Latest news with #ContrarianThinking
Fox News
2 days ago
- Business
- Fox News
Codie Sanchez says money is the sword of the 21st Century. She wants to arm more Americans
Codie Sanchez's mission is to help people build wealth and spark entrepreneurship — a goal she shared with Fox News Digital while discussing her journey and the inspiration behind "Contrarian Thinking." Her journey began as a journalist along the U.S.-Mexico border and observed, "what happens when a border separates us." Sanchez came to understand how deeply socioeconomics can divide people — and even threaten safety — after learning about the violence, particularly against women, along the border. Determined to shed light on these issues, she set her sights on journalism. Then came a pivotal realization: "What would happen if more of us had more money? Because that, I think, is actually the ultimate freedom." "I was a journalist and I realized pretty quickly, wait, if I want to make real change, the way I'm going to be able to do that is actually by being inside of the system as opposed to reporting on it," she said to Fox News Digital. Her Wall Street journey began when she asked herself, "What if I just can get more wealth to multiple different people by building an asset management business? And so I started out in a company called Vanguard." From there, she moved on to Goldman Sachs, State Street, and First Trust. "What I realized along the way is wealth is just super concentrated in the hands of the few. And most people don't have financial literacy and so when I went to First Trust and started buying companies myself, I started to realize, 'Wait a second. I think what I'm doing is just helping more rich people get really rich,' which is cool. Money's great. I like it and I want everybody to have it. There's nothing wrong with being super-rich. I just think there should be more of us." That led her to ask, "So that's when I started thinking, how can we teach more people how to get ownership as opposed to just making more money for those of us on Wall Street?" About her organization, "Contrarian Thinking," Sanchez said, "Our goal is we teach people to become owners. We help people buy businesses. We're basically flipping the script." "So instead, we teach people to buy local businesses, own part of their community and build a legacy," said Sanchez. During the pandemic, Sanchez felt that freedoms were being "taken away" and was grateful to have the financial means to push back, and shared a personal experience her husband went through. "My husband was at a company where that company was attempting to make him, even though he had a medical exemption, do something with his medical history that would have been a direct violation of what the doctor said. And he was a Navy SEAL. And so he didn't have a lot of cash at the time. And they were really pressuring him." The moment underscored the power of financial security. "A normal person might be scared of getting fired, you know, or like you have family you have to take care of, so just do the thing that somebody on high is telling you to do — whatever that thing is. And thankfully, I had been in business for a while, and so I pushed back and was like, get my attorney on the line with these guys and I will happily chat with anybody in the company about how this is completely inappropriate, and we'll go to war if we need to. And it was in that moment I realized, oh, I can push back on the system because I have money. He didn't. And so they were gonna take advantage of that." Sanchez's social media presence skyrocketed during the coronavirus pandemic — something she said she had never expected, having never planned to be online. Today, she has millions of followers across platforms, where she shares advice on finances, business, and life. Sanchez started a newsletter during the pandemic in order to encourage critical thinking during the uncertain time of the pandemic. "I started writing a newsletter, basically first talking about, let's have critical thinking." "I was like, maybe people can't think critically because they're so scared, because they have no resources. So they're just full. Then I thought, well, let's make people richer so maybe they can push back a little bit. It's easier to have a spine when you got a sword. And in our 21st century economy, the sword is money." Sanchez has also put her philosophy into print. "If you want to figure out how to become an owner, if you want to learn how to get income-producing assets, I wrote the book to do it. It's called Main Street Millionaire," she said. Through her book, newsletter, and Contrarian Thinking, Sanchez continues to share strategies to help people gain ownership, achieve financial independence, and create lasting legacies. Watch Codie Sanchez appear on "Fox & Friends" on 8/18 at 6:50 AM ET.
Yahoo
02-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Codie Sanchez: How Much Money Can You Make With a Vending Machine Side Hustle?
