• X's head of product, Nikita Bier, said the platform is cracking down on copycat creators.
• These users are "programmatically reuploading content from smaller accounts" for profit, he said.
• Bier says to use "Share Video" or "Quote" for proper attribution and to support original creators.

X is introducing new strategies to rein in its copycat economy.

Elon Musk's social media platform is now cracking down on large accounts that have been "programmatically reuploading content from smaller accounts" to game its creator revenue-share program, X's head of product, Nikita Bier, said.

That program lets eligible creators earn money from engagement on the platform, which has also created an incentive for some accounts to rapidly repost or repackage viral content before the original creator gets the credit.

Bier said X is now identifying those posts and "allocating the impressions entirely to the creator," an effort aimed at making sure original posters — not aggregators — get paid.

For posts with added commentary, Bier recommended using X's "Share Video" or "Quote" feature to ensure attribution goes to the original creator.

The move is part of a broader push by X to reduce payouts for aggregators, whose business model has often depended on rapidly repackaging other people's work for monetizable engagement.

Bier singled out one of the platform's most prolific posters on Saturday. Mario Nawfal is the CEO of IBC Group, a crypto consulting firm. He also hosts the largest live discussion show on X and has some 3.5 million followers.

Nawfal reposted a video of an ABC News journalist reacting to gunshots fired outside the White House on Saturday. A community note below the post now reads, "OP stole this video without providing credit."

"Please do not reupload the author's video: use Quote or Video Reshare," Bier added. "Your revenue was reduced by 90% last cycle and we're running out of room to reduce it more."

Nawfal replied that his account always uses the video reshare option, but it doesn't work for longer tweets.

That response now also has a community note: "No he doesnt. Here are additional examples just from the last few hours," the note says, listing three other posts that don't provide credit. "Chronic content thief."

• I let my kids take over the grocery self-checkout.
• What started as chaos turned into teamwork and independence.
• Grocery shopping became a way to teach practical life skills.

I have always loved grocery shopping with my kids. From the time they were babies and toddlers, I loved putting them in the cart and chatting about what I was buying. It always feels a bit chaotic, but it's always been one of my favorite things to do with them.

Now that they're older and have graduated from riding in the cart to walking beside it, I've looked for ways to get them more involved in the process. They would help choose produce or grab things off the shelf and put them in the cart.

But then the day came when they wanted to start scanning groceries at the self-checkout. There are three of them, and the thought of them all grabbing items out of the cart and scrambling to scan things seemed like a lot.

But one day I thought, "What the heck, let's see what happens."

Things got wild

The first time we did this, it was understandably chaotic. My son (the oldest) insisted on scanning, and the younger girls wanted to scan as well, so there was a lot of grabbing for items and running from the cart to the scanner. Groceries were tossed haphazardly in bags.

I was trying to keep track and make sure everything was actually scanned, and one kid started looking at the candy shelf near the checkout.

When we left, I was sweating. But the kids were so happy. You'd think they had just gotten to drive a spaceship. But no, they literally did a basic grown-up task that many actually dread.

They fell into their own roles

After a few times, they fell into a rhythm that I had no hand in figuring out. Each started to handle their own task while I kept a watchful eye on the cart and made sure everything got scanned. The oldest and the middle work on scanning, even talking to each other to make sure nothing is left behind, or adjusting based on who can pick it up (my son takes care of the heavier items).

Once the item is scanned, it's passed to the little one, who puts it neatly in the bag or box. When everything's done, she gets to use the debit card to pay, navigating the prompts on the screen like a pro. It's a special moment when, as a parent, you can step back and watch your kids figure something out on their own — or better yet, with their siblings.

When I asked them what they liked about helping at the checkout, my son said, "I'm not bored. If I wasn't helping, I would just be standing and doing nothing, and it's boring." It gives them a sense of purpose that's really fun to see.

We've taken it a few steps further

A few years ago, I created a Master Grocery List. It's laminated, so I use a dry-erase marker to mark the items we need each week. Since the kids have gotten more involved in shopping — and have more opinions on what they'd like to eat — I moved the list to a spot on the fridge that's easy to access. Now, if they use the last of something, realize they need something for school, or have a supper idea, they'll add it themselves.

Since helping with groceries has been a theme in our home lately, I decided to go one step further and hand the phone to my middle child so she could place a pickup order herself. She had the list handy, and I told her the budget. She had a blast and did a really great job, even recommending a smaller size coffee when she saw the prices to make sure she stayed within the budget.

It can be hard to take a step back, but it's worth it

Part of the fun of raising little humans is teaching them how to do daily tasks and watching them learn how to navigate the world. Basics like doing laundry, loading the dishwasher, and shopping take time for them to figure out, but they end up with a sense of pride and accomplishment as they learn. That doesn't mean it's always easy.

The first time the kids took over at the checkout, I found myself reaching to help multiple times. But given a few extra seconds, they typically figured things out on their own. I'll still step in if necessary, but I try to wait for them to ask for help rather than just jumping in and taking over.

They've made mistakes, and I've had to help, but at the end of the shopping trip, they have a sense of accomplishment and ownership. It's also good for me to step back and let them do so. Up next, I'll hand off the list in the store and see how it goes.

• Sundar Pichai is scheduled to speak at Stanford University's commencement next month.
• Students have booed several execs this year for talking about AI in their speeches.
• Pichai is one of the leaders of the AI boom, but says people are "rightfully" anxious.

Tech CEOs have a lot to manage, from earnings calls and board meetings to competition and employee morale.

Now, in the age of AI, they also need a "boo strategy."

This year, graduates have heckled some executives during commencement speeches after the corporate leaders made optimistic comments about AI, reflecting a growing anxiety among students about to enter the job market.

Students booed former Google CEO Eric Schmidt at the University of Arizona, while Big Machine Records CEO Scott Borchetta drew backlash at Middle Tennessee State University after he discussed AI's impact on music and media.

So the hosts of the tech podcast "Hard Fork" recently asked Google CEO Sundar Pichai what his "boo strategy" will be when he gives the commencement speech at Stanford University next month.

For Pichai, the challenge is real: He leads one of the companies driving the AI boom at a time when many graduates worry the technology could evaporate the jobs they're about to pursue.

"I've always been extraordinarily optimistic about the next generation," he told the hosts. AI, he said, doesn't change that. "My goal would be to share my experiences, and that's what I'm looking to do."

"These graduates are actually both going to be a big part of driving that progress and also dealing with the impact," he added, referring to AI.

It's possible Pichai will be met with a more receptive crowd at Stanford, which is in the heart of Silicon Valley and home to some of the most talked-about AI courses in the country.

Still, the perception of AI among the public is low. A Pew Research Center study found that about half of Americans felt the increased prevalence of AI in their daily lives made them feel "more concerned than excited." Many Americans across the country, meanwhile, are resisting new data centers in their communities, which are essential to powering AI products like chatbots.

At least a dozen major companies have cited increased efficiency from AI as a factor in their decision to lay off employees this year. And AI has made job-seeking more difficult by prolonging the interview process. The unemployment rate for new grads reached a 4-year high at the start of 2026.

Pichai told "Hard Fork" that people are "rightfully" anxious about what sort of future the technology will create. "Humans aren't evolved to process that much change," he said, adding that the scale of the change is unlike anything the world has seen.

Earlier this month at Carnegie Mellon University's commencement, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang made the case that AI will be a net positive for humanity, including for those newly starting their careers.

"Now it's your time to realize your dreams," he told graduates. "The timing could not be more perfect."

I've been reviewing audio gear for over a decade, and Bose is one of the brands I regularly recommend. The company makes a variety of speakers, including multiple soundbars with clear, room-filling audio. But the best Bose soundbar for your setup will depend on a few factors, such as your budget and available space.

To help you figure out which model is right for you, I tested every Bose soundbar currently available and compared their performance in real-world use. For most people, the Bose Smart Soundbar is the best overall option. It blends a sleek, modern design with rich sound, Dolby Atmos support, and built-in Amazon Alexa for simple hands-free control. If you're shopping on a tighter budget or need something more compact, the Bose TV Speaker is another solid choice. It doesn't support Dolby Atmos, but it still delivers clear, balanced audio at a lower price.

Below, you'll find my complete guide to the best Bose soundbars available right now, along with a recommendation for the best Bose subwoofer to get deeper bass and a more cinematic home theater experience.

Our top picks for the best Bose soundbars

Best overall: Bose Smart Soundbar - See at Amazon

Best high-end: Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar - See at Amazon

Best for smaller spaces: Bose TV Speaker - See at Amazon

Best add-on: Bose Bass Module 500 - See at Amazon

The best Bose soundbars, compared

Best overall

The Bose Smart Soundbar isn't the most premium model the company offers, but it hits the sweet spot better than any other soundbar in its lineup. With rich, room-filling audio, Dolby Atmos support, and a comprehensive feature set, it's an easy upgrade for even the best TVs.

This latest model is essentially a refreshed take on the now-discontinued Smart Soundbar 600. The hardware hasn't changed, but Bose added two meaningful software updates: AI Dialogue Mode and the ability to use Bose Ultra Open Earbuds as wireless rear speakers.

The Smart Soundbar can handle up to 5.1.2-channel audio using a 3.0.2 driver array. That includes two upward-firing speakers that bounce sound off your ceiling for convincing overhead effects. During testing, I was impressed by how wide and immersive the soundstage felt, whether I was watching a movie or listening to music. In a midsize living room, it easily fills the space and keeps you locked into whatever you're watching. Even non-Atmos content benefits from Bose's TrueSpace processing, which upmixes regular audio to create extra height and depth.

AI Dialogue Mode is one of the standout additions. It utilizes real-time machine learning to isolate voices, maintaining dialogue clarity even when the rest of the mix becomes chaotic. Considering that clearer dialogue is one of the biggest reasons people buy a soundbar, this feature is a genuine win.

Bose also added a fun trick with its Personal Surround Sound feature. If you already own Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, you can pair them with the soundbar to act as wireless rear speakers. When I tested this while watching "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," the transition was seamless, adding rear effects without blocking the soundbar's output. It's a clever bonus for existing earbud owners, though not a must-buy feature.

Beyond TV audio via HDMI or optical connections, the Smart Soundbar is equipped with a range of wireless options, including WiFi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay, Google Chromecast, and Spotify Connect. And with Amazon Alexa/Alexa+ built right in, it doubles as one of the best smart speakers for home theater fans who want voice control and music playback, even when their TV is off.

For more top picks from other brands, check out our guide to all the best soundbars.

Best high-end

The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is the go-to choice for movie lovers seeking exceptional clarity, powerful up-firing Dolby Atmos effects, and a comprehensive suite of premium features. It builds on the Smart Soundbar's foundation with a larger design and even more drivers under the hood.

This model pumps out 5.1.2-channel audio through nine integrated speakers and a dedicated center tweeter. In my testing, the performance felt deep and expansive, with a sound field that stretches well beyond the bar's physical footprint. The results are genuinely impressive and stack up well against other high-end Atmos soundbars, such as the Sonos Arc.

One of the standout upgrades over Bose's cheaper options is the inclusion of ADAPTiQ calibration. This system fine-tunes the sound to match your room, making a noticeable difference in challenging spaces or areas with unconventional furniture layouts. Just note that you'll need to use the included wired headset to run the calibration.

If you're already invested in the Bose ecosystem, the Ultra Soundbar has another perk: private listening support with compatible Bose headphones and earbuds. You can group them with the bar for late-night viewing without disturbing anyone. Like the Smart Soundbar, this model also features Bose's AI Dialogue Mode, which enhances voice clarity when you struggle to hear dialogue over music and effects.

For music, the Ultra supports WiFi, Bluetooth, AirPlay, Chromecast, and Spotify Connect, providing you with numerous wireless options for streaming. Amazon Alexa/Alexa+ is also built in, so the soundbar doubles as a smart speaker for voice commands. And unlike Bose's other models, which only come in black, the Ultra is also available in white — a nice touch for anyone who wants their home theater setup to match their décor.

Best for smaller spaces

The Bose TV Speaker is the brand's most compact and affordable soundbar. It's under two feet in length and just over two inches tall, making it the best Bose soundbar for smaller spaces, such as an apartment. Despite knowing its dimensions, I was still surprised by how compact the unit appeared in person.

Though it delivers less rumble and a lower max volume than Bose's larger models, don't let the TV Speaker's small size deceive you. This compact two-channel soundbar is still capable of producing compelling audio via three speaker drivers.

Although the TV Speaker doesn't have the same bass level or dynamic range as other Bose soundbars, it still delivers a significant upgrade to the speakers built into my Samsung smart TV. During testing, the dialogue was clearer, and the overall sound was more evenly balanced. The TV Speaker compares favorably to the Sonos Ray, a similar option that earned a spot in our guide to the best budget soundbars. The TV Speaker is a good alternative to the Ray for people who prefer the Bose brand.

That said, this isn't the best Bose soundbar to pick if you crave advanced features and big sound for larger spaces. There's no Dolby Atmos support or WiFI connectivity, for instance. However, it does support Bluetooth, so you can use it to play music from your phone. However, please note that while the TV Speaker supports connecting to a display via HDMI ARC, an HDMI cable isn't included. It comes with an optical cable instead. Check out our guide to the best HDMI cables for a reliable option.

Best add-on

Bose offers several add-ons for its soundbars, including subwoofers and rear surround speakers. These products can all meaningfully enhance your audio experience, but I recommend starting with the Bose Bass Module 500 if you're looking for an initial upgrade.

This wireless subwoofer offers a significant improvement in deep low-frequency performance, making movies rumble and adding depth to music. The Bass Module 500 is compatible with all of the best Bose soundbars. Even if you're short on space, the subwoofer connects wirelessly, allowing it to be placed anywhere in the room (though it requires a power outlet for connection).

Bose also sells the larger Bass Module 700 and Bose Lifestyle Ultra Subwoofer, which offer extra oomph and power, but the more modest 500 unit is no slouch. It greatly enhances the low-end impact of movies when paired with Bose's smaller TV Speaker and Smart Soundbar, and it even adds noticeable bass to the larger Ultra Soundbar.

If you're looking for more powerful low-end kick from your Bose soundbar system, this is a worthwhile upgrade to consider.

How we test Bose soundbars

To test the best Bose soundbars, I spent hands-on time with every current model, comparing how each one performs on its own and against the rest of Bose's lineup. I focused on the things that actually matter day to day, including sound quality, size, connectivity, software features, ease of use, and overall value.

Each soundbar was tested in multiple rooms, from a quiet bedroom at night to a living room during the day, to see how it handled different spaces and listening conditions. I watched a mix of movies and TV shows across popular streaming services, including Dolby Atmos content when supported, and streamed music across a wide range of genres to evaluate performance beyond TV audio.

Whenever possible, I sampled multiple connection methods, but typically stuck with HDMI for TV audio and WiFi for music streaming to ensure each model sounded its best.

Meet the expert behind this guide:

Tyler Hayes, contributing reporter: I've been writing about tech products for over a decade and have been reviewing audio gear for Business Insider since 2019. I know exactly what to listen for to ensure you get a good experience, and I aim to recommend soundbars that, first and foremost, deliver on their primary goal: better audio quality than your TV speakers. For this guide, I zeroed in on Bose's lineup and really looked at how each model stacks up — not just against other Bose models, but against competing options at the same price. This helped me figure out which ones make sense for different rooms, budgets, and listening habits.

Learn more about the Reviews team at Business Insider.

Bose soundbar FAQs

What size Bose soundbar should you get?

The right soundbar size mostly depends on your TV and room sizes. For smaller TVs (typically 50 inches or under) or tighter spaces like bedrooms and apartments, a compact option like the Bose TV Speaker is usually plenty and won't overpower the room. If you have a medium-sized room with a bigger TV or sit farther away, a wider soundbar like the Bose Smart Soundbar will better match the screen and deliver fuller, more immersive sound. Finally, the Smart Ultra Soundbar is best for shoppers with a large media console and a big-screen TV (65 inches or larger) who want beefier home theater performance.

Is Bose's new Lifestyle Speaker compatible with older soundbars?

No, Bose's new Lifestyle Ultra Speaker is only compatible with its new Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar. It cannot be paired with the older Smart Soundbar, Smart Ultra Soundbar, or TV Speaker to create a surround sound system.

You can learn more about the new speaker in our full Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker review.

Do Bose soundbars support Alexa+ voice control?

Yes, Alexa+ is now supported on several Bose soundbars, including the Bose Smart Soundbar and the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar. However, the Bose TV Speaker does not have Alexa+ or any built-in digital assistants.

Alexa+ is an enhanced version of Alexa with more powerful AI capabilities and conversational control. It's free for Prime members but costs $20 a month if you don't have Prime.

Can you mount a Bose soundbar to the wall?

The Bose TV Speaker, Smart Soundbar, and Smart Ultra Soundbar are all compatible with the Bose Soundbar Wall Bracket. The bracket typically costs around $39 and is ideal for setups where your TV stand doesn't have room for a soundbar. Mounting also helps create a cleaner, more streamlined look beneath your TV.

Do Bose soundbars include remotes?

Most of Bose's soundbar models include a dedicated remote control. This makes them easy to operate, without relying on a mobile app or your TV's remote. However, the new Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar does not include a remote. Instead, it can work with your existing TV remote via HDMI.

Can you connect a subwoofer to a Bose soundbar?

All the best Bose soundbars in this guide are compatible with the Bose Bass Module 500 and Bass Module 700. These subwoofers can connect wirelessly, letting you place them wherever they sound best (as long as they're near a power outlet). You can also use a wired connection if you prefer.

If you'd rather buy a soundbar that already includes a subwoofer, check out our guide to the best soundbars with subwoofers.

Can you pair rear speakers to a Bose soundbar?

The Bose Smart Soundbar and Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar both support wireless pairing with the Bose Surround Speakers or Bose Surround Speakers 700. However, you must purchase those rear satellite speakers separately.

For complete setups that include both front and rear speakers, check out our guide to the best surround sound systems.

Do Bose soundbars support Dolby Atmos?

Both the Bose Smart Soundbar and the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar support Dolby Atmos immersive audio. Dolby Atmos is a surround sound format that uses object-based mixing to spread audio effects in all directions, including above your head. Bose's soundbars use up-firing speaker drivers to bounce audio off the ceiling and back down to your ears.

You can learn more in our Dolby Atmos guide and our roundup of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars.

Can Bose soundbars play DTS audio?

The Bose soundbars in this guide do not support DTS. Instead, they support Dolby and PCM audio formats. This shouldn't be an issue for most people, as Dolby is the most commonly used format on streaming services and live TV providers.

However, some Blu-ray and 4K Blu-ray discs have DTS audio mixes. To hear those tracks on a Bose soundbar, you'll need to change your Blu-ray player output settings to PCM.

What other audio devices does Bose sell?

In addition to soundbars, Bose also sells wireless speakers and headphones. The brand makes some of our favorite over-ear and earbud headphones, including the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, as well as Bluetooth speakers like the Bose Portable Smart Speaker.

For more details, check out our Bose product reviews and our separate headphone and speaker guides:

• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) review
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) review
• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) review
• Best Bluetooth speakers
• Best Bose headphones
• Best headphones
• Best over-ear headphones
• Best wireless earbuds
• Best noise-canceling headphones
• Best AirPods alternatives

Is Bose better than Sonos?

The best Sonos soundbars compare well to Bose's top offerings as both lineups offer similar features and capabilities. However, we do give a slight edge to certain options over others.

For those who want premium Dolby Atmos performance, the Sonos Arc Ultra is a more robust device than the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar, thanks to Sonos' beefier built-in woofer system.

However, the midrange Bose Smart Soundbar has a big edge over the competing Sonos Beam. Bose's device features up-firing audio drivers to provide Dolby Atmos height effects, whereas Sonos relies solely on audio processing, which is less effective.

On the low end, the budget-friendly Bose TV Speaker and Sonos Ray are extremely similar, with only small differences. We appreciate that the Bose TV Speaker has an HDMI port, which the Ray lacks. On the other hand, the Sonos Ray supports WiFi, while the Bose TV Speaker only has Bluetooth connectivity.

You can put together a wireless multi-room audio system with speakers from either brand, but you can't mix and match them. Sonos speakers are compatible only with other Sonos devices, and Bose speakers are compatible only with other Bose models. As such, we suggest picking one brand and sticking with it.

• Guadalupe Galindo-Nevarez and her family moved from California to Texas in 2022.
• Life is more affordable in Texas, but they couldn't get used to the weather.
• Despite higher living costs, the family is planning to move back to California as soon as possible.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Guadalupe Galindo-Nevarez, 63, who moved from California to El Paso, Texas, with her husband and daughter in 2022 and now plans to move back to California. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

I grew up in El Paso, but I ended up going to college in Sacramento and living there for 47 years.

A couple of years ago, I started feeling homesick. I wanted to move back to El Paso, be closer to my family, and raise my teenage daughter in a different environment. My husband and I both thought Texas could be a good fit for her because it has high school programs that allow students to earn their associate degree before graduating.

In December 2022, we moved from Natomas, a neighborhood in Sacramento, to El Paso. We bought a brand-new four-bedroom, three-bathroom home for $250,000. Compared with California's expensive housing market, it felt like an incredible bargain.

Texas's lower cost of living has been great. Groceries and dining out are noticeably cheaper, and gas prices were as low as $2.34 per gallon before they started rising because of the Iran war. The lack of state income tax is also huge.

But while we've enjoyed those advantages, we've come to realize there are a lot of trade-offs to living in Texas — and for us, they outweigh many of the benefits. We once thought living in El Paso would be a permanent relocation, but now we're happily making our way back to California.

Life in Texas isn't what we thought it would be

When I told my family I was moving to El Paso, they were excited. They kept telling us, "Everything is so much cheaper and better here," and they were right — for the most part.

El Paso really is a beautiful place with very kind people. It sits along the border, near Mexico and New Mexico, so there's a unique blend of cultures. I wish more people knew about El Paso's culture and its incredible, authentic Mexican food.

I was used to living in El Paso because I grew up here, but it has been much harder for my daughter and husband to adjust.

When we first moved here, my daughter immediately said, "I don't like it." She started school and made a couple of friends, but she said a lot of people treated her like an outsider.

She's very happy we're going back to California. She's interested in pursuing a degree in molecular biology and is hoping to get into UC Davis.

My husband was over Texas within the first two weeks of us moving here. One of the biggest adjustments for him has been the weather.

In El Paso, summers regularly get above 100 degrees, and the winters can also be surprisingly harsh. Temperatures can dip to 18 degrees, which is much colder than what we are used to in California.

The wind in El Paso has also been challenging. We didn't do enough research before moving, especially about the neighborhood where we bought our home. It's a nice, brand-new neighborhood, but there's a lot of open land behind us, so the wind feels even stronger. Just last week, winds reached 41 mph, tearing the curtains off our pergola. Dust storms are also common, especially in the spring.

We're moving back to California as soon as possible

We are very sports-oriented and try to do a lot of activities as a family. In California, we would go to Monterey Bay, Los Angeles, Dodger games, and other baseball games. But in El Paso, there just isn't as much to do, especially for a 16-year-old.

There are places to hike, but overall, it the activities here feel much more limited. I find myself looking forward to visiting places like San Francisco, Reno, Lake Tahoe, and Monterey Bay again.

My husband worked for the State of California for 30 years, so we have excellent insurance in California. My medical treatments will be a lot more affordable for us there.

We know we're probably going to have a higher mortgage when we move back to California, but the property taxes in Texas are much higher than we expected, so we're comfortable with that trade-off.

Right now, we're looking into buying my oldest daughter's home in Sacramento. She has been looking for a bigger home for her family for about eight months, so our timing depends on when she finds something. But we know we're going back.

We call this whole experience a learning lesson. If we ever move again, I will definitely do more research. We should have looked more closely at the neighborhood, the weather, the medical benefits, and the overall lifestyle before making such a big decision.

Did you move to a new state, only to realize it wasn't the right fit? We want to hear from you. Email reporter Alcynna Lloyd at alloyd@businessinsider.com to share your story.

• My best friend and I, who are in our 40s, joined my parents on vacation in Florida.
• Our multigenerational trip felt nostalgic, and it was nice to spend time together as a group.
• Discovering new places and visiting old ones was a blast, too, and I wish we'd done this sooner.

My best friend and I leave a trail of sand from our day at the beach as we hurriedly run ahead of my parents, beach cruisers haphazardly parked outside the rental.

We're on a mission to hide a disheveled Barbie doll named Trixie (a victim of a DIY haircut long ago), somewhere hilariously unexpected in the house.

It's a favorite pastime of ours — and the best part is the suspense while we await the discovery, which prompts uncontrollable laughter when my mom or dad finds Trixie posing in the microwave.

This was just one of our staple summer vacation antics that my best friend and I had been performing since meeting in the last two flute seats of band class at 12 years old.

Fast forward 30-plus years, and the only thing that's changed is that we're grown adults with careers and children (hers: human, mine: canine), and we've swapped soda for cocktails.

These days, I'm based in New York and she's in Texas, so we mostly only see each other once a year on a specially chosen annual trip.

This time, instead of relaxing in Jamaica or road-tripping through Arizona, we decided to hijack a long weekend of my parents' monthlong vacation on the Florida Gulf Coast.

The trip was a reunion 13 years in the making that took us right back to the good old days

Mom and Dad, both in their early 70s, were happy to oblige and let us 43-year-olds join them.

Growing up, Erin was like a bonus daughter to my parents — she spent weeks on end at my house during summer break, never missed a Friday pizza night, and always joined our family vacations.

But with life taking us both to various corners of the world, it had been 13 years since they last saw her.

So, when the opportunity arose to crash my parents' vacation in Siesta Key, we chose to make the reunion finally happen as our annual trip, leaning into multigenerational travel with nostalgic flair.

The two of us brought along matching pool floats and all of our old shenanigans, including Trixie's understudy, Tricia, courtesy of Erin's young daughters.

As soon as we arrived, it was just like our beach jaunts of yesteryear, all of us under one roof in a house rental, sharing meals, laughs, sunshine, and for Erin and me, a room with bunkbeds.

Each morning, we chatted with my parents over coffee before hitting the beach to lounge and search for seashells like we used to, reminiscing about that one time my mom allowed us to bring 92 of them home, for some reason.

Between the great company and mix of old and new favorites, we had an amazing time

Dinners were spent listening to live music with a bowl of clam chowder at our favorite haunt, the dollar-bill-ridden Siesta Key Oyster Bar, and discovering new spots like Casa Masa, where the margaritas on tap and housemade blue-corn tortilla chips still have me swooning.

Then, we'd round out the evening with card games at the house, snickering around the dining table while we waited for my parents to notice Trixie hanging upside down from the light fixture above us.

As a little surprise, I organized a sunset beach picnic for us girls, and it was such a great way to share a memorable experience with my mom and best friend.

My dad picking us up for our ride home after we wined and dined on the beach was the nostalgic cherry on top.

Although my career as a travel writer allows me to venture to far-flung places (sometimes with Erin in tow), the slower pace and walk down memory lane with my parents in Siesta Key made this one of the most fulfilling trips I've had in a long time.

Going back to basics turned out to be the exact type of vacation I needed, with quality time well spent.

I left with a slew of special memories made with some of my favorite people all together in one place, and sure of one thing: We won't be going another 13 years before doing this again.

• I tried moving abroad in the past, but it never worked out.
• When I became a new single mom, I struggled in New York City, so I headed to Berlin.
• Berlin has been an incredible city for new parents.

I've attempted to move abroad several times, even acquiring visas, but I always ended up back in New York.

When I decided to have a baby on my own, I put that dream aside. I figured that if I couldn't do it as a single 30-something, it didn't seem feasible as a single mom.

So, I was as surprised as anyone when, three months after having my daughter, I booked a flight to Berlin — and haven't returned.

Making a plan

The first month of my daughter's life was a blur. I was exhausted and happy; having her felt like a new lease on life. I couldn't imagine going back to work anytime soon. I didn't really have work to go back to anyway; I'm a freelancer, and didn't have anything new lined up.

Still, I received 12 weeks of paid family leave and planned to look for work when that ended.

Then, a friend helped me land a teaching job. That was in October; the job would start the next September. I decided I'd take care of my daughter full time until her first birthday in August, living off savings, and then I'd start teaching.

Changing the plan

I loved my plan, but there were things I hadn't considered. First, being a full-time mom in Brooklyn, where few people are full-time parents, is isolating. I realized this when my fellow new moms went back to work.

Second, developing a new identity is hard; doing it in the shadow of my former life felt even harder. With a partner, I might've been able to maintain a semblance of normal by taking turns leaving the house. As a single mom, this wasn't an option.

There was no popping out for yoga, coffee, or anything. This hit me hardest when my daughter started falling asleep around 7:30 p.m., and I'd be home alone for the entire night, every night. Friends would come over, but by the time they got off work, I was exhausted and wanted to sleep.

Brooklyn started to feel different. Trying to find flexible, occasional childcare proved too difficult, and living in a fourth-floor walkup, too complicated. When I left the stroller downstairs, my building superintendent said it would probably get stolen. I debated moving closer to family, but I felt more resigned to it than excited about it.

In early December, when my daughter was three months old, I changed my plan. If I were going to take a year of maternity leave, I'd take it in a place where everyone takes it. I'd take it in Europe.

Finding childcare in Berlin

I looked all over Europe for reliable, flexible, affordable childcare, and found a coworking spot with hourly day care in Berlin. It happened to be in the neighborhood where a friend lives.

I realized I could get a round-trip flight, an Airbnb, and two hours of day care per day for the cost of my monthly rent in Brooklyn.

Finding a subletter and packing my apartment were easy. By then, I understood that babies don't need nearly as much as we're led to believe. I stayed home long enough to get my daughter's six-month vaccines. Then, with two carry-on suitcases and a stroller, we left.

Better than I dreamed

After decades of thinking about moving abroad, it was simple. I booked an Airbnb with a crib, and I bought travel health insurance. I'm figuring out the rest as I go.

Berlin is livable in a way that feels intentional. Many parents are home for the first year, so places are designed for parents and kids. When we go on walks, it's all new to me, and that's good for my mental health, as is meeting and connecting with new people.

At home, I kept seeing what I can't do anymore; here, I see possibilities everywhere. And at night, it doesn't feel like I'm missing anything because I don't have anything to miss. I don't feel lonely; I feel more in tune with my daughter.

A week after arriving, the September teaching job was canceled due to budget cuts. I was disappointed, but soon saw this as an opportunity: I'm here, I like it, and now I can stay. I applied for a visa and planned trips to Denmark, Finland, and Spain, just to make sure Berlin really is where I want to live.

Maybe we're here for a year, maybe longer. For now, I'm just enjoying being in a new place and being here with her.

• I had my first child at 31 and my fourth — and final — child at 40.
• There were a few things I didn't expect about having a kid again, almost 10 years later.
• Pregnancy and delivery were surprisingly easy, but my friendships have suffered.

I always knew I wanted a big family, but I wasn't in a rush to get started. When I got married in my mid-20s, after a prolonged time in school earning two graduate degrees, I wasn't quite ready to have children. I wanted to become more established in my career, pay down student loans, and travel before kids entered the picture.

Then, at 31, I had my first child, followed quickly by two more. I loved being a mother. Yet, even with three children who were my moon and stars, I didn't feel as though my family was complete. It took my husband a few years to get on board, but we eventually agreed to grow our family by one more, and I had my last son just before turning 40.

I wouldn't change a thing, but I didn't fully consider the implications of having a child at almost 40.

Pregnancy and delivery went smoothly

When I had my son, I was ecstatic that my much-wanted fourth and final child had arrived. I drank in his newborn scent. Even though I was older, I found late-night wake-ups and cluster feeding easier and less intrusive than I had with my older kids. Having waited so long for my son and knowing he was my last made every moment with my baby seem just a little sweeter.

Although I was considered a "geriatric mother," my pregnancy and delivery had gone smoothly. Even as a 40-year-old mom, I didn't feel my age, even though there was nearly a decade between becoming pregnant with my first child and giving birth to my fourth.

My friendships suffered

I knew, logically, that being an older mom would have its challenges. However, I didn't fully understand the implications, and they didn't become apparent until my son was a little older. By the time I had my last child, most of my friends had their days free outside of work. They were regularly getting together for coffee breaks, lunch dates, and dinners out. Although bringing a baby along was usually possible and often welcome, once he became a mobile, chatty toddler, I had to decline more invitations. My friendships suffered.

Even now, years after my son started school, I find it hard to relate to many of my friends' lives. While I am still in the thick of raising an elementary-school-aged child, they are no longer making school lunches, chauffeuring their kids to sports practice, and looking over homework every night.

While most of my friends still have children at home, their kids are largely self-sufficient, leaving them with the kind of free time I can only dream about. Last year, some friends planned a girls' trip, but I declined to go because it would be difficult to leave my son for so long. My friends understood but went anyway.

My son keeps me young, but I worry constantly about not being around for him

I love that having a child in elementary school keeps me active and engaged. We still go ice skating together, and unlike my teenagers, my youngest actually wants to tell me about his day and snuggle on the sofa.

However, I worry constantly about not being around long enough for my son as he grows up and starts his own family. I sometimes mourn the relationship I will never have with his children and feel sad that my grandchildren probably won't have grandparents around to spoil them.

My own parents were so supportive of me when I started my family and never hesitated to step in to help. They shower my kids with love.

Because of my age, it's unlikely I will be able to do the same for my children and grandchildren for very long, particularly for my youngest son. Although I knew a more limited time together was a reality when I decided to have a child at nearly 40, I feel the loss more acutely, seeing how quickly time is speeding by.

I still wouldn't change a thing

Although I keep being surprised by the implications of having a baby later in life, I don't regret a thing. With his late arrival, my son completed our family. He brings my entire family so much joy, and it's hard to imagine life without him. There are also advantages to having a child later in life. We are more financially stable, I have more perspective on what truly matters, and he keeps me young at heart. All of this helps me enjoy motherhood a little more than I did with my older kids, who were born when I was younger.

One of the biggest days in motorsports has arrived in Indianapolis. We've compiled everything you need to know about how to watch the Indy 500, including live streaming options for those without cable.

If you don't want to read any further, you can live stream the race through US services like DirecTV, Fubo, and Sling TV, among others. Below, we'll break down all the details on the streaming apps and other info on the Indy 500.

*Local channel availability varies by region on Sling TV.

What channel is the Indy 500 on?

The Indy 500 will air on FOX in the United States. Pre-race coverage will begin on the network starting at 10 a.m. ET, and the green flag is at 12:45 p.m. ET.

How to watch the Indy 500 in the US

There are a few simple ways to live stream FOX in the US, including FOX One, the network's direct streaming counterpart. You can sign up for FOX One directly through the service's website or as a Prime Video add-on. FOX is also available through some of the best live TV streaming services we've tested. These include DirecTV, Fubo, and Sling TV.

FOX can be found in all of DirecTV's signature plans, along with several of the cheaper genre packs. MySports carries 20 channels and unlocks access to ESPN Unlimited. Subscriptions cost $65 a month, but new users can get $15 a month off their first two months after a five-day free trial. MyNews carries around 10 channels and costs $40 a month, but new customers can get $5 a month off their first two months after a five-day free trial.

Fubo also carries FOX in its Sports + News, Pro, and Elite plans. Subscriptions start at $56 a month for Sports + News, but new users can get $10 off their first month after a five-day free trial.

FOX is also available in Sling TV packages, including Sling Select and Sling Blue. However, Sling's local channel coverage varies by market, so check what's available in your ZIP code before signing up. Sling Select subscriptions cost $25 a month with local channels, and Sling Blue subscriptions cost $51 a month with local channels.

How to watch the Indy 500 from anywhere

Fans traveling away from home this weekend can still keep up with their usual watch options with a VPN. VPNs, or virtual private networks, are handy tech tools that let people temporarily change their device's virtual location. This way, their favorite websites and apps work as they would back home, so your viewing doesn't need to be interrupted just because you're on vacation. They're also strong ways to boost online security. The services we've recommended require US methods of payment, so this option will work best for Americans who are simply traveling abroad at the moment.

NordVPN finishes first in our guide to the best VPNs. It's a user-friendly service (even if you're new to VPNs) and has a 30-day money-back guarantee if you find that it's not what you're looking for.

Where does the Indy 500 take place?

The Indy 500 is held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway located in Speedway, Indiana.

What is favored to win the Indy 500?

Reigning champion Alex Palou is the current favorite to win the race. On DraftKings (at the time of writing), Palou is the +260 favorite to win.

How long is the Indy 500?

If the name didn't already give it away, the Indy 500 is 500 miles long. It typically takes about three hours to complete the race.

Note: VPN use is illegal in certain countries, and using VPNs to access region-locked streaming content may constitute a breach of the terms of use for some services. Business Insider does not endorse or condone the illegal use of VPNs.

• I'm a Costco executive member and regularly shop there to make weeknight family dinners easier.
• I rely on a variety of Costco's refrigerated and frozen prepared foods.
• Some favorites include Taylor Farms salad kits and Kirkland Signature blackened salmon and meatloaf.

As a busy parent, I find weeknight meals often feel like a chore. I'm always looking for ways to make meal planning easier.

I've tried meal kits, but they usually take more time to put together than I'd like. I've also experimented with doing most of my prep on the weekends, from cutting up ingredients to planning our menu, but with sports, household chores, and the demands of daily life with two growing kids, it isn't sustainable.

The one thing that consistently works for my family is shopping at Costco for prepared foods, which I incorporate into weeknight dinners.

In my many years as an executive member at Costco, I've tried a lot of different dishes — but these are my family's favorites for quick meals.

Tasty Bite organic madras lentils are perfect for a Meatless Monday dinner.

These lentils are one of my favorite staples for quick meals, especially on sports nights when we have very little time to cook.

A box comes with eight pouches, and each heats up in 90 seconds. Two pouches are usually plenty for our family of four when poured over rice and served with a side of fruit, salad, or naan.

Crazy Cuizine lemon chicken cooks up perfectly in the air fryer.

At Costco, we've found three solid Crazy Cuizine items: orange chicken, lemon chicken, and beef with broccoli. You can't go wrong with any of them.

We especially enjoy the lemon chicken. The chicken crisps up perfectly in the air fryer, and the lemon sauce has a nice balance of sweet and sour flavors.

My kids love this served over rice and paired with edamame (which we also get at Costco).

I like adding Kirkland Signature blackened Atlantic salmon to salads.

I enjoy salmon, but having fresh seafood on hand isn't always an option. Kirkland Signature blackened Atlantic salmon is precooked and frozen, making it easy to reheat and prepare.

I love adding these fillets to big, fresh salads, especially in the summer months.

I prefer Mama Mancini's Italian-style sauce and jumbo beef meatballs to frozen ones.

Our pasta dinners usually involve ground beef and marinara sauce over noodles, which can get a bit boring.

I like to change things up with meatballs, but I don't always have time to make them from scratch. These jumbo meatballs from Mama Mancini's in the refrigerated section are delicious, and I prefer their texture and taste to frozen varieties.

I bulk up Taylor Farms' Southwest taco ranch chopped kit with beans and chicken.

I love entrée salads in the summer months, and Costco offers tons of salad-kit options to make prep easy. We recently tried the Southwest taco ranch kit from Taylor Farms, and it was a big hit with everyone.

I like to add black beans and protein (chicken strips or ground beef with taco seasoning) to make this salad more filling.

On busy nights, dinner is as easy as popping a Kirkland Signature meatloaf with mashed Yukon potatoes in the oven.

My kids love Costco's prepared meatloaf and mashed potatoes from the deli section.

Cook time takes about an hour, but it's as easy as covering the pan in foil and popping it in the oven. I usually serve this with a side of broccoli for a complete meal that takes minimal effort.

I love the versatility of Del Real carnitas.

I use these carnitas in pulled-pork sandwiches or tacos, but the protein is also tasty with just rice and beans.

We get two or three meals from each 40-ounce package of Del Real carintas, making it a great value. I usually set aside half for dinner and put the rest in the freezer for later.

Pasta Prima organic chicken and mozzarella ravioli make pasta night fun.

In our house, pasta night tends to feel repetitive, so I like mixing things up with ravioli or tortellini.

I like this Pasta Prima chicken-mozarella ravioli because it cooks up quickly and pairs well with marinara sauce. I serve it with a side of vegetables and garlic bread.

I add chickpeas to Sukhi's chicken tikka masala for an easy, protein-packed dinner.

Sukhi's chicken tikka masala is creamy and rich in flavor, and mild enough for my kids. I like to stir in a can of chickpeas for added protein.

I serve it over rice for a filling, one-bowl meal that's ready in minutes.

We love Rana's four-cheese chicken-carbonara lasagna.

Rana's chicken-carbonara lasagna is an unexpected change from typical beef versions — the lightness of the chicken balances out the creamy, cheesy texture.

I like to pair it with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a minimal-effort dinner.

I love Daphne's beef and lamb gyro slices for Greek-inspired street food at home.

We always have a bag of Daphne's gyro slices and a pack of Stonefire naan in our refrigerator. My kids love to make "Mediterranean tacos" (as we call them) with beef and lamb as the filling and naan as the taco shell.

I serve them with tzatziki sauce and a side of fries, similar to what I see at my favorite fast-food Greek spots.

Keep reading Costco Diaries to see what other shoppers have in their carts.

• Tyler Graham is a content creator who makes videos about DIY projects and lawn care.
• In 2025, he transformed his old tool shed into a man cave where he can enjoy whiskey and cigars.
• The space features a TV, a fireplace, walls made from whiskey barrels, and more.

It's often said that we come up with our best ideas in the shower.

Tyler Graham can vouch for that. The 34-year-old Nashville native is a content creator who makes videos about DIY projects, lawn care tips, and tool reviews.

He was in his bathroom, looking at his backyard tool shed from a window in his shower, when he had the idea to transform the space into the man cave of his dreams.

"My shed's always been a disaster," Graham told Business Insider. "I review lawn tools and then dump them in there. I couldn't even get inside."

So, he figured he'd turn the space into something more fun: a man cave that doubles as a cigar and whiskey lounge.

Over the course of three months, Graham completed one of his biggest DIY projects to date. His former storage spot is now unrecognizable.

Tyler Graham decided to renovate his tool shed in August 2025.

He originally considered using the space as a studio to make videos for his social-media channels, The Lawn Review. But the thought of a man cave was more enticing.

Graham shared the idea with his wife, who wasn't initially on board. Still, he "knew it had potential" — even if he'd never done a project to this scale.

His first step was to empty the shed of the tools and equipment he'd stockpiled over the years.

"I moved stuff I wanted to keep into the garage, and the things that I didn't want, I either gave to friends or donated to various organizations around Nashville," Graham said.

All the while, he documented his progress on TikTok and accumulated tens of thousands of views on each video.

Then it was time for demolition and construction.

Once everything was out of the shed, Graham said it took about a week to demolish the interior shelves, rip up the flooring, and clean up the space.

The project overall, which included installing new storage, adding appliances, making DIY walls, building the floor, and more, took about three months to complete.

"[The shed] already had electrical output, which was a godsend, but I learned how to rewire it, install lights and fans, and insulate the thing," he said.

Graham did the entire project on his own, only asking friends for help when he needed another pair of hands to lift something.

"I knew how to take things apart, but I didn't really know how to put them together," he said. "The shed was really built by ChatGPT and YouTube."

The final result was unrecognizable inside.

From the outside, the 12-foot-by-20-foot space looks more or less the same. Depending on the season, there are just some new decor pieces and plants outside.

Once inside its wide double doors, though, you wouldn't be able to tell that Graham's man cave was once a tool shed.

The space features a TV, fireplace, bar, and more.

Many of the materials and decor pieces — including the brick flooring and fireplace — were given to Graham as promotional items from brands.

So what could've been a $10,000 project only cost him about $3,000.

He spent around $1,500 on a cowhide couch from Facebook Marketplace and $1,500 on wood to make new cabinetry.

The walls and ceiling of the renovated shed are especially impressive.

"When anybody steps into [the shed], they're immediately drawn to the walls and ceiling, which are covered with whiskey barrels I deconstructed," Graham said.

He used barrel staves (the curved strips of wood used to craft the containers) to create a 3D woven effect, which adds warmth and texture to the space.

He received the materials from a distillery in Nashville that reached out to offer help when Graham first started posting about his project.

He replied: "I actually need a boatload of whiskey barrels." They sent around 20.

"It was a crazy experience because my neighbors were smelling whiskey a couple of houses down," he said. "I also love Tennessee and being from Tennessee, so there's a lot of character in pieces of the shed being derived from the state."

Now, Graham's man cave is the ideal space to have a cigar, enjoy some whiskey, or watch a Disney movie with his son.

The process wasn't always easy, which makes Graham even prouder of the work he completed.

"There were multiple times when I wanted to give up," he said. "It was a pretty stressful three months, because I didn't know how to do any of this stuff before. But it turned out way better than I thought it was going to."

Now, he uses the space to watch University of Tennessee football games, host friends, and relax when he gets some private time.

His son, though, might be the man cave's biggest fan.

"I've used [the shed] more as a Disney movie theater with my son than I have as a whiskey and cigar lounge," Graham said.

• I went on a three-day train trip with no WiFi, specifically designed to help people slow down.
• Unfortunately, it ended up being a comically terrible time for me to unplug.
• While I still had to check in with home whenever possible, I still don't see the trip as a failure.

I'm a Xennial working mom of school-aged twins, and I'm pretty much always online.

As a freelance journalist and travel writer, I carry my laptop with me literally everywhere — just in case I might squeeze in 15 minutes of work when I'm, say, waiting at the car wash. My phone is always in my hand for all kinds of reasons, most especially so I'm available to my kids in case of an emergency. I'm never really off duty. And yes, I'm also just plain tech-addled, like the rest of us.

So when I boarded Canyon Spirit — a luxury train journey through the American West built specifically around slowing down and embracing analog pleasures — I knew it would be a novelty for me.

There was no WiFi on board

The trip stretches across three days and was intentionally designed to encourage presence. There's no WiFi on board, entirely by design. The assignment is to unplug.

This was going to be a challenge for me under the best circumstances. I'm not someone naturally predisposed toward digital detoxes, but I was optimistic the setting would help.

Outside my train window, snowy mountain landscapes in Colorado slowly gave way to Utah's red rock canyons, with the Colorado River winding for hours alongside us. It was totally serene, with meals and drinks served right at our seats and domed glass railcars for panoramic vistas from every angle.

Unfortunately, it turned out to be an objectively terrible time for me to be unreachable.

It turned out to be a comically bad time to unplug

As it turned out, my husband and I were trying to negotiate an offer on a potential new home back in Los Angeles. We were trying to go back and forth with DocuSign contracts and nuanced discussions about contingencies on what might be the biggest purchase of our entire lives.

At the same time, we were also dealing with unrelated drama involving our current house — a mess that required keeping detailed communications logs for a potential future legal case.

Then, because there was apparently still a bit more room for maximum chaos, my son came down with a fever and vomiting back at home.

Suddenly, my husband wasn't just solo parenting while I was out of town — he was solo parenting a sick child (and doing all the unpleasant laundry that comes along with that) while trying to get the other child across town to school… and simultaneously juggling all the other circuslike logistics of this utterly chaotic week.

I felt awful about the timing of my trip, and threw on an extremely generous helping of guilt and worry for good measure.

Meanwhile, I was aboard a luxury train designed for leisurely observation and reflection.

So while others were stepping onto the open-air observation deck to admire dramatic scenery and breathe in fresh mountain air, I was frequently out there for a different purpose: holding my phone toward the sky and trying to get my T-Mobile satellite feature to work.

I suspect this wasn't exactly the intended use case for those spectacular observation decks, so unique to the purpose of this particular journey.

Though I didn't fully unplug, it was still a good trip

And still, after all this, I actually don't think the trip was a failure for me.

No, I absolutely did not return home from my trip transformed into a person who suddenly wants to disappear into the wilderness and live off the grid. That will never be me.

I also didn't fully unplug — and that's OK. It wasn't a contest, and it's simply not possible for some people. I checked in as much as I could, given the circumstances, and handled what I could remotely. When I had pockets of connectivity, I provided updates on my next expected WiFi patch.

And yes, I still worried. I still felt guilty about everything unfolding back at home. But being somewhere that removed some of my usual options changed the rhythm of my days in a few ways.

At many stages, I just accepted that connection was out of the realm of possibility, and I found myself sitting quietly and staring out the window longer than I normally would. I noticed all those dramatically changing colors in the landscape. I caught the resonant, intoxicating smell of pine in higher elevations. I exchanged perspectives with my fellow travelers over meals and drinks.

Maybe the lesson was just that there was value in being forced — however reluctantly — to loosen my grip for a little while.

And although I couldn't do much about the stress waiting for me back home, I got to carry it through red-rock canyons and snow-covered mountains instead of through another ordinary week of multitasking.

• I spent years living and traveling alone, but I was still nervous when I began solo van life.
• While on my solo trips, I've had strangers help me get my van out of mud and share meals with me.
• After two years of traveling, my adventures have reminded me of how kind people can be.

The first excursion in my newly purchased camper van — a one-night trip to a national forest a few hours from my home — was nothing short of a debacle.

The trip was meant to be a test run on solo van living before I fully took the plunge, and it certainly did test me.

My dispersed campsite was full of deceivingly deep mud, and my van got stuck in it. After unsuccessfully trying to get out, I asked the next site over for help.

They pushed and shoved without success and offered to drive me around to find someone with a truck who could tow me out.

Eventually, a group of retirees also offered to help, and I was soon in the passenger seat of a little red truck. We were about 15 yards from my van when the truck slid to a halt in the mud.

With the sun starting to fade between the pine trees, it was looking like we'd both be stuck for the night.

"Don't worry," he assured me as he headed back to his campsite. "My buddy has a bigger truck and is coming up tomorrow. He'll tow both of us out."

Around 1 a.m., I was woken up by a fist pounding on my door and a gruff voice yelling, "Sheriff's office!"

After some scolding for getting myself into the situation, the officer towed my van out and explained that someone had called 911 for a wellness check after they saw the red truck drive me back to my campsite and never return.

As I drove my newly liberated van back down the road, I passed the group who had first helped me: A bunch of strangers who had gone out of their way — including driving to get cell service to call 911 — to make sure I was safe.

I was embarrassed by just how many people I'd dragged into this fiasco, but also overwhelmed with gratitude. It was an important first lesson of van life: There are often people looking out for you.

Over the years, I've experienced even more kindness while traveling in my van

My escapade in that Utah forest was far from the last time I'd experience kindness from strangers on the road.

When I parked next to a family friend's vacation cabin on Washington Island, some curious neighbors wandered over to see my rig. The couple, who were my grandparents' age, explained they'd also had their own taste of van life.

"We love meeting other travelers," they told me, adding that if I needed anything to swing by their cabin a few houses down.

The couple became a sort of adopted set of grandparents over the next week, inviting me over for dinner and sending me home with leftovers, giving me a place to shower, and making sure my van was warm enough for the cool September nights.

The husband, a certified MacGyver type, showed me how to fix my sink after I admitted it had been out of service for about a month.

I've never been anything resembling an extrovert, but my "grandparents" reminded me of the sort of experience we miss out on when we retreat into ourselves rather than welcome in those around us.

Likewise, the only mechanic who could see me when my AC stopped working in the Joshua Tree desert pleasantly surprised me.

With nowhere to go while he worked on my van, we chatted about life, religion, and the difficulty of starting over. It was the kind of conversation most of us have with a close friend rather than a stranger.

When I told him that cars have been somewhat of a foreign language to me most of my life, he began explaining what he was doing, helping me get hands-on while pointing out things I could repair on my own in the future.

These kinds of human connections are one of my favorite things about travel

In a world where we're increasingly isolated and glued to our phones, van life has restored my faith in humanity.

Over the past two years, I've met so many strangers who have shown me that there are still great people out there willing to lend a hand if you're willing to open yourself up to new connections and experiences.

I'd dreamed of doing solo van life since I was a kid, often questioning whether I was capable enough to go on the adventure alone.

Although I'd spent years traveling solo internationally and living by myself, something about being on the road, especially in remote areas, with nothing more than my own wits to keep me company seemed like a different beast entirely. Imagined kidnappers and bad actors lurked in my head constantly.

It's still very important to follow safety protocols be vigilant while on the road since encountering those possible dangers (and others) isn't out of the question.

Two years later, though, I've learned that the world isn't as scary of a place as we often make it out to be. Yes, there are bad people out there, but my time on the road makes me believe the good ones far outnumber them.

• Some US military units may soon be able to test out ballistic ball caps, a Pentagon contractor said.
• The hats have the potential to increase protection for some troops, as well as law enforcement.
• Military units have expressed interest in testing the hats after a fatal attack last year.

Some US service members could soon get their hands on a new piece of protective equipment for testing. An evaluation group is looking at ballistic ball caps.

The hats, which look slightly thicker than regular ball caps, could soon be tested and evaluated by some Army and Marine Corps units, said Kevin Kelly, a Department of Defense contractor who works with the Pentagon's Sustainable Technology Evaluation and Demonstration Program.

Kelly's group tests and evaluates the performance of commercially available off-the-shelf equipment before the military or federal agencies decide to purchase it at scale.

The hats were on display this week during the annual SOF Week conference in Tampa, Florida, a major gathering of special operations service members and defense industry representatives.

Some of the other items on display that Kelly's team is looking at possibly having service members test included suppressors to reduce heat signatures and biometric devices to prevent swim deaths.

Manufactured by R-12, the ballistic ball caps were created by a surgeon. They include patrol caps — known within the military as "covers" — that soldiers and Marines wear with their camouflage uniforms, as well as neutral-colored ball caps many special operations members are known to favor.

The protective caps could also be worn by law enforcement officers or by personnel in other parts of the federal government where workers could be exposed to harm, Kelly said.

According to R-12, the protective hat "will slow the energy of NIJ Level IIIA threats," a designation that applies to powerful ammunition fired from handguns, though it does not protect against ammunition fired from rifles, according to the National Institute of Justice.

The manufacturer said that in a shooting scenario, "the kinetic energy of the bullet may still damage the skull and/or cause bruising, bleeding, or swelling in the brain. However, those injuries are treatable and survivable with prompt surgical care."

National Guard units, including the West Virginia National Guard, have expressed particular interest in the gear, Kelly said, following the deadly shooting attack in Washington, DC, last November in which two service members from the West Virginia National Guard were attacked.

Spc. Sarah Beckstrom died from a gunshot wound to the back of the head. A second service member, Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, was also shot in the head and seriously wounded.

The ball caps weigh 11 ounces and cost $365 each, and they should be replaced every two years, according to R-12.

• I took Amtrak's California Zephyr train from Chicago to California in February 2026.
• At 53 hours, it's the longest train ride in the US. I booked a $2,200 bedroom for the journey.
• I want to ride the California Zephyr again, but I'll pack differently and board at a different stop.

When I exited the California Zephyr in Emeryville after a 53-hour journey from Chicago — the longest train ride in the US — I knew I'd be back.

I had the time of my life on the overnight Amtrak train in February 2026. I booked a bedroom, which is essentially a tiny hotel room, for $2,200. And I enjoyed it so much that I'm certain I'll take the California Zephyr again. But there are a few things I'll do differently next time to save money and make the most of my trip.

Next time, I'll pack lighter.

My two-night journey on the California Zephyr was part of a weeklong trip, so I had a backpack and a carry-on suitcase, which I kept with me in my 50-square-foot bedroom.

I brought some items exclusively for the train ride, including my ukulele. I imagined passing the time by learning songs and writing new ones, but with thin walls between guests, I decided against playing.

I also brought my own towel and shower toiletries, but my bedroom provided both.

Next time, I'll leave all of these items at home.

I'll bring binoculars.

From the Rockies to the Sierra Nevada mountains, the California Zephyr is the most scenic Amtrak journey I've ever been on.

The rails go through the wilderness across the diverse landscapes of the American West. The best place to catch the views is undoubtedly the observation car, a communal lounge car with two rows of wide windows on each side.

As I stared out the windows in awe, I longed for a closer look. With binoculars, I might have spotted more wildlife or noticed more textural details in the trees, rocks, rivers, and canyons.

I'll go during a different time of year.

Since I've seen the full route in winter, next time I want to visit during a different season for a fresh view of the passing landscape. I'd love to see what it's like in September or October for peak fall foliage.

I'll try different menu items.

Amtrak sleeping accommodation tickets include meals on board. Three days and two nights weren't enough time to try all the menu items in the dining car. And I was surprised by how good the dishes I ordered were, from the grilled chicken Caesar salad to the steak dinner and cheesecake dessert.

Next time, I want to get the breakfast quesadilla, the burger, and the grilled patty melt.

I'll skip the first 20-or-so hours.

I'm glad I experienced the full route of the California Zephyr. Still, I noticed that the views on the first day are the least dramatic of the trip as you travel west through the plains of Illinois and into Iowa and Nebraska. Once you hit Colorado on the morning of day two, you're flush with breathtaking views for most of the journey.

Getting on in Denver for a shorter trip would save me money without sacrificing the best views. When searching for future trip dates, in some cases, the trip from Denver was listed for half the price.

I'll bring a friend.

Another way to save money on my next California Zephyr journey would be to travel with a friend or family member. When booking my trip, I checked the price of the bedroom for two travelers, and it was only $300 more. So splitting the total cost would have saved me hundreds.

More importantly, though, I think having company would make the journey more fun.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed passing the time by reading, playing video games, and listening to music and podcasts. But for me, these hours might be better spent having conversations or playing cards with someone I love.

Before you head outside to enjoy the warm Memorial Day weather, don't forget to shop the season's best deals. That's right: more than just a long weekend, this holiday is a rare occasion to save on brands big and small from categories across the board. Keep reading to find all of the best Memorial Day sales I've rounded up.

Many folks associate this time of year with a seasonal change and warmer weather. Likewise, retailers are dropping prices on summer essentials, like outdoor essentials from Solo Stove and swimsuits we love from Andie. Even if you're staying inside, it's one of the best times of year to buy a mattress, especially with $400 off at Saatva or sitewide savings from Sleep Number.

Read on to find the highlights and a comprehensive list of our favorite brands and retailers holding sales this weekend. For more savings, check out our mattress, outdoor furniture, and Amazon Memorial Day sales roundups.

Yes, Prime Day might be coming along soon at an undisclosed point in June, but given that those details will be limited to just Amazon, and paying Prime members no less, we think the below broader sales and individual deal highlights are worth a look today, instead.

My favorite Memorial Day deals

When it comes to specific Memorial Day deals, there are hundreds, if not thousands, to choose from. Using my experience as a deals editor, I've rounded up five of my favorites. To make this list, items had to be both popular recommendations we've tested that our readers also love and have excellent seasonal discount prices.

Memorial Day sales roundup

Outdoor furniture

With cool summer nights and warm sunny days ahead, outdoor furniture is in high demand. The best brands aren't cheap, but for Memorial Day, you can save hundreds on our top picks just in time for nights around the fire pit.

• Check out our roundup of the best outdoor furniture deals from Wayfair.

Indoor furniture

Good furniture isn't usually cheap, so an event like Memorial Day is the perfect time to invest in pieces you'll love with sweet discounts. Premium brands and budget finds are all on sale now, so don't miss out on your next couch or standing desk upgrade.

Tech

"What kind of tech is on sale for Memorial Day?" you might be wondering. As someone who tracks deals every season, I can tell you it's the usual suspects, at their typical best prices. Apple devices, TVs, and subscription services are dropping prices for the holiday, just in time to snag a graduation gift or Father's Day treat.

Clothing

The seasons are changing — away go the winter coats, and out come the swimsuits, breathable tees, and shorts. Luckily, several of our top recommended apparel and travel brands are welcoming the warmer weather with major sales on styles we've tested and love.

Mattresses & bedding

Weekends like Memorial Day are the best times of year to buy a mattress. If you've been holding out, you can finally buy with peace of mind: tons of our top-tested beds are at their best prices of the season.

• Browse our roundup of the best Memorial Day mattress sales.

Home & kitchen

Ready to upgrade your beaten-up vacuum? Finally ready to accept an air fryer into your home? Check out these Memorial Day home and kitchen sales — everything is discounted, from stick vacuums to viral cookware.

Beauty

Beauty and makeup may not be your first thought when it comes to Memorial Day deals, but you'd be surprised how many brands celebrate the occasion with price cuts. Save now on haircare, skincare, makeup, and more from brands we've tested and recommend.

Memorial Day sales and deals: Frequently asked questions

When is Memorial Day 2026?

Memorial Day 2026 lands on Monday, May 25. For many, this means a blissful three-day weekend from work or school.

When do Memorial Day sales end?

It's difficult to say exactly when all sales will end. As a rule of thumb, I always advise shopping before Memorial Day itself, since few retailers promise to continue discounts beyond then.

A select few stores (mainly mattress and furniture brands) will continue their promotions through early this week, so late readers may still have luck scoring a price cut.

What about Amazon Prime Day?

Amazon announced its annual Prime Day will be returning in June, but has yet to specify exact dates.

If you're wondering whether it's worth waiting until then to shop, your instinct isn't entirely wrong. It's true: many items will be down to all-time lows for the event, marking huge savings on vacuums, Apple tech, beauty products, and more.

However, Amazon Prime Day is exclusive only to that single retailer. Because of that, you can't find smaller businesses, DTC mattress brands, or exclusive style companies on sale for the event. Memorial Day is still an excellent chance to save big from stores across the board, so I recommend jumping on these deals while you can.

See more: Memorial Day mattress deals | Amazon Memorial Day deals | Saatva Memorial Day | Sleep Number Memorial Day | Leesa Memorial Day | Wayfair Memorial Day

Follow our WhatsApp channel on mobile for more buying guides, deals, and reviews.

• This post originally appeared in the BI Today newsletter.
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A firefighter solved the most annoying part of grocery shopping. An entrepreneur found a smarter way to organize the construction of his new home. A dad figured out how to be in two places at once.

The common denominator: They vibe-coded solutions to their issues.

In our new "Vibe Code Your Life" series, we profile how non-techie people are using AI tools to solve their problems. They're chatting with AI bots like Claude or Lovable and instructing them to build apps and websites, often without writing a single line of code themselves.

Here's a look at how these three people made it happen — and stay tuned for more stories in this series.

Joe Poynton, a 44-year-old firefighter in the UK, grew frustrated by having to double back through grocery stores after forgetting items on his shopping list. Rather than accepting the frustration, he turned to AI tools to build an app that optimizes shopping routes based on how users move through a store.

Jonathan Butler, a 56-year-old entrepreneur in Brooklyn, is building a home in upstate New York. He expects it to take 18-24 months and will require blueprints, contracts, drawings, and photographs. Those all too easily get lost, so he vibe-coded a personalized document-sharing platform with his architect and contractor. It's not perfect, he says, and he's constantly refining it.

"It's like being in your wood shop making something," he said, adding he used to feel "so powerless" when he couldn't build his own websites. Now, he feels empowered.

Scott Kippler, a managing director at a hedge fund, had to juggle work while also getting his son from school and taking him to an after-school program. Instead of scouring Facebook groups for a part-time helper, he vibe-coded a solution. In a week, he created a preliminary model of Trot My Tot, a platform where parents can find short-term nannies for one-off gigs.

Are you vibe-coding? Tell me your story at srussolillo@insider.com. And be sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter, Vibe Mode, where we chronicle all things vibe-coding, the new AI builder economy, and its impact on the world, from careers to markets.

• McKinsey has built an AI-preparation tool for its interview candidates.
• The firm is offering applicants "unlimited" attempts at the quantitative case study.
• A McKinsey talent leader said it would help level the playing field for those who can't afford

McKinsey candidates can now practice their problem-solving for interviews with AI before they face the real thing.

In April, the global consulting firm launched an AI tool to help candidates prepare for interviews — and, ideally, keep them from feeling they need to pay for pricey consulting coaches.

The tool is available globally to those applying for entry-level positions at the firm — typically business analyst and associate roles, Marie Christine Padberg, McKinsey's global talent attraction co-leader, told Business Insider.

The AI practice tool gives applicants unlimited attempts at the quantitative case study they'll face in their interview, a hypothetical business scenario similar to work they might do as McKinsey consultants.

Padberg said the tool helps McKinsey "democratize" preparation by giving everybody the same starting point and access to the full range of preparation at no cost.

The firm receives about one million résumés annually and, in recent years, has given jobs to around 1% of applicants, a spokesperson previously told Business Insider.

McKinsey has long offered candidates preparation materials, including sample cases, video explainers, and guidance from current employees on what to expect.

In recent years, however, a cottage industry tailored to helping competitive young candidates land jobs at firms like McKinsey, Bain, and BCG has also grown alongside the official channels. Courses and preparation support can range from a few hundred dollars to over $2,000.

Padberg said the firm has had issues with services misdirecting candidates, most commonly by overpreparing them.

"We don't want over-prepared people. We want to really get to the depth of a person's skills and capabilities through a connection and a conversation, and we don't want over-rehearsed people," she said.

The problem-solving case

If offered an interview after initial screening, candidates will receive access to a preparation website, which helps ready them for both the personal interview and the problem-solving interview they face in the next stage.

Before April, they may have had only three or four practice cases. Now they have unlimited chances to drill the case questions and math.

Offering examples across 15 industries, the tool — which appears as a pop-up tab on the website — generates a new case-style question each time candidates use it. It starts with a brief client scenario and the figures needed to answer the question. Candidates can type in their answer, then reveal the correct response and see the calculation steps.

In the first month, 10,000 people have used the AI assistant, said Padberg. McKinsey does not track how candidates use it, nor does it capture how good their answers are, she said.

The quantitative component is especially important, she said, because even in an AI-enabled workplace, consultants still need to understand how numbers connect and what they mean.

The tool also addresses a very human part of the interview process: nerves.

"It's an element that people often get quite nervous about because doing quantitative things is one thing, but doing it while somebody's watching you is something else," she said.

Recruiting for the AI future

Across professional services, firms are using AI to automate some of the more tedious work that junior employees once handled, from research to first-draft analysis, while placing greater emphasis on judgment, communication, and the ability to work with AI tools.

KPMG has said it wants junior consultants increasingly managing AI agents rather than doing all the grunt work themselves. Dan Diasio, EY's global consulting AI leader, recently told Business Insider that AI is making junior consultants more creative, turning them into "creators of new business models, creators of new opportunities for our clients, creators of maybe new products."

Whatever the outcome, it's clear that AI is making candidates nervous, said Padberg. Even strong candidates are asking more questions about what AI will mean for entry-level jobs.

McKinsey's pitch, she said, is increasingly about "career security" rather than job security — the idea that the firm's training, network, and problem-solving toolkit will remain valuable, even as the labor market changes.

What McKinsey wants, Padberg said, is someone who can do what AI cannot easily replicate: ask better questions, apply judgment, build trust, be curious, and adapt as the work changes.

The firm has also brought AI into other parts of recruiting. Last year, it introduced an interview component that asks candidates to use a publicly available generative-AI tool to work through hypothetical client problems, Padberg said.

McKinsey also uses an AI simulator to train interviewers and has begun piloting an AI interviewer as a first screen for some roles that serve the firm, including visual graphics and technology positions.

Padberg said the goal is to screen more people without being constrained by recruiter capacity, while giving recruiters more time to build relationships with candidates. But, she added, hiring decisions are not something McKisney would outsource to AI.

"At the end of the day, we hire humans; you join a human company," Padberg said. "We believe the in-person interview is absolutely crucial."

• Rob Mallernee, CEO of Eton Solutions, teaches a class on private wealth management.
• He gives students examples of the spending traps to avoid if they want to save and invest money.
• A $4 coffee habit is one habit to reconsider, Mallernee said.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Rob Mallernee, the CEO of Eton Solutions, who teaches a class in private wealth management at the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flager Business School. Business Insider has verified his employment. This piece has been edited for length and clarity.

I teach a wealth management class at the University of North Carolina, where I show students how being intentional about their spending can shape their finances long term.

The vast majority of people, especially those without financial training, underestimate how much they could save over a lifetime by avoiding these common spending traps.

Most people don't think about spending in such a systematic way — but the ultrawealthy do.

Buying a coffee every day is a bad financial habit

Let's say you go to Starbucks every morning and buy a $4 cup of coffee. Calculate what that costs if you do it every day from age 22 to 65, and how much less you'd have compared to buying a Keurig and making coffee at home each morning instead.

The difference in numbers will be an astonishing amount of money — thousands that you could otherwise invest and grow.

It's easy to make poor decisions when buying a car

A while back, I was looking at SUVs. At a Honda showroom, I took a picture of the sticker for one of their models, and later did the same at a Mercedes showroom. When I compared them, the features were almost identical, but the Honda cost about $50,000 while the Mercedes was $125,000.

That's not to say a Honda is a Mercedes, but both will likely get you where you need to go, while one is $75,000 cheaper.

Then, there's also the matter of how often you replace the car. It's worth running the numbers to compare the lifetime costs of buying a new car every eight years versus every three.

If you do the math, you'll see that over the course of a 45-year working life, you'll end up with enormously more money at the end if you hold onto your cars for longer.

Pay more attention to assets that aren't investments

Regularly buying a new car, which depreciates in value dramatically the moment you drive it off the lot, is probably not a financially wise decision. On the other hand, buying a vacation home in a popular area that's likely to appreciate over time is probably a smart move, especially if you rent it out to cover the costs.

It's important to be thoughtful about why you're making certain decisions, especially when it comes to assets that aren't investments.

Small choices, big consequences

Whether you're talking about a $4 cup of coffee or a $125,000 car, everybody has choices in terms of how they consume. The key is understanding the math behind those decisions.

Always ask yourself questions like: Is it really worth spending an extra $75,000 on a car, or is it just a short-term psychological benefit that won't make a big difference to your daily commute?

In many cases, you might find that you'd have been better off taking the extra $75,0000 and investing it in something that you can watch grow over time.

That's how the ultrawealthy tend to think about these things.

• Business Insider has been tracking 45 key products at Costco to see the impact of higher energy costs.
• The US and Israel's war with Iran earlier this year sent the oil market reeling.
• The change has been small so far, but comments from Walmart suggest the steadiness might not last.

US households have spent much of this year waiting for the other shoe to drop.

After the US and Israel's war with Iran sent the oil market reeling, starting in late February, it seemed that grocery bills would not be too far behind. Transportation costs have risen for many businesses, and some supplies, such as the fertilizer farmers need to grow produce, have been disrupted.

But while gas prices have slammed drivers' wallets in the last few months, the cost of many staples at Costco has hardly budged since January.

I've been visiting a warehouse in Wisconsin every few weeks this year to document the on-shelf prices of 45 commonly purchased items across several categories.

I chose the warehouse club because it's known for adding minimal markup to its goods. I'd expect any significant cost changes to be more evident there than at a retailer that cushions prices more.

The retailer also runs most of its own supply chain operations, so it doesn't have the same third-party transportation expenses. That puts a bigger spotlight on fuel costs.

Some up, some down, mostly flat so far

Of the 45 items, seven had price increases from January to May and five had price reductions. The overall change was effectively flat.

Costco did not respond to a request for comment on this story.

The most significant changes I saw were in coffee beans and beef, both of which are facing significant supply pressures that have relatively less to do with fuel prices.

The price of a two-pound bag of Starbucks coffee beans jumped from $16.80 in January to $19.99 in April, a 19% increase.

Meanwhile, the four-pound packs of organic ground beef that sold in March for $25.99 disappeared from the shelves of my local Costco, replaced in May with similar packs of conventional beef costing $24.99. That's not a price hike per se, but a notable value substitution.

Bacon also ticked up gradually from February to May, with each three-pound pack costing about $0.50 more a month, rising a total of $1.50.

Surprisingly, motor oil, which has made headlines over impending shortages, was in stock and consistently priced throughout my visits.

Fresh produce prices fluctuated a bit, with berries coming down in price as they came into season.

I've had trouble squaring what I was seeing in the numbers with what was happening in the oil market: From crude oil to jet fuel to diesel, companies around the globe have been paying top dollar to keep their businesses moving.

On top of that, everything feels more expensive now, thanks in part to the very real impact that gas prices alone have on household budgets, not to mention that flights and package shipments are costing more. Energy prices also drove an unsettling uptick in inflation measures, and US consumer sentiment has hit all-time lows.

The big question: Are these fuel prices temporary?

Then, on Thursday, Walmart said it had absorbed about $175 million in fuel costs rather than immediately passing them along to shoppers, but warned it would likely have to raise prices if things don't change.

That made everything make a lot more sense, since Costco and Walmart share a lot of DNA when it comes to their pricing approaches.

"We're confident this was the right approach to reinforce customer trust and support share gains over the long term," financial chief John David Rainey said on the company's earnings call.

Costco doesn't report its financials until Thursday, so we'll all have to wait and see what it has to say.

What's clear from the past week, however, is that some retailers may have been willing to take a temporary hit to keep shoppers happy, but they aren't likely to keep covering the high cost of fuel indefinitely.

Wherever things go from here, I'll continue keeping a close eye on how it all plays out on the shelf.

Have a tip? Contact this reporter via email at dreuter@businessinsider.com or text/call/Signal at 646-768-4750. Use a personal email address, a nonwork WiFi network, and a nonwork device; here's our guide to sharing information securely.

• SpaceX is going public in what's expected to be the largest IPO ever.
• Index investors may gain exposure, but the timing and weight depend on each index's rules.
• Ahead of the historic IPO, many indexes have changed or are considering changing inclusion rules.

SpaceX is going public in what's set to be the largest IPO ever, with a valuation of up to $2 trillion and up to $75 billion raised in the offering.

That valuation would catapult SpaceX to a spot among the world's most valuable companies. For investors who want to own the stock—and even for those who do not—the offering is an important event to watch.

"The biggest IPO in history is about to land in passive portfolios faster than anything comparable has before," Jacob Friedman, an investment manager at Focused Wealth Management, said.

SpaceX's mega valuation and its "float problem"

The key factor in understanding SpaceX's impact on major indexes is the IPO's sheer scale. The company is reportedly targeting a $50 billion to $75 billion capital raise in its public debut which would bring SpaceX's valuation to 1.75 trillion to $2 trillion.

The second critical component is float or the number of shares available for public trading.

Several indexes use a float adjusted market weight rather than considering all outstanding shares which would include insider and early investors that are subject to lock-up restrictions.

"Companies with a larger public float are generally more stable and liquid, as their shares are widely available for buying and selling," Peak Frameworks explained, adding, "In contrast, companies with a smaller float may experience greater price volatility."

Friedman said that SpaceX has a float problem. "SpaceX's low float is the biggest variable for index investors." Considering the details recently reported, the company would have a public float of 2.86% if it raises $50 billion at a $1.75 trillion valuation and 3.75% to raise $75 billion at a $2 trillion valuation. The float could increase as insiders and early investors sell shares in the market, but there will likely still be a relatively small amount of stock available to trade.

In comparison, most US large cap companies float 80% or more of their shares. Within Big Tech, Microsoft floats approximately 99.97% of total shares, while Nvidia floats roughly 95.8%.

Some indexes use float market weighting to better reflect the tradable market by not considering locked-up shares.

"Float, methodology, and timing differences between the major indices mean two investors holding what they think are similar funds will end up with very different SpaceX exposure," the investing pro noted.

Whether you're clamoring for exposure or want to steer clear, here's when SpaceX stock could show up in major indexes and some of the popular ETFs that track them.

CRSP Total Market (VTI) and CRSP Growth (VUG)

The CRSP Total Market index tracks nearly 100% of the investible US equity market across market capitalizations and exchanges.

The CRSP Large Cap Growth index tracks the performance of US growth stocks across exchanges, covers the top 85% of cumulative capitalization of the total market index.

The two indexes are measured by the Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF, trading under the ticker VTI, and the Vanguard Growth ETF, trading under the ticker VUG.

Recent rule changes: CRSP changed its methodology in late April to make its previous public float minimum more nuanced, considering alternative liquidity screening measures. This change made SpaceX eligible.

When: The CRSP indexes are expected to be the first to include SpaceX after its IPO due to its fast-track rule which allows eligible IPOs to be added after five days of trading. SpaceX could be included in the total market index within a week of going public.

Weight: SpaceX is projected to have 0.07% to 0.11% weight on the CRSP Total Market index and 0.17% to 0.26% weight in the CRSP Large Cap Growth index. The stock's weight on the overall index is limited by its low float since the index weight is float-adjusted.

Nasdaq 100 (QQQ)

The Nasdaq 100 tracks 100 of the largest Nasdaq-listed non-financial companies.

The index serves as a benchmark for ETFs like the Invesco QQQ Trust, trading under the ticker QQQ.

Recent rule changes: The Nasdaq 100 finalized rules changes to create a new "fast entry" to index inclusion for mega IPOs that took effect May 1. Reports citing sources familiar with the matter said that SpaceX has been reaching to index providers to allow quicker entry into major stock indexes.

When: The fast entry rule allows newly public companies can join the Nasdaq 100 in 15 trading day, compared to waiting as much as a year to be considered to index inclusion before the rule change.

Weight: SpaceX is expected to have a 0.47% - 0.70% weighting on the Nasdaq 100. The Nasdaq 100 isn't float adjusted.

Russell 1000 (IWB) and Russell 1000 Growth (IWF)

The Russell 1000 tracks the largest 1,000 stocks in the Russell 3000 Index, while the Russell 1000 Growth provides targeted exposure to growth stocks.

The IWB and IWF ETFs follow each index, respectively.

Potential rule changes: The Russell 1000 recently conducted consultations for proposed rule changes to its IPO inclusion framework, focused on faster index inclusion and limited initial free float worries.

When: SpaceX is expected to join the Russell 1000 in September, but it could be earlier depending on how the potential rule-change consultation plays out. SPCX projected to be added to the Russell 1000 Growth index in the December review.

Weight: SpaceX is expected to have a 0.08% to 0.12% weight in the Russell 1000 as current rules stand and a 0.16% to 0.24% weight in the Russell 1000 Growth index.

S&P 500 (SPY)

The S&P 500 follows the top 500 companies trading in the US, while the S&P 500 Growth index follows the growth companies within the larger index.

ETFs like SPY, VOO, and IVV track the S&P 500. SPYG, VOOG, and IVW are some of the most popular ETFs tracking the broad index.

Potential rule changes: The S&P 500's index inclusion rules are under formal review as of April 30 considering whether mega IPOs like SpaceX warrant a rule changes.

Current rules require one year of public trading along with four straight quarters of positive GAAP earnings, and a minimum market cap of $22.7 billion. The proposed changes would cut the required trading period in half and waive the four quarters of positive earnings (a major hurdle for SpaceX's inclusion).

The review runs until May 28 and a new rule proposal is set to take effect June 8, ahead of SpaceX's expected IPO.

When: If the new rule is enacted, SpaceX would join the index in March 2027 or mid 2027 if the rule doesn't change the timeline.

Weight: The SpaceX weighting could sit at a 0.08% to 0.12% if the rule is enacted and it enters the index six months after going public.

Peak Frameworks reports noted, "One caveat is that the calculation uses at-IPO inputs, but actual S&P 500 inclusion happens at least six months after the IPO under the proposed rule, and longer under the existing rule."

When this happens, some lock-up agreements may have expired, improving SpaceX's float and impacting its weighting since the S&P 500 is float adjusted.

• Bianca Chan and Charles Boddie had thriving careers and generous paychecks.
• They decided to quit and purchase a sailboat, travel, and enjoy hobbies — their 'first retirement.'
• Months later, they're happy with their decision and considering their next move.

'... Or we could just quit our jobs and do whatever we want.'

The first time it came up, it was more of a joke than anything. We were sitting together in the living room of our downtown Seattle apartment in April 2025, watching boat traffic on Lake Union, when Charlie suggested it.

We were looking for options. Bianca was in the US on a work visa, and for weeks our worried families in Canada had been sending us news stories of US visa holders and tourists getting arrested at border crossings and enduring weekslong detentions.

At first we casually shrugged it off, but as the news stories kept coming, we became less certain. Ultimately, our immigration lawyers advised Bianca not to leave the country for the foreseeable future.

We took their advice in stride and continued to plug away at our jobs.

We were making the most of Seattle's tech boom, but wanted something else

Bianca was a senior finance reporter at Business Insider. What had once been a specialized beat — how Wall Street's biggest firms use and invest in technology — had exploded in popularity as AI became one of the hottest topics in the economy.

Charlie was a software engineer within Amazon's payments organization. He had joined as a new college hire, but eight years later was on his way to becoming a principal engineer. He was then leading multiple engineering teams responsible for most of Amazon's buy-now, pay-later businesses in the US and Canada.

Not surprisingly, succeeding in our corporate jobs required an intense commitment, and we always felt it came at the cost of other pursuits, like artistic hobbies and longer, more immersive trips to see the world. We'd discussed finding work that would allow for more flexibility in our schedule and lifestyle, but had always chosen new work opportunities, which often came with generous paychecks and bonuses.

By early April, we felt we had to choose between staying in the US indefinitely or ignoring our lawyers and taking a risk at the border each time we re-entered. Facing that decision prompted us to think about our lives in a much bigger way, and eventually we began to consider leaving the US entirely.

We decided to buy a sailboat and travel

We'd moved to Seattle in 2017. Like many recently minted Seattleites and many of our friends, the Emerald City drew us in because of the surplus of tech jobs. Meaningful yearly raises and an ever-rising Amazon share price made saving easy — while still taking yearly trips to Europe, buying NHL hockey tickets on a whim, and staying up-to-date with Seattle's growing restaurant scene.

That's why, at first, we laughed off the idea of leaving those jobs. But as we imagined more and more glimpses of a life temporarily unemployed, the idea began to take root in our minds.

Since convincing Bianca to take a beginner's sailing course together a few years prior, Charlie had been moving deeper into the world of sailing on his own. What started as a way to be outside during the pandemic was turning into something more; by 2024, Charlie was flying down to San Francisco a few times a year to take advanced sailing clinics and had connected with a boat broker. As we considered buying one, we searched for ways to extend the limited time we could spend on a boat each year. Taking a break from work could solve this.

There were other factors: We had more tentative travel plans than vacation days remaining, including three weddings that we didn't want to miss. Something would have to give.

After about a month, the conversations went from What we should do? to How we should do it? A few weeks later, in May, we quit our jobs and entered our "first retirement" at age 30.

Sorting out the financial tradeoffs was key to making the decision

We've always been very financially conservative and knew we wanted to be debt-free during "retirement," so we took a hard look at our finances first.

The budget accounted for known costs like our everyday living expenses and travel. We then worked-in unpredictable costs like the surprise maintenance items that every boat owner learns to fear. The final piece was ensuring we'd have enough money left over for our life post-retirement.

After verifying our estimates were reasonable, we ran the numbers and saw (with relief) that it could work — but we would have to make some meaningful lifestyle changes.

We sold our Seattle condo rather than rent it at a loss, despite a tough housing market. To keep costs down, we decided we'd stay with family when we weren't traveling or on the boat, knowing it would be a temporary but necessary tradeoff.

We worried about the long-term impact to our careers

Beyond the financial considerations we had to sort out, we examined the risks and sacrifices. In today's market, what would be the consequence of having a blank time period on our résumés? And what would returning to work in our respective fields even look like with the rise of AI and AI-related layoffs?

We began to prepare for workplace conversations with our teams and managers. Key to us was leaving on good terms. We gave the appropriate amount of notice (three and four weeks, respectively) and made sure to set up meetings with coworkers we liked and respected, including those who'd moved on from our direct teams. Colleagues expressed jealousy, managers told us we were brave, and Bianca's industry sources were so interested they gave her their personal cell numbers to send photos from the boat.

In addition to prepping for difficult conversations at work, we also discussed the fun stuff. We drilled down into what we hoped to accomplish from time off and why it spoke to us. Fleshing out this side deeply was important for us to ensure we were leaving for the right reasons.

Though there are sacrifices, this 'first retirement' feels like one of the best decisions of our lives

Twelve months in, some of these goals have started to come to fruition.

With our dog, we've cruised over 1,000 miles along the Pacific Northwest coastline in our 42-foot sailboat, Windsong. We've traveled to places we've always wanted to go (to see Tokyo in springtime bloom and eat a delicious bowl of noodles streetside in Ho Chi Minh) and have discovered new ways to see the world (scuba diving in French Polynesia and getting scuba certified in Mexico).

We've also taken some spontaneous trips — cruising in the Bahamas, climbing Utah's iconic red rocks, wandering Istanbul's steep and winding streets — thanks to our newfound sense of being able to say, Why not?

Back at home, we've spent more time with our immediate families than we have in years. Bianca has learned to play her first instrument, bass guitar, and we get to jam for hours on end. Charlie is slowly becoming an amateur electrician, mechanic, and plumber, thanks to necessary repairs that have popped up on the boat.

Beyond these concrete pursuits, there have been lifestyle benefits. We're less stressed and better rested, which has had some mental-health benefits. Being more active has quieted nagging injuries.

Some of these outcomes were expected, some unexpected, but we think they only materialized because we gave them the space to flourish.

So, what's next?

This first retirement began as a break, but we want it to be more than that. We're now seriously considering how to incorporate some of our lifestyle changes into our working life.

We're increasingly open to pivoting careers entirely — trying our hand at freelance work or small business ownership. We hope to be working in some capacity by the new year and have started meandering through businesses for sale on the West Coast. We know we may fail and need to try and go back to a corporate gig, and are aware of the downturn the labor market has taken.

That said, up to this point we haven't allowed ourselves to think too seriously about what kind of work we want to do on the back end of this year. What would be the point to step away from the restraints of current-work, only to worry about challenges of securing future-work?

Got a career story to share? Contact this editor, Debbie Strong, at dstrong@businessinsider.com.

Scott Klipper needed to be in two places at once.

The 39-year-old father had to pick up his son from school and take him to an after-school program, but he and his wife were both stuck at work. He scanned local Facebook groups for a part-time babysitter but couldn't find anyone willing to do a half-hour drop-off or an on-demand assignment.

"I just wanted someone to walk my kid a couple of blocks," Klipper said. "I would see all these parents posting in these Facebook groups saying, 'I need someone just to pick up my kid.'"

Then Klipper encountered Lovable.

Over the course of a week, he created a preliminary model of Trot My Tot, a platform where parents can find short-term nannies for one-off gigs. With parents' feedback and a little coding push at the very end, the platform went live.

Check out Klipper's app:

Trot My Tot helps families in New York City and the surrounding areas coordinate transportation and short-term care for their children through local caregivers, whom he calls "trotters." Many of the trotters are part-time nannies or college students who can accommodate a morning commitment.

Klipper, who said he is "more likely to break code" if asked by a colleague to fix it, is one of the many "vibe coders" who create apps and websites without actually writing code themselves. Using platforms like Lovable, Cursor, and Replit, these civilian coders have designed tools to make their lives easier, including tools to find groceries at the store or figure out what to feed their baby.

"If you're getting your hands on AI and understanding how it works or what's happening in the world, you're going to be benefiting yourself in the end, whether you're making a tool that's helping families or just helping yourself by making something easier in life," Klipper said.

Vibe coding for entrepreneurship

Klipper said he always had an entrepreneurial spirit. In middle school, he shoveled driveways in the neighborhood. After graduating from Northeastern University in 2010, he started a small sunglasses business. Now a managing director at a hedge fund, the father of two kept ideating on side projects.

Klipper began experimenting with different prompts last fall. His early logs show that he asked Lovable to make an app that mirrors the features of the dog-walking app Rover, like GPS tracking and detailed profiles, but for walking his child to a school program. Of course, he joked, children aren't dogs — he wanted the platform to feel safe and not overly transactional, centered on short-term care.

Lovable then spat out a few images of what the website may look like. From there, he built a user profile page, a booking system, and a prototype of a payment system. But he realized that vibe coding wasn't so simple. The pages weren't connected to each other, and many functions didn't work. It cost him between $25 and $50 per month in Lovable credits.

As he built it out, Klipper realized that while vibe coding got him to a "great prototype," he'd have to complete the final steps, which involved connecting Stripe to the website so trotters could receive their payment, himself. His knowledge of debugging and databases proved sufficient. He required trotters to enter their Social Security number and upload photos for verification. He did much of this work after midnight, he said.

Once he had the product finalized, Klipper blasted it out to parenting groups across Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and Hoboken in September. He also shared it in a WhatsApp group for all the first-grade parents in his son's class.

Klipper said he took care to personally vet everyone on the platform. Trotters are required to enter their Social Security number and photos, and can upload a driver's license, past experience, and CPR certification. Families can independently vet a trotter through a preliminary phone call or in-person meeting before deciding on one. Klipper said he is working on a verified trotter program with a more intensive background check.

"We're really a facilitator of introducing these parents to these trotters, similar to a dating site," Klipper said. In version 2.0, he hopes to "be stricter on who we want to add."

Today, there are over 600 users of the web-based application, with more parents than trotters. So far, 149 total trots have been completed. Klipper said he capped the amount a trotter can charge at $25 for now as the company continues to scale and more families join. He added a paid tier for $8 a month with unlimited messaging, while trotters can pay $4 a month to get profiled or highlighted with a search.

Users have enjoyed the simplicity of the experience, the low cost compared to finding a nanny on Facebook, and the convenience, he said.

"This isn't a money-making venture at this time," Klipper said. "Everything right now is a cost. It's a cost to pay for the vibe coding credits. It's a cost for database storage."

Klipper said he's expanded Trot My Tot to cover older people who need help grocery shopping or getting to a doctor's appointment.

On the side, Klipper said he vibe coded an app that scrapes the school menus off the Department of Education website and gamifies it for his children, allowing them to click on what's for breakfast and lunch. None of his three platforms is perfect, he said, though none would have been possible even a few years ago.

"Every conversation I would have in college was like, 'I have an idea for an app that should do this or do that,' and no one could actually do it unless they spent thousands of dollars to pay a programmer to create it," Klipper said. "This cuts that barrier down completely."

Too many app ideas, too few coding skills?

With the rise of so-called "vibe coding," AI tools have made it easy for non-technical people to become developers. Business Insider is speaking to those who are suddenly able to build their own solutions to some of life's problems, like finding a last-minute nanny or navigating the grocery store.

They told us how they came up with the idea, what platforms they used to make it happen, and how the process unfolded. Vibe coding is still new and isn't perfect. Some had to enlist last-mile help to bring their projects to life. Their journeys are an early look at how more and more non-techies are getting the power to build.

Read stories from the series here and bookmark this page for the latest additions.

• Networking is more important than ever, so Business Insider asked career coaches how to do it right.
• It requires being specific and consistent, both online and in person.
• It's easy to come across as too self-centered and to ask for the wrong types of favors.

You might be networking all wrong — and it could be more damaging than ever.

In the age of AI-generated applications and a tough market for many desk workers, making connections is key to landing a job.

Having solid professional relationships can help you do that. It's not always easy to know where to start. Several career coaches and etiquette pros shared some of their favorite tips with Business Insider.

Here are some dos and don'ts for building professional relationships:

Write something personalized

Too often, people post generic messages on LinkedIn that don't stand out.

"You can't go into it cold," said Jasmine Escalera, a career expert with MyPerfectResume, referring to networking. "That doesn't mean that you can't go into it making a cold connection, but you can't go into it just without a connection."

That connection doesn't always have to be strictly professional, Escalara said. You could, for example, find a common hobby. When it comes to online outreach, avoid copy-and-paste notes and write something personalized.

Madeline Mann, a career coach and CEO of Self Made Millennial, offered similar advice.

"If you're going to ask for 15 minutes of their time, be sure to show that you spent 15 minutes of yours," she said.

Generally, though, social media alone isn't enough. Brandon Dock, managing director of the recruitment firm TGC Search, said that face-to-face conversations remain the most effective approach.

"I have always been a fan of using social media and other online tools as part of your arsenal, but it is a grave mistake to think of it as the entirety of your networking strategy," said Dorie Clark, a communication coach who wrote the book "The Long Game."

Keep it professional

While it's great to bond over hobbies, it's crucial to maintain professionalism. At in-person events, that often means keeping drinking to a minimum, Escalera said.

On social media platforms you're using for outreach, she said to maintain a "professional tone" and "tight brand."

Gen Zers can sometimes struggle to balance between professionalism and friendliness, Escalera and Lisa Richey, the founder of the American Academy of Etiquette, said.

"The formality of a handshake — you can never go wrong," Richey said. "It shows leadership. It shows confidence."

Dress for the industry

Now that in-person schmoozing is back, dressing the part is crucial, but each industry requires a slightly different look.

"Dress the way someone would in that office or in the industry, with a step up," Mann said. She said that no matter your gender, a button-down top is a safe bet. Escalera advised keeping your outfit simple with a single standout accessory.

It's important to tailor your clothing to the industry. Mann said, for example, that a suit might look odd at a tech event, but it's perfectly normal among lawyers.

The same rules apply online, Richey said.

If you're on video, "you have to be aware of what's going on behind you, your hair," she said. "You have to be groomed. You have to dress the part, even if it's an online meeting."

Don't wait until you need something

People often only start networking when they need a job. That can be a mistake.

"Whenever there's an economic down cycle, and people start to get worried about their jobs, that is inevitably when networking accelerates," Clark said.

To avoid becoming just one among many asking for a favor, you should maintain relationships — even when you're secure in a job. Texting with closer connections can go a long way, Clark said. She advised reaching out when you're not looking for anything in return.

Keeping up relationships doesn't follow a cookie-cutter template. Mann said that connections can come from the unlikeliest of places, so it's important to chat about your interests frequently.

"Never underestimate who knows the person you want to know," she said — maybe your barber's cousin works at your dream company.

Avoid making it all about you

Experts said that too many people only highlight their experiences.

"Don't focus on knowing people. Focus on noticing people," Mann said. Both she and Escalera recommend preparing specific questions for people you find exciting.

"Having a good elevator pitch is really awesome, but what we don't want to do is make it all about you," Escalera said, which can make the process feel "robotic."

Go easy on the asks

Networking is necessarily transactional, but that transaction can be a delicate dance, the experts said.

"You have to be cognizant of power relations and power differentials in networking," Clark said, noting you can ask a friend for more favors than a distant connection.

"You need to be very targeted and strategic about your ask, and you can probably only get away with asking them one thing," she added.

Mann thinks about it as flipping the switch from asking to giving — instead of just trying to extract information, think about ways you can provide value in return. It might be something as simple as tips for a coming vacation.

No matter the conversation, showing gratitude is key.

"Do not forget to follow up with them the next day or within a few hours, thanking them," Mann said. "And do not forget within the coming weeks to say how you utilize their insights."

Do you have a story to share about your career? Contact this reporter at tparadis@businessinsider.com.

An earlier version of this story appeared on June 7, 2025.

• Business Insider has spoken with dozens of financially independent individuals.
• Saving more money doesn't necessarily mean cutting out every small pleasure.
• Their tips include knowing your numbers, setting spending boundaries, and focusing on 'the big 3' expenses.

If you're looking to save more, early retirees and financially independent individuals say the goal isn't necessarily to cut out every small pleasure. It's to be more intentional about where your money is going, and to make sure more of it stays with you.

Business Insider rounded up the top savings tips from people who have reached financial independence, retired early, or made major progress toward their big money goals.

Not every tactic is realistic for every household, but the common thread is to make saving intentional rather than accidental.

Know your numbers and avoid lifestyle creep

Regardless of your goal, keeping more of your income starts with knowing your numbers: what you earn, what you spend, and what you actually save. It's difficult to improve your savings rate if you don't know how much money is leaving your account each month.

A good place to start is by combing through credit-card statements and tracking where your dollars are going. First, make sure you're spending less than you earn. Then, calculate your savings rate. What categories are costing more than you expected? Where could you reasonably cut back?

And if you start earning more, don't automatically start spending more.

For New York City couple Alex Nathanson and Josette Chang, avoiding lifestyle creep was central to reaching financial independence. They chose not to upgrade to a larger apartment, even though they could afford to.

"Moving up would be just riding the hedonic treadmill," Nathanson said. "You get a bigger place now, and a few years later you'll want a bigger place again. We consciously decided to get off that treadmill."

Treat your savings like profit

Steve Antonioni, who has saved up "war chests" to fund mini-retirements, recommends thinking about your personal finances like a business.

"I think having the right attitude around savings is very, very important," he said, adding that "even the word 'saving' kind of messes you up from the first place."

People use different terms to describe corporate finances and personal finances. Businesses have "revenue" and "profit," whereas individuals have "income" and "savings." Antonioni finds it helpful to draw a direct comparison between the two.

"A business is trying to earn a profit, right? It's the exact same thing for you — your savings are your profit," he said. "You want to run your life in such a way that you're earning a profit, because that profit is yours. That goes directly to you."

One way to increase your personal "profit" is to make saving automatic before you have a chance to spend the money. That could mean setting up recurring transfers to a savings or brokerage account, increasing retirement contributions after a raise, or separating spending money from long-term savings.

Try a "no-spend month"

Michela Allocca, who quit her corporate job to create personal-finance content full time, prefers setting spending "boundaries" rather than strict rules.

Sometimes, those boundaries are about behavior rather than categories. For example, she avoids shopping on her phone and doesn't keep her credit card near her computer.

"That creates friction in the buying process," she said. If she really wants something, she has to get up, retrieve her card, and make a more intentional decision.

Another strategy she uses is a "no-spend month," in which she sets clear parameters for what she is and isn't allowed to spend on. During one no-spend month, for example, she chose not to buy clothes or beauty products.

"But I am letting myself go out to dinner once a week and spend money on my hobbies," she said. The idea is that setting guidelines for a defined period of time can make spending boundaries feel more manageable.

Slash the Big 3

To substantially increase your savings rate, take a close look at three major expenses: housing, transportation, and food. Often called "the big three," these categories are typically among the largest expenses most households face.

"If you learn how to master those big expenses, it will free up a ton of money so you don't have to stress about the small stuff," said Josh Lupo, who retired in his 30s with his wife, Ali.

The couple used a strategy known as "house hacking" to offset their housing costs. Other ways to lower the big three include sharing a car or using public transit, cooking meals at home, and living with roommates.

Focus on earning more

Cutting expenses can help widen the gap between what you earn and what you spend, but especially in a high-cost environment, increasing income can be another important lever.

When reflecting on the money moves she made in her 20s that helped her reach millionaire status by 30, Allocca said increasing her income was a major factor. After all, there's a limit to how much you can cut, while earning more can expand what's possible.

"The reason I've been able to hit these big numbers is because I increased my income outside my corporate job," she said. "It's not the sexiest thing — not everyone wants a side hustle or to start a business — but that's the big driver."

Still, higher earnings only help if you avoid inflating your lifestyle at the same pace.

"No matter how much you increase your income, you have to avoid lifestyle creep," Allocca said. "Otherwise, you're not actually going to make progress."

Private jet travel is more popular than ever.

In 2025, there were 3.9 million private jet flights — up 4% year over year, according to data from aviation intelligence firm WingX. It shows no signs of slowing, with flights up by more than 4% year-to-date.

The number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals worth more than $30 million also continues to grow. In 2024, that group spent nearly $30 billion on private jets and yachts, according to wealth intelligence firm Altrata.

That surge gives insight into how the uberrich are making and spending their money.

Jet usage has exploded in new financial centers.

"We see global wealth becoming increasingly mobile, with clients living across multiple cities and continents," Ian Moore, the chief commercial officer at private aviation company VistaJet, said in a statement.

The number of private jet flights between the Saudi cities of Jeddah and Riyadh increased 269% last year, according to real estate consultancy Knight Frank's annual wealth report that included data from private aviation company VistaJet. Travel between the Saudi capital and the port city reflects the country's transformation into a global wealth capital.

Private jet travel has also spiked on already popular routes, such as the one between New York and Nantucket, as the megawealthy increasingly split time between multiple homes.

A new high flyer

The new private jet passenger is ditching their own private plane in favor of chartering.

The proliferation of fractional ownership and membership models — think NetJets, Flexjet, and VistaJet — makes private aviation more accessible. It also makes it more private, a plus in the era of private-jet tracking.

"It's not just for people who have made it, it's for people who are making it," Matteo Atti, the CMO of VistaJet's parent company, Vista Global, told Business Insider.

While owning a private jet costs millions a year — that's for maintenance, the crew, fuel, and the like, not the plane itself — flying private through any means is still very expensive. Pricing can vary widely depending on the plane's size and where and when it's flying, but Flexjet's rates start at $6,500 per hour. (It's about triple that on the Gulfstream G700, Flexjet's most elite model.)

Of course, if you are dropping five or six figures on a flight, you often get more than the simple journey from point A to point B. The perks associated with flying private have only gotten more over-the-top. There are facials on board, catering from Nobu, and specialty menus for pets lucky enough to take the trip.

Business Insider has flown on private jets, spoken with executives at private aviation companies, and analyzed the private jets landing at events favored by billionaires, from the Masters tournament to the Allen & Co. Sun Valley Conference.

Read on for everything to know about flying private, from a look inside the most exclusive jets to an inside explanation of what people get wrong about the glamour of it all.

• New cars are expensive.
• Data from Cox Auto shows that only 20 vehicle models had an average transaction price under $30,000.
• We compiled a list of the ten lowest-priced cars (before dealer mark-ups and delivery fees) today.

Need a fresh set of wheels? Well, it's a tough time to buy an affordable car.

In April, the average list price for a new vehicle accelerated past $50,000, per CarGurus.

High prices are forcing Americans into some scary-looking finances, too. The average monthly payment has stayed well above $750, and the average loan term is inching toward seven years.

Meanwhile, the supply of lower-priced new cars is shrinking. Cox Automotive data shared with Business Insider shows the affordable end of the new-car market has narrowed over the past year.

In April, Cox counted 20 models with average transaction prices below $30,000, down from 27 last May. Four of those models had average MSRPs above $30,000, suggesting some vehicles are falling below the threshold only because of discounts. Six had incentives above the national average of 6.7%, another sign that deals are helping keep some models in affordable territory.

Still, the cheap, new car isn't fully extinct yet. A small group of new cars still starts below $25,000 — at least before mandatory destination fees, taxes, options, and dealer markups factor in.

Here are the 10 lowest-priced new cars on sale today.

Hyundai Venue: starting at $20,550

Hyundai's Venue is the lowest-priced new vehicle on sale in the US. The diminutive SUV starts at $20,550, and even the top SEL trim starts at $22,825 before destination.

Chevy Trax: starting at $21,700

Chevrolet's Trax got a facelift for the 2024 model year, while keeping a lower starting price than many rivals. The base LS trim starts at $21,700 before destination, while the 2RS and ACTIV trims start at $25,400.

Kia K4: starting at $22,290

Kia's K4 replaced the Forte as the brand's entry-level compact sedan for the 2025 model year. The K4 starts at $22,290 before destination, making it the lowest-priced new sedan on sale in the US.

Drivers can also opt for the hatchback version, which starts at $24,990 before destination.

Nissan Sentra: starting at $22,600

With the Versa gone, the Sentra is now Nissan's cheapest sedan. The redesigned 2026 Sentra starts at $22,600 before destination for the base S trim.

Shoppers may still find remaining 2025 Sentras on dealer lots, which could give buyers another lower-priced option depending on local inventory.

Hyundai Elantra: starting at $22,625

Hyundai's smallest sedan remains one of the few compact cars with a starting price below $25,000, even after the standard destination fee.

The Elantra lineup also includes hybrid and performance-oriented N models, though higher-end versions move far beyond budget-car territory. The Elantra N can easily push above $40,000.

Nissan Kicks: starting at $22,730

The Kicks (as in, sneakers) is Nissan's lowest-priced SUV, slotting below the larger Rogue. The base S trim starts below $25,000 before destination.

Still, options and higher trims — including all-wheel-drive models — can quickly push the Kicks' price above $30,000.

Toyota Corolla: starting at $23,125

Toyota's Corolla remains one of the most familiar names in the compact-car segment, and it still clears the sub-$25,000 bar. The base LE trim starts at $23,125 before destination.

The automaker also has a hatchback version with a starting price of $24,580, while hybrid models start at $24,975.

Chevy Trailblazer: starting at $23,300

Chevrolet's Trailblazer gives GM another lower-priced option alongside the Trax. The Trailblazer's stance is more upright, giving it a more standard SUV-ish look.

The base LS trim starts below $25,000 before destination, though all-wheel drive and higher trims quickly move pricing into $30,000 territory.

Kia Seltos: starting at $23,790

Kia ended production of the boxy Soul SUV at the end of 2025, effectively handing over the title for the brand's lowest-cost SUV to the Seltos.

Seltos is getting a major remodel in 2027, including modern exterior design updates, more interior room, and an optional hybrid powertrain. Pricing for the new model is expected to increase.

Volkswagen Jetta: starting at $23,995

The Jetta — which first reached American shores in 1979 — is Volkswagen's last sedan in the US. Its base S trim remains under $25,000 before destination, while the cushier SEL model starts just around $30,000. A sports-oriented GLI trim jumps past $33,000.

The second Grand Slam of the year has arrived on the clay courts of Roland Garros. We've scoured the global streaming options to highlight everything you need to know about where to watch the French Open, including free options.

In the US, coverage will be available across TNT and truTV and live streamable in full via HBO Max. TNT Sports coverage via HBO Max is also the go-to option in the UK, although most other European nations will need Eurosport to access live streams. One exception is the host nation, France, which will offer select content for free via France.TV (with some matches on Prime Video). Australia will carry the full tournament on Stan Sport, with select free coverage on 9Now. You can access streaming options from anywhere by using a VPN. Keep reading to learn additional worldwide viewing options and info about the tournament.

Where to watch the French Open for free

Certain countries will offer select free coverage of the French Open. In France, free streaming is available through France.TV. In Australia, free streaming options can be found on 9Now. Both services just require account creation if you don't already have one.

How to watch the French Open from anywhere

If you're away from the location where your streaming service works and still want to access your free streaming options, you can do so with a VPN. VPNs, or virtual private networks, are handy tools that let people temporarily change the digital location of their devices. They're especially popular among those looking to upgrade their cybersecurity or access their usual websites and apps while traveling abroad.

NordVPN is one of the best VPNs on the market. It's fast, easy to use, and offers an impressive selection of global servers. Plus, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so it's no sweat if you find that it's not helping you.

Where to watch the French Open in the US

The French Open is available across TNT and truTV in the US. The best way to live stream every moment of the Roland Garros action is through HBO Max. You'll need one of the ad-free tiers of service to access sports streaming. These plans start at $18.49 a month. You can also get HBO Max in some of the Disney Plus bundles.

If you'd prefer to watch on a service that carries other channels (in addition to TNT and truTV), then one of the best live TV streaming services will be able to help you out. After testing, DirecTV is our best overall pick right now, and you can catch TNT and truTV through one of the budget-friendly genre packs (in addition to all of the signature plans). DirecTV's MySports plan carries around 20 popular sports channels and unlocks access to ESPN Unlimited. MySports costs $65 a month, but new users can get $15 a month off their first two months after a five-day free trial.

Where to watch the French Open in the UK

TNT Sports will carry French Open coverage in the UK. Fans can live stream all coverage on HBO Max, the new home of TNT Sports. Subscriptions for TNT Sports access cost £31 a month, but you can usually find some monthly savings if you commit to a longer contract. If you were previously using Discovery Plus to live stream TNT Sports and haven't yet made the switch, you can log into HBO Max by using your Discovery credentials, and you should be all set to start watching.

Where to watch the French Open in France

France will offer extensive free French Open coverage for the host nation. Live streams will be available on France.TV, a free streaming option that just requires account creation to use. Select French Open coverage will be shown on Prime Video in France. While Prime Video is a paid option, the service usually offers a generous free trial for those who haven't had an account in quite some time or haven't had one at all.

Where to watch the French Open in Australia

Australians will be able to catch French Open action on 9Now and Stan Sport. 9Now is a free streaming option (you'll just need to create a login if you haven't already) with select coverage. If you want to watch every single match, you'll need a paid Stan Sport subscription. Stan costs $12 a month for the base plan, and then an extra $20 a month for the sports add-on. In total, this will run you $32 a month.

Where is the French Open?

The French Open is held at Stade Roland Garros in Paris. Court Philippe-Chatrier is where most of the biggest matches take place.

Who is playing in the first round?

The first round officially kicks off on Sunday, May 24. Tommy Paul, Novak Djokovic, Andrey Rublev, Alexander Zverev, Aryna Sabalenka, Jessica Pegula, Coco Gauff, Madison Keys, and Naomi Osaka are among the top players scheduled to compete on Sunday and Monday.

Note: VPN use is illegal in certain countries, and using VPNs to access region-locked streaming content may constitute a breach of the terms of use for some services. Business Insider does not endorse or condone the illegal use of VPNs.

• Lithuanian-founded resale platform Vinted recently reached a valuation of €8 billion ($9.3 billion).
• Through continuous expansion, the company is dominating the resale market across Europe.
• Vinted Marketplace CEO Adam Jay said the company believes it can recreate that success in the US.

Jamie-Lee Luckett first downloaded resale app Vinted in 2023, after wanting to make some extra cash to take her three children on a staycation in the UK.

Since then, she has made over £5,700 ($7,600) in sales on Vinted and regularly posts on Instagram and TikTok about the benefits of shopping secondhand and how to use the site to make money online.

"I got the bug and now regularly buy and sell," Luckett, who is 36 years old and works for an educational resource company, told Business Insider. "It's definitely where I get most sales," Luckett said. "It's quick to list and hugely popular, so often items sell quickly."

Luckett isn't alone. Millions of shoppers are turning to resale platforms to earn extra cash and hunt for bargains as secondhand shopping becomes increasingly mainstream.

The resale boom shows no signs of slowing — and Vinted is emerging as one of its biggest winners.

Made in Europe

Vinted is a secondhand fashion marketplace where users can buy and sell pre-owned clothing, shoes, and accessories. It also has its own shipping company, Vinted Go, and in-house payments platform.

The company saw sales grow 38% year-on-year to €1.1 billion ($1.3 billion) in 2025, though its profits dropped during that period as it poured money into its European expansion. Last month, it was valued at €8 billion ($9.3 billion) after completing a secondary share transaction of €880 million ($1 billion).

The company has been growing rapidly in Europe, outpacing its rivals, such as Vestiaire Collective and Depop, and expanding into new categories. It now wants to recreate that success in the US.

"We see a huge opportunity there to grow secondhand," Vinted Marketplace CEO Adam Jay said of its US expansion in a recent phone conversation.

"There's no player in the US that has managed to get to the size and scale and growth and impact on secondhand that Vinted has in Europe. There are some very worthy companies doing good things, but none of them have managed to get the level of breakthrough that Vinted has," he added.

The company has had limited traction in the US since its 2013 launch. Earlier this year, it "hard-launched" again — upping its marketing campaign in New York, improving its shipping proposition for American sellers, and connecting the UK and US marketplaces. It is hoping this time it can make it stick.

The US secondhand apparel market grew 13% in 2025 — almost four times faster than the broader retail clothing market according to the ThredUp 2026 resale report, which contains research and data from GlobalData. And it's expected to reach $78.8 billion by 2030, growing at an average annual rate of 7.3%.

'Try and try and try again'

Retail experts say Vinted's strategy to have zero seller fees has been a key part of its appeal and success.

This means sellers earn exactly what the item was listed for; the company earns money by charging buyers a small protection fee on every purchase.

This was one of the first steps Thomas Plantenga — who later became CEO of the whole business — took in 2016 to turn the company around.

Geographic expansion is another reason Vinted is beating its competitors in growth. It is currently available in 26 countries.

"What we have learned is you often have to try and try and try again," Jay said. "We're taking very much the same approach with the US. We know not everything will work, so we occasionally will pause, we'll adjust, and we'll go again."

Mass market over niche

Gen Z is widely seen as spearheading the recent resale boom, with young people making thousands of dollars from reselling apparel and becoming emblematic of the trend.

Depop, headquartered in Europe and especially popular among US Gen Z, presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Vinted's US expansion, Michael Gunther, senior vice president of Research and Market Intelligence at Consumer Edge, told Business Insider.

Compared to its competitor, Depop, Vinted has targeted a wider consumer base, going beyond a "scene for fashion-forward youth" and into the mass market, Blanca Zugaza Escribano, a fashion and luxury strategy consultant at Metyis, told Business Insider.

Their ability to attract groups outside the Gen Z shopper "suggests Vinted may be entering the US through the demographic side door rather than going head-to-head with Depop's Gen Z core," Gunther added.

US signals untapped potential

Still, cracking the US resale market will be a real challenge for Vinted, said Escribano. "Poshmark, ThredUp, and eBay are entrenched, and secondhand fashion hasn't normalized across demographics the way it has in Europe," she added.

For Vinted's management, this signals untapped potential. "The US is much, much, much less mature in terms of secondhand than the European markets," Vinted Marketplace CEO Jay said.

Vinted, which has long prioritized messaging around the value factor of resale shopping over sustainability, appears to be following the same approach in the US.

Analysts say that is a savvy approach. "Shoppers here [in the US] are more motivated by price and value. Looking at Gen Z in particular, even though they are well aware of the environmental impacts of overconsumption, it's also the key demographic for ultra-fast fashion brands such as Shein," Escribano said.

Jay said he hopes the fact that users can "keep every dollar they make" will win over American consumers.

"That's the biggest driver on the sell side, of course, it's that people want to make a bit of extra money," he added.

For Vinted seller Luckett, that extra bit of money has meant she can do more activities with her three children and help pay for vacations.

The first time everything changed this decade was on March 11, 2020, the day America's eyes were opened to COVID.

More than 4,000 people around the world had died before that date, but in the US, we were still ever so young and naive. It was a time when multiple media outlets were admonishing Andreessen Horowitz, not for extolling the virtues of "retardmaxxing" as the venture firm does these days, but for banning handshakes in its office to prevent the spread of the virus.

That all changed on Wednesday, March 11. That day, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, the Dow Jones officially entered a bear market, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson announced they had COVID, Donald Trump issued a travel ban on people traveling from Europe, and the NBA suspended its season after star center Rudy Gobert tested positive for the virus. I will never forget the queasy, giddy, horrifying shiver of realization I felt that evening — knowing that the world I knew had ended, and a new, unmooring and unmapped world had begun. March 11 was, as Wired later called it, "the moment that everything in American life changed — launching us into an uncertain future of unknown duration."

The second time I had that feeling was this past Wednesday. If the release of ChatGPT in November 2022 was akin to the first confirmed case of COVID in the US, in the full course of history, May 20, 2026, may be AI's "everything changed" moment.

It started with numbers so stupid big they seemed unreal. Chips giant Nvidia posted a record quarterly revenue of $81.6 billion, more than 26 times its revenue in the first quarter of 2020. The Wall Street Journal reported that Anthropic, which didn't even exist in 2020, was projecting its revenue to reach $10.9 billion next quarter, more than double the quarter before — a rate of growth faster than Zoom's in the pandemic.

Then there was the double whammy of OpenAI news. The Journal reported that the company, fresh off its legal victory against Elon Musk, is preparing to go public within weeks. While that broke, OpenAI said that one of its models had solved a famous geometry problem that had vexed mathematicians for 80 years. In the weepy announcement video, multiple OpenAI researchers and mathematicians look thunderstruck as they talk about losing sleep over the implications of what the bot had achieved.

The torrent continued that morning, when SpaceX filed to go public. Not only do its SEC filings reveal the path for Musk to become the world's first trillionaire, they also lay bare how much the rocket company aspires to be a world-dominating AI company. Anthropic is paying $15 billion a year to access SpaceX's cloud computing infrastructure, the S-1 shows. One widely shared, and questioned, slide shows that SpaceX thinks the total addressable market for its space business is paltry $370 billion, while the prospects for its AI business are $26.5 trillion — $6 trillion more than the GDP of China.

Amid these world-historic numbers going up and hubbub over the biggest IPO season in the history of money, Meta began to free up room for more investments in AI by laying off 8,000 employees. They joined thousands more recently laid off employees from Amazon, Atlassian, Block, Cloudflare, Coinbase, Intuit, LinkedIn, Oracle, Workday, and elsewhere who had been flung into a meat grinder of a job market.

Wednesday's Anthropic-OpenAI-Meta-SpaceX tsunami also comes immediately after waves of AI news this past week: a stadium full of undergraduates jeering former Google CEO Eric Schmidt every time he brought up AI; Google ruining the internet with its new AI search feature; and Citadel CEO Ken Griffin, who in January dismissed AI as "all garbage," admitting onstage that he felt "fairly depressed" after witnessing AI agents being able to perform "extraordinarily high skilled jobs" at his hedge fund. "You could see this is going to have such a dramatic impact on society," he said.

All of Wednesday's news broke by the time the sun had risen over Silicon Valley, all of it confirming — if there were any doubters left — that the sun had set on the old world, and we had been launched into another uncertain future for an unknown duration.

The COVID comparison is obviously porous. We do not have two weeks to stop the spread of AI, though the mental health of the country would improve if we agreed to a two-week ban on using the term "AI" in any public or private setting. AI is also both a virus and a vaccine, depending on how it's designed and deployed. But as another totalizing force remakes the world for the second time this decade, as some make ungodly fortunes and many others lose theirs, as bitter factions form, as we do not know the shape of things to come, we shouldn't forget the core lesson of COVID, that all of us are deeply, inextricably interdependent.

Zak Jason is the executive editor of Business Insider's Discourse team.

Updated May 24: I checked which Amazon Memorial Day deals BI readers are clicks and shopping most so far, including major discounts on travel gear, vacuums, kitchen appliances, air purifiers, and Apple devices. I verified prices when updating this guide, but Amazon deals can change or sell out quickly during Memorial Day weekend.

Memorial Day sales are everywhere right now, but most "deals" honestly aren't worth your time. The best deals tend to be on products people already planned to buy anyway: a better TV, an upgraded coffee maker, travel gear that makes flying less miserable, and the gadgets tech pros use every day.

To build this list, I looked at Business Insider readers' most-purchased products on Amazon over the past year, our top-tested recommendations, and what's been hot lately. A pattern emerged quickly. People aren't shopping for random gadgets right now; they're buying practical upgrades that make daily life easier, more comfortable, or slightly less chaotic.

The best Memorial Day tech deals

Tech is one of the few categories where shoppers wait for big sale weekends before buying. Memorial Day tends to bring some of the year's best prices on Apple gear, premium TVs, noise-canceling headphones, and home audio (and air quality) upgrades. Unlike impulse gadgets, these are the purchases people rarely regret buying.

Apple AirPods (4th Gen)

BUY NOW: Apple AirPods 4, $99 (was $129)

The AirPods 4 are the cheapest AirPods you can buy, but they still deliver the same comfortable fit, strong sound quality, and Apple-friendly features as the pricier models. They're a great pick for casual listeners who don't care about noise cancellation. 

Samsung S90F OLED 65-inch TV

BUY NOW: Samsung S90F OLED 65-inch TV, $1,298 (was $1,698)

At $400 off, the Samsung S90F OLED is one of the best TV deals to shop this Memorial Day. It delivers the rich contrast, vibrant colors, and immersive picture quality you'd expect from a much pricier premium TV, making movie nights, sports, and gaming look incredible. Tech editor Steven Cohen named it best overall in his guide to the best 65-inch TVs.

Anker Nano Power Bank (A1638)

BUY NOW: Anker Nano Power Bank (A1638), $46 (was $60)

This tiny Anker battery disappears into a tote bag or jacket pocket, charges surprisingly fast, and end up becoming one of those "how did I live without this?" purchases. Travelers love it. Commuters love it. BI Reviews tech writer Tyler Hayes loves it.

Coway Airmega air purifier AP-1512 HH(W)

BUY NOW: Coway Airmega air purifier, $160 (was $230)

The Coway Airmega air purifier earned top marks in our testing for quickly removing dust, pollen, pet dander, and other air pollutants. It's a smart Memorial Day buy, just in time for allergy season and summer wildfire smoke, and it's 30% off now.

Life360 tile Bluetooth tracker

BUY NOW: Life 360 tile Bluetooth tracker 4-pack, $50 (was $84)

This colorful Bluetooth tracker is the perfect find for anyone who is always losing their keys, bag, or other important items. Unlike Apple Air Tags, Life360 tiles are both fully iOs and Android compatible.

Samsung The Frame LS03F 4K QLED Smart TV

BUY NOW: Samsung The Frame LS03F 4K QLED Smart TV, $748 (was $998)

Samsung's Frame TV is designed to look like a piece of art on your wall thanks to its flush mount, matte screen, and magnetic frame bezels. Its image quality is mediocre, but its style makes it a great pick for design-focused buyers.

Oral-B iO Series 9 Smart Toothbrush

BUY NOW: Oral-B iO Series 9 Smart Toothbrush, $250 (was $330)

Dentists love Oral-B electric toothbrushes — and the iO series in particular — for its strong clinical backing on effectiveness in removing plaque and preventing gingivitis. The brand also bears the ADA seal of acceptance.

Apple Watch Series 11

BUY NOW: Apple Watch Series 11, $299 (was $399)

The Apple Watch Series 11 boasts improved battery life and 5G connectivity (on the cellular model). It's the most well-rounded smartwatch for iPhone users, offering polished fitness tools and seamless integration with your daily life.

Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar

BUY NOW: Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar, $899 (was $1,099)

The Sonos Arc Ultra carries over everything we loved about the original Arc soundbar while offering bigger bass, improved Dolby Atmos immersion, and cleaner dialogue. It's pricey, but few stand-alone soundbars can match its performance.

Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones

BUY NOW: Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones, $248 (was $400)

The WH-1000XM5 are one of Sony's top over-ear headphones. They boast excellent noise-canceling performance along with great audio quality and a truckload of convenient features.

Related: The 100 best deals at Amazon right now

The best Memorial Day kitchen deals

Kitchen upgrades are a category shoppers tend to save for major sale weekends, especially high-end cookware, countertop appliances, and wellness-minded swaps that can otherwise feel hard to justify at full price. Score deals on foodie-favorite brands like Breville, Vitamix, and Le Creuset, along with smarter alternatives to cheap, plastic-heavy kitchen staples.

Rubbermaid Brilliance 8-piece Pantry Food Storage Container Set

BUY NOW: Rubbermaid Brilliance 8-piece Pantry Food Storage Container Set, $27 (was $40)

With clear walls and an easy-to-store design, this set is lightweight and a breeze to keep clean. They're made with BPA-free plastic and are airtight, leak-proof, and dishwasher safe.

Le Creuset 5.5 qt. Dutch Oven

BUY NOW: Le Creuset 5.5 qt. Dutch Oven, $300 (was $335)

Le Creuset deals are always a good idea. If you're looking for a dependable Dutch oven that can handle any recipe for years to come, turn to the Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron 5-1/2-Quart Dutch Oven.

Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ by Breville with milk frother

BUY NOW: Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ by Breville with milk frother, $149 (was $200)

This Nespresso model pairs the brand's centrifugal brewing technology with a small countertop footprint and an elegant profile. Pair it with the bundled Aeroccino frother, and you have a coffeehouse setup at home.

John Boos Chop-N-Slice Series Square Wooden Maple Cutting Board

BUY NOW: John Boos Chop-N-Slice Series Square Wooden Maple Cutting Board, $33 (was $37)

Wooden cutting boards won't damage knives, and many, like this one from John Boos, are heirloom-worthy if you take care of them. This flat board is pretty enough to leave on the counter, and easy to maintain.

Chefman 4 QT Compact Air fryer

BUY NOW: Chefman 4 QT Compact Air fryer, $60 (was $100)

The Chefman 4-Quart Air Fryer is small but mighty, and the best small air fryer we've tested. It's ideal for cooking for 1-2 people and small spaces.

Our Place Always Pan 2.0

BUY NOW: Our Place Always Pan 2.0, $95 (was $135)

Our Place's Always Pan is a multi-functional pan that has earned spots in our best nonstick and best ceramic cookware guides. The nonstick coating is slick, and the tall sides are perfect for sauteing, steaming, and making one-pot meals.

Stanley All Day Julienne Soft Cooler Bag

BUY NOW: Stanley All Day Julienne Soft Cooler Bag, $75 (was $100)

The Stanley All Day Julienne Mini Cooler has a color-blocked design, so you can carry your lunch in style. It makes a great gift for college graduates starting out in the workforce.

Ninja Fit Compact Personal Blender

BUY NOW: Ninja Fit Compact Personal Blender, $55 (was $70)

The Ninja Fit is small but mighty and comes with two trusty 16-ounce sport bottles with spout lids, making it the perfect blender for smaller households and smoothie drinkers with limited counter space.

AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker

BUY NOW: AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker, $32 (was $40)

Coffee is a serious necessity for some, and the AeroPress is small, simple, portable, and easy-to-use way to brew a highly competitive, frothy cup of coffee somewhere between a French press and an espresso.

Chef'n LooseLeaf Kale, Chard, Collard Greens and Herb Stripper

BUY NOW: Chef'n LooseLeaf Kale, Chard, Collard Greens and Herb Stripper, $ (was $7)

If you eat a fair amount of kale in your house, you've probably spent an inordinate amount of time pulling those dark crinkly leaves off of their thick stubborn stalks. A better way to do it? Just thread the stalk of a kale, chard, or collard green leaf into one of the holes of this greens stripper and then give it a solid pull. The stalk will come through the hole while the leafy goodness you want falls away completely.

Related: The best Memorial Day mattress sales: Saatva, Tempur-Pedic, and more

The best Memorial Day travel & style deals

Summer travel season is kicking off, which means Memorial Day is one of the best opportunities to save on the upgrades that make trips smoother, lighter, and far less stressful. From durable carry-ons and comfortable airport outfits to neck pillows and other genius hacks, these are the travel essentials BI Reviews frequent flyers say are genuinely worth packing.

Coop AirJustable Travel Neck Pillow

BUY NOW: Coop AirJustable Travel Neck Pillow, $44 (was $59)

Coop makes some of our favorite bed pillows, so it's no surprise the brand's travel pillow is equally well-designed. Its inflatable design can be worn six different ways, so you get a truly dialed-in fit no matter what seat you're in.

Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-On

BUY NOW: Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-On, $140 (was $220)

Durable and lightweight, this streamlined carry-on suitcase offers a generous capacity and smooth maneuverability at an affordable price.

Rumpl Everywhere Mat

BUY NOW: Rumpl Everywhere Mat, $60 (was $80)

The Rumpl Everywhere Mat is lightweight, compact, and the most waterproof picnic blanket we tested, making it a great option for camping and trekking.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

BUY NOW: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, $249 (was $299)

The second-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds deliver the best ANC performance we've encountered in a pair of in-ear headphones. But while they offer a few welcome tweaks over the previous-generation model, overall performance is very similar.

More travel & style deals

• Delsey Paris Chatelet Air 2.0 Hardside Checked Trunk, $279 (was $419)

• Pander nylon belt bag, $16 (was $20)

• Anrabess 2-piece linen jumpsuit, $49 (was $56)

• Bose QuietComfort Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, $229 (was $359)

• Bagsmart toiletry bag, $15 (was $23)

• Monos Hardside Polycarbonate Spinner Carry-On Suitcase, $297 (was $325)

• Dr. Scholl's Islander Sandals, $48 (was $80)

• Osprey Fairview 55L travel backpack, $181 (was $220)

• Levi's Women's Classic Bootcut Jeans, $40 (was $65)

The best Memorial Day home deals

A few thoughtful home upgrades can completely change how your space feels day to day, and Memorial Day sales are packed with discounts on the products you use constantly. From powerful vacuums and cozy bedding to elevated furniture and decor accents, these are the home buys that make apartments and houses feel cleaner and more comfortable.

Coop Home Goods Original Adjustable Pillow

BUY NOW: Coop Home Goods Original Adjustable Pillow, $71 (was $89)

The Coop Sleep Goods Original Pillow offers thoughtful features like adjustable fill, a washable pillow cover, and pillow shapes for side, back, and stomach sleepers.

Roborock Qrevo Series QV 35A

BUY NOW: Roborock Qrevo Series QV 35A, $450 (was $650)

The Roborock QV 35A has enough features to make it a virtually hands-off cleaning assistant at a value price. These include well-rounded vacuum and mop performance and a self-cleaning system with cool-air drying. It's perfect for those who want more than an entry-level machine but aren't ready to commit to a more expensive device yet.

Serwall 8-Piece Patio Dining Set

BUY NOW: Serwall 8-Piece Patio Dining Set, $760 (was $1,099)

A solid patio set is a must-have for summer entertaining. This one includes a double-sided umbrella, an extended table, and 6 ergonomic dining chairs.

Shark Stratos Upright Vacuum

BUY NOW: Shark Stratos Upright Vacuum, $350 (was $530)

The Shark Stratos Upright Vacuum is unmatched in its cleaning performance and versatility. It quickly picks up all types of debris from both hard floors and carpeting, and its unique lift-away design makes it easy to clean under low-profile furniture.

Flexispot EN1 standing desk

BUY NOW: Flexispot standing desk, $170 (was $210)

The no-frills Flexispot standing desk moves quickly, smoothly, and quietly to reach your desired height. It's an affordable option for people who need a basic standing desk for their WFH setup.

More home deals

• Shark StainForce Cordless Spot Cleaner, $150 (was $200)

• Beckham Hotel Collection set of 2 Bed Pillows, $60 (was $80)

• Tineco Floor ONE S7 Stretch Ultra Cordless Wet Dry Vacuum, $499 (was $599)

• Linenspa Memory Foam Mattress Topper, $45 (was $60)

• Bissell Pet Hair Eraser DualBrush Upright Vacuum, $250 (was $300)

• Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress, $1,489 (was $1,699)

• Dirt Devil portable spot cleaner machine, $60 (was $110)

• I spent my 20s and 30s raising four kids and dreaming of traveling the world.
• When they left home, I prioritized travel over getting a job that might offer a retirement plan.
• Now I'm 53 and wondering if I made a big mistake by not planning better for my future.

It occurred to me at 3:32 one morning, the witching-est of hours, the worst possible time to wake up. I was jet-lagged after flying home from Norway. My suitcase was on the floor, waiting to be unpacked and repacked for my next trip in just two weeks.

I had $247 in my checking account. I didn't want to think about how much was in my savings account because it was probably less.

I am 53 years old, a mother of four adult children, a new-ish travel writer, and I am just now realizing that I have made my life a little ridiculous.

When I wake up the next morning, I'm easier on myself. I'm not ridiculous, even in the middle of the night, I know I'm not. But I think I took a wrong turn a few years back that felt like a right turn at the time.

Travel has always been in my blood

I always wanted to travel. Always. When I was raising my four sons as a single mom, I planned out pretend itineraries for myself online on Friday nights instead of socializing. Friends gave me their itineraries for tours of Egypt, for hiking trails through Portugal, and for a weekend in Paris. I followed along with my morning coffee, thinking, "one day."

I couldn't travel then, of course. I was in my 30s, raising my kids by myself. I was working cobbled-together jobs as a local baker, waitress, receptionist, anything at all to pay our bills. We survived together, and my sons grew up. They became their own people in their own lives.

Then it was my time to make some decisions about my life. I was young, just 46 years old, when my youngest turned 18. I could have gotten the education I missed out on when I became a young mom at 21. An education that might have led me to a job with a retirement plan and some security.

Instead, I wrote. I wrote for my local paper and online magazines. I wrote about motherhood. Then I finally traveled, small, cheap trips at first that I wrote about for my local paper, for online magazines. And eventually, travel, miraculously, impossibly, became one of my jobs.

It has been a dream job in many ways

Being a travel writer has been a dream in so many ways. Especially since it has given me the chance to travel with my adult kids in a way I might never have experienced otherwise.

My son and I went on a safari in South Africa after he got married. I took my daughter-in-law on our own little honeymoon to celebrate our new status together, a journey that sort of anchored us in a different way of bridging that in-law gap. I've flown solo to Morocco and Copenhagen, gone on a wellness retreat in Mexico, and stayed in a chateau in the south of France.

"Must be nice," is what I hear all the time. And it is.

I'm not sure what my future will bring

Every part of this life is incredible. Until I look at my bank account, barely fueled with small payments trickling in for articles I've written. Until I see my older face in the mirror and remember I will need to retire someday, and I've done nothing to prepare.

I've saved up air miles instead of money. I've prioritized experiences over security. I can't even think about the legacy I'm leaving for my sons. Boarding passes? Novelty tote bags? Branded water bottles from press trip swag bags?

I don't blame the travel writing for my bank account balance; I blame my all-or-nothing attitude. I know it's possible to do a little travel and still put money away for retirement. I know this because my 26-year-old son just sat me down with a spreadsheet to help me start saving.

According to his calculations, I might be able to retire by the time I'm 75 and still travel a bit if I'm smart about it. Finally, I might be ready to be smart about money. I'm tired of feeling ridiculous.

• Trump's new policy could force many immigrants to apply for green cards from outside the US.
• USCIS may grant exceptions for immigrants who offer economic benefits or serve national interests.
• Experts say Trump's policy could disrupt mixed-status families and long-term visa holders.

President Donald Trump's latest immigration crackdown is triggering alarm, confusion, and fierce debate among lawyers, advocates, and many in the business world who rely on visa holders for skilled labor.

On Friday, US Citizenship and Immigration Services announced it would grant "adjustment of status" — the process that allows some immigrants already in the US to apply for a green card without leaving the country — "only in extraordinary circumstances," potentially forcing many applicants to return to their home countries and wait abroad while their cases are processed.

While a USCIS spokesperson told Business Insider that applicants who "provide an economic benefit or otherwise are in the national interest" may still qualify for exemptions, it remains unclear how broadly the administration plans to enforce the new restrictions or how many immigrants could ultimately be affected.

The administration has framed the move as a return to the original intent of immigration law, while critics warn it could upend the lives of foreign workers, mixed-status families, and long-term visa holders who have relied on the process for decades.

Here's what smart people are saying about the sweeping policy shift.

Blake Scholl

Blake Scholl, founder and CEO at Boom Supersonic, a company developing a supersonic airliner, said on X that he understands why "we don't want people to come to the US to be criminals" and "mooch on welfare."

"But I don't understand why we make it harder for motivated, ambitious, hardworking people to come to the land of opportunity," Scholl added.

Nick Davidov

Nick Davidov, the founder of Davidovs Venture Collective, a VC that supports repeat AI founders at the seed level, called the changes in the green card application rules "the biggest bullshit move by DHS in its history" and the "worst imaginable way to disrupt important work for the country."

"So everyone on a O1 or H1B visa would have to stop working legally in the US, go back to their country and wait for years of backlog?" Davidov wrote on X on Friday. "This includes top scientists in our universities, founders of billion dollar companies."

Davidov added in subsequent tweets that Iranians and Ukrainians can't really return to their home countries for safety reasons, and that immigrants such as Elon Musk, Jensen Huang, and Sergey Brin have created some of the country's most valuable companies.

Andrew Ng

Andrew Ng, AI entrepreneur and cofounder of Coursera, called asking green card applicants to apply outside the US only "a capricious attack on legal immigration."

"It will hurt families, leave us with fewer doctors, teachers and scientists, and hurt American competitiveness in AI," Ng wrote on X on Friday.

Reid Hoffman

Reid Hoffman, cofounder of LinkedIn and a prominent Trump critic in Silicon Valley, wrote on X that the DHS's new policies are a "harmful move for tech, business, and America broadly."

"Does this mean AI Researchers, employees, and students will now have to leave the country and wait through a backlog process to continue their work?" Hoffman wrote.

Yvette Clarke

Rep. Yvette Clarke, a Democrat from New York, called the new green card policies "a disgrace."

"It will rip talented, hardworking immigrants out from America and our economy, congest an already overburdened backlog, and further break an already broken immigration system," said Clarke on X.

"And that's by design," Clarke added. "This administration has made the pain of immigrants a priority, and that won't change until there's no one left to hurt."

David J. Bier

David J. Bier, the director of immigration studies at the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank, called for new leadership of USCIS in a series of posts on X on Friday, where he said that the new policies show "total malice against the applicants."

"The policy is a radical expansion of DHS's 'quiet quitting' on legal immigration that has been going on for months," Bier also wrote in a blog post. "Now USCIS's new memorandum details a plan for mass denials. USCIS has gone from the 'quiet-quit' to walking out on 1.2 million green card applicants."

"Forcing green card applicants to leave will render many green card applicants ineligible because, when they leave the United States, they will trigger the 3- or 10-year bars on receiving an immigrant visa based on accrual of unlawful presence," Bier added.

Yann LeCun

Yann LeCun, a pioneer in AI research and the former Chief AI Scientist at Meta, had a very curt and perplexed response to the change in green card policy.

"Why?" wrote the ACM Turing Award Laureate on X, who reposted an article detailing the DHS's announcement.

LeCun was born in France and immigrated to the US in the late 1980s.

Garry Tan

Garry Tan, the CEO of the startup accelerator Y Combinator, called the new guidance "bad and misguided."

"We need to keep smart people in the country to build the future and build tomorrow's businesses that employ millions of people," he wrote on X.

Ash Jogalekar

Ash Jogalekar, a Microsoft senior project manager working on agentic AI, described the memorandum as "self-sabotage" in an X post on Friday.

"As a scientist and immigrant who loves this country, I cannot think of worse ways to cripple American scientific competitiveness while other countries surge ahead," Jogalekar wrote. "It is completely pointless. Between the funding cuts and rash, irrational policies like these, China could not have done worse if they had decided to sabotage science in the U.S."

Jason Calacanis

Jason Calacanis, investor and co-host of the All-In podcast, said in an X post on Saturday that the US should encourage more immigration in response to the administration's new green card policy.

"America's goal should be to expand our Empire," he wrote. "Be it immigration, acquisition or invitation, if you believe we have the best system then you should embrace expansion."

The investor also posted a clip of an interview All-In did with Trump in 2024, during which the president said college graduates should "automatically" get a green card.

"More green cards for extremely talented immigrants!" Calacanis wrote in the post. "Strong agree President Trump."

• Jeremy Scott gave the commencement address at the Kansas City Art Institute this month.
• Students cheered for Scott when he ripped up his AI-written speech.
• Graduates have booed and heckled commencement speakers over their remarks about AI.

Jeremy Scott's speech at a college graduation ceremony began with an AI-written speech, which could have ended in boos.

Instead, the fashion designer received roaring applause.

Scott's commencement address at the Kansas City Art Institute on May 16 began predictably. He congratulated students on reaching the "threshold of a new beginning." He said their "power is limitless."

"Sounds kind of cliched, right? Doesn't sound authentic, does it? Sounds like you've heard it before, right? It's because it's AI," he revealed.

Then, Scott ripped up his AI-written speech to laughs and loud cheers from the audience. He told the students they don't want the "AI overlords telling you what's right and what's wrong."

"Because you know what AI can't do? It can't do what you do. It can't have an original idea. It can't even differentiate the difference between a good idea, a unique idea, and one that's mediocre," Scott said.

He said human artists have passion, something that sets them apart from AI.

"That's what makes your role as an artist so much more urgent right now. In this space and time that we're living, I argue that the artist is even more crucial than ever," Scott said. "It's because an artist doesn't tell the truth. They decide what truth feels like. They're a bender of reality while being a mirror to society."

Scott might have already seen the reactions some other commencement speakers have received when they talked about AI.

Earlier this month, students booed former Google CEO Eric Schmidt and real estate executive Gloria Caulfield for their remarks about AI at two separate graduation ceremonies. Big Machine Records CEO Scott Borchetta drew backlash at Middle Tennessee State University after he discussed AI's impact on music and media.

Graduates are understandably uneasy about AI.

They are entering the workforce just as the technology is remaking entry-level jobs. AI is also transforming how companies assess candidates and the specific skills they need. At least a dozen major companies have cited increased efficiency from AI as a factor in their decision to lay off employees this year.

Even outside the workplace, many Americans are unexcited about the ever-increasing amount of interactions they have with AI in their day-to-day lives, according to a recent Pew Research Center study. And many Americans are resisting the large data centers required to power the technology.

Apple cofounder Steve Wozniak appeared to understand the worries graduates have when he delivered the commencement speech at Grand Valley State University earlier this month, before Schmidt and the others went viral.

Students cheered when he told them they already have AI: "Actual intelligence."

• My husband and I retired to our Oregon farm full time.
• We now share the farmhouse with our daughter, son-in-law, and grandson.
• Multi-generational living has brought both chaos and deep joy.

My husband and I bought our farm in Banks, Oregon, 25 miles outside Portland, in 2017. From the start, we dreamed of retiring there and envisioned multiple generations of our family living on the property.

We had plenty of room with acreage, a four-bedroom farmhouse, and a barn. My daughter Maria and her husband Stephen moved to the farm where she ran her horse business while my husband Scot and I lived in Montana, following a job for him.

Retirement took longer than we planned. And we never envisioned living in a multigenerational home.

My daughter paid us rent

We longed for the ease of country living and wanted to help our daughter launch her business: training horses, teaching people to ride, and caring for 20 horses. Maria and Stephen paid rent and did the heavy lifting of farm life. They fixed whatever broke (pipes in winter, the tractor in summer), maintaining the barn and property.

Scot and I loved the space — a hay field, pond, garden, horses, ducks, a white fence, and a red barn that reminded me of the best part of my girlhood. I especially loved a barn in the rain, listening to the plink, plink against its metal roof.

A year and a half ago, when Scot finished his last job, retirement became a reality. We moved to our farm full time, sharing the farmhouse with our daughter, son-in-law, and later, their baby. We planned to build a second small home. Nothing fancy. But the construction bids we received were astronomical. While an even smaller second home than what we dreamed is hopefully in our future, four adults plus one grandbaby under one roof was just right.

We loved cuddling our grandchild

Living with an 8-month-old baby who wasn't ours was a joy. We cuddled, rocked, read, and sang to him while he slept through the night and passed him back when he was cranky. I took him on stroller walks in the mornings when Maria fed the horses. We talked to the ducks and listened for the barn owl. When he squealed with delight, I was one big grin. Living with our offspring lifted the quiet of our empty nest years. I was absolutely in my happy place.

Of course, there were bumps.

Sometimes the space felt crowded, and I needed more privacy. Most days, the German Shepherds' hair (they should be called German "Shedders") clung to everything. Occasionally, dirty dishes waited in the sink too long; shared spaces were messier than I preferred. I had to give up being a control freak. If I needed quiet, I'd read in our bedroom or write at my desk. I'd step outside and remember why we bought the property: to live closer to our loved ones and to the earth.

When I witnessed Maria and Stephen being tender and silly with their son, when Stephen and I cooked dinner together, and when I stood under a star-splashed sky, the inconveniences of us all living in one home felt trivial. I was grateful we made this move.

I grew up living with multiple generations

It's natural to me to have family on one property. I partially grew up on a family ranch in Tenino, Washington, with grandparents, parents, sisters, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Each family had their own trailer — single-wides with tinny front doors and thin walls. I shared a room with my two sisters in bunk beds stacked three high, me in the middle bunk.

I spent weekends and chunks of summers on that ranch, romping with my posse of sisters and cousins, riding horses, swimming in the icy river, teasing chickens, and building forts out of hay bales in the red barn. I watched calves, colts/fillies, and piglets being born. Countless hours were spent roaming in the woods, talking to fairies, following my imagination. I got to be myself in dusty Wranglers and mud-covered Justin cowboy boots. The Bar P, as it was called, balanced out living in the suburbs with all its rules and the ways I was expected to be a polite girl. The ranch was freedom.

Half a century later, my husband and I created our own multi-generational farm.

My son, daughter-in-law, and 2-year-old grandson live in Southern California and visit when they can. We'll make room for them if they want farm life too.

Last summer, my son and his family stayed with us, soon after my daughter's son was born. While my 2-year-old grandson fed the ducks and "drove" the tractor, my daughter nursed her newborn, my son-in-law grilled delicious burgers, and my son told the best stories — my heart boomed. I thought of my grandparents gathering us all around the picnic table or the campfire, and understood to the bone why they cherished having their progeny together. How ranch time was bliss time for them, like it was for me now. How freedom is being outdoors with my family, with room to ponder the sky and dream.

Even for those with the most comprehensive cable packages, streaming services have become all but necessary to keep up with select sports and original TV shows. Fortunately, there are deals on nearly every streaming service out there, especially when you opt for an annual plan or bundle multiple services together. Below, we've highlighted all of the best streaming deals and bundles, from Disney to Amazon and everything in between.

Many of these discounts are standard year-round offerings, but we'll keep this page updated with the latest limited-time deals, so you don't need to worry about missing out on a potential savings opportunity. After scouring the internet for discounts this month, we've found limited-time deals from MasterClass (through May 25), introductory offers from multiple live TV services, and a sale on AMC Plus when you subscribe through Prime Video.

Check out each streaming service's currently available deals below. We've highlighted both standard streaming services and live TV packages, with price comparisons for how much you'd pay per year with a month-to-month plan or how much you'd pay per month without bundling multiple services together. Many of the streamers offer introductory deals for new and/or eligible returning customers, which we've also outlined. You learn more about our recommendations in our guides to how we test streaming services and how we find and vet deals.

Paramount+

There are always year-round savings with Paramount+ annual plans compared to paying month-to-month. Essential plans cost $7.99 a month, and the Premium tier goes for $12.99 a month. If you opt for annual, you end up saving about $35 a year for either plan. Essential gives subscribers ad-supported on-demand content, while the Premium upgrade offers an ad-free on-demand experience, CBS live streaming, Showtime programming, and other perks. Paramount+ Essential (or Peacock Premium, if you'd prefer that) is also included with all Walmart+ plans, from monthly ($12.95 a month) to annual ($98 a year).

If you just want to stick with a monthly plan, you can head to the Paramount+ website.

Disney Plus and Hulu

Disney (and several of its partners) offers the greatest number of deals through bundles. There are savings if you bundle Disney+ with Hulu, with Hulu and HBO Max, with Hulu and ESPN, with Hulu + Live TV, or if you just get an annual Disney+ ad-free subscription. We recommend trying out one of the Disney+ and Hulu combos no matter what, since you get two entire on-demand subscriptions for only $1 a month more than the price of one. There's also some savings if you commit to a six-month plan (billed monthly) of the Disney+ and Hulu bundle (ad-supported or ad-free), which will give you a cheaper monthly fee for the first six months.

If you plan to stick with just one streaming service or want to try a month-to-month subscription first, you can head to the Disney+ website for more information.

ESPN

There are two tiers of ESPN's streaming service: ESPN Select (formerly ESPN Plus, for $12.99 a month) and ESPN Unlimited (for $29.99 a month). Both plans also have annual subscription options, which offer year-over-year savings compared to paying monthly for 12 months. You can also save if you bundle ESPN Unlimited with other services, like Disney+, Hulu, NFL Plus Premium, or FOX One.

The ESPN Unlimited and NFL Plus Premium bundle costs $39.99 a month, which is decent savings when compared to the $44.98 you'd pay each month if you subscribed to the services separately. The ESPN Unlimited and FOX One bundle offers slightly more savings at $39.99 a month, compared to the $49.98 you'd pay if subscribed separately. You can learn more about the Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN bundles in the section above.

If you'd rather try a monthly plan or explore the bundle deal, you can go to the ESPN website. 

Peacock

Peacock's monthly plans go for $10.99 or $16.99 a month, so the annual plans add up to about 12 months for the price of the 10. The Premium tier offers on-demand and select live coverage with ads, while Premium Plus has ad-free on-demand content and a 24/7 live stream of NBC. The service boasts select live sports and classic comedies, like The Office, Parks and Rec, and Saturday Night Live. There's also a pared-down Peacock Select tier, which costs $7.99 a month or $79.99 a year. This plan only includes ad-supported on-demand current season and library content from NBC and Bravo shows, in addition to some other select programming (but no movies, live events/sports, or Peacock Originals).

Peacock and Apple TV also recently launched two bundle options: one for Peacock Premium and Apple TV, and another for Peacock Premium Plus and Apple TV. Subscriptions cost $14.99 and $19.99, respectively, a significant savings opportunity compared to what you'd pay for both services separately each month. Additionally, Peacock Premium (or Paramount+ Essential, depending on what you prefer) is included with Walmart+ subscriptions, which cost $12.95 a month or $98 a year. Instacart+, which costs $9.99 a month or $99 a year, also comes with Peacock Premium access.

You can check out the Peacock website if you'd rather subscribe to a monthly plan.

Apple TV

Apple TV typically costs $12.99 a month, but users can find savings in an annual plan, which costs $99. The annual plan wasn't impacted by the price increase, so the current offer saves subscribers a little over $56 each year. It's worth noting that you might need to sign up for a monthly plan first and then opt into annual billing. Beginning in the 2026 season, all MLS matches will be available to Apple TV subscribers, so they won't need to pay for the extra MLS Season Pass. You can find info about the new Apple TV and Peacock bundles in the Peacock section above.

If you're interested in learning more about Apple TV Plus or other Apple services, you can visit the Apple TV Plus website for additional information.

Prime Video

Prime Video is Amazon's streaming counterpart, but if you're not interested in having a full Amazon Prime membership (which includes access to Prime Video), you can subscribe to Prime Video on its own for $8.99 a month. However, you can find some solid savings each year with an annual subscription to Amazon Prime, which costs $139. Additionally, you can access ad-free on-demand streaming on Prime Video content for an extra $4.99 a month with Prime Video Ultra.

Prime Video also allows customers to subscribe to external streaming services through their account, and these sign-ups often come with special deals in the form of discounted bundles. Some of the best Prime Video add-on deals available right now are for the AMC+ Premium, Starz, and MGM+ bundle ($21.99 a month, compared to the $30.97 you'd pay each month if you subscribed to each service separately), the Hallmark+ and discovery+ bundle ($12.99 a month, compared to the $17.98 a month you'd pay each month if you subscribed to each service separately), and the HBO Max and Cinemax bundle ($22.99 a month, compared to the $28.48 you'd pay each month if you subscribed to each service separately). Right now, if you sign up for AMC Plus through Prime Video, you can get your first two months for $4.99 a month (down about 55% from $10.99 a month).

If you'd rather try a monthly plan or just stick with Prime Video, you can find more information on the Prime Video storefront.

DAZN

DAZN has become an absolute hub for boxing, hosting some of the most-anticipated matches around the globe each year. DAZN also offers other select sports, usually without a PPV fee, although boxing is its focus. Most major fights require a subscription and pay-per-view (PPV) fee, but you can find some savings by opting for one of the annual plans. Flexible month-to-month subscriptions cost $30.99 a month, but you can save by opting for the 12-Month Monthly Saver plan, which reduces your monthly bill to $20.99 a month on a one-year contract.

There's also an up-front annual plan, which costs $224.99 a year. DAZN has also introduced a new Ultimate plan, which costs $44.99 a month on an annual contract or $449.99 up front for a year. The Ultimate tier includes at least 12 PPV fights a year at no extra cost.

For more information on DAZN's plans and PPV offerings, you can explore the DAZN website.

Starz

Starz subscriptions typically cost $11.99 a month, $45.99 for six months, or $69.99 for a year, but the streamer is usually running a promo on at least one of its plans at any given moment. Right now, customers can get about 66% off a year of service by opting for a $23.99 annual plan. If you're only interested in trying STARZ for a few months, there's also an option to get your first three months for $2.99 a month. You can also bundle a STARZ subscription with BritBox, the North American streaming home of several BBC and ITV series. This costs $14.99 a month, which breaks down to about 35% off the cost of subscribing to both streaming services separately each month.

If you're interested in learning more about the different subscriptions, you can check out the Starz website.

HBO Max

There are three tiers of HBO Max, previously Max (and before that, also HBO Max), in addition to a Disney/HBO Max/Hulu bundle, which we've highlighted above. The standard monthly price for HBO Max with Ads is $10.99, HBO Max Ad-Free is $18.49, and HBO Max Ultimate Ad-Free is $22.99. The ad-free tiers also include sports live streaming for games that air on Warner Bros. channels, like TNT and TBS. The annual version of each plan offers about 17% off in total per year, which is not a bad deal if HBO Max is something you're planning to hang onto in the long run. You can learn more about the Disney Plus, Hulu, and HBO Max bundles in the Disney Plus section above.

You can go to the HBO Max website if you'd rather just sign up for a month-to-month plan right now.

Crunchyroll

Crunchyroll is a popular anime-centric streaming service that has some decent savings opportunities when you subscribe to one of its three tiers of service on an annual basis. Monthly subscriptions range from $9.99 a month to $17.99 a month, and their annual counterparts range from $99.99 a year to $179.99 a year. Year-to-year, annual subscriptions are about 17% cheaper across the board than what you'd pay in total after 12 months on a monthly subscription.

You can learn more about the various plans through the Crunchyroll website.

DirecTV

DirecTV, formerly DirecTV Stream, is another comprehensive live TV streaming service with pretty much all of the channels you'll find in a standard cable package. New subscribers can save on their first 24 months of Signature packages, including discounts on the Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate, and Premier plans. First-time customers can also get $35 off their first month of Choice, $40 off their first month of Ultimate, and $45 off their first month of Premier. Just keep in mind that the actual monthly prices might be a bit higher after paying the required regional sports fees and/or any necessary Gemini lease fees. Users can also save some money on their first two months of DirecTV's MySports, MyKids, and MyNews genre packs.

If you're interested in learning more about DirecTV, check out the DirecTV website for additional information.

Sling TV

Sling TV has developed a reputation as one of the most affordable live TV streaming packages on the market, and it's also chock-full of deals. There are several main plans to choose from: Sling Select, Sling Essentials, Sling Orange, Sling Blue, the Sling Select + Essentials combo, and the Sling Orange + Blue combo. Individual Orange and Blue plans cost $45.99 a month each or $60.99 a month for both, and Sling Select and Essentials start at $19.99 a month each or $34.99 a month for both. If you have a plan that gets local channels, Sling Blue costs $49.99 a month, Sling Select costs $24.99 a month, and Sling Orange + Blue costs $64.99 a month.

You can save by prepaying for three months of any of these plans. Prepaid plans range from $49.99 for three months of Sling Select to $159.99 for three months of Sling Orange + Blue. Sling also offers all sorts of deals if you add on a streaming service through your Sling subscription, including first-month savings on Paramount+ with Showtime (Premium), AMC+, and STARZ.

If you want to explore Sling TV and its add-ons, visit the Sling website for more information.

YouTube TV

YouTube TV is another one of the most popular live TV streaming services. The streamer offers a comprehensive selection of channels across multiple plans, with the option to pay for add-ons. The main plan carries 100+ popular channels and an enticing, limited-time offer for new users. Until June 30, customers can get their first five months for $67.99 a month, instead of the standard $82.99 a month. That shakes out to 18% off. If you're only interested in sports, YouTube TV's sports plan is $54.99 a month for your first year of service, down about 15% from the standard $64.99 a month rate.

If you're interested in checking out other plans, you can head to the YouTube TV website.

Fubo

Fubo is another popular live TV service, with standard plans starting at $73.99 a month (a recent price reduction following the NBCU blackout on Fubo). The sports-centric cable alternative offers more than 200 channels at the touch of a button. The service carries everything from local networks to niche, traditionally cable channels, with a few exceptions. The streamer currently offers $25 off its Pro plans, $30 off Elite plans, and $5 off its Latino plan for the first month of service. Fubo's brand-new Sports plan will also knock $10 off the first month of service.

