Here's Your Fortune: $1M is easy after $100K, Gen-Z Disconnect, China's AI and Couch to Cash

Tomorrow’s Fortune

Welcome to the action-packed newsletter designed to help you navigate the world of business, investing, and technology. You owe it to yourself to stay informed! If you missed last week’s post, check it out here. 😎 

Today’s post is 2,210 words (~5 minutes). Don’t be lazy… let’s get rich!

Cool Fact: The Singing Siri. Siri once tried to join the music scene when a user asked it to sing. Instead of belting out a classic tune, Siri responded with a robotic rendition of “I’m Sorry,” completely off-key and utterly out of sync. It was a moment that had everyone laughing, as it reminded us that while Siri might be smart, it doesn’t have the chops to make it in the music industry!

Today’s Digest: 

1. NEW VIDEO 👉🏼 Why Net Worth Explodes After $100k 💸

2. From Daydreams to Paychecks: Closing the Gen-Z Salary Gap with a Reality Check. Bridge the salary gap and keep Gen-Z grounded (without killing the office vibe).

3. The AI Race: Why China is Set to Dominate Apps Despite Lagging Behind U.S. Models. Discover the future of AI apps and why China could soon be the world’s top player.

4. Turn Your Thoughts into Cash: The Ultimate Side Hustle for Opinionated Peeps! Dive in and discover how to earn while you share your thoughts

KENNY FINANCE ON YOUTUBE!

Back again with a Friday special on YouTube! As I said before, my goal is to touch a million lives through financial wellness and provide the framework, insights, and playbook to be SMART with your money.

Few things:

1. Check out tonight’s video on Why Net Worth Explodes After $100k🚀

2. Make sure you Subscribe and hit those bell notifications so you never miss a beat 📲

3. WATCH THE ENTIRE VIDEO! Pls and thank you… it helps the YT algorithm spread to others who could use the advice

4. Like and comment and let me know what you think 🤩

5. I’ll be uploading fire content every Friday until you’re rich

6. Check out KENNY FINANCE for other videos

TOP STORY

The Salary Gap: How Gen-Z’s Pay Expectations Are Leaving Employers Scratching Their Heads

Ah, Gen-Z. The generation that brought us TikTok dances, remote work demands, and a new level of obsession with avocado toast. But when it comes to paychecks, they’ve got some serious salary daydreams that just don’t line up with reality. If you’re an employer, this disconnect isn’t just eyebrow-raising—it’s a challenge that could throw off retention and workplace vibes. So, what’s really going on here, and how can you get everyone back on the same page?

Gen-Z's Wild Salary Daydreams: What’s Going On?

Pollfish surveyed 750 full-time, childless Gen-Z employees, and the results are enough to make you double-take. Here's the kicker: 100% of those earning $30,000 said their pay was fair. But once they made more than that? Suddenly, everyone felt underpaid. 🤔

Here’s how the salary wish list breaks down:

• 9% expect $30,000 to $40,000.

• 17% want $40,000 to $50,000.

• 20% are gunning for $50,000 to $70,000.

• 35% think $70,000 to $100,000 is fair.

• 20% believe they should already be earning over $100,000.

Oh, and 40% of them say they struggle with basic expenses while spending $372 on "unnecessary" things each month. Clearly, someone needs a reality check, right?

Why the Big Disconnect?

Blame it on financial literacy — or lack thereof. Schools and colleges aren’t exactly doing a bang-up job of teaching the real-world money stuff. So Gen-Z graduates enter the workforce with stars in their eyes, expecting $85,000 salaries, when the actual starting pay is closer to $55,000. Can we really blame them?

Employers: Here’s How to Bring the Real Talk

As an employer, you’re in a prime position to get things back on track. One easy fix? Clear salary ranges in job listings. Ditch those vague “$45,000 to $65,000” numbers and go with something like “$55,000 to $57,000.” Specificity keeps everyone grounded.

