• If you're looking to ensure a safe experience for your children on the internet, learning how to block websites on your Mac is key.
• Blocking certain websites for yourself can help you stay on task and avoid getting you in trouble with a boss or teacher.
• You can configure the Parental Controls on a Mac account to filter certain types of material, or you can block specific websites on a case-by-case basis.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

I have a five-year-old son who got his first computer last year, a MacBook Pro. You better believe one of the first things my wife and I did was make sure access to all but a handful of decidedly kid-friendly websites was blocked. 

Blocking websites on a Mac is the best way to ensure children have a safe experience on the web, only seeing content that's age-appropriate and parent-approved. And young kids aren't the only ones who might benefit from blocking sites on Macs — you might want to block a website in order to keep yourself in check while at work or at school.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

MacBook Pro (From $1,299 at Apple)

How to block websites on a Mac

The best way to block websites on a Mac is to set up an account with parental controls that allow for customized content filtering or blocking.

1. Click the Apple logo at the top left corner of the screen and select "System Preferences" from the dropdown menu.

2. In the window that pops up, hit the "Parental Controls" icon (it's a yellow circle with two stick figures inside it, in the bottom row).

3. Enter the computer's password for access (note that you may need to hit the padlock icon in the bottom left corner of the screen).

4. Create a new account, entering a name and selecting the age of the user (go for 17+ if this is for a workplace or college).

5. Click the word "Web" from the taskbar at the top of the Parental Controls window.

6. To allow access only to specified sites, click the "Allow access to only these websites" option and enter the sites that will be permitted one by one; to block specific websites, click the "Try to limit access to adult websites" option, then hit the "Customize…" button.

7. In the popup window, enter the names of sites that are always to be blocked, then hit "OK."

Now just make sure your kid, students, or employees can only log into the account you just configured to limit access, or all that work was for nothing.

And remember that these settings will only apply to Apple's own browser, Safari. If you want to block websites in Chrome, Firefox, or other browsers, you'll need to download specific add-ons for those browsers.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to set your browser's homepage on a Mac, with instructions for Safari, Chrome, and Firefox

• 'Why is my Mac so slow?': 6 ways to speed up your Mac computer when its performance is lagging

• How to set a password on your Mac computer and lock it, in 5 different ways

• How to take a screenshot on a Mac, and find that screenshot on your computer later

SEE ALSO: The best budget laptops you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Google finally revealed Stadia pricing, games, and release date

• Whether your nose surgery is cosmetic or functional, a smooth recovery requires some preparation.
• Supportive pillows, mini ice packs, and straws were just a couple of things that made my life a lot easier after my septoplasty. 
• Here are 19 items you should have handy before your deviated septum surgery or nose job so that you won't need to leave your house for anything.

There's a yoga breathing technique meant to induce clarity and mindfulness called alternate nostril breathing. You cover one nostril while taking deep breaths and then, you guessed it, you alternate. The first time I tried this out, I was extremely confused. "This is meant to be relaxing?? You can BREATHE like that??" The issue I had quickly run into: I was barely able to breathe through one of my nostrils — a problem I had never encountered directly before.

Before this, I had no idea that I was taking in less breath than other people. Turns out, I had a deviated septum, which meant that the airflow through my nose was obstructed on one side. These are fairly common and can be congenital or caused by a traumatic face injury — probably the latter in my case given that I ever so gracefully face-planted into a brick fireplace when I was a kid. After consulting with a friend who had her own deviated septum surgically corrected, I decided to have mine taken care of sooner rather than later.

I wanted to make sure my face wouldn't look different after surgery so I decided to go with Dr. Matthew White, a double-board certified facial plastic surgeon based in NYC. When having a septoplasty (a repositioning of the septum), many people opt to simultaneously have a rhinoplasty (a reshaping of the nose) performed. As Dr. White explained to me, "If they are getting surgery for breathing issues, they figure why not improve the appearance at the same time. They are right — it is easier to do all of the surgery in one setting and not divide it into two procedures. Anytime you have to go back and do a secondary surgery, wound healing is always more complicated." While I did not opt for the nose job, I did heed the advice to take care of everything at once and I also had a turbinate reduction and a nasal valve repair to fix various other breathing issues I was experiencing.

Knowing that I would be totally wiped out from anesthesia and pain medication, I wanted to be as prepared as possible for post-surgery — I did NOT want to get stuck needing to run out to any stores.

Here are 19 things I bought from Amazon to prepare for my deviated septum surgery:

A pillow wedge

Bed Wedge Pillow with Memory Foam Top, $42.97, at Amazon

My doctor wanted me to sleep on my back and keep my head elevated at a 45-degree angle to minimize swelling. As a side sleeper, I was nervous about being uncomfortable and fidgeting all night if I just propped up a couple of pillows, so I bought this pillow wedge instead. The memory foam was so comfortable and definitely worth the investment; it will come in handy if I get a cold!

A lightweight, zip-up hoodie

Sofra Women's Thin Cotton Zip-Up Hoodie Jacket, from $9.17, at Amazon

I was told to avoid pulling clothes over my head for a few days after surgery, so I mostly wore zip-up sweatshirts. The weather was getting warmer and I didn't want to overheat, so I wore thin hoodies like this one.

Cozy sweatpants

I wanted to up my cozy game so I bought myself to a new pair of sweatpants. These cost less than $10 and I like that they don't have a drawstring.

Lip balm

Aquaphor Lip Repair Ointment, $3.97, at Amazon

Since the swelling makes you unable to breathe through your nose post-surgery, you end up doing a whole lot of mouth-breathing — day and night. This made my lips constantly super dry. I did not need more discomfort in my life, so I carried this lip balm in my pocket at all times.

A humidifier

This humidifier worked really well for keeping my nasal passages from getting too dry after surgery. I was also waking up with a lot of throat pain from sleeping with my mouth open all night so keeping the air humid was key. 

I hadn't thought to buy a humidifier before surgery, but I quickly purchased one in a late-night haze on day three of recovery; it definitely helped and I wish I had it earlier.

Read more: The best humidifiers you can buy

Saline nasal spray

Simply Saline Adult Nasal Spray Mist, $7.29, at Amazon

Keeping your nasal passages clean and hydrated after surgery is vital, and saline nasal spray is key for that. I had a splint inside my nose for the first week after surgery to keep my septum straight. The splint removal is an uncomfortable process and can be a lot more painful if you don't follow your after-care instructions. Once my splint was removed, I continued to use this spray to keep my nose hydrated and avoid nose bleeds.

A tub of Aquaphor

Aquaphor Healing Ointment, $12.34, at Amazon

I applied Aquaphor with a Q-Tip to my nasal passages in the morning and at night to keep my nose moist.

Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen Peroxide Antiseptic Solution, $6.67, at Amazon

I was advised to clean my nose in the morning and at night using hydrogen peroxide and a Q-Tip.

Afrin nasal spray

Afrin 12-Hour Decongestant Nasal Spray, $6.69, at Amazon

My doctor recommended using Afrin for nasal stuffiness. I didn't love how it made my nose feel, but this spray definitely helped relieve some congestion.

Mini ice packs

IceWraps Reusable Gel Ice Packs With Cloth Backing (5-pack), $12.99, at Amazon

These ice packs were great because there were enough included that I could easily swap for a fresh, frozen ice pack when the one I was using thawed. Having multiple also meant I could be lazy and not return ice packs back to the freezer right away. 

I also liked that these ice packs were small enough that they only covered my nose and didn't make the rest of my face cold.

A gel eye mask

Kimkoo Gel Eye Mask, $7.97, at Amazon

I didn't have much swelling near my eyes, but I used the mask to calm my itchy eyes since rubbing so close to my nose proved to be a dangerous game.

I like this mask because it has eye holes and also because you put it in the refrigerator instead of the freezer, giving you a cooling, calming sensation rather than an ice cold, numbing feeling.

Bromelain capsules

NOW Bromelain Supplements, $8.62, at Amazon

Bromelain is supposed to help with swelling. I honestly don't know if taking these made a difference, but I was willing to try anything and everything to heal quickly. 

Arnica gel and pellets

Boiron Arnica Montana Tubes, $10.44, at Amazon

Boiron Arnicare Gel, $7.83, at Amazon

Arnica is an herbal remedy for bruising. I didn't wind up trying these because I didn't experience bruising — which is usually more prevalent after a rhinoplasty, not a septoplasty. I was happy to have these handy just in case.

Tylenol Extra Strength

Tylenol Extra Strength (100 caplets), $9.47, at Amazon

For pain management, I wanted to avoid relying solely on the painkillers I was prescribed because they were a narcotic. Since my doctor instructed me not to take any aspirin-containing products or any other NSAIDs, I stocked up on Tylenol Extra Strength to pull me through the first week after surgery.

Stool softener

Basic Care Stool Softener, $5.55, at Amazon

Both anesthesia and painkillers can be a constipant. I generally don't have digestion issues, but I wanted to be sure I had this available in case I ran into any issues!

Blotting papers

Natural Green Tea Oil Absorbing Tissues, $6.95, at Amazon

For a few days following surgery, your nose will get super oily. Blotting papers were really effective for making me feel less gross and allowed me to gently remove the oil without having to touch my nose too much.

Facial-cleansing pads

Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Facial Cleansing Pads with Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment, $6.37, at Amazon

My nose was so tender that I wasn't able to properly wash my face or continue my daily skin-care routine. I wanted to feel clean and avoid skin problems, so I used cleansing pads in order to be careful around my nose.

Sunscreen

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant and Non-Greasy Sunscreen Lotion, $14.34, at Amazon

Your nose will be sensitive to sun for a couple of weeks post-surgery; if you get sunburned, then it could cause swelling and slow down the healing. Make sure you're protecting your skin!

Straws

Kitchen Up Big Silicone Straws (6-pack), $8.95, at Amazon 

If it wasn't clear at this point, keeping hydrated is super important for a quick recovery. To avoid bumping your sensitive nose on cups, use straws.

Chronic back and neck pain is not something I thought I'd be dealing with at the age of 27.

It's an awful feeling, but one that I've been determined to mitigate. Almost every day, I find myself not just lamenting my own discomfort, but actively seeking ways to manage it. This can be a stressful and emotional process, fraught with panic and uncertainty (Is this a waste of money? Will this really help my pain?). If you also deal with chronic pain, or even just muscle tension or soreness in your back, I'm sure you've experienced these feelings too — at least to some degree. 

Though there's no one-size-fits-all solution for dealing with pain since it varies so widely from person to person, I thought it might still be helpful to share a list of some of the products that have really helped me and others in dealing with discomfort, be it chronic or acute. Hopefully they'll help you find some relief like they've done for me.

SEE ALSO: This $60 posture corrector from 'Shark Tank' might seem gimmicky — but it actually eliminated my back pain at work

The BetterBack

$59.99, available on Amazon

I am a huge fan of the BetterBack, which I discovered while watching "Shark Tank" at home. Though it looks a little silly to have on (almost like a rock climbing harness), it's actually incredibly effective at correcting posture and removing back pain while you're seated. 

There's a soft pad that rests behind your back and a connects to a set of straps that are placed over your knees. It uses the tension from the straps to correct your posture and relieve pressure from improper spinal alignment, effectively eliminating discomfort. 

I use mine almost every day while sitting at my desk, and it has kept me from having near meltdowns from back pain at work. 

Read my full review of the BetterBack here.

Zyllion Shiatsu Pillow Massager

$49.95, available on Amazon

Back pain comes in all different forms, but for me personally, it's exacerbated and amplified by the intense muscle tension in my shoulders. Tension can affect posture and alignment, and can make injuries like slipped discs feel more excruciating. Even if you don't have any sort of spinal issues, it's likely that you've experienced the discomfort of shoulder tension simply from to sitting at a computer all day or working a stressful job. If that's the case, you should keep reading.

Since I can't afford to spend $200 on massage therapy every week, I decided instead to spend $40 on this at-home shiatsu massager, which was maybe one of my best purchases ever. With two heated notes per side that continually rotate, changing directions every few minutes, you'll feel like you're getting a deep tissue massage right in the comfort of your own home. It melts away the stress and tension, and leaves me feeling so much more relaxed. Just keep in mind that if you use it for too long, it can cause bruising — so start with just one cycle at a time.

Read more about my experience with the Zyllion at-home shiatsu massager here.

ProSource Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set

$19.99, available on Amazon

You can read about the science of how and why these mats work in my review below, but I'll just say that the mat really does help with my tension — it just may be for a different reason than advertised. After speaking with a doctor, it seems that this mat, which is covered in shallow plastic spikes, can help with pain by essentially distracting your brain from other types of discomfort.

Personally, I've found that after laying on it either bare-back or with a thin shirt on, I end up experiencing a wave of relaxation that makes me feel like I just woke up from a nap. If you can imagine that blissful feeling when you sink into a hot bath and feel your stress melt away gently — that's sort of what it's like to sit up after 30 minutes of lying on this mat. 

Read my full review of the ProSource Acupressure Mat here.

Q-flex Acupressure Back and Body Massage Tool

$24.99, available on Amazon

Though I've never used it personally, this massage tool — which is also from "Shark Tank" — is supposedly really great for practicing acupressure on yourself and reaching those difficult spots on the back that need massaging. Its ergonomic shape prevents your wrist from experiencing discomfort and keeps your arms at a lower position so they won't tire as easily. 

It has nearly 1,000 reviews on Amazon with a rating of 4.2 stars, with some shoppers making claims that it has changed their lives and that they wished they'd bought it sooner. 

EcoGreen Storage Chiropractic Neck Pillow

$16.74, available on Amazon

I've heard great things about this type of neck pillow from friends who suffer from TMJ/TMD, which is a disorder that leads you to clench your teeth, causing pain and soreness in the jaw and neck. Apparently, this pillow can work wonders for relieving that deeply held neck, jaw, and back-of-the-head tension (even if the source of your pain isn't related to TMJ).

The ergonomic shape allows you to lay flat with virtually perfect spinal alignment so you can experience immediate relief from intense soreness. I haven't tried it myself, but as someone who deals with TMJ, I have every intention to order it immediately. 

InvoSpa Shiatsu Back Neck and Shoulder Massager

$49.97, available on Amazon

Like the massager I mentioned before, this version contains heated nodes for rolling away shoulder tension. The difference is that this one comes with straps that make it slightly easier to adjust and reposition it, or increase pressure in certain spots.

I really like the one I have, but I'll be honest — if it ever breaks, this is the one I'd buy next because of how much easier it is to adjust. 

Read the full Insider Pick review of the InvoSpa massager here.

• Sous vide is a popular cooking technique because it's low maintenance, precise, and turns plain meats and vegetables into something truly special.
• Anova just released its most powerful sous vide device yet, the Anova Precision Cooker Pro ($399). It's a durable piece of machinery that rivals some of the sous vide devices you'd find in a commercial kitchen. 
• I had never used a sous vide before, but I recently got to try the Anova pro. I was impressed with how easy it was to use and how delicious the chicken I made with it tasted. You can read my full review below.
• I'd quickly recommend this device to anyone because it works for small and large batches, but if you're looking for more affordable option, check out our guide to the best sous vides.

