Austin Payne

If you’re at all familiar with the phenomenon of cleantok – the corner of TikTok dedicated to videos of people cleaning their houses – you’ve undoubtedly seen the Scrub Daddy. That is, of course, if the trending sponge isn’t already lurking in or near your kitchen sink. Scrub Daddy, the smiling sponge that revolutionized the cleaning industry, is not publicly traded, making it challenging to pin down an exact valuation. While the term “ net worth ” is often used to describe individuals, for a company like Scrub Daddy, it’s more accurate to talk about its valuation or market value, which reflects the worth of the business based on its assets, revenue, and growth potential.  Here’s a look at what the grinning cleaning icon is worth in 2024. From Humble Beginnings To Household Fame Scrub Daddy was originally designed for industrial use but transformed into a consumer product after founder Aaron Krause realized its potential for household cleaning. The sponge’s unique ability to change...

Choosing a career can feel like a monumental decision, but breaking it down into manageable steps can make the process less overwhelming and more fulfilling. It’s a journey of self-discovery, research, and planning that aligns your interests, skills, and values with professional opportunities. For those still in university, this can even impact your studies when it comes to choosing a major. About 25% of college students surveyed by BestColleges reported reconsidering their chosen field frequently. Choosing a career comes down to choosing what you want to do presumably for the rest of your life. It’s not unusual to feel a bit of pressure. Thankfully, there are a few ways you can narrow down your choices and learn how to choose a career. Reflect On Your Interests And Strengths Start by identifying what genuinely excites you. Consider activities or topics you enjoy in your personal life and at work or school. Are you drawn to creative tasks, analytical problem-solving, or helping...

Navigating the job application process and getting your career off the ground can be tricky, especially if you’re uncertain whether a position you’re interested in is still open. To make matters worse, the labor market is pretty tight right now, with unemployment remaining low at around 4.1% for the month of October. As for total job openings, they’ve actually declined slightly over the past year, down 1.9 million from last September and now sitting around 7.4 million total openings. In a tough market, any little things you can do to get an edge is worth considering. Asking about the status of a job shows initiative and keeps you informed about potential opportunities. Here’s how to inquire respectfully and professionally. Research First Before reaching out, check the company’s website and job posting platforms to confirm whether the position is still listed. Some organizations update their listings regularly, while others may leave old posts online. If the role has been removed or...

Gold, one of the oldest and most valuable assets in human history, holds a significant position in global finance. Unlike traditional companies with shares traded on stock markets , gold’s market cap refers to the total value of all gold in circulation worldwide. How Gold’s Market Cap Is Calculated The market cap of gold is derived from its above-ground supply, which includes gold stored in central banks, private reserves, and jewelry. Current estimates place this supply at around 244,000 metric tons . Bear in mind, however, that the total amount fluctuates from source to source by as much as 20%. We arrive at the market cap figure by multiplying this quantity by the current gold price per ounce (approximately $2,600 per ounce in 2024). Gold’s market cap fluctuates based on two primary factors: changes in the global supply of gold and shifts in its price due to demand dynamics. Various economic conditions, including inflation, currency strength, geopolitical uncertainties, and...

The Walt Disney Company, an iconic global leader in entertainment, continues to hold a strong position in the market. Market cap measures a company’s total value on the stock market by multiplying its share price by the number of outstanding shares. This metric provides investors with a straightforward way to assess a company’s size and financial standing. Internationally recognizable and a titan in the entertainment industry, what is Disney’s market cap in 2024? Here, we’ll dig into that number and what factors are at play to support it. Disney’s Diverse Portfolio Disney’s valuation is driven by its vast portfolio of entertainment assets. Its film and TV divisions, which include blockbuster franchises like Marvel, Star Wars, and beloved animated classics, remain consistent revenue generators. The Disney+ streaming platform has established itself as a major industry player, even as it faces fierce competition from Netflix, Amazon Prime, and other services. All together, Disney’s...

