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Shares in Spotify Technology SA (NYSE: SPOT), the world’s largest music streamer, are surging this morning. As of this writing, the Swedish company’s stock price is up 18% to above $489 per share after the company reported blowout fourth-quarter fiscal 2025 earnings. Here’s what you need to know. Spotify’s Q4 2025 surpasses expectations On Tuesday, Spotify reported its Q4 2025 earnings, which outpaced investor expectations. Here are the music streamer’s most salient metrics for the quarter, which ended on December 31: Monthly Active Users (MAUs): 751 million (up 11% year over year) Premium Subscribers: 290 million (up 10% year over year) Total Revenue: €4.531 billion (up 10% year over year on a constant currency basis) Diluted earnings per share (EPS): €4.43 What’s significant about these numbers is that they not only beat most analyst expectations, but Spotify’s own expectations as well. As CNBC notes, LSEG analysts expected Spotify to report an EPS of €2.74. The company easily beat that by €1.69 per share. Spotify was expected to report €4.52 billion in revenue; the company beat slightly with €4.531 in revenue. Analysts also expected Spotify to report around 745 million MAUs. The company beat that by 6 million users. Spotify itself originally forecast 745 million MAUs for the quarter and 289 million premium subscribers, both of which it beat. Spotify Wrapped contributed to premium subscribers beat Premium subscribers are among Spotify’s most valuable, because of the recurring monthly revenue they generate and their loyalty to the brand. And this time, the premium subscriber growth for Q4, which rose 10% year over year, can be partly attributed to the company’s wildly popular year-end Wrapped roundup. Speaking on the company’s financial call after Spotify’s results were announced, co-CEO Alex Norstrom revealed that the company’s most recent Wrapped, which went live in December 2025, was also the most successful, calling Wrapped 2025 “record-breaking.” “While we saw impressive engagement back in 2024, we also got feedback on the user experience. So this year, we turned up the dial, and the response was redeeming,” Norstrom said, according to a PitchBook transcript of the call. “At the end of the campaign, more than 300 million users engaged, which was up 20%, and we saw more than 630 million shares across social media, which is up 42%. He added that “day one of Wrapped marked the highest single day of premium subscriber intake in Spotify history.” Given Wrapped’s 2025 success, it’s a safe bet the company will double down on it when the next iteration launches this December. The SPOT stock surge isn’t enough to erase its recent decline Despite Spotify’s stock price surging in early morning trading today, the impressive gains aren’t enough to get SPOT out of the broader slump it’s been in lately. SPOT stock currently sits at around $489 a share after gaining 18% this morning. However, even with today’s gains, SPOT shares are still down more than 17% year to date. Spotify’s stock price fell dramatically in early February amid a broader tech selloff. Over the past year, SPOT shares also remain in the red, down nearly 25%. At around $489 per share, SPOT shares are currently well below their peak of $785 in June of last year. Looking forward, Spotify says it expects to add another 8 million monthly active users during its current Q1 2026. Likewise, it expects to add another 3 million premium subscribers during the same period. The company expects total revenue for the quarter to be €4.5 billion. View the full article

As Big Tech races to weave AI into nearly every product, Mozilla is betting some users want the opposite: the ability to turn it off. Last week, the company announced new controls to allow users of its Firefox browser to decide when to use AI. When Firefox 148 debuts later this month, users will be able to manage or disable individual AI features like translations, tab grouping and a sidebar for chatbot like Claude, ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini and Le Chat Mistral. Much of Mozilla’s vision around AI was outlined in its annual State of Mozilla report, which was released last month and calls for a new Star Wars-style “rebel alliance” composed of developers, cybersecurity experts, investors, and others focused on responsible tech. The plan involves doing for AI what Mozilla once did in the earlier days of the web. The goal is to “bend history in a different direction with the resources and the community we have,” says Mozilla Foundation president Mark Surman. In a recent interview with Fast Company about the strategy, Surman likened the winner-takes-all mindset of some AI giants and startups to the galactic empire’s ambition to have an expanding footprint. “The Empire, like any empire, is more diffuse and more spread out than you think it is,” Surman says. “Transforming things is a constant battle of trying to do stuff that’s for humanity, against the things that are threatening us and holding us back.” Funding the rebellion With more than 200 million users, Firefox is now Mozilla’s most popular product. However, Mozilla’s portfolio also includes other aspects like an email platform, a VPN, an AI data exchange, a venture arm and other initiatives for open-source AI. Mozilla also recently announced a new program inviting technologists to apply for a few months of paid work exploring early-stage ideas that could be worth Mozilla investing in. Part of Mozilla’s plan includes spending around $650 million this year, with 80% going to improve and maintain core products like Firefox and the rest directed toward what Surman calls “systematic and aggressive” investments in trustworthy AI and related areas. Mozilla also has $1.4 billion in reserves that it could use as “dry powder” for worthy bets on things like open-source AI developer tools and encrypted AI assistants. But that’s not much compared with the hundreds of billions Mozilla’s rivals invest in AI-related capital expenditures each year. While Mozilla has leaned on Star Wars’ “rebel alliance” metaphor before, its vision has roots in an era that now feels a long time ago (and far, far away). In 1998, when Netscape created Mozilla.org, Microsoft was on trial for antitrust, as early open-source projects began challenging proprietary control of the web. Surman recalls it feeling impossible at the time to unseat a company that dominated browsers, servers, and operating systems. (A few years after AOL bought Netscape, Mozilla was spun off in 2003 as an independent nonprofit, followed in 2005 with the creation of Mozilla Corporation as a for-profit subsidiary.) “[It took] a set of people who all wanted a different future they could configure and tweak and make their own,” Surman says. “It’s not like they all had to build one big thing. We built a browser. A bunch of people built Linux, a bunch of people built web servers, and people built thousands of other things.” Decades later, it’s now Google that’s on trial for antitrust while Mozilla competes against other privacy focused browsers like DuckDuckGo and Brave alongside AI startups like OpenAI and Perplexity that now have their own browsers. The antitrust scrutiny and growing distrust of AI and Big Tech have some finding a new hope for raising old questions about choice and competition. Mozilla also operates Gecko, one of only three major browser engines alongside Google’s Chromium and Apple’s WebKit. That gives Mozilla a key role in shaping how open web standards are developed and implemented through groups such as the World Wide Web Consortium. It hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Mozilla’s also had setbacks over the past year or two. In late 2024, it announced plans to lay off around 30% of its staff and last year it shuttered products like Pocket as part of a plan to refocus on offerings. Finding moonshots on Earth Mozilla’s new report is more like a manifesto designed by an “underground collective” inspired by punk and resistance movements of the 1970s and 1980s. The microsite’s design seems to intentionally reject the minimalist uniformity common with Big Tech brands and rebrands. Mozilla’s efforts also include a new “Choose Your Future” campaign for internet users, developers and advocates interested in charting a new path. The campaign is anchored by a series of five short videos that’ll be featured on social media and through ads on platforms like Reddit, Meta, and X. The ads all have different messages, but the same ending sound: a modem dial-up as a nod to the internet from a few decades back. Each features a dystopian parable for an AI era without options but with plenty of AI slop and intrusive chatbots. One video starts with a girl staring at a toy called “Funblock,” which a radio ad markets as “the only block you’ll ever need.” “No choices, no options, no confusion. Just endless identical fun,” the narration says. “Funblock may result in boredom, diminished agency, and loss of independent thought. Ask your algorithm if fun is right for you.” Mozilla’s new AI strategy exists in an uneasy tension of how to build trustworthy tech in an industry obsessed with growth. Can it offer a viable alternative to Big Tech’s tightly integrated ecosystems while still being the internet’s moral compass? Surman thinks so, adding that Mozilla’s having the same AI debates internally as the world is having outside it: what to do with AI, what not to do, when it’s useful, when it’s scary, and how to make tech that’s better for everyone. But instead of putting data centers on the moon, Mozilla hopes to forge a future that’s privacy-enhanced, open-source, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly. “[People say] ‘You’re crazy, that can’t happen,’” Surman says. “But you think we’re crazier to do a collective barn-raising for something that is joyous and great, and you’re going to put data centers on the moon, and we’re the ones who aren’t grounded in reality?” View the full article