Cooking dinner is always a lot more glamorous in my head than it is in reality. I sear a steak and the inside is still exceptionally juicy. I roast vegetables until they're crisp, but never mushy. I set my timers, turn on some music, and not once do I forget about what's cooking in the oven, the pot, or what have you. 

My dreamy vision of dinnertime couldn't be further from what really happens. I often forget that I put vegetables in the oven, or I pull them out before they're ready. I would never even attempt to cook a steak on my stovetop. My bare-bones kitchen equipment plus a small space keeps me from trying anything too creative or labor intensive. While I've always loved to cook and eat, I've pretty much limited myself to one-pan dinners, salads, and simple Instant Pot creations. That is, until now. 

Enter: The Anova Precision Cooker Pro— my new favorite gadget, kitchen or otherwise. 

The Anova Pro is the latest and greatest sous vide machine from Anova. If you're not familiar, sous vide is a cooking method that involves placing food in a sealed container, then dropping said container into a hot water bath for a long time. The sous vide device heats the water and circulates it around your food so you get evenly cooked results every time.

This low-and-slow method yields deliciously juicy, tender results. While the name (which means "under vacuum") may sound fancy, sous vide is probably one of the easiest cooking techniques to master at home, if you have the right tools. A sous vide machine does almost all of the work for you, which makes it really, really hard to mess up the recipes. 

Precision Cooker Pro details and specs

The Precision Cooker Pro is designed to be the most powerful, durable, and precise sous vide in the Anova lineup. It's also the most expensive, priced at $399 — significantly more than the $99 Nano and the $129 Precision Cooker. 

So, why is it this expensive? With 1,200 watts and a flow rate of 12 liters per minutes — for reference, the Nano (Anova's cheapest model) only has 750 watts and the Precision Cooker (the mid-level option) can only circulate eight liters of water per minute — the Pro rivals sous vides that you'd find in a commercial kitchen in terms of power. It can heat up to 100 liters of water and run for 10,000 hours straight without shutting down. 

And, the Pro is extremely precise. Let's face it, when it comes to getting the perfect cook on a steak or piece of fish, the difference between overcooked and just-right is defined by mere seconds. The Pro has a temperature probe that's accurate to 0.05°C (or 32.09 °F), so you'll get perfect results every time.

While all of this technical talk may seem intimidating, especially for sous vide beginners, the device is extremely user friendly. An adjustable and detachable clamp make it easy to set up, and keep the Pro stable. A removable skirt covers the heater, making it particularly easy to clean. The sensitive touch-screen allows you to manually set time and temperature controls in seconds, and the high-quality sound will denote that you've done everything right. Eventually, you'll be able to control the device through the Anova app, but as of now you can only control the machine manually. 

The best part is that the device couldn't be easier to use. Plug it in, prep your food, quickly click your settings into place, and cook away — the only thing you really need is a good chunk of time. 

My Experience

I have heard the praises of sous vide sung by my colleagues who say that the device helps them make restaurant-quality meals at home, and with little effort. The idea that I could make juicy meat and tender veggies every time without having to check on them even once was exciting.

To see just how good this device was, I chose to use one of the easiest foods to mess up: plain chicken breast. I happened to have a few frozen chicken breasts, which I hadn't cooked in fear they'd become overly dry, so this seemed like the perfect opportunity. 

After defrosting, I scanned the Anova app for a simple chicken breast recipe. I filled the inner pot from my Instant Pot (any large pot will work) with water and clamped the Anova Pro to the side, a simple and effective setup. I plugged in the Anova Pro and the touch screen immediately turned on. The interface on the Pro uses very distinct icons, making the process almost intuitive. I tapped the "temperature" icon and then tapped the "plus" icon a few times to get the temperature up to 150°F. I set the temperature by tapping the "start" icon. 

Then, I followed what the recipe said and seasoned my chicken breast with salt and pepper. I placed the seasoned chicken in a large Ziploc bag and drizzled a little olive in as well — this wasn't in the recipe, but I saw it on a YouTube video and it seemed like a good move. I popped the Ziploc bag into the water bath. Once half-submerged in the water, almost all of the air was gone and the Ziploc created a vacuum-sealed effect over the chicken. I zipped up the top, then, I clicked the "clock" icon and used the adjustment toggle to set the time to 1.5 hours. 

I stood around for a bit, thinking there had to be something else I had to do, but I realized I was done. So, I went on to do some work on my computer. I checked on it a few times out of pure curiosity, not necessity, but I didn't even touch anything — I just peered over the pot to see if anything had changed. 

Soon enough, time was up. I pulled the bag out of the water bath and poured my creation onto a plate. To be honest it wasn't the prettiest sight (poached chicken looks pretty bland), but eager to try, I sliced right in and took a bite. I actually couldn't believe that I had made this chicken — it was juicy, tender, and so flavorful, even though all I had put on was salt, pepper, and a touch of olive oil. 

I ate some plain, seared some in a pan, and shredded some to turn into a chicken salad. All iterations were equally delicious. I used this device twice within the first week of having it, which I think speaks to how much I love it. Next on my list is experimenting with steak— because if I can ace that, I'll know I've made it. 

Bottom line

The Anova Pro will make delicious food with ease and efficiency — something novices and experts alike can appreciate. If you've never tried using a sous vide before, or just find $399 to be too steep, there are plenty more affordable options that will still give you the same high-quality home-cooked meals. If you're a professional chef, a kitchen gadget aficionado, or want to cook large quantities of food at one time, the price is worth it. 

Get the Anova Precision Cooker Pro, $399, at Amazon

Shop all Anova sous vide devices at Amazon or learn more about the best sous vide machines you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

• We've all had an iPhone or iPad charger break, right when we needed it most. And at that time, we've all wondered how to fix our charger.
• Before spending money to replace an iPhone or iPad charger, test it to make sure it really is broken beyond repair.
• Often the iPhone or iPad lightning cable itself will fail before the actual adapter that plugs into the wall, so you may be able to replace just one component for less cash.
• Damaged power cables can be electric shock hazards, so if your iPhone or iPad charger cord is badly frayed, it's probably time to replace it.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

When you think about it, your iPhone or iPad charger has it pretty rough. What other accessory do you handle at least twice a day and likely more, do you bring along with you to the office or library, and jam into a suitcase when you travel? It's no wonder that our faithful lightning cables give out long before the devices they charge are ready for replacement.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone Xs (From $729 at Apple)

iPad (From $329 at Apple)

Lightning to USB Cable (For $19 at Apple)

USB-C to Lightning Cable (For $35 at Apple)

18W USB-C Power Adapter (For $29 at Apple)

AUKEY Lightning Cable (For $6.99 at Amazon)

AUKEY USB Wall Charger (For $10.99 at Amazon)

How to fix an iPhone or iPad charger

If your phone no longer seems to be charging properly, the first thing to do is make sure the outlet isn't the problem. Try plugging other devices into the outlet, and see if they're getting any power. 

If the outlet is working, now figure out if the charger is the issue, or if it's the iPhone/iPad. Borrow a friend's or co-worker's charger and see if your phone registers it and powers up as quickly as it used to. If so, the phone is OK, and that's a good thing. 

If not, then inspect the cable, and if there is visible fraying, wrap the damaged area in electrical tape. This may realign the internal wiring and fix the issue. Also, if you see a fraying cable in the future, apply electrical tape before the cord fails and you may preempt an issue.

Next, try cleaning the connection point on your iPhone or iPad charger, by following the steps outlined in our article, "How to properly clean your iPhone's charging port when it won't charge."

Still no luck? Then if you know how to solder, you can cut, strip, and then reconnect the wire. 

If you're trying to fix the AC adapter, you'd end up spending as much in little replacement components and tools as you would on a new charger, so don't bother unless you're a hobbyist making the repairs for fun, or as a point of pride.

If nothing is working, you're better off just getting a new charger.

The good news is that Apple sells a new Lightning to USB cable for only $19. A Lightning to USB-C cable costs a good deal more, at $35. And you'll also need a power adapter, unless you plan to use your computer for all phone charging needs. 

These costs can add up, but you can rest assured you'll be getting genuine Apple-quality gear. That said, third party companies like Aukey make plenty of iPhone- and iPad-compatible charging cables and adapters that cost much less, and usually work just fine.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• 'Why won't my iPhone charge?': How to diagnose and fix common iPhone charging problems

• How to properly clean your iPhone's charging port when it won't charge

• How to backup an iPhone to iCloud, your computer, or an external hard drive

• 'Why won't my iPhone turn on?': 3 ways to troubleshoot an iPhone that won't restart

SEE ALSO: The best lightning cables you can buy for your iPhone

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Watch Apple's 2019 WWDC event in 11 minutes

• Average car security systems are less effective than most people think. Blaring sirens are usually more annoying than deterring.
• The PureCam Connected Car Security System redefines security by working as a dash camera while on the road and security against burglars and accidents while parked. It also comes equipped with a Wi-Fi hotspot and alert system to notify your family and friends if you've been in an accident.
• At $250, the PureCam costs just as much, if not less, than an aftermarket alarm system — and it's much easier to install. 
• Priced about $100 less than other smart dash cameras I've used, the PureCam still did an excellent job and giving me peace of mind on the road and while parked, which makes it a very solid value for any driver.

Most people's idea of a car security system is a blaring alarm that's supposed to alert the owner of someone encroaching on their vehicle and hopefully scare away thieves, but those type of systems are hardly effective. 

The average person will find the siren to be more annoying than alarming — and that's if they haven't already programmed themselves to be completely tone deaf to the sound. In theory, a thief could trip the alarm and continue to burglarize your car without raising a concern bigger than your neighbors wondering when the alarm sound will stop.

If you want a security system that will do more than the average system, the PureCam Connected Car Security System by PureGear is a great choice.

the device works as a dash camera and a security system protecting you against burglars and accidents while parked. It's equipped with dual cameras for recording inside and outside of your vehicle, a combination of micro SD and cloud storage, built-in GPS for locating your car whether it's been stolen or you simply forgot where your parked, 4G LTE connectivity, and a sophisticated G-Shock sensor — all of which can be monitored through an easy-to-use smartphone app.

While those features are what you can generally expect from any smart dash camera/security system worth its salt, the PureCam is unique in that it also can be used as a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to three devices.

Read more: This $349 dash camera is pricey, but has 24-hour HD video coverage and lots of cloud storage

How to set up the app and install the device

The first step of the setup process is to download the PureCam app, which is available on the App Store or Google Play. You'll need an iPhone with iOS 9 or later or an Android with OS 6 or later installed on it.

Secondly, you'll need to mount the camera on your windshield using the included suction cup. Do your best to mount it as close to the center of the windshield as possible (you can use the position of the rear view mirror as a guide), so that the exterior-facing camera has a clear view of the road and the interior-facing camera has a clear view of the interior. 

Next, you'll need to locate your car's OBDII port, which is usually located on the driver's side of the interior, so you can run the power wire to the device. Keep in mind that OBDII ports can be found in all cars model year 1996 or newer, with the exception of some Telsas. The OBDII port in my 2003 BMW 540i was located on the left side of the knee bolster, but every car is slightly different. If you're having a hard time locating yours, I'd recommend checking the owners manual or doing a simple Google search. 

The camera comes with four cable clips to run the wire, but to keep the wiring neat and hidden, I ran it from the camera directly up and underneath the roof panel, to the left, down the A-pillar (the panel in between the windshield and the front window), and into the OBDII port. It's not a difficult task as it doesn't require you to take anything apart in your interior — simply tuck the wire behind the panels as you work your way towards the OBDII port. Although it's not imperative, using some sort of plastic trim tool can help you tuck it in without damaging the wire, nearby glass, or the upholstery on the panels. If you don't have one laying around or you prefer not to buy one, it's doable with just your hands.

Once your device has power, you'll be met with a quick slideshow on some of the device features and a QR Code to connect it to your smartphone. You can pair the PureCam to an unlimited number of smartphones, which is great for vehicles that are shared between family members. Just use the same email address and password to maintain one account and you're ready to roll.

How it performs on the road

The exterior-facing camera has a 1080p HD resolution, while the interior-facing camera has a slightly lower resolution of 720p. I wasn't overly concerned with capturing videos inside the cabin of my car while driving, so I didn't mind the lower quality — it's perfectly fine for its intended use. The exterior-facing camera, however, is very crisp during both daytime and nighttime driving, regardless of how well-lit the streets were. 

In addition to the 16-GB micro SD card that's included, you'll also receive 7.5 GBs of cloud storage per month for the first year, so you won't have to worry about constantly wiping your memory card for space.

While video footage is automatically sent to the cloud (you won't have to worry about pressing a record button before an accident) you can also manually record clips to be saved on the SD card for as short as one minute or as long as five minutes. If you're hoping to record lengthy driving content for a specific use such as a YouTube channel or vlog, you should definitely opt for a device like a GoPro camera and only rely on the PureCamfor its security and safety features. Although the PureCam is constantly recording and sends footage to the cloud, it gets deleted if there is no triggered event. Videos of incidents like break-ins or accidents are automatically saved, whereas a day of driving without mishaps will be deleted.

How security monitoring works

Much like other smart dash cameras, you can monitor your vehicle from anywhere via the live stream in the smartphone app. This is especially useful if you have to park your car in a bad area or you're just generally nervous about your car being safe and sound. 

Even if you don't regularly check the app, you'll have peace of mind knowing that something does go wrong (like a hit-and-run accident or a break-in), the device's G-sensor will be triggered, which initiates a recording, and you'll be notified. 

I was pleased to find that the interior camera does record well in low light, but the one security feature that I wish PureCam included is a LED interior light for when the G-sensor is triggered. Since thieves like to operate in the cover of darkness, it would be an extra measure for making sure they're clear and visible on camera.

The data plan, Wi-Fi hotspot, and other useful features

Similar to your smartphone, the PureCam uses a 4G LTE wireless data plan to achieve its connectivity. The device comes with 7 GBs of data per month for the first three months and after that, you can choose from a variety of data plans for as low as $16 per month with a three-month commitment. 

The cloud storage, streaming, and GPS features are important, but my favorite feature supported by the 4G LTE is the hotspot. All you have to do is go into the Wi-Fi tab in the app, toggle the Hotspot button, and you can connect up to three devices. That means you won't have to scavenge for free Wi-Fi while on the go — and your passengers can entertain themselves with non-LTE devices (like tablets and laptops) during long road trips. Some high-end modern cars are beginning to come equipped with Wi-Fi hotspots from the factory, so this is a convenient and affordable way to upgrade your older vehicle to have similar functionality.

Although I didn't get any use out of it, I also really appreciate the emergency alerts feature. You can add up to three contacts to be notified by email when a triggered event occurs. This could prove to be useful in the event of an accident where you couldn't notify them yourself.

