• Julia Wuench is the founder of The Authenticity Guide, a positive-psychology-based career and executive coaching firm that empowers individuals to harness their authenticity to improve life and work. 
• As a solopreneur, she found herself dealing with loneliness — and realized she couldn't go about it alone.
• So she formed a mastermind group, essentially a business support group, with two other female solopreneurs.
• Mastermind groups can help entrepreneurs get advice and stay accountable — and let them see the big picture when they're caught up in the day to day.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

I was recently having coffee with a mentor known for asking tough questions. A few minutes into our meeting she asked, "What are you struggling with in your business right now? What's hard that you didn't expect?"

I didn't presume to have an immediate answer (there are so many hard things I grapple with on a weekly basis), but I did. Without thinking, I said, "I'm lonely. I spend a lot of time by myself, which often can be great, but I miss having colleagues." And it was true. Much of my creativity in the past had come from collaboration with peers. I knew that I thrived in group brainstorming sessions, and I couldn't remember the last time I had done that. Sometimes being alone served to stifle new ideas for me, and my doubts about my work tended to amplify. 

I was grateful for this mentor's question because it forced me to vocalize and come to terms with a hard truth about my business: I can't do this alone. And, I've heard from many other entrepreneurs (particularly solopreneurs) that they've experienced similar feelings of loneliness at one time or another.

For me, the solution to my problem was the equivalent of a business support group, also called a "mastermind group."

My mastermind group is comprised of three individuals. And here's what I believe makes it so successful: We're all solopreneurs at similar stages of business growth, but we each have very different businesses. Christina Noel is the founder of Noel & Co, a marketing and strategy consultancy. Emily Crookston is the founder of The Pocket PhD, a ghostwriting agency. And I am the founder of The Authenticity Guide, an executive and career coaching firm.

We have some overlapping business areas (like public speaking), but core revenue sources are different for each of us. Christina and I had known each other through our work in the local social impact community, and Christina met Emily while they were both doing contract gigs for the same digital agency. The three of us ran into each other at a WomenEmpowerX conference in Raleigh and bonded about the woes of solopreneurship. It was then that Christina pitched the idea of a mastermind group for the three of us — our chemistry as a group was undeniable — and we got to work.

Here's how our mastermind works: We meet biweekly over the phone and once per quarter in person (meeting in person is easy since we all live within a 30 mile radius). Each person gets a certain amount of time to speak and get feedback from the others in the group. Not only is this an amazing way to get free business advice from people you like and respect, but it's phenomenal for accountability as well. We do things like set 90-day vision plans, create goals, talk about what's hard and seek advice, and — most importantly — we also celebrate what's going well. Recently, the group helped me narrow down my 2020 revenue target areas from 10 disparate ideas to three targeted approaches. I now have a clear, well thought-out direction for the year ahead.

Dorie Clark, marketing strategist and professor at Duke University's Fuqua School of Business, runs regular mastermind groups for successful entrepreneurs in New York. According to Clark, "It's easy for business owners to fall into perpetual 'execution mode,' where they stay busy and work hard — but as circumstances change and their business evolves, they may find themselves working hard on the wrong things. I've run mastermind groups for successful entrepreneurs for the past three years, and I've seen the incredible value of forcing yourself to take periodic short breaks from your business to consider the bigger picture. It's very powerful to have a supportive group of fellow professionals ask incisive questions that can spark new ideas and ensure you're working on the initiatives that will really move the needle."

And mastermind groups are not just for entrepreneurs. They can be great sources of collaboration and inspiration for employees of larger firms, particularly when groups are comprised of individuals across diverse, non-competing firms.

You can join a pre-existing mastermind group or pay a reputable facilitator to place you in one. Facebook and LinkedIn can be useful places to start researching which group to join, or ask the executive coaches you know if they facilitate mastermind groups. But I prefer the a la carte approach to ensure it fits your business and personal needs.

Here are some preliminary steps if you're thinking about starting your own mastermind:

• Think about individuals who you both like and respect and whose business maturity mirrors yours, but whose business offerings differ from yours. You can start by making a list of people you already know and whittling it down from there, or you can ask people you trust in your network for introductions to other entrepreneurs whose businesses are in a similar growth stage to yours.
• Schedule time to talk to those individuals to see if you connect with them — and if a mastermind group would be of interest. Ask them what their goals might be from such a group to see if you're aligned.
• Cap your mastermind group size at four to five individuals. Though larger groups can be effective, I advise keeping the group intimate so that each person gets ample time to share.
• Schedule a regular time to meet that works for everyone and get started!

My mastermind group has solved my loneliness and creativity problems and has created some much-needed accountability for me. Give it a try in the new year and see how it goes.

SEE ALSO: Imposter syndrome is bad for employees and for business. Here are 3 ways leaders can stop it in its tracks.

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• Valerie H. Tocci is a partner at Stutman, Stutman, & Lichtenstein, LLP. She represents individuals and families in all aspects of matrimonial and family law, including divorce, custody, spousal and child support, equitable distribution of property, pre-nuptial, post-nuptial, and divorce agreements, post-judgment matters, hearings, and trials. 
• Tocci writes that January has been unofficially dubbed "divorce month" in legal circles. Monday, January 6 is called "Divorce Day."
• A study from the University of Washington found that filings did indeed increase in January.
• Some tax professionals and attorneys advise couples to wait to file until the new year to take advantage of tax breaks or dodge new legislation.
• If you're considering divorce, reach out to an attorney and get as much information as possible. The more they know, the less stressful the process will be.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Matrimonial attorneys across the nation have prepared for this January, when divorce filings peak. Unofficially dubbed "divorce month" in legal circles nationwide, there's a variety of reasons why couples have historically chosen to separate after the holidays — and a number of ways for clients to cope. 

The phrase "divorce month" became so prevalent in matrimonial law that, in 2016, a study from the University of Washington was conducted to see if there was any statistical evidence to back up the anecdotes. Researchers examined divorce filings from 2001 to 2015 in the state of Washington and determined that filings did indeed increase in January, compared to December. 

Ohio, Minnesota, Florida, and Arizona were also found to exhibit similar patterns; according to Google Trends, the topic of "divorce" peaked the week of January 6 through 12. But while divorce filings spike in January, couples begin their search for legal resources during the holidays when many attorneys are out of office. 

On Pinterest, searches for "divorce party" rose an average of 21% from December to January in 2019. This interest is confirmed in matrimonial law offices, where the last two weeks of December are often the busiest of the year as attorneys prepare for the influx of filings. 

But why the increase in the first place? For many, the new year often reminds us that we need a fresh start. This is particularly common in unhealthy relationships and dead-end marriages, where couples may decide the best resolution is to part ways. It's also important to remember that winter and summer holidays are culturally important times for families with children, and filing for divorce during them may be seen as inappropriate. 

Other troubled marriages may see the holidays as a time to patch things up, with hopes that things will improve. People often raise their expectations during the holidays, despite past troubles in their relationship. Coupled with an expectation for positive change at the new year, many couples attempt to stick it out through the holidays. 

But for others, the University of Washington study found the holidays to be exhausting and emotionally demanding, exposing cracks in their marriages. According to the report, "the consistent pattern in filings, the researchers believe, reflects the disillusionment unhappy spouses feel when the holidays don't live up to expectations." 

But anyone considering divorce should always remember that fear of separation and holiday tunnel vision are never rational reasons to stay in toxic relationships. While most clients fear divorce, very few ever regret going through with it. In the end, all parties end up happier and better off, and the experience becomes liberating. 

Sometimes couples are advised by tax professionals to delay filing until the new year. In most instances, filing jointly as married can help couples take advantage of tax breaks before separation. Attorneys may also advise clients to wait until the new year to take advantage of or avoid new legislation, such as The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which enacted new tax rules regarding alimony payments. 

In divorces finalized after January 1, 2019, spousal support can no longer be deducted from taxes. And for those receiving alimony, spousal support is no longer considered taxable income. This significantly increases the burden on the individual paying alimony and ultimately means more money for the government.

So before making an appointment with an attorney in January, there are a few things couples should consider. First of all, it's not uncommon for couples considering separation to simply be victims of holiday stress. Take some time to reflect upon your relationship and determine if it is really worth salvaging. If both partners agree it's time to move on, it's typically in everyone's best interest to proceed with commencing the divorce process. 

If you do decide to proceed with divorce, don't be afraid to ask your therapist, attorney, or a support group for help, and be sure to make time for self-care and positive thoughts. The holidays are a stressful time, and the New Year can bring much needed clarity, regardless of your ultimate decision. 

During the separation process, your attorney will help you decide how to best reach your financial and parenting goals. As previously noted, they will consider, among other things, the tax implications of your decision and potential new legislation that may take effect in the new year.

When clients decide to begin the divorce process, we advise that they should explore therapy as early as possible. There is no longer a stigma attached, and you cannot afford to neglect your feelings — negative emotions and hurt feelings can cloud judgment. Therapy can help you prioritize your thoughts, providing you with a trustworthy third party while separating knee-jerk emotional reactions from what's best for you, your children, and your future. 

