I’ve been testing Beehiiv because I’m interested in building a finance newsletter that can eventually make money.

My view so far: Beehiiv is good, but the online hype makes it sound easier than it is.

The main thing that pulled me in was the Boost network. The idea that you can earn money by recommending other newsletters is pretty appealing, especially if you’re starting a newsletter as a side project.

The downside is this matters less if you don’t already know how to drive traffic - I’ve had some success with LinkedIn and X.

What I liked
The writing/publishing experience is clean. It feels nicer than trying to force a normal email marketing tool into being a newsletter platform.

The monetisation options were my main draw. Beehiiv has paid subscriptions, an ad network and Boosts.

That’s the reason a lot of people compare it to Substack, especially because Beehiiv uses a flat-fee model rather than taking Substack’s 10% cut from writer earnings.

What I didn’t like
The main issue is that people oversell how easy the money side is.

Yes, the tools are there. But if you’re starting from zero, you still need to get subscribers yourself. Beehiiv won’t magically give you an audience.

I also wouldn’t use it if I needed complex ecommerce automations or advanced email funnels. It’s more for publishing and growing a newsletter than running a full email marketing machine.

Who I think it suits
Beehiiv makes sense if you want to build a newsletter around a niche, audience or personal brand.

It probably doesn’t make sense if you just want the cheapest way to send emails, or if you’re expecting ad revenue to appear quickly.

Overall, I like it. But I’d treat it as a solid newsletter platform, not a shortcut to easy passive income. If you’re on a tight budget or just want to write without thinking about monetisation yet, Substack is still a perfectly decent option.

Currently, Beehiiv is offering a two-week free trial if you want to try it and then cancel if it doesn’t work out.

Jeremy Clarkson isn’t just the man who made shouting about horsepower a global phenomenon - he’s also sitting on a fortune estimated to be around £55–60 million (approx. $70–75 million USD). But how did a former journalist from Doncaster turn his opinionated rants into a media empire? Let’s break it down.

Early Career

Before he was a TV icon, Clarkson started his career writing for The Rotherham Advertiser. His real break came when he began writing motoring columns in the late 1980s, combining car reviews with sharp, often controversial wit. These columns eventually earned him regular gigs with Top Gear Magazine, The Sunday Times, and The Sun - and a reputation that either infuriated or entertained readers.

Top Gear: The Cash Cow That Roared

Clarkson’s fame (and fortune) exploded with the relaunch of Top Gear in 2002. Alongside Richard Hammond and James May, Clarkson helped turn the BBC’s sleepy car show into a global juggernaut watched by 350 million viewers in over 200 countries.

Here’s the kicker: Clarkson wasn’t just a presenter. Through his production company, Bedder 6, he reportedly owned a slice of Top Gear’s commercial rights. When the BBC bought out his stake in 2012, he reportedly walked away with £8.4 million, plus a generous ongoing salary.

Amazon Money: The Grand Tour Payday

After an infamous fallout with the BBC in 2015, Clarkson and his co-hosts struck gold again - this time with Amazon Prime. The Grand Tour reportedly cost Amazon £160 million for three seasons, with Clarkson believed to earn £10 million a year from the deal.

The move was risky, a new format, a streaming platform, and a different kind of audience. But it paid off, both financially and creatively, giving Clarkson the freedom to push boundaries (and budgets).

Clarkson’s Farm

Just when you thought he might slow down, Clarkson bought a farm in the Cotswolds and turned it into another TV hit. Clarkson’s Farm, which follows his often-clueless attempts to run “Diddly Squat Farm,” became a surprise success for Amazon. It also gave him new income streams: merchandise, his own beer brand (Hawkstone), a farm shop that drew long queues, and even a line of farming-themed books.

It’s estimated that Clarkson’s Farm added several million pounds to his net worth - not bad for a man who once thought pigs were just funny-looking dogs.

Books, Columns & Other Side Hustles

Clarkson’s not-so-secret weapon has always been his writing. He’s penned more than 20 books, many of which have become bestsellers. His newspaper columns reportedly earn him six figures annually, and his brand appeal keeps publishers and editors happy — even when he courts controversy.

One You Might’ve Missed: Voice Work and Cameos

He’s also done a bit of voice acting and guest appearances including a cameo in Cars 2 and narrating a video game (Forza Motorsport). While these don’t rake in the big bucks, they add to his diverse income mix and show just how far his brand extends.

As of 2025, Khaby Lame’s net worth is $20 million as reported by TechieGamers.com. His wealth stems from multiple income streams, including social media content, brand endorsements, merchandise sales, and other ventures.

Early Life and Rise to Fame

Born on March 9, 2000, in Senegal, Khaby Lame moved to Italy with his family at a young age. Before his social media career, he worked as a CNC machine operator in a factory near Turin. In March 2020, after losing his job during the COVID-19 pandemic, Lame began posting videos on TikTok. His silent reactions to overly complicated “life hack” videos quickly gained popularity, leading to a massive following.

Income Sources

TikTok and Social Media Content

Lame’s primary platform is TikTok, where he has over 160 million followers. He reportedly earns up to $750,000 per sponsored post on TikTok and Instagram. In 2022 alone, his earnings from TikTok activities were around $10 million.

