Tokenized assets hit a record and trading activity jumped, but revenue slipped in the firm’s first earnings report since going public.
Steve Jobs or Warren Buffett? Neither. Here’s How to Find Your Own Leadership Style.
You shouldn’t expect your leadership style to emerge fully-formed from the beginning. But it is important to develop it consciously.
Tired of AI Slop on Your LinkedIn Feed? Here’s How the Company Is Pushing Back.
LinkedIn users now have more freedom to report AI content.
Seth Trimble Commitment Solidifies Louisville As NCAA Title Contender
On Wednesday, former North Carolina guard Seth Trimble committed to Louisville. Trimble played four seasons at UNC and averaged 14 points per game last season.
Mark Walter’s Lakers Sale To Josh Kushner Prompts Conspiracy Theories As Walter Faces Federal Fraud Probe
The $12.5 billion sale valuation is the largest in sports history.
Morgan Stanley’s infrastructure partner Zerohash rebuffed in pitch to be U.S. trust bank
Zerohash, which handles crypto plumbing for Morgan Stanley’s E*Trade, said it’s planning on re-filing and hoping for a swift resolution.
Dave Ramsey warns Americans on 401(k) risks
Americans saving for retirement would be wise to consider risks involved with their 401(k) money — and bestselling personal finance author Dave Ramsey warns Americans to watch out for big mistakes to avoid.Among the pitfalls people often encounter is the desire to take money out of their retirement accounts.”When life happens, it’s tempting to turn to the savings stashed in your 401(k),” Ramsey wrote on Ramsey Solutions. “The money’s just sitting there, right? Turns out, withdrawing money from your 401(k) early is like one of those awkward social media relationship statuses — it’s complicated.”The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) explains penalties involved with such decisions.”Generally, the amounts an individual withdraws from an IRA or retirement plan before reaching age 59½ are called ‘early’ or ‘premature’ distributions,” wrote the IRS. “Individuals must pay an additional 10% early withdrawal tax unless an exception applies.”Regarding the complications Ramsey references, he mentions what he calls a “loophole.””401(k) loans allow you to use your retirement savings without paying penalties or taxes as long as you pay the money back,” he wrote. “Of course, doing this comes with a bunch of rules, and things can go really wrong, really fast.”Escaping 401(k) early withdrawal penalties with a loan“There are several important tax benefits related to retirement savings accounts, but there are certain restrictions associated with them as well,” wrote Ashley Akin, CPA and senior contributor for TMGM, in an email to TheStreet. “There may be taxes and penalties for early withdrawal from such accounts, and that is why individuals need to know about the possible risks first.”There may be taxes and penalties for early withdrawal from such accounts, and that is why individuals need to know about the possible risks first.”Americans grappling with retirement savings and suddenly facing big expenses might be curious about how to use their 401(k) money without those risks.It’s possible with a loan, but doing that requires discipline, Ramsey explains.”A 401(k) loan lets you borrow money from your employer-sponsored retirement account with the understanding that you’ll need to return that money to your 401(k) over time (plus interest),” Ramsey wrote. “If you want to borrow money from your 401(k), you’ll need to apply for a 401(k) loan through your plan provider.”Ramsey adds a word of encouragement.”Since you’re technically borrowing your own money, most 401(k) loans get approved without much hassle and have relatively low interest rates,” he wrote. “And because no banks or lenders are involved, nobody’s going to check your credit score.””Most plans will let you set up automatic repayments through payroll deductions, which means you’ll be seeing less money in your paycheck until the loan is paid off,” he added. “Those payments — which include principal and interest — will keep going back into your 401(k) until the loan is paid off.”401(k) loan rules and risksHere are rules associated with taking out a loan on your 401(k), according to Ramsey.Borrowing limit: You can typically borrow up to $50,000 or 50% of your vested account balance, whichever amount is less.Repayment: The maximum period allowed to fully repay the loan is five years.Interest: You must pay interest on the borrowed funds, but those payments go directly back into your own 401(k) account.Credit check: No credit check is required when you take out a loan against your 401(k).Job loss risk: Leaving your job with an outstanding loan balance requires you to repay the full amount quickly, or the remaining sum will be subject to income taxes and early withdrawal penalties.
