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This free news app lets you read stories from more than 300 trusted sites — even when you don't have an internet connection

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smartnews main

  • SmartNews is a free news app that delivers stories from hundreds of trusted publishers, makes it easy to discover new topics and media sites, and lets you access content with or without an Internet connection. 
  • The app features a simple, intuitive design. Swipe through different channels that host different topics (Top News, Politics, Sports, Tech, Entertainment, etc.) or publishers (Business Insider, Bleacher Report, National Geographic), click on stories to read them, and set news report notifications. 
  • Each story is available in the original Web version or a pared-down Smart version that's accessible offline. The Smart option ensures you'll always be up-to-date on the latest news, wherever you are. 

Most of us receive our news and learn about what we need to know every day through a variety of mediums, including print, TV, radio, and the internet. Online, we regularly encounter a variety of sources, but juggling the content of all the sites you read can be disorganized and overwhelming to navigate. 

That's why free news apps like SmartNews are popular. They find and organize the stories for you, so you can easily read about the topics you care about without manually visiting each of your favorite publishers' sites. SmartNews is a top-rated app that was founded in Japan in 2012 and expanded to the US in 2014. It now keeps 10 million monthly active users in Japan and the US up-to-date on important stories. 

SmartNews offers dedicated channels for more than 300 US publishers, including news sites like Business Insider, CBS News, and MSNBC; entertainment sites like Entertainment Weekly, Variety and Pitchfork; and sports sites like SB Nation and Golf.com. 

Available for iOS and Android devices, the app has a friendly and intuitive interface. At the top are various channels you can swipe through and browse. The channels are content categories like Top News, Politics, Sports, and Tech, or publisher hubs like Vox and National Geographic. There's also a Social channel that lets you connect your Twitter account to see popular stories in your timeline. You can add, remove, and rearrange these channels into an order that makes the most sense for you. 

SmartNews aggregates stories from its publishers in each of its category channels, presenting a diverse array of sources and voices. When you click on a story, two versions are available, 'Web' and 'Smart.' In Smart mode, articles load instantly and are presented in a simple, readable format. The advantage of this mode is that you can read any article offline — no need to frantically save links before you board a flight or lose service. 

smartnews article versions

Through the app, you can receive scheduled news report notifications during the day so you never miss out on an important story. The default settings are Morning (7 a.m.), Midday (12 p.m.), Evening (6 p.m.), and Night (10 p.m.) but you can change them to times you're comfortable with, or turn them off. 

SmartNews won Apple's Best of 2013 award and Google's Best App of the Year 2013 award, and it's easy to see why. It allows enough customizability to make it feel like a personal news assistant, while delivering and exposing you to a variety of top online publishers. If you've tried other news apps but have yet to find one that suits your needs, SmartNews is one to try. 

Download the free SmartNews app for iOS and Android here.

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4 money myths you can overcome to improve your finances

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Woman shopping ATM

  • Money myths are ideas that people believe to be true about how to manage their money.
  • Believing myths — like you don't need a budget or that a home can make you money — can keep you from reaching your financial goals.
  • To really make the most of your finances, learn more about how you can earn cash back with Discover

Money myths are ideas about how to manage money that people tend to assume are true, even when they aren't. Many believe and pass on inaccurate money advice for all sorts of reasons: The idea seems true, it used to be true, or they're just hoping it's true. Whatever the cause, you can put these money myths to bed because the truth can help you reach those financial goals.

Here are four money myths that could be holding you back.

Money Myth No. 1: You keep track of your money, so you don't need a budget.  

Watching your spending is different from budgeting. And according to the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, only two in five US adults say they have a budget.

"Just because you go online each morning and check your bank account balance does not mean you are in control of your money," Jacqueline Devereux, creator of the financial literacy site SproutCents, says. "A budget is planning for the future and telling your money where to go, not watching where it went."  

Creating a budget helps you to understand how your daily spending affects your overall financial goal and where you could cut back.

Money Myth No. 2: Credit-card-reward programs end up costing you money.

If you've filed credit-card-reward programs under "too good to be true," it's time to take a closer look. While there are some programs that might not be worth it after you pay annual and program fees, there are certain credit-card-reward programs that do actually put money back into your pocket. For example, Discover offers Cashback Match which matches all the cash back a cardmember earns at the end of their first year — automatically.

Here's how it works: As a Discover cardmember, you will earn cash back on every dollar you spend on purchases. Then, at the end of your first year, Discover will match all the cash back you've earned — dollar for dollar, automatically. There is no limit to how much Discover will match.

Money Myth No. 3: Owning a home can make you money.

Your home is a lot of things — a shelter, a gathering space, a family treasure — but it shouldn't be viewed as a moneymaker.

"Too often people make the mistake of spending too much of their income on a house and effectively 'crowding out' other investment opportunities," Robert R. Johnson, professor of finance with Heider College of Business at Creighton University and chairman and CEO of Economic Index Associates, says. "Many people fall prey to stories of real-estate values rising dramatically over long periods of time."

Homes require maintenance, they depreciate, and external factors can affect their value. Housing decisions should be based on your finances today and not treated as a long-term investment.

Money Myth No. 4: You will always have a car payment because car payments are a way of life.

Believing this results in a couple of common mistakes: Always buying a new car as soon as they pay off their loan, and believing leasing is just as economical an option as buying.

"You don't have to have a car payment," financial coach and speaker Karen Ford, says. To get out of the car-payment cycle, start a new habit when your car is paid off. Frivolous spending, like buying a new car unnecessarily, can wind up hurting your finances.  

"Drive it, and pay yourself each month as if you were making a car payment," Ford adds. "Put that amount in a savings account marked for a car, so when it's time to trade, you can without having a car payment."

The only way to make the right financial decisions is to start with the right information. By learning the truth behind these money myths, you could start making smarter financial choices and see better financial results.

Learn more about Discover's Cashback Match program here.

This post was created by Insider Studios with Discover.

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Wealth tax explainer: Why Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and billionaires like George Soros alike are calling for a specialized tax on the ultra-wealthy

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Elizabeth Warren

  • A wealth tax like the one proposed by presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren would make ultra-wealthy Americans pay the federal government a small percentage of their net worth each year.
  • Sen. Bernie Sanders released his own proposal for a wealth tax on September 24 that his campaign claims would cause "the wealth of billionaires would be cut in half over 15 years."
  • Former Rep. John Delaney criticized Warren's proposal as unrealistic during the second round of Democrat primary debates on July 30.
  • Tax experts and billionaires alike have said the revenue from a wealth tax could be used to fight climate change and repair the country's infrastructure — if the IRS can find a way to enforce it.
  • Despite popular support, a wealth tax bill would have to overcome opposition in both Houses of Congress, the White House, and the Supreme Court before becoming law.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Income inequality in America is a serious problem, and all indications say it's only getting worse.

Since 1989, the wealthiest 1% of Americans have added $21 trillion to their combined net worths, while the poorest 50% of Americans have seen their combined net worths drop $900 billion, an analysis of Fed data reported in New York Magazine found.

A federal wealth tax is one potential solution that has been touted by presidential candidates and hedge fund billionaires alike. And the idea has support among Americans: An INSIDER poll shows that more than half of Americans support Senator Elizabeth Warren's wealth tax proposal.

On September 24, Senator Bernie Sanders released an even more aggressive proposal entitled "The Tax on Extreme Wealth" that promises to cut the wealth of billionaires in half over 15 years. "I don't think that billionaires should exist," Sanders said in an interview with The New York Times.

Any wealth tax proposal would face substantial legal challenges. Additionally, the revenue raised by the proposed wealth tax would likely be much lower than its advocates expect, former Department of Justice tax attorney James Mann, who is now a tax partner at law firm Greenspoon Marder, told Business Insider. 

What is a wealth tax?

Today, ultra-wealthy Americans pay taxes on things like superyachts and fine art when they purchase them — but not after. A wealth tax would change that, making them pay taxes on their wealth every year.

One of the most frequently cited proposals, Elizabeth Warren's "Ultra-Millionaire Tax," calls for a 2% annual tax on households with a net worth between $50 million and $1 billion and a 3% annual tax on households with a net worth over $1 billion.

The US has never had a wealth tax, but other countries have implemented them with mixed success. France introduced a wealth tax in 1988 that resulted in a massive capital flight, prompting President Emmanuel Macron to replace the wealth tax in 2017. The tax's repeal was unpopular and helped spark the country's yellow jacket protests, according to the Washington Post.

White Rabbit yacht

What would the benefits of a wealth tax in the US be?

Introducing a wealth tax is one of the few issues that a majority of Americans agree on.

An INSIDER poll from February shows that 54% of Americans support Warren's plan, while only 19% disapprove of it. Warren's wealth tax even has the support of some of the billionaires who would be paying it. That includes George Soros, Abigail Disney, and members of the Pritzker and Gund families, who signed an open letter on June 24 outlining their request. Real estate magnate Eli Broad had also separately spoken up in favor of a wealth tax.

Read more: A majority of Americans approve of Elizabeth Warren's new tax on the wealthy, according to a new poll

The June 24 letter was signed by 19 ultra-wealthy Americans who noted that the revenue raised by the tax could be used to fund environmental initiatives, fuel economic investment, and reduce the cost of health care. 

Elizabeth Warren has said that the wealth tax could generate $2.75 trillion in revenue in a decade. She claims that a wealth tax could also help limit growing economic inequality by funding programs that would benefit the poorest Americans, but doesn't say by how much it will reduce inequality — or how quickly.

irs internal revenue service

What are the drawbacks?

The biggest problem with a wealth tax would be figuring out how to enforce it, Deutsche Bank Managing Director of Wealth Management Blanche Lark Christerson told Business Insider. It's easy for the IRS to figure how much to tax a billionaire's investment portfolios, Christerson said, but the value of other assets like yachts and fine art are up for interpretation.

Appraising is more of an art than a science, Christerson said, and the IRS would have to verify those appraisals. Neither Christerson nor Mann believes that the IRS is currently equipped to do that.

To make matters worse, ultra-wealthy Americans are so good at finding ways to reduce their tax bill that they would likely be able to find a way around any anti-evasion measures, Eric Hananel, a tax principal at UHY Advisors focusing on high net worth individuals, said. Hananel also said that billionaires might be motivated to move their money outside the country to avoid the tax, hurting the economy in the process.  

Read more: The IRS pursues fewer cases of tax evasion than it did 10 years ago — and experts fear more people will get away with tax fraud

Mann, Christerson, and Hananel agree that it's unlikely that a wealth tax would raise as much revenue as its proponents hope, though they did not specify an alternate estimate as to how much it would actually raise. Mann, for his part, noted that it's impossible to estimate exactly how successful a wealth tax would be without more data.

"These are the people who obviously have access to the most sophisticated financial planners and lawyers and accountants," Mann said about the ultra-wealthy people who the wealth tax would target, "and I think it's naive to think that they wouldn't plan to minimize their wealth tax burden."

"It's just when you look at the practical application of how would this really work, it's hard to imagine that it would work successfully," Christerson said.

tax forms

How would a wealth tax change my taxes?

Warren estimates that her "Ultra-Millionaire Tax" would only affect the wealthiest 75,000 households in the US. For those families, even figuring out how much they owe will be a massive headache, according to Christerson.

Multi-millionaires and billionaires would need to enlist the help of appraisers to put a price on hard-to-value assets like yachts and jewelry, and then file separate documents with the IRS to pay the tax on them. The whole process would be independent of the current income tax system and likely run on a different schedule, Mann said.

"It would really be like filing an annual estate tax return," Christerson said. 

This could pose a problem for Americans who have inherited most of their wealth. Many heirs and heiress inherit their fortunes in the form of real estate and fine art, not liquid assets like cash or stocks, according to Christerson. A new tax bill could force them to liquidate.

Little would change in the tax bills for Americans who fall in or below the middle class, Christerson said.

When could we see a wealth tax?