Financial Literacy, Your Secret Weapon

You’re not their financial planner, but you can help. Think about hosting fun financial literacy lunch-and-learns that cover budgeting, taxes, and investing. Trust me, this can work wonders on employees who feel overwhelmed by their finances. If you’ve got an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), make sure your team knows about it! Many EAPs offer financial counseling, which could be a game-changer for those feeling the money crunch.

Career Pathing: Help Gen-Z See the Big Picture

Gen-Z wants that work-life balance and a fast track to leadership. Spoiler alert: you don’t become a VP overnight. Help them understand what it really takes to get to those six-figure paydays by working on career pathing. Lay out clear steps on how they can rise through the ranks—because everyone loves a good roadmap.

Keepin’ It Real

Sure, Gen-Z’s salary expectations are sky-high, but with a little clarity and some helpful guidance, you can close that gap. By being transparent about pay, offering financial education, and helping them chart their career path, you’ll create a workplace where employees feel supported, valued, and—most importantly—ready to conquer the reality of their paycheck.

BITS OF GOLD

• MrBeast's Beast Games is under fire

• MrBeast's new game show, Beast Games, is facing some serious drama. Contestants are suing the production companies involved, alleging mistreatment, unsafe conditions, and sexual harassment. It's like a real-life Hunger Games gone wrong, and MrBeast is caught in the crossfire.

• Tesla's Q3 deliveries are set to crush expectations—is the comeback complete?

• Tesla’s about to hit the gas on Q3 deliveries, and Wall Street is loving it! With Chinese demand revving up and prices staying steady, analysts are predicting a big beat ahead of Tesla’s robo-taxi day. After a wild ride in 2024—down 43% early, then up 82%—Tesla’s stock is gearing up for another boost. Analysts are buzzing, with Barclays expecting 470,000 vehicles delivered, and Wedbush calling this quarter a major comeback.

• CVS is cutting 3,000 jobs, but don't worry, your pharmacist is safe!

• Looks like CVS is going on a budget diet! The pharmacy giant just announced it'll be trimming about 2,900 corporate jobs, all part of a $2 billion cost-cutting plan. But don’t worry—your local CVS pharmacist isn’t packing their bags, as frontline jobs are safe. With the rise of AI and robotics in the mix, CVS is aiming to cut costs and upgrade its operations while keeping up with big competitors like Amazon, Walmart, and Dollar General. It’s corporate America, but with fewer suits and more robots.

🏠💸TASTE OF THE FUTURE WITH AI

China's AI Models are Behind, But Their Apps are Ready to Dominate

The U.S. might be ahead in the AI race, but don't sleep on China! While Chinese AI models are 6 to 9 months behind their American rivals, according to former Google China head Kai-Fu Lee, it’s their AI apps that are about to explode. And they’re not just catching up; they’re prepping for a full-on sprint.

By next year, China’s AI apps could be everywhere, outpacing U.S. competitors. The reason? The cost of training AI models has plummeted, meaning that Chinese companies—from tech giants like Alibaba to scrappy startups—can create killer apps at breakneck speed.

Lee predicts that it’ll take 5 to 8 years to see the rise of a "super app" that can handle multiple tasks all at once. Imagine one app doing everything from managing your groceries to planning your vacation, all while you sit back and relax. And China’s tech firms are gearing up to make that vision a reality.

Chinese companies are already rolling out mind-blowing AI-powered tools, like ShengShu Technology’s Vidu, a text-to-video app that can help advertisers create flawless promos. Forget awkward AI-generated characters—Vidu ensures your product looks consistently stunning, and it's already catching the eyes of big companies.

The takeaway? Sure, U.S. AI models might be ahead for now, but China’s faster, more agile apps could take the lead before you can say “AI revolution.”

Other Cool AI News!

• Sam Altman gets equity as OpenAI pivots to profit

• In a plot twist, OpenAI is moving from nonprofit vibes to full-on for-profit action! Sam Altman, who never took equity before, is finally getting his cut, with talks of a 7% stake in the company. As OpenAI gears up for more cash, the shift raises some serious eyebrows about its commitment to benefiting everyone—but hey, it could hit a $150 billion valuation, so someone’s winning!

