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

Happy (early) holidays! If you're already thinking about what to do with money you might receive this season, perhaps follow this family's lead. They spent their $75,000 inheritance on a bucket list trip to South Africa. They say it helped them grieve.

On the agenda:

• For Generation Alpha, learning to read is becoming a privilege.
• How to pull off the quiet-luxury style, even if you're not rich.
• She stayed at an "otherworldly" Norwegian ice hotel. She'll never do it again.
• Inside the daily routine of a biohacker who wants to live to 150.

But first: A time to say thank you.

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

This week's dispatch

Dip into your holiday cheer fund

Even as many Americans are dealing with tipping fatigue, the holiday season can be a time to thank the workers who make their lives easier — with a tip.

According to Bankrate's 2024 Tipping Culture Survey, which surveyed 2,445 US adults earlier this year, many Americans plan to tip their teachers, childcare providers, housekeepers, landscapers, and mail carriers.

Etiquette expert Nick Leighton told Business Insider that it's important to ask those in your community how much they intend to tip since a tip amount is "made up of a constellation of factors, including the nature and length of the relationship with a person and what's considered 'typical' in your area."

Still, if you're wondering how much to tip the people who've helped you all year, here's some general guidance.

Etiquette expert Diane Gottsman told BI that a good tip is typically how much you'd pay childcare providers, housekeepers, and lawn care professionals for a normal visit. However, it may not be legal for teachers and mail carriers to accept tips. Instead, thoughtful non-cash gifts may be more appropriate.

Why our kids can't read

There has never been a golden age for reading scores in America, but a report from last year has raised alarm bells. Reading performance among 13-year-olds has hit its lowest level since 2004, the report found.

Legislators and school districts are touting new, expensive reading programs to improve literacy rates. However, teachers and parents say that's still not helping kids discover the joy of reading. Families who can afford it are moving their kids to different schools or hiring tutors, driving a deeper societal wedge.

Inside the reading wars.

Luxury on the low

Quiet-luxury style is still in vogue. It's all about using high-quality, understated pieces to create chic, effortless looks that say, "I'm rich."

Celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow nail the trend. Luckily, quiet luxury is easy to duplicate. A personal stylist shared the tips to keep in mind for achieving the look.

Don't go overboard with logos.

Iced out

Dana McMahan and her husband spent $475 for one night in a Norwegian hotel straight out of "Frozen." Staying in the lodge, McMahon writes, was a "once-in-a-lifetime" experience with an "otherworldly" glow.

But would she do it again? Absolutely not. As it turns out, sleeping on ice isn't the most comfortable arrangement.

An Arctic abode.

Biohacking and business

Every morning, longevity clinic co-owner Kayla Barnes-Lentz, 33, spends 2.5 hours biohacking. Her routine includes her first round of electromagnetic field therapy, a workout, sun exposure for her circadian rhythm, sauna time, a shower, and more — all before breakfast. Her goal is to live to 150.

Barnes-Lentz told BI that her longevity habits — many of which aren't fully scientifically proven — have helped her reverse her biological age by 11 years.

Her daily routine.

What we're watching this weekend

• "Virgin River": Netflix's drama series about a small town returned for season six this week.
• "Juror No. 2": Clint Eastwood's courtroom drama film is now streamable following a quiet theatrical release earlier this year.
• "Beast Games": YouTuber MrBeast's new game show kicked off this week on Prime Video, featuring 1,000 contestants vying for a hefty $5 million cash prize.

See the full list

What to shop

• Not too late to save on jewelry: Though it might be too late to get them for Christmas, Blue Nile's jewelry makes incredible gifts for yourself or a loved one. During its holiday sale, rings, bracelets, earrings, and more are up to 50% off.
• Actually comfy ankle boots: A good pair of ankle boots is versatile, comfortable, and durable. But not all pairs are created equal, so we've rounded up 17 styles to meet your needs, like waterproofing, affordability, and everyday wear.
• Avoid another price hike: YouTube TV will join the wave of streaming services raising prices next year. If you're planning a switch, these are some of the best alternatives to consider.

More of this week's top reads:

• Mark Cuban says 60 is the new 40. He follows 3 habits to stay youthful.
• BI's Rachel Hosie tried microtox: the antiaging treatment that smoothes without freezing the face.
• Ultraluxury hotel brands are turning to cruise ships and private jets.
• A gut-health scientist who trained as a chef shared her 2 easy, go-to breakfasts.
• A travel reporter stayed at one of the most expensive lodges next to the Serengeti National Park, where she fell asleep listening to lions roaring.
• The cancellation of 'Freaks and Geeks' broke Linda Cardellini's heart. It also taught her a valuable lesson.
• Review: The 6 best places to order last-minute Christmas dinner online in 2024.
• A Greek Mediterranean diet expert shared the best advice for Americans who want to eat better on a budget.