The bottom line

Priced at $250, the PureCam is pretty packed with features, even when compared to more expensive smart cameras. Although you do have to manage the storage of the micro SD card storage rather than using a self-deleting cloud-based system, features like the app layout, the Wi-Fi hotspot, and the ability to send alerts to family or friends make up for it.

The video quality is more than adequate for it's intended purpose of security and on-road safety, and it's easy to install. And if you still think the price is high, you'd realistically pay the same amount (if not more) to have a one-dimensional siren alarm system installed in your car, so it's a pretty good trade-off. 

Pros: Affordably priced compared to other alarm systems and smart cameras, easy to install and uninstall, HD cameras work well in all light, Wi-Fi hotspot, flexible LTE data plans

Cons: No LED flood lights for thieves in your interior, large screen display might obstruct your view minimally, requires the user to manage memory on a micro SD card 

PureCam Connected Car Security System, $249.99, available on Amazon

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• Online clothing-rental services like Rent the Runway are becoming more popular as shoppers realize the benefits of a rotating wardrobe. However, many unlimited services cost more than $100 a month. 
• I tried Haverdash, a new clothing-rental subscription service that only costs $59 a month and lets women rent three items at a time, as many times as they'd like during the month. 
• The online shopping platform was clear and easy to use, and I was able to make my summer wardrobe more fun and interesting. 
• Though not every piece worked out and I would like to see a larger selection of clothing options, I still loved my experience because it made experimenting with my personal style more affordable and convenient. 

If the success of retail unicorn startup Rent the Runway is any indication, the future of consumer fashion is in rentals.

Companies like Rent the Runway, founded in 2009, and Le Tote, founded 2012, proved to be ahead of the curve at the time of their founding. Armoire joined the fray in 2016, and in 2019, the most affordable clothing rental subscription service launched: Haverdash. 

Haverdash offers women unlimited fashion rentals (three pieces at a time) for a flat fee of $59 a month.

It's part of CaaStle, a "clothing as a service" company that also works with traditional retailers such as American Eagle that are launching their own rental services. CaaStle was created by Christine Hunsicker, the founder of another clothing rental service, Gwynnie Bee. 

While more established services like Rent the Runway cost more than $100 a month for unlimited clothing rentals— and granted, do offer a huge repository of designer styles to choose from, among other benefits— Haverdash allows shoppers to dip their toes in the world of online clothing rental and see how they like it, without having to spend a lot of money. Haverdash accomplishes this in part by offering clothing of a somewhat more accessible retail value, rather than expensive designer pieces.

Here's how Haverdash works

Once you make an account, you can jump right into browsing Haverdash's clothing selection. Since Haverdash just launched in May 2019, the options are still a little limited compared to those of other services, but you'll be able to shop tops, skirts, pants, and dresses from brands such as Vince Camuto, J.O.A., Adrianna Papell, and Calvin Klein. 

Add the items you want to try to your virtual Closet, which must contain at least eight items in order for your next box to ship. To ensure you have the smoothest experience, Haverdash suggests maintaining at least 20 items to your Closet, which does not have an item limit. 

Depending on availability, Haverdash picks three of these pieces to send to you. If you would really love a certain item in your next shipment, you can mark it as a "Priority," and you'll likely receive it. However, it still ultimately depends on availability and is not guaranteed. 

Once you receive your box, you can wear your items as many times as you'd like before sending them back in the pre-paid return bag. You don't have to wash or dry-clean them. Haverdash takes care of that for you. 

Why you should try clothing rental through Haverdash

I loved using Haverdash to incorporate more summer dresses and jumpsuits into my wardrobe. I have plenty of the basics, but what I really wanted was something fun and different for things like picnics, day outings, and dates. Not having to commit meant I was more willing to take risks and try items I wouldn't ordinarily wear. 

And even if they didn't work out, at least I could still wear them out in the real world (instead of trying to hide the tag of a dress I'm considering buying) and return them without worrying about maintenance or clean-up. 

I thought Haverdash's assortment of dresses and jumpsuits was the best of all its clothing options, so that turned out well for my mission of improving my summer wardrobe. Many of the styles and brands caught my eye and that made me excited for each box I received through the service. 

If you love a piece, you can purchase it at a discounted price. I really liked a lightweight, split-leg jumpsuit (pictured above on the right) and could see myself wearing it often this season. After thinking on it, I bought it for $45.

Again, not everything I tried from Haverdash was a hit, but because of the low cost and unlimited nature of the service, I didn't mind at all, knowing that future boxes could be better. In your account, you can alert Haverdash when you're about to return your current box. It'll start preparing your next shipment so you'll always have something new to wear.  

For its $59/month price, Haverdash is an excellent intro to the benefits of online clothing rental. It gives you stylish clothing options, a convenient and easy-to-use online platform, and, as General Manager Jessica Kahan Dvorett emphasizes, "permission not to wear the same thing twice." 

Start your clothing rental subscription at Haverdash for $59/month

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• Dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from your home to prevent mold buildup and remove allergens from the air.
• The top-rated Frigidaire FFAD7033R1 dehumidifier is the best one because it removes moisture from the air leaving you with a comfortable and healthy living environment.

Excess moisture in the air can cause substantial damage to items in your home and your health. A good dehumidifier removes excess humidity from the air, which can help prevent mold and mildew buildup and eliminate allergens. Dehumidifiers are often placed in basements, but there are other use cases for them, such as in closets where you store damp clothes or other smaller areas where too much moisture can cause a problem such as bathrooms, RVs, boats, and more.

Dehumidifiers fan-force air over coolant-filled coils to remove moisture. The remaining condensed moisture then drips from the coils into a bucket or basin, or it may be pumped out of the unit depending on the model. As a result, drier air is expelled back into the room.

A dehumidifier helps maintain an ideal relative humidity level (RH level) in your home. Relative humidity refers to the ratio of the current absolute humidity to the highest possible absolute humidity. According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy, it's recommended you keep relative humidity between 30% to 50% in the summer and 30% to 40% in the winter.

How to choose a dehumidifier

When selecting a dehumidifier, it's important to consider the size of the area you wish to dehumidify, along with the condensation moisture removal method, and the amount of power you expect the machine to consume.

At their most basic level, dehumidifiers vary according to pint removal capacity every 24 hours. Moderately damp areas will require between 25 and 40-pint capacity, while extremely moist areas will need between 40 and 70-pint capacity, all dependent upon the size of the area you wish to dry.

Unless you plan on removing and clearing the water basin constantly, you'll want to go with a direct drain feature, which allows for continuous operation without emptying the unit's bucket. Direct drains are convenient but typically require a floor-level water drain. If that's not an option based on your layout, opt for a unit with a pump, which can push water into a specific space, such as a basement sink.

Dehumidifier energy performance is rated by the amount of water extracted every hour versus the amount of energy consumed to do so. Low-level units usually consume less power, but they may not be effective enough for your humidity needs. To get maximum efficiency out of any unit, look for those that are ENERGY STAR certified. Also consider the following:

• The filter indicator setting alerts you when the air filter needs to be cleaned.  
• The auto-humidistat senses the moisture level in the area around the unit and automatically shuts the unit off to save energy once the desired humidity level is reached.  
• A low-temperature setting allows the unit to operate in temperatures as low as 41 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Auto-defrost keeps units from freezing in colder environments (usually below 65 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Auto reset restarts the unit to its previous setting after a power loss.

The following picks are based on online research, ratings from review and dehumidifier-specific sites, Amazon ratings, and customer reviews. They're intended for commercial use and we've included picks for different sized areas ranging from spaces as small as a gym bag to an entire apartment. Beyond square unit cooling capabilities, we also took into consideration moisture removal options, energy requirements, specialized features, such as high tech control panels, and of course, price.

Although the Frigidaire FFAD7033R1 is our top pick, for various reasons laid out in the slides below, you should also consider the Eva-Dry E-333 Portable Dehumidifier, the Ivation 70 Pint Energy Star Dehumidifier, the Eva-dry Edv-1100 Electric Petite Dehumidifier, and the BLACK+DECKER BDT70PWT 70 Pint Energy Star Portable Dehumidifier.

Here are our picks for the best dehumidifiers you can buy:

• Best dehumidifier overall: Frigidaire FFAD7033R1
• Best portable dehumidifier: Eva-Dry E-333 Portable Dehumidifier
• Best dehumidifier for large spaces: Ivation 70 Pint Energy Star Dehumidifier
• Best dehumidifier for small spaces: Eva-dry Edv-1100 Electric Petite Dehumidifier
• Best high-end dehumidifier: Black & Decker BDT70PWT 70 Pint Energy Star Portable Dehumidifier

Keep scrolling to read more about our top picks.

The best dehumidifier overall

The Frigidaire FFAD7033R1 dehumidifier removes an impressive amount of moisture, is easy to setup, and includes a helpful digital display that's easy to control. 

The highly-rated Frigidaire FFAD7033R1 dehumidifier protects your home from the mold and mildew caused by excess moisture, and it helps to eliminate bacteria in the air.

The dehumidifier is capable of continuous operation when the unit is located near a suitable drain and has Ready-Select electronic controls, including a digital humidity readout, a 24-hour on/off timer, and a control lock.

It can capture up to 70 pints of moisture every 24 hours and allows you to control the exact percentage of humidity in any room. It has a portable design that includes a top handle, integrated side handles, and caster wheels, all which make it easy to move from room to room. The Energy Star Certified product has a low-temperature operation that helps you save both energy and money.

The Frigidaire FFAD7033R1 has rave reviews across the web and is considered the best on top review sites including The Sweethome (now Wirecutter), Consumer Search, and Dehumidifier Web. It's a top-ranked Amazon product with a 4.3 out of 5-star average rating based on more than 4,700 customer reviews.  

Most Amazon reviewers highly recommend the product, many stating that it's the perfect size for apartments and that it's an excellent option for the price. 

Pros: Electronic control panel, portable design, Energy Star Certified, various digital controls, very precise humidity control

Cons: Common error message, questionable longevity

Buy the 70-pint Frigidaire FFAD7033R1 on Amazon for $259.99

The best portable dehumidifier

Space is no longer a restriction with the super portable and affordable Eva-Dry E-333 Portable Dehumidifier.

Humidity is everywhere, which is why this Eva-Dry E-333 Portable Dehumidifier is a must have for smaller areas. The handheld 5-by-5-inch device can be placed anywhere extra humidity clogs up the air such as in closets, under your kitchen sink, in safes, boats, RVs, or bathrooms, and more.

Each Eva-Dry E-333 Portable Dehumidifier helps to eliminate excessive humidity for up to ten years using renewable silica gel technology that works without batteries or external power. Without the need for a power source, the portable dehumidifier is completely silent, but it's powerful enough to provide a humidity-solution in any area up to 333 cubic feet.

The dehumidifier is renewable, meaning it will not require any expensive refills, and comes backed by a 5-year warranty. The product works on a cycling system in which you place it in a damp area to soak up moisture and then remove it to charge.

As the unit absorbs the humidity, there is an indicator window containing crystals that will change from orange to green over the course of two to four weeks or as the device collects between 8 and 10 ounces of moisture. When the crystals have changed to green, this indicates the dehumidifier is ready to be renewed or plugged in for 8 to 10 hours in a well-ventilated area, and then placed back in the area you wish to remove humidity from. The product is designed to be used in this way for up to 10 years as it captures moisture in the air without any leaks or spills.  

Consumer Search and Faveable both rate it highly. On Amazon, the product holds a 4.2 out of 5-star average based on more than 2,000 reviewers. 

Many Amazon reviewers are pleasantly surprised to learn the product exists, while others are more than satisfied with the low price or that the tiny device works so well. Critical reviews tend to center around the fact that you have to check it from time to time, or that it's really best for small spaces such as safes, rather than medium-sized spaces such as cars.

Pros: Extremely portable, low price, does not need a constant power source, completely quiet

Cons: Requires charging, best for small spaces

Buy the Eva-Dry E-333 Portable Dehumidifier on Amazon for $14.97

The best dehumidifier for large spaces

The Ivation 70 Pint Energy Star Dehumidifier is powerful enough to eliminate humidity from larger areas.

Suck humidity out from large rooms with an Ivation 70 Pint Energy Star Dehumidifier. The dehumidifier keeps spaces up to 4,500 square feet cool and comfortable by removing 70 pints of moisture a day. It uses an advanced filtration and evaporation system that helps to prevent mold, mildew, and structural cracking. The dehumidifier also safeguards those in your home against allergens, mites, and other asthma triggers.

It has an easy to use LCD interface that lets you check the humidistat, set your ideal levels, adjust fan speed, program the 24-hour timer, and receive important filter and reservoir alerts. It also uniquely has multiple green features, including energy-saving auto-shutoff mode, a timer and a cleanable and thus reusable filter.

Other perks include an extra long 6-foot, three-prong power cord that eliminates the need for extension cords, two fan speeds of regular and turbo, an optional hose connection to make draining easy, and an auto-defrost sensor that prevents wasted energy and protects evaporator coils all within a relatively small, compact 40-pound design.

The Ivation 70 Pint Energy Star Dehumidifier is featured on Best Reviews, Good Air Geeks, and Faveable. On Amazon, it has a 4.4 out of 5-star rating based on nearly 250 reviews.

Reviewers generally state the dehumidifier works well and was a great buy with many buyers stating it's effective in removing moisture from basements and like that it's easy to move around from place to place. Critical reviews tend to center around the fact that it's louder than expected (although many positive reviews refute that claim) or that setup was difficult or confusing.  

Pros: Easy to use LCD screen, eco-friendly features, two fan speeds, optional hose connection, auto-defrost sensor

Cons: Noise, setup can be confusing

Buy the Ivation 70 Pint Energy Star Dehumidifier on Amazon for $219.99

The best dehumidifier for small spaces

The Eva-dry Edv-1100 Electric Petite Dehumidifier is powerful enough to remove humidity from areas as large as 1,100 square feet, but it's so small and quiet you'll barely notice it's there.

Perfect for smaller rooms such as bathrooms, the Eva-dry Edv-1100 Electric Petite Dehumidifier is compact enough to fit on a desk or workbench while it still effectively removes humidity. It uses Peltier Technology (which means there's no compressor) making it light and quiet to run as it extracts moisture from the air and stores it in a spill-proof reservoir.

The tiny dehumidifier has an auto-shutoff feature, which displays a 'full' light indicator to alerts you when the 16-ounce reservoir needs to be emptied. Even better, it doesn't require or consume much energy and because of its operation, it's super quiet, so as not to be disturbing as you tuck it into closets, RVs, and other small places up to 1,100 cubic feet large.

The Eva-dry Edv-1100 Electric Petite Dehumidifier is featured on The Spruce and RVing site Wheel on Road. On Amazon, it holds a 4 out of 5-star rating based on more than 2,500 reviews.

Many Amazon reviewers are pleased that the dehumidifier works well for years and are surprised it works so well for such a small item. Some reviewers have concerns that it's not powerful enough or are surprised to find out it does make some noise, when they expected it to be completely quiet.