• Say goodbye to typing because Google’s AI-powered search engine is taking over

• Google's search engine is getting a serious AI makeover! With "AI Overviews" rolling out, you'll soon see AI-generated summaries at the top of your search results, making it feel like Google is doing the hard work for you. From planning your next meal to finding the best yoga studio, AI is transforming how we search. But don’t worry, not every search needs to be AI’d up—sometimes you just want that Walmart URL, plain and simple.

• The race is on for edge AI, where personal devices are set to outperform cloud giants

• Two years after ChatGPT took the world by storm, the AI revolution is shifting gears from cloud castles to the palm of your hand. Companies are pouring billions into massive data centers to keep the AI gravy train rolling, but here’s the twist: “edge AI” is the new kid on the block! With personal devices capable of running AI models, users can expect lightning-fast responses without relying on internet speeds that move slower than a snail on a lazy day. So, while big tech digs deep into their wallets, our phones are about to become the cool kids in the AI playground.

WHAT ABOUT TODAY’S FORTUNE? SIDE HUSTLE OF THE WEEK 💸

Get Paid for Your Opinions: The Couch Potato's Guide to Online Focus Groups

Are you ready to turn your opinions into dollars? Welcome to the world of online focus groups, where your voice can make a real impact while fattening your wallet. Whether you’re a snack enthusiast, tech lover, or just someone who enjoys sharing your thoughts, this side hustle lets you cash in on your insights—all from the comfort of your couch. Forget the 9-to-5 grind; let’s dive into how you can get paid for simply being yourself.

Overview of this Side Hustle: Welcome to the glamorous world of online focus groups, where your opinion is not just valued, but can also fatten your wallet! Companies are eager to pay for your insights on everything from the latest snack flavors to that weird new toothpaste that promises to make your smile 50% whiter. It’s like being a professional opinion-giver—kind of like a celebrity, but without the red carpet and paparazzi. Just grab your favorite snack, log in, and prepare to become the voice of the consumer.

Startup Cost: Getting started with online focus groups is as easy as pie—and pie is pretty cheap. You might need a solid internet connection and a webcam, but you can set up shop at home for about $50 to $100. That's right, for the price of a fancy dinner, you could launch your new side hustle from the comfort of your couch. Just think of it as an investment in your future as a market research mogul!

Capital Intensity: The capital intensity of this gig is almost non-existent—it's like that friend who always wants to split the bill but never seems to have cash on hand. You won't need to buy any expensive equipment or rent out office space. Just a comfy chair, a reliable internet connection, and a knack for chatting about why pineapple doesn’t belong on pizza is all you need. Talk about a low-risk hustle.

Interesting Growth Opportunities: As companies get smarter and the market grows, the opportunities in this space are sizzling like bacon on a Sunday morning! With the rise of online shopping, brands are constantly searching for feedback to refine their products. Plus, new niches are popping up, from tech gadgets to eco-friendly household items, and they all want your take on their newest innovations. So, get ready to flex those opinion muscles—your thoughts could shape the next big trend.

Earning Potential: When it comes to earning potential, this side hustle can be a real winner! Depending on the focus group, you can earn anywhere from $50 to $200 for just an hour or two of your time. That’s right, your two cents could translate into some serious cash! Just imagine trading a few minutes of your day for the same amount of money you'd spend on a week’s worth of coffee—it's basically a caffeine-fueled win-win.

So there you have it—the exciting realm of online focus groups awaits! With a low startup cost, minimal commitment, and the potential to earn some extra cash just by sharing your thoughts, it’s time to give your opinions the spotlight they deserve. Whether you’re looking to pay off that credit card or save for a tropical getaway, this side hustle could be your golden ticket. So grab your device, find a focus group, and start making money while doing what you do best—talking!

This newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. The content is based on publicly available information, and the author makes no representations about its accuracy or completeness. Readers should conduct their own research before making any investment decisions.