The Insider 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.

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

Happy Saturday! A new study uncovered more evidence linking cancer to inflammation from diets high in ultra-processed foods. Researchers are now pointing to these foods that may heal the body. (There's more below on a concerning colon cancer trend.)

On the agenda:

• Colon cancer is increasingly becoming a young person's disease.
• Successful men share the luxury items that make their lives easier.
• Work out smarter, not harder, with these efficient, low-impact moves.
• A luxury travel planner shares the six destinations she's recommending to clients right now.

But first: AI fixed Christmas.

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

This week's dispatch

ChatGPT, Santa edition

If you're wondering what to get your friends and family this holiday season, perhaps you should follow Caroline Brew's lead. She's a Business Insider fellow who asked ChatGPT what to get her family for Christmas.

The AI-powered tool "gave me 19 suggestions," Brew wrote, "along with additional ideas under categories suggesting quirky and personalized gifts."

I decided to try it for my mom, who is hard to shop for, using the prompt: "What should I get my mom for Christmas? She's the woman who has everything and loves books, reading, tea, and taking a bath. I want it to be thoughtful."

ChatGPT gave me seven suggestions, touching on each theme I provided. The first suggestion was my favorite: "Get her a custom book where you can write and design a book filled with reasons you love and appreciate her."

It's an idea I wouldn't have thought of myself, but one that my mom would cherish, especially because our immediate family lives in three different states.

If you're still wondering what to get your tribe, we've also compiled a list of suggestions for Generation Alpha and ideas for the teenagers in your life. You can also check out our gift-giving guides, curated by BI's Reviews team, that make holiday shopping fun, not a chore.

Colon cancer's rise in young people

Colorectal cancer rates in people under 50 are increasing all over the world. New data from the Lancet Oncology showed that colon cancer rates in young people went up in 27 of the 50 countries the study examined during a 5-year period.

This spike also appears to be happening in richer countries. The study's authors identified detrimental dietary exposures and sedentary lifestyles associated with economic wealth as potentially being connected to the trends.

Where the disease is on the rise.

The luxe items that make men's lives easier

When it comes to the gift-giving season, there's one thing most people want: something that will make their lives easier.

Whether it's a spa package or a fancy alarm clock, there are plenty of options to choose from. BI asked successful men about the luxury items they swear by to make their lives easier, from a Herman Miller chair to $400 headphones.

Here's what they said.

Doing less for better results

Lia Bartha is a 41-year-old pilates instructor who spent years working out too hard. She felt like she was "plateauing" and that higher-impact workouts weren't intuitive to how her body was aging.

She's now prioritizing longevity exercises and says low-impact routines work better for her body. Her brand, B The Method, combines pilates with other wellness techniques like breathwork and flowing gentle movements.

Low impact for the win.

Under-the-radar travel destinations

A luxury travel advisor based in Los Angeles books five-star hotels and vacations for her wealthy clients. She said many prefer traveling to spots that feel exclusive without the large crowds of tourists.

From St. Barts for a warm getaway to the Dolomites for those who want to hit the snowy slopes, she recommends these destinations to her clients looking to get out of town this winter.

Wealthy winter getaways.

What we're watching this weekend

• "Conclave": The papal drama starring Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci has been meme fodder for social media — and now it's finally streaming on Peacock.
• "Yellowstone": The hit neo-Western's season (or series) finale airs this weekend.
• "Maria": Angelina Jolie stars as the opera singer Maria Callas in a new biographical drama on Netflix.

See the full list

What to shop

• Last-minute gifts: Time is running out for gift shopping, but luckily, we have a guide to the best last-minute gift ideas for when you're in a pinch. Options like in-store pickup and digital delivery features (think subscriptions and gift cards) make all the difference.
• Seriously comfy slippers: Bombas makes some of our favorite socks of all time, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that the brand's new memory foam slippers rock. Our style team tried both versions — and they've basically refused to take them off.
• Don't forget the ham: For many, ham is a must-have for Christmas dinner. Rather than spending your day in line, check out our roundup of the best hams that will arrive in time for the holiday meal.