Clients should also reach out to their attorneys for as much information on the process as possible. The more they know about the legal process, the less stressful it's likely to be. Lawyers can also give advice on how to reach support communities, as well as ways to best proceed emotionally. 

We recommend staying off social media, and urge clients not to use it to air grievances. Avoid following your spouse's feeds too closely so that you can stay focused on ending your marriage as quickly and equitably as possible. 

Practice self-care instead. Make sure you're eating right, exercising, and taking time for your own recreation. Twenty minutes of exercise a day goes a long way in helping clients cope by lowering anxiety and stress and helps to deter depression and negative emotions. 

A healthy social life is another excellent way to maintain positive thoughts. Focus on staying out of the tunnel vision divorce can cause and remember that life will go on. Many clients fear the end of the process the most, but, once it's over, the vast majority of them experience instant relief and go on to happier relationships. 

If your marriage is putting pressure on you this holiday season, just know you're not alone should you make the decision to file for divorce. The holidays can be a stressful time, but remember that in addition to your attorney, therapists and other wellness providers can be great resources. 

Overall, take your time and do what's right for you. And, once you make your final call, don't look back.

SEE ALSO: 8 mental habits that will keep you from being successful

READ MORE: I'm a full-time 'divorce concierge' who shepherds individuals through tricky splits. This is what my day-to-day routine looks like.

Join the conversation about this story »

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• Airline passengers tend to notice factors that impact comfort — like seat size, the behavior of nearby passengers, and turbulence.
• Airline pilots are trained to be attentive to small details that slip by most passengers.
• Some of these details have serious safety implications.
• Sign up for Business Insider's transportation newsletter, Shifting Gears, to get more stories like this in your inbox.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

For most of us, air travel is an opportunity to sleep, work, read, or watch a movie with fewer distractions than we'd find on the ground.

When we do notice our surroundings, we tend to focus on factors that impact our comfort — seat size, the behavior of nearby passengers, turbulence — but for airline pilots and aviation experts, the experience can be different. Pilots and experts are trained to be attentive to small details on planes, so even when they don't have to fly the plane and can sit in the main cabin, they'll notice things that other passengers don't.

We interviewed two airline pilots and collected responses from a Quora thread to find out what pilots notice when they're flying in the main cabin. Here's what they said.

SEE ALSO: Flight attendants discuss how they're trained to handle out-of-control violent incidents aboard flights

Ice

Most passengers are likely to be concerned about turbulence, but according to Tanya Gatlin, a pilot and associate professor at Metropolitan State University of Denver, it's not as bad as most think. "It's not something that's going to cause an accident or is even a factor to safety," she told Business Insider.

Instead, Gatlin said she is worried about ice. When necessary, ice and snow are removed from a plane before it takes off, and the plane is coated in materials that will prevent ice from building up while it's in the air — for a limited amount of time.

The difficulty can come when the plane turns down its engine while preparing to land.

"We're coming down in a very short amount of distance and there's no way we can get down that fast without the power being at idle," Gatlin said.

This means the engines don't generate as much heat as when they're taking off, which increases the chance that ice will build up on the plane and make a smooth landing difficult.

Suspicious scents

Scents can be one of the strongest indicators that something's wrong on a plane, as they can quickly hint at problems with the engine or fuel-storage systems.

"Sounds are always useful, but a passenger cabin often is pretty isolated from any sounds that might be indicative of a problem. Smells, on the other hand, travel around quite freely, and some (e.g., fuel, hydraulic fluid, superheated bleed air) are pretty distinctive," Tom Farrier, a former director of safety for the Air Transport Association, wrote on Quora.

The angle that light comes in through the window

Experienced pilots know that a sudden change in the angle of the light that comes through a cabin window can be the first sign that the pilot is changing course.

"An unexpected, significant shift in the angle of the Sun can be your first sign that a course change is being made," Farrier wrote.

Communication about delays

Many air travelers don't expect clear and timely explanations when their flight is delayed, but they should, according to Patrick Smith, a pilot and author of the air travel blog Ask the Pilot.

"I get very frustrated when I'm on a plane and there's a delay or the plane just seems to stop on a taxiway and sit there for 25 minutes for no reason, and nothing is said. Or something is said in such a vague way that it only makes people more frustrated," he told Business Insider.

But it's not that the reasons for delays are too complicated for passengers to understand.

"It's always something that everybody can understand if you just use the right language and are patient enough and timely enough with it," Smith said.

The plane's landing routine

Pilots and flight attendants have precisely timed routines they use to get ready for landing. The announcements to put your seat and tray table in an upright position are familiar to most air travelers, but some pilots can predict the timing of this routine within a few seconds.

"Most passengers don't notice the level-off that often occurs when the airplane is about to enter the approach environment or descend below 10,000 feet," Hachi Ko wrote on Quora. "When I feel that little level-off for the airplane to slow, I imagine the pilots going through the checklist, and at the right time, I turn to my companion and go 'Ding!' I'm within 4 or 5 seconds well over 50% of the time and it freaks them out."

Where emergency exits are located

Many passengers tune out during safety briefings, but pilots understand how important they can be. In the event of a crash landing, you might not have the time or ability to figure out where the exits are.

"For one thing, I always look around to find the nearest emergency exit. Then I count the number of seats between me and that exit," John Chesire wrote on Quora. "I do this so if ever necessary, I can in the dark, or under water, or if there is smoke, or if upside down, I know beforehand where the exit is, and I can blindly count the number of seats by touch to reach that emergency exit row, because I have counted them."

• Read more:
• Flight attendants reveal one of the worst parts of their job — they don't always get paid for all of the hours they work
• Flight attendants reveal 10 things they notice on a plane that you probably miss
• A Frontier flight attendant helped a mom calm her crying baby, and the heartwarming photos are going viral
• Video shows a Southwest flight attendant surprising passengers by climbing into an overhead bin and staying there as they boarded the plane

• Anese Cavanaugh is the creator of the IEP Method (Intentional Energetic Presence) and is an advisor and thinking partner to leaders and organizations around the world. She's the author of "Contagious You: Unlock Your Power to Influence, Lead, and Create the Impact You Want."
• She's worked with leaders for over two decades, and has watched trends come and go. When it comes to effective results, she says it's all about the "human stuff."
• Leaders should prioritize their own self-care, be present, and be cognizant of the energy they're bringing into spaces. They should focus on what's important and invest in their teams.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

I've worked with business leaders and organizations for over two decades now. I've watched trends in leadership and culture come and go, seen buzzwords rise and fall, and elevated thinking, innovation, and ways of creating solid business and people results. 

The majority of the outcomes and results I've seen be created effectively, authentically, and sustainably have been grounded in addressing "the human stuff."

What is the human stuff? It's the "intangibles" that make business, leadership, and culture work. Things like intentions, energy, presence, regard, nuanced communication, intuition, and self-care are often "back-burnered" as they're harder to "touch," prioritize, or get our arms around. But they are everything. 

As we head into this next decade of leadership, there are several leadership skills that I believe it will be essential for us to lean into. In the interest of keeping them short and sweet, I offer you 10 here to get you started.

SEE ALSO: 10 powerful habits successful people have, and how to start them

1. Prioritize self-care and the well-being of you (and your workforce)

Self-care is a leadership skill. We cannot lead at our best and hold the strongest "container" for those we love and lead if we're burnt out, exhausted, unhappy, unkind to ourselves, and not fully resourced. 

2. Be present and prioritize people

Our (true) presence is one of the greatest gifts we can give each other. Your people feeling seen will give you more. Period. Prioritize the human, be present with them, see them — and create guardrails, agreements for performance, and clear expectations. Then set them free to do their magic. 

3. Get clear on your intention and purpose, lead from love, and be 'in service of'

Intention is at the root of creating impact. Moving fast and navigating the demands around us, it's easy to forget or disconnect from intention (or not to have one to begin with). Pausing to consider intention and to get clear on purpose — why we're doing what we're doing, who it impacts, and what it's all for — clarifies actions and decisions, points energy in the right direction, creates clean "yes's" and "no's," and makes those hard decisions easier.

4. Tend to the 'soft stuff' or the 'human stuff' — the unspoken and intangible — and the cost of negative energy in your organization

Negative energy is costing us billions of dollars a year in the US — a 2017 Gallup study put us at $483 billion to $605 billion a year in lost productivity due to actively disengaged employees.

"Actively disengaged" has everything to do with the energy in your organization. While it's been easy and tempting to skip dealing with the "soft stuff" in leadership and culture, you cannot. Leaders and organizations who want to go further faster and better will lean into it.

5. Work your first impression

 You have a tenth of a second to make a first impression.Ninety-three percent of your impact is in how you're showing up, and you are contagious. It means something to pay attention here. The energy and presence you bring into a room will be felt and likely taken on by others (just as you may take on theirs). You can set the tone, or you can be clobbered by it.

6. Cut the baloney. Tell the truth.

If your intentions are clean and you're focusing on the right things, the truth works just great. Save yourself a ton of time, energy, and bandwidth to focus on the right things (as opposed to posturing, pretending, and evading hard truths). We are all doing the best we can. We're human. So … be human. Be humble. Ask for help. Lean into vulnerability. And create space for others to do the same.

