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☆ I'm a Gen Z mom. DINKs showing off their splurging and traveling gave me FOMO, but I don't regret having kids.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-29 | by ( Charissa Cheong | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

He really wanted kids but said it was fine if I didn't, as he loved me and just wanted to be with me. I thought having a family with him would be amazing. I don't think we would have planned far ahead enough to do a trip like that before having kids. I don't regret having kids youngI really enjoy being a mom. I didn't want to get to a point in my career where I was doing really well and then take a big break.

Persons: —, Megan Pagel, Michael, DINK —, Pagel, Covid, it's, I'm, DINK, I'd, I've Organizations: Service, Business Locations: Tasmania, Australia

☆ I'm a beauty reporter and these are the basic makeup products under $50 that I regularly buy
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-28 | by ( Amanda Krause | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: 1 min

There's no way around it: makeup is expensive. Alexander Calbi/Briana Cuttino/Insider Media StudiosAs a beauty reporter and cosmetics fanatic, I'm always trying new products. That said, the internet is constantly influencing us to try new products, so I know how easy it is to blow your budget and end up with makeup you don't need or like. Luckily, I've tried so many products over the years that I've developed a core set of items I can't go without. It's an ever-growing list, but each product is one I've regularly repurchased or is one I'm eager to buy again once I run out.

Persons: Alexander Calbi, Briana, I'm, I've, It's Organizations: Media

☆ Olive Garden's owner says lower-income customers are cutting back while richer diners are eating out more
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-22 | by ( Grace Dean | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Darden says lower-income diners are cutting back on its brands while high earners are visiting more. Darden, which owns Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse, said its customer base was reverting to its pre-pandemic makeup. Cardenas had told investors in December that lower-income diners had been "splurging" in the fine-dining sector in recent years but that their orders were getting back to a more normal level. "It doesn't mean that we won't have price points on things over time, but that's kind of more of our everyday low price or around that price," Cardenas said. Darden's second-biggest brand, LongHorn Steakhouse, which has about 570 restaurants, saw a 2.3% jump in same-restaurant sales.

Persons: Darden, —, Chris Steak, Rick Cardenas, Cardenas, Raj Vennam, — Vennam, Chris, Olive Garden's, Darden's, Vennam Organizations: Darden, Olive Garden, LongHorn, Service, Olive Locations: Olive, Texas, California, —

☆ It’s not you, it’s them: Engaged couples are cutting back on lavish weddings
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-17 | by ( Samantha Delouya | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

The obsession with lavish weddings grew to a fever pitch in the years following the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. That’s bad news for wedding vendors who provide services like videography, photo booths and catering. Meanwhile, those vendors are facing a more worrisome existential threat: a looming drop in the overall number of weddings. But she said that so far in 2024, weddings are “cooling a bit.”A recent wedding where Gabrielle Stone served as the planner. In another life, some of those would-be couples who never met in 2020 could have gotten engaged this year.

Persons: ”, Shane McMurray, What’s, McMurray, Gabrielle Stone, ” Stone, Stone, Kay, Jared, Gina Drosos, “, Z, ” McMurray, Toni Burrowes, Burrowes, didn't, Toni Burrowes “, Alyssa Young, We've, Alyssa Young “, it’s, ” Young, It’s Organizations: CNN, Signet Jewelers, Kay Jewelers, Signet, Alpha, University of Virginia, Brigham Young University, Bureau of Labor Statistics Locations: Boston, Zales, Central Florida, San Antonio, Texas

☆ 10 things worth splurging on in your home office, according to interior-design experts
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-11 | by ( Sophia Mitrokostas | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: 1 min

You should splurge on quality task lighting. Africa Studio / ShutterstockBre Hance, founder and principal designer of InHance Interiors, told Business Insider that swapping harsh ceiling lights for quality task lighting can improve the function and feel of a home office. "Overhead lighting can give some people a headache," she said. "I always recommend buying task lighting with dimming options so you can adjust your lighting as needed." Wall sconces, floor lamps, or desk lights are great options for adding soft light to your workspace.

Persons: Hance Locations: Africa

☆ I've only used drugstore makeup for years, but there are 3 high-end products I swear are worth splurging on
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-11 | by ( Jill Robbins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

I'm usually frugal, but some Tom Ford, Westman Atelier, and La Mer products are worth the splurge. I've also added a high-end concealer and mascara to my makeup bag and don't regret it at all. Westman Atelier Eye Love You volumizing mascara gives me volume without the clumpingThis Westman Atelier Eye Love You volumizing mascara doesn't clump or flake on me. I think these Westman Atelier and La Mer products are worth the splurge. Jill RobbinsThe Westman Atelier mascara is awesome for both volume and length.

