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☆ Inflation is scrambling Americans' perceptions of middle class life
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-05 | by ( Jennifer Sor | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

For many in the middle class, inflation is at the heart of this feeling. That's making people feel locked out of many of the milestones long associated with middle-class life. 74% of middle class Americans have cut back on non-essential spending, according to Primerica's survey. 46% of middle-class Americans said they've dialed back or completely paused saving for the future and 38% said they didn't think they could afford an unexpected expense over $1000. Buying a home may be the greatest example of a tenet of middle-class life feeling out of reach for many, and that struggle is very real rather than merely negatively perceived.

Persons: —, Vincent, he'd, he's, Eoin Sheehan, Chris Collins, Collins, Jessica, they're, Kayla, Primerica, they've, Sheehan Organizations: Service, Business, Pew Research Center, Redfield & Wilton, Federal, Northwestern Mutual's Collins, Northwestern Mutual, Newsweek, National Association of Realtors Locations: Santa Barbara, California, Alabama, Primerica

☆ I shopped at Whole Foods for the first time in 12 years, and it reminded me why I stopped going in the first place
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-05 | by ( Jamie Davis Smith | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

I stopped shopping at Whole Foods in 2012, but recently went back to see if anything had changed. I eventually realized that other supermarkets better supported my shopping habits and lifestyle, and I stopped going to Whole Foods in 2012. Now, I can easily visit Wegmans for plant-based foods and shop at Safeway for milk alternatives or locally-produced ice cream, so Whole Foods no longer stands out. I found the prices at Whole Foods to be expensiveSmall snacks and produce at Whole Foods are usually more expensive than at other supermarkets. AdvertisementI did see products from the 365 label, Whole Foods' house brand, that were cheaper than similar items at the store.

Persons: —, I've, Jamie Davis Smith, gelato, what's, I'm Organizations: Foods, Service, Amazon, Safeway, Whole Foods Locations: Washington ,

☆ I use my psychic powers to help corporations make money. My best ideas have earned me more than $500,000.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-05 | by ( Lakshmi Varanasi | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

So I did it and it worked, and I made an awful lot of money for people. My advice was so profitable that these clients started recommending me to their friends in other businesses and industries. By and large, the businesses I worked with are not good forces in the world — they're capitalist extractive machines. AdvertisementMy spiritual clients pay me a flat monthly fee ranging from a minimum of £4,000 to a maximum of £20,000. I charge a minimum retainer fee of £2,000 per month, but my real income comes through a success fee.

Persons: Kate Tomas, I've Organizations: Service, Business, Oxford Locations: Wales, London, Hollywood

☆ A full-time Cleveland Uber driver who took home $17,000 in 2023 shares why the full-time gig isn't worth the money anymore
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-05 | by ( Jacob Zinkula | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Read previewGeorge, a full-time Uber driver in Cleveland, was once quite satisfied with his ride-hailing gig. The 40-year-old, who has been driving for Uber since 2017, is considering quitting and becoming a truck driver, he previously told Business Insider via email. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. George is one of several Uber and Lyft drivers who have told Business Insider their gigs are less profitable than they were a few years ago. AdvertisementMany ride-hailing drivers are actively tracking their income and expenses to make sure driving is worth their time.

Persons: —, George, Uber, he's, He's, Patrick's, aren't, they've, hasn't, Roger Kaiser Organizations: Service, Uber, Business, BI Locations: Cleveland

☆ I've been divorced twice, and now I'm finally in a healthy relationship at 44. Here's how I shifted my view on dating.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-05 | by ( Andrea Javor | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

But that's not how my life turned out. When I actually turned 40, I was reeling from the humiliation of two short marriages followed by divorce, no kids, and two ill-fated endings. I had a therapist, a dating coach, a yoga membership, and a routine cry on my best friend's couch, obsessing over what went wrong … again. When I went out with someone on a fabulous first date, I'd make myself wait a week for the next one. AdvertisementAs I realized the energy I put into dating was actually in service of understanding myself, I felt empowered to finally pick the right person.

Persons: I'd, that's, …, matchmakers, courtships Organizations: Service, Business Locations: Chicago

☆ Man Behind California Forever, Silicon Valley's City of the Future
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-05 | by ( Hugh Langley | Adam Rogers | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +29 min

He sees California Forever. And if he can't undo the damage, there may never be a California Forever. California Forever may be a subdivision, but it's precisely the kind of subdivision America needs right now. But here's the thing: California Forever may be a subdivision, but it's precisely the kind of subdivision America needs right now. Places like California Forever aren't being opposed by the people who are desperate for a place to live.