7. Get comfortable with your discomfort

If you really want to lead and create impact, you're going to have to get comfortable with your discomfort — comfortable with confronting the things you may not want to address head on, comfortable saying "no" to things that don't line up, and comfortable with saying "yes" to things that do but that stretch you. Your comfort with discomfort is proportional to how far you can lead. Lean in.

8. Take 100% accountability for your experience, your leadership, and your results

You are the author of your life — what you create is totally up to you. You have zero control over anyone else or anything, but you do control you. Take the time to set yourself up well through your self-talk, intentions, and planning. Create boundaries and take a minute to hear yourself think.

9. Prioritize and focus on the right things

You can have it all — if you must. And … that may mean you're exhausted, or doing it subpar on all levels. Prioritize meaning, show up, do it well, lead well, stay well, and bring all of you to what's most important. And then move to the "next" when you're ready.

10. Hold a solid container for yourself and others

This means seeing the best in yourself and your people, getting curious about what is possible for you in your growth (and for them), seeing, and believing.

Challenge people to step up — give them productive feedback and commit to being in service of their growth than you are to being liked (or comfortable). 

If you wish for more of a deep dive, take a look at the IEP Method, or read my latest book. The great thing is that whether you desire to be more as an organization in 2020 — or as an individual leader — this all works together. 

To your next decade. Let's lead.

• Judi Ketteler lives with her husband and two young children in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and TIME.
• The following is an adapted excerpt from her book, "WOULD I LIE TO YOU: The Amazing Power of Being Honest in a World that Lies."
• In it, she writes that lying for benevolent reasons — what scientists call a prosocial lie — could be a key part of leadership. People who tell prosocial lies are perceived as more ethical and even trusted more.
• Important considerations for when to tell a prosocial lie include the timing of it and your insight into what the other person needs. Lying out of a sense of compassion can actually be detrimental.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Does your company have a code of conduct? A motto regarding honesty? With dishonesty and poor corporate behavior making daily headlines — from Theranos's implosion to Facebook's data privacy breaches and WeWork's conflicts of interest — the new year is the perfect time to revisit basic standards of honesty in the workplace.

However, rather than blanket statements about honesty, organizations should consider engaging their employees in a critical discussion around the point of honesty, including when certain types of deception may help build a better culture. While we need more transparency and accountability in business, radical honesty when it comes to managing people often misses the mark.

Telling a lie for benevolent reasons — what behavioral scientists call a prosocial lie — may just be a crucial leadership skill. Emma Levine, assistant professor of behavioral science at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, studies these types of lies and has found that prosocial lying isn't just seen as acceptable, it's seen as essential. Her research has found that we perceive those who tell prosocial lies to be more ethical than those who tell hurtful truths, if we understand the intentions of the deceiver. In other words, we favor benevolence over honesty, when it's clear someone told a lie for benevolent reasons. She's also found that prosocial lying can increase trust — which flies against the conventional wisdom that deception always destroys trust. In many situations, it's seen as far more ethical to lie than to deliver raw truth.

The problem is that we equate all deception with self-interested lies — lies such as misrepresenting yourself, manipulating people for your own gain, taking credit for a great idea your coworker had, stealing money or office supplies, or cooking the books. Prosocial lying has nothing to do with the delusion of Elizabeth Holmes or the bad behavior of Adam Neumann. Rather, it's related to everyday person-to-person situations, such as managing, motivating, and inspiring people. 

So when can prosocial deception be appropriate and actually help build trust and accountability?

One guideline for trust-building prosocial deception is around the notion of timing. For example, in my work as a speechwriter and scriptwriter for live corporate events, I've found that it's not uncommon for a presenter to second guess themselves and nervously ask, "Do I have this?" mere minutes before they are set to go on. Even though I may be wondering the same thing, it's too late at that point to change anything, and what they need in that moment is confidence and an unqualified, "Yes!" Being honest and saying, "I have serious doubts myself" would be cruel, and more importantly not helpful. On the other hand, if I'm working with a presenter the day before, and they don't seem prepared or want to introduce some half-baked element to their presentation, I need to say the difficult thing that must be said, whether it's, "You really need to spend time preparing tonight" or, "No, I don't think that's a good idea." In that instance, the truth is helpful to them because there is time to do something about it.

The decision of whether or not to tell a prosocial lie also depends on how much insight you have into what the other person needs. Levine and her team have worked with both patients and doctors, and found that patients are far more comfortable with false hope than doctors are. Some patients, for example, may want hope and optimism rather than the brutal truth. That's something a doctor should know ahead of time. If a doctor offers a terminal patient a watered-down, more hopeful version of the truth when she doesn't know the patient's preference, it's called a "paternalistic" lie. The doctor merely thinks she knows what the patient wants. Paternalistic lies can be as destructive as self-interested lies. On the other hand, a doctor offering a patient a watered-down, more hopeful version of the truth because she has discussed it with the patient and actually knows their preferences — that's seen as a trust-building prosocial lie. "It's about whether you have true insight into what is best for the other person," Levine explains. 

Managers often operate under the fallacy that employees need feedback about all areas of performance, and that radical honesty about their shortcomings will motivate them to improve. In fact, this kind of feedback often impairs people's ability to learn. Imagine that someone more junior who lacks confidence and experience is previewing a presentation he will be giving to a client. His presentation style is lacking and the information is poorly organized. When he is done with the presentation, he asks, in front of the entire team (which contains some intimidating people): "So, what do you think?" A prosocial lie solution, or a side step that focuses on staying positive and building trust, might be to say, "Good job on a solid start. Let's connect after the meeting and build on what you have." 

Being mindful of timing and sizing up whether or not you have true insight into what the other person needs can help you avoid falling into the trap of "the culture of nice," where people are afraid to speak out because they don't want to hurt someone's feelings. In fact, it's important to be mindful of the detrimental effect compassion can actually have. Research from UC San Diego has shown that compassion can make us lie in situations where we should have been honest — like when a difficult truth could have been helpful for the other person to hear.

"Compassion attunes people to the suffering of others. So if a person sees lying as a means of preventing suffering or harm, it might increase dishonesty," said study author Matthew Lupoli (now a lecturer at Deakin University). Consider a coworker going through a rough divorce whose work is slipping. You feel sorry for them, but you know that their poor work quality is putting them at risk of being fired. Rather than assuaging them if they ask for feedback or approval, look past compassion to find honesty, so that they can pull themselves together and produce the quality work that is demanded of their job (of course, you can still offer a sympathetic ear).

Even as we desperately need more accountability and transparency in organizations, honesty for honesty's sake when it comes to managing people will often fall short of helping them be their best and most productive members of the organization.

This piece has been adapted from "WOULD I LIE TO YOU: The Amazing Power of Being Honest in a World that Lies" by Judi Ketteler (Citadel Press, December 31, 2019).

SEE ALSO: 10 powerful habits successful people have, and how to start them

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Taylor Swift is the world's highest-paid celebrity. Here's how she makes and spends her $360 million.

• Carlos Ghosn, 64, amassed a $120 million net worth while he was the head ranking official at the Nissan-Renault-Mitsubishi Motors automotive alliance over the past two decades.
• Ghosn reportedly fled Japan for Lebanon on December 30 by hiding in a box meant for musical instruments on a private jet, violating the terms of his bail agreement.
• On January 2, Interpol issued a warrant for his arrest, but Lebanese officials have not said if they will take action.
• The former CEO was awaiting trial in Japan after being arrested for misreporting his salary and compensation in November 2018.
• In their first public statement after Ghosn's escape, Japanese prosecutors said it was "easy for him to flee" because of his wealth and power. Prosecutors said they also feared that Ghosn would destroy evidence, and defended their decision to detain him for months after his initial arrest, The Guardian reported.
• Nissan is now struggling. The automaker will cut at least 12,500 jobs by March 2023, The Times reported on July 25.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Carlos Ghosn has fled prosecution in Japan, storing himself away in a box designed for musical instruments on a private jet on December 30, according to media reports.

Ghosn said in a statement that he would "no longer be held hostage by a rigged Japanese justice system where guilt is presumed, discrimination is rampant, and basic human rights are denied."

The former Nissan CEO was awaiting trial in Japan on financial-misconduct charges and had been forbidden from leaving the country as a part of $13 million bail agreement. Prosecutors in Japan have alleged that Ghosn earned a salary of about 10 billion yen, or $88.7 million, from 2011 to 2015 but reported only half of that. Ghosn, who is 64, could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to 10 million yen if found to have committed wrongdoing.

Keep reading to learn more about the rise and downfall of Carlos Ghosn.

SEE ALSO: How Jeffrey Epstein, the mysterious hedge-fund manager arrested on sex-trafficking charges, made his fortune

DON'T MISS: Bye bye, billionaires: 15 people who lost their billionaire status in 2019

Ghosn was named COO of Nissan in 1999 and later CEO in 2001 after the Renault-Nissan Alliance was formed. In 2016, Mitsubishi joined. The three act as separate entities, while also identifying as a global grouping.

Source:BBC

Ghosn was known for his cost-cutting methods — closing factories and cutting jobs while increasing profits and output. Nissan quickly surpassed Honda as the No. 2 automaker in Japan under Ghosn's leadership ...