Pros: Compact size, lower power consumption, auto-shutoff feature, no compressor means it's quieter than other options

Cons: Not super powerful, best for small rooms and spaces only

Buy the Eva-dry Edv-1100 Electric Petite Dehumidifier on Amazon for $43.19 

The best high-end dehumidifier

The Black & Decker 70 Pint Energy Star Portable Dehumidifier boasts a modern electronic control center packed with advanced features to make humidity control a hassle-free process.

A clear, concise electronic control panel makes this Black & Decker 70 Pint Energy Star Portable Dehumidifier extra easy to use. The digital display allows you to control the adjustable thermostat, set the 24-hour timer, control automatic settings such as the auto-restart, auto-shut off, and auto defrost features and choose from three different fan speeds of high, medium, and low.

The dehumidifier collects up to 70 pints of moisture every 24 hours and operates between 41 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Its Energy Star Certified saving you money on your electric bills and uses the environmentally friendly R410a refrigerant. A built-in collection bucket holds up to 14.8 pints of water and is fast and easy to empty, although with the larger size you won't need to empty it too often.

Alternatively, there are also two ways to drain continuously including an especially easy to drain built in pump that pushes collected water towards the area of your external receptacle, and is powerful enough to push it vertically if needed.

The Black & Decker 70 Pint Energy Star Portable Dehumidifier is featured on The Spruce and Good Air Geeks. On Amazon, it has a 3.7 out of 5-star review based on over 200 customer reviews.

Many Amazon reviewers are shocked at the large area the dehumidifier works in, while others enjoy the higher tech and well-designed features such as the audible alarm or the fact that air blows out the side, not out the top, so they can more easily place the product in the best location and use it like a tabletop to hold other room decor items. Some state issues that the reservoir is difficult to move and empty or cite problems with the pump.

Pros: High-end electronic control panel, three fan speeds, wide temperature range, various drain options, Energy Star Certified, eco-friendly refrigerant

Cons: Large but heavy reservoir, issues reported with the pump

Buy the Black & Decker BDT70PWT 70 Pint Energy Star Portable Dehumidifier with Built-In Pump on Amazon for $259.99

• TikTok is a wildly popular social media platform that lets users create short-form videos, and is sparking a new generation of influencers and viral memes.
• The app has been downloaded more than 1.2 billion times, and is especially big among Generation Z.
• Here's how to navigate through the TikTok app, including how you can create your own videos and follow along the latest trends.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.
• Follow INSIDER on TikTok.

For teens around the world, the social media scene has seen a new app making its way to center stage in the last year: a short-form video platform called TikTok.

TikTok is a product of Chinese company ByteDance, and came to the U.S. in August 2018 after merging with the similar platform Musical.ly. Since it first launched in 2017, TikTok has garnered more than 1.2 billion downloads according to analyst firm Sensor Tower, and its popularity has skyrocketed as users — especially Gen Z — are increasingly turning to the video app as their go-to social platform.

If you need proof that TikTok is the wave of the future, look no further than Old Town Road, the mega-hit song of the summer, which got its start on the app. 

TikTok doesn't necessarily bring anything especially new to social media, but it brings together the most popular and Gen Z-adored features under one app: Vine's video snippets for copious amounts of content consumption; Instagram's user feeds for easily following influencers; Twitter's trending hashtags for keeping up with what's going viral; and video game-inspired techniques for encouraging in-app spending.

Essentially, if you're not already on TikTok (or at least familiar with it), you're already behind.

Here's how to use the TikTok app — from tracking the latest viral memes, to following the newest crop of influencers, and  creating your own short-form video:

SEE ALSO: 'The world is not yet ready for DeepNude': The disturbing deepfake app for making fake nudes of any woman with just a few clicks has been shut down

The first thing you'll see upon opening the TikTok app is a feed of content from people you follow, similar to Instagram or Twitter. You'll only see one video at a time, but you simply swipe up to continue through your feed and see more content.

My biggest gripe with TikTok is the setup of the feed, which can be especially daunting for first-time users. There are a lot of options in front of you and not a lot of direction.

It's likely why I've heard from many people — particularly some of my curious, millennial-age colleagues — that when they first opened TikTok, they got so overwhelmed they never opened it again.

The TikTok home page, where your feed lives, is split up into two sections: "following," to only see content from users you follow, and "for you," which amasses popular content from across TikTok, similar to Instagram's Explore page.

Switching between the two home feeds is as simple as swiping left and right — you'll know which feed you're on because the title will be bolded.

In order for TikTok content to end up in the "For You" feed, videos have to be posted with the hashtag "#foryou." More on video-posting later.

The second tab in the menu running across the bottom of TikTok, represented by a magnifying glass, is where you'll find what's trending on the app. This is TikTok's bread and butter: it's where the latest viral trends are found, and associated hashtags are tracked.

For anyone looking to capitalize on trending tags and viral memes in their next video, this search tab is the place to go. Having your video appear high in the results for a certain popular hashtag can get your content seen my millions, and potentially push you a bit more toward viral fame.

The next tab in the menu bar is your inbox, where you'll find notifications for followers, mentions, likes and comments on your videos, and notifications about people you follow. You can also access direct messages with users in the top-right corner.

Notifications on TikTok can easily be filtered, which can be especially helpful to popular users who have lots of followers and mentions to sift through.

The right-most tab in the menu bar is where you'll find your personal TikTok profile. I personally have yet to post anything so my feed is empty, but here I can also edit my profile and bio.

In the top-right corner you can also access your "TikCode." The barcode works exactly like a Snapchat SnapCode — basically, it's something you can show other users and have them follow you with one click. 

Now onto all those icons dotted around each video in your feed, because there's a startling amount of options TikTok gives you for interacting with each post. If you want to see more info about the account that posted each video, you can either click on the username toward the bottom of the video, or the top-right icon to follow the user.

You can also swipe to the left on the video to pull up the account's profile page.

Clicking on a username will bring you to the account profile page, which isn't so different from an Instagram profile. Here, you're able to view all the videos posted by the user in a single feed, and check out the users other social accounts (marked by an icon like the YouTube play button or Instagram camera). In the top-right corner, you can easily share user profiles to social media, and toggle notifications for each user.

Certain profiles, like the one above, will be marked with checkmark icon. It works similarly to checkmarks on Twitter and Instagram signaling that you're a verified figure, but TikTok also uses them to designate "popular creators" with hundreds of thousands — and even millions — of followers.

Sometimes when you go to a TikTok user's profile, you'll see a pink circle around the icon with a "Live" button. That indicates the user is live-streaming, a popular feature within TikTok that allows popular creators and influencers to interact directly with their fans. If you have notifications turned on for any users, you'll get notified in your Inbox tab when they go live.

Musical.ly, TikTok's predecessor, used to have a separate app dedicated to live-streaming called Live.ly. However, that app shut down when Musical.ly merged into TikTok, and now live-streaming can occur directly inside the same app.

In livestreams, users can add comments and emoji reactions. But more importantly, users can purchase "coins" on TikTok, which can be given to live-streamers — sort of like a tip.

These live-streaming gift add-ons alone have brought in more than $100 million in revenue for TikTok, according to data from mobile analytics firm Sensor Tower.

Back in your news feed, videos will often be posted with hashtags in their descriptions. Clicking on these hashtags will lead you to individual landing pages, where you can find the number of videos using that hashtag and see just how viral it's went on the platform. You can click on the "save" button to bookmark a certain hashtag for easy tracking in the future.

Hashtags that have been recognized as viral movements may have TikTok-given descriptions explaining a bit more what users have been using the hashtag for.  So although #plankton has apparently been used more than 13 million times, it doesn't have the same clout as trending hashtags that have hundreds of millions of uses.

For TikTok, each posted video requires the use of a "soundtrack." That doesn't mean you can't record your own sound — it'll be denoted as "original sound," which makes publicly available for others to use by clicking on the music track located at the bottom of a video. In turn, for your own videos, you can overlay them with popular music for lip-syncing videos, or for tracks that have been meme'd — like this "Rich boy check" audio.

The "rich boy check" meme has been used almost 138 million times on TikTok by users showing off their opulence and wealth, and others in turn satirizing that privilege with parody videos.

All of the content that you save on TikTok — videos, hashtags, sounds, and video effects — lives in a bookmark tab that's found on your profile.

The bookmark feature making it easy to find the latest posts under trending viral memes, keep track of  your favorite videos, and save sounds you want to use for yourself in the future.

Now, for creating your own content. To create a TikTok video, click on black square in the middle of the menu bar. Doing so will open up your camera and all of the features available to use within your video.

TikTok offers a number of templates for users to draw inspiration and ideas for creating videos. TikTok users have gone to great lengths with their videos to create masterpieces that I still have yet to figure out how they were made.

TikTok videos can go up to 60 seconds in length. The endless number of features you can apply to content makes it easy to make personalized videos — you can slow down or speed up your video, add Snapchat-like effects, and record and stitch together multiple clips.

Instead of turning to the numerous apps out there for tech-savvy photo and video editing, TikTok lets you do custom editing in the app itself. Adding effects and special touches is easy, which makes the app even more accessible for its younger users.

When it comes time to add a sound, TikTok has a vast library to find music, from snippets of the latest hits, to TV show theme songs, to clips from movies. If there's a sound you want but it's not in the library, that's where your "saved" tab comes in, where you can add your own spin on someone else's soundtrack.

If you decide you don't want to add someone else's sound until later, that's okay — TikTok lets you play with the volume, so you can mute your own sound and add a soundtrack on top after recording.

Once you create your video (like this one of me watching the US women's soccer team play in the World Cup at work), there are even more effects at your disposal. Here you can trim your video as you want, add transition effects for between video clips, and add stickers and text similar to those on Instagram Stories.

These numerous effects have led to the creation of memes, like the "Karma is a b---h" challenge and this super cool subway ride warp.

Once you're done creating your video, you'll be sent to a screen where you can control how your video is used. Just like Instagram, you can add hashtags and friend mentions. You can also choose video-by-video whether you want the post to be public, private, or visible to friends only.

You can also choose whether to make your video available for duet and react videos, which is how TikTok enables users to collaborate and interact with each other in video form.

Outside of creating videos, TikTok also allows for users to create two other kinds of videos: "reacts" and "duets." With a "duet,"on the left, users can add to already existing videos can add their own commentary and effects to existing videos online. With a "React" (on the right), videos are similar to reaction videos found on YouTube where your video is minimized into the corner of an existing one.

You can find some good examples of TikTok duets and reacts on YouTube.

In order to create a Duet or React video, click on the arrow that appears on any TikTok video. If the user has enabled duets and reaction videos, you'll find the options in the menu that pops up.

Remember, this is only a comprehensive overview of what TikTok can do. With the number of features that extend across the app, TikTok can be incredibly overwhelming to the unsuspecting user. But with more than a billion people using the app, there's likely a niche area of TikTok somewhere on the platform just for you.

• The average American millennial is financially behind, thanks to student debt, cost of living, and the financial crisis.
• While the recession split millennials into two groups, they collectively deal with a host of financial struggles unfamiliar to previous generations.
• Meet the average American millennial, who delays life milestones, has a net worth of $8,000, and is actually financially savvy.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

There's no way around it: The average American millennial is financially behind. 

Faced with a high cost of living, staggering student-loan debt, and the fallout of the Great Recession, American millennials are trying to make ends meet in the midst of The Great American Affordability Crisis.

The financial crisis split the generation into two distinct groups. Older millennials, who bore the brunt of the financial crisis, dealt with a tough job market and wage stagnation, making it more difficult for them to save. Younger millennials, who experienced the recovery period, entered a better job market and became risk-averse by watching the recession unfold.

However, the generation overall is plagued by financial problems that baby boomers didn't have to face at their age. From saving to spending and financial behaviors in between, here's what life is like as the average American millennial.

SEE ALSO: 2019 is the final class of millennial college graduates. Next stop: The Great American Affordability Crisis.

NOW READ: Millennials have been called the 'brokest' and the 'richest' generation, and experts say both of those are true

The average American millennial makes $35,592 a year.

Adjusted for inflation, the annual salary of a millennial today is an estimated 20% lower than the average salary for a baby boomer at the same age, according to a SmartAsset study that analyzed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for millennials who were ages 16 to 34 in 2015.

But in today's high cost of living, salaries are no longer what they once were. While millennials have benefited from a 67% rise in wages since 1970, according to research by Student Loan Hero, this increase hasn't kept up with inflating living costs: Rent, home prices, and college tuition have all increased faster than incomes in the US.

American millennials have an average net worth of less than $8,000, meaning they're financially worse off than any other generation before them.

The net worth of Americans ages 18 to 35 has decreased by 34% since 1996, according to a Deloitte study reported by Abha Bhattarai of The Washington Post. This makes them "dramatically financially worse off" than older generations, Business Insider's Kate Taylor reported.

These findings underscore previous research indicating that millennials are financially behind.

And millennials are less wealthy than previous generations were at their age at any point between 1989 and 2007, according to The Economist, which cited a recent paper by the Brookings Institution. Median household wealth was roughly 25% lower for those ages 20 to 35 in 2016 than it was for the same age group in 2007.

And the typical millennial has less than $5,000 in their savings account.

While 70% of millennials have a savings account, 58% have a balance under $5,000, according to the INSIDER and Morning Consult survey.

Despite being financially behind, the typical millennial has a practical approach to money, saving for emergencies and contributing to a retirement account.

While economic conditions have left millennials financially behind, they're working hard to catch up. 

Millennials are more aware of the risk of a bad economy and are being more practical when it comes to money, from saving for emergencies to contributing to a retirement account, Jason Dorsey, a consultant, researcher of millennials, and president of the Center for Generational Kinetics, previously told Business Insider.

And nearly 75% of millennials stick to their budget, Business Insider's Hayley Peterson previously reported, citing Bank of America's Better Money Habits Millennial report.

Millennials even report being more dedicated to saving than older generations. Northwestern Mutual's Planning & Progress Study 2018 found that they were more likely than other generations to say they're "highly disciplined" or "disciplined" financial planners.

But the typical American millennial is also carrying a crippling amount of student loan debt.

Student-loan debt has reached record levels because of the cost of college, which has more than doubled since the 1980s. As of 2019, student-loan debt reached a national total of $1.5 trillion, according to Student Loan Hero. Millennials in the graduating class of 2018 have an average student-loan debt of $29,800.

The weight of this debt is hindering millennials' ability to save. More than half of indebted millennial respondents in an INSIDER and Morning Consult survey said attending college wasn't worth the student loans.

The survey polled 4,400 Americans, 1,207 of whom identified as millennials, defined in the survey as those aged 22 to 37.

Read more: An astounding number of bankruptcies are being driven by student loan debt

It may come as little surprise, then, that the typical millennial defines financial success as being debt-free.

According to a recent Merrill Lynch Wealth Management report, only 19% of millennials and Gen Zers define financial success as being rich — 60% define it as being debt-free.

"Freedom from debt seems a low bar of accomplishment, yet it's an elusive goal for many early adults," the report said.