For additional plans and channel information, head to Fubo's website.

Streaming device deals

If you've gotten yourself all set up with a streaming service but you still need a way to watch it on your TV, then it might be time to purchase a streaming device. These are particularly helpful tools for those without smart TVs, which typically come with streaming apps available to download or already installed (although you'll still need to pay for a subscription to use them). Several of our favorite picks are on sale this month, including Roku and Fire TV devices.

Wireless and grocery streaming deals

One of the cool things about streaming services is that they're often already included with other subscriptions or contracts, or these services allow you to sign up for a streamer or bundle at a reduced price. Mobile carriers and grocery delivery services have some of the best offers, and we've rounded up some of the top options below. Cellular providers typically involve long-term contracts, so we encourage potential customers to read the fine print carefully.

• After my husband of 17 years died, celebrations were hard for my daughter and me.
• We tried to honor his memory by sticking to traditions, but those felt hollow without him.
• We found a way to celebrate the person he was and the wonderful things he contributed to our lives.

Danny, my husband of 17 years, died three days before Valentine's Day.

I felt sick at the store displays I saw. It felt cruel to see people celebrating love when I had just lost mine. My then 9-year-old, though, had seen how her dad treated me during his life. She pulled our family friends aside — friends who were there to mourn with us — and she asked them to take her to the store so she could buy flowers for me. Even in his absence, she said, she wanted me to know I was loved.

Our daughter's birthday was the next event on the calendar, followed immediately by Mother's Day, and then our wedding anniversary. Our local Waikiki friends put on a birthday beach bash for Serafina, piled high with food, hugs, and smiles. It almost made her forget that "he promised to make it to my 10^th birthday," she told me after.

Days later, on what would have been our wedding anniversary, I walked to the ocean and scattered flower petals in the waves, the salt in my tears which were indistinguishable from the salt in the air. I came home, baked an angel food cake, and watched one of our favorite movies, "The Princess Bride".

Later that year, on Danny's birthday, I baked his favorite black-bottomed cupcakes. Our tradition. I took some to a local bar to share and downed a few shots of Jameson in his honor.

We didn't celebrate. We commemorated. We wallowed. We wondered if it would always be like this, heaviness accompanying what had previously been joyful.

I wanted my daughter to remember her dad, but I didn't want every memory to be marked by mourning

Together, my daughter and I walked through several years of sad rituals. Cupcakes for his birthday. Not putting the Christmas tree up until after his birthday. "Deadpool," and whiskey on the anniversary of his death. Angel food for our wedding anniversary.

Finally, after seven years of missing him, we turned a corner. In December 2025, the two of us decided that Danny would not have wanted us to live like this. He had never been someone who was stuck in the past. He was curious, and goofy, and full of joyful gestures, and I thought we should be, too

A potential new tradition took hold

Serafina was in her senior year of high school. She had friends and big milestones to look forward to. We had moved to Seattle a year earlier, leaving the Waikiki apartment where Danny died and sad memories lived.

This year, we decided, it was time to remember the hopeful energy we both loved. We decided we'd make a birthday dinner from a collection of his family's recipes. Serafina chose the family taco salad, which bears little resemblance to either tacos or salad. As we crushed the Doritos and poured the condensed cheese soup "dressing," we laughed. This is exactly how we wanted to remember him — nontraditional, not tethered to any notion of the "right" way to do things, and maybe a little bit addicted to junk food.

While mourning is important, I think it's also a little self-indulgent. It focuses on our feelings of what's missing rather than on celebrating what we loved about the ones we've lost. When we dug into that taco salad, we found ourselves talking about the perspective Danny had brought to our lives. The surprises. The wonder. It was a tribute to the person and what he had contributed to our lives, and that's something worth celebrating.

• Chilipad 2.0 offers active temperature control, ideal for hot sleepers needing night-long cooling.
• The Chilipad 2.0 lacks sleep tracking but excels in comfort and temperature regulation.
• It's sold through first batch within 24 hours of launch.

Night sweats can make quality sleep feel impossible, and I know firsthand how heat can affect sleep. As a Spencer Institute-certified sleep science coach and veteran mattress tester, I've tried my share of cooling sleep products, and most only help at the surface level. Some sleepers need more advanced tools, like smart mattress toppers and sleep systems, that are designed for all-night temperature regulation. The catch is that these systems can feel less comfortable than a regular mattress topper while costing as much as an actual cooling mattress.

The North Carolina-based company Chilipad by Sleepme also knows a thing or two about heat, and not just humid Southern summers. Sleepme's new Chilipad 2.0 cooling mattress topper launched May 19, and its first two waves of limited-release orders sold out within 48 hours. I spent a week testing it to see whether the system is worth its premium price, especially compared with smart sleep systems like Eight Sleep and Orion Sleep that include sleep tracking.

Now, I understand the appeal: The Chilipad focuses less on sleep metrics and more on comfort, active temperature control, bedside remotes, offline sleep schedules, and a design that felt less intrusive to me than the tube-based systems I've tried.

I think the Chilipad 2.0 is best for people who need serious temperature control, not just casual cooling. Its high price, frequent distilled-water refills, and lack of sleep tracking are real drawbacks, but its comfort and cooling performance make it a strong option for hot sleepers who care more about staying cool through the night than collecting another set of sleep scores.

What is the ChiliPad 2.0?

The Chilipad 2.0 is an active temperature-control mattress topper designed to heat or cool your bed using water circulated through a removable Hydrolayer. Unlike passive cooling toppers and mattresses, which rely on breathable foams or cool-to-the-touch covers, the Chilipad actively maintains a set temperature between 55 and 110 degrees throughout the night. It also doesn't rely on tubes, just ultra-thin channels that are less detectable in feel.

The system has two main parts: the Dock and the topper. The Dock acts as the engine, pumping water through the Hydrolayer beneath the cooling cover. The topper fits like a deep-pocketed mattress pad for beds between 10 and 16 inches thick, with padding on top, mesh sides, and elasticized bands to help keep it secure. The Hydrolayer also functions as a waterproof mattress protector, and the cool-to-the-touch cover is washable — a useful care feature that competitors do not typically offer.

It is also different from smart sleep systems like Eight Sleep and Orion Sleep. Those competitors include sleep tracking, heart-rate data, and automatic temperature adjustments based on your body's changes overnight. The Chilipad 2.0 does not track sleep or recovery metrics. Its pitch is simpler: active temperature control with fewer smart-tech distractions. You can adjust the temperature through the Chilipad app or with new bedside touchscreen remotes, and its sleep schedules can run offline.

The Chilipad 2.0 starts at $1,599 and goes up to $3,198, depending on mattress size and whether you choose the solo or dual-sleeper version. The solo option includes one Hydrolayer that covers half of a full, queen, king, or split king mattress; the only solo version that covers the entire mattress is twin XL.

The system is HSA/FSA eligible with medical necessity, which may help offset the cost for people dealing with overheating or night sweats. It comes with a 30-night sleep trial and a two-year limited manufacturer's warranty, with an optional three-year accidental damage plan available for $398 that covers accidental damage caused by pets, mishandling, or defective parts.

Setup and first impressions

At first glance, the delivery and overall "topper" design of the Chilipad 2.0 isn't atypical of what I've seen with industry giant Eight Sleep or fellow newcomer, Orion Sleep. All three sit atop your mattress and use a separate control unit filled with water.

The Chilipad 2.0 comes in one large box (two if you opt for the dual-sided version) that includes the control dock and a fabric bag. I found the step-by-step written instructions very straightforward, but there's also a QR code you can scan that leads to a YouTube tutorial.

It took a good hour from start to finish to fully establish every component of the Chilipad 2.0 from unzipping each side, unfurling the Hydrozone layers, setting up the app and personalized sleep schedules, and filling the Docks with water to get it up and running. Each Chilipad 2.0 comes with 12 packets of cleaning solution for monthly use—one of which you add to the water tank from the get-go. This was a new feature I hadn't seen in other sleep systems, and it provides peace of mind that the internal system isn't building up problematic gunk or mold. The Chilipad 2.0 only takes distilled water, and make sure you have plenty on hand, as you will need to refill often during its first week of use.

What it's like to sleep on the ChiliPad 2.0

I've appreciated smart cooling systems and toppers as a concept, but not usually in practice. These products rely on internal tubing that pumps water from an under-bed or beside control unit, which allows the topper to actually increase or decrease its surface temperature. While the temperature change is detectable, usually, so is the feeling of these tubes.

My husband argued that the plastic feel of the Hydrolayer was too noticeable, and thus, disruptive for him. Bedsheets didn't stifle the tarp-like feel, and I didn't use a mattress protector since the Hydrolayer is meant to act like one (though during setup, the instructions say you can if you'd like to). While I agree to a certain extent, I still found it far more comfortable than traditional inner tubes poking at me and causing an uneven surface to lie on.

You may still hear some shifting of the plastic if it's not secured tightly enough, and the water hoses may also sputter during the first night of use as they work out any air bubbles. However, this only happened twice when I initially turned it on. When the Dock is running, it creates a low hum that I'd put on par with a white noise machine.

The app helps you control the temperature and indicates when it's time to refill the Dock. You can also control temperature with the touchscreen bedside remotes. These plug separately into the wall, and not the Dock itself. I preferred using it at night over my phone, rolling over to make a quick change and going back to sleep. You can also link with Google Assistant for voice control, but integrations don't look to be available through other popular smart assistants like Amazon or Apple.

When it's time for bed, it takes about two minutes to reach my preferred temperature of 71 degrees Fahrenheit, and I've programmed it to incrementally warm up at certain intervals to match my body temperature's fluctuations. As part of my daily scheduled programming, the system starts warming up 15 minutes before my 6:15 am wakeup call, gently starting my day rather than a blaring alarm clock.

The best thing about the ChiliPad 2.0

Comfort is the Chilipad 2.0's strongest suit, from providing an even surface to lie on to temperature control. Night sweats can prolong the amount of time it takes to fall asleep or cause you to wake up from overheating. In my case, the Chilipad allowed me to maintain deeper rest. Consulting my sleep tracker, I noticed higher sleep scores, as well as increased REM, core, and deep sleep stages that I'd attribute back to fewer sleep disruptions from not overheating.

Aside from hot sleepers and those who deal with regular night sweats, the Chilipad 2.0 can appeal to couples who prefer different temperatures and want to set each side. Or if only one of you needs temperature control, you can choose the half-bed size.

What I didn't like

My biggest gripe from testing is that it flies through a tank of water every night for the first few nights for each dock you have, so refills become a daily practice. You can't use standard tap water either, as the system specifically takes distilled water. It's an additional cost that can stack up, along with storage space. While refills should not become as frequent over time, it ultimately depends on your temperature settings and how much water the system uses to achieve your preferences.

Additionally, Chilipad 2.0's price range is on par with a cooling mattress. The company has established manufacturing in North Carolina, which drives up the cost. For the performance and features, I'm fine with this. But something to be mindful of, especially when compared to competitor products, is that it doesn't offer sleep tracking. I've found that sleep trackers built into smart systems and mattresses can have skewed data, especially if pets, kids, or co-sleepers are crashing your space. However, the elevated price puts it on par with competitor products that do offer this feature.

What are your alternatives?

There are good alternatives to look at if the Chilipad 2.0 doesn't seem quite right, but the first step is understanding what kind of temperature fluctuations you deal with. General hot sleepers may find that cooling products that help with passive cooling, or the initial feeling of cooling, gets the job done for them. This can take the form of breathable, cooling sheets, cooling toppers, or comforters.

For more advanced cases due to medical conditions, treatments, or general physicality, active temperature control is key. This creates an environment where a consistent temperature is maintained, and where sleep systems like the Chilipad 2.0, Orion Sleep, and Eight Sleep are programmed to help. I was more comfortable sleeping on the Chilipad than with the detectable tubes of its competitors, and I could check my sleep tracker for data if needed. I noticed my sleep data from the Orion or Eight Sleep systems scored lower because the toppers' sensors picked up my dogs jumping into bed with me. I also think the Orion and Eight Sleep's command centers are more obtrusive, and if you want to get the most out of each device, both require a subscription to access all smart data.

All three products require learning curves to get used to the feel of tubing or specialty cooling layers. Another system, BedJet, will require you to get used to the sound of fans blowing onto the surface of your bed, which often causes the top sheet to poof upward. Yet, it can be helpful to turn to when you're tired of night sweats.

Who should buy the ChiliPad 2.0?

• Sleepers dealing with severe night sweats
• General hot sleepers
• Couples who want different temperature preferences

Who should skip it?

Not ideal for:

• People who occasionally get hot
• Budget shoppers
• Those who don't want to deal with extra maintenance

The bottom line

As someone who deals with year-round overheating due to medical issues, I usually loathe it when the forecast calls for searing heat. If you're like me, I genuinely feel that the ChiliPad 2.0 is an effective tool for temperature regulation and promoting better sleep. It's become a handy accomplice to my sleep schedule, and I recommend it for people who have exhausted every option and are looking for an effective cooling solution.

• Guy Fieri shared his top burger tips with Business Insider to help with your weekend barbecue. 
• Fieri recommends using American cheese because it "melts really well." 
• He also smashes his burger patties to "get all that delicious caramelization going." 

Summer is almost here, and that can only mean one thing — it's barbecue season! 

And who better to call on for burger tips than the Mayor of Flavortown himself, Guy Fieri. 

"This may be a more complicated answer than you bargained for because it's not just about a burger recipe," Fieri told Business Insider when asked how to make the perfect burger. "It's about the execution of the whole deal. You can get down with whatever toppings you want, but the basics have to be covered." 

Season and smash

Fieri's first tip? Start with seasoned ground beef. He recommends going for "80/20," which means 80% lean and 20% fat. 

"Start with your seasoned ground beef in a ball and place it on the hottest griddle or cast iron pan you can get," Fieri explained. 

Then, get ready to smash. 

"You smash it down hard, we're talking a half-inch thick," he continued. "And let it crisp up and get all that delicious caramelization going." 

Once the sides of your patty are crunchy, flip it over and let the other side brown up. Now it's time for the cheese. 

The cheese is key

"If you're going to do cheese, try some American slices because they melt really well," Fieri said. 

And the Mayor of Flavortown has quite the trick to make sure you get the perfect cheeseburger. 

"Put some sort of dome or metal bowl over the top and squirt a little water underneath," Fieri said. "That steam will melt your cheese before you overcook your burger." 

Don't forget the bun and 'LTOP'

Fieri recommends using a toasted and buttered brioche bun to build your burger, which also needs what he calls "LTOP": lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle. 

"But you gotta shred that lettuce, slice your tomato, and cut those white onions and pickles so thin that they only have one side," Fieri added. 

• I taught my daughter practical independence before my second child arrived.
• Her confidence and emotional resilience grew as she learned new skills.
• The shift made our family life smoother and less stressful.

About 15 months ago, I had my second child. In the lead-up to the birth, chaotic, sleep-deprived memories of life with a newborn came flooding back. My partner and I knew exactly what was coming our way this time, and we wanted to be prepared.

To try to make the transition to a two-child life easier, we decided to teach our daughter to be more independent before the new baby arrived. We hoped that this would help when my partner went back to work, and I would often be splitting my attention between a newborn baby and a preschooler.

We taught her how to get dressed

My daughter was almost 4 when her brother was born, and she's always been a confident and capable child. We decided to use this to our advantage, knowing that she was both physically able and emotionally more equipped to understand why the baby might take up more of our time.

So we got to work, tackling one thing at a time.

First, we taught her how to dress herself in the mornings. We patiently watched (and winced) as she learned to pull on leggings, navigate her way through the sleeves and neckholes of sweaters, until she was even an expert at slipping on her own tights. Soon she was putting together her outfits each morning, which helped no end when I was tackling a screaming newborn into the stroller for the day care run.

Brushing her own teeth came next; she learned to steady her hand, squeezing the toothpaste onto the brush and rinsing it after each go. Not long afterward, I wasn't allowed to brush her hair anymore. Instead, she would stand in front of the mirror in my bedroom, painstakingly dragging the brush through her tangled nest of hair after an action-filled day at preschool.

She became more independent

As the months went by, she became increasingly independent. If she was thirsty, she'd grab a glass from the kitchen drawer and fill it up with water, often dragging a dining chair across the floor behind her to make sure she could reach the sink. If she was hungry, she'd get a bowl and make herself a snack.

We soon realized that being more independent was helping our daughter just as much as it was helping us. Learning new skills and tackling new tasks boosted her confidence. She became even more sociable than before, effortlessly making friends in the playground and not batting an eyelid at being dropped off at a new activity club.

Another unexpected benefit is that because she's able to do so many things herself, she has very rarely gotten frustrated with her brother. And whilst I see the occasional flicker of annoyance in her eyes when he messes up her toys or rips one of her drawings, she never takes it out on him.

We're very invested in our daughter. We play games, read books, and are always thinking of fun and educational activities to do with her. But she's also happy drawing, making up games, and watching television by herself. She doesn't need us by her side every minute of the day.

She's confident at 5

My daughter is now 5 and in her first year of elementary school. She carries her own backpack to school, which a lot of older kids don't even do.

At the classroom door each morning, so many parents hover around the teacher, their kids clinging to their legs, being gently coerced to go inside. We give our daughter a big hug, then step back at the gate to watch her walk into her classroom independently and confidently.

I shed a tear thinking that one day she will leave home for university or for her first job. But if she carries on at this rate, she'll be more than ready to face the big bad world when the time comes. Her skills, confidence, and emotional resilience mean that she's not scared to face challenges.

• If you're entertaining this Memorial Day weekend, set-it-and-forget-it dishes can be a lifesaver.
• From ribs to pulled pork, these slow-cooker recipes are perfect for summer gatherings.
• You can also make sides like potato salad and dips in a slow cooker.

Sizzling burgers and blistered corn on the cob — this is how many mark the beginning of summer.

WalletHub reported that 65% of Americans plan to barbecue this Memorial Day weekend, and while grilling may be synonymous with the holiday, slow cookers can take a lot of the stress out of hosting by making sides and barbecue meats with minimal effort.

"You can free up so much of your time by using a slow cooker and hang out with your guests instead of laboring in the kitchen," Chungah Rhee, the author of the blog Damn Delicious, told Business Insider. "Especially for side dishes or dips. You put it all together, set the time, and it comes out ready to go."

From mouthwatering barbecue ribs to savory pulled-pork sandwiches, these slow-cooker recipes are perfect for any Memorial Day cookout.

For your Memorial Day cookout this year, try making the potato salad using your slow cooker.

You can parboil potatoes in a slow cooker by chopping them, covering them with water, and seasoning with salt, pepper, and butter, then cooking on low for about six hours, or until fork-tender.

Then mix the dressing for your potato salad as you normally would, using mayonnaise, dill, whole-grain mustard, and a splash of red wine vinegar. 

You can also make a German-style potato salad with bacon, light dressing, and baby potatoes.

Dips, such as this spinach-and-artichoke dip, are also easily made in a slow cooker.

"I love to make spinach-and-artichoke dip in my slow cooker," Rhee, who shares a recipe on Damn Delicious, told Business Insider. 

This set-it-and-forget-it corn-and-jalapeño dip is creamy and easy to make.

"Another favorite of mine is this corn-and-jalapeño dip," Rhee said.

The recipe combines many of summer's best ingredients, from fresh, vibrant jalapeños to sweet corn.

Buffalo-chicken dip is another quick and easy favorite you can make in a slow cooker.

One of the benefits of making a slow-cooker Buffalo-chicken dip, like this recipe on Rhee's blog — or any other side dish in a slow cooker — is that it can be prepared well ahead of time and reheated when you're ready to eat.

Rhee said first-time slow-cooker hosts may want to start with a simple dip or side dish before tackling a main course.

"If for some reason it doesn't turn out, because we all know that can happen using an appliance for the first time, it's not detrimental to your dinner party being a success," she said.

Queso can serve a whole party when made in a slow cooker.

This creamy queso dip from Martha Stewart uses ingredients like American cheese and pepper jack cheese, a can of evaporated milk, diced tomatoes with chilies, sliced jalapeños, red onion, and cilantro. 

Brisket is an easy, crowd-pleasing option for feeding a larger group.

"Brisket is a natural partner for the slow cooker, as a gentle braise renders it meltingly tender," Kim Laidlaw writes in her cookbook, "Everyday Slow Cooking: Modern Recipes for Delicious Meals."

Laidlaw's recipe for slow-cooked braised brisket includes garlic, onion, dry red wine, carrot, and chicken or beef stock, with a chimichurri sauce.

Pulled-pork sliders are another great way to use your slow cooker for a cookout.

One of the best ways to use braised and slow-cooked pork shoulder is to make pulled-pork sliders, like this Damn Delicious recipe, with all that tender meat.

For an upgraded take, pile the meat onto brioche buns or potato rolls and top it with barbecue sauce and slaw. The carnitas also work well in tacos.

You can also make barbecue ribs in a slow cooker.

Nothing screams an end-of-summer cookout like sauce-covered ribs, like Laidlaw's recipe as shared on Cooking by the Book. After cooking them in the slow cooker, transfer them to a baking sheet and broil until slightly crispy.

To save space on your grill, you can also make slow-cooked sausages and beer brats in the slow cooker.

Brats with onions, peppers, and garlic simmered in the slow cooker with beer — like this recipe by The Magical Slow Cooker — are one way to use your slow cooker over Memorial Day weekend.

Top your brats with a bit of sauerkraut and put them on buns for an easy summer dish.

Mac and cheese can also be made in a slow cooker.

If you're looking to add some carbs to your menu, look no further than a piping hot pot of mac and cheese. Martha Stewart's recipe for mac and cheese in a slow cooker calls for evaporated milk, three kinds of cheese, and homemade breadcrumbs.

Garlic-and-herb mushrooms are a delicious side dish but can also be used as a burger topping.

"The recipe for slow-cooker garlic-herb mushrooms is divine and so easy," Rhee said. "Mushrooms made in a slow cooker are truly the best."

Shredded Buffalo chicken pairs well with salads.

One of the best — and easiest — ways to use your Crock-Pot or slow cooker is to make shredded Buffalo chicken, such as this recipe from The Magical Slow Cooker.

Add seasoned chicken breasts to the slow cooker and cover with your preferred Buffalo sauce. Then add a splash of ranch dressing and a cube of butter, toss your chicken breasts in the mixture to coat fully, and cook until the chicken is shreddable. You can use it for Buffalo-chicken sliders, salads, or tacos.

You can even make Buffalo or barbecue chicken wings using a slow cooker.

You can make any style of wings in a slow cooker, from Asian-style to barbecue and Buffalo wings. Add your wings to the slow cooker, add your sauce of choice, toss to combine, and cook for a couple of hours on high.

To make them crisp up, add a cornstarch and water mixture to your slow cooker. After they're cooked through, broil them for a few minutes in the oven.

Meatballs make a great appetizer for guests and don't require cooking over a hot stove.

Meatballs make the perfect appetizer for parties big and small and are easy to make in a slow cooker. 

Place your seasoned, raw meatballs in the slow cooker, top with sauce, and let it finish them off, says one recipe from Spend With Pennies. Serve them on their own with toothpicks or stuff them inside toasted sub rolls for a meatball sandwich.

• The USS Growler is the only nuclear-missile submarine in the US that's open to the public.
• Commissioned in 1958, Growler patrolled the seas off the coast of Russia during the Cold War.
• The submarine is now an attraction at the Intrepid Museum in New York City.

The USS Growler was once a top-secret US Navy submarine that patrolled the ocean's depths during the Cold War. Armed with nuclear missiles and operated by a crew of 90 men, Growler's firepower acted as a deterrent to keep other nations from using their nuclear weapons in a strategy known as mutually assured destruction.

Today, Growler is on display at the Intrepid Museum in New York City housed on the USS Intrepid, a 900-foot-long World War II-era aircraft carrier. Growler floats alongside the ship in the Hudson River.

Visitors don't just get to look at Growler; they can actually climb inside and walk through its narrow confines on a self-guided tour.

Submarines remain a crucial component of the US Navy's deterrent strategy. In March 2026, a US Navy submarine torpedoed an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean as part of Operation Epic Fury. The Navy also occasionally publicizes the locations of nuclear-armed submarines to send a message to adversaries. In September 2024, for example, the USS Georgia, a guided-missile submarine, was sent to the Middle East in a show of support for Israel and a show of force to Iran.

Submarines are a costly endeavor. The US Navy's Virginia-class submarine program is projected to run $17 billion over budget through 2030 amid delays, House Rep. Ken Calvert, chairman of the House defense appropriations subcommittee, said in 2024. The Navy has said delays are due to supply-chain issues and "lingering COVID-19 impacts."

I visited the Intrepid Museum to tour the USS Growler in May 2024. Here's what I saw aboard the only nuclear-missile submarine that's open to the public.

The Intrepid Museum in New York City displays historic vessels used in sea, air, and space exploration as well as military operations.

While a nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Nautilus, is open to the public in Groton, Connecticut, the Intrepid Museum is the only place in the US where members of the public can go inside a submarine that carried nuclear missiles.

Tickets cost $38 per adult and $28 per child over 4 years old and can be purchased on the Intrepid Museum's website. Veterans and military service members receive free admission.

One of the museum's top attractions is a self-guided tour of the USS Growler submarine.

Every time I've visited the Intrepid Museum, there has been a line to enter the submarine due to the attraction's popularity and small, enclosed spaces.

The line moved quickly when I visited in May 2024 — I only waited for about 15 minutes.

The USS Growler patrolled the seas on top-secret missions off the coast of Russia during the Cold War.

Commissioned in 1958, the USS Growler carried Regulus II sea-to-surface missiles armed with nuclear warheads. The looming threat of the submarine's firepower acted as a deterrent to prevent other countries from using their nuclear arsenals.

The submarine now floats in the Hudson River with its top deck visible from the dock of the museum.

Growler was decommissioned in 1964 and awarded to the Intrepid Museum in 1988. The Intrepid Museum spent over $1 million repairing the submarine in 2008 when holes were discovered in its hull during a museum-wide renovation, The New York Times reported.