With iOS 26, Apple made it easier for users to reduce spam and overall clutter in their Messages inbox. Your iPhone will detect and hide spam messages, and with the Screen Unknown Senders feature, you can filter out texts from anyone you don't know. You can also disable push notifications for these conversations to reduce how often you're alerted for messages you don't need to see. Note that this feature works only on iOS, so if you have Messages synced on your Mac, you'll see everything and receive notifications for all messages unless you mute specific conversations. How to reduce clutter in Messages on iOSTo send messages from numbers you don't know to a separate folder, go to Settings > Apps > Messages and toggle on Screen Unknown Senders. You can also get here through the Messages app on your iPhone by tapping the three horizontal menu lines in the top-right corner and selecting Manage Filtering. Enabling Screen Unknown Senders will hide notifications and move messages to your Unknown Senders list. If you want to allow (or disallow) certain types of notifications, tap Allow Notifications and toggle categories on or off: Time Sensitive includes alerts, verification codes, and urgent requests. Personal includes messages identified as not sent by a business or organization. Transactions include order updates, receipts, and confirmations. Promotions include general offers and updates sent to multiple recipients. Most users will want to enable time-sensitive notifications to receive messages that include time-based one-time passwords (TOTPs) and other urgent alerts. You may also want to allow personal notifications so you don't miss messages directed to you individually from real people who aren't saved in your contacts. When you allow notifications, texts identified in those categories will appear in your Messages list for only 12 hours before being moved to Unknown Senders—a behavior that keeps your primary inbox streamlined. If you want to make an unknown sender a known sender to prevent future messages from being filtered out, open the conversation and tap Mark as Known at the bottom or add the number to your contacts. A known sender is anyone you've added to your Contacts, sent a message to, or marked as known in the conversation. Finally, if you enable Filter Spam under the same menu in your device settings, Apple will send messages identified as spam to a separate Spam list and hide notifications. You can view these and conversations from unknown senders at any time via Messages > Menu. View the full article

In 2022, Jennette McCurdy released her memoir I’m Glad My Mom Died, a brutally honest portrait of her life as a former child star, her battle with eating disorders, and, as the title would suggest, her rather complicated relationship with her mother. The book has spent more than 80 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list with over three million copies sold. It’s currently being adapted into an Apple TV+ series with Jennifer Aniston playing McCurdy’s mom, and McCurdy serving as co-writer, co-executive producer, and co-showrunner. Adjacent to the massive success of I’m Glad My Mom Died has been McCurdy reclaiming writing, not acting, as her true passion. In her memoir, McCurdy stated her acting career was solely to appease her mother and support her family, an experience she’d later describe as “hellish” and “embarrassing.” But writing is McCurdy’s truth “North Star” for her creativity. “Writing has always been in my bones,” McCurdy says in the latest episode of Fast Company‘s podcast Creative Control. “It’s always been my mode of processing and making sense of the world.” And there’s much to process with McCurdy’s debut work of fiction, Half His Age. Half His Age follows Waldo, a 17 year old high school student who enters into an affair with her married English teacher, Mr. Korgy. It’s an unflinching and often visceral exploration of power dynamics, desire, and, most of all, to McCurdy, “female rage.” “That’s what I really tried to explore as thoroughly as I could and as potently as I could,” McCurdy says. “To me, there’s no vessel that’s more potent than a 17-year-old. Feelings are never going to be higher, never gonna be hotter, never gonna be more intense.” In this episode of Creative Control, McCurdy unpacks her writing process (it’s a full-body endeavor, mind you), the discomfort she’s intentionally leaning into with Half His Age, and what it means to take full authorship—and creative control—of her career. NOTE: Some spoilers ahead! On her Creative Process The initial idea for Half His Age came to McCurdy nearly a decade ago. She knew she wanted to explore a relationship between a young girl and her teacher, but that was about it. It wasn’t until around two years ago, as she was trying to write something else, that Half His Age kept bubbling up. “It was keeping me up at night, frankly. I couldn’t stop thinking about it,” McCurdy says. “I said, I’m going to give Half His Age a week; I’ll grow tired of it by day three or four; and it will never come to fruition.” Cut to McCurdy going all-in to write her first draft in a month. “I’m such a full bodied writer. I write with emotions. For my first drafts, my inner critic is nowhere to be found,” McCurdy says. “That’s generally how I know. If I’m feeling really emotionally activated by an idea, that’s my sign it’s go time—I’m so sorry for saying, ‘it’s go time.’” On Making You Uncomfortable The premise alone of Half His Age could be enough to negate a whole swath of potential readers. The concept of a high schooler entering into a sexual relationship with her teacher is most certainly squirm-worthy. Adding to that is the highly visceral nature of how McCurdy explores this affair and the collateral emotional damage it inevitably brings. One scene in particular involves Waldo and Mr. Korgy having sex while she’s on her period. Midway through, they’re interrupted and Waldo is forced to hide in a closet while she continues to have her period holding her blood in her hands. “I think it’s a very memorable [scene]. I did want it to feel very visceral and just deeply uncomfortable,” McCurdy says. “It was important that Waldo experienced something so raw and so ugly because she needed some kind of wake-up call, some kind of rock bottom that could help her piece things together.” Broadly speaking, the discomfort in Half His Age is driven by something more universal than cupping your own period blood in a closet. Much of the novel feels like a mediation on gaining autonomy over your own body. “At that young age, you don’t know what [your body] wants,” McCurdy says. “It’s just this complicated process of fully integrating your mind and your body.” “As a woman, so much of our intuition, so much of my intuition, comes from my body and me sitting with it,” she adds. “And [that’s] for better or worse. Sometimes I’m having feelings that I wish I wasn’t having. But always it’s useful information. And that’s definitely a part of Waldo’s experience throughout the course of the book and her journey.” On Having Authority—Not ‘Control’ For so much of McCurdy’s early years, control wasn’t part of her vocabulary. In addition to being pushed into an acting career she didn’t want, McCurdy recounted stories in her memoir like her mom showering her until she was 18 years old. Fast-forward to today, McCurdy is defining her life and work on her terms—although she admits to avoiding the word “control.” “I think I have maybe a slightly negative connotation around control. Not completely, but there’s something in it that feels a bit like grippy,” McCurdy says. “I kind of prefer the word authority.” So how does she define authority at this stage in her life? “When I feel authority, it’s when I allow myself to lead with my body. It’s when I listen to my body, when I take the information that’s it’s giving me, and I sit with it,” McCurdy says. “For so much of my life, I neglected the cues and the emotions and all that my body was telling me. And now I think, you know what? My body has wisdom that I don’t got.” Listen to this full episode of Creative Control and many more on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Google Podcasts, or Stitcher. View the full article

From water damage to regulatory fines, learn the key risks facing vacant properties and how mortgage lenders can protect their real estate assets. View the full article