More of this week's top reads:

• Review: BI's Erin McDowell tried chicken tenders from 5 major chain restaurants, and one emerged as MVP.
• Three modern-day 'Golden Girls' spent $1.2 million to build a compound to live communally as they age. Take a look.
• Taylor Swift spent 484 hours — the equivalent of over 20 straight days — singing onstage during the Eras Tour.
• One woman and her husband moved to an Italian town with $1 homes. She said they were considering buying one, but was glad they didn't.
• The jewelry brands 'it girls' will be shopping at this holiday season.
• Meet the former Soho House exec who wants to bring old-school luxury back to private members' clubs.
• One couple traded Seattle's nightmarish traffic and expensive housing for quiet streets and a big yard just an hour away.
• Why Luke Wilson says he was never competitive with his brother Owen for roles.
• Office parties are back — and that's good news for Gen Z.

The Insider 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.

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

Welcome back to our Saturday edition! One couple celebrating their anniversary thought Gordon Ramsay's restaurant, Hell's Kitchen in Atlantic City, New Jersey, was completely worth it. Here's why.

On the agenda:

• White-collar men are spending a lot to look good — they just don't want anyone to know about it.
• Millennials and Gen Zers are 'de-modernizing' their bathrooms and tapping into nostalgia.
• Ryan Reynolds' personal trainer shared the 11 supplements that help him stay fit as he ages.
• A $62 lunch at The Kitchen, an American bistro owned by Elon Musk's brother.

But first: How to win your company holiday party.

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

This week's dispatch

Come and stay, but leave before the balloons deflate.

We've all heard the same advice around this time of year when company holiday party invitations abound. Don't drink too much, don't sit in a corner, and don't wear something inappropriate.

Still, one piece of advice that may have gone in one ear and out the other is strictly about timing. When you arrive at your company's holiday party — and when you leave, for that matter — is just as important as the other oft-told advice you've probably heard.

Professional etiquette expert Diane Gottsman told writer Alyshia Hull that employees should feel that company parties are mandatory. And even if you don't feel like going, being the first to leave is not OK.

"If you get there and you leave 20 minutes later, people are going to notice," she said.

Still, being the last to leave is also a bad look, Gottsman said. If you don't want to leave your coworkers, she suggests going to another location to keep the party going.

Have fun!

White-collar men's beauty secrets

Men in corporate America want to look good at work — and they're spending thousands of dollars to do so. They're getting routine botox procedures, pricey hair-loss treatments, and splurging on time-consuming routines, all in an effort to gain a competitive edge at their job.

Still, many of them remain uncomfortable discussing the intensive procedures they're getting. BI spoke to four corporate men who are spending loads to strike the perfect balance of a youthful, experienced appearance.

The rise of "brotox."

Young people want their grandma's bathrooms

Neutral-colored, "modern" bathrooms are out. The old-fashion look, which typically features pastel colors with intricate tiles and frilly decor, is back.

Once considered dated, "grandma bathrooms" are driving homebuying and interior design trends, even among millennials and Gen Z. Some homeowners are spending thousands to restore their bathroom's original vintage look — or they're paying extra to re-do the space altogether.

Bathrooms go granny.

A personal trainer's daily supplements

New York-based personal trainer Don Saladino, 47, has worked with celebrities, including Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, and Anne Hathaway. As someone who takes his health and fitness seriously, Saladino told BI he's dedicated to eating and training optimally — and said he's stronger now than he was in his 20s.

Aside from training, nutrition, and sleep, supplements are also a part of his lifestyle. Saladino shared the 11 he takes every day, from creatine to magnesium.

His supplement regimen.

A meal in Musk's Kitchen

After making millions in 1999 from a deal with his brother, Kimbal Musk attended culinary school in New York.

Five years later, the younger Musk went on to open a restaurant with chef Hugo Matheson in Boulder, Colorado. The Kitchen Group now has restaurants in Chicago, Denver, and Austin, Texas. Emily Hart said lunch at the original bistro in Boulder lived up to the hype.

See her review.

What we're watching this weekend

• "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice": The long-awaited Tim Burton sequel is finally streaming on Max.
• "Black Doves": Keira Knightley stars in Netflix's latest thriller, about a spy whose lover is murdered.
• "Speak No Evil": The horror remake starring James McAvoy and Scoot McNairy is now on Peacock.

See the full list

What to shop

• Holiday helpers: Need some gifting inspiration? We're here for you! We've got a list of clever gifts for under $100.
• The coziest robes: There's nothing better than a warm robe on a cold morning. We've tested dozens to bring you the best robes for men and for women.
• Slipper season: What better to pair with a new robe than a new pair of slippers? Our style editors have spent several years putting the best slippers for men and for women to the test, and these are our favorites.

