[Post 622] 5 Money-Losing Mistakes Young Investors Often Make (& How To Avoid Them) | Money Mind | Gen Z

Summary

5 investment mistakes that cost young adults thousands of dollars, and how to avoid them.

[Post 621] I Bought Abandoned Apartments For $50K – And Turned Them Into $220K/Year Short-Term Rentals

Summary

Sara McDaniel, a real estate investor and content creator, purchased an abandoned property with eight apartments in Minden, Louisiana in 2021. She paid about $50,000 for the property and spent about $730,000 on renovations. Today, the apartments are short-term rentals known as "The Villas at Spanish Court," bringing in around $220,000 in 2024.

Unlocked is a home tour series focused on how much people across the globe spend on their housing, what they get for the money and what they had to sacrifice to make it happen.

[Post 620] I Moved To Paris After Going Bankrupt In The U.S. — I'm Much Happier Now

Summary

Jay Swanson, 39, faced mounting financial struggles that ultimately led him to declare bankruptcy in the U.S. Seeking a fresh start, he relocated to Paris, France, in 2017 - embracing a new chapter in his life.

This story is part of CNBC Make It's Millennial Money series, which details how people around the world earn, spend and save their money.

[Post 619] How Hilton, Marriott and Others Are Using Timeshares to Make Billions | WSJ The Economics Of

Summary

The U.S. timeshare industry has consolidated behind a few major brands: Hilton Grand Vacations, Marriott Vacations Worldwide and Travel + Leisure. The industry has evolved significantly from its notoriously scammy origins, having much higher standards and using more flexible points-based systems. Executives say the bait-and-switch days are behind timeshares and have rebranded them as “vacation clubs,” offering a wide range of accommodations and experiences. But there are still issues and scams to look out for when getting into a timeshare. 

WSJ explores how timeshares became a $35.7 billion dollar industry, how they work and how issues still persist in the industry. 

[Post 618] ‘K-pop is my calling’: 15-year-old Singaporean moves to Korea to chase idol stardom

Summary

Instead of studying for the O-Level examinations like her Secondary 4 peers, 15-year-old Cassa Tan is now in South Korea as a K-pop pre-trainee, pursuing a career in the entertainment industry.

[Post 617] Inside the new Raffles Sentosa Singapore, a tranquil all-villa resort in nature

Summary

Nestled on Sentosa Island, the newly opened Raffles Sentosa Singapore is the city’s second Raffles property and its first all-villa resort. It features 62 villas, each with its own private pool and outdoor terrace. Surrounded by lush greenery, the resort offers a tranquil escape, with five diverse dining and bar concepts to explore.

[Post 616] This AI App Pays Locals To Conserve Mangroves In The Philippines | Tech To Save The World

Summary

We explore how cutting-edge technology can become a powerful ally to conserve our forests. In the Philippines, data collection is revolutionising how mangroves are preserved and the locals are getting involved and paid for their efforts.

Across the world in Germany, we discover how AI-powered 'digital noses' through