(Source: Ramsey Solutions)
Dave Ramsey warns retirement savers about complications involved when taking out a loan on 401(k) accounts.Shutterstock
Vanguard clarifies 401(k) early withdrawal penaltiesUsing money that one has earmarked for retirement in a 401(k) account without procuring a loan does involve penalties.”For example, if you withdraw $10,000, you could be looking at total taxes and penalties of $3,200 (if you’re in the 22% tax bracket) — leaving you with $6,800 to deal with your emergency,” Vanguard explains. “And that might not even be the worst part.”More on personal finance:Charles Schwab, Fidelity alert workers to forced 401(k) ruleDave Ramsey warns Americans on 401(k)s, IRAs (he’s not wrong)Congress research arm warns Americans on 401(k), IRA penaltyVanguard couches this in terms of achieving one’s retirement savings goals.”Going back to our example, $10,000 might seem like a small drop in your retirement bucket, but you’ll also miss out on years of compounding,” Vanguard wrote. “That means your balance could be up to $57,000 less than if you hadn’t made the withdrawal.”And Vanguard adds a warning about 401(k) loans.”What about taking a loan from your 401(k) instead?” Vanguard asks. “Remember that if you fail to pay back the loan — or if you leave your employer and can’t repay the loan immediately — you’ll face the same taxes and penalties that come with a withdrawal.”Related: Fidelity warns American workers on 401(k), IRA mistakes
TSA issues stern warning about strange item some bring
The Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) three-one-one liquid rule, put in place in the United States in 2006 in response to the 9/11 attacks, continues to require travelers passing through a domestic airport to keep all liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers of no more than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters.With the evolution of screening technology, some countries have since moved to eliminate restrictions on in-flight liquids.Since the “What is a liquid?” question continues to confuse infrequent travelers and slow down screening time, the TSA has an entire “What Can I Bring?” section of its website explaining which common foods and semi-solid items do not pass the test.The government agency regularly issues social media reminders saying that hummus, yogurt, cream cheese, jams, and various creamy dips and spreads are some of the most commonly confiscated food items at security.During the influx of international visitors who visited the U.S. for the FIFA World Cup last July, some tourists went viral for the disappointment they felt upon having to throw out their souvenir bottles of ranch dressing.TSA tells travelers that those Magic 8 Balls are not allowed onboardAn unexpected item that does not pass the liquid rule is the Magic 8 Ball toy some use to tell their fortunes or answer questions that are plaguing them. The novelty toys have seen periodic waves of popularity over the decades. First introduced in the 1950s, they became extremely popular in the 1980s. Now manufactured by Mattel, the toy is making a comeback as a popular stress reliever.That said, the 20-sided die that one needs to shake to get different answers to their question floats inside a special dye and rubbing alcohol. Related: Another popular tourist destination tests summer driving banWhile most standard Magic 8 balls are not large enough for the liquid to surpass the limit, the fact that it is sealed in an unmarked case means officers cannot verify the quantity of liquid and must treat it as a no-go.As a result, the TSA website has a light-hearted section reminding travelers that any Magic 8 Balls need to be packed in a checked suitcase rather than a carry-on bag.”For Carry-on bags: We asked the Magic 8 Ball and it told us… Outlook not so good!” the TSA section on the item reads. “For Checked bags: We asked the Magic 8 Ball and it told us…It is certain!”