Investing in a profitable franchise is an attractive way to start a business with a well-established brand, proven business model, and ongoing support. High-profit franchises allow owners to maximize their returns while leveraging a recognized name and customer base. Here’s a look at some of the most profitable franchise opportunities in various sectors, what they offer, and why they are among the best choices for those looking to start a successful franchise. Fast-Food And Quick-Service Franchises Fast-food and quick-service restaurants (QSRs) are consistently profitable, especially those with large brand recognition and wide customer appeal. For example, McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A are considered some of the highest-grossing franchises in the food industry. These franchises benefit from high consumer demand, streamlined service models, and generally strong brand loyalty. Although upfront costs can be substantial, particularly for McDonald’s, with the average franchisee bringing in...

Aoki Lee Simmons , the youngest daughter of fashion mogul Kimora Lee Simmons and entrepreneur Russell Simmons, is making her mark in the world of fashion, business, and social activism. A recent graduate of Harvard University, Aoki is uniquely positioned to leverage her prestigious education alongside her family’s entrepreneurial legacy. While many might see her as merely the daughter of two influential figures, Aoki is determined to build her own path, blending her Ivy League knowledge with her passions for fashion and social causes. Background, Education, And More Born in August 2002, Aoki Lee Kyoko Simmons grew up in a household that valued both entrepreneurship and creativity. Simmons was exposed to the world of fashion and business from a young age – her mother, Kimora, is a supermodel and founder of Baby Phat. Her father Russel, meanwhile, is the co-founder of Def Jam Recordings. She began her modeling career early, working with her mother on campaigns for the revived Baby...

If you’ve been rejected or even ghosted by a job that seemed perfect for you, the question of whether you can reapply may cross your mind. The good news is that, in many cases, it’s absolutely okay to reapply for a job you were previously turned down for. Here’s what to consider if you’re thinking of giving it another shot. Understanding Why You Didn’t Get The Job Before reapplying, try to reflect on why you didn’t land the role the first time. Sometimes, it’s as simple as timing: the company may have had a strong internal candidate, or their hiring needs may have changed. In other cases, they might have been looking for someone with a slightly different skill set. If you’re unsure, review any feedback you received from the recruiter or hiring manager (if provided), as this can offer valuable insights into areas you may need to strengthen. Automatic Screening It’s entirely possible that the hiring team has processed your application through an applicant tracking system (ATS). ATS...

In 2024, BMW remains one of the most prominent car manufacturers worldwide, known for its luxury and performance-driven vehicles and, sometimes, even flying cars (yes, you read that right.) That said, articles published earlier this year have estimated that BMW will make less money in 2024, with the issue being production costs. As investors consider BMW’s financial standing, an important metric to examine is its enterprise value (EV). So, what exactly is enterprise value, and how does it apply to a company like BMW? What Is Enterprise Value (EV)? Enterprise value is a comprehensive measure of a company’s total value, often used by investors to evaluate the full cost of acquiring a business. Unlike market capitalization, which only accounts for the value of a company’s outstanding shares, enterprise value takes into account additional financial factors, such as debt and cash reserves. Essentially, EV reflects what an investor would have to pay to acquire the entire company,...

Becoming an investment banker is a sought-after career goal for those interested in finance, mergers, acquisitions, and high-stakes deal-making. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that the financial sectors that include investment banking are going to grow by about 7% from 2022 to 2032, meaning it’s a field that will continue to hire on new talent as the 2020s roll onward. Investment bankers help companies, governments, and other entities raise capital, manage financial assets, and advise on major financial transactions. This field is known for offering lucrative pay and high levels of responsibility, making it competitive to enter. Here’s what investment bankers do, the steps to become one, the expected salary and a breakdown of the pros and cons. What Does An Investment Banker Do? Investment bankers are financial advisors who help their clients raise money through public or private markets, advise on mergers and acquisitions, and develop strategies to grow their...