According to the report, 81% of early-adult households carry a collective debt of nearly $2 trillion. The debt includes car loans and mortgages but is mainly made up of student-loan debt and credit-card debt. Those who carry the latter have an average balance of $3,700, and more than half said they're struggling to pay it off.

The typical millennial still receives financial assistance from a parent.

More than half of Americans (53%) aged 21 to 37 have received financial assistance from a parent, guardian, or family member since turning 21, according to the 2018 Country Financial Security Index.

About 37% of millennials receive money on a monthly basis, and more than half (59%) receive money several times a year. Many are putting this money towards basic needs, both small and significant, like cell phone bills, groceries and gas, health insurance, and rent.

When it comes to life milestones, millennials are doing things differently than previous generations. For one thing, millennials are renting longer and buying later, delaying homeownership.

Millennial homeownership was at a record low in 2017, Business Insider's Akin Oyedele reported.

Homes are 39% more expensive than they were nearly 40 years ago, according to Student Loan Hero. It would take the median earner in the 25 largest US cities between four and 10 years to save enough cash for a 20% down payment on a median-priced home, a recent SmartAsset study found. And that's assuming they're saving 20% of their annual income for the down payment.

Consequently, millennials are renting longer and buying later, Spencer Rascoff, CEO of Zillow CEO, previously told Business Insider.

The typical millennial is getting married later.

Taking more time to find the right partner and prioritize financial success is causing many millennials to marry later in life than previous generations did.

The median age of first marriage in the US is 27 for women and 29 for men, Business Insider's Mark Abadi reported, citingthe US Census Bureau. In 1980, for comparison, the median age was 22 for women and 25 for men.

And those who have found the right partner are waiting longer in their relationships to get married — 4.9 years on average, INSIDER's Kristin Salaky reported, citing a 2017 study from Bridebook, a UK wedding company.

And the typical millennial is also having kids later in life.

A delay in marriage leads to a delay in having kids. The US birthrate is at its lowest in 32 years, Bill Chappell for NPR reported, citing a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More 30-something women are having babies than women in their 20s for the first time ever — a difference that grew in 2018, according to the CDC report. 

Parents responded to the report, citing the expense of kids as a key reason for the delay.

It costs more than ever to raise a child in the US. Finances are one of the top reasons why American millennials aren't having kids or are having fewer kids than they considered ideal, Business Insider's Shana Lebowitz reported, citing a survey by The New York Times.

The survey polled 1,858 men and women ages 20 to 45 — 64% said childcare is too expensive, 44% said they can't afford to have more children, and 43% said they waited to have kids because of financial instability. (Multiple answers were allowed).

Despite all this talk about money, the typical millennial doesn't associate being wealthy with a dollar amount.

Millennials define wealth as an average personal net worth of $1.9 million, according to Charles Schwab's 2019 Modern Wealth Survey, which polled 1,000 Americans about money.

This nearly $2 million target number is roughly 20 times the median net worth of US households — $97,300, according to the Federal Reserve. However, it's also lower than what most Americans (ages 21 to 75) believe it takes to be truly wealthy, according to the survey — $2.3 million.

But most millennials say they don't define wealth primarily as a number: More than three-quarters of millennial respondents said feeling wealthy isn't about the dollar amount but about how they live their lives.

And when it comes to spending, millennials prefer to spend on experiences over things.

Since millennials care more about a rich life than a rich bank account, it's no surprise they love the experience economy.

A survey from Eventbrite, a "marketplace for live event experiences," found that 78% of millennials respondents would rather spend money on an experience than a thing, and 77% said their best memories come from experiences, Business Insider's Libby Kane reported. 

Many millennials have a "treat yourself" mentality, according to Fidelity Investments' 2018 Millennial Money Study. In the survey, millennials were asked how often they "treat" themselves (defined as a purchase made to bring joy); 86% said they treat themselves at least once a month, setting them back $110 a month on average.

• Forbes officially named Gary Tharaldson the first and only billionaire in North Dakota on June 28.

• Tharaldson was one of the first motel owners to move the building's laundry room near the lobby so front desk staff could fold laundry when the lobby was empty in the middle of the night, Hilton Senior Vice President Phil Cordell told Forbes.

• After selling his hotel empire to Goldman Sachs in 2006, Tharaldson started another one, according to Forbes.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Becoming a billionaire can take a little creative thinking.

That's exactly what hotel magnate Gary Tharaldson had to do when he was building his empire of budget hotels in North Dakota in the late 1980s. 

A 73-year-old former gym teacher, Tharaldson entered the hospitality business with the purchase of a Super 8 motel in 1982, according to Forbes. At the time, Tharaldson was an insurance salesman who was looking to lower his taxes by investing his earnings. But the motel business was slowing down as tax breaks expired and Tharaldson had to get creative to keep costs down.

Tharaldson was one of the first motel owners to move the building's laundry room near the lobby so front desk staff could fold laundry when the lobby was empty in the middle of the night, Hilton Senior Vice President Phil Cordell told Forbes.

Tharaldson also launched his own construction company to lower building costs, according to Forbes. He built his hotels with wood frames instead of with more expensive poured concrete, and with only 60 guest rooms instead of the standard 100. Tharaldson also started paying housekeeping staff an hourly rate instead of a flat rate for each room they cleaned.

Read more: A former gym teacher who built a hotel empire just became North Dakota's first billionaire, and his take on money lines up with what many of the world's richest self-made people say

Tharaldson is also frugal in his personal life. He told Forbes that he and his family live modestly, with the exception of their 45th-floor condo in the Waldorf Astoria on the Las Vegas Strip. It's not unusual for billionaires to be thrifty, Business Insider's Hillary Hoffower previously reported. A study of the habits of 21 self-made billionaires by Rafael Badziag revealed that millionaires are more likely than billionaires to live extravagantly. 

Tharaldson's ingenuity has paid off. He now owns 49 hotels across the country and is the first and only billionaire in North Dakota, with an estimated net worth of $1 billion, a figure that Tharaldson called "very conservative."

SEE ALSO: A billionaire venture capitalist who made early investments in Twitter and Skype says there's a single question he asks himself when deciding which companies to invest in

DON'T MISS: What George Soros' life is really like: How the former hedge-fund manager built his $8.3 billion fortune, purchased a sprawling network of New York homes, and became the topic of international conspiracy theories

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: How $100,000 custom pool tables are made for celebrities like Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift

• Lisa Lippman has worked in the real estate industry for 22 years and has sold over $1 billion worth of real estate over the past four years.
• She represents multimillion-dollar clients across Manhattan.
• Lippman told Business Insider she has three crucial tricks that help her stay organized on the job.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Manhattan real-estate broker Lisa Lippman has sold over $1 billion of real estate in the past four years.

Lippman is a broker at the luxury real-estate firm Brown Harris Stevens, where she was the No. 1 broker in 2016 and 2017. The Wall Street Journal named her the No. 4 broker in Manhattan in 2016. She recently told Business Insider that she works 16 hours a day representing multimillion-dollar clients across Manhattan— and revealed three crucial tricks that help her stay organized.

Here are her tips:

1. Flag unread emails

Lippman told Business Insider that she stays on top of her emails by checking them every hour. She believes every email should be answered in a three-hour window.

"Part of becoming a good multitasker is looking at emails and if you don't have a lot of time, figuring out which ones have to be responded to right away and which ones can wait two to three hours," said Lippman.

She suggests flagging important emails that you can't answer right away so that they don't get lost in your inbox.

2. Avoid social media

While Lippman has both personal and business social media accounts, she told Business Insider she doesn't check them during the day. She often finds that people who use social media get distracted from their work.

"Being on social media while you're working ends up being a huge time waster," Lippman said. "It makes your brain wander from the task at hand."

3. When setting up phone calls, never say "call me"

Lippman sets aside time to speak with her clients because it makes them feel important. But she has a specific way of going about it: Anytime someone asks for a call, she gets their availability and sets up an appointment on her calendar.

"Rather than just telling someone to call you, you should set up a time to speak. In my business, we are in and out of appointments all the time, we're not sitting at a desk," Lippman said. "I find that if I don't [set up a time], I'm playing phone tag with somebody and that's not enjoyable, it doesn't make them feel important."

Read more: Procrastination isn't a time management problem. It's an emotional problem

Lippman's time-management advice echoes that of many business leaders and experts. Business Insider's Shana Lebowitz reported that leadership and business consultant Greg McKeown says that when you're estimating how long it will take to complete something, multiply it by three. Most of the things on your to-do list will take longer to finish than originally expected.

Other practices such as creating a calendar system, making lists, and taking short breaks throughout the day are all things work experts say will make workdays more productive.

SEE ALSO: An executive coach uses rocks, pebbles, and sand to explain time management to new CEOs

DON'T MISS: Planning every minute of your workday can backfire — here's what the most successful leaders do instead

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Mount Everest is not the hardest mountain to climb — here's what makes K2 so much worse

• Rent in major US cities continues to soar.
• The national average price for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,216, according to a report by Zumper.
• Zillow and StreetEasy provided Business Insider with the median prices for one-bedroom rentals across 15 major US cities as of May 2019.
• Turns out, two of the top three most expensive cities for rentals on the list are in California. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Rents across major US cities continue to soar. 

The national median price for a one-bedroom apartment was $1,216 as of June 2019 — a 1.5% increase year to date.

Business Insider's Hillary Hoffower previously reported that rents are so high in major cities that some residents are resorting to living in the exurbs — the area beyond the suburbs — and living in vehicles to work around the cost of housing.

Read more:Here's the salary you'll need if you want to afford a mortgage in 17 major US cities

To get a sense of just how much it costs to be a renter in America, Business Insider compiled information from Zillow and StreetEasy on the median asking prices for one-bedroom rentals in 15 major US cities as of May 2019. Of the provided cities, Phoenix, Arizona, had the most affordable median rent: $1,171. On the other end of the pricing spectrum, two of the top three most expensive cities for rentals are in California. 

Data on each city's median household income was obtained from the home-ownership-investment company Unison's 2019 Home Affordability Report.

Keep reading to see just how much you'd have to pay to live in these cities, ranked from most affordable to least affordable:

SEE ALSO: The salary you need to afford rent in every state, ranked

DON'T MISS: Here's how much money you need to have saved if you want to get married and buy a home in the same year in 25 cities

Phoenix: The median asking price for a one-bedroom rental in Phoenix, Arizona is $1,171.

The median household income in Phoenix is $52,849.

Houston: The median asking price for a one-bedroom rental in Houston, Texas is $1,269.

The median household income in Houston is $51,914.

Charlotte: The median asking price for a one-bedroom rental in Charlotte, North Carolina is $1,330.

The median household income in Charlotte is $58,833.

Dallas: The median asking price for a one-bedroom rental in Dallas, Texas is $1,375.

The median household income in Dallas is $50,386.

Philadelphia: The median asking price for a one-bedroom rental in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is $1,500.

The median household income in Philadelphia is $45,267.

Atlanta: The median asking price for a one-bedroom rental in Atlanta, Georgia is $1,590.

The median household income in Atlanta is $55,881.

Chicago: The median asking price for a one-bedroom rental in Chicago, Illinois is $1,650.

The median household income in Chicago is $55,528.

Denver: The median asking price for a one-bedroom rental in Denver, Colorado is $1,682.

The median household income in Denver is $64,784.

Miami: The median asking price for a one-bedroom rental in Miami, Florida is $1,995.

The median household income in Miami is $35,221. 

Seattle: The median asking price for a one-bedroom rental in Seattle, Washington is $2,049.

The median household income in Seattle is $85,936.

Boston: The median asking price for a one-bedroom rental in Boston, Massachusetts is $2,150.

The median household income in Boston is $64,553. 

Washington, D.C.: The median asking price for a one-bedroom rental in Washington, D.C. is $2,347.

The median household income in Washington, D.C. is $82,192.

Los Angeles: The median asking price for a one-bedroom rental in Los Angeles, California is $2,362.

The median household income in Los Angeles is $58,043.

New York City: The median asking price for a one-bedroom rental in New York City is $2,650.

The median household income in New York City is $61,816. 

San Francisco: The median asking price for a one-bedroom rental in San Francisco, California is $3,600.

The median household income in San Francisco is $102,300.

• Rachael Parker is a principal engineer at Intel.
• She joined the tech giant in the '90s, and was the first person in the company to transition from male to female in a visible fashion.
• With the support of her wife and coworkers, Parker has gone on to become a prominent trans advocate in tech.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

In 1995, I had a new job, a new wife — and an old secret. I'd spent many years struggling with the pain of understanding who I was.

While growing up, I didn't identify with boys and knew I was different, but I had no information about what I was feeling. I had only recently understood what it meant to be transgender, because it wasn't common for trans people to be out at the time (the Internet was much smaller and younger then).

After coming across a trans support newsgroup, I immediately knew that this is who I was and that there were others like me. Although I was terrified, I was also excited to learn more about it.

My family was supportive about my decision to transition. At the time, I'd known my wife since 1989, and it was a gradual process coming out to her. My spouse was there for me, which is exceptionally rare. Often, transition ends in divorce, and I was blessed to have someone who was able to love me just for who I was. She had a friend from college who had just come out to her as being trans, so it helped that it wasn't a foreign concept.

Having two young children, my family was my number one priority. It was important to me not to push them or rush them. The transition was gradual, and they saw me getting happier and healthier, which was positive reinforcement to continue transition and gave me the strength to also be out in other areas of my life.

Read more:Coworkers said my androgynous look was scaring clients, so I switched jobs and found a boss who helped me accept my true self

The importance of creating a professional 'sanctuary'

Navigating the workplace was a different experience. I joined Intel as an engineer and was largely closeted for the first year and a half. After starting, I joined the company's employee resource group IGLOBE (Intel Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, or Transgender Employees), which back then did not include the word "transgender" in its charter — nobody had ever asked them to include the transgender community. To change that, I conducted informational sessions and presentations where I shared my story, taught them what it meant to be transgender, and explained why it was important that the LGB community should be allies with and advocates for the transgender community.

After changing the charter for IGLOBE, it became my sanctuary, and I participated fully. I held multiple officer positions, eventually serving as president of the group. But I wasn't done. Although I was terrified, I knew I needed to transition for my own survival.

Twenty years ago, if you wanted to transition, you would normally quit your job, move to a new place and start a new life, never revealing your status. But I had a wife, a young family — and I had worked very hard to build my career. I wanted to stay at Intel, which was at the epicenter of semiconductor development, and where I had already built career equity through my contributions, patents, and publications.

When I decided that I was going to transition at work, I wanted to make sure Intel was a safe place to do that. It was the '90s, and I was the first person to transition at Intel in such a visible fashion, so there were no policies or processes in place to build from. I started meeting with HR and legal to encourage Intel to change its equal employment opportunity (EEO) and non-discrimination policy to include gender identity. This was key: At the time, Intel's protections didn't include gender identity, and I needed to know that I wouldn't be fired, as that was not uncommon for the times.

While I had advocates, there was still a lot of education to be done around what constitutes harassment. Many people had never heard of what it meant to be transgender. Although I leveraged support from HR on a few occasions, I focused more on working to educate coworkers — as well as my broader workplace — about what was acceptable behavior.