Many non-obvious items violate the TSA airport liquid rule.Shutterstock
What other unexpected items do not pass the TSA liquid rule at airports?As most people probably do not associate a Magic 8 Ball with liquid, travelers who pack them in bags they bring onboard will most likely see them confiscated.Other unexpected items that cause trouble include gel deodorant, certain types of cheese packed in brine or other liquid, and certain types of makeup, such as mascara and liquid lipstick packed in large quantities.More Travel News:Airline to launch unusual new flight to Cayman Islands from the U.S.There is a very cool Irish version of swimming pigs in the BahamasUnexpected country is most luxurious travel destination for 2026Low-cost airline launches easier way to get to Sri Lanka”If you can spill it, spray it, spread it, pump it, or pour it, it is a liquid, aerosol, or gel and must be packed in your checked bag if it exceeds the 3.4-ounce limit,” reads the official TSA explainer that the agency frequently repeats when questions of what is or is not a liquid arise.Related: TSA issues strict warning about ranch dressing
T-Mobile excludes 2 generous customer perks from new phone plans
T-Mobile made a significant change last week by rolling out new wireless plans under its new “Nothing” initiative to attract price-conscious customers. However, its new offerings lack two generous customer perks that were once included in a few of its plans.The carrier’s “Nothing” initiative lets new and existing customers pay $0 upfront for a new smartphone. As part of the initiative, T-Mobile updated its equipment installment plans (EIPs) to 36-month device financing, replacing the previous standard 24-month term and offering lower monthly payments for customers.In addition to refreshed EIP options, the carrier now offers Essentials 2.0, Experience More 2.0 and Experience Beyond 2.0 wireless plans, which include its updated device financing.T-Mobile’s new plans lack previous phone upgrade perksWhile some of these new wireless plans offer customers generous perks such as unlimited premium data, a 5-year price guarantee, and Netflix on Us, they are missing T-Mobile’s yearly and two-year upgrade benefits. T-Mobile’s previous Experience Beyond plan included a true yearly upgrade perk, allowing customers to upgrade their phone every 12 months. To become eligible for it, customers were required to purchase a new phone on a plan that offers it, enroll in an EIP, and remain on it for at least six months. Before becoming eligible for an upgrade, customers had to pay off 50% of the phone’s cost and trade in a device that was in good working condition.Related: T-Mobile changes how customers can finance phone upgradesThis perk was also included in several legacy offerings such as Go5G Next and Go5G Plus. T-Mobile’s original Experience More offered a similar perk, but it was for two-year phone upgrades. The carrier’s new Experience Beyond 2.0 plan replaces yearly upgrades with an “Early Upgrade” option, according to a recent report from PhoneArena. Additionally, Experience More 2.0 doesn’t include two-year upgrades, unlike the previous plan it replaced. T-Mobile’s decision to exclude these previous upgrade options from its new plans comes as its new device financing agreements now last 36 months. This means that paying off 50% of the cost of a new phone under these contracts now takes 18 months instead of 12.
T-Mobile has quietly excluded yearly and two-year phone upgrade perks from its new slate of wireless plans. Bloomberg / Getty Images
T-Mobile’s latest move aligns with shifting phone upgrade trendsT-Mobile’s updated EIP options and upgrade perk changes also come at a time when consumers nationwide are holding onto their devices longer as smartphone prices increase. Americans keep their phones for roughly two years and five months on average, longer than the yearly upgrade cycle, according to a survey from Reviews.org in September last year.Prices for new phones are expected to continue climbing this year, affecting upgrade cycles, as the global memory chip shortage drives up component costs. Smartphone prices are expected to spike by 13% this year compared with 2025 levels due to the chip crisis, according to a report from research and advisory firm Gartner in February. T-Mobile CEO Srini Gopalan acknowledged rising smartphone prices during an earnings call on July 23, while reaffirming the company’s decision to scale back free phone deals and device subsidies for customers. “What we’re seeing is clearly the memory price increases are resulting in higher prices for smartphones across the board,” said Gopalan. “Our intention, consistent with what we’ve said, is not to increase our subsidy levels. That’s going to mean that customers will have to pay more. That’s just the result of that dynamic.”More T-Mobile News:T-Mobile adds new internet plan restriction customers will feelT-Mobile drops new free perks for customers as pressure buildsT-Mobile quietly expands a convenient service for customersAs this reality unfolds, in the first quarter of 2026, global smartphone shipments fell by 4% year over year; however, Apple and Samsung bucked the trend with soaring shipments, recent research from Omdia found.Runar Bjorhovde, principal analyst at Omdia, said in a July press release that shipments are expected to decline further amid this year’s holiday season. “We anticipate the sharpest volume declines to hit in the upcoming two quarters, where normal seasonal demand peaks – driven by new launches, holidays and shopping festivals – collide with constrained memory chip supply,” said Bjorhovde.He said that vendors are “expected to lean further into the higher price segments to capitalize on customers seeking device upgrades in 2026’s sales season.” However, this move will come with a significant tradeoff. “While moving upmarket protects margins and revenue, vendors offer fewer options to budget-constrained consumers,” said Bjorhovde. “Many mass-market buyers will be forced to delay purchases, downgrade expectations, utilize financing, or opt for refurbished devices.”Related: T-Mobile customers face new restriction when paying bills
Cisco sees record results from an AI ‘supercycle,’ but its stock pulls back
An 18% revenue surge and blowout 2027 forecast weren’t enough to sustain Cisco’s stock momentum.