If you’re considering starting a business but worry about high costs, affordable franchises with low start-up expenses may be your solution. Many options require investments under $50,000, offering a pathway to entrepreneurship without breaking the bank. These franchises often provide brand recognition and training support, reducing risks. Nonetheless, it’s vital to understand the details involved. Let’s explore specific franchises and the benefits they offer, along with significant considerations for potential owners. Key Takeaways Anytime Fitness offers initial costs between $3,150 and $42,500, making it an accessible fitness franchise. Kumon requires a franchise fee of only $2,000, ideal for those seeking low-cost educational franchises. Micro-franchises can start under $1,000, providing home-based or mobile business opportunities with minimal investment. JAN-PRO is a service-based franchise known for its strong brand recognition and low equipment costs. Cruise Planners has an initial cash requirement of approximately $6,995, including training and marketing support for new franchisees. Overview of Low-Cost Franchise Opportunities When considering business opportunities, low-cost franchises present an appealing option, especially for those who may not have significant capital to invest. These franchises typically require an initial investment of less than $50,000, making them accessible to a broader range of aspiring entrepreneurs. You might find micro-franchises with startup costs under $1,000, perfect for flexible work arrangements. Service-based franchises, costing between $1,000 and $5,000, allow you to leverage your personal skills with minimal equipment. Established service franchises, with investments ranging from $25,000 to $50,000, offer strong brand recognition and extensive training. With low-cost franchises offering high profit potential, they’re among the easiest franchises to open, providing entry into proven business models that can yield substantial returns. Top Affordable Franchises With Low Start-Up Costs Finding the right franchise can be a game-changer for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially when you’re looking at options with low start-up costs. Here are some top affordable franchises to examine: Anytime Fitness: Initial costs range from $3,150 to $42,500. Kumon: Franchise fee is just $2,000, making it very accessible. JAN-PRO: A service-based franchise that requires minimal equipment and has strong brand recognition. Cruise Planners: Initial cash requirement of about $6,995, plus training and marketing support. These franchises not only provide low start-up costs but additionally present excellent opportunities for growth and success in diverse markets. Benefits of Investing in Low-Cost Franchises Investing in low-cost franchises offers several advantages that can greatly benefit aspiring business owners. With initial investments often under $50,000, you can access business ownership without considerable financial strain. Many of these franchises, like Kumon and Anytime Fitness, boast strong brand recognition, which helps attract customers and improves profit potential early on. Lower startup costs mean reduced financial risk, allowing you to achieve profitability more quickly. Furthermore, affordable franchises typically provide ongoing support and training from franchisors, increasing your chances of success compared to independent startups. The franchise industry greatly contributes to the U.S. economy, generating around $936.4 billion annually, highlighting the essential role low-cost franchises play in this growth. Financing Options for Franchise Startups Securing financing for your franchise startup can be a crucial step in the path to business ownership, especially when you’re looking to minimize your financial risk. Various financing options are available to help you get started: SBA loans: These loans often have favorable terms for small business owners and can cover a significant portion of your initial investment. Franchisor financing: Some franchisors offer programs that allow you to borrow directly from them, easing your financial burden. Seller financing: The current franchise owner may lend you money, usually with more flexible terms. Investors and partnerships: They can provide necessary capital, allowing you to share financial risks. Good credit and solid business plan: Lenders evaluate these factors when considering your loan application. Hidden Costs to Consider When Starting a Franchise When you start a franchise, it’s crucial to look beyond the initial investment and consider the hidden costs that can impact your overall financial health. Insurance requirements, including liability and workers’ compensation, can add thousands to your annual expenses. Furthermore, technology fees for software subscriptions, point-of-sale systems, and website maintenance are ongoing costs that you must budget for. Don’t overlook professional services, like accounting and legal fees, which can impose financial burdens. For mobile and service-based franchises, vehicle and equipment maintenance likewise create ongoing costs that affect profitability. Finally, employee-related expenses—wages, benefits, training, and turnover—can accumulate quickly, making it imperative to include these in your overall financial planning. Due Diligence Tips for Franchise Investors How can you guarantee that you’re making a sound investment in a franchise? Conducting thorough due diligence is crucial. Here are some key tips to help you: Review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), especially Item 19, for financial performance insights. Assess the franchisor’s training programs and support systems, as they can influence your success. Compare franchise fees and total initial costs, including hidden expenses like insurance and technology fees. Speak with current franchisees to understand their experiences and challenges. Verify the franchisor’s reputation and market demand to evaluate long-term viability. Success Stories From Low-Cost Franchise Owners Success in the franchise world isn’t solely reserved for those with deep pockets; many low-cost franchise owners have proven that a modest initial investment can lead to substantial financial rewards. For instance, Kumon franchisees often enjoy high gross profit margins with minimal startup costs, achieving significant success early on. Anytime Fitness owners frequently experience rapid growth, with startup costs between $3,150 and $42,500, capitalizing on the rising demand for fitness services. Similarly, Supercuts owners generate solid revenue through effective management and brand recognition. Ace Hardware’s low initial fee of $5,000 allows many franchisees to thrive without royalty fees, whereas Jersey Mike’s franchisees, starting at $18,500, report strong sales because of popular offerings and community engagement. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the Most Profitable Franchises With Low Startup Costs? When considering profitable franchises with low startup costs, you should explore options like Kumon, with a franchise fee of just $2,000 and substantial profit margins. Anytime Fitness likewise stands out, requiring a fee ranging from $3,150 to $42,500. Dunkin’ Donuts, although higher, offers strong profit potential. Chick-Fil-A’s minimal fee of $10,000 presents a lucrative opportunity as well. Each of these franchises caters to different markets, enhancing your investment choices. Which Franchise Is Best in Low Budget? When considering which franchise is best on a low budget, you should explore options like Kumon and Cruise Planners. Kumon starts with a franchise fee of $2,000, whereas Cruise Planners requires $6,995. If you’re interested in the fitness sector, Anytime Fitness offers a range of fees from $3,150 to $42,500. Service-based franchises, such as JAN-PRO and The Maids, in addition provide strong support with lower startup costs, making them ideal choices for budget-conscious entrepreneurs. What Franchise Is the Easiest to Open? When considering which franchise is easiest to open, you should evaluate factors like initial fees, training, and ongoing support. For instance, Kumon offers a low franchise fee of $2,000 and high profit margins, making it accessible. Anytime Fitness provides a range of fees and manageable monthly costs, whereas Cruise Planners requires only $6,995 to start, along with extensive training. These options simplify the process for new franchisees, ensuring a smoother entry into business. What Franchises Can I Start With 50K? You can start several franchises with a budget of $50,000 or less. Consider Tumbles for gym and STEAM classes, or The Maids for residential cleaning, both offering established support. N Zone Sports allows you to operate a home-based youth sports model, whereas Five Star Painting focuses on residential and commercial painting services. Sparkle Wash has over 50 years in pressure washing, and Erik’s DeliCafe and U.S. Lawns likewise fit within this investment range. Conclusion In summary, exploring affordable franchise opportunities can be a strategic move for aspiring entrepreneurs. With initial investments ranging from under $1,000 to $42,500, you can find an option that fits your budget. These franchises not just offer brand recognition but likewise provide crucial training and support. By comprehending financing options and potential hidden costs, you can make informed decisions. Eventually, diligent research and preparation increase your chances of success in the franchise industry. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Affordable Franchises With Low Start-Up Costs" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you’re considering starting a business but worry about high costs, affordable franchises with low start-up expenses may be your solution. Many options require investments under $50,000, offering a pathway to entrepreneurship without breaking the bank. These franchises often provide brand recognition and training support, reducing risks. Nonetheless, it’s vital to understand the details involved. Let’s explore specific franchises and the benefits they offer, along with significant considerations for potential owners. Key Takeaways Anytime Fitness offers initial costs between $3,150 and $42,500, making it an accessible fitness franchise. Kumon requires a franchise fee of only $2,000, ideal for those seeking low-cost educational franchises. Micro-franchises can start under $1,000, providing home-based or mobile business opportunities with minimal investment. JAN-PRO is a service-based franchise known for its strong brand recognition and low equipment costs. Cruise Planners has an initial cash requirement of approximately $6,995, including training and marketing support for new franchisees. Overview of Low-Cost Franchise Opportunities When considering business opportunities, low-cost franchises present an appealing option, especially for those who may not have significant capital to invest. These franchises typically require an initial investment of less than $50,000, making them accessible to a broader range of aspiring entrepreneurs. You might find micro-franchises with startup costs under $1,000, perfect for flexible work arrangements. Service-based franchises, costing between $1,000 and $5,000, allow you to leverage your personal skills with minimal equipment. Established service franchises, with investments ranging from $25,000 to $50,000, offer strong brand recognition and extensive training. With low-cost franchises offering high profit potential, they’re among the easiest franchises to open, providing entry into proven business models that can yield substantial returns. Top Affordable Franchises With Low Start-Up Costs Finding the right franchise can be a game-changer for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially when you’re looking at options with low start-up costs. Here are some top affordable franchises to examine: Anytime Fitness: Initial costs range from $3,150 to $42,500. Kumon: Franchise fee is just $2,000, making it very accessible. JAN-PRO: A service-based franchise that requires minimal equipment and has strong brand recognition. Cruise Planners: Initial cash requirement of about $6,995, plus training and marketing support. These franchises not only provide low start-up costs but additionally present excellent opportunities for growth and success in diverse markets. Benefits of Investing in Low-Cost Franchises Investing in low-cost franchises offers several advantages that can greatly benefit aspiring business owners. With initial investments often under $50,000, you can access business ownership without considerable financial strain. Many of these franchises, like Kumon and Anytime Fitness, boast strong brand recognition, which helps attract customers and improves profit potential early on. Lower startup costs mean reduced financial risk, allowing you to achieve profitability more quickly. Furthermore, affordable franchises typically provide ongoing support and training from franchisors, increasing your chances of success compared to independent startups. The franchise industry greatly contributes to the U.S. economy, generating around $936.4 billion annually, highlighting the essential role low-cost franchises play in this growth. Financing Options for Franchise Startups Securing financing for your franchise startup can be a crucial step in the path to business ownership, especially when you’re looking to minimize your financial risk. Various financing options are available to help you get started: SBA loans: These loans often have favorable terms for small business owners and can cover a significant portion of your initial investment. Franchisor financing: Some franchisors offer programs that allow you to borrow directly from them, easing your financial burden. Seller financing: The current franchise owner may lend you money, usually with more flexible terms. Investors and partnerships: They can provide necessary capital, allowing you to share financial risks. Good credit and solid business plan: Lenders evaluate these factors when considering your loan application. Hidden Costs to Consider When Starting a Franchise When you start a franchise, it’s crucial to look beyond the initial investment and consider the hidden costs that can impact your overall financial health. Insurance requirements, including liability and workers’ compensation, can add thousands to your annual expenses. Furthermore, technology fees for software subscriptions, point-of-sale systems, and website maintenance are ongoing costs that you must budget for. Don’t overlook professional services, like accounting and legal fees, which can impose financial burdens. For mobile and service-based franchises, vehicle and equipment maintenance likewise create ongoing costs that affect profitability. Finally, employee-related expenses—wages, benefits, training, and turnover—can accumulate quickly, making it imperative to include these in your overall financial planning. Due Diligence Tips for Franchise Investors How can you guarantee that you’re making a sound investment in a franchise? Conducting thorough due diligence is crucial. Here are some key tips to help you: Review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), especially Item 19, for financial performance insights. Assess the franchisor’s training programs and support systems, as they can influence your success. Compare franchise fees and total initial costs, including hidden expenses like insurance and technology fees. Speak with current franchisees to understand their experiences and challenges. Verify the franchisor’s reputation and market demand to evaluate long-term viability. Success Stories From Low-Cost Franchise Owners Success in the franchise world isn’t solely reserved for those with deep pockets; many low-cost franchise owners have proven that a modest initial investment can lead to substantial financial rewards. For instance, Kumon franchisees often enjoy high gross profit margins with minimal startup costs, achieving significant success early on. Anytime Fitness owners frequently experience rapid growth, with startup costs between $3,150 and $42,500, capitalizing on the rising demand for fitness services. Similarly, Supercuts owners generate solid revenue through effective management and brand recognition. Ace Hardware’s low initial fee of $5,000 allows many franchisees to thrive without royalty fees, whereas Jersey Mike’s franchisees, starting at $18,500, report strong sales because of popular offerings and community engagement. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the Most Profitable Franchises With Low Startup Costs? When considering profitable franchises with low startup costs, you should explore options like Kumon, with a franchise fee of just $2,000 and substantial profit margins. Anytime Fitness likewise stands out, requiring a fee ranging from $3,150 to $42,500. Dunkin’ Donuts, although higher, offers strong profit potential. Chick-Fil-A’s minimal fee of $10,000 presents a lucrative opportunity as well. Each of these franchises caters to different markets, enhancing your investment choices. Which Franchise Is Best in Low Budget? When considering which franchise is best on a low budget, you should explore options like Kumon and Cruise Planners. Kumon starts with a franchise fee of $2,000, whereas Cruise Planners requires $6,995. If you’re interested in the fitness sector, Anytime Fitness offers a range of fees from $3,150 to $42,500. Service-based franchises, such as JAN-PRO and The Maids, in addition provide strong support with lower startup costs, making them ideal choices for budget-conscious entrepreneurs. What Franchise Is the Easiest to Open? When considering which franchise is easiest to open, you should evaluate factors like initial fees, training, and ongoing support. For instance, Kumon offers a low franchise fee of $2,000 and high profit margins, making it accessible. Anytime Fitness provides a range of fees and manageable monthly costs, whereas Cruise Planners requires only $6,995 to start, along with extensive training. These options simplify the process for new franchisees, ensuring a smoother entry into business. What Franchises Can I Start With 50K? You can start several franchises with a budget of $50,000 or less. Consider Tumbles for gym and STEAM classes, or The Maids for residential cleaning, both offering established support. N Zone Sports allows you to operate a home-based youth sports model, whereas Five Star Painting focuses on residential and commercial painting services. Sparkle Wash has over 50 years in pressure washing, and Erik’s DeliCafe and U.S. Lawns likewise fit within this investment range. Conclusion In summary, exploring affordable franchise opportunities can be a strategic move for aspiring entrepreneurs. With initial investments ranging from under $1,000 to $42,500, you can find an option that fits your budget. These franchises not just offer brand recognition but likewise provide crucial training and support. By comprehending financing options and potential hidden costs, you can make informed decisions. Eventually, diligent research and preparation increase your chances of success in the franchise industry. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Affordable Franchises With Low Start-Up Costs" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Wifi problems tend to reveal themselves at the worst times—laggy Zoom calls, buffering mid-binge, or a smart device that refuses to connect. The Eero Pro 7, named the best mesh wifi system of 2025 by PCMag, is built to solve exactly that. Right now, the two-pack is down to $449.99 on Amazon from its usual $549.99, its lowest price to date according to price trackers. Amazon Eero Pro 7 Mesh Router $449.99 at Amazon $549.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal Get Deal $449.99 at Amazon $549.99 Save $100.00 This is a tri-band mesh system, which means it uses three separate frequencies (2.4GHz, 5GHz, and the newer 6GHz band) to keep your internet fast and stable across multiple rooms. Setup is handled through the Eero app, which guides you through everything with a QR code and a few simple steps, notes this PCMag review. This pack covers up to 4,000 square feet. You get two identical routers in the box, each with two 5-gigabit Ethernet ports and support for wired backhaul—useful if you want to hardwire specific devices or connect the routers directly for stronger performance. Inside, you’ll find five antennas and hardware that supports Wi-Fi 7 tech like MU-MIMO, beamforming, and 320MHz channels, all of which work behind the scenes to reduce lag and keep multiple devices running smoothly. It’s also smart-home-ready, with support for Thread, Matter, and Zigbee, so you can use it as a hub for devices like lights, locks, or sensors without needing extra gear. That said, it’s not without its limitations. For one, there are no USB ports, if you were hoping to plug in storage or a printer directly. And while it supports parental controls and network security features, you’ll need to pay extra for those—about $10 a month via the Eero+ subscription. That plan adds tools like VPN access, malware blocking, ad filtering, and a password manager, but it does feel like a bit of a nickel-and-dime moment after shelling out nearly $450. Still, if your wifi struggles are more than a minor annoyance, the Eero Pro 7 is a serious upgrade, and with this price drop, a bit easier to justify. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $139.99 (List Price $179.00) Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant — $329.00 (List Price $429.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Blink Mini 2 1080p Security Camera (White) — $23.99 (List Price $39.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $29.99 (List Price $49.99) Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 10.9" 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (Graphite) — $149.99 (List Price $219.99) Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones — $229.00 (List Price $349.00) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Trevor McOmber and his 14-year-old son, Tye, share a love for the Chicago Blackhawks. When Trevor was his son’s age, he watched the Blackhawks on TV, caught highlights on ESPN and read about the team in the newspaper. It’s a much different experience for Tye. “I go to YouTube with Snapchat, or Google something if I just have an idea that I want to know,” Tye McOmber said while sitting next to his father at a recent Blackhawks game. Tye McOmber is on the border of Generation Z, born roughly between 1997 to 2012, and Generation Alpha, approximately 2012 to 2024 — a sprawling group of people with unique media habits and diverse attitudes on where sports fit into their lives. Together, they form — potentially, at least — the next generation of sports fans, an almost constant topic of conversation in the offices of every major sports organization. And they have proven to be a tricky target. According to a Morning Consult poll, 20% of Gen-Z adults identify as avid sports fans, compared to 33% of Millennials and 27% of Generation X. One-third of the Gen-Z respondents said they do not follow sports at all. Even among those who are fans, the touchpoints for teams and leagues are changing constantly. “Something that we might have done two or three years ago to capture this audience is changing based on how they consume, the way they consume, the way that content is packaged to them as well,” said Uzma Rawn Dowler, the chief marketing officer for Major League Baseball. “And so we’re always constantly keeping up with the trends and of how we can continue to resonate with this audience in the right way.” Gen Z, Gen Alpha and sports Mark Beal, a communication professor at Rutgers University, shows an image of a Zamboni during his presentations on Gen Z and Gen Alpha. He asks his audience what the Zamboni is, and after a while, he provides his perspective. “That is a Gen-Z dream right there,” he says. “You put a Gen Z-er in that between period one and two of a game. By the time they get done … they’ve live-streamed it, they’ve shot it, they’ve put it out on TikTok.” In their own distinct voice, too, one that often appeals to a large audience. In the Jan. 28 poll, social media (53%) and streaming services (38%) were the top choices for the Gen-Z respondents when it comes to where they go the most for sports content. Media consumption for Gen Z and Gen Alpha “is unprecedented,” said Beal. The challenge is finding those eyes, and staying in front of them. Especially when it comes to casual sports fans who are perhaps more interested in the latest celebrity post than highlights from games. That means embracing unorthodox connections. Like kids celebrating basketball teams reaching 67 points as part of the “6-7” craze. Or the NFL’s Buffalo Bills posting a video of its rookies identifying characters from Italian brainrot — a popular group of internet memes. Gen Z and Gen Alpha gravitate toward personalities, so major sports organizations work with a group of creators to help spread their content. The NBA is hosting more than 200 creators with a collective footprint of more than 1 billion followers for its All-Star festivities this weekend in Los Angeles. They are slated to participate in live broadcasts, in-arena programming and fan experiences. Bob Carney, a senior vice president for digital and social content at the NBA, said the league uses an artificial intelligence-powered social media measurement platform to identify creators for its network. “That’s only the first step,” Carney said. “Once the technology flags someone, our team still evaluates their creativity, authenticity, tone and how naturally they fit into basketball culture. So, it’s an AI-assisted process. The goal is to make sure we never overlook the next creator who is resonating with fans.” The players, who often have their own social media followings, serve as their own network for their sports. The prospective audience matters, Dowler said. “For our growth audiences, we partner with influencers in relevant adjacent spaces,” she said, “whether it’s food, fashion, other culturally relevant sort of spaces to reach that casual perspective fan to bring them into the baseball ecosystem through the side door and feed them that adjacent baseball content through the lens of players or influencers to then ultimately have them convert to be that core fan.” Where it’s going Reaching and developing the next generation of sports fans is a collective endeavor. Partnerships play a role. The International Olympic Committee announced a collaboration with Roblox in 2024 that created Olympic World on the popular online gaming platform. Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Shohei Ohtani are part of Fortnite, an online game. Major League Baseball also has a partnership with ABCmouse for baseball-themed learning activities for kids. Youth participation also is a vehicle for making new sports fans, and it’s a major reason why MLB has invested heavily in youth baseball and softball programs. “We’re trying to fish where the fish are, quite honestly,” Dowler said. The NBA has been experimenting with using generative AI to create more specialized content — think animation for a younger age group, something that wasn’t practical before because of the cost — but it’s pursuing a particular look and feel on social media. “On our league-run social channels, we are very deliberate about keeping the content grounded in the same native tools and formats that fans and creators themselves use,” Carney said. “That helps the ecosystem feel organic, authentic, and not overly produced. Where generative AI really comes into play for us is behind the scenes and in purpose-built experiences. We use it to solve problems at scale.” The NHL’s strategy for reaching younger fans leans at least in part on its NHL Power Players, a youth initiative that is in its seventh season. The league uses an application process to create an advisory board of approximately 25 members ranging in age from 13 to 17. There are two virtual meetings every month, in addition to other conversations between the league and the teenagers. “We’ve had people from everywhere from Nova Scotia to Hawaii and everywhere in between,” said Heidi Browning, the chief marketing officer for the NHL. “They’re not necessarily all in hockey towns, which is really incredible for us. And they advise us on everything from marketing to content to technology to social to creators to fan engagement.” The NHL periodically revisits the insights it gleans from the youth board to see how attitudes and behaviors are shifting over time. Browning said she goes to all the meetings, underlying the importance of the program to the league. “(We) are constantly thinking about how can we intentionally listen to the next generation of fans because they’re not just younger versions of our previous fans,” Browning said. “They’re actually consuming and connecting and engaging differently than the generations that are older than they are.” AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports —Jay Cohen, AP Sports Writer View the full article