A "pretty seismic change in the political landscape" would be required to add a wealth tax to the tax code, Christerson said. Progressive Democrats would have to gain control of both Houses of Congress and the White House. The constitutionality of such a tax would likely end up debated in front of the Supreme Court as well, according to Mann. 

Alongside her proposal, Warren released a letter from professors at leading law schools arguing that a wealth tax is constitutional based on a clause in Article I Section 8 of the Constitution that allows the federal government to "collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises" as long as they are "uniform throughout the United States." However, Article I Section 9 prohibits a "capitation, or other direct tax ... unless in proportion to the census or enumeration herein before directed to be taken."

Constitutional scholars disagree about which clause a wealth tax would fall under, Mann said. To Mann, Warren's plan has one major fault: The letter fails to mention the Supreme Court's most recent discussion of which taxes are constitutional.

"They talk a lot about Supreme Court cases from 100 years ago. They don't talk about the most recent one," Mann said, referencing the 2012 case that briefly upheld Obamacare by classifying it as a tax. However, that decision still doesn't define how the Supreme Court decides whether or not a tax is constitutional. 

Ultimately, Mann and Christerson agree: The chances of a wealth tax before 2025 are essentially zero.

SEE ALSO: Meet the 18 ultra-wealthy Americans begging for a wealth tax, from a Facebook cofounder to a Disney heiress

DON'T MISS: A billionaire who built 2 Fortune 500 companies just joined the chorus of ultra-wealthy Americans begging to be taxed more

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Jeff Bezos is worth over $160 billion — here's how the world's richest man makes and spends his money

30 unique gifts that both dogs and their humans will love

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When it comes to gifting the dog owner in your life, you know that few things would make them happier than something that either speaks to them as a dog fanatic or directly benefits their pups. Sure, you could get them the usual, tried-and-true calendar of cute dog photos or a fun chew toy and call it a day, or you can go the more unconventional route. 

With these unique gifts, you can ensure their dog is always hydrated, comfortable, and entertained. Meanwhile, there are also a few gifts in here for the owners themselves, to remind them of their utter devotion to the world's greatest animal.

Next time you want to gift a dog parent, check out these 30 gift ideas first:

A custom printed pillow

Custom Photo Pillow, $39, available at Canvaspop

Most owners have framed photos of their dogs, but how many do you know that have entire pillows dedicated to them? On Canvaspop, they just upload their favorite photo onto the 18"x 18" plush pillow to make a unique home decor piece. 



A blueprint of a specific dog breed

Dog Blueprint, $185, available at UncommonGoods

These detailed, mid-century blueprints include "design specs" and information about the breed origins and temperament. There are over 100 dog breeds are available to choose from. 



A hoodie with a pouch to hold your dog

Roodie Pet Pouch Hoodie, $99, available at Amazon

Comfy for both them and their small dog, the hoodie is made from cotton and polyester and lets them carry their pup around like a little kangaroo. 



A Casper dog mattress to match the owner's Casper human mattress

Dog Mattress, starting at $125, available at Casper

The only dog bed that could rival a human's mattress is Casper's memory foam model. It was made after 110 prototypes and 460 hours of lab testing, so rest assured both man and man's best friend can sleep easy tonight. 



A camera that keeps tabs on the dog and can also toss treats to it

Furbo Treat-Tossing Dog Camera, $199, available at Amazon

If they're ever at work or on vacation and wonder what their pet is up to at that exact moment, they'll want this dog camera. With the free Furbo app, they can monitor their pet with a 160º wide-angle view, communicate with him through the two-day voice chat, and throw treats to him to show they miss him. 

 



A dog DNA test

Embark Dog DNA Test Kit, starting at $129, available at Embark

If they're not sure of their dog's origins, they can use this test to figure out the exact breed. It's also helpful for learning about potential health risks, sensitivities to medication, and other important factors that will help their dog live his best life



A handy grooming tool

Aquapaw Pet Bathing Tool, $24.95, available at Amazon

Neither owner nor dog will ever dread bath time again with the introduction of this well-designed tool. The sprayer-scrubber combo fits in their palm so they have full control of the water and can scrub at the same time, speeding up the chore they usually hate. 



A water bottle that easily turns into a water bowl

Dog Bowl Water Bottle, $20, available at UncommonGoods

It's important to keep their dog hydrated while on the go. Just squeeze the bottle to fill the attached dish to their desired height, and their dog can easily drink up. It's leak-proof and any excess water will drain back into the bottle. 



An 'Isle of Dogs'-inspired pin

NERDPINS I Love Dogs Pin, $10, available at Etsy

Fans of both dogs and the Wes Anderson film will love this small enamel pin. 

 



An activity monitor and GPS tracker

Whistle 3 GPS Pet Tracker & Activity Monitor, $99.95, available at Amazon

A fit, healthy dog is a happy dog. Not only does the Whistle track his activity and rest, but it also tracks his location so they don't have to worry when he runs astray. They'll get a text or email notification when he moves out of a designated area, so they can catch him before he gets too far. 



A dog leash and key holder

SportHooks Dog Leash & Key Holder, $15.99, available at Chewy

An organized leash and key set-up means they won't have to waste a minute of precious daylight untangling leashes or tracking down keys and can quickly get out the door for their daily dog walk. 

 



A helpful way to remember whether they fed the dog

The Original - Did You Feed the Dog?, $9.95, available at Amazon

It can be difficult keeping track of whether the dog has been fed yet when they live in a large, busy household. The slider, which they can mount on the wall in front of their dog's food bowls, is a simple way to communicate whether or not the chore has been completed. 



A plastic launcher that helps them play fetch for hours

Canine Hardware Chuckit! Launcher, $9.39, available at Amazon

It's okay to admit it. Picking up the ball and throwing it long distances over and over again gets tiring. However, since their dog seems to have endless energy and doesn't want to stop playing catch anytime soon, they can cheat a little with this light and flexible accessory that grabs the ball and releases it as they swing. 



A stroller that's easy to enter and exit

Pet Gear Excursion No Zip Pet Stroller, $235.99, available at Amazon

The dog can be loaded into the front or back of the stroller, making it especially easy for older or injured pets to enter and exit the vehicle. She can still get outside and enjoy fresh air without straining herself with this spacious, durable stroller. 



A fun book about dog behavior

How to Speak Dog: A Guide to Decoding Dog Language, $9.24, available at Amazon

They probably won't be able to actually bark at and communicate with their dog, but they can better understand what their dog is trying to tell them through its body language and behavior. The Nat Geo book reminds everyone in a delightful yet informative way that the dog-owner relationship is a two-way street.

 



Baking molds

Le Dogue 2-Pack Silicone Dog Paw and Bone Molds With Recipe Booklet, $13.99, available at Amazon

If their dog has food sensitivities (or is simply really picky), the owner might be more comfortable making treats at home. They can bake healthy, delicious dog biscuits or freeze fruit treats for the summer and get creative with different recipes. 

Note: May arrive after Christmas



A window for curious dogs

PetPeek Fence Window, $34.99, available at Amazon

They want to keep their dog confined to some degree, but they also don't want her to miss out on the outside world. Install this window so she can still check out what's going on, whether that's greeting the neighbors or watching out for her favorite mailman. 

Note: May arrive after Christmas



Magnets that look like a dog is stuck in their fridge

Dog Tail Magnet, $17, available at Amazon

These cute and quirky magnets are sure to surprise guests and make any dog owner smile. 

Note: May arrive after Christmas



A backpack to carry their dog

K9 Sport Sack, $69.95, available at Amazon

This backpack is perfect for adventurous dogs who like to join their owners as they bike, hike, and even rock-climb or zip-line. With fully ventilated sides and a safety ring to hook up a collar, it's vet-approved and comes in four different sizes. 

Note: May arrive after Christmas



Custom dog stickers

My Sticker Face Custom Vinyl Photo Stickers, $17.99, available at Amazon

Submit a clear, well-lit photo of the dog's face, then let the team do the rest of the work. Afterwards, they'll want to slap these thoughtful and fun personalized stickers everywhere. 

Note: May arrive after Christmas



Matching holiday sweaters

Blueberry Pet Unisex Holiday Christmas Sweater (Left), $32.99, available at Amazon

Blueberry Pet Holiday Festive Christmas Collections Sweater (Right), $17.99, available at Amazon

Dogs often look like their owners, and with these festive matching sweaters, there's no questioning the resemblance.

Note: May arrive after Christmas



A set of fur-sonalized cufflinks

Custom Pet Portrait Cufflinks, $260, available on UncommonGoods

Help them wear their heart on their sleeve with custom cufflinks that proudly show off their pooch. 

This gift goes beyond just cufflinks — the order includes the custom rubber stamp that the artisan creates to emboss the cufflinks so they can personalize cards, scrapbooks, and more.



Bandanas that match their humans' underwear

BuddyBands, $14, available on MeUndies

Underwear brand MeUndies has a line of bandanas for furry friends in 12 different colors and patterns that match their human's underwear. Each month, the brand also releases a limited-edition bandana exclusively for MeUndies members.



A doormat for two- and four-legged roommates

Wipe Your Paws Coir Doormat, $29.78, available on Amazon

This coconut husk doormat features a friendly reminder for guests to wipe their feet before entering. Now, if only their dog could read...



A cute laundry bag

Canvas Laundry Bag, $11.99, available on Amazon

This canvas laundry basket is an adorable take on an otherwise boring, everyday household item.



A toy that makes bath time more enjoyable

Slow Treater, $10.95, available on UncommonGoods

Help make bath time less painful with this treat toy. Dog parents will love that it distracts their little furball so they can be bathed properly, and dogs will just love the treats. 



A funny mug

Novelty mug, $10.99, available on Amazon

Nothing gets the day started like a cup of coffee. Gift this funny mug to your dog-loving friend so their coworkers know exactly why they showed up to work that day.



An apron covered in dogs

Dog Day's Kitchen Apron, $18.85, available on Amazon

This dog-patterned apron comes with a large front pocket that can hold recipe cards, measuring spoons, or dog treats.



A sticker set of pit bulls doing yoga

American Pit Bull Terrier Yoga Stickers, $9.99, available from Society6

What better way to display the gentle nature of dogs by slapping these pit pull stickers doing yoga on, well, just about everything?



A pair of socks embroidered with their dog's breed

Choose Your Dog Breed Socks, $12, available on UncommonGoods

A pair of socks embroidered with their dog's breed suddenly makes a purely functional gift way more thoughtful and fun. 



How to report a YouTube video that you find inappropriate or rule-breaking

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  • If you see a YouTube video that you feel is inappropriate, you can report the video to YouTube for potential removal.
  • People who report YouTube videos are kept anonymous, while if the report is accepted, the party that posted the content will be informed that their video is under review.
  • Repeatedly posting videos that are flagged by viewers and confirmed as inappropriate by moderators can lead to YouTube account termination.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

YouTube's rules aren't very strict, but there are still a number of rules that creators need to follow. If you see a video on YouTube that you think is inappropriate or illegal, be it hate speech, pornographic, libelous, or otherwise improper, you can report the video to YouTube.

You will remain anonymous when reporting a YouTube video, while the report will go to a group of YouTube moderators to review. If the report is accepted, whoever posted the video will be told their content is under review. Any account that repeatedly posts inappropriate YouTube videos could ultimately be terminated and banned from the site.

How to report a YouTube video

1. While logged into your YouTube account, go to the video in question.

2. Click on the three dots below the video, to the right of the view count and title, and then hit "Report."

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3. Select the primary reason you're reporting the video ("Spam or misleading," e.g.) and then select a specific reason from the dropdown menu that appears. If there are offensive links in the video, click the box that indicates as such. Click "Next" once you're done.

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4. Mark down the timestamp where the offensive content occurs, and add any comments you have to support your report and tell moderators what to look for.