The Covid-19 pandemic brought on a brief, but impactful job crisis. Following the height of the pandemic in 2021, more than 50 million people quit their jobs in what would become known as the Great Resignation . This mass quitting hit a fever pitch between November 2021 and April 2022, seeing almost 4.5 million people calling it quits every single month. That movement lost steam in 2023, though, and by the time the October 29th, 2024 Job Openings and Labor Turnover Summary (JOLTS) report rolled out, those numbers were around 3.1 million per month. If you’re thinking of breaking it to your boss that you want out, you’ll join their numbers. Quitting a job can be a pivotal moment in your career, and how you approach it can impact your professional reputation. Leaving respectfully ensures that you maintain valuable connections, demonstrate professionalism, and leave the door open for future opportunities. Don’t opt for the “ quiet quitting ” route. Instead, here’s how to exit a role...

Ray Davis, a running back for the Buffalo Bills , is known for his talent on the football field and his rising career in the NFL. Throughout his first season, the 26-year-old has been a consistent standout, quickly winning over Bills fans with his stamina and drive. After being drafted by the team, Davis signed a rookie contract that provided him with both a $795K base salary for the year and a hefty $713K signing bonus. NFL rookie contracts, especially for players taken in the mid to later rounds, tend to offer initial earnings in the low to mid millions over the course of several years, and the 25-year-old is no exception. With performance incentives and future contract renegotiations, Davis has the potential to increase his earnings significantly as his career progresses. Running backs who prove themselves on the field often see lucrative second contracts, which can push their net worth into higher figures. All About Buffalo Bills Rookie Ray Davis (Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)...

Jesse Jackson, the well-known civil rights leader, politician, and Baptist minister, has dedicated much of his life to advocating for social justice and equality. Over the decades, his influence in American politics and activism has earned him respect and recognition worldwide. Given his prominent public figure status, many are curious about Jesse Jackson’s net worth and how he has accumulated his wealth throughout his career. Earnings From Public Speaking And Media Appearances A significant portion of Jackson’s net worth comes from his public speaking engagements. As one of the most influential civil rights leaders in U.S. history, Jackson is in high demand for speaking events worldwide. His speeches often focus on topics such as racial equality, economic justice and human rights. Jackson has also made numerous media appearances over the years, further contributing to his net worth. He has appeared on television programs, in documentaries, and as a guest speaker on various news...

Investing $30,000 annually is a substantial commitment that can lead to significant wealth accumulation over time. Whether you’re saving for retirement, a large purchase, or financial independence, a $30,000 yearly investment has the potential to yield impressive returns. However, determining if this amount is “good” depends on various factors, including your financial goals, income level, investment strategy, and risk tolerance. Here’s a breakdown of what makes investing $30,000 a year effective and what to consider in order to maximize your investment strategy. Potential Growth of a $30,000 Annual Investment To understand the impact of investing $30,000 a year, let’s consider some hypothetical growth scenarios. If you invest $30,000 annually and earn an average return of 7% per year (a common historical average for the stock market ), your investments would grow to around $1.02 million over 20 years. Over 30 years, the total could reach approximately $2.85 million, thanks to the...

LaMelo Ball , the Charlotte Hornets’ star point guard, has quickly risen as one of the NBA’s brightest young talents. Known for his flashy style of play and basketball IQ, LaMelo has garnered attention not only for his on-court success but also for his business ventures and endorsements. In this article, we’ll explore LaMelo Ball’s net worth in 2024, the factors that have contributed to his wealth, and his standing as one of the most marketable young athletes in the NBA. Key Sources Of LaMelo Ball’s Wealth LaMelo Ball’s net worth is driven by several key factors: NBA Salary: Ball signed a rookie-scale contract after being drafted third overall by the Charlotte Hornets in 2020. His initial contract, worth about $35 million over four years, provided him with a solid financial foundation. In 2024, LaMelo is playing under a max contract extension that significantly boosts his earnings. The deal, likely exceeding $200 million over multiple years, cements LaMelo as a franchise cornerstone...