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, small business owners in the banking sector are about to witness a significant transformation thanks to Oracle’s latest suite of AI-enhanced applications. Oracle Financial Services is leading the charge with a revolutionary agentic platform designed to enhance customer engagement, streamline operations, and introduce a new level of intelligent service. By infusing artificial intelligence into the core of banking operations, Oracle is enabling financial institutions to anticipate customer needs with unprecedented accuracy. This new capability is not just about automating routine tasks; it aims to elevate service quality through intelligent, conversational interfaces and autonomous AI agents. As Sovan Shatpathy, Oracle’s senior vice president for Product Management and Development, noted, “Our agentic platform is not just a set of applications; it’s a foundational architecture for building truly intelligent banks.” For small banking institutions, the implications are significant. The combination of domain-specific AI, human-in-the-loop governance, and enterprise-grade scalability creates a robust ecosystem from which banks can derive enhanced insights and efficiency. Here are some tangible benefits of Oracle’s platform: Hyper-Personalized Customer Interaction: By leveraging AI, banks can engage customers according to their specific preferences and behaviors. The platform supports tailored interactions whether customers engage through mobile apps, online banking, or in-person visits. Operational Efficiency: Automation of key processes is a game changer. Tools like the Product Brochure Generation agent and the Application Tracker agent provide real-time, accurate information that helps bankers expedite client service. This not only enhances customer satisfaction but also allows staff to focus on more complex interactions. Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing AI for credit decisioning means that banks can make faster, more reliable lending decisions. The Qualitative Analysis & Credit Decisioning agent cuts down processing times and optimizes the use of data, creating more consistent outcomes. Regulatory Compliance: With built-in compliance checks, products like the Call Compliance Check agent ensure adherence to regulations, reducing the risk for smaller banks and allowing them to serve customers more effectively without the constant worry of regulatory pitfalls. These innovations are particularly crucial for smaller banks that compete against larger institutions with larger resources. The ability to implement AI tools can help level the playing field by allowing for superior customer service and operational management. However, small business owners in the banking sector should also be aware of potential challenges when considering integration of these technologies. The initial investment in AI infrastructures, combined with the need for training staff to effectively utilize AI tools, may be daunting. Moreover, there is the ever-present concern about data privacy, especially as customer interactions become more automated. Financial institutions will need to weigh the benefits of enhanced customer engagement against potential costs and challenges. For instance, while AI can streamline operations, bankers must ensure that there is still a human touch in customer interactions, especially in sensitive situations like debt collections. The Collector Call Summarization agent and others create efficiencies but must be managed to ensure they genuinely improve customer experiences rather than creating a sense of distance. In the coming year, Oracle plans to roll out hundreds of new retail and corporate banking agents, further enriching this agentic platform, making it worthwhile for small banks to consider investing in these innovations. For small business owners in banking, the potential to harness AI for customer engagement cannot be underestimated. As Oracle leads the way in reimagining banking for the AI era, small business owners would do well to assess how these technologies can not only improve operations but also enhance customer loyalty and satisfaction. For complete details on Oracle’s offerings, visit Oracle Financial Services and see how these innovations might apply to your banking operations. More insights can be found in the original press announcement here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Oracle Revolutionizes Banking with AI-Driven Solutions for Personalized Service" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, small business owners in the banking sector are about to witness a significant transformation thanks to Oracle’s latest suite of AI-enhanced applications. Oracle Financial Services is leading the charge with a revolutionary agentic platform designed to enhance customer engagement, streamline operations, and introduce a new level of intelligent service. By infusing artificial intelligence into the core of banking operations, Oracle is enabling financial institutions to anticipate customer needs with unprecedented accuracy. This new capability is not just about automating routine tasks; it aims to elevate service quality through intelligent, conversational interfaces and autonomous AI agents. As Sovan Shatpathy, Oracle’s senior vice president for Product Management and Development, noted, “Our agentic platform is not just a set of applications; it’s a foundational architecture for building truly intelligent banks.” For small banking institutions, the implications are significant. The combination of domain-specific AI, human-in-the-loop governance, and enterprise-grade scalability creates a robust ecosystem from which banks can derive enhanced insights and efficiency. Here are some tangible benefits of Oracle’s platform: Hyper-Personalized Customer Interaction: By leveraging AI, banks can engage customers according to their specific preferences and behaviors. The platform supports tailored interactions whether customers engage through mobile apps, online banking, or in-person visits. Operational Efficiency: Automation of key processes is a game changer. Tools like the Product Brochure Generation agent and the Application Tracker agent provide real-time, accurate information that helps bankers expedite client service. This not only enhances customer satisfaction but also allows staff to focus on more complex interactions. Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing AI for credit decisioning means that banks can make faster, more reliable lending decisions. The Qualitative Analysis & Credit Decisioning agent cuts down processing times and optimizes the use of data, creating more consistent outcomes. Regulatory Compliance: With built-in compliance checks, products like the Call Compliance Check agent ensure adherence to regulations, reducing the risk for smaller banks and allowing them to serve customers more effectively without the constant worry of regulatory pitfalls. These innovations are particularly crucial for smaller banks that compete against larger institutions with larger resources. The ability to implement AI tools can help level the playing field by allowing for superior customer service and operational management. However, small business owners in the banking sector should also be aware of potential challenges when considering integration of these technologies. The initial investment in AI infrastructures, combined with the need for training staff to effectively utilize AI tools, may be daunting. Moreover, there is the ever-present concern about data privacy, especially as customer interactions become more automated. Financial institutions will need to weigh the benefits of enhanced customer engagement against potential costs and challenges. For instance, while AI can streamline operations, bankers must ensure that there is still a human touch in customer interactions, especially in sensitive situations like debt collections. The Collector Call Summarization agent and others create efficiencies but must be managed to ensure they genuinely improve customer experiences rather than creating a sense of distance. In the coming year, Oracle plans to roll out hundreds of new retail and corporate banking agents, further enriching this agentic platform, making it worthwhile for small banks to consider investing in these innovations. For small business owners in banking, the potential to harness AI for customer engagement cannot be underestimated. As Oracle leads the way in reimagining banking for the AI era, small business owners would do well to assess how these technologies can not only improve operations but also enhance customer loyalty and satisfaction. For complete details on Oracle’s offerings, visit Oracle Financial Services and see how these innovations might apply to your banking operations. More insights can be found in the original press announcement here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Oracle Revolutionizes Banking with AI-Driven Solutions for Personalized Service" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. The Blink Mini 2K+ (2-pack) is currently down to $44.99 on Amazon, half off its usual $89.99 price and the lowest it has ever been, according to price-trackers. That makes it one of the cheapest ways right now to add basic indoor security with sharper video than the older 1080p models. Blink, which is owned by Amazon, has always leaned toward simple and affordable cameras, and this one follows that formula closely. It records in 2K resolution, so faces and fine details come through more clearly than on earlier Minis. It also adds a built-in spotlight, which allows for color night footage instead of grainy black-and-white clips when motion is detected. Blink Mini 2K+ (newest model) – Plug-in Home & Pet Security Camera with 2K video resolution, color night vision, enhanced audio, motion detection – 2 cameras (Black) $44.99 at Amazon $89.99 Save $45.00 Get Deal Get Deal $44.99 at Amazon $89.99 Save $45.00 This is a wired camera, so it needs to live close to a power outlet. The upside is size. The Mini 2K+ is tiny at roughly two inches wide and about three inches tall with the stand attached. It is light enough to move around easily if you want to keep an eye on different rooms at different times. Set-up is straightforward through the Blink app. That said, it only works on a 2.4GHz network, which is worth noting if your home is set up around 5GHz. Video quality is solid for the price, and two-way audio is clearer than before thanks to better noise filtering. There is also a built-in siren and support for Amazon Alexa, letting you view the camera feed on Fire TV devices or get alerts on Echo speakers. As for its storage and smart features, live viewing is free, but recorded clips, smart alerts like person detection, and cloud storage require a Blink subscription. That starts at $4 per month for one device or $12 per month for unlimited devices. You can avoid cloud storage by adding the Blink Sync Module 2 ($49.99) and a USB drive, but that is another piece of hardware to buy and manage. And while the Mini 2K+ is meant for indoor use, you can place it outdoors with a weather-resistant power adapter ($9.99), which is also sold separately. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $139.99 (List Price $179.00) Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant — $329.00 (List Price $429.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Blink Mini 2 1080p Security Camera (White) — $23.99 (List Price $39.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $29.99 (List Price $49.99) Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 10.9" 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (Graphite) — $149.99 (List Price $219.99) Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones — $229.00 (List Price $349.00) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Warp, which builds software to help developers control AI agents and other software from the command line, is rolling out a new tool called Oz to collaboratively command AI in the cloud. Last year, Warp launched its agentic development environment, which lets programmers command AI agents to write code and other tasks. Developers can also use the software to edit code on their own and run command-line development tools. That release came as many developers became increasingly fond of vibe coding—the process of instructing an AI on what source code should do rather than writing it directly—and the industry produced a variety of tools, including Anthropic’s Claude Code and Google’s Antigravity, aimed at assisting with the process. But, says Warp’s founder and CEO Zach Lloyd, most existing agentic development software is geared at individual developers interacting with agents developing code on their own computers. That can make it difficult for teams to collaborate on agent-driven development and even make it hard for managers and colleagues to understand what individual developers already have AI agents working on. It can also make it difficult to guarantee agents are properly configured and securely handling company code and data, even in the face of deliberate attempts to steal data, like external “prompt injection” attacks meant to deceive AI, Lloyd says. “Right now, with everyone who’s using these agents on their local machines, it’s like the Wild West,” he says. “You don’t know what they’re doing.” Oz looks to solve that problem by providing secure, cloud-based sandboxes for AI agents to run as they write code, process customer feedback and bug reports, and handle a variety of other tasks, with all of their operations logged and accessible through a Warp app or web interface. “Every time an agent runs, you get a complete record of what it did,” Lloyd says. Through Oz, companies can heavily customize what access employees have to different agents and tweak what permissions agents themselves have to avoid security risks. And agents can be automatically scheduled to run at particular times or in response to particular events, or manually instructed to run as needed, says Lloyd, demonstrating one agent the company uses internally to root out potential fraudulent use of its platform. Developers can also switch between running particular agents in the cloud or on their own computers, which can be useful for interactive development, and the context of previous interactions and runs is automatically preserved. Since the cloud-based side of Oz is commanded via a standardized interface, locally run agents and other apps can even trigger agents to run in the cloud for purposes like generating code to respond to bug reports or feature requests. “Our view on this is to try to make it really flexible, because companies are going to have lots of different systems and ways of deploying agents,” Lloyd says. Warp says more than 700,000 developers are now using its software, which has expanded from an enhanced command-line terminal—the esoteric, text-based interface long beloved by power users on Linux and MacOS—to include tools for knowledge sharing and commanding AI agents. The company declined to share precise revenue numbers but said that annual recurring revenue grew by a factor of 35 last year. Users of Oz will generally be charged both for cloud computing and for AI inference costs, with limited use of the system also available in Warp’s free plans, but customers can also work with Warp to use their existing infrastructure or AI models of their choice. Warp, which reported at the end of last year that its agents have edited 3.2 billion lines of code, is in essence betting that even in an era when vibe coding is making it easier than ever to build custom software, companies interested in security, ease of use, and fast deployment will still prefer to use its tools for managing their coding agents rather than developing their own in house. “Every company this year that’s building software is going to want some sort of solution to do this, just because it’s such a big potential force multiplier for how software is produced,” says Lloyd. View the full article