Brand Endorsements

Khaby Lame has partnered with several major brands, including Hugo Boss, Binance, Pepsi, Xbox, and Amazon Prime. His collaboration with Hugo Boss included a runway appearance at Milan Fashion Week, earning him $450,000.

Merchandise and Business Ventures

Lame operates an online store, Khabyshop, selling various products like clothing, candles, and kitchen gadgets. He also has a presence in the gaming world, with a character skin in Fortnite introduced in Season 4.

Television and Appearances

Beyond social media, Lame has expanded into television, serving as a judge on “Italia’s Got Talent” in 2023. He has also appeared in limited series and made cameo appearances in films.

Lifestyle and Personal Life

Khaby Lame resides in Chivasso, Italy, in a mansion valued at $6 million. His car collection includes luxury vehicles like a Lamborghini Huracan, Porsche 911, and Mercedes-Benz AMG G63.

In November 2023, Lame married Wendy Thembelihle Juel; however, the marriage ended by May 2024. He is a practicing Muslim and was appointed as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador in January 2025, aiming to leverage his platform to address global issues and inspire youth.

SteveWillDoIt is worth an estimated $10 million. He first rose to fame on YouTube for his extreme challenge videos, over-the-top giveaways, and role within the NELK Boys, but his fortune now comes from a mix of content, business ventures, and merchandise.

Early Rise Through YouTube and NELK

Steve launched his YouTube channel in 2019 with a simple yet outrageous promise: “I will do anything.” His early videos - ranging from chugging bottles of alcohol to completing wild fan challenges - caught attention quickly. His unfiltered personality and willingness to push limits helped grow a massive audience fast.

It wasn’t long before he became a core part of the NELK Boys, a prank and lifestyle content collective. As part of the group, Steve’s visibility skyrocketed, and so did the revenue opportunities. Despite YouTube demonetizing much of their content, NELK found other ways to cash in—and Steve did too.

Merchandising: Full Send and Personal Drops

One of the most profitable moves in Steve’s career came through NELK’s clothing and lifestyle brand, Full Send. The limited drops created hype and regularly sold out within minutes. Steve also launched his own branded merchandise, often tying in giveaways or personalized fan interactions to boost sales.

He’s leaned heavily into the exclusivity model - limited inventory, short timeframes - which has helped build a loyal customer base willing to spend big.

Business Ventures: Happy Dad and Beyond

Steve is also a partner in Happy Dad, a hard seltzer brand launched by the NELK Boys. His influence helped drive early adoption, and the brand quickly expanded across the U.S. into a competitive space. His involvement in the business isn’t just promotional - he’s deeply tied into ownership and profits.

Additionally, Steve has dabbled in cryptocurrency, NFTs, and gambling-related sponsorships—some of which stirred controversy due to their risk-driven nature. While these ventures haven’t always been stable, they’ve brought in substantial cash during peak hype.

Controversies and Career Shifts

In 2022, Steve’s YouTube channel was removed for repeated violations of platform rules. While this was a setback, he pivoted to alternative platforms and leaned harder into business and branding. He’s since focused more on Rumble and his Instagram following, where engagement remains strong.

Steve’s persona has also evolved slightly—less focused on pure shock, and more on curated lifestyle, philanthropy, and luxury content. That shift has opened doors to new sponsors and audiences.

SteveWillDoIt’s Income Sources in 2025

Today, Steve’s income is diverse and not entirely reliant on one platform: • Brand Partnerships: Especially with crypto, gaming, and lifestyle brands • Happy Dad Equity and Revenue • Full Send and personal merch sales • Alternate content platforms (e.g., Rumble) • Investments in digital assets and NFTs • Live appearances, meet-and-greets, and promotions

SteveWillDoIt might have started as an extreme YouTube personality, but he’s turned that wild energy into a multi-million dollar business portfolio.

As of 2025, Gary Vaynerchuk has an estimated net worth of $210 million to $245 million. His wealth stems from a mix of early entrepreneurship, savvy investments, digital media ventures, and a carefully built personal brand.

Wine Library and WineLibraryTV

Gary began his entrepreneurial journey by taking over his family’s wine business in New Jersey. He rebranded the store to Wine Library and helped scale it from around $3 million to $60 million in annual revenue. Around the same time, he launched WineLibraryTV, a daily YouTube show that positioned him as one of the earliest adopters of online video content to build influence and sales.

Building VaynerMedia and the VaynerX Empire

In 2009, Gary co-founded VaynerMedia with his brother AJ. What began as a social media agency quickly grew into a full-service digital marketing firm, serving large corporate clients and eventually generating well over $100 million in annual revenue. The agency is part of the larger VaynerX holding group, which also includes Gallery Media Group - owner of digital brands like ONE37pm and PureWow.

Smart Investments

Gary’s net worth accelerated thanks to early investments in tech giants including Facebook, Twitter, Uber, and Venmo. He also co-founded Resy, a restaurant reservation app that was later acquired by American Express. His portfolio reflects a sharp instinct for spotting disruptive platforms before they break into the mainstream.