5. Click "Report" to confirm the report, and then let YouTube's moderators take care of the rest.

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Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best iPhone for every type of person and budget

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WeWork will replace Adam Neumann with two new CEOs. Here's everything we know about Sebastian Gunningham and Artie Minson.

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  • Adam Neumann is stepping down as CEO of WeWork and will be replaced by two current executives, Sebastian Gunningham and Artie Minson.
  • Both Gunningham and Minson have years of management experience at companies like Amazon, Time Warner, and Apple.
  • Former employees of WeWork describe Gunningham and Minson as level-headed leaders whose experience balanced out Neumann's more unorthodox management style.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

WeWork co-founder Adam Neumann is stepping down as CEO of the company. 

Neumann will be replaced by Sebastian Gunningham and Artie Minson, two current WeWork executives, as chief executives.

Neumann came under harsh scrutiny from board members and investors this week, who blamed the CEO for the company's profitability woes and difficulty enticing investors. WeWork delayed its initial public offering last week and saw its estimated market value slip to $15 billion, down from $47 billion in January.

See more:WeWork cofounders Adam and Rebekah Neumann are close friends with Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner and invited them to Rebekah's extravagant 40th birthday bash in Italy

Former top executives and employees of WeWork spoke to Business Insider about Minson and Gunningham, describing both as steadying forces compared to Neumann's more disorderly approach.

Here's everything we know about Gunningham and Minson, the two executives who are about to step into the leading roles at WeWork.

SEE ALSO: Read Adam Neumann's statement about stepping down as WeWork's CEO

Artie Minson, WeWork's President and Co-Chief Operating Officer, boasts a long resume of former executive roles.

Minson, 48, joined WeWork in 2015 as a President and Chief Operating Officer. In June 2016, he moved roles to Chief Financial Officer.

Before arriving at the company, Minson was Executive Vice President and CFO of Time Warner Cable from 2013 to 2015. He was also a top executive at AOL from 2009 to April 2013, where he oversaw the company's three planned business operating units, according to Pitchbook.

Minson attended Georgetown University as an undergrad, and got his MBA from Columbia Business School in 1997.

See more:Firing Adam Neumann doesn't solve WeWork's biggest problem: The underlying business stinks



Minson spoke with Business Insider in the spring about one of WeWork's fastest-growing businesses: Working with companies that have over 500 employees.

"From an employer standpoint, WeWork is a better experience for their employees and meaningfully cheaper on a per-employee basis" than traditional office space, Artie Minson, WeWork's co-president and chief financial officer, told Business Insider in April. "The CEOs like us and the CFOs like us."

Minson also signaled that he expected to grow the company's client roster of Fortune 500 groups.

"We're really just getting started on enterprise," he said. "We're now opening buildings at a much higher percentage filled than we used to, and that's because you're not building on spec[ulation]; you're building on you know what people want and when they want it." 



Minson has explained how WeWork avoids the problems with local governments and regulators faced by other "sharing economy" startups like Uber and Airbnb.

WeWork hasn't had problems with consumer protests and government regulation, unlike similar starups in other industries.

"We're certainly one of the few sharing-economy companies that were welcomed with open arms in all markets," Minson told Business Insider in April. "Mayors like us, neighborhoods like us, frankly employees like us, employers like us, the environment likes us. Those are all qualities that certainly some of the other sharing-economy companies are challenged with at times."

 



Minson has voiced confidence in WeWork's fast rate of growth, saying it's not the same as other startups that expand rapidly despite losing money.

"When we talk about companies who are losing money versus investing money, people are clearly getting we're investing money. If you look at the 82,000 desks we opened this quarter, those desks will generate $9 billion of revenue over their life and $2 billion of profit," Minson told Business Insider in May.

"We feel really good given the unit economics we're seeing in the business that it makes sense for us to continue to accelerate our growth given the returns on capital… as opposed to other companies that lose money and it's unclear at the end of the quarter what you've got for it," he added.



Former employees saw Minson as a level-headed executive whose experience provided a counterweight to Neumann's unorthodox management style.

In interviews with Business Insider, WeWork staffers and executives said Minson's experience has been an asset.

"Artie was always the adult in the room," a former top executive said on Monday.

Another former employee who worked closely with WeWork's C-Suite said Minson has "a lot of business acumen" and joked that Minson "seems a little too level-headed to be involved" with the company.



Sebastian Gunningham was previously WeWork's Vice Chair and Chief Automation Officer.

Before joining WeWork, Gunningham served as Senior Vice President of Amazon Marketplace from 2007 to 2018. 

He has also served as Senior Vice President at Oracle, Vice President of Enterprise at Apple, and CEO at Peace Software, Inc., according to WeWork's S-1 filing.



Gunningham's arrival at WeWork was seen as a relief by employees concerned about the company's direction

"There was a sigh of relief when Sebastian joined from Amazon because he comparatively exuded so much professionalism and people really trusted him and were like, 'Finally, someone's coming in who knows what's going on," an ex-employee who worked closely with WeWork's C-Suite told Business Insider.

"He was the first person to approach any process from the top down with logic instead of some crazy plan. He stuck out like a sore thumb," the former employee added.



Many inside the company speculated that Gunningham would be selected to replace Neumann.

"We always kind of assumed what would happen was pre-IPO, Adam would step down and Sebastian would step up as CEO," the former employee who worked with the C-Suite said.

A different former employee who served as a top executive at WeWork told Business Insider on Monday that they believed Gunningham would succeed Neumann.

"I think it's Artie [Minson] or Sebastian [Gunningham]," the former executive said Monday. "Sebastian probably makes the most sense because he's less affiliated with Adam." 

Got a tip? Contact this reporter via encrypted messaging app Signal at +1 (646) 768-1627 using a non-work phone, email at mmorris@businessinsider.com, or Twitter DM at @MeghanEMorris. (PR pitches by email only, please.)



Meet Anna Kasprzak, the 29-year-old billionaire heiress to the ECCO shoe empire and one of the richest millennials in the world

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SEE ALSO: Meet the Albrechts, the reclusive billionaire heirs to the Aldi and Trader Joe's empire

DON'T MISS: What the sole heiress to the In-N-Out empire and one of the US's youngest billionaires' life is really like

Anna Kasprzak is one of the richest billionaires under 30 years old, according to Forbes.

Source: Forbes



Her $1 billion fortune comes mostly from her partial ownership of ECCO — a shoe company based in Denmark.

Source: Forbes



Kasprzak's grandfather, Karl Toosbuy, started the company in 1963.

Source: ECCO



Toosbuy was a shoemaker by trade and managed a shoe factory in Copenhagen by the time he was in his early 30s.

Source: ECCO



He wanted his own company, so in 1962 Karl and his wife Birte took out an ad in Jyllands-Posten — a newspaper in Denmark — asking, "Who wants us?" They were looking for some business partners.

Source: ECCO



By 1963, the company was fully established — they were able to hire 74 employees in the year following.

Source: Associated Press, World Ocean Council, ECCO



The company has since grown drastically — it expanded into the US market in 1994, when it was named Footwear Company of the Year.

Source: ECCO



Today, the ECCO company makes around $1.46 billion in sales, according to Forbes.

Source: Forbes



Kasprzak is part owner of the company — along with her mother Hanni Toosbuy Kasprzak and brother André Kasprzak — but running the business isn't her full-time job.

Source: ECCO



The heiress is actually a professional horseback rider. She competes in a sport called dressage riding where the goal is for the rider to train the horse to respond to subtle commands.

Source: United States Dressage Federation



She is part of the Danish national team, which allows her to travel internationally for competitions ...

Source: Getty Images, Kasprzak Dressage



... and she has also attended 12 Olympic Games.

Source: Olympics



Kasprzak has not yet medaled in the Olympics, but she has had success at other tournaments and dressage events like the CHIO Aachen in 2017. Also in 2017, her national team took home the silver medal at the FEI European Championships.

Source: Olympics, CHIO Aachen



Kasprzak also runs a private dressage barn in Haderslev, Denmark. Some of the horses at the barn are already trained and have been competing with Kasprzak, while others are still being "educated."

Source: Forbes, Kasprzak Dressage



"These horses are top athletes, and if we want to deliver results, we need horses that are healthy and strong — physically as well as mentally," Kasprzak said. "I take great pride in working with this dimension of the sport."

Source: Kasprzak Dressage



Her website also says the team at Kasprzak Dressage believes no two horses are alike. "I spend a lot of time getting to know my horses and understanding their personalities," she said.

Source: Kasprzak Dressage



Kasprzak and her brother seem to share a love of sports. He was a professional golfer, according to Forbes, and joined the ECCO board in 2017 — their mother is the chairman of the supervisory board.

Source: ECCO Shoes, Forbes, ECCO



Kasprzak is a mother herself — her daughter was born in the spring of 2018.

Source: Eurodressage



While not much is known about the rider, aside from her athletic profession and involvement with her barn ...

Source: Forbes



... we do know that her inheritance has placed her among the top 8 billionaires under 30.

Source: Forbes, Insider



You can buy the same American Wagyu beef used at Michelin-starred restaurants on this site — here's what it's like

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snake river farms review 4

  • The highly coveted Japanese Wagyu is hard to come by in the US. An alternative that's just as delicious is American Wagyu, which is Wagyu crossed with Angus breeds to make a highly marbled and flavorful meat. 
  • Snake River Farms is a top purveyor of American Wagyu cuts — think juicy and tender filet mignon, prime rib, and even brisket. 
  • Though its cuts aren't cheap, you can taste and feel the difference in quality. If you love a good steak, it's easy to order and cook one from Snake River Farms. 

The city of Kobe, Japan is synonymous with Wagyu beef, prized among steak lovers for its unique marbling, rich flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Before you book a flight to Japan or put your name on the months-long reservation list at the fanciest restaurant in your city, there's a secret you need to know: you can order your very own Wagyu beef here in the US.

Snake River Farms (SRF) is a premium meat brand that's used at Michelin-starred restaurants and sold at select retailers and online. It sells not Japanese Wagyu, but American Wagyu — the result of imported Japanese Wagyu cattle crossbred with traditional cattle breeds.

Chef and Snake River Farms fan Wolfgang Puck describes American Wagyu as having "the richness of Japanese beef with lots of marbling," but with a flavor that's "more akin to what we're used to in America." He even says that given the choice between the best Japanese Wagyu and American Wagyu, he would "choose the New York steak from Snake River Farms every time." 

snake river farms review

Instead of using the USDA Prime designation, the highest USDA grade for beef, SRF follows the Beef Marbling Standard (BMS), a Japanese marbling scale that the company believes better captures the superior quality of its beef. Its steaks range in BMS from 6 to 12, with 9 to 12 considered excellent (you can find these top-notch, "Gold Grade" steaks here). 

The cattle are raised along the high plain of the Snake River in Idaho, where they're fed balanced diets and have space to roam freely. Each piece is wet-aged (marinated in its own juices) for more than three weeks, then hand cut by a butcher and shipped frozen to you. 

On the website, you'll find dozens of American Wagyu beef cuts to buy for a treat-yourself meal or to impress your dinner guests, including porterhouse, filet mignon, ribeye, and prime rib. Even hot dogs and brisket are elevated here, the perfect additions to a gourmet backyard cookout. 

snake river farms review 2

SRF sent me its American Wagyu Prime Rib Starter Kit ($255), a set designed to help novice cooks make their first prime rib. A simple kit that reinforced how easy it really it is to make a tasty prime rib, it contained a five-pound prime rib, Jacobsen black pepper salt, and a Thermoworks digital thermometer — quality meat, a generous sprinkling of savory seasoning, and accurate temperature are the only things you need. 

Everything arrived in an insulated box (the insulated foam is biodegradable and dissolves in water) with dry ice and a reusable thermal bag, and the prime rib was a little thawed by the time I came home to pick it up. 

Prime rib is no doubt a treat I usually only indulge in around the holidays, and a treat this was. The cooking process was a breeze, and I ended up with a huge, flavorful, and juicy prime rib, which I of course also shared with friends.

