There are millions of households in America with low incomes and poor credit that find dealing with traditional banks to be difficult. They have chosen instead to patronize “alternative financial” services that provide extended hours and less restrictive credit policies—local check cashing and money transfer outlets, pawn shops, rent-to-own stores, and payday loan services.

Drug and alcohol addiction rehab in the United States is big business — an estimated $38 billion. There are now 14,000+ private treatment facilities and growing. 

The total U.S. weight loss market hit a new peak in 2019, growing to $78 billion. However, that growth came to a halt when the Coronavirus hit in March, shutting the doors of weight loss centers, doctors’ offices, clinics, and other businesses for 8-10 weeks. As a result, the value of the market is forecast to decline by 9% this year.

The $6 billion fertility clinics and infertility services industry in the United States had been booming through 2019, thanks to growing demand from American couples that have delayed childbearing, more widespread acceptance of fertility treatment and usage by gay couples, improved success rates, a strong economy, and significant demand from medical tourists from Europe and China.

This $117 billion U.S. business, which encompasses basic janitorial services, pest control, and other building maintenance, is huge but very competitive, comprised of mainly small operators, including 36,000 franchised outlets. Competitors run the gamut, from sole proprietors to giants such as ABM Industries with $6.5 billion in revenues. This is a low-investment business that’s easy to enter, and many do.

Speaking for pay is big business, especially for former presidents, sports figures, and other celebrities. There are an estimated 40,000 professional speakers in the United States, but not all work full-time.

Drug and alcohol addiction rehab in the United States is big business — worth $42 billion this year. There are now 15,000+ private treatment facilities and growing.

The total U.S. weight loss market is worth more than $72 billion, comprised of eight market segments: diet soft drinks, artificial sweeteners, health clubs, low-calorie diet entrees, meal replacement shakes and bars sold retail, commercial weight loss programs, medical programs (by MDs, hospitals and clinics, including surgery), and diet books. 

Meditation is becoming more mainstream in America, boosted by the popularity of experts like Deepak Chopra and Eckhart Tolle. Meditation studios are appearing more often in major cities, and meditation classes are increasingly being offered in the workplace and college campuses to combat rising societal stress levels and to raise worker productivity and morale. Last year, 22% of employers were expected to offer mindfulness training.