Persons: Jan Sramek's, Goldman Sachs, Sramek, Reid Hoffman, Laurene Powell Jobs, Marc Andreessen —, They've, Christie Hemm, Peter Thiel, Jan Sramek, Jan, Thiel, Goldman, CheatSheet, Sramek's, hadn't, Jonas Rave, who's, —, Guy Saidenberg, Evernote, Marc Andreessen, Jane Jacobs, He's, he'd, Robert Moses, growth.y Christie Hemm, Flannery, Bronson Johnson, David George, Andreessen Horowitz, Marilyn Farley, Farley, Solano County's, Kathleen Threlfall, Bill Mortimore, California Forever's, Jessica Christian, he's, Lyle Lanley, Solano, Sam Houston, weren't, Gabriel Metcalf, You've, John Garamendi, Garamendi, isn't, they'll, latte, Christie, Travis, I've, aren't, They're Organizations: Silicon, California, BI Development, University of Cambridge, London School of Economics, Party, Rising Star, Facebook, York, Sramek's, BI Sramek, Google, American, Planners, Sacramento -, Travis Air Force Base, Area, titans, Farmers, councilwoman, California Forever, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, Air Force, Flannery Associates, Disney, San Francisco, Vallejo Naval, Historical Museum, Rep, BI, Solano, Sierra, Goldman Locations: San Francisco, It's, Sramek, California, Rio Vista, Solano County, Napa, Sacramento, Silicon Valley, America, London, Zurich, England, Czech Republic, Dřevohostice, York, British, Eastern Europe, Cambridge, Bay Area, Hayes Valley, America's cutest, Atlanta, Phoenix, Copenhagen, Barcelona, New York, Sacramento - San Joaquin, San Francisco Bay, Lake Tahoe, Toledo , Ohio, Silicon, Google's, Toronto, Big Tech, China, Calif, Springfield, Vallejo, He's, Atherton, Foreverville, Fairfield, Austin, Solano, Valley, Europe

☆ I just had my second miscarriage at 37. I wasn't prepared for the grief I feel this time around.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-05 | by ( Sarah Michelle Sherman | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

But I said nothing at first — I was too lost in thoughts, visions of ultrasounds, doctors, and grief. Because I'm 37 — which is considered an advanced maternal age — I had an ultrasound at eight weeks. I wasn't prepared for the grief of my second miscarriageI learned then that preparation does absolutely nothing to protect you from the devastation you feel in this situation. "Advanced maternal age" kept echoing in my mind — a term that feels like a verdict, a reminder that time is not on my side. Fear of the unknown, fear of the challenges that come with being an older mother, fear of facing another loss.

Persons: —, would've, wasn't, I'd, who'd Organizations: Service, Business

☆ I flew Ryanair for the first time. It may be Europe's biggest airline, but its endless extra fees mean I'm not convinced.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-05 | by ( Pete Syme | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

I flew from London to Madrid with Ryanair on a ticket that started at £35 ($43.70). It got me from A to B unscathed, but I'd rather fly with another budget airline for the same price. AdvertisementWhen it comes to airlines, my friends often sing the praises of Ryanair — praising its cheap ticket prices, whether it be city breaks or visiting home. Coupled with my train journey to the airport, what started as a £35 ticket ended up costing £90. AdvertisementIf you are planning to fly with Ryanair, I hope this article will help you plan to avoid its pitfalls.

Persons: — Organizations: Ryanair, Service Locations: London, Madrid

☆ I started having sex at 36. I missed out on years of self-discovery but I still don't regret waiting.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-05 | by ( April Zimmerman | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

I'd never been part of the fraction of people emotionally equipped to handle casual sex. When my partner and I started having sex, I struggled with feelings of inadequacy. For a long time, I was overly caught up in our sex life. In the same way, I'm never too old to get acquainted with the body I live in. Is it strange to be in the early years of my sex life while those around me are in the (much) later years of theirs?

Persons: I'd, It's, we're, Eugene Levy, Levy, I'm, I've Organizations: Service Locations: Gibraltar, Africa

☆ My daughter prefers going by a short nickname than her long name. I wish I had just named her that.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-04 | by ( Kelly Burch | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

I found out we were having another girl early on in the pregnancy, and my husband and I started tossing around monikers. In school, she started requesting to go by her nicknameElla settled into our family perfectly, but her name occasionally nagged at me. I couldn't blame her — what preschooler would want to spell out Elizabeth when Ella would cut it? In trying to explain a nickname to Ella, I've realized just how complicated the concept is. I have yet to find a good way to explain it, though I point out other loved ones with formal names, like my dad William, who exclusively goes by Bill.