I don't buy or eat a lot of meat regularly, but when I do, I know I want high-quality stuff. There's no point in skimping or settling, and Snake River Farms is now one of the first online companies I'll turn to, whether I want to buy for myself or for a friend who deserves a good meal. 

Shop American Wagyu beef at Snake River Farms here

Join the conversation about this story »


How to change your Apple Watch name on an iPhone, so your Apple Watch is easier to identify

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Apple watch and Apple iPhone

Just like your iPhone, iPad, and AirPods, Apple gives your Apple Watch a friendly name — usually including your own name — that makes it easy to identify it from another device, such as if you use the Find My app to try to locate it. 

You might want to customize this name though, especially if there's more than one Apple Watch in your family, so you can more easily tell them apart. 

name 1 (1)

You can do this from the Apple Watch app on your iPhone. Here's how.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Apple Watch Series 5 (From $429.99 at Best Buy)

iPhone 11 (From $699.99 at Best Buy)

iPad (from $329.99 at Best Buy)

AirPods with Charging Case (From $159.99 at Best Buy)

How to change your Apple Watch name 

1. Start the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.

2. If you're not already on the My Watch tab, tap "My Watch" at the bottom of the screen. 

name 2__1_

3. Tap "General."

4. Tap "About."

5. Tap "Name."

name 3__1_

6. Now you can change the name to anything you like. When you're done, you can either tap the Enter key on the keyboard or tap "About" to go back to the previous page. Your watch will be automatically updated with the new name.

name 4 (1)

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best smartwatches you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Watch SpaceX's 'most difficult launch ever'

I've been carrying Everlane's $175 leather tote bag for 2 years and it's as sturdy now as when I first got it

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everlane market tote 4

  • I've been carrying Everlane's number one best-selling bag, the Day Market Tote ($175), for almost two years. 
  • I'm not shy about packing the roomy, Italian leather bag to the brim with my belongings, but it handles all the weight with poise and style, and it's as sturdy now as when I first got it. 
  • Naturally, the leather has weathered and softened (beautifully, if I might say), so if you want to see what it looks like after consistent use, I've included photos below. 
  • All in all, I'm impressed with how this versatile bag has held up. It really is the best tote bag that nails both style and functionality. 

Rare is the day when I don't leave my apartment with a concerning number of belongings in tow — a girl's got places to go and people to see, after all, and I like to be prepared. 

After nearly two years, Everlane's Day Market Tote has proven it's up to the challenging task of carrying my inordinate amount of stuff, with all the strength of a utilitarian duffel but all the grace and style of a designer bag at least twice its price. 

Congratulations Everlane, your Day Market Tote has officially earned its title as the best tote bag anyone can buy right now.  

Read more: The best tote bags you can buy

Everlane Tote

When Everlane first released the Day Market Tote in August 2017, it sold out right away. It remains a top 10 best seller sitewide, and is the brand's number one best-selling bag. 

Simplicity and versatility, tenets core to Everlane's approach to everything from shoes to jackets, are a couple big reasons why everyone, including myself, loves the bag so much. 

The Day Market Tote is one of those magical bags that never looks out of place and brings out the best of whatever you're wearing. If you're in jeans and a T-shirt, it ties everything together in a neat, composed knot. If you're heading into the office or dressed up for a night out, its polished leather construction settles comfortably into elevated settings. 

All of the colors it's available in, mostly warm tones like Cognac, Light Taupe, and Blush, are neutral and complement nearly every other color in your closet. I own the bag in Cognac and I never tire of the classic hue, which takes on different tones depending on the lighting (you can see examples of this below). 

Read more: 19 styles from Everlane that we wear in our everyday lives — for both men and women

Untitled 1

Its large size and surprising durability are the other features that have sold the bag for me. 

If you're the ultra-organized type and like to have a designated place for every single item, you might not like this bag because it only has one small side pocket in addition to the main compartment. But if you don't mind just throwing your belongings in or getting a tote insert, you'll love the Day Market's Tote flexible roominess and strength to carry it all. 

I put my keys, office ID, and MetroCard in the small side pocket and use a makeshift tote insert (this foldover clutch) for other small essentials like lipstick, a compact mirror, and sunglasses. Anything larger than that — my Kindle, laptop, wallet, and favorite giant water bottle, for example — go in the main compartment. They're all able to stand upright since the bottom of the bag is flat. 

Despite consistently carrying this weight and then some for almost two years, the tote has shown no sign of fatigue. It's a testament to Everlane's careful, quality manufacturing that the place where the handles meet the bag still looks good as new, even though this is surely where a lot of the tension goes when I jam-pack the bag with my stuff. 

everlane market tote 2

While smooth and a little stiff when I initially got the bag, the 100% Italian leather has since weathered and developed a softer, more lived-in look. The interior, which is unlined, has also gotten softer and nicer to touch. I prefer this slightly more casual and flexible version of the bag, which you can tell has actually been put through its paces but still manages to maintain its original versatile style. 

Based on how the Day Market Tote has performed and held up over the last couple years, I'm confident it will continue its reign as my go-to tote bag for all the work days, dates, day outings, and other events that I have yet to experience. 

Shop the Day Market Tote for $175 in six colors at Everlane

Join the conversation about this story »

How to remove contacts from the Favorites list in your iPhone's Phone app

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Using iPhone

  • You can remove favorites from your iPhone contacts if you no longer wish to include someone on your Phone app's Favorites list. 
  • Your Favorites list on your iPhone, or any iOS device, allows you to quickly access contacts without endlessly scrolling through your address book. 
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Most of your iOS devices come with a Favorites list for your contacts. 

Favoriting someone will allow you to quickly contact them by FaceTime, phone call, iMessage, or SMS text — instead of endlessly scrolling through your address book. 

Your Favorites list can be found in the Phone app on your iPhone, and removing contacts from that list is easy. 

Here's how to do it. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone 11 (From $699.99 at Best Buy)

How to remove favorites from your iPhone 

1. Unlock your iPhone

2. Launch the Phone app from the homescreen. 

3. At the bottom of the screen, tap the Favorites icon on the far left — the star icon. 

4. To remove a favorite, first tap the Edit button in the top right-hand corner of the screen. 

Favorites1

5. Scroll to find the favorite you wish to remove, and tap the red circle with a minus symbol in the middle on the left-hand side. 

Favorites2

6. Next, tap Delete on the far right of the contact's box.

Favorites3

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best iPhone for every type of person and budget

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: 7 lesser-known benefits of Amazon Prime

The best high-waisted jeans for women

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  • High-waisted jeans are a popular style, and for good reason. They're universally flattering, comfortable, and go well with all types of tops. 
  • Our top pick, the Levi's Wedgie Fit, boasts a vintage look and the durable denim you'd expect from the iconic brand, all at a fair price.

Every woman should have a few pairs of great jeans in her wardrobe; they're the perfect bottoms for everything from date night to the office, and plenty of occasions in between.

High-waisted jeans are everywhere these days. If the thought of a high-rise waist conjures up images of women in yogurt commercials from the '90s, don't be scared. A high-rise is actually super flattering— it sits higher on your torso, preventing any fabric digging in at the waist and elongating the look of your leg for a slimming effect. Plus, most pairs are really comfy. 

If you don't have a pair yet, it's probably about time. And, if you already do have a pair, it's never a bad time to treat yourself to another. Whether you're looking for something trendy or timeless, skinny or flared, dark wash or light, we've got you covered with our picks for the best high-waisted jeans for women. 

Here are the best high-waisted jeans for women:

The best high-waisted jeans overall

The Levi's Wedgie Fit Jeans bring a more modern fit, stretchier denim, and exceptionally flattering high rise to an iconic vintage Levi's style.

The name of these jeans may make them sound less than comfortable, but reviewers promise otherwise. In reality, these jeans are constructed to give your backside a little lift— and people swear they've seen an instant transformation when they put these on. 

As the creator of the world's first blue jean, Levi's has earned a reputation for quality, comfort, and durability. The Wedgie Fit jeans embody all of what makes Levi's so iconic, with a few modern adjustments.

Style-wise, these look like an authentic, vintage pair of Levi's. But, they've got just a little more stretch and shape, making them both more comfortable and flattering. The high-rise should cover your belly button, and is pretty fitted around the waist, making it easy to pair with cropped tops and tunics alike. The fit is tapered and runs snug through the hip and thigh, but is a little more spacious through the rest of the leg. The slightly cropped length is perfect for wearing with sneakers and heels alike. If you'd like a wider fit throughout the leg, opt for the Wedgie Fit Straight Jeans.

Jennifer Mankins, owner of popular Brooklyn boutique Bird, raved about the Wedgie Fit jeans to The Strategist. She called them a "perfect" pair of straight-leg jeans, noting that she appreciated their high, but not too-high rise and the bit of stretch.

Glamour fashion editor Ana Colon claims these are her favorite pairs of Levi's and a wardrobe staple. Before buying a top, she told the publication, she always considers if she could wear it with her Wedgie Jeans. 

Insider Picks editor Sally Kaplan shared the same sentiment. "My Wedgie Fit jeans are the first pair I gravitate toward when I'm wearing a cropped sweater or T-shirt," she says. "They hit my at my natural waist so I don't end up feeling exposed, and I appreciate that they're zippered (no one actually enjoys buttoning their jeans up). I will say, they nip in a lot at the waist, which is part of why they look so good, but that can make them uncomfortable to sit in if you're stuck at a desk or on an airplane all day."

Pros: Durable denim, butt-lifting

Cons: Some may find them to be too short or too tight around the waist



The best stretch high-waisted jeans

Everlane's Authentic Stretch High-Rise Skinny looks like regular denim, but is way more stretchy for serious comfort. Plus, the jeans come in a range of ankle lengths so everyone can find their perfect fit. 

Looks can be deceiving, but in this case, that's a good thing. Everlane's Authentic Stretch jeans look like your usual rigid denim, but they feel significantly stretchier. 

Stretch denim sounds great in theory — who wouldn't want to wear jeans that feel more like leggings? The problem is, a lot of stretch denim misses the mark. While it's comfortable and stretchy, it may not have a true denim look, and if it does, it's likely to look loose and baggy after a day of wear. 

The Everlane Authentic Stretch High-Rise Skinny checks off all the right boxes. The denim is soft yet durable. Like the name suggests, it has an authentic, rigid denim look, with serious stretch that always snaps back, so it never gets baggy. The jeans feature real hardware, and real, usable pockets, so they look like legitimate denim. An 11-inch rise, combined with the fabric's stretch, makes for a form-flattering fit. 

Women on the Insider Picks team frequently wear these jeans. After continuous wear, I'm impressed by how rigid these look, but how soft they feel. The high waist is really comfortable thanks to a small amount of stretch, and I haven't personally found it to pinch or dig in anywhere. However, the waistband seems to have just slightly less stretch than the rest of the pant, so if you have a particularly wide natural waist, it may dig when you're sitting down. The price of $68 feels fair for the quality (in fact, that price is downright cheap, all things considered).

If you don't love the skinny look, there's also the High-Rise Cigarette Jean, which is a nice straight-leg option. 

Pros: Stretchy, affordable, different length options

Cons: If your natural waist is particularly wide, you may find they dig a bit.



The best plus-size high-waisted jeans

Universal Standard's Siene High-Rise Skinny Jeans are surprisingly stretchy, durable, and come in a wide range of sizes for a comfortable fit for every body. 

There are a lot of reasons to love Universal Standard; the brand's size-inclusive catalog, ethos of body positivity, and these jeans being among them. 

The Siene High-Rise Skinny Jeans are a Universal Standard bestseller, and for good reason. The denim comes with serious stretch (and we mean it), but is thicker and more durable than a pair of thin leggings. Like the Everlane Authentic Stretch line, Universal Standard's jeans look like real, rigid denim, but have a much more comfortable, body-molding fit. 