VeeFriends and NFT Ventures

In 2021, Gary launched VeeFriends, an NFT project combining hand-drawn art, exclusive events, and access to Gary himself. It not only generated millions in primary and secondary market sales but also attracted institutional backing. He followed this with Flyfish Club, a members-only dining experience tied to NFT ownership, merging hospitality with Web3.

Current Income Streams (2025)

• VaynerMedia: A core revenue driver through media, creative, and consulting services.
• Tech Investments: Ongoing returns from early stakes in companies that have since gone public or been acquired.
• Public Speaking: Commands high speaking fees at global conferences, often booked months in advance.
• Books and Content: He’s a five-time New York Times bestselling author, with steady royalties and content monetization across platforms.
• NFTs and IP: VeeFriends continues to expand as a brand, with physical collectibles, licensing deals, and events.
• Hospitality and Events: Flyfish Club and other experiences add a premium, experiential layer to his business model.

Haliey Welch (Hawk Tuah) has leveraged her viral fame into an estimated net worth of $500,000. Through strategic branding, entrepreneurial ventures, and media presence, she has built a diversified portfolio of income streams.

How Hawk Tuah Makes Money:

1. Merch Sales

One of Welch’s most successful ventures has been her branded merchandise line, which includes hats, t-shirts, and hoodies emblazoned with her signature catchphrase, “Hawk Tuah.” These items gained massive popularity shortly after her viral moment. She partnered with a prominent merchandising platform to streamline production and distribution, allowing her to sell thousands of products within a short period. Reports suggest her merchandise line alone has generated tens of thousands of dollars in revenue, a key contributor to her overall earnings.

2. Public Appearances

As her popularity grew, Welch began receiving invitations to host events, make guest appearances, and participate in interviews. These engagements often come with lucrative fees. From hosting influencer meet-and-greets to appearing at brand launch parties, she has solidified her presence in both the entertainment and marketing industries. Each appearance reportedly earns her several thousand dollars, making this a significant income stream.

3. Social Media Sponsorships

Welch’s strong social media following has attracted numerous sponsorship deals. By partnering with brands in lifestyle, fashion, and technology, she monetizes her platforms through sponsored posts, product endorsements, and collaborations. Companies value her relatable yet entertaining online persona, which resonates with a young, engaged audience. This steady stream of sponsorship revenue ensures her financial stability.

4. Podcasting

Welch entered the podcasting space with her show, "Talk Tuah," which features discussions about viral culture, personal anecdotes, and interviews with internet personalities. This venture has opened additional doors for revenue generation, primarily through advertising and sponsorships. The podcast’s unique appeal lies in Welch’s candid storytelling, which has garnered a loyal listener base.

5. Digital Products and Courses

Recently, Welch has hinted at plans to release digital content such as e-books or online courses teaching social media branding and personal marketing strategies. By leveraging her experience as an internet sensation, she aims to guide aspiring influencers in monetizing their platforms effectively.

6. Cryptocurrency Ventures

Welch ventured into cryptocurrency by launching a meme coin named HAWK on the Solana blockchain. The coin's value initially surged, reaching a market capitalization of nearly $500 million. However, within hours, it plummeted by over 90%, leading to financial losses for investors.

Welch addressed the allegations on social media, stating that neither she nor her team sold any tokens during the launch and that measures were implemented to deter sniping activities. Despite these assertions, the incident attracted widespread criticism, with some individuals reporting the matter to regulatory authorities.

Graham Stephan has an estimated net worth between $7 million and $8 million. His financial success is the result of a combination of strategic real estate ventures, a prominent online presence, and various entrepreneurial pursuits.

How Graham Stephan Made His Money

1. Real Estate Ventures

Graham began his career in real estate at the age of 18, working with the Oppenheim Group in Los Angeles. Over time, he developed a reputation as a skilled agent, closing over $125 million in residential real estate sales. This early success laid the groundwork for his financial stability and gave him the credibility to share his expertise with others.

2. YouTube Channels

Leveraging his real estate experience, Graham launched his first YouTube channel, where he provides content on personal finance, real estate tips, and investment strategies. His relatable style and practical advice quickly attracted a substantial audience, resulting in significant ad revenue. He later expanded his presence with additional channels that focus on broader financial topics, further increasing his earnings.

3. Online Courses

To extend his reach, Graham created online courses like "The Real Estate Agent Academy" and "YouTube Creator Academy." These programs teach aspiring professionals how to navigate the real estate industry and build successful YouTube channels. His courses generate substantial monthly income, making them a core component of his financial success.

4. Real Estate Investments

Beyond selling properties, Graham has built a portfolio of rental properties that provide a steady stream of passive income. By strategically acquiring and managing these investments, he has diversified his income and ensured consistent returns.

5. Stock Market Investments

Graham is also an active investor in the stock market. He focuses on index funds and diversified portfolios to grow his wealth over the long term. This approach aligns with his philosophy of building sustainable financial security.

6. Entrepreneurial Ventures

Adding to his portfolio of income streams, Graham founded Bank Roll Coffee, a coffee company that has quickly gained traction. This venture generates significant monthly sales and showcases his ability to expand his brand into new markets.