Setting up vending machines might sound like an easy way to make passive income, but Codie Sanchez, founder and CEO of Contrarian Thinking, a financial advice enterprise, shows us that it's actually not as hands-off as we think. In a video on her YouTube channel, she breaks down exactly how much money you can make with vending machines, what they actually cost, how much time they take and the rookie mistakes to avoid. Discover Next: For You: Instead of doing the experiment herself, Codie had her producer, Caroline, try it from scratch. Caroline had never started a business before, so everything she ran into was super relatable for anyone curious about this side hustle. Also here are other passive income ideas, according to ChatGPT. The Startup Costs Caroline started with a $5,000 budget from Codie to buy four vending machines. She ended up spending $9,400 in total between machines, shipping, setup and inventory. That included newer smart vending machines that don't accept cash and come with card readers, but they still experienced numerous technical issues. On top of the machines, the inventory for drinks and snacks came out to around $2,700. Labor and additional expenses, such as fixing machines or ordering better antennas, added another $800 to $1,000. After factoring in everything, the initial investment was higher than expected. Read Next: How Much Can You Make? At the first location, a lawn care company, Caroline placed four machines. She was earning about $30 per day in sales across all of them. That worked out to around $900 a month, which isn't bad until you factor in the 4 to 10 hours she was spending per week driving out, restocking and troubleshooting. Later, she relocated to a 55 and older senior living community. With just one machine, she still made about $30 per day, but with only two hours of work a week. The new location was closer, the machines worked better and the customers actually wanted the service. So with one machine, she was making the same revenue with a fraction of the stress. The Profit Margins Codie estimates that, after expenses, each vending machine generates approximately $350 per month in profit if done correctly. That's with a margin of 30% to 50%, depending on what you're selling and where. She also realized that drinks like Gatorades tend to sell better than snacks. Time Commitment and Challenges The main point Codie is trying to make in this video is that the vending machine business isn't actually that passive. In this 30-day challenge, we could see Caroline spending hours fixing tech problems and trying to update pricing in glitchy software. She also had to pitch locations in person, which isn't easy for people who aren't a natural at sales. Also, location is everything. The vending machine business is essentially a real estate business. To make good money, your vending machines need to be in locations with consistent foot traffic and where customers actually want vending services. The Turnaround Strategy After seeing how much time and money Caroline was spending on four machines, Codie helped her trim things down. She had her focus on just one or two great locations and either sell off the others or find an operator to manage the day-to-day. Caroline ended up selling one of her vending routes for $200 and found ten more potential leads she could flip the same way. If even half of those convert, that's another $1,000 to $1,200 in revenue. Codie also talked about how important it is to design a 'perfect fit' business. That means being honest about how much time you want to spend, how close the location is and how involved you want to be. If you only want to work five hours a week and earn $1,000 a month, then you'll want to choose a simpler setup so you have fewer machines and fewer headaches. Should You Start a Vending Machine Business? After this 30-day challenge, Cody and Caroline came to the conclusion that if you find the right location and don't mind putting in the work, you could bring in $500 to $1,000 a month per machine. That said, it's far from passive. You'll most likely have to deal with broken machines, inventory runs and tech issues. If you don't mind dedicating time and energy to make this work, go for it. But if you're looking for something more hands-off, you might want to explore other options that better fit your lifestyle. More From GOBankingRates Warren Buffett: 10 Things Poor People Waste Money On This article originally appeared on Codie Sanchez: How Much Money Can You Make With a Vending Machine Side Hustle? Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
3 Best Weekend Businesses for Making $100, $10K and $100K, According to Codie Sanchez