More of this week's top reads:

• Fans lined up at Target to buy Taylor Swift's self-published book. It turned out to be riddled with errors.
• A millennial bought a ski house in Japan for $6,000. He says people shouldn't buy them just because they're cheap.
• BI's Joey Hadden stayed in 2 of Arizona's top hotels, and said they couldn't have been more different. Take a look.
• A top scientist shared 3 tips for getting fermented foods into your diet.
• A travel writer shared the two European cities she'd visit again and the two she won't return to.
• A life coach for children of the ultrawealthy said she sees the same problems over and over again.

The Insider 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, fellow, in New York.

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

Happy Saturday and happy holidays! I hope you're spending this time with family and remembering late loved ones who made this time special. There's no special dispatch from me this week as I'm doing the same. Until next week!

On the agenda:

• Why it's nearly impossible to make money as a musician in 2024. (Unless you're Taylor Swift).
• French châteaus are cheap until you try to live in one.
• After drinking soda daily, one reporter decided to cut down to avoid ultra-processed foods.
• A look inside a private penthouse at the Four Seasons Jackson Hole.

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

Want to make money as a pop star? Good luck, babe!

Music has always been a business, but it's no longer enough for artists to survive on talent or fame alone. Streaming, TikTok, and the ballooning costs of touring have all dramatically altered the industry's traditional routes to making money.

Artists today have to strategically post on social media, navigate the complexities of legal and financial bureaucracy, plan cost-efficient tours, and more. And after all of that, it's often still not enough to turn a profit.

The harsh reality of the music industry.

The French château dream-turned-nightmare

There's a glut of châteaus all around France on sale for next to nothing. But they come with a catch: they're huge money pits.

Real-estate agents say prospective château buyers should set aside at least 1.5% of the purchase price just for annual maintenance. Plus, if the place is classified as a historic monument, add some French bureaucracy to the process. It's a big reason the French aren't interested in châteaus.

And Americans are finding this out the hard way.

Quitting 'diet' drinks

Diet drinks may be marketed as healthier alternatives, but as one dietitian told BI's Rachel Hosie, "they're far from being a health drink."

Regularly consuming ultra-processed foods, like artificially sweetened diet sodas, have been linked to a myriad of potential health risks, like type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. For a few months, Hosie tried cutting down her diet-soda intake. She said her tastebuds quickly adapted to the healthier options, but they're more expensive.

These are the 3 lessons she learned.

An opulent mountain getaway

Located near Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park, the Four Seasons in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, offers a luxurious stay for about $11,000 a night. To even access one of its 31 private residences, guests take a special elevator.

BI's Joey Hadden toured the hotel's Granite Residence, a 4,355-square-foot penthouse, with five bedrooms, a full kitchen, and a spacious pantry. She said the space felt more like a luxury home than a hotel accommodation.

But the smallest room was her favorite.

What to shop

• Black Friday deals still live: Just because it's Saturday doesn't mean Black Friday is over! There's still time to shop great Black Friday deals from top brands like Apple, Dyson, and more, whether you're finishing up your holiday gift list or shopping for yourself.
• Cut the cord: All those streaming services can add up quickly, but we've got the scoop on the Black Friday streaming deals and bundle discounts you can still take advantage of.
• Dress for success: Forget to buy yourself that new pair of jeans? Don't worry — our style editors are sharing the best women's clothing deals you can still score today.

More of this week's top reads:

• Drake lost his rap battle with Kendrick Lamar. Now he claims the streaming game is rigged.
• Why journaling is now part of a regular wellness routine for many male fitness and 'hustle' influencers.
• A server at a winery shares the common mistakes customers make at a wine tasting.
• Miss Universe runner-up says she wasn't offended by the CEO calling the winner's blond hair and blue eyes the 'ultimate evolution' for the pageant.
• 'Parks & Rec' cocreator Mike Schur said the show would look 'hopelessly naive' if it were made today.
• A writer and his girlfriend spent 12 days at 5-star hotels in Morocco — and only spent $250 out of pocket.
• Dating apps are turning to matchmaking to lure in users.
• A couple moved to Japan and turned an abandoned $6,500 home into a guesthouse.
• A managing partner at R360 who runs a group for centimillionaires said the members want their kids to have purpose — and prenups.

The Insider 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, fellow, in New York.

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

Welcome back to our Saturday edition! Looking for something to do that the whole family would enjoy? BI's movie reviewer said that "Wicked," starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, is worth the two hours and 41 minutes.

On the agenda:

• RFK Jr.'s plans to 'Make America Healthy Again' could shake up the weight-loss industry.
• A frequent traveler shares the questions she uses to avoid booking a bad vacation rental.
• Luxury-watch sellers laid out the steps for purchasing a coveted Philippe Patek watch.
• A retired Navy SEAL shared his simple go-to exercises for longevity.