Read more: This top Accenture exec came out as gay to coworkers at an office party 32 years ago. He says it was one of the best career decisions he's ever made.

Why advocating for company-wide change can lead to greater acceptance

Changing Intel's EEO statement and non-discrimination policy was a big step, but there was still a long way to go. I continued my work by advocating for trans healthcare benefits at Intel. It was important to ensure people had access to prescriptions and hormone-replacement therapy, which technically was excluded from coverage for transgender people.

Therapy was another area that wasn't covered: any trans person should have the right to go to therapy and have it covered by their insurance. Today, many companies have added protections for gender expression and identity to their policies, as well as healthcare coverage for people who are transitioning. I'm very proud Intel was among the leaders in this area. 

While I will never stop fighting and advocating for equal rights, it has been wonderful to find a workplace where I finally feel accepted for who I am.

Having my family and finding support at work through this process was critical, and it inspired me to be more active in the community. I began serving as an Intel representative to the Human Rights Campaign and as a board member of Out & Equal Workplace Advocates. As other companies started taking steps to make changes, I was able to act as a resource, sharing best practices and the process we went through at Intel.

There are still places where people are not safe today, and while we must work to change that, it's been very meaningful for me to help create environments where people can truly be themselves. 

Rachael Parker is a Principal Engineer at Intel working in the Mixed-Signal IP group, where she runs a small team that develops hardware security circuits. She has been with the company for 24 years and holds over 25 patents.

SEE ALSO: The 23 most powerful LGBTQ+ people in tech

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Stewart Butterfield, co-founder of Slack and Flickr, says 2 beliefs have brought him the greatest success in life

• A gel manicure is a popular, time-saving procedure that gives you long-lasting, freshly lacquered nails for about two weeks.
• But removing gel polish is not as simple as removing regular polish.
• It can be damaging to your nails if you don't take it off properly.
• Here's a step-by-step guide on how to remove gel nail polish safely and the things you need to do it at home.

Many people love gel manicures. Gel polish's glossy finish is practically indestructible and that just-left-the-salon look can last for two weeks or more. But eventually, you will notice a tiny chip, and then another and another until you've got to remove the polish.

As anyone who's ever had a gel manicure can confirm, that's easier said than done. Gel polish is not like regular nail polish. Its ingredients are stronger than your traditional lacquer, which is part of why it's so resistant to the normal wear-and-tear that destroys your average manicure in a matter of days. Gel polish is also cured under a UV or LED lamp, whereas regular polish sets under less extreme conditions.

Another reality of the gel manicure is that it can weaken your nails. Removing gel polish is not like removing regular polish, either. It takes a few steps whether you choose to go back to the salon or do it at home, and the process can be especially damaging to your nail bed if you try to peel or pick it off yourself. With that in mind (and because we're trying to save you a few bucks), we're going to explain how to remove a gel manicure at home.

Here's what you need to remove a gel manicure: 

• Nail file: ClassyLady Professional Glass Nail File
• Cuticle cream: Deborah Lippman Nail Cuticle Repair Cream
• Cotton balls: Jumbo Cotton Balls
• Acetone nail polish remover: OPI Nail Polish Remover
• Aluminum foil: Standard Aluminum Foil
• Wooden nail sticks: Adecco Nail Art Orange Wood Sticks

There are also removal kits available, like this Red Carpet Manicure version and these nail polish remover soak off foils, but these options can be pricier than having your gel polish removed at the salon. 

Once you've gathered your ingredients, carve out about 30 minutes for the whole process, since you'll need to soak and file your nails. Find a well-ventilated place, either near an open window or a fan so you don't breath in too much acetone. Finally, settle in with your favorite podcast and get started.

How to remove gel nail polish at home

1. File your nails:The point of this step is to gently penetrate the surface of the gel polish so the acetone can soak in more easily. You don't need to do more than gently sand the surface to remove the shine. We recommend the ClassyLady Professional Glass Nail File.
2. Protect your skin and cuticles:Acetone is extremely drying, so take the extra time to coat the area around your nails with a thick cream or oil to protect your skin. You don't need to go overboard, just a drop will do. We like the Deborah Lippman Nail Cuticle Repair Cream.
3. Soak the cotton balls:Fill a small bowl with OPI's Nail Polish Remover and soak 10 cotton balls in it.
4. Wrap your nails in aluminum foil:Tear 10 3-inch squares of aluminum foil, one for each finger. Then take a soaked cotton ball and wrap your fingertips. This can be tricky, so we suggest wrapping your non-dominant hand first to make it easier. Now, sit back and relax for about 15 minutes. 
5. Check your progress:Peek inside one of the foil wrappers. If the gel looks loosened and falling off the nail you're ready to move on to the next step. If not, wrap the foil back up and wait another 5 to 10 minutes.
6. Removal:Remove the foil and apply slight pressure to the nail. The gel should slide off easily with the cotton ball, and any residue can be removed with a wooden nail stick. We recommend Adecco's Nail Art Orange Wood Sticks.
7. Hydrate your nails:Don't skip this important step! Your nails will be dry after the gel polish comes off, so wash them, and then either soak them for a few minutes in a hydrating oil or reapply the cuticle cream over your nail beds. The only reason not to do this is if you're polishing again immediately, but experts suggest giving your nails some time to recover between manicures.

Buy the ClassyLady Professional Glass Nail File on Amazon for $9.98

Buy the Deborah Lippman Nail Cuticle Repair Cream at Sephora for $24

Buy Jumbo Cotton Balls at target for $1.89

Buy OPI Nail Polish Remover on Amazon for $5.95

Buy Standard Aluminum Foil at Target for $3.59

Buy Adecco Nail Art Orange Wood Sticks on Amazon for $5.99

Join the conversation about this story »

• Medicated cat shampoo needs prolonged contact with the skin to provide the maximum benefit.
• It may be tricky getting your cat to stay in the tub for 10 minutes, but giving the shampoo time to soak in will provide your cat with relief from irritating symptoms like itching and inflammation.
• With powerful active ingredients like chlorhexidine and climbazole, our top pick for the best medicated shampoo for cats is Douxo Chlorhexidine PS Shampoo.
• In addition to soothing itching, irritation, and dryness, this shampoo tackles bacterial and fungal skin infections and protects the skin against moisture loss.

The average cat spends about half of his waking hours grooming himself. Not only does grooming remove dirt, dust, and other debris from the cat's coat, but it also helps distribute the natural oils secreted by the skin to keep the cat's coat shiny and soft. Because cats spend so much of their time grooming, it hardly seems necessary to bathe a cat. There are, however, times when your cat can benefit from a good bath.

Your cat probably doesn't need shampoo and conditioner to keep his coat clean, but there are certain skin issues best treated with medicated shampoo. Medicated shampoo for cats can be used to treat bacterial skin infections, yeast infections, and other issues like skin allergies and dandruff.

If your cat is suffering from one of these skin conditions, talk to your veterinarian about the best medicated shampoo to treat the problem at hand.

If you've never bathed your cat before, you may be wondering where to even start looking for an everyday cat shampoo, let alone a medicated formula. Shampoo for cats is easy to find online, but the sheer volume of options can make it difficult to choose. Lucky for you, we've done the research to bring you our top picks for the best medicated shampoo for cats in different categories. 

Here is the best medicated cat shampoo you can buy in 2019:

• Best cat shampoo overall: Douxo Chlorhexidine PS Shampoo for Dogs & Cats
• Best cat shampoo for skin allergies: Earthbath All Natural Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo 
• Best cat shampoo for bacterial skin infections: PetMD Benzoyl Peroxide Medicated Shampoo   
• Best cat shampoo for fungal infections: Curaseb Chlorhexidine Medicated Shampoo
• Best cat shampoo for fleas and ticks: Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo with Precor

Keep scrolling to check out our top picks.

The best overall

With powerful active ingredients like chlorhexidine and climbazole, Douxo Chlorhexidine PS Shampoo tackles bacterial and fungal skin infections as well as other common skin problems such as itching, irritation, and dryness.

Occasional scratching is nothing to worry about, but if your cat is scratching more than usual, it could be a sign of a skin problem. Other signs of skin problems in cats include excessive grooming, bald patches, dandruff, greasy coat, and redness.

Because these problems have many potential underlying causes, you should take your cat to the vet for an accurate diagnosis. Your vet will be able to determine the best treatment for any underlying infections or related health problems and may suggest a medicated shampoo to relieve physical symptoms.

Our top pick for the best medicated shampoo for cats is Douxo Chlorhexidine PS Shampoo for Dogs & Cats. This shampoo uses active ingredients like chlorhexidine and climbazole to control bacteria and fungi populations while also addressing skin problems like irritation, allergies, and hair loss.

It contains moisturizing agents to soothe and repair dry, itchy skin with lipacid to help restore the skin's natural protective barrier. The shampoo has phytosphingosine-salicyloyl, a modified pro-ceramide, in it that offers anti-inflammatory and anti-seborrheic benefits.  

Pros: Works for a variety of skin conditions, antifungal and antibacterial benefits, restores the skin's natural protective barrier, contains moisturizing agents to soothe itchy skin

Cons: May require repeated applications for maximum benefit, contains some artificial fragrance

Buy Douxo Chlorhexidine PS Shampoo for Dogs & Cats on Amazon for $14.80

The best for skin allergies

Earthbath All-Natural Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo contains natural moisturizers like colloidal oatmeal and aloe to soothe dry, itchy skin with coconut-based cleansers to clean and deodorize.

Your cat's skin is covered by a protective layer of fur, but it can be just as sensitive as your own skin. Cats can develop skin allergies to anything from dust and pollen to parasites, food ingredients, and even certain types of fabric.

The most common symptoms of skin allergies in cats are itching, scratching, dry or flaky skin, hair loss, skin odor, and scabs or red patches. The longer your cat's skin allergies go untreated, the worse these symptoms will get, and your cat may also develop secondary bacterial or fungal infections.

Our top pick for the best medicated cat shampoo for skin allergies is Earthbath All-Natural Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo. Made entirely with natural ingredients, this formula is 100% biodegradable and free from soap, sulfates, and parabens.

It contains natural moisturizing agents like colloidal oatmeal and aloe to soothe your cat's dry, itchy skin with coconut-based cleansers to clean and deodorize his coat. This formula comes in a light, refreshing vanilla and almond scent or you can purchase the formula fragrance-free.

Pros: All-natural ingredients, scented or fragrance-free, 100% biodegradable, free from soap and sulfates, concentrated formula, relieves dryness and itching

Cons: Some customers disliked the scented formula

Buy Earthbath All-Natural Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo on Amazon for $14.25

The best for bacterial skin infections

With three powerful active ingredients, PetMD Benzoyl Peroxide Medicated Shampoo offers antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-seborrheic properties to relieve itching, scaling, and greasiness in your cat's coat.

When your cat's skin is scratched or cut, there is an increased risk of infection. Primary bacterial skin infections are fairly uncommon in cats, but they can develop when the skin is already injured due to intense scratching due to allergies or other skin problems.

Symptoms of bacterial skin infections in cats include itching, crusted skin, hair loss, pustules, and raised lesions. Depending on the underlying cause of the infection, your veterinarian may recommend oral antibiotics with topical medication or medicated shampoo to address physical symptoms.

Our top pick for the best medicated shampoo for bacterial skin infections is PetMD Benzoyl Peroxide Medicated Shampoo. This shampoo features three active ingredients: benzoyl peroxide for its antibacterial and anti-seborrheic action, sulphur for its antiseptic properties, and salicylic acid to lower skin pH.

Free from soap and parabens, this shampoo contains skin moisturizers, deodorizers, and degreasers to remove scales and excess oils from the coat, leaving your cat smelling fresh and clean.

Pros: Three powerful active ingredients, relieves itching and scaling, cleans and degreases the coat, antibacterial and antiseptic properties, soap- and paraben-free

Cons: Some users found the scent too strong, may require repeated applications at first

Buy PetMD Benzoyl Peroxide Medicated Shampoo on Amazon for $19.95

The best for yeast infections

Featuring chlorhexidine and ketoconazole as the active ingredients, Curaseb Chlorhexidine Medicated Shampoo tackles a variety of skin problems including yeast infections, ringworm, and pyoderma.

You may not realize it, but Malassezia pachydermatis yeast cells are naturally present on your cat's skin at any given time. Yeast cells tend to occur in small numbers in the ears, around the anus, and in the vaginas of female cats.

When the immune system becomes weakened, those yeast cells can multiply rapidly, causing skin symptoms such as redness, inflammation, itching, and scaling. Yeast infections may also lead to increased oil production in the skin and patches of hair loss or hyperpigmentation.

The ultimate goal of treating a yeast infection is to reduce the number of yeast cells and resolve physical symptoms of the infection. Our pick for the best medicated cat shampoo for yeast infections is Curaseb Chlorhexidine Medicated Shampoo.

This shampoo features several powerful active ingredients, including chlorhexidine and ketoconazole, to treat a broad spectrum of fungal, bacterial, and yeast infections. It also cleans and deodorizes your cat's skin and coat, leaving behind a refreshing cucumber melon scent.

Pros: Chlorhexidine and ketoconazole active ingredients, works against yeast and bacteria, cleans and deodorizes the skin, made in the USA, free from soap and parabens

Cons: May not lather as much as some shampoos, ink on the bottle tends to bleed, contains some artificial fragrance

Buy Curaseb Chlorhexidine Medicated Shampoo on Amazon for $15.95

The best for fleas and ticks

Not only does Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo with Precor kill fleas and ticks on contact, but it contains an insect growth regulator to prevent eggs and larvae from developing for a full 30 days of continuous protection.

Cats are less likely to get Lyme disease than dogs, but they are still susceptible to other tick-borne diseases like cytauxzoonosis. A heavy tick infestation can also lead to blood loss severe enough to cause anemia, particularly in kittens.

Fleas are more of a nuisance than an immediate threat to your cat's health, but they cause intense itching and scratching. If your cat scratches too much, he could damage the skin and open himself to a secondary bacterial infection or other skin problems.

The best way to protect your cat against fleas and ticks is with a topical preventive or flea collar. If your cat already has a flea or tick problem, however, you'll need to bathe him with medicated shampoo to kill the existing fleas or ticks as well as their eggs and larvae.

Our top pick for the best medicated cat shampoo for fleas and ticks is Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo with Precor. This shampoo contains active ingredients to kill fleas, ticks, and lice as well as an insect growth regulator to kill eggs and larvae. It also contains natural ingredients to soothe itchy, irritated skin like aloe, lanolin, oatmeal, and coconut extract.

Pros: Works quickly to kill fleas and ticks, contains insect growth regulator to protect against reinfestation for 30 days, cleans and deodorizes the skin and coat, affordable price

Cons: Chemical ingredients may irritate sensitive skin, strong smell may bother some cats, not for kittens under 12 weeks old

Buy Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo with Precor on Amazon for $9.79

• A high-quality rear bike rack should be easy to install on many different types of bike frames, durable enough to handle your loads in any type of weather, and versatile enough to accommodate a variety of baskets, bags, and panniers.
• The Topeak Explorer Rack is our top pick because it's made of durable 6061 aluminum alloy, can hold up to 55 pounds of cargo, and is backed by a two-year warranty.