Most investors know that getting rich on a hot stock tip or a hunch is something that happens often in the movies, but rarely in real life. Building wealth is often the result of consistent, long-term investing in financially stable, well-managed businesses. Read Next: Find Out: However, in this age of profitable side hustles and do-it-yourself social media marketing, there's plenty of extra money to be made if you're willing to work at selling yourself, your product and your business/brand strategically. Enter Codie Sanchez. The 'From Wall Street to Main Street' influencer, best-selling author and business backer is determined to 'create 100,000 business owners and help 1 million of us build profitable businesses,' through the tools and programs offered through her popular digital education company, Contrarian Thinking. Sanchez recently posted a video on her YouTube channel detailing businesses that are making $100, $10,000 and $100,000 in revenue in one weekend. Here are the businesses you can get started in to earn extra income with little to no start-up costs. Starting at the lower weekend revenue end, Sanchez visited the owner of Flaca's Aguas, a simple popsicle cart that offers Mexican flavor-influenced popsicles and more. Although Sanchez's presence (plus a very generous tip from one of its customers) made the weekend a particularly profitable one, this weekend business is one where anyone can easily make $100. The best businesses have low start-up costs, great revenue margins and scalability potential. Operating costs may differ depending on where you live — for example, renting vs. owning a cart and city permits, licensing and health certifications — but a high-traffic location and in-demand products can overcome any financial obstacles you encounter very quickly. Event planning is a natural career choice for sociable and detail-oriented people, but it's also a viable and rewarding weekend money-maker. Starting small, Posh Picnics made its initial start-up costs back after its first pop-up weekend event and hasn't looked back, expanding its services with packages catering to any occasion. Pop-up picnic companies are hot, so much so that you'd better research the competition in your city before jumping into this niche event planning enterprise. Again, word-of-mouth recommendations are crucial to the success of a business like Posh Picnics, so having someone to handle marketing, social media and sales will eventually be a necessity. Registering a domain and having a helpful site, in addition to hitting all social platforms, is a must, too. Discover Now: The key to starting, or buying, then scaling up, a business is finding one with strong recurring revenue, low competition and the capacity to upsell the customer. Even when competition is strong, being approachable and giving your clients impeccable service will beat the competition every time. When Sanchez visited Storage Scholars, she found a business built on optimal performance and effectiveness. The company offers a full-service moving experience for students (supplies, moving, storage and shipping) and makes a killing every year at the end and beginning of school terms. Although there were initial costs for boxes, a truck and a storage unit, the owners were able to pay for these with a pre-paid $50 deposit from customers. Storage Scholars has increased its campus presence every year and now partners with colleges themselves for their students' moving needs. Instead of conveying how difficult entrepreneurship is, Sanchez preaches that you don't need to be a clever businessperson, and you don't need to follow emerging industries to make money. Most importantly, it's not difficult for a creative go-getter like you. More From GOBankingRates Mark Cuban Warns of 'Red Rural Recession' -- 4 States That Could Get Hit Hard The New Retirement Problem Boomers Are Facing Are You Rich or Middle Class? 8 Ways To Tell That Go Beyond Your Paycheck This article originally appeared on 3 Best Weekend Businesses for Making $100, $10K and $100K, According to Codie Sanchez
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
12 Highest-Paying AI Jobs You Can Start Without a Degree, According to Codie Sanchez
College isn't the only path to a high-income career. Some of the highest-paying jobs are in the industries you wouldn't think of. Entrepreneur Codie Sanchez, founder and CEO of Contrarian Thinking, recently shared some of the top, high-paying AI jobs in the trades sector that pay anywhere from $60,000 to over $300,000 that you can jump into right now. Read Next: For You: Sanchez said autonomous vehicle technicians represent the future of automotive repair, working with AI-powered systems. These professionals install, repair, calibrate and update the technology behind self-driving cars, including sensors, LIDAR, radar, cameras and drive-by-wire systems. Companies like Waymo, Tesla and Uber desperately need skilled technicians to maintain their growing fleets, with entry-level positions starting at $60,000 to $85,000 annually, according to Glassdoor. If you're an automotive mechanic, Sanchez said that you're 80% already qualified for this role. Trending Now: You can make anywhere between $80,000 and $100,000 per year as a commercial drone pilot, according to ZipRecruiter. Businesses in agriculture, construction, utilities, logistics, delivery and emergency services are adding drones to their operations, which means more demand for drone pilots. According to Sanchez, you only need a remote pilot certificate from the FAA by passing the Part 107 exam. You can start with side gigs like real estate photography before scaling to bigger jobs like industrial inspection or film production. Every warehouse upgrading to smart robotics needs technicians. Companies like Amazon, Tesla, Siemens and