The most impressive thing about these jeans, though, is the range of sizes they come in. You can grab a pair of the Siene High-Rise Skinnies in sizes 0 to 40 in a regular, tall, or petite fit. Universal Standard considered all body types, not just fit models, when they constructed these pants. There's even a "See it in My Size" feature, that lets you see the pants worn on real women in any size across the entire collection. These are also part of Universal Standards Fit Liberty collection, which gives you a year to exchange the pants if you change sizes. When you return the pants, Universal Standard will donate them.

The high-rise waistband is really forgiving. My teammates and I tried these jeans and were able to bend, twist, and even squat while wearing them. 

Insider Picks editor Sally Kaplan wore the Seines on an airplane. "These jeans were just as comfy as my yoga pants," she says, "They have a serious amount of stretch, and are the only pair I have that I'm not dying to take off by the end of the day." Across the board, we all felt that the jeans were perfectly stretchy and spacious. If you're between sizes, definitely size down for that true skinny jean fit. 

Pros: Huge range of sizes, stretchy, comfortable

Cons: Some may find too soft, pricier



The best high-waisted skinny jeans

The Warp + Weft MXP High-Rise Jeans are affordable, produced with ethical, environmentally-friendly methods, and fit like a glove. 

It's not often you find a pair of jeans that's comfortable, high quality, mindfully produced, and under $100. But, that's what you get from Warp + Weft

The denim is made from responsibly sourced raw cotton and hand-stitched in Europe (among other processes). From start to finish, the whole production process takes less than 10 gallons of water per pair — traditional jeans can use up to 500 gallons.

The MXP High-Rise Jeans are a really simple skinny, but that's what makes them great. A slim fit down to the ankle creates a sculpted look that's universally flattering. There is a small selection of washes including Highline (a light, distressed blue) and Steel (a rich grey), but either will give you a sophisticated feel that'll work for just about any occasion. The pairs run from $50 to $90, depending on the fabric and wash. 

Warp + Weft uses four core fabrics in its denim collection. You can find the MXP High-Rise Jeans in Power, a denser, supportive denim that's still breathable, and Oneder, a tightly-woven, light-as-air fabric that's super soft. 

Insider Picks reporter Connie Chen says Warp + Weft jeans look and feel like they'd cost much more. "Impressively, all of its styles cost under $100, but jeans of the same look and quality would easily go for over $100 at any other premium denim company," she says. She's also called the brand, "the best women's denim company out there."

Pros: Affordable, sustainable, flattering fit

Cons: Limited washes 



The best petite high-waisted jeans

Madewell's Cali Demi-Boot is fitted and flared in all the right places, making for a universally flattering style that's particularly great for petite women. 

I love a good kick-flare. Something that's fitted throughout the leg, but becomes flared just a little towards the bottom. Madewell's Cali Demi-Boot is a personal favorite. 

These are fitted throughout the hip and thigh and balanced out by a flare at the ankle, with a flattering high-rise waist. The denim has just a bit of stretch, which, combined with the looser leg, make this a comfortable pair you'll want to slip on every day. This style really looks great on everyone.

Because these are cropped at the ankle, they're great for petite women. Additionally, there are petite and tall options if you need an even longer or shorter inseam. Even if you can't get the petite style, the cropped length on the regular pair will save you a trip to the tailor. My editor mentioned to me that she has purchased them on sale in a couple different lengths, and had no issue cutting them herself to get the perfect fit since they already have raw hems.

Insider Picks strategy director Ellen Hoffman counts these as some of her favorite jeans. She says, "Madewell's demi-bootcut jeans are another winner for petite ladies like me. The regular version has a 26-inch inseam that perfectly suits my 5-foot-3 frame, but Madewell also offers tall and petite options."

These jeans also come in a ton of washes and styles. Besides your average light and dark wash, you can find distressed, embroidered, and patchwork pairs. Most reviewers note these run large, and even Nordstrom suggests you order a size down. 

Pros: Great for petites, tons of styles and washes

Cons: Run large, prices vary by wash



The best luxury high-waisted jeans

The Agolde 90's High-Rise Loose-Fit Jeans are undeniably cool with a trendy, wide leg and a vintage wash that'll take you back a decade or two. 

If you have an Instagram account, you've probably heard of (or seen) Agolde. The brand is popping up everywhere, quickly becoming the "it" label of the moment. 

Agolde denim is inspired by vintage silhouettes and made thoughtfully, from its meticulous design to its sustainable production. The 90's High-Rise Loose-Fit Jeans embody all of this, with a fresh take on the "mom-jean" style you came to love from Full House and Saved By the Bell.

If you like rigid denim, these jeans are for you. Non-stretch, 100% cotton ensures these won't bag out on you. A fitted high waist and wide leg create a really figure-flattering shape. Light fading and some distressed detailing make for a more unique wash. 

Anna Laplaca of Who What Wear commented that the jeans lay just right, with a structured fit and a roomy, straight leg. 

On Revolve, reviewers have given these jeans an impressive 4.9 out of 5 stars, though many note that they do run a bit large. At $198 a pair, these are definitely pricey, but they're effortlessly cool, sustainably made, durable, and really flattering. So, if you're looking to splurge, these are a great choice. 

Pros: Trendy style, flattering fit, durable denim 

Cons: Pricey, run large 



WeWork cofounder Rebekah Paltrow Neumann is stepping down from her roles at the company. Meet the former actress, who is former CEO Adam Neumann's 'strategic thought partner.'

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WeWork Press Kit - Rebekah Neumann, CEO and Founder of WeGrow

  • Rebekah Paltrow Neumann cofounded WeWork in 2010 alongside her husband, Adam Neumann, and Miguel McKelvey.
  • Investor pushback led both Paltrow Neumann and Adam Neumann to give up their posts at the company, Bloomberg reported on September 24.
  • Adam Neumann said in a press release that he is stepping down as CEO but will remain WeWork's chairman.
  • WeWork first began to strip back Paltrow Neumann's influence over the company earlier this month, removing her from succession planning in the event of the death of her husband and banning her and members of the Neumann family from serving on the board, a document filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission September 13 shows.
  • Paltrow Neumann is the CEO of WeGrow, a private primary school run by the coworking-space company, according to the school's website.
  • The couple has a net worth of at least $4.1 billion, according to Forbes.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Rebekah Paltrow Neumann once wanted to be an actress, she told Fast Company. Later, she became a certified yoga instructor.

She went on to become the chief brand and impact officer of The We Company, before investor pushback led both her and her husband former CEO Adam Neumann to relinquish their titles, Bloomberg's Michelle Davis, Ellen Huet, and Gillian Tan reported September 24.

WeWork first began to strip back her influence over the company earlier this month after filing to go public in August. The company removed her from succession planning in the event of the death of her husband and banned her and members of the Neumann family from serving on the board, a document filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission September 13 shows.

Paltrow Neumann cofounded the company — originally known by its most famous business, WeWork — alongside her husband, Adam Neumann, and Miguel McKelvey in 2010. She was also an early employee at the first coworking company Adam Neumann and McKelvey founded, Greendesk, according to Fast Company.

Read more:Before he was a billionaire, WeWork CEO Adam Neumann was broke. Here's the NYC building where he and his wife lived in a tiny apartment before he built a $47 billion company

Neumann declined to comment through a WeWork representative.

Keep reading for a look at the life of Rebekah Paltrow Neumann.

SEE ALSO: WeWork is about to publicly file its IPO paperwork — here’s how its CEO, Adam Neumann, spends his billions

DON'T MISS: Barney's just declared bankruptcy. Meet the company's billionaire chairman, who was once considered one of Wall Street's most promising investors and owns at least 3 homes across the US.

MORE ANALYSIS: These are the drastic leadership challenges CEOs like WeWork's Adam Neumann can expect after taking their companies public

Rebekah Paltrow Neumann is described in The We Company's S-1 filing as one of the cofounders and former CEO Adam Neumann's "strategic thought partner."

"Rebekah has been a strategic thought partner to Adam since our founding and has actively shaped the mission and strategy of The We Company and its global impact agenda, as well as being the primary voice and leading advocate for the We brand," the filing says.

"Rebekah has never been paid a salary from us," it says.



Paltrow Neumann, 41, is a graduate of Cornell University.

She's a native of Bedford, New York, according to New York magazine.

She majored in business and earned a minor in Buddhism, according to her profile on WeGrow's website.

Paltrow Neumann worked as a trader at the investment bank Salomon Smith Barney before coming to WeWork, Fast Company reported.

She has also dabbled in acting, appearing in several films.



Paltrow Neumann has long had spiritual pursuits — she reportedly once attended the Dalai Lama's birthday party.

Paltrow Neumann has a certification in Jivamukti yoga and has traveled around the world to practice yoga, her profile on WeGrow's website says.

She even once attended a birthday party for the Dalai Lama, according to Fast Company.



Paltrow Neumann is married to the WeWork cofounder Adam Neumann, but they didn't try to separate work from their relationship.

"We don't have a line at all between work and life," Paltrow Neumann told Fast Company. "It's not even a blurred line. There is no line."

The couple met in 2009, Business Insider previously reported.

"And he walked in, and I saw that he was my soul mate," she told Fast Company about their first meeting. "It's the truth."



Paltrow Neumann also tried to incorporate the couple's five children in their former workplace.

Making her kids feel welcome at WeWork helps Paltrow Neumann balance her career and motherhood, she told Coveteur.

"Kids shouldn't feel like work is something they're not allowed to peek into," she said. "So, for me, the biggest challenge was being able to bring those two worlds together."

Paltrow Neumann also kept a basket of toys for her kids in her office, according to Coveteur.



Paltrow Neumann has made some controversial comments about her relationship with her husband.

"A big part of being a woman is to help men [like Adam] manifest their calling in life," Paltrow Neumann said at WeWork Summer Camp in 2018, according to Property Week.

WeWork faced backlash on Twitter for Paltrow Neumann's statements, but the company declined to comment to CNBC, though it provided more of her remarks from the event for context.

"The reality that I see today is that there is nothing bigger that women can do, in my opinion, than empower their partners," Paltrow Neumann said, WeWork told CNBC, "and that can be a man, a woman, a friend, it doesn't matter, but empower others."

Paltrow Neumann helped her husband quit smoking and drinking soda, tossing his soda and cigarettes down the trash chute of her apartment, they told Fast Company.



After the pair was married, they shared a tiny studio apartment in the East Village.

Adam Neumann discussed his life in the building in an interview with Business Insider's Alyson Shontell and Rich Feloni in May.

A studio apartment in the East Village building was most recently listed for $3,098 a month, and the median monthly rent in the neighborhood was $3,150.

The Neumanns' family office, 166 2nd Financial Services, is named after the building's address, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Read more:Before he was a billionaire, WeWork CEO Adam Neumann was broke. Here's the NYC building where he and his wife lived in a tiny apartment before he built a $47 billion company



The couple now owns several homes in New York.

The Neumanns own a six-bedroom townhouse in New York City's Greenwich Village that has a dedicated "stroller parking garage," according to New York magazine.

They also reportedly own a 60-acre estate in New York's Westchester County. It has a farm where Paltrow Neumann has brought students from WeGrow, according to Fast Company.

The couple's Hamptons home was purchased for $1.7 million, according to New York magazine.

The Neumanns spend most of their time in New York, but in 2018 they purchased a $21 million house in San Francisco that features a room shaped like a guitar.

They also own some of the commercial properties that house WeWork locations, bringing the estimated value of their entire real-estate portfolio to more than $80 million, per The Wall Street Journal.

Read more:WeWork CEO Adam Neumann dropped $21 million on a San Francisco house with a guitar-shaped room in 2018, and that's just part of his sprawling real-estate portfolio



Paltrow Neumann was responsible for WeWork's focus on wellness, according to Fast Company.