But first: It's time to host.

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

This week's dispatch

How to win Thanksgiving

No matter how you try to slice it, hosting Thanksgiving dinner is a task. That's why I'm here to remind you of some helpful tips to get you through one of the most joyous (but also stressful) dinner occasions this year.

Whether you're hosting family or your chosen family, here's what you should remember:

• It's not too early to head to the grocery store to pick up your turkey, ingredients for macaroni and cheese, and whatever staples you like. Don't forget to ask guests if they have any dietary restrictions.

• If you'd rather not cook (like me!), outsource it. One mom paid $180 for Costco to take care of Thanksgiving dinner, and she had no regrets.

• Don't forget to prep an appetizer or two. It can be as simple as a bowl of popcorn or a fancier hors d'oeuvre. In case your turkey takes too long, it'll ensure you won't have grumpy guests.

• If you're mixing groups of friends, think about an icebreaker to play. Perhaps encourage everyone to go around and say what they're thankful for. It'll get people in the holiday mood.

• Lastly, if you're a guest, don't come empty-handed. One friend on social media said she's getting the host of her Thanksgiving meal an Uber Eats gift card because, let's face it, we'll all get sick of those leftovers soon enough.

Happy hosting!

RFK Jr. in the age of Ozempic

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made big promises to fight obesity with nutrition instead of popular weight-loss drugs. As Trump's nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, he's positioned to shake up the booming weight-loss industry.

Kennedy's ire for Big Pharma could be an opportunity for startups in the food-as-medicine space. It could also affect who gets access to drugs like Ozempic and put pressure on drugmakers.

The plan to "Make America Healthy Again."

Vacation-rental red flags

As a full-time traveler, it's fair to say Tammy Barr knows what she's doing when it comes to finding a good vacation rental. Over the course of two years, she's stayed in 40 unique rental units for a total of more than 380 nights across 16 countries.

Barr has encountered a few duds along the way. Still, she advises to look out for certain things in listings, like comically elongated photos of furniture, when deciding where to book.

These are the five questions she uses.

How to score a Patek

Patek Philippe watches are some of the most coveted in the world due to their high quality and industry-leading features. Not only can one cost hundreds of thousands of dollars — or millions on the resale market — they're also tricky to nab even if you have the funds.

Reid and Craig Karger, professionals in the watch industry, shared with BI the "stepping stone system" a prospective buyer might have to take in order to land one of the timepieces on their wrist.

Here's what that path can entail.

Back to the basics

Retired Navy SEAL and Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Jocko Willink wakes up at 4:30 a.m. everyday to workout for up to three hours. He varies his workouts so he can stay healthy long-term and avoid athletic weaknesses.

Willink has his own massive garage gym, but it's not a necessity for meeting your fitness goals. When it comes to getting the most out of your workout, tried-and-true movements, like pull-ups or squats, require minimal equipment, he said.

His go-to exercises for getting stronger and living longer.

What we're watching this weekend

• "Alien: Romulus": The latest sequel in the long running "Alien" movie franchise was a hit in theaters earlier this year, and now it's available on Hulu.
• "The Merry Gentlemen": Netflix's latest Christmas movie stars Chad Michael Murray as a small-town handyman who joins an all-male dance revue to help save his love interest's family bar.
• "Outlander": Jamie and Claire Fraser are back! The beloved Starz historical drama returns for the second half of its 7th season this week.

See the full list

What to shop

• Black Friday is coming: Black Friday is less than a week away, and the deals are already ripe for the picking. It's an especially good time to shop for pricey, big-ticket items, so we've rounded up the best early furniture deals here.
• It's cold outside: Pick up one of our top space heaters to help heat things up. Whether your room is drafty or poorly insulated, these units offer personalized comfort while you escape the cold weather.
• Cardigans, crewnecks, and cashmere, oh my!: Finally, sweater weather has arrived. Don't waste your money on just any outerwear — check out our roundup of the best sweaters for women.

More of this week's top reads:

• Patrick Schwarzenegger told BI the upcoming season of 'The White Lotus' is 'insane.'
• Why so many women are swearing off marriage — and even dating.
• Billy Bob Thornton ad-libbed his famous 'Friday Night Lights' speech after being betrayed.
• Meet Victoria Kjær Theilvig, the first Miss Denmark to win Miss Universe.
• A writer visited 3 Bavarian-style villages in the US — but she said only one made her feel like she was in Germany.

The Insider 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, fellow, in New York.