Source:BBC, The New York Times

... for which he was greatly compensated. According to BBC's review of company records, Ghosn made over $17 million in 2017 in salary, share options and bonuses. As company success grew, so did Ghosn's net worth. As of 2018, his net worth was around $120 million.

Source:BBC, Bloomberg

Ghosn flew around the world using a series of Nissan-owned Gulfstream private jets, including a G650, which can seat up to 19 passengers, sleep up to 10, fly more than 8,000 miles, and can cost more than $67 million.

As chairman of Renault, Nissan, and Mitsubishi — three car companies on two continents halfway around the world from one another — Ghosn spent a considerable amount of time flying on Nissan's corporate jets between France and Japan. He also had frequent stopovers in the United States, Brazil, and Lebanon.

Source:Business Insider

According to a report from Bloomberg, Nissan paid over 8,000 euros a month for an Amsterdam apartment that was used exclusively by Ghosn.

Source:Bloomberg

And in Beirut, Nissan reportedly paid nearly $9 million in 2012 for a salmon-colored mansion for Ghosn to live in when he traveled.

Source:Bloomberg, The New York Times

In Tokyo, Nissan paid nearly $9,000 a month for Ghosn and family to live in a flat for only a "few days each month on average." But then, all of a sudden, Ghosn's world came crashing down.

Nissan would soon begin seizing keys and blocking access from six of its properties frequented by Ghosn and his family. 

Source:Bloomberg

On November 19, 2018, prosecutors surrounded Ghosn's Gulfstream after it touched down in Japan. Prosecutors alleged that Ghosn hid his earnings from Nissan filings for years.

Source:The New York Times

On November 19, 2018, Nissan CEO Hiroto Saikawa confirmed the arrest of Ghosn after a months-long investigation into alleged financial crimes, like underreporting compensation to regulators. The Nissan board voted just two days later to remove Ghosn from his position as chairman.

Source:Bloomberg

A week after Ghosn's arrest, Mitsubishi Motors Corp. Chairman and CEO Osamu Masuko announced the company would be ousting Ghosn from his role, too.

Source: Bloomberg

Ghosn was reportedly kept in the same facility that previously housed death-row inmates and given limited access to the outside world. Reports indicate that he was allowed to bathe twice a week and had 30 minutes a day of exercise.

Source:Bloomberg

In a January 2019 court hearing, Ghosn denied any wrongdoing on his behalf, and said he was "wrongly accused and unfairly detained based on meritless and unsubstantiated accusations." The next day his detention appeal was denied.

Source:Bloomberg

On January 23, Ghosn resigned as chairman and chief executive officer of Renault, French finance minister Bruno Le Maire told Bloomberg Television in an interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Source:Reuters, Bloomberg

Bloomberg reported in February that Ghosn may have used Renault funds inappropriately to "pay for his wedding party at the Chateau de Versailles" — marking the first indecency reported by the company toward its former head executive.

Source:Town and Country Magazine, Bloomberg

At the end of February, Ghosn hired lawyer Junichiro Hironaka, who said Ghosn's arrest was a result of a conspiracy inside Nissan. Hironaka said he believes Ghosn is innocent.

"The prosecutors have made a criminal case out of an issue that should have been handled inside the company," said Hironaka at a press conference. 

Source:The Wall Street Journal

In March, Ghosn, wearing blue workman's clothes and a baseball cap, was released after 108 days in a Japanese jail and after paying a nearly $9 million bail.

Source:Business Insider

According to The Wall Street Journal, Ghosn went to a court-approved residence in Tokyo. A trial was said to be happening later in 2018.

Source:The Wall Street Journal

He was forbidden from contact with anyone outside of the country by phone or computer. "I am extremely grateful for my family and friends who have stood by me throughout this terrible ordeal," Ghosn said in a statement released in March.

Source:The Wall Street Journal

Ghosn was rearrested on April 4 on new charges and then released on a $4.5 million bail later that month.

Source: Business Insider

Nissan is now struggling. In July, the automaker announced that it will cut at least 12,500 jobs — about 9% of its total workforce.

Source: The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal

Ghosn and Nissan settled their case with the SEC on September 24. The company will pay a $15 million fine, and Ghosn himself will pay $1 million, the Times reported.

Source: The New York Times

Hari Nada, the Nissan senior vice president who reported Ghosn and is set to testify against Ghosn in a Japanese trial, was found to have also improperly overpaid himself during an investigation by an outside law firm on October 7.

Source: Bloomberg

On December 30, 2018, Ghosn fled to Lebanon from Japan, violating the terms of his bail agreement. Media reports said he hid in a box designed for musical instruments on board a private jet. Ghosn said in a statement that he had "escaped injustice and political persecution" in Japan.

Source: Business Insider

Ghosn is now believed to be hiding out in his home in Beirut, Lebanon, where he has citizenship. On January 2, Interpol issued a warrant for Ghosn's arrest, but Lebanese officials have not said if they will take action.

Source: Reuters

In their first public statement after Ghosn's escape, Japanese prosecutors said it was "easy for him to flee" because of his wealth and power. Prosecutors said they also feared that Ghosn would destroy evidence and defended their decision to detain him for months after his initial arrest.

Source: The Guardian

• Erik Bergman is a cofounder of Catena Media, a company that went from zero to over 300 employees in five years. Under this journey, Erik made more money than he will ever need in his life, but at the expense of burning himself out, as well as both his business partner and his fiancee that also worked in the company. Now he has started the company Great.com. This time, the focus isn't extreme growth but rather well-being, transparency, trust, and flexibility for the team and where 100% of the profits will be donated to help the environment.
• Before founding Catena Media, he had launched six different businesses that all failed. He believes it's important that all entrepreneurs and professionals know that mistakes happen and are OK.
• Three mistakes he believes everyone should avoid making are overthinking decisions, keeping ideas to yourself, and not asking for help.
• "'Do you think this is a good business idea?' is one of the most common questions I get from entrepreneurs," he says. "They're looking for validation — for someone to nudge them in the right direction. My answer to these entrepreneurs is always the same: 'I have no idea if you'll succeed, but you should definitely try.'"
• Click here for more BI Prime stories.

On February 11, 2016 — my 28th birthday — we entered the Stockholm Nasdaq Stock Exchange with an affiliate marketing business, Catena Media, valued at approximately $200 million. I made more money that day than I'll ever need, and I'm incredibly thankful for that. 

If the story ended there, you might think that I'm some amazing entrepreneur who has it all together. Heck, I have over 60,000 followers on Instagram right now who look to me for entrepreneurial advice.

Unfortunately, the reality is: I didn't and still don't have it all figured out. 

I launched six different businesses before Catena Media, and they all failed. I made countless mistakes that left me embarrassed and with strained relationships, and cost me time and money.

I say all this to illustrate that entrepreneurship is not about being perfect; you're going to make mistakes. I've made my share of them and will make plenty more before it's all said and done. 

But, if there's one thing that you take away from this article, it's that you can still make mistakes and come out the other side successful. 

However, let's not pretend like we want to make mistakes. If you can avoid them, you definitely should try. Here are three of the lessons I've learned from mistakes in my life, in hopes that you can avoid them on your journey as an entrepreneur. 

Mistake #1: Overthinking, overreading, and overanalyzing

I'm dressed in all red, standing in front of a door twice my size. This was the last place I wanted to be, but I'd made a commitment.

I took a deep breath and pressed the doorbell. As the footsteps on the other side got closer, my heart pounded louder. 

The door flung open, and a grumpy middle-aged man was staring back at me.

I gathered my courage and began to sing.

"Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way …"

I was four years old in this story, and my brother had dragged me out to sing Christmas carols in our neighborhood. The main reason we were out there wasn't what you might think. While making grumpy strangers smile was nice, my brother knew that if we were cute enough, these strangers might give us a small tip for our effort — which they did.

I love telling this story because it illustrates the simplicity of business so beautifully while also detailing a familiar feeling for many entrepreneurs. I doubted my brother's idea originally and would have rather been playing comfortably in my room instead of awkwardly singing to complete strangers. But, when we bought hot fudge with the tips we had earned, I couldn't have been happier.

I had no idea at the time, but I was embodying one of the biggest entrepreneurial mistakes — hesitation. 

"Do you think this is a good business idea?" is one of the most common questions I get from entrepreneurs. They're looking for validation — for someone to nudge them in the right direction.

My answer to these entrepreneurs is always the same: "I have no idea if you'll succeed, but you should definitely try."

We're all afraid of failing. Whether it's in business or our personal lives, fear of failure is an all-too-familiar hurdle. Unfortunately, many entrepreneurs let fear keep them from trying.

This fear of failing manifests itself in the form of overthinking or overanalyzing our ideas. We mistakenly focus on resolving issues before they arise, waste time seeking validation, or simply talk ourselves out of ever trying. 

Instead, we must be willing to take calculated risks — even when it's uncomfortable.

I'm thankful that I learned this lesson when I was young because it instilled a higher level of confidence in me. This courage helped me start my first business at 13 and eventually led me to play poker professionally. It's also the catalyst for starting Catena Media when I was 24 and spending $900,000 on my new charity project (Great.com).

