“Shark Tank” star Kevin O’Leary has never been one to mince words, and his latest take on Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is no exception.
In a recent interview with Fox Business, O’Leary praised DOGE’s efforts to expose government waste, calling it “the best barbecue” he’s seen.
“This is wildly popular because we have a unique situation. You’ve got Elon Musk with his own international broadcast network. He can publish anything he wants at any time,” O’Leary said. “He goes into these agencies — 48 hours later, puts a list of crazy stuff like you just detailed.”
Musk, who owns social media platform X, has been vocal about DOGE’s findings, sharing reports on government spending that some critics call excessive.
Some of the expenses DOGE flagged include: $14 million in taxpayer money for “social cohesion” programs in Mali, $40 million for Cambodian women’s empowerment, $10 million for “Mozambique voluntary medical male circumcision” and $14 million for “improving public procurement” in Serbia.
For O’Leary, these revelations raise serious questions.
“People see it all through the U.S. and around the world and say, ‘This is nuts,’” he said. “And it just fuels — what else is out there?”
O’Leary also pointed out that Musk’s ability to spearhead DOGE’s initiatives wouldn’t be possible without “the executive behind him,” referring to President Donald Trump. In the description of his video, O’Leary even stated: “DOGE COULD BE REMEMBERED AS TRUMP’S BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT.”
And according to him, there’s still plenty more to uncover.
“There’s a lot of tension going on here with the management of these programs, and particularly when we start talking with the FAA and the Pentagon,” O’Leary said.
“I mean, oh, baby, wait till that one comes out, because that is always going to be a black hole saying, ‘Well, it’s for defense, and I can’t tell you what it’s for.’ But now there’s accountability. There’s so much fat dripping off these chickens — this is the best barbecue I’ve ever seen.”
While DOGE’s efforts are making waves in Washington, O’Leary’s analogy about fat dripping off chickens applies to more than just federal spending. Waste exists in businesses, households and personal finances alike.
Here’s a look at three areas where you can cut costs in 2025 — and beyond.
1. Stop overpaying for car insurance
Car insurance is a major recurring expense, and many people overpay without realizing it. According to Forbes, the national average cost for car insurance in 2024 was $2,150 per year (or $179 per month).
However, rates can vary widely depending on your state, driving history and vehicle type, and you could be paying more than necessary.
By using OfficialCarInsurance.com, you can easily compare quotes from multiple insurers, such as Progressive, Allstate and GEICO, to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
In just two minutes, you could find rates as low as $29 per month.
2. Stop wasting money on bank fees
Bank fees can quietly drain your finances over time. Even comedian Bill Burr once complained to Joe Rogan about his bank taking $28 out of his account every month “for no reason.”
In reality, many traditional banks charge anywhere from $5 to $35 per month in maintenance fees, overdraft fees and other hidden charges.
Online banks, on the other hand, typically offer lower fees (or none at all) and higher interest rates since they don’t have the same overhead costs as brick-and-mortar institutions.
For example, Wealthfront’s high-yield cash account offers a 4% APY on deposits — nearly seven times the national average. Plus, it charges no account, monthly or overdraft fees.
You can open an account with as little as $1 and enjoy 24/7 instant withdrawals.
3. Get more affordable life insurance
Life insurance rates are on the rise. According to the Swiss Re Institute, global life insurance premiums are expected to increase by 3% annually in 2025 and 2026.
If you already have a term life insurance policy, now might be a good time to shop around for better rates. Most term policies can be canceled without penalty, allowing you to switch to a more affordable option.
With Ethos, you can get term life insurance in just five minutes — no medical exams or blood tests required.
And, you can get up to $2 million in coverage, starting at just $2/day.
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