Figure AI are always hiring these professionals to troubleshoot and repair automation systems. The average salary is about $65,000 a year, according to She noted that most technicians require high school diplomas and vocational certificates in robotics, mechatronics or industrial automation. As AI expands, data centers need more humans to service them and this is where money is going to be, Sanchez said. These technicians rack servers, troubleshoot networks, swap GPUs, manage cooling systems and earn $70,000 to $75,000 a year, according to Glassdoor. Sanchez noted that companies like Amazon Web Services are desperately hiring technicians faster than they can find qualified candidates. If you have a 2-year associate degree in IT or networking or are a military veteran, you could easily land this role. There's some sort of AI in everything right now, even in building, which requires technicians to maintain AI-powered systems, including HVACs, security networks and smart lighting. She explained that these professionals handle such automations from their laptops, earning starting salaries of $60,000 to $65,000, with top technicians in large commercial buildings earning $80,000 to $100,000 annually, according to Glassdoor. IoT (Internet of Things) technicians install and maintain thousands of AI-driven sensors that monitor everything from city traffic systems to factory production lines. Sanchez noted that most IoT technicians come from either IT networking or electrical trades backgrounds. These professionals earn base salaries of $82,000 annually, per ZipRecruiter. Sanchez described medical equipment technicians as life-saving professionals who calibrate smart sensors and network critical devices in hospitals. The average salary is about $62,000 to $63,000 a year for entry-level positions, with experienced technicians earning more than $100,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This is a field that's projected to grow by over 18%. Most people need a 2-year associate degree in biomedical technology. Additional certifications like CBET (Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician) could mean more pay. These are professionals who operate and maintain robotic arms that weld everything from car frames to construction equipment. Most technicians start at a $60,000 annual salary, but specialized ones can start at $95,000, she said. Sanchez mentioned two paths to get into this field: starting as a traditional welder or studying industrial robotics or mechatronics with a focus on welding. These technicians use AI-powered tools to monitor machinery and predict failures before they happen. They analyze heat, vibration, noise and performance data in real-time and earn anywhere from $75,000 to $95,000 on entry in high-growth industries, according to ZipRecruiter. A background in mechanical or electric maintenance is perfect to get started, Sachez said. Sanchez also mentioned that wind power has been growing for a while and so is the demand for wind turbine technicians. These technicians install, maintain and repair those massive turbines that turn wind into clean energy. She said these professionals earn $70,000 starting salaries, with experienced technicians earning $150,000 to $250,000 annually. She also mentioned companies like NextEra, Vestas and GE Renewables that are aggressively hiring wind technicians. Sanchez pointed out that 5G expansion has created a huge demand for tower technicians who install, upgrade and maintain wireless networks. She said that these technicians earn starting salaries of $75,000 to $90,000 annually and only require a high school diploma to get started. These technicians maintain and repair today's high-tech farming machines like GPS-guided tractors, autonomous harvesters, smart irrigation systems and drone networks. According to Sanchez, there's going to be a need for more techs who know agricultural equipment inside out as more farms adopt AI and smart tech to boost efficiency. More From GOBankingRates Surprising Items People Are Stocking Up On Before Tariff Pains Hit: Is It Smart? 3 Reasons Retired Boomers Shouldn't Give Their Kids a Living Inheritance (And 2 Reasons They Should) This article originally appeared on 12 Highest-Paying AI Jobs You Can Start Without a Degree, According to Codie Sanchez
What's On
19-03-2025
- Business
- What's On
6 expert money making tips in Dubai for 2025
Money making tips from the pros… Let's be real – no one taught us how to invest or manage money in school. Personal finance, smart investing, and building wealth? That's something we've had to figure out on our own. And if you don't take the initiative, no one's going to do it for you. The truth is, the most expensive thing we pay for is the information we don't know. So how do you maximize your earning potential? How do you make smart investments so money is never a worry again? We've done the research and gathered money making tips from financial experts who have helped countless people grow their wealth. These proven money making tips will set you up for financial success in 2025 in Dubai or anywhere in the world – so take notes, put them into action, and watch your money work for you. Ramit Sethi's approach: start investing the right way