"Rebekah said, 'Stop. No more talking about money,' " Adam Neumann told Fast Company in 2016. "We're going to talk about wellness, happiness, fulfillment, and if the money is supposed to follow, it will. And if it doesn't, it doesn't matter, because we will be happy and fulfilled."

The We Company represents one of the most anticipated IPOs of the year, Business Insider reported. The company encompasses the co-living development WeLive, Paltrow Neumann's WeGrow, the gym Rise by We, and the original WeWork coworking business.

In January, the company was privately valued at $47 billion. As of September 13, however, reports indicate WeWork may be seeking a valuation between $10 and $12 billion in its IPO.



The business of wellness runs in Paltrow Neumann's family: She is related to the actress and wellness icon Gwyneth Paltrow.

Gwyneth Paltrow is Paltrow Neumann's cousin, Business Insider previously reported.

The two once even sat down for an interview for Paltrow's lifestyle blog, Goop, to discuss WeGrow.



Paltrow Neumann was the CEO of WeGrow, a primary school run by WeWork.

She got the idea to add a school to the WeWork network of businesses after being unable to find a school liked her own daughter, she told Goop.

"We had a clear vision of the type of school we wanted her to attend — a place that would not only nurture growth in her mind but also her spirit, a place that had a real culture of kindness, where she would have a real connection to nature, and where her individual gifts, talents, and passions would be recognized and supported," she said.

"Ultimately, we could not find such a place, so we decided to start WeGrow."

Read more:WeWork is just one of the businesses owned by a $47 billion company that could reveal its IPO paperwork any day now — check out the full list



In The We Company's S-1 filing, the Neumanns pledged to give $1 billion to charitable causes.

The S-1 says the first contribution of that sort would be for "the conservation of over 20 million acres of intact tropical forest," the same featured on the final page of the document, pictured here.



WeWork slashed Paltrow Neumann's influence over the company in response to concern from potential investors.

Paltrow Neumann was removed from the succession planning in the event of Adam's death as originally planned, the We Company said in a September 13 filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All members of Adam Neumann's family, including Paltrow Neumann, were also forbidden from serving on WeWork's board. The decisions were made in "in response to market feedback," according to the filing.

The company also reduced Adam Neumann's voting power from 20 times that of an average shareholder to 10 times that of an average shareholder, the filing shows.

WeWork declined to comment to Business Insider on Paltrow Neumann's role in WeWork's succession plan at the time of the filing.



On September 24, Adam Neumann stepped down from his role as CEO, citing investor concerns. As Business Insider's Ben Gilbert reported, Paltrow Neumann is also giving up her roles at the company.

Paltrow Neumann will remove herself from the company entirely, according to a report by Bloomberg's Michelle Davis, Ellen Huet, and Gillian Tan. Adam Neumann will remain WeWork's non-executive chairman.

"While our business has never been stronger, in recent weeks, the scrutiny directed toward me has become a significant distraction, and I have decided that it is in the best interest of the company to step down as chief executive," Adam Neumann said in a statement.

Business Insider did not immediately receive a response to a request for comment on Paltrow Nuemann's employment status.

Read more: Adam Neumann gives up most of his voting power and steps down as WeWork's CEO, saying intense public scrutiny of him was a 'distraction.' 2 execs will permanently replace him.



I wore M.M.LaFleur's packable suit right out of my carry-on — it was wrinkle-free and ready to wear after being crumpled up for hours

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  • M.M.LaFleur is known for combining chic, effortless design with low-maintenance materials to create a comfortable 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. work uniform for women.
  • The company just released Packable Suiting that comes in jackets, pants, and a skirt ranging in price from $165 to $325.
  • The sleek suit staples are made from machine-washable, wrinkle-resistant fabrics that can be folded in a suitcase or stuffed into your bag without losing their shape. I tried the Colby Pant ($195) and Yan Jacket ($325) and think they're a great option if you want a set you can wear repeatedly on work trips and never have to worry about. 

If you've ever traveled for work — i.e., packed judiciously, patiently suffered delays, and used an outlet behind a trash can — you know it's stressful enough without adding the chore of steaming wrinkled clothes in your hotel shower.

That's why M.M.LaFleur designed suitwear specifically for traveling. It's machine-washable, wrinkle-resistant, and folds up into a small bag. So far, it includes four styles (two jackets, one pair of pants, and one skirt) and ranges from $325 for the Yan Jacket to $165 for the Cobble Hill Skirt

The workwear startup earned its reputation for combining former  Zac Posen head designer Miyako Nakamura's effortlessly chic designs with machine-washable fabrics. This latest release seems so natural most people will be surprised it didn't already exist. 

Like many MM.LaFleur pieces, be prepared to pay relatively high-end prices, though you can expect great utility and design in return. The capsule, like the company, exists in the sweet spot of form and function: easy but polished workwear that's machine-washable and designed for scrunching up in your purse underneath your laptop. It's meant to look good, feel good, and pose no additional stressors to business travel.

To see if the Packable Suit stacks up and upholds the legacy of a company we've recommended for everything from pants with adjustable hems for different shoe heights to fitted dresses that you could perform a ballet in, the company sent the Colby Pant ($195) and the Yan Jacket ($325) to our offices.

The Colby Pant ($195) is a brand-new silhouette that looks like a trouser but feels like workout pants. It has pintucks with sharply defined creases, a silhouette that tapers at the ankle, and an elastic waistband for optimal pull-on comfort and ease. 

The Yan Jacket ($325) is a double-breasted jacket made out of a breathable fabric the company says was originally developed for Japanese "commuter suits." It's designed to hit at the top of the thigh (slightly longer than a traditional blazer) and can be belted or worn open for a more relaxed silhouette. Like the Colby, it's machine-washable, wrinkle-resistant, and folds up into a small included bag. It also has pockets if you're looking for something you can rest your hands in.

Keep reading for a full review, but the short and sweet summary is this:

This is a great option for business travelers who have some extra room in their budget and want a classic set they can repeat wear, feel comfortable in all day, and never worry about. After being smooshed in my purse and packed in a suitcase, they still held their shape for my conference. My one note is to go down one full size in the Yan Jacket

If you're looking for budget buys, the rest of M.M.LaFleur's line can be filtered by price and machine-washability (though not wrinkle-resistant fabrics). If $195 is too much for pants, there are other options to consider — you can find our personal favorites here. Everlane also makes a $50 work pant that we like and is comfortable for travel, though it won't match the sleek material of MM.LaFleur's packable blazers. For that reason and the superior ease and look of a nice, worry-free set, I recommend first checking out MM.LaFleur if you can comfortably afford it. 

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My experience with the Yan Jacket and the Colby Pant:

The whole point of this collection is that you're supposed to be able to scrunch it into a purse or suitcase for hours and find that the pieces have held their shape. For total comfort and ease of use, they're machine-washable, made from wrinkle-resistant fabrics, and have a naturally relaxed silhouette (it's worth noting that the jacket has the clever option of transforming into a fitted shape with the belt). In my experience, they deliver on that promise. I shoved them in my purse and left them in a suitcase, and they looked fresh, intact, and ready-to-go for my conference. 

An added bonus is that, while they travel well in bags, they're also comfortable enough to be worn on a plane if you're just taking a day trip.

In terms of cons, they're an investment at $325 for a blazer and $195 for pants, but if you have the budget and will get a lot of use out of them, you'll see the returns quickly. If you want to save a bit, I recommend checking out the Packable Moreland Blazer ($295) first. Overall, the style of the packable suiting is versatile and classic, and you can dress it up with nice shoes and accessories or down with sneakers and a white T-shirt underneath. I'd also personally be more willing to invest money in eliminating friction in travel than in a lot of other areas of my life.

Lastly, M.M.LaFleur designers recommend sizing down in the Yan Jacket. As someone who didn't, I agree with that assessment. The Yan in my typical size looks slightly large on me, and since the pants are loose and tapered, you're probably going to want a fitted jacket on top.

All in all, there are more affordable travel-friendly options from brands like Everlane, but this is a great choice if you can spend the money comfortably and just want a no-hassle suit that looks professional and feels good to wear.

M.M.LaFleur Yan Packable Suiting Jacket, $325

M.M.LaFleur Colby Packable Suiting Pant, $195

Shop M.M.LaFleur Packable suiting here, from $165

Join the conversation about this story »

The 8 best 'no foreign transaction fee' credit cards that will save you money on international trips

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Here are the best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees in 2019:

During college, a friend and I spent 10 days visiting four different countries in Europe — and since some of them were outside of the Euro zone, that meant that we'd be using three different currencies. I decided to use my credit card whenever possible, and only use cash when I didn't have a choice.

Good plan, right? As I learned when I got back, not quite. I didn't realize that my basic student credit card, and, in fact, many popular mainstream credit cards, charged foreign transaction fees. I was hit with a 3% fee on every single transaction I made.

Since then, I've learned that while many consumer credit cards have foreign transaction fees, many other popular cards don't. These days when I travel, I make sure that the cards I bring don't have the fees, and — unless I'm in a country or area where cash is particularly preferred — I put most of my spending on the card without coming home to surprise charges.

Here are some of the best consumer credit cards that don't have foreign transaction fees. While there are other cards, too, that waive foreign transaction fees, these are some of our favorites based on the rewards and other benefits they offer, as well as the value they provide compared to their annual fees.

Keep in mind that we're focusing on the rewards and perks that make these two cards great options, not things like interest rates and late fees, which can far outweigh the value of any rewards.

When you're working to earn credit-card rewards, it's important to practice financial discipline, like paying your balances off in full each month, making payments on time, and not spending more than you can afford to pay back. Basically, treat your credit card like a debit card.

Chase Sapphire Preferred

Annual fee: $95

One of the most popular and recommended travel rewards credit cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers 2 points per dollar spent on dining and travel, including internationally. Dining includes things like restaurants, bars, pubs, coffee shops, and more, while travel includes airfare, hotels, Airbnb, taxis, ride-share services like Uber and Lyft, subways, and more.

Right now, the Chase Sapphire Preferred also offers a sign-up bonus of 60,000 points when you spend $4,000 in the first three months. 

Read more:Chase Sapphire Preferred review — one of the best travel cards for beginners

Click here to learn more about the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Annual fee: $450

The Sapphire Reserve is essentially a beefed-up version of the Preferred, with a higher annual fee and a few key differences. You get a $300 statement credit each cardmember year to cover your first $300 of travel charges, and a higher earning rate of 3x points on travel and dining purchases.

The Sapphire Reserve earns a bonus of 50,000 points when you spend $4,000 in the first three months. 

Read more:Chase Sapphire Reserve card review

Click here to learn more about the Chase Sapphire Reserve.

The Platinum Card from American Express

Amex Platinum

Annual fee: $550

The Platinum Card is more or less the flagship premium travel card, offering rewards, perks, and benefits that can net a ton of value for travelers — for instance, I got more than $2,000 from the card my first year with it. That's more than enough to make up for its hefty $550 annual fee.

The US version of the card has no foreign transaction fees and earns 5x points on flights booked directly with the airline and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel, on top of a welcome offer of 60,000 points when you spend $5,000 in the first three months. You'll also get up to a $200 annual airline fee credit, up to $200 of credits for Uber each cardmember year, access to more than 1,200 airport lounges around the world, complimentary elite status at major hotel chains, and more.

Read more:Active-duty military members can get the Amex Platinum with no annual fee

Click here to learn more about the Platinum Card.

Major airline credit cards

Delta One 757

The mainstream credit cards from the three major US airlinesDelta, United, and American — all come with similar perks, including variations of priority boarding, free checked bags, the opportunity to earn miles on everyday purchases, and more. Plus, the cards have no foreign transaction fees.

The best optio for you depends on where you live and which airlines you have access to. The cards each come with different new member offers, and while there are a few other differences between them, they have annual fees of $95 to $99 that are waived the first year.

Click here to learn more about the Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express.

Click here to learn more about the United Explorer Card.