Persons: Tom Ford, TikTok, I've, mascara, —, Tom Ford Traceless, Jill Robbins, you've, I'm Organizations: Service, Amazon, Nordstrom, mascara Locations: Mer, La Mer

☆ Veterinarians reveal the 10 things you shouldn't splurge on for your pets
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-11 | by ( Sophia Mitrokostas | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Veterinarians told Business Insider which pet products they don't think are worth splurging on. Business Insider asked veterinarians to highlight a few pet products that can be a waste of money. Pet multivitamins aren't always necessaryPets don't usually don't need multivitamins to stay healthy. bbearlyam/ShutterstockIt may be tempting to splurge on a fancy wardrobe for your dog, but most pets don't need clothes. "Pets don't need fancy clothes or clothing at all," said Barrack.

Persons: —, John Kershner, Shutterstock Stacy Choczynski Johnson, Johnson, Santi Nanta, Jennifer McCallum, Heather Venkat, Venkat, Chew, Richardson, Rachel Barrack, Barrack Organizations: Service, Business, Pumpkin Pet Insurance, FDA, Veterinary Oral Health, Animal Acupuncture

☆ Interior designers reveal the 10 things worth splurging on in a home
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-11 | by ( Rachel Murphy | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: 1 min

Engineered wood floors can hold up for years to come. This is especially a great investment for anyone who lives in a humid place. ShutterstockPiper also said that engineered wood flooring (a type of flooring that's specially made to be durable) is worth the money — and is a must for those living in climates where the seasons change. "This will help with the ever-changing humidity and warping of the boards," she told BI. Piper also explained that this type of flooring is made from real wood — so it can later be sanded down and refinished if you choose to switch up your home's look.

Persons: Shutterstock Piper, Piper

☆ Gen Zers want you to know they are sick of extravagant influencer brand trips
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-06 | by ( Lindsay Dodgson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Gen Z is growing disinterested in the extravagant brand trips influencers are sent on. The generation that has grown up with social media says the lavish lifestyles of the internet's rich and famous no longer thrill them. Tarte brand trips are famed in the influencer worldFor years, brand trips have been a way to solidify a company's name among the young people who watch YouTube and scroll TikTok and Instagram. Varbanova said there are some young people — mostly millennials and DINKs — who still see over-the-top, out-of-touch brand trips as aspirational. If Gen Z's spending money is the goal, brand trips are missing the mark.

Persons: influencers, Katya Varbanova, Maureen Kelly, Tarte, Bora, Shein, Tahrea Sherman, Sherman, Phil Treagus, Evans, Influencers, Varbanova, It's, DINKs —, Rather, she'd Organizations: Service, YouTube, Walmart, Giraffe Social Media, BI Locations: Bora Bora, China

☆ Taylor Swift is making Singapore a mountain of money, and some of the country's neighbors are salty about it
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-04 | by ( Huileng Tan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Edwin Tong, Singapore's culture minister, told local outlet Mothership on February 28 that the amount of grant given "is not what is being speculated online." As Tong, the Singapore culture minister, told Mothership, the city-state is looking "beyond just the economic impact" of Swiftonimics. Economists estimate that Swift's concerts in Singapore could contribute up to 500 million Singapore dollars, or $372 million, in tourist receipts. AdvertisementIt's a different story for spending on experiences — and it's heightened because Singapore is Swift's only stop in Southeast Asia. Mann said the people who have money to pay for flight tickets, Swift's concert tickets, and a hotel are likely to keep spending at other tourist spots.

Persons: —, Taylor Swift, Srettha, Edwin Tong, Swift, it's, Yun Liu, Tong, Kevin Cheong, David Mann, Mann, Coldplay, Si Ying Toh, Cheong, Joey Salceda, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno Organizations: Service, Business, HSBC, Asia Pacific, Mastercard, Nomura, Philippine Star, Bloomberg, Vegas Locations: Singapore, Southeast Asia, British, Thailand, Bangkok, Indonesia, Sands

☆ I live in the Philippines but was committed to seeing Taylor Swift in Singapore. I'm spending $1,600 and making a whole trip out of it.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-04 | by ( Marielle Descalsota | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Eunice Mecija, a Taylor Swift fan from the Philippines, shared how she budgeted for the Eras Tour in Singapore. AdvertisementThis as-told-to story is based on a conversation with Eunice Mecija, a 24-year-old graphic artist and Taylor Swift fan from the Philippines. I've been a Taylor Swift fan for as long as I can remember. I decided to book a flight from Manila to Kuala Lumpur with AirAsia instead for 14,000 Philippine pesos, or around $250. Mecija has been a fan of Taylor Swift since she was in elementary school.