A notorious ransomware and extortion gang known as Clop attacked Oracle's E-Business Suite, gaining access to Anywhere's employee and consumer data. View the full article

Jeff Dellapina will be replaced by Asia finance chief Jay Ng View the full article

Honda reported Tuesday a 42% drop in profit for the nine months through December, compared to a year earlier, as U.S. President Donald The President’s tariffs hurt the Japanese automaker’s earnings. Tokyo-based Honda Motor Co.’s profit over the three quarters totaled 465.4 billion yen ($3 billion), down from 805.2 billion yen. That marked the second straight year that profit declined during the period at Honda, the maker of the Accord sedan, Civic compact and Odyssey minivan. Sales for the three quarters dipped 2.2% to 15.98 trillion yen ($102.6 billion) from the previous year. Honda stuck to its full fiscal year profit forecast at 300 billion yen ($1.9 billion). The slowdown in electric vehicles in the U.S. market was one negative factor, according to Honda, while the relatively healthy performance in its motorcycle division worked as a plus. Honda lowered its global EV sales ratio projection for 2030 to 20% from its previous target of 30%. It also said it canceled the development of some EV models, because the EV market was changing. The The President administration, which has favored the oil and gas industry, has backpedaled on prior programs supporting the proliferation of EVs, dismantling programs that kicked in during the Biden administration, which had encouraged environmentally cleaner cars and trucks. Last year, The President lowered the tariffs on automobiles and auto parts to 15% from an earlier 25% that he had initially announced. Japan promised to invest $550 billion in U.S. projects. Tariffs are a major blow to Japan’s export-reliant economy, including the automakers. Last week, Japan’s top automaker Toyota Motor Corp. reported a decline in recent profit, and announced that its chief financial officer, Kenta Kon, will become its new chief executive and president. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who took office in October as Japan’s first female leader, scored a landslide parliamentary election victory for the governing party over the weekend. That’s expected to make it easier for her Liberal Democratic Party to push forward on its policies, including bolstering growth by boosting government spending, especially in technology and defense. Honda stock jumped 2.1% in Tuesday’s trading. The Nikkei 225 benchmark finished 2.3% higher, renewing a record high for the second day straight, in a rally set off, in part, by Takaichi’s popularity. Yuri Kageyama is on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@yurikageyama —Yuri Kageyama AP Business Writer View the full article

New York-based Neuberger Berman will manage assets of MIO, which invests private wealth of consulting firm’s partnersView the full article

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Treasury yields experienced a bullish open with the 5-year yield dropping over 15 basis points in five days, ahead of key jobs and inflation reports, as the dollar demonstrated strong adherence to technical levels, according to the CEO of IF Securities. View the full article

Media group adds ‘ticking fee’ to give shareholders additional payment for every quarter deal does not closeView the full article