View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ramit Sethi (@ramit) 'You can live a rich life, and that rich life can be richer and more personal than you ever imagined,' says author and entrepreneur Ramit Sethi. Whether that means traveling longer, staying at better hotels, or spending more time with loved ones, building wealth starts with smart, consistent investing. So, where do you start? Sethi recommends keeping it simple: Target Date Funds. These funds are designed around your retirement year –say, 2050 if you plan to retire at 65. Once you pick a fund from any brokerage, your only job is to put money into it regularly. It's automatically diversified, shifting from higher-risk stocks to safer investments as you get older. How much should you invest? Aim for 5%-10% of your income every month through an automatic transfer. Over time, even small contributions compound into real wealth. As Sethi puts it, 'You don't have to be rich to start investing – one of the ways you get rich is by investing.' What is a fund? Think of it as a basket of stocks and bonds – instead of buying individual stocks like Google or Microsoft, a fund owns hundreds, offering instant diversification with minimal effort. Where to find these funds? Look for a low-cost brokerage fund instead of relying on trading apps. And once you set it up? Leave it alone. Sethi compares it to Thanksgiving dinner: 'Once the turkey is in the oven, let it cook – for decades.' Book to read: I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi Codie Sanchez's approach: find your unfair advantage View this post on Instagram A post shared by Codie Sanchez (@codiesanchez) Codie Sanchez, an investor, entrepreneur, and founder of Contrarian Thinking, believes that success comes from leveraging unique strengths. Instead of competing in saturated markets, she advises identifying what sets you apart – whether it's a skill, experience, or perspective – and using it to your advantage If you want to make millions using your unique skill set, Codie Sanchez suggests finding your 'unfair bet' – something you excel at that others can't easily replicate. Start with a simple exercise: Grab a piece of paper and list your skills on one side and money-making opportunities on the other. Your skills could be anything – social media, writing, networking, or even being bilingual. The key is to match those skills with industries where big money is flowing. How do you know where the money is? Look at the size of the problem and the value of the solution. For example, if you apply social media expertise to a trade or service business, research its average revenue and profit margins. If they're high (often 50%-80%), you've found a sector where your skills can generate serious income. At the core of this strategy is deal-making – targeting businesses that already make money but could make more with better visibility. Since attention equals revenue, your goal is to help the highest-earning businesses gain more of it. Book to read: Main Street Millionaire by Codie Sanchez Daniel Priestley View this post on Instagram A post shared by Daniel Priestley (@danielpriestley) Daniel Priestley, entrepreneur and author of 24 Assets, believes the key to making more money is owning more assets – whether that's property, shares, or even your own brand. 'income follows assets,' he explains, and in today's world, that includes digital assets like databases, positioning, and even company culture. If you're just starting out, he suggests 'investing in yourself' first. Instead of saving small amounts that won't move the needle, put that money into skills that can increase your earning power – whether it's negotiation, sales, or public speaking. The better your skills, the bigger the opportunities, and the higher the earning potential. Morgan Housel on the power of long-term investing View this post on Instagram A post shared by Steven Bartlett (@steven) Morgan Housel, financial expert and author of The Psychology of Money, emphasizes the power of patience in wealth building. When it comes to investing, keeping it simple is key. Morgan Housel breaks it down into three essentials: cash, real estate, and index funds. So, what's an index fund? It's a single fund that holds hundreds or thousands of stocks – like owning a small piece of the entire market. In the UAE, this can be done through ETFs. The secret to building wealth isn't chasing high returns – it's staying invested for the long haul. 'The key to wealth isn't about finding the best returns for a year or two – it's about what you can sustain for the longest period of time,' says Morgan Housel. The longer you stay invested, the greater the compounding effect. Compounding works like this: returns over time multiply exponentially. Warren Buffett is proof: 99% of his net worth was built after age 60, because he stayed in the game. So, instead of chasing quick wins, focus on staying invested – that's where real financial growth happens. 