Persons: I'd, Harriet, Rose, Elizabeth, Elle, Ella, weren't, Liz, I've, William, Bill Organizations: Service

☆ Michael Showalter on 'the Idea of You' Controversial Ending, 'Wet Hot'
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-04 | by ( Caralynn Matassa | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +12 min

Michael Showalter kept acting long after he realized he didn't want to do it anymore — mostly because he needed to eat. Showalter got his start in college doing sketch comedy as a member of The State (formerly The New Group). Fast forward roughly two decades and Showalter has found himself right where he was always meant to be. But as I grew older, it was a combination of I wasn't getting cast in things, but I also wasn't really needing to get cast in things. Is there any one moment where you realized acting wasn't what you loved doing?

Persons: Michael Showalter, Showalter, Michael Ian Black, Joe Lo Truglio, Thomas Lennon, Ken Marino —, he'd, didn't, wasn't, Baxter, he's, Sally Field, Kumail Nanjiani, Zoe Kazan, Oscar, Nanjiani, Jessica Chastain, Tammy Faye, Elizabeth Holmes, Amanda Seyfried, Holmes, Jennifer Westfeldt, Lee's, Anne Hathaway, Reid Scott, Ella Rubin, Nicholas Galitzine, Claudette Godfrey, Daniel Boczarski, You've, you've, … It's, Ivanov, Kevin Kline, I'm, Adam Jason Finmann, gee, Hayes, Alisha Wetherill, Nicholas, Nick, Cathy Schulman, He's, It's, Anne, Bernie Telsey, Maria Organizations: The, Business, MTV, Globe, BI, SXSW, Knitting Factory, Amazon, Netflix Locations: New Jersey, Austin, Hollywood , California

☆ 4 lessons for success from Berkshire shareholders' best Buffett and Munger stories
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-04 | by ( Ryan Ermey | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Around these parts, the honchos at Berkshire do have one key thing in common with Murray: everyone who's met them seems to have a story. Just about everyone who had encountered one of the Berkshire luminaries shared some of the wisdom they imparted. Indeed, it's advice that Buffett echoed at the shareholder meeting on Saturday. In response to a question about advice everyone needs to hear, Buffett urged shareholders to think about the way they'd like their obituaries to read and to pursue life accordingly. An encounter with his friend, Berkshire board member Chris Davis, reminded him of a key piece of advice from Munger: surround yourself with images of your idols.

Persons: Bill Murray, Murray, Warren Buffett, Charlie Munger, who's, Guy Spier, Doerthe Obert, —, It's, Buffett, William Greene, Michael O'Brien, Chris Davis, Charlie, Munger, Benjamin Franklin, Greene, Gillian Segal, Segal Organizations: Berkshire Hathaway, Drew Investment Research, Buffett Locations: Washington ,, Omaha, Nebraska, Berkshire, Zurich, Munger

☆ Marine moved from the U.S. to Brussels with her family—our mortgage is under $3,000/month: Take a look inside
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-04 | by ( Jessica Van Dop Dejesus | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

My husband Martin and I met in Brussels in 2012, when I literally stepped on his toes at my neighborhood farmer's market. We ultimately chose Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the administrative center of the European Union. Take a look inside our apartmentWe live in a street-level duplex in a building with only three apartments. She loves that she and her family can host dinner parties in the dining room. Federico CampanaleThe bedrooms, laundry room, storage, and bathroom are on the bottom floor.

Persons: Martin, we'd, he'd, Jessica, Jessica van Dop, I'd, Federico Campanale, it's, We've, Saint Gilles Organizations: NATO, Washington , D.C, Pentagon, Marine Corps, European Union Locations: Brussels, Netherlands, Washington ,, Europe, Rotterdam, Belgium, Saint Gilles, Puerto Rico, Western New York, Our, Saint, Eastern, Puerto Rican

☆ I went to Checkers for the first time, and my $23 meal was some of the best fast food I've ever had
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-04 | by ( Amena Ahmed | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

I went to a new Checkers near me shortly after it opened to try the chain for the first time. AdvertisementFast food isn't my first meal choice, but it comes in handy when I'm on the go. When a Checkers opened near me recently, I knew I had to try it out. Fast food is getting more expensive nowadays, so I'm always looking for the best value. I was excited to see if Checkers was worth including in my rotation.