Shortly after 7:00 local time this morning, the internet-famous walk for peace monks began the final miles of their 2,300-mile walking journey. They left Alexandria, Virginia, and are set to arrive in Washington, D.C., before 9:30 a.m., where they’ll take part in a public event at Bender Arena. The group plans to spend the next three days in and around the nation’s capital before traveling by bus to Fort Worth, Texas, where the journey began. Find out how they plan to spend the next few days. Who are the monks and why did they walk to D.C.? More than three months ago, a group of about 19 Buddhist monks and their rescue dog companion, Aloka, set out on a 2,300-mile walking journey to promote peace. The movement has been well-received in the United States and globally. Throughout the journey, massive crowds of people have gathered to welcome and celebrate the monks. They started the walk in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 26, 2025. After 108 days of walking, they arrived in Washington, D.C., this morning. The group’s Facebook page notes that they’re walking to “raise awareness of inner peace and mindfulness across America and the world.” The monks have been using their Facebook page to provide updates, share photos, and announce official events. An interactive map powered by Google Maps also let people follow along with the monks in real time. As their message of hope and peace has reached more people, their social media following has continued to grow significantly. They now have nearly 6 million combined followers across Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. The monks’ rescue dog, Aloka, who has been part of the walking journey, has become an internet fan favorite. In January, Aloka had surgery to heal a leg injury. He’s doing well, but because he’s still recovering, he’s been traveling in an escort car that follows the walking route. Aloka has his own official social media accounts. He has a combined following of over 1.5 million fans across Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Here’s where the monks will be this week The group has shared the following schedule for the week: Tuesday, February 10: 7:00 a.m.: Walk from Alexandria, VA, to Washington, D.C. 9:30-10:45 a.m.: Public Event at Bender Arena Lunch stop: They’ll attend an invite-only lunch at the National United Methodist Church 1:00–2:30 p.m.: Interfaith Ceremony at Washington National Cathedral 2:30 p.m.: Unity Walk on Embassy Row In the evening, they’ll attend a private event at George Washington University Wednesday, February 11: 9:30 a.m.: Walk to Peace Monument / Capitol Hill begins Lunch stop: They’ll attend an invite-only lunch at St. Mark’s Capitol Hill Church 1:30 p.m.: Begin walking to the Lincoln Memorial 2:30-4:00 p.m: Peace Gathering and Concluding Ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial 4:30-7:30 p.m.: Meditation session with Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara at George Washington University Smith Center Thursday, February 12: 9:00 a.m.: Begin walking from the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Maryland to the Maryland State Capitol 10:00-10:45 a.m.: Peace gathering at the steps of the Maryland State Capitol 12:30 p.m.: Depart for Fort Worth, Texas, by bus Saturday, February 14: The group is set to arrive in Fort Worth around 8:00 a.m. They plan to walk from downtown Fort Worth to the Hương Đạo Vipassana Bhavana Center, where the 2,300-mile journey began. The homecoming walking route is approximately six miles. To celebrate the completion of their journey, a peace gathering will be held at the Hương Đạo Vipassana Bhavana Center. If you’d like to follow along throughout the coming days, check their Facebook page for updates. View the full article

The urge to tame big corporate landlords is bubbling over among locals in woodsy Paulding County, Georgia, an Atlanta exurb where church steeples and old graveyards punctuate the rolling hills, and an 18-foot fiberglass Wonder Woman waves at drivers. View the full article

Google announced two new ways for users to remove their sensitive information from the web Tuesday morning—or, at least, remove that data from Google Search. The first lets users request that Google remove sensitive government ID information from Search, while the second gives users new tools to request the same for non-consensual explicit images. Google's "Results about you" tool is getting an update Credit: Google First, Google is updating its existing "Results about you" tool, which helps users scour the internet for their personal information. Before today, this tool could already locate data points like your name, phone number, email addresses, and home addresses. Following the update, you can now find and request the deletion of search results containing highly sensitive information, including your driver's license, passport, or Social Security number. To launch this tool, click here. If you've never used "Results about you" before, you'll need to set it up to tell Google what to look out for. Once you do, you'll be able to add government ID numbers, such as your driver's license, passport, and Social Security number. If Google finds a match, the company will let you know. You can receive an alert from the Google app on your smartphone, which takes you to a summary of what data was found and where. From here, you can choose from "Request to remove," or "Mark as reviewed." Unfortunately, this tool won't remove the data from the websites that are hosting it, but it will eventually remove the search results—sharply reducing the chance that someone will find your data on their own. Google says these changes will roll out in the U.S. over the "coming days," while it is working on bringing them to other countries in the future. Google's simpler way to remove explicit images from Search Credit: Google In addition to these changes, Google is now rolling out a simpler tool for users to request the remove of non-consensual explicit images (NCEI) from Search. If you find such an image on Search, you can tap the three dots on that image, choose "remove result," then "it shows a sexual image of me." You'll have the choice to report whether the photo is real, or is artificially generated, as well, and you can report multiple images at once, if needed. Your requests will all appear in the Results about you hub, so you can track the progress of each. The tool lets you opt-in to an option that will filter additional explicit results in other searches. Google says it will also share links to "emotional and legal support" after you submit a request. View the full article

Americans’ hope for their future has fallen to a new low, according to new polling. In 2025, only about 59% of Americans gave high ratings when asked to evaluate how good their life will be in about five years, the lowest annual measure since Gallup began asking this question almost 20 years ago. It’s a warning about the depth of the gloom that has fallen over the country over the past few years. In the data, Gallup’s “current” and “future” lines have tended to move together over time — when Americans are feeling good about the present, they tend to feel optimistic about the future. But the most recent measures show that while current life satisfaction has declined over the last decade, future optimism has dropped even more. The finding comes from a longstanding Gallup question that asks Americans to rate their current and future lives on a scale from 0 to 10. Those who give themselves an 8 or higher on the question about the future are categorized as optimists. “While current life is eroding, it’s that optimism for the future that has eroded almost twice as much over the course of about that last 10 years or so,” said Dan Witters, the research director of the Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index. Gallup assesses people who rate their current life at a 7 or higher and their anticipated future at an 8 or higher as “thriving.” Fewer than half of Americans, about 48%, are now in that category. Democrats and Hispanic Americans, in particular, were in a darker mood last year. But even with President Donald The President back in the White House and his party in control of both houses of Congress, Republicans aren’t feeling nearly as good about the future as they were in the last year of The President’s first term. Democrats’ optimism fell significantly Americans’ attitudes toward the future tend to shift when a new political party enters the White House — generally, the party in power grows more optimistic, while the party without control is more down. For instance, Democrats became more positive about the future after Joe Biden won the presidency, while Republicans’ outlook soured. Witters notes that these changes typically happen “by roughly the same amount, same level of magnitude, so they cancel each other out.” That didn’t happen in 2025. Toward the end of Biden’s term and the start of The President’s second term, Democrats’ optimism fell from 65% to 57%. Republicans grew more hopeful, but not enough to offset Democrats’ drop. “The regime change in the White House almost certainly was a big driving factor in what’s happened,” Witters said. “And a lot of that was just because the people who identified as Democrats really took it in the chops.” But Republicans are still quite a bit gloomier about the future than they were in the last year of The President’s first term. A January AP-NORC poll found that while the vast majority of Republicans are still behind the president, his work on the economy hasn’t lived up to many people’s expectations. Hispanic adults grew more pessimistic Hispanic adults’ optimism for the near future also declined during The President’s first year in office, dropping from 69% to 63%. That decrease was sharper than among white and Black Americans, something that Witters said could be tied to overall cost concerns, health care worries or alarm about The President’s recent immigration policies. Last year, a survey by the American Communities Project found that people living in heavily Hispanic areas were feeling less hopeful about their future than in 2024. The President’s favorability fell among Hispanics over the course of 2025, according to AP-NORC polling, which also found that Hispanic adults reported higher levels of economic stress than other groups. A Pew Research Center poll conducted in October found that the administration’s tough immigration enforcement is highly visible in Hispanic communities. About 6 in 10 Latinos said they had seen or heard of Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids or arrests in their community in the past six months. “(Deportations are) something that everybody can see and look at with their own eyes,” Witters added. “But if you’re Hispanic, I think it’s fair to think that that might hit a little closer to home.” This data is a part of the Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index. The 2025 results are based on data collected over four quarterly measurement periods, totaling 22,125 interviews with U.S. adults who are part of the probability-based Gallup Panel. —Linley Sanders, Associated Press View the full article