If you're on the fence about an idea or contemplating whether to take a chance on a decision, I encourage you to take a leap of faith and invest in yourself. No matter what, you'll learn from the experience and avoid the dreaded "what if."

Mistake #2: Keeping your ideas to yourself

I have to be honest — this next mistake isn't something that I've faced myself, but it is an issue that I see many other entrepreneurs make.

Growing up, I always yearned for personal affection and affirmation. This eagerness to be liked made me a bit of a social butterfly. So much so that I eventually earned the nickname "Radio" because I never stopped talking.

While I wasn't that popular with the teachers, it did make me incredibly well connected with my peers.

Learning how to effectively talk and listen to others helped me grow into a successful networker and salesman. It also showed me the value of brainstorming and how powerful feedback is when working with a new idea. 

As I got older, I used this same openness to work through business ideas with intelligent and inspirational people. Unfortunately, many entrepreneurs are afraid to share their ideas with anyone else for fear of someone stealing them. 

While there is certainly the risk of someone stealing your idea if you share it openly, in my experience, it's highly unlikely. Even if someone does steal your idea, can you out-execute them on it? If not, you should be focusing elsewhere anyways. 

The downside of talking about your ideas with others is obvious, but it's also quite small when compared to the benefits that come with others' input and vantage points.

When we started growing Catena Media, I had no issues opening up about our ideas and strategies with anyone that would listen. Heck, I'd even discuss our ideas with competitors. 

You know what I learned? When I opened up, they did, too. We shared insights and tricks about what we were doing and what worked, and they began to discuss their own strategies with us.

As a result, in 2012, we implemented an email-capturing strategy using a popup based on a conversation we had with one of our competitors. This simple change led to a revenue increase of more than 10%. 

Critical discussion is a powerful tool for businesses, but it's difficult to do if you keep your ideas a secret. I truly believe that it's important for entrepreneurs to seek feedback for ideas and be willing to share openly with others. 

This heightened level of transparency has helped me optimize my ideas, gain new inspiration, collaborate with brilliant minds, and find business investors.

I encourage you to avoid secrecy in your business. Consider sharing your strategies and ideas with others and actively reach out to thought leaders in your industry for feedback. Who knows, you might actually land a mentor or receive notes that can help you take your idea to the next level.

Mistake #3: Not asking for help

I'm 19, standing outside a club on a Friday night. I'm watching a group of people slowly walk away, disappearing into the night. 

This was one of the worst nights of my life.

I had just started a party-planning business and rented out a nightclub in our town. I hired a DJ and told everyone I knew that this was going to be an unforgettable night — unfortunately, it was anything but. The entire night was a complete failure. A few people showed up, but they left shortly after because no one else was there.

After a few hours of watching people come and go, I eventually left in tears. I was humiliated, broken, a failure. 

I spoke to some people a few weeks later about the party and many of them said the same thing — they ended up not coming because they heard from others that nobody was there. This is obviously a cyclical problem. People are not coming because they hear it's empty, therefore it will continue to be empty. 

I then realized that I could have alleviated this entire issue by simply asking my friends to arrive early and fill out the club. In fact, before the night, I wanted to ask my friends to come early, but I never did. I was too proud and didn't want to inconvenience them. 

I eventually discussed the party and why it failed with several friends, and they all said the same thing: "Why didn't you just ask us to come early? We would have loved to help out!"

When I'm struggling with something in my personal and professional life, I always think back to that night outside the club and how things could have gone differently if I had just been willing to ask for help. 

This lesson was tested a few years later when Catena Media was just getting started. We had a dispute with our landlord who was suing us for almost $500,000 — which was well beyond anything we had at that time and would have effectively ended our business.

I remember lying awake at night, stressing about what to do. I eventually asked one of my friends, who was a lawyer, if he could take a look at the dispute. My friend's legal fees were more than we could afford, but he was willing to help us anyway. He guided us throughout the entire process and eventually helped us settle for roughly $100,000. Without his help, Catena Media probably would have folded, and there's no telling where I would be today.

As an entrepreneur, it can be incredibly valuable to seek help from others. Not only can it provide immediate support for whatever struggle you're dealing with, but it can also help you develop relationships with others who might be able to help you in the future. Asking others for help is not a sign of weakness — it's a sign that you're willing to grow.

Mistakes come with the territory

There is no blueprint for becoming a successful entrepreneur. Everyone's journey is different, and the struggles I faced will not mimic the ones that you do. 

However, if we take a step back and look at the big picture, we can see the true message of this piece. We all make mistakes. It's not always about avoiding these mistakes, but rather your willingness to learn from them and to grow personally and professionally.

I wish you the best on your road to building a successful business and am always happy to discuss your ideas, struggles, or victories on Instagram @smilingerik! 

SEE ALSO: I'm a 36-year-old CEO who sold my first startup for $1 billion. Here's what I've learned this past decade.

READ MORE: I earn three times as much as a freelancer as I did in my full-time job. Here are the 5 lessons I've learned about going off on your own.

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Taylor Swift is the world's highest-paid celebrity. Here's how she makes and spends her $360 million.

• The freelance economy has grown immensely in the past couple of years and is on track to expand. According to Upwork and Freelancers Union's Freelancing in America 2019 study, 57 million Americans are now freelancing.
• If you're considering making the move from full-time work to freelance, you're not alone. Many freelancers earn more than in a 9-to-5, and many freelance jobs can command six figures.
• But how do you get started — and become successful? To find out, we spoke with a wide range of freelancers in various industries who make more money now than they did in their previous roles.
• Below is an inside look at the process from start to finish, including details about resources and infrastructure, how to budget your money and time, and how to find clients and recurring gigs.
• Click here for more BI Prime stories.

For many, the American dream is no longer a corporate job, but working independently as a freelancer. The numbers are huge and continue to balloon: Over a third of US workers have been identified as part of the gig economy (about 57 million people), and it's been predicted that by 2027, over half of American workers will be freelancers.

Yet one thing has traditionally held some back from ditching their day job and becoming a full-time freelancer: financial fears. Freelancers often get lumped in the "starving artist" category in the collective psyche, considered something that people do more for love than for money.

Research has found that freelancers make more than 9-to-5ers in many countries, and some freelance jobs can command six figures; the annual mean wage of independent artists, writers, and performers was over $104,000 in May 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Other types of freelance jobs, like web developer and graphic designer, can also be lucrative. According to a recent 2019 study commissioned by Upwork and Freelancers Union, freelancers contribute nearly $1 trillion in income to the US economy, which is almost 5% of the US GDP.

But even knowing that you have the potential to rake in more money than you do in traditional employment, it's tricky to make the shift from a regular, reliable paycheck to independent, client-based work. There's a lot you need to understand first — from infrastructure and budgeting to finding new clients and setting up a support system.

For behind-the-scenes guidance, Business Insider surveyed a wide range of freelancers in various industries who make more money now than they did in their previous staff position. Read on to learn what the process is like from start to finish, and what you need to know to make the leap from having a boss to becoming your own.

What infrastructure do you need to put in place to become a freelancer?

The freelancers we surveyed agreed that it's not smart to go cold turkey when making the transition to independent work. Creating a sustainable infrastructure should include a solid financial position, as well as setting up several standard business systems to avoid reinventing the wheel.

• Financial footing. Kenzi Wood, a writer and the owner of Kenzi Writes, emphasized the importance of getting out of debt before quitting a full-time job.
  
  "I knew this would help me grow the business without fear of my personal finances," Wood said. "That meant putting full-time writing on the back burner for a year, but today I'm more successful because of it."
• Administrative systems. Wood also recommended creating systems for accounting, client communication, task tracking, and building up a stream of regular clients, so that you can rely on solid processes rather than approaching each project piecemeal.
  
  Hannah Attewell, who recently became a freelance success-and-business coach, agreed with the importance of automation: "Automate everything you can — admin can eat up a lot of time that you then can't use to profit from."
• Tools of the trade. Equipment is another vital part of your infrastructure, and this will vary depending on your industry.
  
  Stacey L. Vaselaney, a public-relations and social-media freelancer who quit her job as a senior PR specialist with a large Cleveland advertising agency in 2013, said a computer, a printer, a scanner, and a website were all she really needed to launch.
  
  Attewell explained that she was able to get started after setting up some solid SEO on her website, along with PR for backlines and carefully placed advertising. Many freelancers also recommended investing in accounting software before you begin freelancing.

What resources do you need before leaving a full-time job to go freelance?

Being prepared rather than naïve about what's to come is critical to getting your freelance business started on the right foot.

• Cash reserves. In addition to getting out of debt, many freelancers homed in on the importance of building up some cash reserves before collecting your last paycheck from your employer. Marc Andre, the founder of the personal-finance blog Vital Dollar, set aside about $30,000 as an emergency fund when he left his full-time job as an auditor.
  
  "We didn't have any kids at the time, and my wife was still working, so that money would have lasted us for a while if needed," Andre said. "I'd recommend having at least a few months' worth of living expenses, and I think it's good to be more cautious if you have dependents."
  