Persons: —, I'd Organizations: Service, Checkers

☆ Kendrick Lamar and Drake's beef explained, from its 2013 origins to their diss tracks "Push Ups" and "6:16 in LA" and latest responses
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-04 | by ( Ayomikun Adekaiyero | Eve Crosbie | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +26 min

Both rappers released diss tracks that took blistering personal shots on Friday night. "He doesn't have the heart for the lying, disrespect, and animosity it requires to make an effective diss track," Pierre wrote. Later in the track, Drake references Cole's diss track and apology. At the end of the track, Lamar samples a 1994 Tupac interview to simulate a conversation between the two rappers. "6:16 in LA" also parodies Drake's song titles, which often feature location names and timestamps.

Persons: Kendrick Lamar, Drake's, Drake, —, Lamar's fiancée Whitney Alford, Lamar, Aubrey Drake Graham —, Lamar dissed Drake, J, Cole, Rick Ross, Cole —, Taylor, Joseph Okpako, WireImage Lamar, Jermaine Cole, Big, Wale, Pusha, Meek Millz, Big Sean, Jay, Tyler, Mac Miller, Kunta, Lamar hasn't, Meek, Getty, Tim Mosenfelder, Aubrey, Muhammad Ali, Michael Jackson, Jackson, Prince, Mike Jack, Prince . Prince, “, rics, Organizations: Metro Boomin, Service, Future, Metro, HBO, Drake, Wireless, Lamar, Big, Rocky, Rap Locations: Drake's, Lamar, LA, Florida

☆ My brother took my grandparents' last name because they raised us. Here's why I didn't do the same.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-04 | by ( Nicole Johnson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

My brother and I were raised by our grandparents, who had a different last name than we did. When he decided he wanted to change his last name to theirs, I didn't understand at first. My grandparents raised me and my brother, Jamie. AdvertisementI didn't understand when my brother took my grandparents' last nameThe name belonged to the step-grandfather raising us alongside our biological maternal grandmother, and was of Irish origin. Nicole Johnson didn't understand at first why her brother Jamie would want to have the same last name as his grandparents.

Persons: —, Jamie, Douglas, Nicole Johnson, Nicole Johnson Ugh, Nicole, overdosed, she'd, Nicole Johnson didn't, I'd, Johansson, Johnson Organizations: Service Locations: California, Boston

☆ When I was a single parent, I introduced my new partner and kid quickly. I'd do it more slowly if I were single again.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-04 | by ( Stephanie Kaloi | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

I introduced him to my son fairly quickly, and if I was single again, I might do it differently. NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . If you're in love and you have a kid you love, naturally, you want both of your loves to love each other, right? I had spent over a decade married to one person, and was very much still in a marriage mindset when I met my partner.

Persons: —, I'd, Gwyneth Paltrow, Brad Falchuk didn't Organizations: Service

☆ I'm a Palestinian startup founder. I wanted to do my part for my home country, but now we have to leave.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-03 | by ( Charissa Cheong | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

The Palestinian startup sceneOur business is based in Ramallah, where Raya lives. If starting a company in Ramallah could benefit the community by creating jobs and further building on the small startup scene there, we wanted to try. When "The Middle Frame" goes through a hard time in the future, we can look back at that screenshot. In the future, when our business is stable in a different market, we could maybe have a smaller operation in the Palestinian market. The Palestinian startup ecosystem needs more examples of successful startups in the wider region to support the startups in Palestine and more investment bodies to support the early-stage startups.

Persons: Mohammad Alnobani, Alnobani, —, We'd, Raya, creatives, We're, I'd, I've, We've, Raya's, we've, it's Organizations: West Bank, Hamas, Service, Young, Palestine, Israel, Getty, UAE Locations: Gaza, Alnobani, Ramallah, Palestinian Territories, Amman, Jordan, Jerusalem, Belfast, Palestinian, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Nablus, Qatar, London, Boston, East, North Africa, it's, Egypt, Europe, Ramallah —, Dubai, Jordanian, Iran, UAE, Palestine

☆ Don't worry, Dua Lipa fans: 'Radical Optimism' isn't a flop — it's primed for slow-burn success
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-03 | by ( Callie Ahlgrim | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Dua Lipa released her third studio album, "Radical Optimism," on Friday. With its Euro-pop vibe, 11-track structure, and dance-forward conceit, "Radical Optimism" does recall its predecessor, but that's hardly a bad thing. Compare that to the trio of "Radical Optimism" singles: "Houdini," "Training Season," and "Illusion," all of which have the makings of a smash. "Radical Optimism" is primed for the same kind of slow-burn success, especially given its familiar shimmer of pop genius. Final Grade: 8.6/10Dua Lipa's "Radical Optimism" was released on May 3, 2024.