Exhibits provided a brief history of the USS Growler and the nuclear missiles it carried before entering the submarine.

The first Regulus missiles had a range of 500 miles. Regulus II missiles could travel twice that distance.

There was also a sample doorway to make sure guests could walk through the submarine.

To visit Growler, guests had to be at least 40 inches tall and had to be able to pass through this doorway without assistance.

The first stop inside the submarine was one of the USS Growler's two missile hangars.

Each hangar could hold two Regulus I missiles, which each measured 33 feet long, according to the National Air and Space Museum.

In the navigation compartment, crew members plotted courses and tracked Growler's position.

Growler used a binnacle — a stand that holds a ship's compass — and SINS — the Ship's Inertial Navigation System — to navigate through the seas.

The missile checkout and guidance center was once a top-secret area.

Crew members assigned to the missile checkout and guidance center were in charge of maintaining, firing, and guiding the trajectory of the Regulus missiles. Launching a Regulus missile took about 15 minutes.

Officers on Growler lived in staterooms that held two to three people.

Officers acted as leaders and commanders of the crew, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the submarine.

Their staterooms featured folding sinks and desks with chairs that included storage drawers to maximize the tight quarters.

Officers had access to their own shower.

Crew members shared a separate washroom.

Officers used the wardroom to eat, socialize, and hold meetings.

The wardroom was furnished with laminate walls and vinyl seating booths, popular interior design trends post-World War II.

Officers' meals were cooked in the galley and served from the wardroom pantry.

Growler carried all of the food and supplies it would need to sustain itself during patrols that lasted over two months.

A storekeeper kept track of non-food supplies such as light bulbs, pens, and toilet paper.

Growler's commanding officer enjoyed the only private room on the entire submarine as its highest-ranked leader.

The room featured a telephone and a bed that folded up into seating.

The chief petty officers' quarters were nicknamed the "goat locker."

Chief petty officers helped train new submariners and acted as leaders and liaisons between officers and crew members.

The nickname "goat locker" dates back to 1893, when the rank of chief petty officer was established. Chief petty officers were put in charge of the goats that were kept on ships to produce milk, and the animals' pens were located in their quarters, according to the Naval History and Heritage Command.

Yeomen handled clerical and administrative work aboard Growler's tiny office.

Yeomen wrote reports, sorted files, and maintained crew members' service records.

A ladder in the bridge trunk led to the bridge of the submarine.

When Growler traveled on the surface of the water, the bridge provided a vantage point for crew members to surveil the surrounding ocean.

Seeing how far down I was in the submarine was striking. I couldn't imagine what it must have been like to serve on a two-month-long patrol with no fresh air or sunlight.

The control room and attack center contained a dizzying number of buttons, dials, and other instruments.

Crew members monitored Growler's function with data gathered in the control room and attack center.

Here, the commanding officer would give orders to the crew.

The crew members who sat in the chairs directed Growler's movements with three steering wheels that controlled different angles and movements.

The room also featured two periscopes: one for observation and one for attacks.

The periscope used for observation featured a wider view, while the attack periscope had higher magnification capabilities.

A call signal station could signal different areas of the submarine such as the wardroom, the office, and the control room.

Each room had a corresponding number that crew members could dial.

The sonar room also aided Growler's navigation.

Sonar stands for sound navigation and ranging. Growler used passive sonar, a system of underwater microphones that listen to the ocean and detect sound waves, to track other vessels and navigate its own positions.

Passive sonar is a more discreet alternative to active sonar, which sends a pulse of energy through the water to detect objects.

Crew members communicated with other ships in the radio room.

Growler could only send messages at periscope depth. Lower down in the ocean, it could receive low-frequency signals, but couldn't send any outgoing messages.

Meals were prepared in the galley.

A meal schedule from 1962 listed dishes such as fried chicken, clam chowder, hamburgers, and meatloaf with gravy.

In the scullery, Growler crew members washed dishes and compacted trash.

Trash was disposed of in weighted tubes that wouldn't float to the surface and give away the submarine's location.

The crew's mess was the only common space on board Growler.

It functioned as the dining room as well as a place for crew members to play games and watch movies.

Growler's largest sleeping area contained 46 bunks.

The green straps on the beds kept crew members from rolling out of the bunks during rough seas.

The crew's washroom featured two showers.

Showers were a rare luxury for crew members on Growler. A plaque displayed in the room read that some sailors said they never showered once during their two-month patrols.

A distillation system boiled seawater, filtering out the salt to supply fresh water.

The distilled water was used for cooling the submarine's diesel engines, cooking food, washing dishes, and bathing.

Growler's three diesel engines were located in the engine room.

The engines were soundproofed.

Sailors controlled Growler's speed in the maneuvering room, with officers communicating orders from the control room.

Growler's maximum speed was 12 knots, or 14 mph, while submerged and 14 knots, or 16 mph, while surfaced.

In addition to carrying nuclear missiles, Growler was also armed with torpedoes.

Nine crew members slept in the aft torpedo room, where weapons like the Mark 37 torpedo were kept.

I was relieved to see the sky again as I exited Growler, and in awe of service members who spent months at a time on the vessel.

As the only nuclear-missile submarine in the US that's open to the public, visiting the USS Growler is absolutely worth a trip to the Intrepid Museum.

I was fascinated by how self-sufficient the submarine was as it carried out top-secret patrols. It was hard to believe that 90 crew members operated in such small spaces for extended periods of time.

With its supply of nuclear missiles kept at the ready during the Cold War, the stakes couldn't have been higher to keep Growler running smoothly and efficiently. The stakes remain high today as US Navy submarines continue to patrol waters connected to regional conflicts.

Vanilla is so valuable that it's been called "green gold." At its peak in 2017, prices reached nearly $600 per kilo, making it the second-most expensive spice in the world. But by 2024, prices had crashed to roughly $50 per kilo.

That volatility stems from one major factor: The world depends heavily on Madagascar, which has historically supplied about 80% of natural vanilla. When storms, theft, early harvesting, or policy changes hit Madagascar's crop, the entire global market feels it.

Now, buyers are looking for another source — and Uganda is quickly emerging as vanilla's next big player. With two harvest seasons a year, improved quality controls, and growing demand from major brands like Ben & Jerry's and Nielsen-Massey, Uganda could help stabilize and make natural vanilla more affordable.

So, why is vanilla so expensive? And can Uganda step in to help stabilize global prices?

• I tried beef hot dogs from Nathan's, Sabrett, Applegate, and Ball Park.
• Ball Park had the thickest frank, but I thought Applegate's organic hot dogs packed the most flavor.
• I didn't think Sabrett's less-than-flavorful hot dogs warranted their higher price tag.

Nothing says summer quite like a crispy, cooked hot dog with just the right amount of snap.

The sausage industry recognizes the months between Memorial Day and Labor Day as hot dog season, the time of year when the most hot dogs are consumed.

WalletHub reported that Americans are expected to consume 818 hot dogs per second between Memorial Day and Labor Day, totaling 7 billion hot dogs, with 65% of the country planning to barbecue over the weekend.

Ahead of this year's celebrations, I decided to try four different kinds of hot dogs to see which one I would choose for my own cookout.

I opted for beef hot dogs from Applegate, Sabrett, Nathan's, and Ball Park. The Sabrett, Nathan's, and Ball Park packages each included eight beef franks, while the Applegate package included six.

I cooked each type of hot dog the same way. Then I tried each one on a Martin's long potato roll, topped with Heinz ketchup and French's classic yellow mustard.

Here's how all four hot-dog brands ranked, from worst to best.

My least favorite brand that I tried was the Sabrett skinless beef frankfurters.

This was the second-most expensive brand I tried. A pack of eight hot dogs costs $8.99, excluding taxes and fees, but they were on sale for $6.99.

Since it's a New York brand — and I live in the city — I half-expected to pay a little less for a local product.

The hot dog was about the same thickness as the Nathan's hot dog, which I ultimately ranked higher.

The Sabrett hot dog fit perfectly inside the potato roll bun without hanging too much off either end.

I felt like the flavor in the Sabrett hot dog was lacking.

The only flavors that came through were the ketchup and mustard, which is a distinct no-no in my book for hot dogs.

While the texture wasn't overly chewy, I thought it didn't have the distinct snap I often look for in a hot dog. 

While it wasn't bad by any means, I didn't think this brand was worth the higher price tag.

I also tried a New York staple: Nathan's skinless beef franks.

Nathan's is a New York institution famous for its annual Coney Island hot-dog-eating contest on July Fourth.

I managed to snag an eight-pack of these hot dogs on sale at my local Food Bazaar.

The original price was $7.39, but I managed to get them for just $3.99, excluding tax.

I thought the Nathan's hot dogs were a perfect size.

It looked like a really classic hot dog you would eat on the pier in summertime: crispy on the outside, while still retaining that classic red hot-dog color.

The hot dog from Nathan's tasted slightly saltier than the other varieties.

After just a few bites, I was already reaching for water — it was hard to imagine eating dozens of these in a competition setting.

The hot dog had a decent flavor and a satisfying snap, but the overwhelming saltiness made it far from memorable.

My second-favorite brand was Ball Park's beef hot dogs.

The Ball Park pack of eight hot dogs cost me $8.99, excluding taxes and fees.

The Ball Park hot dogs were the thickest and shortest ones on my list.

I also noticed they cooked a lot faster than the other brands. While the other brands retained their red, crispy consistency in the pan, the Ball Park dogs quickly began to char and crisp up after only a minute or two of cooking.

I personally like really well-done, almost charred hot dogs, but it's something to keep in mind if you have different preferences. 

The Ball Park dog was well done on the outside, but the inside was still slightly chewy.

I thought the hot dog had a nice smoky flavor that paired well with the bun and toppings, though the texture was a bit too rubbery for my taste.

My favorite hot-dog brand was Applegate's organic uncured-beef hot dogs.

The pack of six franks cost me $8.99 at my local Food Bazaar grocery store, excluding taxes and fees.

The pack came with six hot dogs, two fewer than the other packs.

The smaller package size is definitely worth keeping in mind if you're shopping for a large cookout or feeding a crowd, since you may need to buy multiple packs to have enough on hand.

When the Applegate hot dog was done cooking, I noticed it was skinnier than the other brands.

I wondered whether it would be less filling, or how the slightly thinner shape would affect the eating experience. 

Right away, I noticed that the hot dog had a lot of flavor, and the frank had a satisfying snap.

The ketchup and mustard added plenty of flavor without overpowering the hot dog's savory, beefy taste.

Even though it was the thinnest hot dog I tried, the bun-to-dog ratio still felt balanced, with each ingredient complementing the others well.

In the end, I had to give the win to Applegate.

I was surprised that this brand won. Even though I call New York City home, neither of the local brands, Nathan's or Sabrett, deserved the win in my book. 

I thought Applegate's hot dog, though thinner than the others, had the best flavor and texture. It was also a great value, despite the pack being two dogs short. If I had to choose which hot dog brand to eat at my cookout, it would be Applegate hot dogs all the way.

• My son moved home after college to save money and figure out his next steps.
• Living together again gave us an unexpected year of ordinary connection.
• As he prepares to get married, I'm grateful for this brief in-between season.

"Why are you taking my picture?" asked my 22-year-old son as I trailed behind him on a hiking path near our house. The leaves were beginning to change, and I wanted to capture the beauty of the woods and this moment with my adult son.

"Because I love you," I told him, then laughed as I stopped to check the picture on my phone.

He shook his head, indicating the usual embarrassment most kids feel toward their parents. But then I swear one corner of his mouth lifted in a smile.

It was the middle of a weekday and, due to assorted circumstances, we were both available to take a walk. I needed a break from my home office, and my son wanted to get some fresh air after finishing his laundry before leaving for his shift at a hotel.

A few months earlier, he had moved back home after graduating from college to save money and consider his next steps. My husband and I welcomed him while hiding our worry that we might be delaying his independence. What I didn't foresee was how much we would enjoy having him around again.

But now this time is coming to a bittersweet end.

Living with my adult son again has been surprisingly easy

Before moving back home, my son had been a student living with friends, not his parents, so we worried about what this new living arrangement would look like.

Luckily, he has a full-time job and a schedule that often conflicts with ours. But in the evenings, we often all land at the dinner table together. I often serve him a meal much like I had throughout his teen years, but now we're adults, swapping stories about co-workers and life in general.

It took some time to settle into something new. But having my son home has been nice — and dare I say, ordinary.

Gone were the busy teen years filled with practices and constant rushing around, replaced by evenings catching up and scrolling on our phones in companionable silence.

There's now an end date to this arrangement

Soon after that midday walk, my son got engaged to his girlfriend of four years. My husband and I were thrilled that these two kind, funny, loving people had found each other. We're all ecstatic when they set a wedding date for this fall.

She's three hours away in graduate school, and he'll be moving there to start their life together.

Alongside my happiness came the realization that this in-between season we were experiencing with him has an end date.

That knowledge has been a gift in a way. Knowing that this time is short-lived has sharpened my appreciation for it. My son and I have spent time doing the mundane, like that quick walk around the neighborhood. We've been rediscovering the city he grew up in, only now from his perspective as a young adult. Whereas I used to treat him to ice cream when he was younger, these days we scout breweries and decide which local joint has the best happy hour.

He's teaching me about his favorite hobby, too, which he rediscovered from his childhood. He's collecting Pokémon cards and showing me things like how he discards code cards and prefers to open packs. We even spent a rainy Saturday afternoon at an exotic animal rescue event. My husband was out of town, while my son and I wandered around looking at alligators and sloths. I wondered if this was the last of these kinds of afternoons.

I'm glad I got to live with my son as an adult

Sometimes I'm sad knowing our one-on-one time will soon look different. Yet more than that, I'm appreciative because in this last year, I've realized I'm not parenting a child anymore. Rather, in the time we're spending together, I'm getting to know him as the man he's become.

There's a wedding tradition I've only learned about recently called the "Last Look." I don't recall this from when my husband and I got married decades ago, but I'm charmed by the idea now. As the groom's mother, I'll take a "Last Look" at my son before he walks down the aisle to marry his bride and step into married life.

I've realized that this time I've had with him, since he moved home and before he gets married, has been a whole year of last looks. And I'm grateful.

• My husband and I are seasoned travelers and have lived abroad before.
• When we had our daughter, we decided to spend part of our parental leave traveling through Europe.
• It wasn't the trip I thought it would be, but I wouldn't change a thing.

My husband, Colin, and I have lived abroad in Prague, road tripped through New Zealand, and country-hopped around Southeast Asia. So years before we welcomed our daughter into the world, we knew we'd want to spend part of our parental leave traveling.

In September 2025, we left for six months of travel through Europe with our then 8-month-old. We also brought our dog along!

I was so excited to be traveling with my family. Even though I knew it would be different from our pre-baby travels, I still pictured us going on day trips, filling our itinerary with sightseeing, and spontaneously staying out past bedtime.

We planned to slow travel so we could keep our routines

Colin and I knew it wouldn't be possible for us to switch cities every few days while carrying our baby, dog, and all our luggage onto planes and trains. Instead, we decided to slow travel.

We chose four long-term bases in France and the UK and spent one to two months in each base. In between, we did a road trip through Normandy and spent a week in Spain to celebrate our daughter's first birthday.

We booked apartment rentals so we could have our own kitchen and lots of living space. Our apartments were all in walkable city centers, so we could easily take the stroller out to buy groceries or grab dinner.

I didn't realize how much FOMO traveling with a baby would give me

Everyone told me that traveling with a baby would mean slowing down. But I didn't realize how different — and difficult — that would feel.

Even if we only did one thing each day, we often had to rush through that thing, take turns going inside so one person could stay with the stroller, and leave early to make it home in time for the next nap.

We had weeks in each city, but it didn't feel like enough because we were restricted by our baby's schedule. The idea of day trips quickly went out the window; we barely had enough time to get through a local museum, let alone take the train for two hours first.

It was stressful to feel like we were on a timer, trying to squeeze in breastfeeding, lunch, commuting, an activity, and commuting back all before our daughter's next nap. And it was always disappointing to leave an attraction early, knowing there was so much we had skipped.

Traveling as a family also opened up new opportunities for us

As hard as it was to see all the things we couldn't do while traveling with a baby, I tried to focus on all of the things we got to do because of our daughter.

To make the most of her wake windows between naps, we spent a lot of time in our local neighborhood. This allowed us to immerse ourselves in the community, frequenting the same shops and cafes, to the point where people recognized us.

We got to do a lot of things that local families do. We spent a ton of time at our closest library, playground, and city farm. We even enrolled our daughter in a baby swim class!

And whenever we sought out baby-specific activities, like a baby-friendly comedy show, a kids' theater, and a baby playtime at the Natural History Museum, it was always the best experience. Our daughter absolutely lit up, and my husband and I couldn't have been happier.

Even though our trip didn't turn out how I had expected, I wouldn't change a thing

We didn't get to half of the things I had researched for us to do in Europe. And yet, I'm so happy with the trip that we had.

Traveling with our baby (and our dog!) really slowed us down and helped me appreciate a more local approach to travel. I learned how to get to know a place without ticking everything off the tourist bucket list.

Our daughter celebrated so many milestones abroad, like learning to crawl in France and taking her first steps in England. She came home as an independent, friendly, and curious toddler. And her dad and I came home with countless memories from our first family trip.

• Top strongman Mitchell Hooper is preparing to compete for the deadlift world record.
• Huge weights and long workouts aren't necessary for most people to build strength and muscle, he said.
• For an efficient workout, he recommends one hard set of basic exercises, such as squats or presses.

For most people, lifting more than 1,000 pounds on a barbell is something out of a Sunday morning cartoon, not a real-life gym session.

It's all in a day's work for Mitchell Hooper, the reigning World's Strongest Man.

Hooper first won the title in 2023 and again this year. It's the top honor in strongman competition, a sport that's all about moving massive, often oddly-shaped objects, including stones, logs, and trucks.

He'll face the current deadlift world-record holder, Hafþór Björnsson, on May 24 at the controversial Enhanced Games, a competition that allows certain performance-enhancing drugs.

Hooper, who holds a master's in exercise physiology, said the average person doesn't need to train like a strongman, but mastering similar exercises can boost strength and muscle gains with less time in the gym.

"If you want to set a deadlift record, there's some nuance. It's a science project," Hooper told Business Insider in an interview coordinated by Airwaav, a brand of mouthguards that he uses during training. "Very few people are trying to do that. Most people just want to go in, do as little as possible, get as much as possible, and move on with their lives."

How to build strength and muscle in short workouts

Whether you're carrying your groceries to the car or a car for sport, the fundamentals of movement are the same. Strongman relies on basic patterns of human movement: push, pull, carry, squat, hinge, and overhead press.

"Fundamental movement patterns are what everyone should base their training around, whether it's an 80-year-old woman or a 15-year-old athlete," Hooper said. "Those movement patterns are mandatory to live a complete life."

As long as you're challenging your muscles in each type of movement, it doesn't matter whether you use an exercise machine or a barbell, according to Hooper.

"If you're more comfortable on a machine, plug away. If you want pride in your best bench press, go for that," he said.

For an efficient workout, Hooper said to pick an exercise from each category that works multiple muscle groups at once. Then do one hard set of the exercise for up to 25 reps until you're at or near muscle failure (the point at which you can't complete another rep with good form).

Repeat with another 2-3 exercises from different categories, and you can work your whole body in about 15 minutes (including a 5-minute warm-up).

Building strength is all about challenging your muscles to adapt, so one difficult set can be more effective than a longer, less focused workout, according to Hooper.

"If you do that, you're going to progress faster than 95% of people that I see in the gym on a day-to-day basis who sort of go through the motions," Hooper said. "Removing the complication, going on machines that move more than one joint and going toward failure, you're going to be in a really good spot."

• My team was my favorite part of my role at Meta, but then I got laid off and lost them.
• While unemployed, I realized what really inspired me at work: helping and mentoring people.
• I've traded corporate boardrooms for college classrooms, and I love it.

I spent over 10 years at Meta, joining in 2012 when the company was still called Facebook and the newly acquired Instagram team occupied just two rows of stand-up desks in a half-filled Menlo Park campus.

As a global director, I helped lead a creative group launching campaigns with Marvel, Disney, Mini, Lexus, Wendy's, Activision, and a fleet of innovative agencies and brands that trusted us to bring their stories to life on our platforms. I loved my job.

My team became my work family, Meta's hallways became my work home, and the security badge hanging from my belt became a big part of how I saw myself.

Then, at 3 a.m., that all changed.

I saw an email from the Meta Leadership Team addressed to Thomas (uh-oh, that formality must mean trouble). I opened it and read, "We've made the hard, but necessary decision to lay off 13% of the company. Unfortunately, you've been included in the layoff."

Gulp. I was on the list. I was laid off from my job.

I was hit with a few realizations later that morning

My first thought after absorbing the news was, "Who else on my team was affected? How can I help? Who needed to talk? Who is taking it the hardest?"

They were my team, and I needed to be there for them. But then it struck me. Effective immediately, I had no team.

Next, I considered how I'd break the news to my family over toaster-cooked waffles and orange juice.

"We'll be fine, we'll figure it out," said my wife. And the kids seemed more concerned about making the bus than the severance and COBRA options.

I didn't know how loud my life was until it suddenly went quiet

Instead of waking up early to an onslaught of internal team meetings, soul-twisting client fires, and an endless marching of BHAG quarterly goals, I found myself with a different morning agenda.

I'd quietly tiptoe out of the house at 4:30 a.m. and make my way to the moonlit beach.

Groggy morning hellos from co-workers in the micro-kitchen were replaced with a community of beachside foxes, coyotes, owls, and an occasional dolphin, effortlessly bringing a human mind that had been running at full throttle for years to a much-needed halt.

In the stillness, I started to hear my inner voice again. It told me that I had grown to love building up the people on my teams far more than building up the ideas we delivered to clients. It had become about the people. And I was still without a team.

The time to myself helped me rethink my career

Soon after the layoff, a professor friend asked me if I'd like to lecture in his college class. I loved it. Word spread, and I found myself accepting more invitations to lecture at universities close to my Los Angeles home and as far away as Virginia.

College campuses are filled with talent brimming with ideas, ambition, and wide-eyed excitement. Students share many of the same anxieties as my corporate teammates about their projects, performance, and future. When I realized I had answers to give, I decided I didn't want to chase another corporate badge.

I became an adjunct professor and am now a lecturer. I've begun mentoring college students and recent grads, helping them find their voice and land their own dream roles. Years as a people manager, team leader, and hiring manager give me the ability to help students see behind the curtain and find their footing in a job search landscape full of AI black holes, unexplained ghosting, and never-ending digital applications.

I now help them navigate the madness and find their own work family, work home, and work purpose. I suddenly find myself feeling like I am exactly where I belong.

A message to those recently laid off at Meta

If you're reading this and you're one of the tens of thousands who have been told you were laid off as part of a "necessary business decision," I know how incredibly lonely that can feel.

But here's what I didn't see at 3 a.m., staring into that soon-to-be-returned company laptop: I wasn't actually being kicked out. I was being kicked toward a place where I could do truly authentic work and help people the most.

And that team I lost? I found a new one. They just happen to be sitting in college classrooms.

Tom Gilmartin is the founder of Gilmartin Career Launch Coaching and lives in Los Angeles. Connect on LinkedIn.

• Military leaders say drones from Mexican cartels regularly fly over US troops at the US-Mexico border.
• "Hundreds" of counter-drone systems are being tested by troops deployed to the southern border.
• Commanders have previously warned that commercial drones are changing homeland security threats.

The US military is using the southern border as a testing ground for counter-drone technology as cartel surveillance flights increasingly threaten troops and federal law enforcement officials operating there, senior leaders said this week.

"We have a lot of fixed and movable counter-UAS capabilities, but not really anything that would follow a patrolling soldier," Gen. Gregory Guillot, the commander of US Northern Command, said during a panel discussion at the annual SOF Week conference in Tampa, Florida.

As the American military tries to absorb drone lessons learned from Ukraine and the Middle East, the US border with Mexico presents a slightly different challenge, he said. "The cartels are flying over our soldiers and Marines all the time."

His comments come amid growing Pentagon concern that the same inexpensive drone technologies that have transformed warfare in Ukraine are now proliferating among criminal organizations closer to home.

While US forces possess tools to counter those drones, solutions that can reliably combat multiple drones at once or shield troops on the move do not yet exist, a significant source of anxiety for the military.

Six US service members were killed in Kuwait in March by an Iranian drone strike, and three soldiers were killed in 2024 in Jordan by a drone launched by an Iran-backed militia. An investigation obtained by Business Insider into the attack indicated that the military was poorly prepared to defend against drones.

To combat the growing threat, the armed forces need both training and equipment.

"If you're willing to bring it down to the southern border, we'll put it to use. We'll tell you if it works," Guillot said, describing the US southern border as "a literal and a figurative sandbox" for testing emerging counter-drone systems to see if they can defeat them in practice.

"If it does, we'll probably buy it. If it doesn't, we'll tell you exactly what you need to work on." According to Guillot, the military now has "hundreds of systems" operating along the border as officials try to identify the technologies capable of protecting troops from UAV threats.

The US has sent thousands of troops to the southern border, where forces are conducting both mounted and dismounted patrols and encountering cartel drones in the process. That makes the border both an operational challenge and a live test environment for counter-drone tools that might later be needed in combat.

The "democratization of technology" has dramatically lowered the barrier for acquiring lethal drone capabilities, Adm. Bradley Cooper, who leads US Special Operations Command, said during the panel.

Most of the US military's defenses were designed to tackle the most "exquisite threats," a term for high-end, costly weapons such as advanced missiles and aircraft, the admiral said. Drones, on the other hand, are cheap, commonly available, and harder to contain.

"The barrier to be able to have a lethal, precise weapon to aim and orient at our maneuvering forces is lower to the point where anyone with an Alibaba or an Amazon account can piece those things together," Cooper said. "It requires us to think through that spectrum of weapons we have to defend against from the exquisite to the more pedestrian."