  Lance Beaudry, who previously worked in youth ministry and now owns a small SEO and content-strategy company called Avalanche Creative, advised having at least six months of your desired income in the bank, not just six months of expenses.
• Support system. When you leave an employer to become a freelancer, you also abandon an in-house support system that you may have taken for granted. Kathleen Osborne, who recently gave her notice at her full-time job and is preparing to kick off a freelance business, said that ensuring she had positive references was her initial priority.
  
  "The first thing I considered before making the decision was deciding on whether or not I had the strong network I needed that would vouch for me in terms of the quality of work that I do and/or be a resource for me with networking for new business," Osborne said.
  
  Max Kops, who left a job as an IT consultant to freelance in blockchain, agreed with the importance of ensuring you can obtain initial references when starting out. "What is most important is that you are not only an expert in your field, but you can also convey your value to your prospects," Kops said.
• Understanding of benefits and tax implications. You'll be leaving behind employer benefits and tax structure as well when you give your notice, so an important consideration is how you'll account for these changes. For health insurance and other benefits, some independent workers opt to join freelance unions for group plans and advocacy, but most of the freelancers we spoke with didn't feel this was a necessity.
  
  "I don't belong to any freelance unions at the present moment, and I don't really think it's necessary when starting out," said Drew DuBoff, whose freelance specialty is online business management.
  
  It's critical, however, to have a strong understanding of the difference between being a W-2 employee and a 1099 contractor when it comes to tax preparation.
  
  "There can be a fine line with laws of employment versus contractor," said Nicole Gallicchio, whose freelance background includes serving as a virtual operations consultant. "It is important to account for taxes as soon as you get an invoice paid. I have learned that you should put away at least 35% of each check."

What's the process like of leaving your job to start a freelance business?

Once you have your ducks in a row with infrastructure and resources, be prepared for some challenges as you shift your work life from employee to freelancer.

Our panel shared a variety of experiences leaving their employer, some of which were difficult. Many said they entered the situation with jitters and reservations but pushed through the fear.

• Weighing costs and benefits.Beverly Friedmann, who works as a freelance content manager, said it was a difficult choice to leave her corporate position to embark on an untried path as a freelancer. Friedmann was among those who found themselves tallying possible pros and cons before deciding to take the plunge.
  
  "I was told by friends, colleagues, and even family that I was making quite a risky move," she said. "The obvious downsides? Potentially losing benefits without joining a union, including health insurance, workers comp, and unemployment. The upsides? Setting your own hours or working additional hours if desired, increased autonomy, the potential to make even more money by taking on more clients, less travel (depending on your position), and the ability to actually thrive in an industry you enjoy."
• Facing politics. Telling your employer that you're quitting can be uncomfortable, even when it goes well. Some respondents said that while they were excited about delivering the news, it was met with mixed results from their unsuspecting boss and teams.
  
  "I absolutely loved leaving my job," Attewell recalled. "There was definitely a big drama with the job I was in — I imagine because they didn't see it coming. In my case it was more exciting than scary because I was right at the beginning of my career so didn't feel returning to full-time employment would be too tough if it didn't work out."
• Losing healthcare. Vaselaney too had a difficult time pulling the plug on her steady job, paycheck, and benefits — particularly because of her health situation.
  
  "It was a very difficult decision," she said. "As a cancer survivor, I am considered high-risk for insurance coverage. Ensuring I'd have healthcare coverage was my biggest concern. After I discovered that I'd be able to be on Cobra for 18 months, I felt confident enough that I could quit my job."

How do you budget your money and time?

The specter of a paycheck-to-paycheck existence is often evoked when freelancing is mentioned, but most of the freelancers said they avoided this fate through proper budgeting and planning. Having enough time to get everything done as a freelancer, though, was flagged by many as a significant issue.

• Put clients on retainer agreements. Some respondents said that to avoid feast-or-famine syndrome, they sought retainer-based client relationships to ensure a steady stream of income. Requiring clients to agree to a retainer fee allows you to receive a rate that's either fixed or variable, but is negotiated in advance.
  
  Brett Downes, a freelance SEO consultant, said retainer contracts were "peace of mind, as I know I get a minimum payment each month."
• Save to avoid overreliance on current payments. Friedmann said that while she had occasionally found herself living paycheck to paycheck, she mitigates this possibility by ensuring that she always keeps a savings account as well-funded as possible.
  
  "I would definitely recommend freelance workers take on as many clients as they can and always save," she said. "Savings accounts become key when you're in freelance, as months can be very hit or miss."
• Master self-discipline. With no boss breathing down your neck for that assignment, it can be easy to let things slide too much and find yourself in a constant last-minute crunch. Our sources said that successful freelancers are savvy about building in time to manage their whole business — including for invoicing, marketing, accounting/taxes, and other administration.
  
  Tom Wills, who shifted from a sales role in a digital agency to freelancing as a pay-per-click and SEO specialist, said it's vital for aspiring freelancers to learn to manage their time successfully.
  
  "You need to be very self-disciplined," Wills said. "So if you don't have this trait, I would seriously reconsider going freelance, as getting up for work is easy when you have to, but much more difficult if you are your own boss."

How do you find clients and get recurring gigs?

Once your freelance business is off the ground, you have to find ways to keep it up and running. According to our experts, there are a variety of ways to generate a steady stream of new business.

• Build up referrals. Many of the freelancers we spoke with said they get most of their repeat clients through word-of-mouth referrals. This requires first doing great work so that you stand out in a crowded field of freelance talent.
  
  "Just do a Google search to remind yourself that freelancers are a dime a dozen," said Kristi Grigsby, a freelance marketing consultant. "You've entered a field where you are truly replaceable — within hours. That reputation of exceptional talent and integrity starts now and is crucial to your success as a freelancer."
  
  "It comes down to being a good person to work with," Wood said. "If you deliver a quality product on time with a smile on your face, you're a unicorn; it's so hard for businesses to find that in a freelancer. Be so good that they want to keep working with you."
  
  This strategy can lead to positive outcomes, said Alice Donoghue, a writing, marketing, and communications specialist: "If you do great work, you'll get repeat business from your clients, plus referrals."
• Use Facebook groups. Some freelancers, including DuBoff and Lindsay Stead of Gilded Blooms Communications, said they found all or nearly all of their clients by networking online through niche Facebook groups.
  
  "People are always shocked by this, but almost every single client of mine has come from being active and engaged in Facebook groups," said Stead, who left her job with the local school board five years ago and now employs a core team of seven. "Having said that, in order to find new clients, you need to get very clear on who your ideal client is and go hang out where they hang out."
  
  For example, since Stead's ideal client is a woman who is a wedding professional, coach, or creative entrepreneur, or works with a not-for-profit, she found Facebook groups that support these women. "I show up regularly, I give value freely, and I make connections," Stead said.
• Get creative. By necessity, freelancers are a driven bunch — complacency in identifying new opportunities can leave self-employed workers with little to no income if they lose a key account. Respondents highlighted a wide range of additional ways they gain new and repeat business, including traditional in-person networking, researching companies they want to work for and offering services to them, joining industry associations, attending events, offering thought leadership, and using different freelancer platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr.

How do you make more money than you did in your full-time job?

After all is said and done, the bottom line still matters: If you can't pay your bills as a freelancer, you may end up back in the rat race. Fortunately, we found many freelancers who reported having the opposite experience.

"Within six months I was earning more than my full-time job, and within a year I had more than doubled my earnings," said Attewell, whose timing of rapid income ascension was typical of those surveyed.

Our experts shared thoughts about how they managed to make more than they did before and how others can too.

• View freelancing as a business. Attewell pinpointed her approach to her vocation as the key to her financial success as an independent worker.
  
  "So often people diminish their position by calling themselves 'freelancers' and not treating their freelancing as a business that needs marketing, budgeting, and proper systems like any other business," she said. "The key to making money was that I tracked what I did and reinvested in avenues that were producing clients and revenue streams. Similarly, I would regularly trim out anything that wasn't making enough money to justify the time and expense."
• Parlay freelancing into an actual business. Some freelancers go even a step further. Andre said he added $20,000 to his salary in his first year of freelance writing but felt he could make even more money by managing his own websites — so he used freelancing as a bridge to get him to that point.
  
  "It's been a great full-time business for more than 10 years now," Andre said. "I had a salary in the low $40,000s at my old job when I left in late 2008. In 2009, I made about $60,000 in my first year of self-employment. Every year from 2010 to 2018, I had a six-figure income."
• Find a niche. While some freelance fields are very specialized by nature, others, like copywriting or graphic design, leave the door open to many possibilities. By identifying a target niche market that you can specialize in, you could build your income faster than you could as a generalist.
  
  "I think the key to making money freelancing is niching down," DuBoff said. "When I first started, I offered a lot of services, but I didn't do any of them particularly well. Once I refined my offerings, I began to attract the right kinds of clients that valued my expertise and skill."

Along with all of the advice above, keep timing in mind, and your financial and emotional readiness to make such a big change in your career path.

"It doesn't matter how cruddy you think your full-time job is, or that the work isn't fulfilling," Wood said. "If you jump off to freelance at the wrong time, there's a good chance you'll have to go back to a full-time job working for someone else."

If you time it right, though, the sky can be the limit.

"Being a freelancer has been great for me," Vaselaney said. "I can't imagine ever going back to an office job."

This story was originally published July 3, 2019.