If you are interested in commuting, touring, running errands, or otherwise hauling gear with your bike, you'll need a good rear bike rack. Rear bike racks attach to the back of your bike and feature rails that you can use to secure panniers, bags, baskets, and other items. They also accommodate bungees and netting for attaching items. 

Without a rack, hooking a basket, pannier, or trunk bag onto your bike is incredibly difficult. Fortunately, many bikes that are designed for commuters come with racks already installed. However, if you don't have a rack and are interested in using your bike to haul cargo, instead of your car, this guide is for you.

Rear bike racks are often just called "bike racks" but that's problematic since the term "bike rack" can refer to the rack you put on your vehicle to transport your bike from one spot to another or the rack you lock your bike to when out and about. This guide is about the rack you install on the back of your bike to help you carry items around. If you're looking for a car bike rack, you should check out this guide.

Not all rear bike racks work with all bikes so be careful when shopping. For example, if your bike has disc brakes, you need to make sure you choose a model specifically designed to work on disc brakes. Most racks feature stays that attach to braze-on mounts or eyelets near the bottom rear of your frame. Yet, this is not always the case. 

If your bike doesn't have eyelets, which are found on most bikes designed for commuting and adventuring, look for options that work without eyelets. For instance, seat post-mounted racks are a solid solution for most styles of bikes. Though, their main downfall is they cannot hold as much weight.

You may want to consider buying panniers and trunk bags from the same company that makes your rack. The advantage of this is the bags will clip onto and off of the rack seamlessly — a great convenience.

While researching the best bike cargo racks, we examined hundreds of buyer and expert ratings and reviews of dozens of models. Our guide features racks with a track record of durability, performance, versatility, and ease of installation.

Here are the best rear bike racks you can buy in 2019:

• Best rear bike rack overall:Topeak Explorer Rack
• Best affordable rear bike rack:Schwinn Folding Rear Rack
• Best quick-release rear bike rack:Lumintrail Bike Commuter Carrier Rack
• Best rear bike rack for heavy loads:Planet Bike Eco Bike Rack
• Best seat post-mounted rear bike rack:Ibera Bicycle Seatpost-Mounted Commuter Carrier

Keep scrolling to check out our top picks.

The best overall

If you want a cargo rack that is durable, fits a wide array of bike frames, and can handle heavier loads, the Topeak Explorer Rack is the best solution.

Topeak got its start in 1991 making multitools and toolboxes for cycling enthusiasts. Since then, the company has expanded its line-up to include bike pumps, safety accessories, baskets, panniers, and more. The Topeak Explorer Rackis designed to work with bags from any manufacturer, but the rack works best for fast mounting and removal of the Topeak MTX series of bags.

The Explorer rack comes in three styles: the popular spring-free version that fits most bikes, the spring-free version designed for bikes with disc brakes, and the spring version that allows you to secure smaller items without using bungees.

Each style is made of 6061 hollow aluminum, a strong, yet lightweight material commonly used in building aircraft. The rack only weighs one-and-a-third pounds. Topeak backs the quality of the rack with a two-year limited warranty.

The Wirecutter recommends the Topeak Explorer Rack because it felt the most stable carrying heavy panniers and was the easiest to install on several types of bikes. The reviewer liked that there are flexible attachment arms and a significant amount of wheel clearance, which makes it great for just about any bike frame. It also carried four gallons of milk without a problem. 

The Topeak Explorer Rack has positive reviews from about 87% of the buyers who rated it on Amazon. For the most part, reviewers are thrilled with their purchase. There are several comments about how easy it is to install and how sturdy it is. A few buyers also bought the Topeak MTX Trunk Bag, which slides onto the rack with ease. The biggest complaint was that the rack did not fit some buyers' bikes out of the box. However, these buyers were able to find workarounds and found the added hassle was well worth it.

Pros: Versatile, easy to install, fits a broad range of bike frames, heavy-duty construction, holds up to 55 pounds of cargo

Cons: Expensive, may require additional hardware for some bike types

Buy the Topeak Explorer Rack Without Spring on Amazon for $44.95

The best budget

The Schwinn Folding Rear Rack is a well-made, affordable cargo rack that can help you transport lighter loads from point A to point B.

Perhaps no name is better known in the cycling world than Schwinn. Now a sub-brand of Pacific Cycles, which is owned by Dorel Industries, Schwinn has been manufacturing bicycles and accessories for well over a century.

The Schwinn Folding Rear Rack fits 26, 27, and 700c bikes using its fully adjustable seat stay arms and struts. The lightweight aluminum alloy gives it a weight of around one pound. A built-in bracket allows you to attach a rear light or reflector for added safety.

We could only find one expert review of the Schwinn Folding Rear Rack. Jen Reviews recommends it because the reviewer found it fits numerous types of bikes. She appreciates that it can handle heavy loads despite its light weight. And, it has remained rust-free.

Approximately 67% of the buyers who reviewed the Schwinn Folding Rear Rack on Amazon gave it four or five stars. Riders with several different bike frames remark that they enjoy this rack, including one buyer who has a folding bike with a 20-inch wheel. On the flip side, the cargo rack accommodates a broad range of bags.

There are other reviews that mention that the aluminum alloy appears to be quite durable, and the rack has an attractive look. The most common complaint is that the rack doesn't support a lot of weight. It's rated for 26 pounds.

Pros: Adjusts to fit many different bike types, inexpensive, durable aluminum alloy construction

Cons: Only holds up to 26 pounds

Buy the Schwinn Folding Rear Rack on Amazon for $21.99

The best for heavy loads

Not only can the Planet Bike Eco Bike Rack support heavy loads, but it's also backed with a lifetime warranty from a company focused on sustainable practices.

We like Planet Bike because the company is committed to providing sustainable solutions, including free parts. So, if one of its products breaks, it can be fixed rather than tossed into a landfill and replaced.

The Planet Bike Eco Bike Rack is made of heavy-duty, oversized 6061 aluminum, which is an alloy known for stability and strength. It fits 26-inch, 650b, 700c, and 29-inch bikes. The bike is rated to hold up to 55 pounds, but many buyers assert it can handle more.

The Planet Bike Eco Bike Rack is one of two bike racks recommended by The Wirecutter, the other being our top pick. The reviewer was impressed with how easy it was to install and that it performed well under heavy loads. However, she would have liked it if the rack had another stay to support the platform and provide more stability.

More than 220 Amazon buyers have left four- or five-star reviews of the Planet Bike Eco Bike Rack. Barry G., the most helpful reviewer, was surprised that he was actually able to sit on the rack with his whole weight (180 pounds). Overall, he likes it, but he noted that he had to modify the front steel braces to fit his bike right.

Several buyers mention that the rack is quick to install, especially on standard modern hybrid frames. A few reviewers mention that you may need to bend the rack a bit to fit your frame just right.

Pros: Rated to hold 55 pounds, quick install, made of oversized 6061 tubular aluminum, limited lifetime warranty

Cons: May require additional hardware to install, not compatible with disk brakes

Buy the Planet Bike Eco Bike Rack (Black) on Amazon for $36.40

The best seat post-mounted rack

Thanks to its seat-post mount, the Ibera Bicycle Seatpost-Mounted Commuter Carrier works with most bikes without additional hardware. 

The attractive design of the Ibera Bicycle Seatpost-Mounted Commuter Carrieris what makes it stand out. Rather than relying on a frame's eyelets, this model is easily mounted to your seat post using a bolt and held in place tight with rubber shims.

Therefore, it's ideal for bikes with disc brakes, which can get in the way of installing most cargo racks. The seat-post mount also gives your rack a floating-in-thin-air look. Because it is mounted in this way, there's a somewhat-low 22-pound weight limit. The rack is made of extruded, die-cast, heat-treated anodized aluminum, which is known for its durability.

Jen Reviews recommends the Ibera Bicycle Seatpost-Mounted Commuter Carrier as the best rear bike rack. The reviewer found the anodized aluminum held up well in all sorts of weather without rusting. She also had an easy time installing it and noted that it was ideal for light loads. However, the main downfall is that it didn't seem as durable as bolt-mounted racks. 

More than 280 Amazon buyers gave the Ibera Bicycle Seatpost-Mounted Commuter Carrier five stars. There are a few complaints about the weld and clamp failing published about four years ago. This issue does not come up in any of the more recent reviews, which suggests Ibera has fixed this problem.

Other than that, buyers appear to enjoy their experience with this cargo rack. There are a few commenters who recommend purchasing the Ibera Bike Trunk Bag to go with it for easy attachment and removal. 

Pros: Attractive design, seat post-mount, easy installation, compatible with most bike types 

Cons: Durability concerns, only carries up to 22 pounds

Buy the Ibera Bicycle Seatpost-Mounted Commuter Carrier on Amazon for $27.99 (originally $30)

The best quick-release rack

The Lumintrail Bike Commuter Carrier Rack features a quick-release design so you can easily remove it and reinstall it on your bike or another.

The Lumintrail Bike Commuter Carrier Rackis unique because it has a quick-release clamp that makes it simple to put on and take off without the use of tools.

It's designed to be mounted to seat posts with diameters between .85 and 1.3 inches and comes with spacers and shams to ensure a tight fit. The seat tube mount makes it easy to use the rack with wheels of any size. 

The rack is made of anodized aluminum and weighs 1.5 pounds. An elastic cord is included so you can immediately start securing items without the need of a pannier. It's easy to mount and remove thanks to the quick-release design. 

Around 66% of the Amazon buyers who reviewed the Lumintrail Bike Commuter Carrier Rack gave it five stars.

The most helpful reviewer, Chase A., appreciated how sturdy the rack is for being so light. He also noted that it's made from excellent materials and looks great on his bike. However, he wasn't impressed with the silver handle that screws the mount tighter since it stopped working after a few spins. This caused the rack to fly off. He fixed the problem with an M6 x 20 Hex screw and an M15 washer.

Other buyers mention that it takes a little finessing to put the rack on, especially when using the spacers.

Pros: Quick release makes it easy to remove, rugged construction, attaches to the seat post

Cons: Hard to mount quickly, the quick release has questionable durability, maximum load weight of 20 pounds

Buy the Lumintrail Bike Commuter Carrier Rack on Amazon for $28.99

What else we considered

While researching this guide, we considered dozens of products. There were a few that barely missed the cut. Here are some excellent alternatives we also examined:

• Outtag Retractable Rear Seat Post Rack ($18.99): There is a lot to like about this Outtag rack. It costs less than $20, installs effortlessly, and adjusts from 14.2 inches to 19.7 inches from your seat post. A few expert sites also recommend this cargo rack. We chose not to include it because there are several buyer complaints about it breaking easily under weights well below the 22 pounds it is rated for.
• Dirza Rear Bike Rack ($27.99): The Dirza rack comes with a lot of extras, including a reflector you can mount on the back, cargo net, and a bungee-like wire. The company also claims that it can hold up to 120 pounds. We chose not to include it because there is a broad array of bike types it won't fit, and we weren't able to find any firsthand expert reviews.
• Axiom DLX Streamliner Disc Cycle Rack ($45.60): With a 4.6-star average customer rating, this is one of the highest-rated racks on Amazon. It's made of heavy-duty 10.2mm tubular 6061 T6 aluminum alloy. However, the rack requires modifications to fit some types of bike frames, and we couldn't dig up any useful expert reviews of the rack. As we update this guide, the Axiom rack may make the cut.
• Schwinn Alloy Rear Rack ($14.96): Schwinn is excellent at making affordable bike accessories, and this seat post-mounted option is no exception. We like that there are durable side rails on the rack so you have an extra spot to tie down panniers. The reason we chose not to include it is that it has a relatively low rating on Amazon (3.8-star average), which is apparently due to buyers experiencing installation issues.
• Thule Unisex Pack 'n Pedal Tour Rear Bike Rack ($114.95): This is another rack we chose to pass on because there were so many negative buyer reviews. Despite the ultra-durable construction (it can support 55 pounds), we were turned off by the high price, more than twice as much as our top pick. However, Thule is a trustworthy name in the cycling world, and the company backs its rack with a five-year warranty.

• Rebekah Monson is the cofounder and COO of WhereBy.Us.
• Monson realized she was queer in college, where she found herself debating gay marriage in the classroom and writing the first story on a trans student for her campus newspaper.
• Now, as a media entrepreneur, she sees diversity and inclusivity as "core values" of her company.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

I never planned to be an entrepreneur.

I was a nerdy kid from rural Alabama, but not an outstanding one. I wasn't the smartest, or most ambitious, or really the best of anything in my class of 100 students. But even back then, I was fascinated with — and passionate about — stories, about using technology to tell them, and about the communities those stories affect.

In college, I realized that I was queer right around the time I got obsessed with working for the student newspaper. Just after I came out, we debated gay marriage in a political science seminar. As I very consciously quelled my emotions to recall policies and court cases, I thought, "This will never happen in my lifetime." A little later, I wrote the first story on a trans person for the campus paper. I was astonished and outraged at how hard it was for him to simply use the bathroom on campus.

Throughout my career — from restaurant gigs, to internships, to management, to eventually starting my own company — I have grappled with being a queer woman at work. A steady drip of fear, doubt, and responsibility niggles away at everyone who's ever been "the other." What should I do about my manager using a slur? How can I be most fair with this politician who deeply opposes my relationship? How can I help everyone who works here perform their very best? How can I get the power to make decisions and set priorities?

If you had asked me back at 18 to predict what the world would look like for LGBTQ people 20 years later, I would have landed far short of where we actually are. But people kept coming out. They kept fighting in court, protesting, lobbying, talking to their neighbors, challenging every little thing to try to change the one big thing: equality. And the tides are turning faster than I imagined. We still have a long way to go, but the progress when we work consciously and constantly to improve is obvious.

It's still difficult for LGBTQ employees to navigate the workplace

All that social and cultural success hasn't necessarily been as apparent in our work lives. LGBTQ people still face discrimination, are underrepresented in many companies and industries, and often lack employment protections. We can change this. As entrepreneurs, founders, and leaders, we have a mandate to disrupt broken systems and build a better way forward for our businesses. Diversity and inclusion efforts are often framed as a part of building company culture, but prioritizing diversity is also an essential business strategy.

You've probably read that diverse teams are more innovative, make better products, and make more money. But the benefits of consciously working on diversity stretches beyond internal initiatives. Inclusion is more important than ever in industries like media and tech, which aim to rapidly grow very large audiences of very different people, all while facing radical disruption and a crisis of mistrust with their users. 

WhereBy.Us, the startup I co-founded, is not perfect at this by any measure. But embedding diversity and inclusion into our work helps us to punch above our weight in the highly competitive market for attention. Our teams collect and analyze dozens of feedback reports and metrics each day to understand who we may be missing in our work, to learn more about the needs of our customers, and to find new ways for us to grow. 