Wells Fargo Propel American Express card

Annual fee: $0

The Wells Fargo Propel Amex is the rare credit card that waives foreign transaction fees and doesn't even charge an annual fee.

It also earns bonus cash back in lots of categories: You'll get 3x points (3% cash back) on eating out and ordering in, on travel, on gas stations, ride shares, and transit, and on popular streaming services (and 1 point per dollar on everything else).

Read more:Wells Fargo Propel Amex card review

Click here to learn more about the Wells Fargo Propel.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

CREDIT CARD SYDNEY AUSTRALIA capital onee venture 09

Annual fee: $95 (waived the first year)

This is another great option without foreign transaction fees and with an annual fee under $100, especially now that you can transfer miles to various airline programs. The Venture card earns 10x miles on paid hotels booked at hotels.com/venture, and 2 miles per dollar on everything else.

The card's currently offering a sign-up bonus of 50,000 miles after you spend $3,000 in the first three months. In addition to transferring miles to airlines, you can use them to wipe travel charges from your credit card statement.

Read more:Capital One Venture card review

Click here to learn more about the Capital One Venture card.

SEE ALSO: All our credit card reviews — from cash-back to travel rewards to business cards — in one place

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Jeff Bezos is worth over $160 billion — here's how the world's richest man makes and spends his money


Milk Bar makes and ships some of the best sweet treats around —here's why it's the perfect gift for a sweet tooth

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  • Milk Bar is home to some of the most unique sweet treats around. 
  • The innovative cakes, cookies, and pies are as delicious as they are fun— and they make great gifts for anyone with a sweet tooth.
  • Milk Bar has an online store where you can buy their treats, cookbooks, and cooking classes. Milk Bar ships nationwide, as well as to Canada and the UK. 

Imagine the crazy, sugary confections you dreamed of eating as a child. Those odd, but delicious concoctions that Mom or Dad probably wouldn't even let you create for fear that you'd stay up all night riding a sugar high. Well, now you can actually find these funky creations at Milk Bar (think: cookies filled with marshmallows and corn flakes) — and they're even better than you could have ever imagined. 

Inventive, sweet treats are what makes Milk Bar one of the buzziest bakeries around. Christina Tosi— Milk Bar's founder, chef, and creative mastermind— has always put dessert first. Growing up, she had a passion for baking cookies. She fine-tuned her baking skills in culinary school and went on to work for David Chang, helping him create a dessert menu for his empire of Momofuku restaurants. That was the launchpad for what eventually became Milk Bar, now an empire of its own

If you've ever walked by a Milk Bar store, you've probably seen a line spilling out the door. People go crazy for Tosi's recipes — unique twists on American classics like chocolate chip cookies and soft-serve ice cream. Luckily, you don't have to wait in a long line or even live by a Milk Bar to try some of the shop's delicacies. The Milk Bar online store has a huge selection of sweets that can be delivered right to your door — and it's a great place to find gifts for the sweet tooth in your life (or even just to treat yourself). 

Sending a friend a regular tin of cookies to say congratulations is a sweet gesture, but Milk Bar takes it up a notch with unique flavor combinations and colorful presentations that are perfect for every occasion.

Keep reading for all the fun ways you can give the gift of Milk Bar to your friends and family. 

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Send some sweets 

There may be no better way to say "I love you" or "I miss you" than a box filled with something bright, super sweet, and really delicious. You can buy almost all of Milk Bar's best desserts online, barring the milkshakes and infamous Cereal Milk soft serve. Choose from à-la-carte options, or go for one of Milk Bar's bundles curated for all sorts of specific occasions. 

The You Got This box ($80), filled with Milk Bar Pie and a selection of cookies, is a perfect way to celebrate any big milestones or provide sweet relief for a friend that's feeling a little down. The Classic birthday bundle ($72) includes enough vanilla birthday cake and delectable birthday cake truffles for a small soiree. If you're new to Milk Bar, even if there's no birthday coming up soon, I'd find an excuse to order this. The Birthday Cake is dotted with rainbow sprinkles and filled with layers of creamy frosting, just like the stuff you could get from a box growing up, but much better. The B'day Truffles have all of the flavors of a slice of cake in one little bite, with a crunchy-ish outer shell and a chewy, half-baked center. 

You can't go wrong with anything you buy here, but the Compost Cookie, Milk Bar Pie, and Corn Cookie are some more of our favorites. 

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Take a baking class 

If they love Milk Bar, or just baking in general, surprise them with a baking class. These are offered in NYC, DC, and LA. Each class is centered around learning how to create one of Milk Bar's popular desserts, like the Birthday Cake. A class will cost you $95 a person, but it's definitely a fun activity they'll always remember. If you can join them, even better. You'll even get an apron and a headband, which Tosi is known to don, so you'll feel like a natural. For kids, there's Camp Milk Bar. The fun, interactive classes will teach little ones easy baking skills, and it costs just $35. The best part? They'll get to keep and eat the creations when the class is done. 

Gift some merchandise

For the true Milk Bar fans who want more than cookies, there's merchandise, like totes, cookbooks, and mugs. Even if they don't know Milk Bar, a Christina Tosi cookbook makes a great gift for any baker. Her creativity in the kitchen is sure to inspire, plus the colorful cookbooks will look great on any coffee table or bookshelf. And, you can't go wrong with a sassy mug for coffee lovers. 

Bottom line

No matter the occasion, Milk Bar treats will definitely put a smile on someone's face. The desserts may be pricier than most, but that's what makes them prime for special occasions. Milk Bar ships nationwide in the US, and internationally to Canada and the UK. Whether it's a treat-yourself tin of cookies or a surprise birthday cake, Milk Bar is definitely worth the splurge. 

Shop all sweet treats at Milk Bar

Book a baking class at Milk Bar

Join the conversation about this story »

ThredUP rewards you for cleaning out your closet and gives back to those in need — here's why I recommend it

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  • ThredUP is the most convenient mass upcycling program I've found for city dwellers without a car. 
  • ThredUP's Clean-Out Closet service lets you order a bag online, fill it up at home, and schedule a pickup or drop it off at a mailing center. They will also potentially pay you for high-end items you send in, and donate the rest or send it back to you. It's not the most lucrative upcycling option, but a bit of money is a perk to donating. 
  • There are also a few other programs that reward you for cleaning out your closet, and a few that make the process as easy as ordering a bag online, filling it up at home, and scheduling a pickup.

Despite having a type-A personality, I wouldn't call my closet particularly well-organized.

It's not for lack of trying. For the last year, I've spent more time trimming the fat — going through my small New York City closet, packing bags, and schlepping clothes in Ubers and city buses all across the city to sell or donate — than probably any other activity. It's the right thing to do from a humane and ecological perspective, but it's not always easy when you live in an urban center with no personal transportation. 

Like most chores that require sweating, rolling suitcases over uneven city concrete, and occasionally pleading with God to speed up time, I started to dread the trek. And that dread led me down the rabbit hole of fantastic services that will essentially do all the legwork for you. For example, Give Back Box will email you a free shipping label to slap on any box you have in the house to send your donations to charities for free. If it looks like you have to pay for a label, just search "Give Back Box print free shipping label" on Google or simply click here. The Salvation Army will also come pick up donation boxes if you sign up for a slot online, but be prepared to wait weeks because this option is popular. A handful of companies will actually reward you for getting rid of stuff you no longer use.

But my favorite may be thredUP's donation program for its ease and benefits. You can order a clean-out kit online to be delivered to your home, fill it up with goods you want to donate (or sell), and leave your bag for your mail carrier, schedule a USPS pickup, or drop it off at any FedEx Office or USPS location.

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There are two types of thredUP clean-out kits, both of which are free. 

  • The Standard Clean-Out Kitmeans you earn cash or credit for accepted women's and kids' items in the bag. Any unaccepted items (the things thredUP wouldn't be able to sell on-site) are shipped back to you (for $10.99) or responsibly recycled, according to the company.
  • The Donation Clean-Out Kit is what it sounds like. You can send in women's, men's, and kids' items. Instead of earning any money, thredUP says it will give $5 per bag on your behalf to a charity of your choice. You'll also get a tax receipt. Charities include Help a Mother Out, Big Brothers Big Sisters Foundation, and Girls Inc.

If you choose to do the Standard Clean-Out, it's good to know the company says that it only accepts 40% of the items in the average kit. To be accepted, they have to show no signs of wear (pilling, fading, shrinkage), damage, or alterations. 

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How getting paid by thredUP works

If thredUP opts to sell your item, you get a cut of the sale. According to the company, item payouts range from 5% to 80% of the listing price, and higher-end brands get you a higher percentage of the payout. Learn more here.

It's sort of like Poshmark or eBay except you can send all of it off at once, and they take care of the actual selling: inspecting them, professionally photographing them, listing them, and shipping them.

You can also earn shopping credit at a favorite store for cleaning out your closet. If you choose partner credit as your payout option, you could earn an extra bonus for a limited time — like a 20% bonus to Amour Vert or a 15% bonus to Reformation.

How to use the Clean-Out service

To use the service, I ordered a Clean-Out kit from the site, picked it up from my mailbox, filled it with clothes, and scheduled a USPS pickup at USPS.com online. Then, since I sent in some high-end items using the Standard option, I waited to see if thredUp would list or donate them (I chose not to have them sent back if they weren't sold). 

Your kit will be processed typically within one week of being received. If you want a guarantee that it will be within one week, you can opt for it by agreeing to $16 being deducted from your earnings.

The pros and cons

ThredUP's service is convenient in the way that it offers perks and options and does the heavy lifting for you. Especially for those looking to donate en masse in an urban area (particularly if you do so regularly or without access to a car), it's a great option. You won't need to find a bag or box, and aside from the actual act of going through your closet, all the work is done by a couple of clicks online. ThredUP's program is also unique in its flexible options. You can send items to sell, opt to have them donated or rerouted back to you if they're not accepted, or have the company donate $5 per bag to a charity if you use just their Donation Kit.

You also don't have to deal with the legwork that platforms such as Poshmark and eBay require. ThredUp takes care of the photos, the selling, and the shipping. 

If you're looking to get the most money possible for high-end items, it's probably not the most lucrative option. Depending on what your local upcycling options are, you may earn more by bringing it to a Buffalo Exchange. For me, since my focus is largely on low-maintenance donating, earning a few bucks here or there is just a bonus. 

Order a thredUP Clean-Out bag online to donate clothes now

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Ethos wants to make signing up for life insurance a pain-free process. Here's the pitch deck that convinced Alphabet's GV investing arm that it's worth $500 million.

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  • Three-year old San Francisco startup Ethos is upending the experience of buying life insurance.
  • The service offers plans to consumers almost instantly, without medical exams, and without pushy sales agents incentivized by commissions.
  • In a recent interview with Business Insider Ethos CEO Peter Coils said that most consumers can get coverage from his app in "ten minutes from their mobile devices while in line at Starbucks."
  • To help fund the budding endeavor, Ethos raised a $60 million Series C round in August led by Alphabet's investing arm GV, with participation from the likes of Sequoia, Goldman Sachs, and Accel.
  • In total, Ethos has raised over $100 million and is valued at nearly $500 million. 
  • Below is the pitch deck that helped Ethos convince investors that the life insurance market is ready for a new model.
  • Click here for more BI Prime stories.

Shortly after Ethos cofounder Lingke Wang graduated from college, he received a call from a life insurance agent who just happened to also be an alumnus of his college. Setting up a life insurance policy wasn't even on Wang's radar at the time. But after four calls and much persistence from the sales rep, Wang finally caved and signed up for a plan. 

Years later, while attending Stanford Business School, Wang recounted the episode to his roommate, Peter Colis. After researching the industry further, the duo realized that the life insurance market was both massive in size ($100+ billion per year paid in premiums) and inefficient. The process to sign up was riddled with paperwork and medical exams, and could take months before a person's plan was finalized. There were also the predatory sales agents — like Wang encountered — that put people into expensive plans they didn't necessarily need. 