Persons: Eunice Mecija, Taylor, splurging, —, Taylor Swift, It's, I've, Taylor Swift's, Nicky Loh, I'm, Mecija Organizations: Service, Getty, United Overseas Bank, Singapore ., Singapore Airlines, AirAsia Locations: Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Manila, Southeast Asia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian, Stockholm, Swedish

☆ 3 mistakes couples make when planning their honeymoons
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-03 | by ( Samantha Grindell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Planning a honeymoon is exciting, but it can be easy to make mistakes as you schedule your trip. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . Business Insider spoke to Allison Kobasky, the cofounder of Over the Moon Vacations, about the most common mistakes people make as they plan their honeymoons. AdvertisementDon't rely on social media for your plansKobasky said many couples fall into "tourist traps" when planning their honeymoons, often because of social media. AdvertisementMost importantly, make sure you and your partner plan the honeymoon that's right for you two.

Persons: —, Allison Kobasky, Kobasky, Josh, you'll Organizations: Service, Hinterhaus, Facebook Locations: Instagram, Atlanta, Thailand, Maldives, Italy, Rome, mihailomilovanovic

☆ Lowe's average customer is a white baby boomer who spent $809 there last year
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-28 | by ( Dominick Reuter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

The store's typical customer is a more rural baby boomer who earns $60K a year and owns her home. But which of those millions of shoppers is the "typical" Lowe's shopper? In addition to taking on Home Depot, Lowe's is looking to win over customers from outdoor lifestyle retailer Tractor Supply Co. with a push into smaller-format rural stores. Lowe's shoppers have dialed back in recent months, but the company said a few are still splurging on its offerings of high-tech, futuristic appliances at price points of $2,500 or more. The typical customer earns between $40,000 and $80,000 a year and now makes nine trips to Lowe's, spending about $90 per trip for an annual total of $809.

Persons: Lowe's, boomer, — Organizations: Service, Tractor Supply, Home Locations: North America, Wilkesboro , North Carolina, Lowe's

☆ Some shoppers are spending big money on 'craft ice' fridges and high-tech washing machines, Lowe's exec says
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-27 | by ( Dominick Reuter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

While most shoppers are more budget-conscious, Lowe's execs say some are spending big on appliances. One smart LG fridge that makes "craft ice" is a "top-seller despite retailing for over $2,500," one exec said. This fridge makes really nice ice. Lowe'sIndeed, one model in the LG line that makes the fancy ice has a list price of a whopping $4,299. "They're not afraid to invest in, for example, the GE Profile all-in-one washer-dryer combination that retails for over $2,500," Boltz said.

Persons: —, Lowe's, Marvin Ellison, They're, Bill Boltz, that's, Boltz, Katie Notopoulos, Notopoulos Organizations: LG, Service, Home Depot, GE, Wall Street Journal

☆ 5 airlines worth splurging on for the best first-class experience
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-19 | by ( Jamie Killin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Jaclyn Sienna India travels often to scout airlines and locations for her luxury travel company. Air France, Emirates, and Qatar Airways are among the airlines that give her the best experience. Courtesy of Jaclyn Sienna IndiaAfter working there for five years, I wanted to bring that level of service to travel. EQRoy/ ShutterstockAir France’s first-class cabin, La Première, only has four seats per flight, and it feels like you're flying private. Like many of my other favorites, Singapore Airlines planes have room for double suites for couples and private suites with sliding doors.

Persons: Jaclyn Sienna India, —, Sienna Charles, I’ve, Le, I’m, we’ve, you’re, Jordan Tan, Shutterstock, There’s, Shutterstock I’ve Organizations: Air, Qatar Airways, Service, Air France Air France, France’s, Air France, . Emirates Emirates, Emirates, Singapore Airlines Singapore Airlines, Singapore Airlines, I’m, Etihad Airways Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways Qatar Airways, Shutterstock Qatar Airways Locations: Air France, Emirates, Beverly Hills, Philadelphia, Europe, Paris, New York, Milan, Dubai, India, Asia, Etihad’s

☆ The most expensive aspects of a luxury wedding have nothing to do with the ceremony or reception
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-16 | by ( Samantha Grindell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Read previewWhen you think of a luxury wedding, you might imagine elaborate floral arches, massive Champagne towers, or dramatic firework displays. Splurging isn't the pointThough a luxury wedding will have a high budget, it won't look over the top if it's done well, as multiple wedding planners told Business Insider. Luxury weddings don't often look over the top. AdvertisementA relaxed guest is the goalDozens of small things come together to create the ideal experience for guests at a luxury wedding, the experts told BI. Seamless service and meaningful gifts make all the differenceOnce they arrive, the luxury experience for guests continues.