We ask a lot of direct questions to our users: What are you curious about? What should we know about your work, your neighborhood, your community, your passions? What can we do better? These questions regularly turn into stories or sales leads, but they're also sending a strong, steady signal of inclusion. We are listening to you. We want to learn from you. We work for you and with you.

Active outreach is key to cultivating a diverse audience and staff

Our teams are constantly working to strengthen relationships in the cities we serve, particularly among communities that are unfamiliar to us. Outreach builds networks that help us grow, find better stories, understand different user needs, and identify new sales and partnership opportunities. Ultimately, investing in stronger, deeper relationships helps us compete against far bigger teams with far bigger budgets.

When diversity and inclusion are deeply rooted in our work as a core value and a strength — rather than viewed as a lofty cultural aspiration — we create a continuing cycle for culture efforts. Extensive community outreach helps us get more highly qualified, diverse candidates in the applicant pool for every job we post. In turn, more diverse teams guide more diverse coverage, welcoming new audiences and helping our work serve more people more effectively. 

It's hard not to be proud of how far LGBTQ communities have come during the time my career has unfolded. Yet we still have a lot more work to do. This requires extending equality at every step to every other "other." As entrepreneurs, we have even more opportunity to do that work through solving problems, disrupting broken systems, and building better businesses. 

Rebekah Monson is cofounder and COO of WhereBy.Us, a platform for local media in growing cities, with a focus on delightful email newsletters and experiences for communities of local explorers, makers, and leaders. WhereBy.Us owns and operates The New Tropic in Miami, The Evergrey in Seattle, Bridgeliner in Portland, Pulptown in Orlando and The Incline in Pittsburgh.

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NOW WATCH: Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian have a combined net worth of $189 million. Here's how they make and spend their money.

• You can spot a rich millennial, in part, by what they're wearing.
• Rich millennials have adopted various "uniforms" that define their identity and act as a status symbol.
• Nearly all the uniforms feature an expensive shoe and draw from millennials' desire for comfort.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

What you wear can say a lot about who you are.

Look no further than wealthy millennials— who wear specific styles, clothes, and brands to represent their identity and cement their status — to see the psychology of fashion in action.

Business Insider took a look at five different "uniforms" that various groups of wealthy millennials have adopted.

Read more: From Converse to Air Jordans, sneakers have been a status symbol for decades — but millennials are redefining what that means in 3 major ways

While each uniform is different, they do share a few commonalities: Most involve an expensive shoe, and all are rooted in millennials' love of comfort and preference for a casual appearance. And while these looks are presented here as separate uniforms, some of the staples appear across different groups. They're also not exclusive to wealthy millennials — each look is part of fashion's trickle-down effect, in which trends make their way from runway to retail and the mass consumer.

From the tech CEO to the Instagram influencer, see what rich millennials are wearing.

SEE ALSO: A $500 pair of sneakers is one of the latest status symbols at USC frat parties, and it highlights the massive wealth divide among students

DON'T MISS: 9 unlikely items that have become luxury status symbols among the elite

Tech CEOs and execs keep it casual and comfortable with Lanvin low-tops or Common Projects (both cost around $400 on average).

Mark Zuckerberg's signature look is the pinnacle of Silicon Valley's casual fashion. He pairs gray T-shirts and hoodies, which reportedly retail for hundreds and even thousands of dollars, with jeans and sneakers.

Like Zuckerberg, other tech CEOs and executives embrace a laid-back uniform, complete with low-top kicks like Lanvin or Common Projects, which have become a status symbol in the tech world.

Read more: From Converse to Air Jordans, sneakers have been a status symbol for decades — but millennials are redefining what that means in 3 major ways

"For many of the Valley's elite, the right pair of kicks is a trademark accessory carefully selected to convey a mix of power, nonchalance, creativity, and exclusivity," Business Insider's Avery Hartmans wrote.

Instagram cofounder Kevin Systrom has been spotted wearing $452 Lanvin low-tops and Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey has worn $1,185 Rick Owens Island Dunks, Hartmans reported.

Fashionistas wear 'ugly' clothes, like Balenciaga Triple S sneakers (nearly $900) because they're cool.

For "fashion people," status is no longer about the purse.

Balenciaga Triple S sneakers, which are worth nearly $900, have appeared on the feet of a host of editors and celebrities. The brand's speed sneakers recently made Lyst's ranking of the world's top 10 fashion products, Business Insider's Mary Hanbury reported.

In an installment of Vogue's video series, Go Ask Anna, Anna Wintour, Vogue editor-in-chief and Condé Nast creative director, commented on fashion's growing sneaker trend.

"There are sneakers everywhere," she said. "Years ago it used to be that women would wear sneakers on the subway or walking to work and then immediately would get into the office and go into their bags. That's no longer the case."

"Dropping hundreds of dollars on clumpy sneakers" is part of the "so-called 'ugly fashion' movement," wrote Hanbury. Other popular "ugly fashion" trends include Topshop's plastic knee jeans and Moschino's cape sheer overlay dress.

Brooklyn moms are all about the bohemian style, pairing Salt straps (purse straps $138 and up) with No. 6 clogs ($300 and up).

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As The New York Times reported, Brooklyn moms are adopting a bohemian style, and it exudes a subtle sort of wealth. The look features two staple elements: the Salt strap, which costs $138 and up, and the No. 6 clog, which retails starting at $300.

The bright, woven Salt straps are advertised as customizable additions to designer purses — think Gucci and Celine at $2,500 and $2,600 a piece — with price tags that already run well into the thousands of dollars, wrote Hayley Krischer for the Times.

The No. 6 clogs are part of the aforementioned "ugly-fashion" trend.

"Clogs, for their part, once the epitome of uncool and unfashionable, are now being touted as an 'ugly-chic shoe obsession' by the likes of Vogue and as a fashion 'staple' by StyleCaster," Business Insider's Lina Batarags wrote.

But they don't just make a newly chic statement.

"For moms, specifically, the No. 6 clog gives off a message that you're very much interested in comfort and not so interested in appearance," Krischer wrote for The Times.

The Instagram influencer poses in high-end streetwear designed by luxury brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton (prices vary).

The streetwear subculture has been around for decades, originating in skate, surf, and hip-hop cultures, but social media and the rise of athleisure have recently brought it to the forefront of fashion. 

"Now that Instagram is the definitive medium for discovering fashion, traditional luxury brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton have adopted the defining characteristics of streetwear, finding bold logos and exclusivity to be key to reaching younger generations," Benjamin Schneider, research analyst at Euromonitor International, previously told Business Insider. 

Streetwear styles and graphics resonate with image-obsessed millennial consumers, who like streetwear's casual and comfortable silhouettes like t-shirts, hoodies, and sneakers, Schneider said.

The consumers of luxury streetwear may be a niche group — but it's a group that carries a lot of influence on social media. While the style is seen on both women and men, it's more popular among the latter, according to Schneider.

Prices vary widely depending on brand and item, but a Louis Vuitton graphic windbreaker costs $6,550.

College students flaunt their status on campus with Golden Goose sneakers ($500 and up) and MZ Wallace backpacks ($285 and up).

Golden Goose sneakers, which typically cost around $500, but range from $445 to $1,700, are hot on college campuses across the country.

They're the latest trend among USC fraternities and sororities, reported Jennifer Medina for The New York Times. Graduates of the 2019 class at Cornell University and the University of Florida told Business Insider the brand is also popular on campus.

Some of the high-end Italian brand's sneakers have a grunge aesthetic — they come pre-distressed. Golden Goose's $530 Beige Scotch sneakers — calf-suede shoes with dirty-looking soles and taped trim at the toes — elicited accusations that the company was "mocking poverty," reported Andy McDonald of HuffPost.

On campuses like USC, status symbols like these accentuate the already existing wealth divide, Medina wrote.

P448 sneakers, which range from $265 to $315, and Common Projects shoes are also popular on campus, the Cornell graduate said, as are MZ Wallace backpacks, which feature quilted nylon and natural Italian leather and retail for $285 to $395.

• Music streaming services give you access to millions of songs for a monthly subscription fee so you don't have to buy individual songs or albums anymore.
• Spotify is the best music streaming service for most people, but Apple Music, Tidal, Amazon Music Unlimited, and YouTube Music are also great options, depending on your needs.

Music listening has come a long way over the past few decades. Gone are the days when you had to buy CDs, vinyl records, or cassette tapes. You don't even have to buy digital downloads anymore. These days, you can simply sign up to a music streaming service and have access to all the music you'll ever need on a device that sits in your pocket.

Of course, there are quite a few music streaming services out there, and they're all a little different. Because of that, it can be hard to find the service that's perfect for your needs.

When deciding which streaming service to get, it's worth considering a few things. For starters, you'll want to make sure that there's an app for your chosen streaming service on every device you use for music listening. 

You'll also want to consider things like streaming audio quality and support for platforms like digital assistants. Voice assistants are getting better at working with third-party services, but they're still not great at it — especially when it comes to Siri. 

Still figuring out which streaming service is for you? We've done the research so that you don't have to. Here are the best music streaming services worth considering. 

Here are the best music streaming services in 2019:

• Best music streaming service overall: Spotify
• Best music streaming service for Apple fans: Apple Music
• Best music streaming service for audiophiles: Tidal
• Best music streaming service for Alexa: Amazon Music Unlimited
• Best music streaming service for Google users: YouTube Music

Keep scrolling to check out our top picks.

The best overall

Spotify has a ton of music and audio content and it's available on a range of devices, making it a great choice for those who listen to music on a variety of devices.

Looking for a music streaming service that has a huge range of music and is compatible with all your devices? Spotify is the way to go. Spotify is the original big music streaming service, and it has apps for all major platforms — including iOS, Android, and your preferred web browser. 

One of the best things about Spotify is that you can try it out without having to subscribe. There's a free, ad-based version of Spotify that you can use for as long as you like, as long as you're fine with hearing ads every now and then. 

While on a desktop, many streaming services only work through web-based apps, Spotify has native apps for everything. In other words, if you're on a Mac or PC and prefer a dedicated app, then you can get an app for Spotify. The service also has podcasts and video content, plus it streams music in up to a 320Kbps resolution, which should be good enough for the majority of listeners.

Of course, there are a few downsides to consider. For example, there's no live programming, like there is on some other music streaming services. Apart from that, however, Spotify is a great streaming service that any music-lover will enjoy.  

Pros: Highly compatible, has a ton of content, decent resolution, free version available

Cons: No live content

Subscribe to Spotify for $9.99 per month

The best for Apple fans

Apple Music works beautifully on Apple devices, plus there's an app for it across a range of platforms, including Android.

If you use an iPhone and other Apple products, then it's worth considering Apple Music. Apple Music integrates very well with Apple's hardware and software, plus it's well-designed and works with your existing library of iTunes music. Not only that, but Apple Music has 45 million songs, which is absolutely massive.

One of the best things about Apple Music is that it integrates with Siri and the Apple Watch perfectly, plus it can be played on a HomePod without issue. In other words, if you have other Apple devices, then Apple Music is probably the service to go for.

Apple Music has a nice selection of content too. Apart from the songs available on Apple Music, the service also offers the Beats 1 radio station and some exclusive music.

There are a few downsides to Apple Music. For starters, while there's an Apple Music app on many different platforms, even Android, there's no web app for it, so you do need to install and log in to an app to use it. 

Pros: Huge selection of content, live radio, excellent integration with Apple devices

Cons: No web app

Subscribe to Apple Music for $9.99 per month

The best for audiophiles

Tidal is available on a range of platforms, plus it offers a much better audio quality than the majority of other music streaming services out there.

Tidal is a little different from other music streaming services in that it's targeted toward those who want a higher resolution audio — and as such, it offers an excellent sound quality. While other music streaming services offer a bitrate of up to 320Kbps, Tidal steps things up to a whopping 1,411Kbps, meaning that audio can be streamed in FLAC format.

Tidal works across a range of apps too. There's a Tidal app for all your favorite platforms, including iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows, plus there's a web-based app for when you don't want a native app on your device. 

Tidal is also known to get access to some great exclusive content. Albums like Jay-Z's "4:44" and Kanye West's "The Life of Pablo" were first launched on Tidal, and the service will likely get other exclusive content too. There are also music videos and other behind-the-scenes content, plus Tidal subscribers get access to select concert and sports tickets.

Nothing's perfect, and Tidal is no exception to that rule. The service doesn't have some features that others offer, like lyrics, and there's no free version for those that don't mind an ad-supported service. 

Pros: Excellent audio quality, available on a range of platforms, exclusive content

Cons: No free version, missing some features

Subscribe to Tidal for $9.99 per month

The best with Alexa

Amazon Music Unlimited works on a range of platforms, plus it integrates perfectly with Alexa and offers discounts for Prime subscribers or Echo owners.

If you're an Amazon Prime subscriber, you might want to save a few bucks and go for Amazon's music subscription service, Amazon Music Unlimited.

If you're a Prime subscriber, you already have access to Prime Music, but if you really want a great streaming service, then it's worth stepping things up with Music Unlimited, which offers a much bigger music library.

Music Unlimited is available on a range of platforms, including iOS, Android, and the web. The service is tightly integrated with Amazon's Alexa, so if you have an Echo or other Alexa product, it'll work perfectly.

If you use other Amazon products, you might get a bit of a discount, too — Amazon Prime subscribers pay $7.99 per month instead of $9.99 per month for Unlimited, and Amazon Echo or Echo Dot owners pay only $3.99 per month, which is pretty great.

When it comes to audio quality, Prime Music streams at 256Kbps. It also offers access to a pretty huge range of songs. Amazon Music Unlimited boasts "tens of millions" of songs, which is a pretty impressive library.

Music Unlimited doesn't offer any non-music content, but apart from that, it's a pretty great service for those plugged into the Amazon ecosystem.

Pros: Discounts for Amazon Prime and Echo customers, good music library selection, Alexa integration

Cons: No content other than music

Subscribe to Amazon Music Unlimited for $9.99 per month

The best for Android users

YouTube Music has a decent library of music, plus it integrates very well with Google's other apps and services, including Google Assistant. 

YouTube Music is the way to go if you're really plugged into Google's ecosystem of products. In other words, if you have an Android phone and want your music streaming service to integrate well with Google Assistant, then YouTube Music is a great service.

YouTube Music isn't only available for Android devices. It's also available on iOS and on the web, so you should be able to access the service wherever you are.

The service is smart, so you'll get interesting location-based playlists and the ability to search for songs based on the lyrics in that song. There's also a free, ad-supported version that you can try out first.

YouTube Music isn't perfect, though Google has been working on making it better. For now, there isn't much content on the app beyond music. Not only that, but it doesn't really integrate with other voice assistants like Alexa, so if you have an Echo you'll be stuck with playing music through the Bluetooth connection on your phone.  

Pros: Interesting playlists, good integration with Google services, free version available

Cons: Doesn't integrate with other voice assistants

Subscribe to YouTube Music for $9.99 per month