Force 1s and Jordan 1s has led to a decline in sales, and the company plans to rebuild relationships with wholesalers under Hill's leadership. Unique Business Idea For You Starting a window cleaning business can be a low-cost, high-reward opportunity that helps you break free from the traditional work life. Begin by researching local competitors, asking about their pricing and services to gauge your potential in the market. Once you've identified an opportunity, set up a professional website, order business cards, and begin direct outreach to both residential and commercial customers. Building an online presence with Google My Business, YouTube, and local SEO will take time, but with consistent effort, customers will start reaching out. As your business grows, focus on maintaining quality service, building relationships, and scaling by hiring trustworthy employees. Side Hustle You'd Be Crazy Not to Try Kyle Stockford In 2021, abstract artist Kyle Stockford turned to Taskrabbit for extra income after struggling to sell his artwork. Initially making $16 to $18 an hour for odd jobs, he soon realized the real money was in helping people move, eventually charging up to $98 per hour. During busy college move-in seasons, Stockford's side hustle brought in significant revenue, earning over $9,700 in August 2023 alone and a total of $36,600 the previous year. Balancing his art with this lucrative side gig, Stockford enjoys the flexibility it provides, allowing him to work a few weeks a year and focus on his passion. Personal Finance News to Boost Your Bank Account > In 2024, food prices remain high, with a significant 25% increase since 2019 pushing shoppers to find more savings. Extreme couponing has become a popular strategy to counter rising costs, allowing people to combine store and manufacturer coupons for bigger discounts and even free groceries. By utilizing apps, store websites, and loyalty programs, savvy shoppers can find the best deals and maximize savings despite inflation. Cash-back apps like Ibotta and Coupon Cabin continue to provide additional relief, helping stretch grocery budgets further. > Social Security checks for October will be issued based on birthdate, with payments starting on October 9 for early-month birthdays. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will see a boost in 2024, with maximum payouts increasing to $943 for individuals and $1,415 for couples. New SSA rules also exclude food from In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM) calculations, increasing monthly SSI checks by $131 for over 90,000 people. Additionally, expanded rental subsidy exceptions and public assistance household definitions will help more individuals qualify for SSI benefits and increase payments for many recipients. > As many baby boomer business owners near retirement, they face challenges in passing down their businesses, often finding that their children are uninterested. Millennials, eager to build wealth, see the opportunity in buying established businesses, which can be more financially advantageous than starting from scratch. Despite the allure, there are challenges, such as finding the right match and ensuring the business is profitable. Private equity firms have also recognized the value in acquiring small businesses, but many family-owned enterprises prefer to pass their legacy to trusted individuals rather than corporate buyers. 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