Persons: —, Splurging, it's, Alison Laessar Keck, Alison Bryan, that's, Joey King, Keck, Kristen Marie Parker, Marcy Blum, LeBron James, Colin Cowie, Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck's, Jung Lee, FÊTE, It's, Blum, Cowie, Corbin Gurkin, Lee, They're, we've, Couples, There's Organizations: Service, Business, Fontainebleau, Keck Locations: Vegas, England

☆ The Fed is going to hold out on rate cuts longer than we think, investment strategist says
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-15 | by ( Aruni Soni | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

The Fed is going to hold out on rate cuts longer than we think, a John Hancock strategist said. Consumer spending and market momentum are strong, while elevated rates haven't created meaningful cracks in the economy. "We're seeing riskier areas like crypto-related stocks and AI darlings' momentum taking hold in the market." And the flurry of cash is also being fed into the stock market. AdvertisementBitcoin's price has punched past $51,000 to levels last seen in 2021, rallying regardless of hiccups in the stock market like Tuesday's pullback after a hot CPI report.

Persons: John Hancock, —, John, Emily Roland, Jerome Powell, Roland, we're Organizations: Consumer, Service, CNBC, splurging, Nvidia, Fed Locations: YOLO

☆ For some Spring Festival revelers in China, traditional attire adds an element of time travel to celebrations
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-12 | by ( Maggie Hiufu Wong | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

For instance, Yu Garden in Shanghai, which hosts a 40-day Spring Festival lantern fair, has become a popular destination for Hanfu fans. The nearby commercial shopping district of Wujiaochang even hosted a Lunar New Year Hanfu parade to attract revelers to the area this year. It too has seen an increase in young tourists wearing traditional attire during visits, according to one local. Embracing traditionA woman wearing Hanfu strolls around the Spring Festival Flower Market in Guangzhou, China, on February 9, 2024. Others say the term “Hanfu” is too narrow, given the fluid sharing of influences among diverse ethnic groups in China.

Persons: they’ve, Taobao, Shanghai's Yu, Yu, influencers, ”, Cai Pa, ” Cai, it’s, Li, John Ricky, Hanfu, she’s Organizations: CNN, CNN — Tourists, Visual China, Getty, CNN Travel Locations: Suzhou, China, Shanghai, Hanfu, Seoul, Yu Garden, Wujiaochang, China’s, Hainan, Haikou, Qilou, Guangzhou, Anhui, gan

☆ Moving to Italy? Here's 3 mistakes American expats should avoid
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-11 | by ( Lauren Edmonds | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Patrizia Di Gregorio founded the international social network group Expats Living in Rome. Just ask Patrizia Di Gregorio, an Italian-American who founded the international social network Expats Living in Rome. "Americans want to come and don't understand that you can't just move to Italy," Gregorio, 52, told Business Insider. The Facebook group Expats Living in Italy, which is connected to Expats Living in Rome, has 92,800 members and counting. "Joining Facebook groups like Expats Living in Italy or others is a good source to learn from others — especially the mistakes they made."

Persons: Patrizia Di Gregorio, Gregorio, she's, —, She's, Patrizia Di Gregorio Expats, expats, it's, splurging Organizations: Service, Embassy, Consulates, Facebook Locations: Rome, Italy, Italian, American, expats —, United States, soggiorno, America

☆ The luxury home products that are actually worth splurging on
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-11 | by ( Samantha Grindell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Luxury home products might seem like an extravagance. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementIt's no secret people are drawn to luxury products for their homes. The luxury home market has eager consumers for subtly high-end and over-the-top products . Read on to see what pricey products are worth splurging on for your home in 2024.