SEE ALSO: One email I wrote brought in 100% of my clients after I started my business — here's the template

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Taylor Swift is the world's highest-paid celebrity. Here's how she makes and spends her $360 million.

• Many millennials don't identify with the term "millennial."
• This group of millennials, which generational expert Jason Dorsey has dubbed"mega-llennials," doesn't relate to the negative light the world has shined on them.
• It's no surprise they don't like the title: Millennials have gained a reputation for acting special, sensitive, lazy, and entitled.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Not all millennials identify as millennials. 

That's according to Jason Dorsey, a consultant, researcher of millennials, and president of the Center for Generational Kinetics. He told Business Insider there are two types of millennials: me-llennials, who feel behind financially and professionally, and mega-llennials, who are ahead of the game.

It's this latter group that doesn't identify with the "millennial" term. "They've been working and doing normal work-related stuff, but often are not getting attention for it," Dorsey said.

Millennials are often known to be financially behind thanks to student-loan debt, rising living costs, and the fallout of the recession. But not all millennials are in this place. Some have already purchased their first home or are growing their careers; they're actually ahead of the game, Dorsey said.

He added that this group also feels they don't "match the negative stereotypes" or that they don't "fit the typical millennial meme." The distance mega-llennials feel from these stereotypes is the most talked-about part of Dorsey's sub-generations concept simply because so many millennials relate to it, he said. And it's easy to see why.

It's no surprise millennials don't want to be called millennials

The world has been quick to label millennials, and not all of those labels are positive. Millennials have been called "generation snowflake" and "The Me Me Me Generation," creating a stereotype of millennials as special, sensitive, lazy, and entitled. 

But generational expert Neil Howe said in a 2017 interview with Forbes that while this stereotype has "kernels of truth," the criticism paints a distorted picture.

"To focus just on these traits in a negative way typically leads to associated claims about millennials that have no basis in fact," he said. "And it tempts us to overlook genuine millennial strengths that will likely hugely benefit our country in the years to come."

Joel Stein also found a bigger picture when he explored the stereotype in a 2013 cover story for Time magazine. While the data indicates that the chance of narcissistic personality disorder is nearly three times as high for millennials as it is for baby boomers, millennials exhibit qualities that have greater influence in the long run, he said: They're earnest, positive, accepting of others, and optimistic.

Millennials have also destigmatized taboo topics like financial and mental health. And they've pushed hot button issues to the forefront of the national agenda, such as student-loan debt and social progress. 

It's no wonder, then, that mega-llennials feel they don't relate to the world's perception of them. 

SEE ALSO: Brokest, loneliest, and richest: Here's how the world sees American millennials in 2019

SEE ALSO: 15 ways millennials changed the world in the 2010s

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Traditional Japanese swords can take over 18 months to create — here's what makes them so special

We rounded up the 10 best sales and deals happening online today, with savings fitness gear at Target, clothing at J.Crew, tech and electronics at Best Buy, and more.

Deals in this story are subject to change throughout the day. The prices listed reflect the deal at the time of publication. For even more deals and savings across the web, check out Business Insider Coupons.

The best sales and deals happening today at a glance:

• Save up to 25% sports and fitness gear at Target
• Save an extra 40% on sale styles at J.Crew
• Save up to 40% on clearance and open-box items at Best Buy
• Save up to 30% on MVMT watches and sunglasses
• Save up to 50% on sale items at L.L.Bean

Additional Business Insider-exclusive deals and longer-term sales going on now:

• Get four months of Apple Music for free at Best Buy
• Get a one-month free trial through ClassPass 
• Get 50,000 miles when you sign up for a Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card 
• Save 30% off your first delivery and get free vegan cookie dough for life at Hungryroot
• Save up to $250 on a Bear Mattress and get 2 free pillows

Find the details of each sale below:

SEE ALSO: The best mattresses you can buy

DON'T MISS: I got my teeth straightened through an online service called Candid for under $2,000 — here’s how it works

1. Save up to 25% sports and fitness gear at Target

Shop the Target sale now. 

If being more active is a priority for you this year, you may want to invest in the right equipment. Right now, Target is having a sale on fitness and exercise gear with up to 25% off many items. The sale includes activewear, activity trackers, medicine balls, weights, workout machines, and much more.

2. Save an extra 40% on sale styles at J.Crew

Shop the J.Crew sale now. 

J.Crew is having a huge sale to celebrate the start of 2020. Now through January 7, you can save an extra 40% on sale styles by using the promo code "EXTRA40" at checkout.  The sale includes sweaters, sweatshirts, button-ups, jeans, blouses, workwear, and more.

3. Save up to 40% on clearance and open-box items at Best Buy

Shop the Best Buy sale now. 

Following the holiday season, retailers always get an influx of returned items. To get rid of those opened but otherwise brand-new items, Best Buy is having a massive sale. Now through January 12, you can save up to 40% on clearance and open-box items like computers, cameras, tablets, headphones, and even home appliances.

4. Save up to 30% on MVMT watches and sunglasses

Shop the MVMT sale now. 

If you're looking for a stylish watch or pair of shades, MVMT is one of the best places to find them. Right now, the startup is having an end-of-year sale with 20% off and 30% off last-chance items with the promo code "MVMT20" at checkout. 

5. Save up to 50% on sale items at L.L.Bean

Shop the L.L.Bean sale now.

L.L.Bean is kicking off the New Year with a huge winter sale. Right now, you can save up to 50% on sale styles. With flannels, sweaters, fleeces, Bean Boots, and much more included, you'll find everything you need for the winter season. 

12. Get four months of Apple Music for free at Best Buy

Sign up for a free four-month Apple Music trial here.

Apple Music is one of the most popular streaming services available, and Best Buy is offering a free four-month trial with no purchase required. All you have to do is make sure you're signed into your account — and if you don't have one you can sign up here.  

9. Get a one-month free trial through ClassPass

Start your one-month free trial with ClassPass.

After the holidays, you may have resolved to get back to the gym and start fresh in the new year. ClassPass is offering a one-month free trial for all new sign-ups from now through the end of January. Your free trial will give you 35 credits that can be used to access thousands of studios and gyms in over 2,500 cities. Click here to find out more about ClassPass and this deal.

10. Get 50,000 miles when you signup for a Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Click here to learn more about the Capital One Venture.

If traveling is on your bucket list for the new year, then you might want to consider signing up for a Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. You'll get 50,000 miles when you spend $3,000 in your first three months and your first year's annual fee of $95 is waived. This card will also earn you 10x the miles when you book hotels through hotels.com and for every 10 nights you book through Hotels.com, you'll earn a free night. Learn more about the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and other credit card deals here.

Business Insider may receive a commission from The Points Guy Affiliate Network if you apply for a credit card, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

11. Save 30% off your first delivery and get free cookie dough for the life of your subscription at Hungryroot

Browse Hungryroot's meals.

Hungryroot is a health-conscious meal delivery service that allows you to customize your preferences based on dietary needs and likes. Meals are delivered on a weekly basis, and all of them can be made in approximately 10 minutes. Now through January 23, receive 30% off your first delivery plus get free almond chickpea cookie dough in every box for the life of your subscription. You can read our full review here.

6. Save up to $250 on a Bear Mattress and get 2 free pillows

Shop the Bear Mattress sale now. 

Bear Mattresses goes far beyond the standard of plush memory foam by incorporating Celliant into its mattresses. The material is designed to convert heat from the body into far infrared — a type of energy that's been proven to help rebuild cells. The technology can help you wake up feeling well-rested and free of aches and pains. Right now, you can save $150 on orders over $700 with the promo code "WS150," $200 on orders of $1,000 with the promo code "WS200," and $250 on orders over $1,300 with the promo code "WS250" at checkout. Plus, you'll receive two free pillows. 

• Sustainable clothing startup Frank And Oak has released a new collection of performance winter outerwear.
• Inspired by and built for harsh Canadian winters, the outerwear collection includes a variety of parkas and puffers for adults. The down-free coats are made mostly of recycled polyester and wool. 
• We put four of the coats to the test by wearing them in blistering cold New York City weather. 
• Priced from $250 and up, the Frank And Oak outerwear collection is expensive, but we put four of the coats to the test by wearing them in blistering cold New York City weather and came away supremely impressed by the level of warmth they offer.

While thick down jackets with fur-trimmed hoods might seem like the only way to stay warm in blistering weather, it's still possible to find styles that are environmentally friendly and warm.

Canadian clothing company Frank And Oak is one brand proving that you don't have to sacrifice your values to stay truly warm this winter, thanks to its collection of sustainable performance coats.

Inspired by and adapted for harsh Canadian winters, the Frank and Oak outerwear collection includes a variety of winter parkas and puffers that have been made from mostly recycled materials.

Read more: Frank And Oak is recycling old denim to make new pairs of jeans for under $100

We put four of the coats — the Capital Waterproof Parka in Navy, the Capital Waterproof Puffer in Black, the Alpine Parka in Wine, and the Expedition Puffer in Navy Plaid— to the test. Frank And Oak outwear is on the expensive side (the jackets we tested were $249 to $499), but we came away appreciative of the warmth they provided and their use of sustainable materials. Keep reading for our full reviews.