In 2014, the two founded Ovid, a company that helps consumers get out of expensive, permanent life insurance contracts and receive a cash settlement. Ovid is still in operation today, but it was acquired by another company earlier this year for an undisclosed amount. 

By 2016, Wang and Colis wanted to pursue another avenue of the industry — this time focusing on life insurance coverage itself. The new company was named Ethos and already, just three years in, it's turning heads across Silicon Valley. After its most recent funding round in August, Ethos' valuation was estimated to be nearly $500 million

In a recent interview with Ethos CEO Peter Colis, the thirty-year-old chief exec told Business Insider his company's strategy started with trying to completely rethink the experience of buying life insurance. That would mean being able to offer plans to consumers almost instantly, without medical exams, and without pushy sales agents incentivized by commissions.

"There's a saying in life insurance that life insurance is sold, not bought. The implication is, 'Oh, it's such a complex product that you need an agent to push it down someone's throat,'" Colis said. "Our thesis from the beginning was that we could build a product so good that it doesn't need to be hard sold."

Fast enough to get coverage while waiting line at Starbucks

So far, Colis said the company has been able to carry out its vision of a low-friction sign up process. With Ethos, most consumers can get coverage in "ten minutes from their mobile devices while in line at Starbucks," he said. 

Much of the magic behind the experience lies in the data models the Ethos team has built to predict life expectancy, Colis said. Those predictions, in turn, allow the company to quickly recommend a coverage plan for consumers and establish fair pricing. Feeding those models, the chief exec said, is data like health records — which are made available to life insurance companies — and other public records, like how many speeding tickets a person has received.

Colis said — as suggested by its company name, Ethos — making sure consumers are offered the right plans at the right prices is core to the company's mission. 

"There's an inside rule at the company — if you wouldn't design it, or build it, or sell it to Peter's mom, you don't sell it to our customers," Colis said. 

And in a life insurance market that's plagued with subpar consumer experiences, putting the customer first has been a key to success for Ethos. In fact, Colis said, word of mouth is the company's biggest customer acquisition channel thus far. 

Read more:The founders of Lunchclub, a startup for making better professional connections, used this pitchdeck to raise $4 million in funding

To help fund the budding endeavor — the company doesn't give exact revenue figures but says it's "insuring thousands of new families every month" — Ethos recently raised a $60 million Series C round led by Alphabet's investing arm GV. The funding round, which also included big-name investors like Sequoia, Goldman Sachs, and Accel, boosted Ethos' valuation to nearly $500 million. In total, the San Francisco-based startup has now raised more than $100 million. 

As for general fundraising advice, Colis said he's found that being totally honest and transparent with would-be investors is the best approach, even if that means sharing your businesses' "warts." 

"It shouldn't be a sales process. You should be honest about the pros and the cons of the business and then they'll make their own decision," Colis said. "If you're trying to spin them, they're going to see through it and then you're going to lose trust. So just focus on being super transparent like, 'Hey, here's the beauty and here are the warts. How excited are you about it?' If it's a compelling business, there's a lot of venture capitalists, one of them is going to get really excited." 

Here's the pitch deck that helped life insurance startup Ethos raise its recent $60 million Series C funding round (certain, sensitive numbers have been removed from the deck for business reasons): 

SEE ALSO: The pitch decks that helped hot startups raise millions































Why this $10 miniature frying pan belongs in every kitchen

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  • One of my favorite kitchen tools is the GreenPan Egg Pan, which costs just $10. 
  • The five-inch, non-stick, miniature skillet is just big enough to fit a single egg, but it can be also be used to cook a single burger or any other single-serve dish.
  • The small size and non-stick surface make cleanup a breeze. It's even dishwasher-safe.

In a small kitchen, you have to be discerning. You can't just get purchase a beautiful dutch oven or a seasoned cast-iron skillet on a whim (well you can but you may regret it once you realize there's nowhere to store it). 

The perils of a small kitchen are real, but by no means unmanageable. An easy way to make your small kitchen feel bigger is simply to keep a leaner collection of kitchen tools, and stick with ones that take up little counter or storage space. 

Whether you have a big kitchen or a little one, I truly believe this five-inch pan should have a place in it. 

The pan 

One of my favorite things about the five-inch GreenPan is its miniature size. Due to how small it is, it heats up faster than a large skillet would, and it distributes heat evenly. The pan is made of non-stick ceramic, which is free of toxic chemicals. Not only is this better for you, but it makes cooking and cleaning much easier. A green silicone grip around the handle keeps your hands protected from any heat, and makes it easy to maneuver the pan around your kitchen. To make things even more convenient, these pans are dishwasher safe, though washing by hand is fast considering the small size and non-stick surface. 

Uses

Turn the stove up to a low or medium heat and just crack one egg straight into the pan. You don't even need oil, the egg will easily slide out of the pan when it's ready thanks to the non-stick surface. But, if you want a crispier fry, heat up a little oil or butter in the pan first.

The eggs rarely even leave any residue on the pan, so cleanup only takes a few seconds. If you want to test the pan's limits, you can squeeze two eggs in, though be warned it may be a little messy when you're ready to flip them. 

Besides eggs, this pan works for making a lot of other things, so long as the servings are small. I've used it to cook a single turkey burger, fry up a small cup of potatoes, or even saute a little bit of spinach. 

Bottom line

This mini pan is a cute, but practical addition to any kitchen. Whether you're using it to finally achieve the perfect fried egg, to speed up your breakfast prep, or because you hate dish duty, the GreenPan five-inch Pan has got you covered. 

Get the GreenPan 5-inch Mini Egg Pan, $10.50, at Amazon

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12 packing essentials on every business traveler’s list

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Everyone has the packing essentials they never travel without, but the list can look a little different for business travelers, who tend to take shorter, more frequent trips and must juggle packed schedules once they touch down at their destination. 

Business travelers need to stay organized, connected, comfortable, and well-rested as they shuffle between time zones. Anything that helps achieve this balance makes for a happier — and more effective — businessperson, so before you send your most trusted employee off to the international office, make sure she has these products and services packed. 

There are the obvious options, like a reliable, expandable carry-on suitcase and a portable battery pack, but also consider smart and innovative additions like work shoes you can actually walk a whole day in and a notebook that saves all your meeting scribbles to the cloud. 

Here are 12 things that should be on every business traveler's packing list. 

DON'T MISS: Amex Platinum vs Chase Sapphire Reserve: Which card offers superior airport lounge access, according to a frequent flyer

SEE ALSO: 26 packing essentials we never travel without — from a $150 mobile WiFi hotspot to a $6 pack of face wipes

Wireless earbuds

Jabra Elite 65t Wireless Earbuds, $133.89, available at Amazon

While over-ear wireless headphones offer better sound quality, earbuds are better suited for travel when you have limited bag space. The battery life of these earbuds is five hours (15 hours with the charging case) and once you're off the plane, you can make clear phone calls because they're optimized with four-microphone technology. They're also Alexa-, Siri-, and Google Assistant-compatible. For an affordable, under-$100 option, check out these SoundCore wireless earbuds from Anker.



A foldable Bluetooth keyboard

Jelly Comb Pocket Size Portable Bluetooth Keyboard, $29.99, available at Amazon

If you're not packing your laptop but want to get some work done, this foldable keyboard that can connect to your tablet or phone will let you do so without taking up as much space. It's light and sturdy, but a drawback to its portability is that the key positions are squeezed together, so typing might not be as seamless of a process as usual. Still, the convenience might be worth the compromise

 



A battery pack

Jackery Bolt 6000 mAh Power Bank with Built-in Lightning Cable, $32.99, available at Amazon

It's always a good idea to have a battery pack on hand when you travel, and this doesn't change when you travel for business. While there are many battery packs on the market to choose from, our pick is Jackery's because its built-in cable charges your phone twice as fast as the original charger, and it's neither so small that it can only charge your device once nor so bulky that it weighs you down. 

 



Performance workwear that never wrinkles

Shop the Men's Kinetic Collection starting at $145 at Ministry of Supply here

Shop the Women's Kinetic Collection starting at $125 at Ministry of Supply here

Instead of worrying about how you're going to pack your best suit without damaging it, simply get one that always stays wrinkle-free. Ministry of Supply's stretchy, comfortable, and water-resistant suits and dresses prove that you can have it all, without paying more than you would for normal workwear. The styles are sleek and classic, so you'll always be prepared for meetings, coffee chats, and lunches. 



A fast pass through airport security

Enroll in a two-month free trial of CLEAR here using code "INSIDER"

Seasoned business travelers will already have TSA Pre-Check to help them breeze through the nightmare that is airport security, but another security service that's worth adding on if you want to save even more time is CLEAR. The CLEAR lane at the terminal verifies your identity with a biometric screening (a fingerprint or eye scan) so you can skip the part of the line where the TSA officer checks your ID. 



An expandable carry-on bag

Travelpro Platinum Magna 2 Carry-On Expandable Spinner Suitcase, $192.40, available at Amazon

You want a carry-on bag that will comfortably fit your clothes, last through countless trips, and is easy to maneuver. Travelpro's suitcases are a flight crew staple because of their organized compartments, durable nylon exterior, and signature MagnaTrac technology that keeps the bags rolling in one straight line. This one also comes with a removable garment bag. 



A travel pillow

Trtl Pillow, $29.99, available at Amazon

Business travel means putting your body through its paces and realizing quality sleep is a precious commodity that shouldn't be taken for granted. Recover and recharge in the plane or bus with the Trtl travel pillow, which will keep your neck supported for a few hours of uninterrupted sleep. It might look a little strange, but it's soft and comfortable, not to mention easy to store. 



A travel wallet

Bellroy Travel Wallet, $119, available at Amazon

Checking in to your hotel or flight becomes much less stressful when you're not fumbling for your documents and you know exactly where they are. This wallet organizes everything you need as you travel between offices and airports: your passport, boarding pass, bills, cards, and IDs. It even comes with a small pen so you'll always be prepared to sign documents or fill out forms. 



A good unlimited data plan

Join T-Mobile ONE here

T-Mobile's unlimited plan is the best of the major carriers because you get 50 GB of 4G LTE data and unlimited talk and text. You still get unlimited 2G data and text in more than 200 countries, so you never have to deal with hotspots and new SIM cards and can start connecting with people immediately. Select flights will also offer free Wi-Fi for T-Mobile customers. 



Comfortable work shoes

Shop Wolf & Shepherd dress shoes starting at $205 here

For men, Wolf & Shepherd makes beautiful Italian leather dress shoes that you can actually run in — the founder confirmed this claim by wearing them during the 2018 Running of the Bulls in Spain. They feature sheepskin lining, plush memory foam insoles, and an "HDeva" heel that absorbs the shock of heel strikes. They're pricey but worth the comfort and you'll find yourself wearing them for any work occasion, travel-related or not. 

Day Glove, $115, available at Everlane

For women, the Everlane Day Glove is the flat that truly fits like a glove. These simple, rounded leather flats come in a variety of versatile colors and can transition seamlessly from office to dinner. With a back pull tab, small side vents, and a cushioned insole, they're just as functional as they are stylish.  



A small smart notebook

Rocketbook Everlast Reusable Smart Notebook, Executive Size, $28.49, available at Amazon

Rocketbook combines the convenience and satisfying feeling of physical note-taking with the organization and eco-friendliness of digital note-taking. After you write in the pages with the included pen, you can send your notes to your cloud service of choice, then wipe the pages clean and use them all over again. You'll never lose notes in the shuffle of traveling with this smart notebook. 



Hand sanitizer

Purell 1 oz. 8-Pack Travel-Sized Jelly Wrap Bottles, $11.98, available at Amazon

Germs abound in the airplane and hotel room, and you'll be shaking a lot of hands. Keep yourself and others healthy with a quick rub of hand sanitizer. Purell's one-ounce bottles are discreet and fit conveniently in your bag. 



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