Persons: Le Creuset, — Organizations: Service

☆ I spent one night in a luxurious tropical resort and the other camping near it. My vacation was balanced, and I saved money.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-10 | by ( Tegan Forder | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

We decided on a local getaway to Fitzroy Island, which is just a 45-minute ferry ride from my friend's home in Cairns. When visiting the island, guests have two options for accommodations: staying at the Fitzroy Island Resort or the campground next to the resort. Fitzroy Island ResortWhen we got off the ferry from Cairns, we headed to the Fitzroy Island Resort, where guests could check in to either the hotel or the campground. We ended the trip on a high by checking into the Fitzroy Island ResortAfter a day of snorkeling, we finally checked in to the Fitzroy Island Resort. Fitzroy Island ResortSpending money on a fancy dinner seemed justified after our camping compromise the night before.

Persons: —, Tegan Forder Organizations: Service, Fitzroy, Business, Restaurant, Zephyr Locations: Australia, Cairns, Fitzroy

☆ Russians are freezing as Soviet-era infrastructure in the country crumbles —and Moscow keeps spending on war
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-06 | by ( Huileng Tan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Heating systems are breaking down in Russia's harsh winter, leaving many people freezing. Much of Russia's Soviet-era infrastructure needs modernizing. AdvertisementHeating systems are breaking down in Russia's harsh winter, leaving many people freezing as Moscow continues to spend on its war in Ukraine. The brutal conditions are made worse because Russia's infrastructure is poorly maintained, with many of its facilitates dating from the Soviet era, according to media reports. About 40% of the communal heating grid in the country needs to be replaced urgently, she added.

Persons: —, Svetlana Razvorotneva, Vladimir Putin, Denis Volkov, ” Organizations: Service, Financial Times, Reuters, “, Levada Center Locations: Russia, Moscow, Ukraine, Siberia, Soviet, St . Petersburg, The, Russian, Nizhny Novgorod

☆ I've stayed in 3 types of rooms on cruises, and the cheapest was never worth it. Here's what to book instead.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-05 | by ( Sarah Gilliland | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Read previewAutomatically booking the cheapest room on a cruise ship without doing proper research first can ruin a trip. Sarah GillilandThe standard (and least expensive) room on any cruise ship is typically called an inside or interior stateroom. I've stayed in interior staterooms on a Carnival Cruise Line ship and a Disney Cruise Line ship. Sarah GillilandYou can open your curtains and enjoy the sights outside, similar to the experience of staying in an ocean-view stateroom. To make the most of the balcony staterooms, we even turned our individual verandas into one large terrace by having our steward remove the partitions between rooms.

Persons: —, who's, I've, Sarah Gilliland Organizations: Service, Business, Cruise, Disney Cruise, Disney, Royal, Royal Caribbean's Symphony, Cruises Locations: Royal Caribbean

☆ I worked on cruise ships for 6 years. Here are the 5 best and 5 worst rooms to book for your trip.
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-30 | by ( Sharon Waugh | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Here are what I consider to be the best and worst staterooms to book on a cruise. BEST ROOMS TO BOOK ON A CRUISEOcean-view rooms are only worth it if the windows aren't obstructed. Obstructed ocean-view roomsPartially obstructed ocean-view staterooms have a window that's usually at least a little blocked by a lifeboat. Although many people book these rooms because they're slightly cheaper than ocean-view rooms, the view ends up being more obstructed than expected most of the time. Adjoining rooms with other partiesSome cruise ships have adjoining staterooms with an internal door separating the two neighboring cabins.

Persons: Sharon Waugh, Drake, staterooms, I've, It's, Debbie Ann Powell, Shutterstock Staterooms, Extroverts Organizations: Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal, Cruises, NCL, Port, Disabilities Locations: Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, staterooms

☆ Why the average Super Bowl ticket already costs nearly $11,000
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-29 | by ( Cork Gaines | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The Super Bowl in Las Vegas is now set with the Chiefs and 49ers playing for the Lombardi Trophy. According to TicketIQ, a ticket search engine that also conducts ticket market analysis, the cheapest ticket to the Super Bowl as of Monday is $8,872. This is the first time the NFL has hosted the Super Bowl in Las Vegas. Swift will be in Tokyo in the days leading up to the Super Bowl for part of the international leg of her "The Eras Tour" concerts. All these factors have created a perfect storm for the Super Bowl and demand is pushing ticket prices to a place rarely ever seen.

Persons: —, TicketIQ, Jesse Lawrence of TicketIQ, Lawrence, Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Nick Bosa, George Kittle, Sterling Skye, Brynn Anderson, Raymond James, Robin Alam, Taylor, Swift, Taylor Swift, Patrick Smith, Kelce Organizations: Chiefs, 49ers, Service, Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, Business, NFL, AP, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Philadelphia Eagles, Getty, AFC, NFC Championship, Super, Super Bowl Locations: Las Vegas, Detroit, Tampa, Tokyo

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