'Your ability to do well in the next year or five years doesn't matter. What matters is how long you can keep going,' says Housel. The takeaway? Forget timing the market, just invest and let time do the work. Book to read: The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel Raoul Pal on why Crypto is more than just money Raoul Pal, macro investor and founder of Real Vision, explains that cryptocurrency isn't just about money – it's about technology that enables transparency, value exchange, and financial inclusion on a global scale. When it comes to cryptocurrency, people generally fall into two categories: those who dismiss it as too risky and have no interest in learning about it, and those who believe in the technology and view it as a smart investment. If you're unsure which side to take, Raoul Pal encourages you to first understand what cryptocurrency is and how it works. The reward system: Raoul Pal suggests that; what makes this technology so powerful is that it operates on a reward system. According to Pal, 'Crypto isn't just about money – it's about truth, value exchange, and building a digital economy.' Unlike past innovations like broadband or the internet, blockchain allows everyday people to directly participate and profit. Bitcoin, for example, has a built-in scarcity (only 21 million coins will ever exist), and those who contribute to maintaining the blockchain get rewarded. By purchasing crypto, you're investing in future use cases of the technology, whether it's for storing or building wealth. Why consider crypto? One of the main reasons to consider investing in cryptocurrency, especially Bitcoin, is its potential for high returns driven by scarcity and growing demand. As demand for Bitcoin increases, its value rises, offering an opportunity for early investors to benefit from its future growth. For example, buying Bitcoin doesn't require purchasing a whole coin, but you can start small by investing a fraction of Bitcoin, which is more accessible to most people. Unlike real estate, while most of us can't afford a Dhs50 million apartment in Dubai, the concept of fractional ownership, powered by blockchain, allows anyone to invest small amounts. This democratization of investment makes crypto appealing, as it's globally accessible and can be a way to diversify your portfolio with a relatively low initial investment. By putting even a small percentage of your paycheck into Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, you're participating in a global economic shift, where the asset itself becomes more valuable as more people invest and the technology evolves. It's a unique opportunity to be part of a rapidly growing space that goes beyond just 'digital money.' Ethereum and the future Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency after Bitcoin, offers a similar opportunity. When you buy an Ethereum token, if the technology grows in value and use, the price of your token increases. It's a simple, yet powerful concept – you get to participate in an evolving technological revolution without needing anyone's approval. How to invest in Crypto To get started, open a crypto account with one of the major platforms like Binance or Kraken, which operate in the UAE. From there, choose a solid asset, invest a small amount to get familiar with the fluctuations, and watch how it evolves over time. This hands-on approach helps you learn how crypto works and gain confidence in your investments. YouTube channel to check out: Raoul Pal The Journey Man Jaspreet Singh on breaking the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Diary Of A CEO (Official Podcast Page) (@thediaryofaceopodcast) Jaspreet Singh, entrepreneur and founder of Minority Mindset, emphasizes the importance of financial education, smart spending, and investing to escape the cycle of living paycheck to paycheck. Singh suggests that, if you're living paycheck to paycheck, you're exactly who the economic system is built for – banks thrive on selling loans and credit cards, keeping you in debt, while corporations get richer at your expense. To break this cycle, Jaspreet Singh emphasizes the need to focus on building your own wealth. Time: Use it wisely – learn new skills, make extra money, sell things you don't need. Make sacrifices now so you don't have to worry about money later. The key is where you focus your attention, and if becoming wealthy is your goal, you need to take action and get serious about it. Confidence: Stay focused on your financial goals, and don't get distracted by what everyone else is doing. Confidence in your own plan is essential for reaching your bigger goals. Mindset: Believe in your ability to become wealthy. It all starts with the right mindset and taking the right actions to make it happen. The 3 wealth-building strategies: To build wealth, Singh suggests that building wealth involves strategic ownership of assets, and that building wealth involves owning three main types of assets: Hard assets: Tangible items like rental real estate that generate income. Singh highlights the benefit of positive cash flow from such investments. Paper assets: Investments in the stock market, such as stocks or ETFs, which offer ownership in companies and potential growth. Protective assets: Assets like gold or other commodities that help preserve wealth during economic downturns. Singh advises starting with what you have, emphasizing that even small investments can grow over time. YouTube channel to check out: Minority Mindset