This weekend offers several remarkable opportunities to save money across various categories. For instance, you can enjoy a BOGO deal at Yogurtland, making it a great time to indulge in frozen treats. Moreover, the Shark Cyclone Pet Handheld Vacuum is available for just $25, whereas Vera Bradley Throw Blankets are marked down to $12.34. With these enticing offers and more, you’ll want to explore all the savings available this weekend. Key Takeaways Take advantage of Yogurtland’s BOGO deal on yogurt or ice cream cups available for iOS and Android users on October 27. Grab the Shark Cyclone Pet Handheld Vacuum for only $25 with free shipping, originally priced at $70, perfect for pet owners. Enjoy Vera Bradley Throw Blankets at a sale price of $12.34, offering 81% off the original price of $65, ideal for gifts or home decor. Buy Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food 2-Pack on Amazon for as low as $9.39, promoting healthier plant growth with convenient doorstep delivery. Experience a Luxury Head Spa Treatment for $89, or $66.75 with the HALLOWEEN promo code, rated 4.9 stars, perfect for relaxation this weekend. BOGO Yogurt or Ice Cream Cups at Yogurtland on Oct. 27 On October 27, Yogurtland is offering an enticing Buy One Get One (BOGO) deal on yogurt or ice cream cups, allowing you to enjoy twice the treats for the price of one. This promotion is available for both iOS and Android users, making it easy for everyone to participate. You can use this opportunity to try new flavors or share with friends and family. To redeem the offer, simply visit a participating Yogurtland location on the specified date. This limited-time BOGO yogurt or ice cream cups deal is ideal for those looking to indulge in delicious frozen desserts as well as maximizing savings. Don’t forget to check for food coupons today to improve your experience even further. Shark Cyclone Pet Handheld Vacuum, Just $25 Shipped at HSN If you’re looking to improve your cleaning routine after enjoying those delicious frozen treats, the Shark Cyclone Pet Handheld Vacuum is now available for just $25 with free shipping at HSN, a marked down price from its regular $70. Designed particularly for pet owners, this vacuum thrives at removing pet hair from various surfaces, making it a practical addition to your cleaning arsenal. Its compact and lightweight design allows for easy maneuverability and storage, perfect for quick clean-ups. You can conveniently shop online, avoiding the hassle of visiting physical stores. Don’t forget to check your food coupons app for other savings and explore discounts near me to maximize your weekend shopping experience. Vera Bradley Throw Blankets Dropped to $12.34 at Target Vera Bradley Throw Blankets are now available for just $12.34 at Target, considerably reduced from their original price of $65. This sale offers a remarkable 81% discount, making it an excellent opportunity to improve your home decor or find a thoughtful gift. The blankets provide both style and comfort, perfect for those chilly evenings ahead. Nonetheless, availability may vary by location, so it’s wise to check your local Target store or their website for stock. As you shop, don’t forget to look for free coupons for food today or browse online food offers to maximize your savings. This weekend, treat yourself to a cozy blanket and explore other great deals at Target. Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food 2-Pack, as Low as $9.39 on Amazon If you’re looking to nourish your indoor plants without breaking the bank, the Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food 2-Pack is a great option at just $9.39 on Amazon. This product supports healthier growth and lively foliage, making it ideal for plant enthusiasts who want to keep their greenery thriving. Plus, buying the 2-Pack means you won’t need to repurchase as frequently, providing added convenience for your plant care routine. Affordable Indoor Plant Care In relation to affordable indoor plant care, the Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food 2-Pack stands out as a practical choice, especially at a competitive price of as low as $9.39 on Amazon. This product promotes healthy growth and lively foliage in indoor plants, making it easier for you to nurture your greenery. Each pack contains crucial nutrients, enhancing water absorption and overall health. Customers appreciate the convenience of Miracle-Gro, simplifying the feeding process for various indoor species. By choosing this deal, you can enjoy significant savings compared to traditional prices, allowing you to maintain your indoor plants without breaking the bank. Feature Benefit Price Crucial Nutrients Promotes growth $9.39 Convenient Use Simplifies feeding Affordable Multiple Species Versatile application Significant savings Convenient Amazon Shopping Option Indoor plant care can be simplified greatly with the Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food 2-Pack, now available on Amazon for as low as $9.39. This affordable option is perfect for plant enthusiasts looking to promote healthy growth in their indoor gardens. With crucial nutrients packed into each container, your plants will thrive, ensuring a lush environment. Purchasing the 2-Pack means you’ll have enough food to sustain multiple plants over time, providing a sustainable solution for your gardening needs. Plus, Amazon offers convenient shipping options, delivering right to your doorstep. Don’t miss out on these significant savings opportunities; keep an eye out for coupons and offers, including free food coupons, to further improve your shopping experience. Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fryer, Just $129.99 on Amazon Currently priced at just $129.99 on Amazon, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fryer offers significant savings from its regular price of $250. This versatile appliance combines multiple cooking functions, including air frying, roasting, baking, and dehydrating. With its Smart Cook System technology, it guarantees perfect cooking results by monitoring the internal temperature of your food. Ideal for families, it features a 5-quart cooking pot and a 3-quart crisper basket. Consider these benefits: Ease of Use: Many customers praise its user-friendly design. Healthier Meals: It produces crispy dishes using less oil than traditional frying methods. Versatility: Perfect for various meal types, making it a great addition to your kitchen. Don’t miss out on these weekly food deals and food app promos! Up to 70% Off on Sam’s Club Membership Take advantage of an incredible opportunity to save on your shopping needs with Sam’s Club membership, now available for just $15, down from the original $50. This limited-time promotion provides up to 70% off, making it an excellent choice for new members looking to maximize savings. With a customer satisfaction score of 4.3 out of 5, based on over 112,120 reviews, you can trust the quality of this membership. Enjoy exclusive access to discounts, promotions, and services that improve your shopping experience. For families or frequent shoppers, Sam’s Club offers bulk items, meal coupons, and various coupons and freebies that make saving even easier. Don’t miss this chance to raise your shopping as you keep costs down. Enjoy Luxury Head Spa Treatments for 1 or 2 W/Neck and Scalp Massage You can enjoy a luxury head spa treatment for yourself or a partner, complete with a soothing neck and scalp massage that promotes relaxation. Originally priced at $105, this treatment is now available for $89, and using the promo code HALLOWEEN brings the cost down to just $66.75, making it an excellent opportunity to improve your spa experience. Indulge in Relaxation Indulging in relaxation has never been more accessible with the luxury head spa treatment available for both individuals and couples, featuring a soothing neck and scalp massage. Originally priced at $105, this treatment is now just $89, and with the code HALLOWEEN, you can enjoy it for only $66.75. Located conveniently at Cityplace in Dallas, only 1.8 miles away, this high-rated service boasts a 4.9 customer satisfaction score. Here’s what you can expect: A serene escape from daily stressors Highly skilled therapists providing personalized care Perfect for couples looking to unwind together Don’t forget to check for any internet coupons or free meal coupons to further improve your relaxing experience. Enhance Spa Experience Looking to improve your spa experience? Treat yourself to a luxury head spa treatment for one or two, complete with a soothing neck and scalp massage. This indulgent service, originally priced at $105, is now available for just $89. Plus, you can save an additional 15% by using the code HALLOWEEN. Located conveniently at Cityplace in Dallas, only 1.8 miles away, this spa has earned an impressive rating of 4.9 out of 5 from 414 reviews, indicating its quality and popularity. Whether you’re seeking a serene escape or a couple’s retreat, this offer is perfect for alleviating stress. Don’t forget to check out food coupon codes and deals on food today to improve your entire weekend experience. Frequently Asked Questions Where Do Extreme Couponers Get the Coupons? Extreme couponers get their coupons from various sources. You can find printable coupons directly on Extreme manufacturer websites for your favorite brands. Subscribing to services like brandSAVER gives you access to exclusive digital and printable coupons. Retail circulars and local newspapers often feature weekly sales and coupons, which you can clip. Furthermore, couponing apps such as Coupon24 allow you to browse offers and scan them at checkout for easy redemption. What Is the WAYDAY20 Promo Code? The WAYDAY20 promo code provides a 20% discount on select items at Wayfair during promotional events. You can apply this code at checkout for eligible purchases, allowing you to save considerably on furniture and home decor. It’s important to check Wayfair’s website for specific dates and any exclusions, as certain brands or categories may not qualify. Furthermore, you can stack WAYDAY20 with other ongoing sales for even more savings on larger purchases. What Is the Best Site for Coupon Codes? When you’re looking for the best site for coupon codes, Rakuten stands out. It offers Cash Back opportunities from various retailers, making it easy to save money as you shop online and in-store. You can access exclusive discounts through the Rakuten app’s Hot Deals section. Furthermore, using their browser extension alerts you to potential Cash Back and coupon options as you shop, enhancing your savings effortlessly. Regularly checking for new deals can further maximize your benefits. What Is the TRIPLE10 Promo Code? The TRIPLE10 promo code provides you with a 10% discount on select online purchases. To use it, simply enter the code at checkout before completing your order. It’s applicable at various retailers during special sales or promotional events. Be sure to check the specific terms and conditions, as some products may be excluded, and the code may have an expiration date. Combining TRIPLE10 with other offers can maximize your savings even further. Conclusion This weekend offers significant savings across various products and services. You can enjoy a BOGO deal at Yogurtland, purchase a Shark Cyclone Pet Handheld Vacuum for just $25, and find Vera Bradley Throw Blankets for only $12.34. Furthermore, Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food is available for $9.39, and the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fryer is priced at $129.99. New members can likewise join Sam’s Club for just $15, making it an ideal time to save. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Best Coupons and Offers to Save Big This Weekend" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article