Persons: Lipa, Maria, —, who's bristled, who'd, I've, I'd, Kevin Parker, Danny L Harle, Caroline Polachek's, Parker, Houdini, they've Organizations: Service, Lipa, Warner Records, Press Locations: Lipa, singledom, untethered

☆ 32-year-old mom's Poshmark side hustle brings in nearly $4,000 a month—she only works 3 to 4 hours a day
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-03 | by ( Gili Malinsky | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

In October 2017, Jones' sister convinced her to start a store on online marketplace Poshmark. Initially, Jones sold the items from her own closet. Here's how Jones, who's married with two daughters and lives in Garden Valley, California, built her online thrifting hustle. After her sister suggested she open a Poshmark store, Jones quickly discovered how easy it was to make money on it. She decided to dedicate her Poshmark earnings to doing so, working on the store after she'd get home from work at Pauli Systems.

Persons: Maria Jones, I've, thrifting, Jones, who's, she'd, ramping, Tommy Hilfiger Organizations: University of California, Pauli Systems Locations: Garden Valley , California, Berkeley

☆ It's been difficult to stay connected with my college friends post-graduation. We now schedule mini-reunions.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-03 | by ( Sochima Richard | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

After college graduation, I was worried I'd lose contact with my friends; we started a group chat. I came in as a freshman, eager to explore the new life college would expose me to. The group chat slowly went quiet and then silent. I'm trying to connect with my college friends in new waysI quickly learned that to preserve a relationship — any relationship — you must be intentional. So, I planned a group call one weekend after the group chat had been dormant for a while.

Persons: I'd, — Organizations: Service

That's how she discovered a one-bedroom and a one-and-a-half-bathroom above the Brickell City Centre, a shopping mall in Miami. Koggan's Miami unit is a one-bedroom, 1,200-square-foot apartment with one and a half bathrooms. Her first year in the unit, Koggan's rent was $3,350 but increased to $4,200 for her second year. Koggan's apartment also has a walk-in closet. Brickell City Centre in Miami is home to a five-floor shopping mall, office space and two luxury residential buildings, including Koggan's.

Persons: Rachel Koggan, Booth, Koggan, I'd, Andres Rivera, she's, I've Organizations: Media Relations, CNBC, Brickell City, Brickell City Centre, Centre Locations: New York City, Miami , Florida, Miami, Florida, Brickell

☆ Chris Pine had negative $400 in his bank account before his 'Princess Diaries 2' payday changed his life
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-03 | by ( Palmer Haasch | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Chris Pine said that "The Princess Diaries 2" was a major turning point in his career. The actor said that he had overdrafted his bank account before learning he would be paid $65,000. AdvertisementIf you would describe "The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement" as an "earth-shattering," life-changing film, you're not alone — Chris Pine would say the same, but for likely different reasons. With a Shonda Rhimes-penned screenplay, it's delightful — and if we're lucky, maybe we'll get a "Princess Diaries 3." Pine told Geist in the preview clip that he felt like booking the film represented the moment when he truly "started working."

Persons: Chris Pine, Pine, he'll, —, Willie Geist, I'd, Anne Hathaway, Mia Thermopolis, she's, Queen Clarice, Julie Andrews, Mia, Geist Organizations: Service, Verizon

☆ A couple that built wealth from 'live-in flips' shares 4 strategies they use to flip homes for a profit, including: Find the 'dumpy house in the great neighborhood'
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-03 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

A live-in flip, unlike a traditional flip, is when you rehab the home to increase its market value while living there. Related stories"One thing that we have always focused on is finding that dumpy house in the great neighborhood," said Mindy. For example, the Jensens' current live-in flip has a pool. "So no one wanted this house, but it's in a great neighborhood, and it would be very easy to get rid of the pool." Do a 'live-in flip' to avoid capital gains taxThe Jensens prefer 'live-in flips' to traditional flips because it lowers their risk.

Persons: —, Carl, Mindy Jensen, they've, they're, Mindy, There's, Carl Jensen, We're, flipper Organizations: Service, Business, YouTube Locations: The Colorado, Colorado

☆ Starting a new career in my 40s was the hardest and most rewarding thing I've ever done
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-02 | by ( Heidi Borst | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The more time passed and the less contact I had with other adults, the more irrelevant I felt. In my marriage, I felt more like an employee than a partner or even a friend. Related storiesI'd lost touch with so much of myself that I was afraid there'd be nothing of "me" left soon. AdvertisementFor me, that's writing. I feel guilty that I have to work, and on really tough days, I feel like a total failure.

Persons: I'd, Hilary Berger, that's, we're, —, there'd, Berger, I'm, hustling Organizations: Service, Business

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