And, the AI spending bender
| |  | | August 22, 2025 | | | | | | | | | | Editor's Note: Next week, we're pressing pause on our usual newsletter to bring you a special three-part Retirement Power-Up Challenge. Each installment will feature a different task designed to help you save for the retirement you've always wanted. | | | | | | | | Lessons From the FIRE Early Retirement Movement | | | By Rebecca Moretti
The Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) movement is a hot topic in the headlines and on social media. Followers hoping to achieve a work-optional life in their 40s or 50s often adopt a super frugal lifestyle that would be challenging if not impossible for most of us. But you don't have to be able to save 50% to 70% of your income to learn from the trend. Use these takeaways to level-up your retirement game. | | | | | | | | | Your SoFi Toolkit | | No matter when you plan to retire, SoFi can help. Open a SoFi IRA and we'll match 1% of your contributions, giving you an extra boost from day one.¹ | | | | | | | | |  | | Want great dinner-party trivia ahead of the weekend? Take our 5-question quiz to refresh your knowledge of topics from recent newsletters. | Which budget airline warned it could go out of business next year?
Take the quiz here | | | | | | |   | | An AI Spending Bender | Every earnings season, investors wait with bated breath to hear how much the big tech companies plan to spend on AI-related initiatives. Stock prices seem to react more to the outlook on that than the earnings data itself.
Analysts expect capital expenditures (CapEx) for the hyperscalers (Amazon, Alphabet, Meta, and Microsoft) to grow 53.5% in 2025 and 19.4% in 2026. Translating that into dollar terms, $333 billion of CapEx is expected this year from just these four companies.
In absolute terms, these are eye-popping numbers. Skeptics will tell you the companies have already overspent and it could all come crashing down. Enthusiasts will tell you the companies have to invest in order to innovate, and this is just the beginning.
Here's what I think.
Read more | | | | | | | | | Informed investment decisions start with informed insights. Here's what's making headlines:
🎯 Target's (TGT) CEO Brian Cornell is stepping down after 11 years at the helm of the big-box retailer, which just reported its third straight quarter of falling sales. Target has also faced customer backlash about ending some of its DEI programs. (CNN)
🚙 Hertz (HTZ) will start selling used cars on Amazon Autos, giving the rental car icon's retail sales business more visibility. Since emerging from bankruptcy in 2021, Hertz has revved up its biz, calling the first quarter of this year its strongest-ever for retail car sales. (CNBC)
🏠 Lowe's (LOW) revived same-store sales growth in the second quarter and raised its revenue forecast for this year. But the home improvement giant said consumers are still "waiting for more confidence in the economy" to take on discretionary projects like a kitchen makeover. (Yahoo Finance) | | | | | | |  | | IPOs are back, but women leaders are largely missing from these new public companies. Call it a 'Bro IPO' summer. (Fortune) | | | | | | | | | | | Intel, insights, and inspo for your money. | | On the Money cuts through the noise of day‑to‑day financial news to bring you a more thoughtful point of view on what's important in this moment — and how it impacts your bottom line. We value your trust above all. | | | | | | | | | | Did you find today's newsletter valuable? | | | | |
| | | | INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED ‑ ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED ‑ MAY LOSE VALUE | | ¹Only deposits made via ACH are eligible for the match. Click here for SoFi's 1% Match terms and conditions.
SoFi Checking and Savings accounts are offered by SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. SoFi Credit Cards are issued by SoFi Bank, N.A. pursuant to license by Mastercard® International Incorporated.
Loans originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). Equal Housing Lender.
Brokerage products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, member FINRA/SIPC.
Advisory services are offered through SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Information as of August 2025 and is subject to change. Screen images simulated.
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.
In our efforts to bring you the latest updates on things that might impact your financial life, we may occasionally enter the political fray, covering candidates, bills, laws and more.
Please note: SoFi does not endorse or take official positions on any candidates and the bills they may be sponsoring or proposing. We may occasionally support legislation that we believe would be beneficial to our members, and will make sure to call it out when we do. Our reporting otherwise is for informational purposes only, and shouldn't be construed as an endorsement.
The information provided is general in nature and shouldn't be construed as a recommendation or solicitation of any products offered by SoFi's affiliates and subsidiaries. Additionally, this information is by no means meant to provide investment or financial advice, nor is it intended to serve as the basis for any investment decision or recommendation to buy or sell any asset.
SoFi Technologies, Inc. values your privacy and the security of your personal information so please do not include sensitive personal information, such as your Social Security number, in any email or letter that you send to us.
SoFi Technologies, Inc. 234 1st St., San Francisco, CA 94105
Unsubscribe | Privacy Policy | Licenses
© 2025 SoFi Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.
w: 20250822 | | | |
No comments: