• Trump has raised millions from CEOs and businesses for his inauguration and presidential library.
• Apple CEO Tim Cook was the latest to contribute, Axios reported.
• The Times reported that Trump has raised over $200 million since winning a second term.

President-elect Donald Trump will take office in less than three weeks.

In the meantime, he continues to craft his policy agenda and make key appointments for his second administration.

He is also raking in substantial amounts of money.

From Meta and Coinbase to Ford and GM, businesses and CEOs are contributing large sums to Trump's inauguration and future presidential library as the president-elect prepares to enter the Oval Office for a second term.

Apple CEO Tim Cook is the latest to contribute $1 million of his own money to Trump's inaugural committee, according to Axios.

Trump has so far collected a total of at least $200 million, according to The New York Times, which spoke to sources involved in the fundraising. At least $150 million of that will go toward his inaugural, far more than the $107 million he raised for the event in 2017.

The super PAC Make America Great Again Inc. is also set to benefit from the cash infusion, giving Trump's allies a powerful vehicle to boost his conservative plans on everything from tax policy to the environment, as well as the GOP lawmakers who'll back his agenda.

David Tamasi, a Washington lobbyist, waved off the notion that donors were contributing to Trump to stay on his good side. However, he told the Times that some leaders may seek to build rapport after being detached from the president-elect's orbit.

"It is a time-honored DC tradition that corporations are enthusiastically embracing this cycle in all manners, largely because they were on the sidelines during previous Trump cycles," Tamasi said. "They no longer have to hedge their political bets."

There are virtually no limits to contributions for inaugural committees, and corporations have traditionally funded inaugurations regardless of the political party of the incoming commander in chief.

President Joe Biden's inaugural committee raised $63.8 million for his 2021 inauguration, according to FEC filings.

Trump's relationships with many top business leaders became rocky during his first term, namely in the aftermath of the August 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, where white nationalist groups sparked violent clashes. The January 6, 2021 attack at the US Capitol, days before Trump left office, led several companies to pause financial contributions to GOP politicians who had voted to overturn the 2020 presidential results.

Even during the 2024 presidential campaign, some business leaders stayed out of the political fray, while others, like LinkedIn cofounder Reid Hoffman and Netflix cofounder Reed Hastings, supported Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential campaign.

• Ron Shaich uses 'premortems' to motivate a meaningful life and guide his work.
• Shaich, Panera's founder, sold the chain for $7.5 billion in 2017.
• His investment fund, Act III, backs brands like Cava and Tatte Bakery.

Panera's former CEO, Ron Shaich, isn't afraid of death — he's inspired by it.

Over the years he's realized that the time to review whether or not your life was meaningful was "not in the ninth inning with two outs," he told the Wall Street Journal, referring to the final phase of a baseball game. "It was in the seventh inning, the fifth inning, and third inning."

During the final week of every year, he conducts what he calls a "premortem:" a ritual that helps him reframe death as motivation to live a more meaningful life. "I ask myself: What am I going to do now to ensure that when I reach that ultimate destination, I've done what I need to do?" he wrote in his 2023 book, "Know What Matters."

He starts by envisioning all the key areas in his life.

"I'd pull out a yellow legal pad and I'd start to divide that yellow legal pad into the areas of my life that I cared about," Shaich once told Business Insider. "And to me, that's my relationship with my body and my health, my core relationships — my wife, my family, my kids — my relationship with my work, what I wanted out of my work, and what gave me joy, and then my relationship with my own spirituality. And then based on that, I literally would say, 'What is it I want to have accomplished in each of these spheres of my life?'"

Shaich, who reached billionaire status this past July, has built a career off some of the most successful food chains in the country. He launched Panera in 1999 and sold it in 2017 to the European investment fund, JAB, for $7.5 billion.

Through his over billion-dollar fund, Act III, he's invested in chains like Mediterranean fast-casual brand Cava, Tatte bakery, and organic cafe Life Alive.

He told the Journal that his philosophy of life and death also guides his work. He asks his companies to conduct premortems, envisioning goals for the coming three to five years and planning the path to achieve them.

"It's been the key to all of our successes," he said.

• German Chancellor Olaf Scholz responded to criticism from billionaire Elon Musk.
• Musk called Scholz an "incompetent fool" and signaled his support for Germany's AfD party.
• In a new interview, Scholz said he was concerned about Musk backing the AfD.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz responded to criticism from Elon Musk in a new interview with a German magazine.

In the interview published in Stern on Saturday, Scholz said there was "nothing new" about criticism from "rich media entrepreneurs who do not appreciate social democratic politics and do not hide their opinions."

The key, he said, is to "keep your cool."

"There are many people on social media who want to attract attention with strong slogans," he continued. "The rule is: Don't feed the troll."

He added that he found it "far more concerning" that Musk supported "a partly far-right party like the AfD, which advocates rapprochement with Putin's Russia and seeks to weaken transatlantic relations."

Musk has sparked debate in Germany in recent weeks by calling Scholz an "incompetent fool" and signaling his support for AfD, the Alternative for Germany party.

The AfD was founded in 2013 as an anti-European Union party. More recently, it has taken a hard line on immigration, earning it the label of far-right in some political corners.

Musk — who is set to co-lead the Department of Government Efficiency under President-elect Donald Trump's incoming administration — has rejected the far-right label and publicly supported the AfD in posts on X, his social media platform.

Musk reshared a video in December by the right-wing influencer Naomi Seibt in which she criticized Friedrich Merz — a leading candidate to become Germany's next chancellor.

"Only the AfD can save Germany," Musk wrote in his post. He later reaffirmed his support for the AfD in an op-ed for the German newspaper Welt am Sonntag. Welt am Sonntag and Business Insider are both owned by Axel Springer SE.

In the article, Musk wrote: "The AfD advocates a controlled immigration policy that gives priority to integration and the preservation of German culture and security. This is not about xenophobia, but about ensuring that Germany does not lose its identity in the pursuit of globalization."

A number of German politicians have spoken out against Musk's comments, which have come just weeks before Germany holds a snap election in February.

In a post on X last month, Germany's health minister, Karl Lauterbach, said Musk "should not interfere in our politics" and that his platform "profits from hate and incitement and radicalizes people."

Germany isn't the only country where Musk has shown his support for right-wing leaders in recent months.

Musk has criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and teased donations to the Reform Party, a right-wing populist party led by Nigel Farage.

Musk has also backed Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who is also considered right-wing, calling her a "precious genius" who was "even more beautiful on the inside than she is on the outside."

• During the pandemic, when we couldn't travel, I told my sons they could pick a trip for their birthdays.
• My oldest picked Seattle, and my youngest picked Disney.
• It's a gift to me being able to spend time with them and letting them call the shots.

In a few days, I'll leave my husband and 15-year-old son at home while I board a plane bound for Orlando with my 13-year-old son. We're going to the most magical place in the world at the busiest time of the year, and while I'm dreading the crowds, I can't wait for the experience.

In those early days of the pandemic, when all of our travel plans had been canceled, and it felt like we'd never escape our four walls, I told my two sons that we would make up for the lost time when we could. I made them a promise: when they each turned 13, we'd take a trip anywhere they wanted to go in the United States.

It was a way to dream about brighter days and celebrate their milestone birthdays.

I got to see them in a different way

My older son, the quieter and more reserved of the two, turned 13 in December 2022. When we started brainstorming potential destinations, he was surprisingly decisive: Seattle. It was an unexpected pick for a teenager from Virginia who doesn't know anyone in Washington state. Then I remembered all those nights he caught glimpses of the Seattle skyline while his father and I watched "Grey's Anatomy."

Maybe that image stuck with him, or maybe it was just his love of big cities and rainy landscapes. Whatever the reason for his choice, we were bound for the Emerald City.

When we arrived in Seattle, I saw a different side of my son, a quiet confidence that is often overshadowed by the chaos of daily life and squabbles with his brother. It took a couple of days for him to stop asking, "What are we doing next?" and to believe me when I told him that we could do whatever he wanted.

He selected our meals and set our schedule, and we lingered for as long as he wanted at his favorite places — the top of the Space Needle, among the sculptures of the Chihuly exhibit, among the fishmongers flinging their catch at Pike Place Market.

It felt different than a regular vacation

I was charmed by the things my son found interesting and the details he noticed. Walking in the rain back to our hotel one afternoon, I was struck by how different it felt from our usual family vacations.

Those trips are wonderful in their own way, but they often involve a lot of compromise and juggling everyone's interests. This trip, though, was tailored entirely to my son's curiosity and pace, and it gave us a chance to connect in a way that felt new. We ate a lot of pizza, claimed a favorite doughnut place, and — since he's as much of a night owl as I am — stayed up far later than we should have, giggling over late-night TV that I hadn't watched since before he was born.

Our trip reminded me that he's not just my child but his own person with a growing sense of identity and independence.

I'm grateful for the time I get with them

Now, I'm gearing up for my younger son's birthday trip. He turned 13 in September, and his destination of choice was EPCOT in Florida to "eat around the world" in the World Showcase. We'll also be spending a day at Magic Kingdom and a day resort hopping to see the holiday decorations, and we'll rate and review our meals and snacks as we go.

Compared to his older brother's urban excursion, this feels a little less bold, especially since he's typically the more adventurous of the two, and we've done Disney as a family. But I'm looking forward to seeing this trip through his eyes — and being surprised by what he chooses and what holds his interest when it's just the two of us.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to share these moments with my sons. What started as a pandemic promise has become a tradition I love. I've already floated the idea of doing international trips for their 16th birthdays.

My older son wasted no time declaring that he wanted to go to Australia, while my younger son is leaning toward Paris. Wherever we go, being able to travel with them is a privilege that I don't take lightly.

What I hope they someday realize is that sharing these birthday trips with them is a gift for me, too.

• Lemon8, TikTok's sister app, is surging in popularity ahead of a possible TikTok ban.
• Lemon8 uses TikTok's algorithm and is owned by the same Chinese company, ByteDance.
• The Supreme Court will decide this month on the fate of the law that could ban TikTok — and Lemon8.

TikTok owner ByteDance's other social media company, Lemon8, is growing in popularity amid confusion over a possible TikTok ban in the United States.

This week, Lemon8 shot to the No. 1 spot for free apps on Apple's App Store.

What users might not realize is that the law that would ban TikTok, if it is held up by the Supreme Court and then enforced by the administration of President-elect Donald Trump, would also likely ban Lemon8.

Lemon8 is the "sister app" to TikTok. It's a social media platform for photo slideshows, more similar to Pinterest or Instagram than TikTok, which is an exclusively short video platform. Lemon8 uses the same algorithm as TikTok. It is now the No. 2 free app, beating out competitors like ChatGPT.

But, like TikTok, its future is tenuous.

Congress passed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act in April. The law gives ByteDance, TikTok's Chinese parent company, until January 19 to sell TikTok. If a sale doesn't take place, TikTok will be banned in the United States.

TikTok filed a lawsuit in May, arguing that the law violates the First Amendment. The DC Circuit Court upheld the law on December 6. TikTok then filed an appeal to the Supreme Court on December 18. The court is expected to hear arguments on January 10.

Trump filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court on December 27, asking the justices to pause the law until after his inauguration so he could "pursue a political resolution."

The law would also likely ban Lemon8. The bill's text specifically names TikTok and ByteDance as covered companies. However, its language is broad and could affect any company owned by a foreign "adversary" that permits users to "create an account or profile to generate, share, and view text, images, videos, real-time communications, or similar content."

Experts previously told Business Insider that Lemon8's success indicates that ByteDance is willing to introduce new apps to keep growing despite a TikTok ban.

"This is a huge business for ByteDance. They're not gonna go down without swinging," David Glancy, a professor at the Institute of World Politics, previously told BI.

• Growing up, marriage was never a thing that felt like it was for me.
• I wanted kids, but worried about what people — and my parents — would think if I was a single mom.
• I'm now in my late 60s and my companion is my fluffy dog Poppy.

I've had a great life as a travel writer exploring the world. I've been to more places than most people have ever dreamed of visiting.

On my travels, I'd often look at children's clothes and wish I had someone to buy them for. Sometimes I did, but it was always for a friend's child, not mine.

Now in my late 60s, I have very few relatives but have never stopped wishing I could be surrounded by a loving caring family.

I never got married

Coming from a background where my parents argued, and with an older sister who got married to escape, I never saw marriage as the warm, loving environment that it can be. Besides, with no end of handsome boyfriends, each one providing stimulus of one kind or another, I never felt the need for a family or to get married.

When I did meet "the" person that I felt I wanted to spend the rest of my life with, the relationship sadly didn't work out.

As I grew older and my biological clock began ticking, my wish to become a mom became even greater but I never had the courage to have a child without being in a permanent relationship. I also came from a Jewish background, with parents who wouldn't have approved, and were unlikely to support me. I was also very conscious that I wasn't in a sufficiently good financial position to support a child and give them a good education which I believed was essential.

As time went by, I hoped to meet and form a relationship with someone who had children and anticipated that I could become a part of their family. Sadly, it never happened.

I wish I had a family of my own

Over the years to fill in for my loss at not having my own, I've looked after friends' children, babysitting and even temporarily moving into their homes so that the parents could go on a trip alone. However, when those children have gone on to have their own families, I was always their parents' friend, rather than part of their family.

As I've grown older, I've realized that having a warm loving family is a wonderful thing. My parents weren't close to their siblings, and I was unused to large family get-togethers. I travelled a lot while my contemporaries got married and had children. Their families spent time together, and it was only natural for them to act as babysitters. As their children got older and married, their families expanded. On occasion, I'd be invited to a family get-together where there would be in-laws and children, but I'd always be the odd one out.

Now-a-days my friends are grandparents, and although they have passed their babysitting days, they are part of a family unit, spending time with their children and grandchildren.

I have cousins with families but as I am not part of the immediate family, I may be invited to a one-to-one meal but rarely a family get-together. When I go out with friends who have children and grandchildren, the conversation is often centered around their families, their children, and the latest achievements of their grandchildren. I can't say I don't have a tinge of envy.

My compensation lies elsewhere. While I don't have grandchildren, I do have a white, fluffy dog. Poppy is a reliable friend, very sociable, accompanying me whenever and where-ever she can. And thank heavens for other single people like me. On important occasions I'll celebrate with friends but as a singleton it's unlikely to be with family, except for my companion, Poppy.

• Emirates is calling out social media platforms for not acting quicker to remove a video showing a fake plane crash.
• A video depicting a fake Emirates jet crash in Abu Dhabi has been circulating.
• "We urge all audiences to always check and refer to official sources," Emirates said.

Emirates has called out social media platforms for not acting quicker to remove a video showing a fake plane crash.

The video, which appears to be computer-generated, shows a fake Emirates plane crash in Abu Dhabi.

In a statement posted on X, Emirates said: "We are aware of a video circulating on social media depicting an Emirates plane crash. Emirates confirms it is fabricated content and untrue."

The airline said it was in contact with "various social media platforms" in an effort to get the video taken down or "make clear that it is digitally created footage to avoid false and alarming information from circulating."

"Unfortunately the platforms' responses to such content review requests are not quick enough, therefore necessitating this statement," it continued.

Emirates also urged people to check and refer to official sources.

The video was still available to view on some platforms at the time of writing.

Business Insider has contacted Emirates for comment.

It comes as the airline announced its first Airbus A350 aircraft had officially entered commercial service, operating a flight from Dubai to Edinburgh.

Adnan Kazim, the airline's deputy president and chief commercial officer, said the flight marked a "pivotal" moment for the company and that it underscored "the strategic importance of the UK within our global network."

The aircraft is the first of 65 A350s Emirates has ordered from Airbus.

• There are still things I hate about cruises, even after more than 50 sailings.
• Cruises can require lots of planning and limited port time, which kills spontaneity.
• Loyalty programs can make it hard for those of us without status to make reservations.

After more than 50 sailings, it's clear that I love cruises and keep coming back for more.

However, even as a cruise enthusiast, there are still some things that drive me nuts about this form of travel.

From pricey upcharges for specialty dining to limited port time, here are my top gripes with modern cruising.

Trying to get poolside lounge chairs and seats at crowded events can feel like an Olympic sport.

Although it's understandable that cruises are limited by space and can only provide so much seating in each venue, the lack of chairs in many ships' most popular areas continues to be a source of frustration for me.

On every cruise I've been on, you've got to get up pretty early in the morning if you want a deck chair by the pool.

Passengers stake their claim on loungers with towels and personal items — often before sunrise — meaning that if you snooze, you lose your opportunity to soak up the sun.

Finding a seat can also prove challenging at popular onboard events, like trivia, where I've often seen participants resort to sitting on the floor.

Planning is often required if you want to make the most of your trip.

Gaining access to other in-demand cruise activities can be an equally daunting task.

Although I enjoy the Broadway-style shows found on most modern cruise ships, these incredible performances naturally draw big crowds.

To manage them, many cruises require travelers to reserve their seats weeks before a ship departs — if you miss the booking window, you could be out of luck. I've found spots can fill up quickly for popular shows.

A similar process is common for specialty dining venues at sea. In many cases, coveted extra-cost eateries have run out of reservations long before I boarded the ship.

Whenever I did snag a sought-after reservation, I hated having to plan the rest of my day around one meal.

On cruises, I prefer a more laid-back spontaneity, and having to book things so far in advance spoils my sense of freedom.

Loyalty programs can create a system of "haves" and "have-nots."

One way to secure early access to the popular bookings I mentioned above is to earn status.

Major lines have loyalty programs that reward repeat cruisers with perks, including the ability to book offerings earlier than other travelers.

Unfortunately, this can create an unbalanced system and make it tough to want to experiment with different cruise lines.

Even as a seasoned cruiser, I don't have amazing loyalty perks with most lines because I've sailed with so many different ones.

My highest status level is with Disney Cruise Line, so I tend to book its ships whenever possible so I can have a leg up in securing my top choice of port adventures, dining options, and more.

I'd love to branch out and try other cruise lines, but the barrier to entry for a first-timer can be steep.

Cruises offer limited time in each port, which can make some experiences feel rushed.

There's nothing I love more than leisurely days spent soaking up the culture of the place I'm visiting.

From sipping coffee and people-watching at a café to wandering through a town center, I adore taking in a destination's simple pleasures as much as its major tourist attractions.

However, this type of unhurried exploration is rarely possible on a cruise. When I set off to explore a port, I know I must be back on the ship at a certain time. That deadline looms over my head throughout my visit.

Time is of the essence when you're only docked for a few hours, and I feel pressured to make the most of my limited sightseeing time.

Although this frenetic pace is not my ideal way to see a new city, I've learned to embrace it somewhat and treat my cruise stops as a sampler — a highlight reel of what that locale has to offer.

This helps me determine which cities I want to come back to in the future to explore more thoroughly.

• Costco appears to be bucking the anti-DEI wave with its defense of its diversity initiatives.
• Data published last year suggests shareholders largely support diversity efforts.
• Costco's move challenges the perceived popularity of anti-DEI proposals.

Costco's board didn't mince words when it came to supporting the company's stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion — a move that openly challenges the staying power of DEI critics ahead of a new presidential administration that has been critical of the measures.

"Our commitment to an enterprise rooted in respect and inclusion is appropriate and necessary," the board wrote last month in its proxy statement in response to a shareholder proposal from the conservative National Center for Public Policy Research, which would have the company prepare a report on its DEI efforts.

Costco's recommendation that shareholders vote against the proposal stands in contrast to several major companies opting to roll back their DEI initiatives over the past year and a half amid a slate of lawsuits and shareholder proposals. Some companies have also taken to referencing DEI policies as a risk factor in their financial filings, pointing to potential legal action or reputational impact.

Although Costco appears to be bucking the anti-DEI wave by defending its diversity initiatives, data suggests shareholders largely support diversity efforts in spite of the backlash.

A study by the Conference Board indicated that while the volume of shareholder proposals targeting diversity and equity more than tripled year-over-year during the January to June proxy season in 2024, actual support for anti-ESG proposals has fallen from 5% to 2% during the same period. 

While the tripling of proposals might seem large, the actual numbers are relatively small: five such shareholder proposals in 2023 and 17 in 2024 out of the 3,000 publicly traded firms that represent the bulk of the US stock market.

In other words, less than 1% of public companies in the US saw shareholder proposals on DEI matters, with anti-DEI proposals receiving less than 2% support, according to the study. By comparison, proposals on social issues that weren't backed by anti-ESG groups saw roughly 20% support.

Costco's move could flip the script on the perceived popularity of anti-DEI proposals and requests to look into the matter in the first place.

"We believe that the proponent's request for a study reflects a policy bias with which we disagree and that further study and reporting would not be an efficient use of Company resources," the famously frugal company said.

LA Times columnist Michael Hiltzik, who has been a vocal critic of companies' inconsistent positions on social and political issues, wrote approvingly of Costco's "straightforward response."

"Shareholders, workers, and customers may hope for their own sake," he said, "that other businesses follow Costco's example."

Costco shareholders are set to vote on the matter during the annual meeting on January 23, just days after Donald Trump retakes the White House.

Trump has been critical of DEI measures on the campaign trail, arguing that they discriminate against white Americans and vowing to remove or challenge diversity policies within the Federal government and academia.

• My family enjoys going to steakhouse chains. In many ways, they're better than stand-alone spots.
• With chains, we know what to expect, which is especially great when we're traveling.
• I've had steaks at chains that were as good as ones from high-end restaurants.

Steakhouses are one of my husband and I's favorite places to get an extravagant dinner.

As our kids have gotten older, we've brought them along to enjoy steak dinners with us in exciting locales or as part of birthday celebrations.

Even so, our recent visits to steakhouse chains have felt like the best value for our family of four.

Although we could afford to take our teens to higher-end, independently owned steakhouses, I think we get more bang for our buck at chains like The Capital Grille or Outback Steakhouse.

Here's why steakhouse chains have become some of my family's go-to places to dine out.

Knowing which chains my kids love makes grabbing dinner a breeze — especially if we're traveling

Chains aim to deliver consistent experiences, which is especially great for picky eaters and families with kids.

At chains, my teens know what to expect and look forward to it, which can minimize stress in a new place. Plus, we know they'll actually eat what they ordered if they've had it before and enjoyed it.

The first time we visited LongHorn Steakhouse was on a weekend trip to Orlando, and we've returned to other locations and had similarly positive experiences while traveling to California and Pennsylvania.

Since our first time trying Outback Steakhouse, we've gone to its locations in different cities and on various occasions for consistently good meals.

We still like to support small businesses and have our kids try unique, local cuisines when we travel, but sometimes our family is "hangry" and just needs a familiar meal.

If we're going to spend a lot on a special dinner, it's nice to know exactly what we can expect

I like knowing the quality and experience I can expect when returning to a chain again and again, especially when a meal is expensive.

Although trying new restaurants with my husband is fun, it's satisfying to know we can expect our $460 dinner at The Capital Grille to be the same whether we're in Baltimore or Orlando.

Since my family of four had an incredible $500 meal when we visited Ruth's Chris on Mother's Day weekend, I'd also confidently go to any of the chain's locations for any holiday celebration.

My family still talks about our meal there, and I know the level of quality and value I can expect for my money.

Really, steakhouse food is pretty similar everywhere

I've had meals at well-known stand-alone steakhouses in cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles — although each was delicious, there are only so many ways to cook a steak or bake a potato.

Most of my dinners at chain steakhouses have impressed me just as much. One standout is The Capital Grille. Our experience there was on par with the ones I've had at some of the highest-of-high-end steakhouses.

In many ways, chains just make it easy for our family to have a nice dinner

It's nice to go somewhere reliable when we're looking to have a nice meal, which is easy to do when most of our favorite steakhouse chains are fairly accessible across the US

The meals we've had so far have been delicious, and our experiences have remained consistent.

Our teens are still learning what they want out of a dining-out experience, and I like that chains allow them to figure that out while having consistent, clear expectations.

For now, we'll continue going to steakhouse chains when we have extra money to spend on a reliably tasty meal.

• As a lawyer, I got the chance to live in both New York City and London.
• I found New York City to be full of life, but it was too expensive and party-focused.
• London was cheaper, and I could picture a future there.

For as long as I can remember, I've always had two cities in mind when I thought about the most bustling business hubs in the world: New York City and London.

In my mind, it never got any better than the Big Apple or the British capital. They were the cities to make it in the arts or the corporate world. From Broadway and the West End to Canary Wharf and Wall Street, I wanted to experience it all. My dream was to live in one of them at some point in life to try my luck as a corporate lawyer.

Hard work, perseverance, and a bit of luck gave me the opportunity to live in both of them. Both are chaotically enchanting, absurdly overpriced, and fast-paced, but if I had to pick one to live in today, it would be London. Here's why.

I couldn't picture my life long-term in New York City

I first lived in New York City — in the center of Manhattan, to be precise. I moved from Mexico City at the end of 2020 and stayed there for a year. Yes, it was in the middle of the pandemic. But my experience of the city wasn't affected negatively by that. On the contrary, I got to see an empty New York go from zero to 100 in a couple of months.

For better and for worse, the city was everything that I expected: dirty, cosmopolitan, full of concrete, and way too expensive.

But beyond the unrealistic price tags and tall skyscrapers, I also got to appreciate the city's unique attributes: its social aspect, iconic restaurants, unmatchable style, and colorful neighborhoods. The city is full of life. In every corner of every street, I could feel it.

However, those attributes that made it so desirable for a short stay were exactly what made New York City a clear "no" for my long-term plans. New York is ethereal and unapologetic. Yes, at the same time, life-changing. But I couldn't see myself partying and working 24/7 for the rest of my life.

Life in London seemed more manageable

I moved to London at the end of 2021 — after both Brexit and the pandemic. Both the city and I felt like we needed a fresh start. So, I decided to discover London from a comparative perspective. I analyzed every one of its major aspects against those of its American counterpart. The results were surprising as I found similarities between them where I thought there would be clear differences.

For starters, I knew that London was famous for its dreary and often gray weather, but when I moved there, I realized that it wasn't as bad as I thought — especially compared to the extreme heat or cold of New York City.

I also thought London would be more expensive. However, I found that rent and travel were much more affordable and diverse than in the Big Apple.

London suddenly (without even considering its majestic history and stunning beauty) became a place I could call home for a longer period of time. I saw it as a busy financial hub with more things than just work or parties. There were parks, museums, schools, recreational areas, and a sense of humanity.

London felt more mature and like home

On the one hand, New York City reminds me of my most toxic ex: the intensity, the beauty, and the danger. Just like with my ex, I knew it wouldn't last long, and that's what made it so special.

On the other hand, London reminds me of my most stable relationship: its pragmatism, its elegance, its maturity, and its sense of purpose. I felt like I could build my life there.

New York City should be your sole option if you are young and ambitious. But be sure to move to London when you want to grow old and have a family before it's too late. That's just what I did.

• Bettina Anderson is reportedly dating Donald Trump Jr.
• Anderson, a socialite, model, and influencer, comes from a prominent Palm Beach family.
• She attended the Republican National Convention in July and was linked to Trump Jr. in September.

Bettina Anderson was already well-known in Palm Beach, Florida, for her prominent banking family, her fashion modeling, and her passion for environmental conservation and charity work.

Then, she was photographed on what appeared to be romantic outings with Donald Trump Jr.

Trump Jr. has not officially confirmed his breakup with fiancée Kimberly Guilfoyle nor commented on his relationship with Anderson. Neither has Anderson publicly acknowledged her connection to Trump Jr. beyond tagging him in an Instagram story.

If they are, in fact, romantically linked, Anderson and Trump Jr. could next be spotted together at the White House during President-elect Donald Trump's second term.

Here are seven things to know about Anderson's upbringing, career, and connection to the Trump family.

Bettina Anderson grew up in Palm Beach, Florida, and comes from a prominent family.

Anderson's father, Harry Loy Anderson, became the youngest bank president in the US in 1970 when he took over Worth Avenue National Bank at 26 years old. He was also a philanthropist who supported numerous charitable causes including the American Red Cross, of which he was a board member. He died of Alzheimer's in 2013 at 70 years old, according to his obituary.

Her mother, Inger Anderson, is a philanthropist and business owner who operates Palm Beach Groves, an orange orchard and souvenir shop that she and her husband bought in 1978.

Anderson, 38, grew up on a Palm Beach estate known as Oasis Cottage that once belonged to fashion designer Lilly Pulitzer Rousseau. Inger Anderson sold the state for $11.88 million in 2016, the Palm Beach Daily News reported.

Anderson has five siblings, including a twin sister.

Anderson is an Ivy League graduate.

Anderson earned a bachelor's degree in art history from Columbia University in 2009, according to her LinkedIn profile.

She's worked as a business development professional as well as a model and influencer.

Anderson's résumé includes working as a business development manager for the pharmaceutical company TherapeuticsMD and as an independent consultant for the Florida-based investment company Merrick Ventures.

She has modeled for Quest Magazine, Palm Beach Illustrated, and Modern Luxury Palm Beach, in which she was referred to as an "ambassador of Palm Beach style and local 'it' girl."

Anderson also has over 51,000 followers on Instagram, where her profile features affiliate links to skincare products and her Amazon Shop.

She co-founded an environmental charity with her siblings called Project Paradise.

Project Paradise funds filmmaking grants for documentaries about environmental conservation.

The organization released a short documentary, "The Water State," calling attention to the fragility of Florida's freshwater springs.

"One of the greatest focuses of my life is how I can be of service to others and a be steward of the environment," Anderson told fashion blog The Daily Front Row in 2022.

Anderson also volunteers with the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County and is a young patron of The Everglades Foundation.

Anderson attended the Republican National Convention in July, months before she was first linked to Donald Trump Jr. in September.

At the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Anderson was seated behind Donald Trump Jr., Kimberly Guilfoyle, and other members of the Trump family.

In September, the Daily Mail reported that Anderson and Trump Jr. were seen kissing and eating brunch together in Palm Beach. Neither responded to a request for comment about the nature of their relationship.

She co-hosted a fundraiser for Donald Trump's 2024 campaign at Mar-a-Lago in October.

The event featured former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Vivek Ramaswamy, all of whom went on to become members of Trump's administration.

Attending the dinner cost $100,000 per couple, and admission to a fireside chat cost $30,000 per couple, the Palm Beach Daily News reported.

She has not publicly confirmed that she's dating Trump Jr., but she has featured him on her Instagram and joined him at Mar-a-Lago.

On her birthday in December, Anderson posted a photo of a bouquet of flowers on an Instagram Story and tagged Trump Jr.

The card accompanying the flowers read, "Many have said you're aging out but I think you're perfect...happy birthday!"

Anderson and Trump Jr. were also photographed holding hands while exiting a restaurant in Palm Beach and celebrating Trump Jr.'s birthday together at Mar-a-Lago on New Year's Eve.

Trump Jr. has not confirmed his breakup with Guilfoyle, but told Page Six in a statement that he and Guilfoyle "will always keep a special bond" and that he "could not be more proud of her and the important role she'll continue to play in my father's administration" as ambassador to Greece.

• Business Insider spoke with interior designers about how to make an apartment feel more luxurious.
• Choosing a focal point for symmetry can make a room feel more elegant.
• Long curtains and well-placed mirrors are great tools for making a space feel larger.

Making a small apartment feel personalized, cozy, and luxurious can be tricky. Many renters struggle to find ways to make an apartment feel like home without doing major renovations and potentially violating the terms of their lease.

That's why Business Insider asked interior designers for tips on making a rental feel more luxurious without making big changes. Here's what they had to say.

Choosing a focal point to decorate around can make a room feel more elegant.

Decorating around a specific element, like a fireplace or a piece of wall art, can bring symmetry and unity to a room.

According to interior designer Tommy Kebbson of Kebbson & Co., this can instantly make a space feel more elegant.

"Even small adjustments like placing lamps on either side of a sofa or balancing artwork on both sides of a wall can make a significant difference," he said.

Kebbson also told BI that a symmetrical space doesn't mean all elements have to be identical. Lamps and art can be complimentary without matching perfectly to achieve a balanced, cohesive look.

Use curtains to make your ceilings feel higher.

Jennifer Jones, principal designer at Niche Interiors, suggests using curtains to trick the eye into thinking your ceilings are higher than they are.

"Mounting tall drapery panels above windows is an easy way to make your small space feel instantly larger," says Jones. "The trick is to pull your eye upwards, which emphasizes the height of the space and makes the volume seem larger. Drapes also add softness and sophistication to a space."

Mirrors can make an apartment feel bigger and brighter.

Mirrors are a great addition to any room — and not just for touching up makeup or putting an unruly strand of hair back in place.

"A well-placed mirror can reflect natural light and make the space feel much larger and brighter," interior designer Laetitia Laurent of Laure Nell Interiors said.

Laurent told BI she likes to position mirrors opposite windows and in dark corners to draw light to those areas and add a sense of depth to the room.

"In smaller rooms, even a large statement mirror can work wonders, acting as both a functional piece and a design element that enhances the room's overall flow," she said.

Don’t underestimate the power of a rug.

Aside from making cold floors feel more cozy, area rugs can also help add structure to an apartment with an open floor plan.

Kebbson said he uses rugs to subdivide rooms, and finds this method especially helpful when designing a studio apartment.

Interior designer Vicky Floros also emphasized the importance of rugs and said they're good items to splurge on.

"Rugs act as the anchor of a room and can make or break a space," she told BI. "While there are many budget-friendly options available these days, this is one item worth investing in, as it can completely transform the look and feel of your room."

It's wise to choose multifunctional storage pieces and furniture.

When creating a luxurious feel in an apartment, Elissa Hall, lead designer and founder at EDH Interiors, suggests using pieces of furniture that "serve both form and purpose," like a convertible couch or a storage ottoman.

"For a recent project, I included a custom-built shelving system that acted as a room divider, offering storage and space definition without sacrificing the open atmosphere," Hall said.

• Ann Telnaes, a longtime Washington Post cartoonist, has announced she is quitting her position.
• She said the move came after a cartoon featuring the Post's owner, Jeff Bezos, was rejected.
• The Post's opinion editor said he disagreed "with her interpretation of events."

Ann Telnaes, an editorial cartoonist who has worked for The Washington Post since 2008, announced she was quitting her position after one of her cartoons was rejected.

The cartoon in question depicted Amazon founder and Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos and other billionaires kneeling in front of a statue of President-elect Donald Trump.

In a Substack post, Telnaes wrote that the idea behind the cartoon was to criticize billionaire tech and media chief executives she said "have been doing their best to curry favor" with Trump.

Alongside Bezos, the cartoon shows Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg, LA Times owner Patrick Soon-Shiong, and Walt Disney mascot Mickey Mouse.

"I've never had a cartoon killed because of who or what I chose to aim my pen at. Until now," Telnaes wrote, adding that the paper's decision to kill the cartoon was "a game changer…and dangerous for a free press."

"As an editorial cartoonist, my job is to hold powerful people and institutions accountable," she continued. "For the first time, my editor prevented me from doing that critical job. So I have decided to leave the Post."

The Post's opinions editor, David Shipley, said in a statement that while he respected Telnaes and her work for the publication, he "must disagree with her interpretation of events."

"Not every editorial judgment is a reflection of a malign force," he said. "My decision was guided by the fact that we had just published a column on the same topic as the cartoon and had already scheduled another column — this one a satire — for publication. The only bias was against repetition."

Jeff Stein, a White House economics reporter at the Post, reshared the cartoon and a link to Telnaes' Substack post on X.

Telnaes, who won a Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Cartooning in 2001, has long been an advocate for free speech and editorial cartoons as a tool for civic debate.

She serves on the advisory board for the Geneva-based Freedom Cartoonists Foundation and was formerly a board member of Cartoonists Rights.

Telnaes concluded her Substack post by quoting the Post's slogan: "Democracy Dies in Darkness."

Jeff Bezos has owned The Washington Post since 2013, when his holding company, Nash Holdings, bought the newspaper for $250 million.

Business Insider has contacted Telnaes and Shipley for comment.

• I read horror stories online of college students who move out and don't talk to their parents.
• I required my college-aged son to send me a "proof-of-life" photo every day.
• He sent me selfies or pictures of the sunset, and it helped us stay connected.

This year, my son left home for his first year of college. He is just over five hours away, so I knew I would only see him a few times a year.

I read so many blogs and articles, and I joined parent chats. I wanted to learn as much as possible to help my son transition to college. I wanted him to have success and be the best version of the person I knew he could be.

So many of the blogs I read were about students who leave home, and the parents do not hear from them for weeks. Their kids do not return texts, phone calls, or video calls. Their kids seemingly do not have time for them.

As I started packing my son to leave for school, this topic came up. As the time approached, I started to get stressed about the communication aspect. Would he call? Would he text? Would he video chat with me? What would life look like without my firstborn, my baby boy?

After much soul-searching, I presented him with an idea that both he and I were comfortable with. It was supplying a daily "proof of life."

I wanted to hear from him at least once a day via text

The idea was that he would text me at least once a day. It could be as simple as a picture of his lunch so I would know he was alive and eating, or it could be a photo of something on his college campus that sparked his interest — like the white squirrels you can sometimes find.

It could also be a selfie of him with a friend or classmate. We also agreed that we would speak live, either on the phone or via video chat, once a week.

I explained that these are the bare minimum expectations, but he is welcome to call or text as much as he wants. I explained it is hard for me to be away from him, but I am so proud of him.

He agreed to all of this; it was reasonable and manageable. He knew he could communicate in a way he was comfortable with, and he did not feel like I was interfering in his life.

As a parent, I had to let him start to live his life. I just hoped that everything I taught him before leaving would help him be a good human and a good student.

His photos gave me a glimpse into his life on campus

This proof of life ended up looking like a morning text from me saying "good morning" and telling him to have a good day. I also wanted to make sure he was awake since he was always the kid who struggled to get up in the morning. He would typically respond to that text.

Other times, I would receive a photo of the salad he made at lunch or the chicken and waffles he made himself at the cafeteria. I received photos of sunsets — one of his favorite things to photograph. Other times, he would text me while he waited between classes, and we would text for 30 minutes to catch up. He would share what was going on in his life in greater detail.

We are still adjusting to this new normal

My son and I have an incredible mother-son relationship, and it's continuing to evolve as he becomes an adult.

The best thing we did was set expectations so that I was not disappointed by his lack of involvement and he did not feel overwhelmed by my desire to be involved in his changing life.

The day I moved him into his dorm, my son walked me to the car. I hugged him tightly, shared a few words of wisdom, and started the car. I was crying behind my sunglasses and turned on the radio. "Don't You (Forget About Me)" by Simple Minds was playing.

I rolled down the window and turned it up so he could hear. He smiled and raised his fist. At that moment, I knew it would all be OK. And his daily check-ins confirmed just that.

• I had kids in my 20s, 30s and 40s.
• While my body took longer to recover the older I got, I also learned to enjoy little things more.
• I've learned that there is no "right" age for when to have kids.

Parenting is one of those experiences that somehow gets better and harder with age.

When I had babies in my 20s, I was young and optimistic — I figured I could handle anything. By my 30s, I had a few more kids, a lot more chaos, and maybe just a little less mental bandwidth. But then, when I was 40, I surprised myself and decided to have one more.

Here's the thing: being a parent is an adventure, and no matter how many kids you have or how old you are, the ride never gets predictable. Some parts are way harder than they used to be, and others are way sweeter.

Pregnancy at 40 was hard

Let me just start by saying that pregnancy at 40 is not for the faint of heart. At least, it wasn't for me. The first big difference I noticed was the exhaustion. Sure, I was tired with my other pregnancies, but this time, it felt like I had been hit by a truck every time I got out of bed.

I used to bounce back quickly after a long day of work and chasing toddlers. At 40, it felt like I needed a recovery plan just to survive a trip to the grocery store. The baby bump wasn't as perky as it used to be, and my back wasn't as forgiving when I bent over to tie my shoes. Every movement felt like a yoga class I hadn't signed up for.

The doctor's appointments also took a bit more effort. Not just the regular ones — I had extra blood tests, ultrasounds, and "advanced maternal age" reminders.

Some days, I feel like I'm moving at a toddler's pace just to keep up. My knees and ankles creak. My energy levels are more in line with someone preparing for a nap than chasing after a baby — the only thing I asked Santa for Christmas was uninterrupted sleep.

I can't tell you how often I've looked at my husband and said, "I'm too old for this!" And yet, when that baby smiles at me when I hear that little giggle, I remember exactly why I'm doing it.

The biggest challenge isn't just physical, though. I remember juggling a newborn with work and life in my 20s, thinking I was some kind of superwoman. In my 20s, I was ready to conquer the world with a baby in one hand and a coffee in the other. Now, at 40, I'm hoping to conquer the laundry pile before the baby wakes up.

I savor motherhood

Even with all the challenges, I wouldn't change it for the world. Sure, my body doesn't bounce back as quickly, but my heart is bigger than ever.

Having a baby at 40 means you appreciate the little things even more — the snuggles, the baby smells, and the fact that you don't have to Google "how to get a baby to sleep" every five minutes because, well, you already know the tricks.

I've also realized that I'm in a different place mentally. Parenting at this stage isn't about surviving — it's about savoring. The late-night wake-ups that used to drain me now feel like a special chance for one-on-one snuggles and quiet connection. I'm not running on fumes the way I did in my 20s. I've learned to enjoy the slow moments, the quiet nights, and the chaos, too. Because when you're older, you know that all the crazy is part of the beautiful mess.

There's no "right" age to have a kid. The journey might be a little more challenging the older you get, but it's also much more rewarding.

• Wealthy travelers are increasingly booking luxury train vacations.
• High-end suites often include amenities like bottomless Champagne, butlers, and private bathrooms.
• A night on Belmond's iconic Venice Simplon-Orient Express starts at about $4,370 per person.

Vintage luxury is making a comeback. Not just with clothes, but with a particularly beloved mode of transit — trains.

Set to debut in April, Italy's La Dolce Vita Orient Express would offer guests luxuries like a stylish lounge, Champagne buckets from Giobagnara (which can command more than $500 each), and meals curated by the chef of Rome's three-Michelin-starred La Pergola.

Expect dishes like calamari carpaccio and lamb with artichoke and truffle shavings — for lunch, no less.

"It's all a bit pricey, but we're determined to put all the finest stuff made in Italy on board this train," Samy Ghachem, the coming train's general manager, told Business Insider.

La Dolce Vita Orient Express is not to be confused with Belmond's iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, best known for its sumptuously restored century-old carriages. Both trains are helping lay the tracks for a revitalized rail renaissance characterized by surging demand and increasingly high-end amenities.

Luxury train bookings are going loco-motive

Train-focused tour company Railbookers had been experiencing double-digital growth before 2020. However, after the pandemic and the subsequent boom in "slow travel," popularity started going express.

Frank Marini, president and CEO of Railbookers Group, told BI that 2023 and 2024 have consecutively been the company's best-performing years, with no signs of slowing down. During this period, Railbookers also saw a 68% spike in luxury-level bookings.

"It keeps snowballing," Marini said. "We see passengers that have come back traveling with us on a lot of luxury rail, and they're like, 'well, where else is there luxury rail?'"

Unlike bus tours or flights, the vacation experience doesn't begin when you arrive at your destination. Instead, like cruises, it starts when passengers board.

And unlike their at-sea counterparts, trains are one of the most eco-friendly ways to travel.

Plus, the amenities can be as lavish as a five-star hotel. Guests traveling Canadian Via Rail's Prestige Class have enhancements like a butler and a private bathroom with heated floors. Gold-level US and Canada's Rocky Mountaineer travelers get a dining room, an open-air viewing platform, and glass dome lounges.

On Belmond's Andean Explorer, based in Peru, suite guests slumber in 141-square-foot bedrooms with private bathrooms and lounges.

Such luxury comes at a cost, of course.

Andrew Channell, Railbookers Group's senior vice president of product and operation, estimates a typical multi-day luxury train trip, but not of the highest-end tier, could cost around $3,000 per person and day.

And then there's the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient Express, where a one-night journey from Venice, Italy, to Paris starts at about $4,370 per person for a basic cabin with a shared bathroom.

The train's most luxurious Grand Suites come with a private restroom (plus upgrades like bottomless bubbles) — for about four times the cost.

They are, after all, a "rich and famous-type bucket list item," Julie Durso, a travel manager for agency Scott Dunn Private, told BI.

Gary Franklin, Belmond's senior vice president of trains and cruises, told BI that reservations for the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express spiked 10% from 2023 to 2024. The Grand Suites are often the first accommodations to be booked.

To adapt to this swell in demand, the train — which only accommodates about 100 passengers — now operates a longer season than before the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The popularity of train travel is seeing a renaissance," Franklin said, adding that bookings for Belmond's five — soon to be six — other trains also increased. This includes a 25% boost for the Royal Scotsman, which was almost fully booked through 2024. (A two-night roundtrip Edinburgh, Scotland journey on the high-end locomotive starts at about $5,940 per person.)

Full steam ahead on luxury

Popular commercial travel companies, like airlines and cruise lines, often offer cheap, low-tier options to capture more guests. Think interior cabins on cruises and basic economy seats on airlines.

Belmond is taking the opposite approach by enticing wealthy travelers with increasingly luxurious add-ons.

In 2024, the company introduced two Grand Suites to the 40-year-old Royal Scotsman. The addition was "exceptionally well-received," Franklin said — so much so that Belmond plans to add more in 2025.

The train had previously been updated in 2023 with a Dior-branded spa carriage, now also available on the recently relaunched Eastern and Oriental Express.

"We all lead these very frenetic lives," Franklin said. "This is an opportunity to slow down, look out the window at the incredible scenery, and come together with fellow travelers in a nice luxurious environment with great food and beverage."

Not everyone can afford to spend thousands of dollars for a night on Belmond's trains. However, the financial barrier isn't deterring travelers from their luxury vacation dreams.

According to Marni, all of Railbooker's conventional train bookings now include some touch of extravagance, such as a cabin upgrade, a night's stay at a high-end hotel, or an exclusive excursion. This "little luxuries" trend, as he calls it, only started a few years ago.

Or, if you're rail-y in the mood to splurge, you could request Belmond's new L'Observatoire suite. The skylight-lit moving hotel room spans the entire carriage — hidden tearoom and marble bathroom with a tub included — all for about $101,515 a night.

Sounds pretty train-quil, doesn't it?

• This post originally appeared in the BI Today newsletter.
• You can sign up for Business Insider's daily newsletter here.

Happy New Year! Since many are focused on their health goals this month, we designed a special Saturday edition. Enjoy our best fitness reads to help you keep your wellness resolutions.

On the agenda:

• Gen Z was running on empty. Then they started running.
• Three people share advice that helped them lose and keep off the weight.
• How a nutritionist incorporates ultra-processed foods into his diet.
• A doctor and longevity expert shares the 6 bare-minimum things you can do to live longer.

But first: It's mocktail season.

If this was forwarded to you, sign up here. Download Business Insider's app here.

This week's dispatch

Say hello to Dry January

When the clock struck midnight, Rihanna — yes, the billionaire beauty magnate and pop superstar — proclaimed to her 150 million Instagram followers that she "didn't drink all year."

Rih Rih joins so many celebrities and mere mortals alike who are giving up alcohol for one reason or another.

The singer's announcement came days before US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy said in an advisory that alcohol is one of the leading causes of preventable cancer in the nation, behind smoking and obesity.

We took a deeper look at the data from the four studies cited in the Surgeon General's advisory. It's worth noting one of the healthiest ways to eat, the Mediterranean diet, includes wine in moderation.

Still, if you want to join Rihanna and go alcohol-free for the month of January, here are some tips to get you started.

1. If you mess up, don't worry. Data suggests that some people have at least one day when they're not sober and it's typically the first Friday of the month. Keep going.
2. If you still love the habit of opening up a cold can of brew, stock up on alcohol-free beers and other alternatives that will allow you to still get your fix without sipping alcohol.
3. Tell your friends and family your plan. Having a support system in place can help hold you accountable.

Gen Z's obsession with extreme fitness

Your mid-20s are tricky enough, but graduating during a pandemic is another challenge. As the traditional goalposts of homeownership and parenthood get pushed further back, many are looking for other ways to measure their progress and regain a sense of control.

Young people in their 20s are pursuing intense physical fitness challenges, from ultramarathons (yes, races longer than 26.2 miles) to Ironman triathlons. They're also inspiring their peers to follow suit. Why now?

Some are calling it their quarter-life crisis.

Meeting your wellness goals

Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to cut out the foods you enjoy or endure tough workouts you hate just to lose weight. Research shows this rarely works in the long term and can have unintended health consequences, like malnutrition and disordered eating.

Take it from three people who lost weight sustainably after years of yo-yo dieting. From prioritizing health over appearance to adding a social element to their journey, they shared the advice that helped them succeed.

Their weight loss lessons.

A 'realistic' approach to UPFs

Ultra-processed foods, which contain additives, made headlines in 2024 for their potential health risks. Last year, nutritionist Rob Hobson tried eliminating them from his diet, instead cooking everything from scratch.

Hobson found cooking three times a day is too time-consuming. Now, he incorporates "healthier" UPF options, like picking up pre-made pasta sauce from the store, to "make life easier."

How he incorporates UPFs in his diet.

Easy adjustments for a longer life

Dr. Michael Roizen, 78, is the chief wellness officer at Cleveland Clinic. He's all about helping people make lifestyle changes to live healthier for longer. In fact, there are small, easy changes that can make a big difference, even if you can't completely overhaul your lifestyle.

Roizen shared with BI the six things he thinks everyone should do to live longer and improve mental, physical, and social health.

Six tips for healthy living.

What we're watching this weekend

• "Missing You": Netflix's latest Harlan Coben adaptation is a thriller about a detective who finds her "missing" fiancé on a dating app a decade after he vanished.
• "Nightbitch": Amy Adams plays a stay-at-home mom who becomes convinced she's turning into a dog in this black comedy horror film now streaming on Hulu.
• "The Front Room": The A24 psychological horror comedy available on Max stars Brandy as a pregnant woman who's being terrorized by her husband's ultra-religious ailing stepmother.

See the full list

What to shop

• Most popular picks of 2024: We looked back on the products our readers clicked on most from our buying guides and reviews this past year, including our favorite walking shoes, work totes, and deep-cleaning essentials.
• Boots to the ground: There's a lot to consider when it comes to boots, so we've rounded up a tried-and-tested list of the best casual men's boots to protect your feet this season.
• Time to cozy up: We've spent hours snuggling and researching to compile this list of the best throw blankets to fit your home's needs.

More of this week's top reads:

• 'Squid Game' season 2 smashed Netflix's record for biggest debut.
• BI's Hilary Brueck went inside biohacking tech bro Bryan Johnson's home and said it was a bit different than what was on his new Netflix documentary.
• A gut health scientist and chef shares 4 ways she makes eating fermented foods tasty and easy.
• Color experts on the hues you should consider removing from your home in 2025.
• BI's Katherine Tangalakis-Lippert had lunch at Disney's Club 33, and she said it made her realize why someone would sue to keep their membership.
• A travel writer who's been to all 50 states shares one thing she recommends doing in each one.
• One woman who goes abroad for injectables and skin laser treatments says she's saved $3,955 on treatments.

The BI Today team: Dan DeFrancesco, deputy editor and anchor, in New York City. Grace Lett, editor, in New York. Lisa Ryan, executive editor, in New York. Amanda Yen, associate editor, in New York.

• It's never been tougher for first-time homebuyers to break into the market.
• Supply shortages, high mortgage rates, and skyrocketing prices are creating barriers to entry.
• Prospective homebuyers are downsizing, house hacking, or buying fixer-uppers as a result.

It might seem cliché to reminisce about the good old days, but when it comes to the housing market, things arguably were better "back then."

In the 1940s, for example, there was an ample supply of reasonably priced starter homes for first-time homebuyers. A starter home during that time typically cost between $8,000 and $12,000, or between $109,000 to $168,000 in today's dollars, according to Realtor.com.

Fast forward to today, where affordable new home construction has declined, mortgage rates are stubbornly above 6%, and the average home costs $357,469, according to Zillow data. It's no wonder that the share of first-time homebuyers in the market has shrunk to a historic low of 24%, while the age of first-time buyers has hit a record high of 38 years, according to the National Association of Realtors.

"There are a lot of financial barriers to entry for younger households," Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com, said in an interview. "As a result, we see fewer first-time home buyers. They are a smaller share of the market, and the number of home sales has been historically low in recent years."

Despite the tough times, there are some positive inklings for the housing market heading into next year: lower interest rates and increased inventory could be on the horizon in 2025. Still, housing experts are unsure if the market will significantly improve for first-time buyers in the near future.

In the meantime, first-time homebuyers seem to be making the most out of the circumstances and are getting creative with the following three homebuying habits.

Starting small

One of the most straightforward ways that homebuyers are reducing costs is by buying a smaller house. That's how Symone', a 32-year-old user-experience content designer who asked not to share her last name for privacy reasons, was able to purchase her first home in 2024: a two-bedroom, 1,300-square-foot single-family home in the Raleigh, North Carolina metro area.

Buying a house in one of the most popular real estate markets in the country wasn't a walk in the park for Symone'. Competition was fierce and inventory was limited, making it difficult to find affordable units, Symone' told BI.

"I would go to sleep basically on my phone, scrolling on Zillow trying to find something," she said.

Her biggest takeaway from the homebuying process was that she wouldn't get everything on her wish list. Symone' prioritized the urban location and made concessions on the size — her house is much smaller than the median American home size of 2,000 plus square feet, according to Bankrate.

"That's where I compromised on this house. I love it because it's a new build, and it has all the finishes that I wanted, but I definitely don't have as much storage in this house," Symone' said.

House hacking

When Tom Brickman bought his first house, he lived in the upstairs unit and rented out the downstairs unit to a tenant.

That was back in 2009, but house hacking, or renting out part of your home, has only increased in popularity as a way for first-time homeowners to get their foot in the door. The extra income from rent can help the owner pay off the mortgage on the house and build up home equity.

"I think it's definitely gained more popularity as things continue to get more and more expensive," Brickman said.

Danny Gardner, senior vice president of Mission and Community Engagement at Freddie Mac, agrees. Gardner believes that increasing living costs are leading people to become more open to nontraditional home ownership options such as sharing space.

In the twenty-plus years since Brickman's first home purchase, he's gone on to buy more houses and become a successful real-estate investor who provides coaching services to new homeowners. House hacking with two tenants was how one of Brickman's clients was able to afford a condo while working as a server in Los Angeles.

House hacking can provide a point of entry into the market, especially for otherwise prohibitively expensive markets such as Los Angeles, but Brickman cautions that it's not for everyone. Cohabiting with a tenant can create complications: when Brickman first started out, he encountered lifestyle conflicts with his downstairs neighbor and had to scramble for money to fix a broken furnace.

"It's inconvenient," Brickman said of house hacking, "but I could afford a much nicer house by doing that."

Buying a fixer-upper

Another way first-time homebuyers are combatting the rising cost of housing is by buying fixer-uppers. These houses are often available at below-market prices and can be a great deal — if you're willing to put in the work and money to invest in renovating.

According to Hale, fewer affordable starter homes are being built as builders have trended towards constructing larger, more expensive homes in recent years.

As a result, those looking to buy an accessible first-time home might not have a lot of new options to choose from.

"A lot of lower-priced homes are lower priced because they're older and could require work," Hale said.

Prospective homeowners might choose a fixer-upper due to lower competition. Brickman went this route a few years ago.

"I was just tired of getting outbid, so I took a house that needed more work than what it was needed," Brickman said of his experience buying a fixer-upper in 2022.

However, the lower price of a fixer-upper can come at the cost of the convenience of a new build, as it's difficult to accurately predict costs no matter how diligently you budget. Another one of Brickman's clients was hit with thousands of dollars of unexpected costs on a fixer-upper after an initial inspection failed to catch an issue with a retaining wall on the property.

The housing landscape is undoubtedly tough to navigate today, but until affordability improves, prospective homeowners are coming up with workarounds to get a piece of the American dream.

"Sometimes you have to get a little creative to get your foot in the door," Brickman said.

• "Neo-medievalism" is emerging as a consumer trend, according to creative agency Wonderhood Studios.
• The trend embraces medieval aesthetics and reflects a rejection of modern tech culture.
• Fashion, home decor, and mead sales are key areas influenced by neo-medievalism, per Wonderhood.

With Brat Summer fading further into the rearview mirror, it's time to look ahead to the next consumer trend set to sweep the internet. You might want to prepare yourself for a year of "neo-medievalism."

That's the key takeaway from a new report by Wonderhood Studios, a UK-based creative agency and production company. Wonderhood examines data from social media, Google Ngram, and other sources to produce an annual consumer trends predictions report for its marketer clients.

"The future is medieval," Jack Colchester, the head of data and insight at Wonderhood, wrote in the report.

Think cloaks and blacksmithing, all washed down with lashings of mead, the ancient honey-based alcoholic drink.

Colchester said the medieval trend taps into two prevailing consumer attitudes: A lust for nostalgia and the renunciation of an always-online culture.

"Neo-medievalism is the embrace of all things medieval in the face of growing rejection of modern tech-centric culture," Colchester wrote.

A growing embrace of Gothic and medieval fashion

There were hat-tips to medieval fashion on runways and major entertainment events last year that hint at the growing trend, Colchester said.

Take the MTV VMAs in September, where singer Camila Cabello donned a veil while fellow pop star Chappell Roan fashioned a sword as an accessory and later appeared in an outfit entirely made from chainmail. Elsewhere in September, actor Natalie Portman wore a chainmail-inspired Dior dress to the Deauville Film Festival.

In a similar vein, Pinterest predicted last month that "castlecore" would be a big trend for 2025, particularly in home décor and fashion.

Analysis of English-language Pinterest searches between September 2022 and August 2024 found a 110% lift in search volume for "medieval core," while searches for "chainmail necklace" and "castle house plans" were both up 45%, respectively.

Colchester said "Bardcore," referring to medieval-style music, has also steadily grown in popularity on TikTok in recent years. Speaking to this trend, the tech company Teenage Engineering last year released a beat machine that includes a library of hundreds of built-in medieval sounds, such as bowed harps, bagpipes, and frame drums, and effects like swords clashing and arrows flying.

The rise of mead

Mead is also having a moment, popularized by TV shows like "Game of Thrones" and with a growing number of commercial meaderies opening in the US.

Global sales of mead are set to grow from $592 million in 2024 to $1.4 billion by 2032, according to the market research company Fortune Business Insights. A separate report, from the market research company Technavio, had an even rosier outlook, estimating the global mead market would grow by $2.7 billion between 2024 and 2028.

In its report, Wonderhood also cited Google Ngram data, which explores language usage trends within books and other published materials, that suggests interest in mead is at its highest since 1887.

Colchester said mead fits into several trends among younger consumers.

"It's lower alcohol, chemical free, has loads of taste, and it's sustainable and helps bees," Colchester said.

Colchester said that the "neo-medievalism" trends — while somewhat tongue-in-cheek — point to consumers rejecting what he describes as hyper-modernity and pristine sameness.

"The creative benchmark in 2025 will be: get to places AI couldn't," Colchester said.

"In a tidal wave of algorithmic mediocrity overwhelming the internet, the only way to stand out is to embrace being an unashamed attention seeker — and boldly step into your neo-medieval jester era," he added.