Shop sustainable outerwear at Frank And Oak here.

Review of the men's Capital Waterproof Parka, $349.99:

My number one prerequisite for winter coats is warmth; less important to me is what brand it is, what it's made out of, or how much it costs. Frank And Oak meets that requirement but gets bonus points for doing it sustainably.

The Capital Parka that I tested is made out of 60% recycled polyester from plastic water bottles and 40% regular polyester. Rather than using duck or goose down, the parka is insulated with Primaloft, a polyester material that closely mimics the look and warmth of traditional down.

Frank And Oak considers this to be its most technical parka and it absolutely lives up to those claims. It's 100% waterproof with sealed seams and has loads of useful additions. From the neoprene neck collar and jersey sleeve extensions to the multiple storage compartments and magnetic buttons that automatically fasten themselves, you can tell that Frank And Oak put a lot of thought into optimizing warmth and convenience. In my opinion, there isn't anything else that the designers could have added to make it a better coat.

At $349.99, the Capital Parka is on the higher end of Frank And Oak's outdoor collection, but it's worth it. It has a good length, a comfortable fit, and it's not bulky. I have a lot of winter coats to choose from, but if I had to pick one to wear every day this winter, it may very well be the Capital Parka.  — Amir Ismael, Insider Picks reporter

Review of the women's Capital Waterproof Puffer, $349.99:

Frank and Oak's Capital Waterproof Puffer has quickly become my favorite. It's warm, has a short, modern silhouette, and the two-layer breathable fabric keeps me from feeling overheated while walking around the city without letting the cold in. I've worn it on top of sweaters and thin T-shirts, and I've been impressed with how the sealed seams prevents chilly air from getting in. The neoprene collar is also a cool touch. The only complaint I have is that, unfortunately, the jersey extension with a thumb hole is a little too short for my arms — I usually skip using it. Even so, the pros still outweigh the con. — Mara Leighton, Insider Picks reporter

Review of the women's Alpine Parka, $349:

Most of the outerwear I've tested at Insider Picks, including Patagonia's and Everlane's, contains recycled or vegan materials. What I've learned and what Frank And Oak's parka further confirms is that these environmentally sound alternatives perform really well, and they're often more affordable, too. 

Compared to a couple of Hunter winter jackets that I recently tested, Frank And Oak's Alpine Parka is on the slimmer side and doesn't take up as much space, which is impressive considering it's just as warm. The water-repellent exterior isn't super soft, but the interior is another story — soft, gently padded, and comfortable. 

In my usual size (medium), the parka is still roomy enough where I can wear a thick sweater underneath, and it hits at my knees (I'm 5-foot-6), covering and protecting most of my body from nasty winter winds. I love red-hued clothing, so I picked the gorgeous deep Wine color, but it's also available in black and olive green. — Connie Chen, Insider Picks senior reporter

Review of the women's Expedition Puffer, $249.99:

Let me start by telling you that I once wore this coat outside on a 29-degree night paired with a cocktail dress and heels, and the upper half of my body was so warm that I almost forgot my toes were about to fall off. Every time after (and before) that I wore this coat, I stayed exceptionally warm and cozy thanks to the down-free insulation that still very much feels like down. 

The outside of the coat is made with recycled wool — a fun touch on a puffer coat — while the inside is lined with recycled polyester. I'm borderline allergic to wool, but every part of the coat that would come into contact with my skin has some sort of liner to prevent any and all itchiness. 

Perhaps the best part of the coat is that the hood is removable, but if you choose to leave it on, it has a bungee cord that lets you tighten it against your head. There's also another adjustable cord around the bottom hem to seal out the wind.

If you're trying to figure out your size, I recommend going true to your usual. I am generally between a medium and a large in coats, and I opted for a large so I could layer underneath. In the picture above, I have a thick blazer on underneath my coat — so it can definitely stand up to heavy sweaters. The coat also comes in a honey yellow and deep red for $249.99 in case the plaid isn't your favorite. — Sally Kaplan, Insider Picks editor

The bottom line:

Collectively, we were all happy with the overall quality and style of Frank And Oak's new outerwear collection. They've kept us extremely warm during our testing (even as we shot these photos in 35-degree weather by the water). 

Shop sustainable outerwear at Frank And Oak here.

Join the conversation about this story »

• A custom log home on approximately 1,249 acres of property in Okaloosa County, Florida has been listed at $8.2 million after a price cut from it's original listing at $9.5 million.
• One of the home's wildest features is a 5,000 square foot 22-car garage that can be heated and cooled.
• The eight-bedroom, 10-bathroom home also includes media, game, hunting, wine cellar, and fitness rooms.
• Visit BusinessInsider.com for more stories.

A $8.2 million custom log lodge, which sits on 1,249 acres of property, is now for sale in Okaloosa County, Florida.

The 16,015 square foot lodge was first built in 2007 and took two years to complete. Despite its cozy appearance, the lodge has many ornate details, such as light fixtures around the home that are valued at $250,000 and a 5,500-pound door to a bank vault, to name a few.

Other amenities include a billiard and game room with gun display cabinets, a movie and media room, and a 190-foot long balcony on the second and third floor. These floors also include eight bedrooms, all of which have their own private bathrooms. The three-floor property is accessible via an elevator. 

The home also includes a 5,000-square-foot, 22-car garage that can be heated and cooled. There's also a 7,200-square-foot steel equipment garage that can fit multiple tractors and implements, all of which are included with the sale.

Read more: Aston Martin just launched a new service to help owners turn their bespoke homes into personalized supervillain-like 'Automotive Lairs'

The property also includes access to Juniper Creek, Pond Creek, and bunches of longleaf pines. There are also deer and turkey wandering the property, along with three ponds full of bass, bream, and catfish, perfect for its previous owner, the founder of Pro Bass magazine. These potential catches can all be managed in the lodge's wild game-processing room.

The broker selling the property is Jon Kohler & Associates. The home was originally listed at $9.5 million before being dropped to $8.2 million.

SEE ALSO: LeBron James has a wild collection of unique and expensive cars — see 13 of the most iconic vehicles in his garage

The property, which totals about 1,249 acres, includes a custom log lodge, three stocked ponds, two creeks, and bunches of longleaf pines.

The almost 25,000 square foot home has a heated and cooled, 5,000 square foot 22-car garage. There’s also a 7,200 square foot steel equipment garage that can fit tractors and implements.

The lodge was built in 2007 and took two years to complete. The eight-bedroom, 10-bath property was created by a “noted” log home architect and includes a front door made in Vermont and stones from Colorado.

The modernized kitchen and formal dining room lead into the breakfast area, which also has access to a balcony with views of Juniper Creek and property.

The billiard and game room includes a pool table, gun display cabinets, and a stone-lined fireplace. There’s also a wine cellar, gym, and a media room. The former leads into a porch with an outdoor kitchen.

There are around 109 manicured acres around the home, 116 acres of planted longleaf pines, and around 3.5 miles of access to Juniper Creek and Pond Creek. The property also includes three ponds full of bass, bream, and catfish.

The second floor has a laundry room, three guest bedrooms with private bathrooms, and a 190-foot balcony. The third floor has two guest bedrooms with private bathrooms and the approximately 1,266-square-foot master wing.

An elevator allows for easier access to the three-floored home. Other lush amenities include a game-processing room with a mud and hunt room, a bank vault, and a fireproof safe room.

The living room, pictured below, is 2,000 square feet and has floor-to-ceiling windows and a custom-built elk antler chandelier.

The property is located close to downtown Crestview, Florida and 45 minutes from the nearby town of Destin, Florida.

• Zayn Malik has sold his New York City penthouse for $9.45 million, according to a report by The Real Deal.
• Malik listed the penthouse for $10.8 million in July of 2019, according to the Observer. Then, in October, he cut the price to $10.2 million.
• He purchased the home in March 2018, shortly after his breakup with model Gigi Hadid was announced.
• The property, located at 63 Greene Street in Manhattan, boasts 3,597 square feet of interior space and an additional 932 square feet of exterior space.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Singer-songwriter Zayn Malik, a former member of One Direction, has finally sold his New York City penthouse for $9.45 million, according to a report by The Real Deal.

According to the Observer, Malik purchased the home in March 2018, shortly after his breakup with model Gigi Hadid was announced, for $10.69 million. (The two reunited shortly after but have since broken up once again.) He listed the home in July of 2019 for $10.8 million. a few months later, he cut that price to $10.2 million, which is over $400,000 less than what he purchased it for.

The home is located in SoHo, a swanky neighborhood in Lower Manhattan. According to the property listing, the 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom penthouse boasts 3,597 square feet of interior space and an additional 932 square feet of rooftop terrace space.

Keep reading for a look inside.

SEE ALSO: A 'cave house' blasted into the side of a mountain in Arizona is on the market for just under $1 million. Here's a look inside.

DON'T MISS: A California professor spends his summers living on an 80-square-foot boat and sailing through America's river communities. Here's a look at how he built the floating cabin with just $5,000.

Singer-songwriter Zayn Malik purchased the SoHo penthouse in March 2018 for $10.6 million.

Source: Observer

SoHo is a neighborhood located in Lower Manhattan. It's about a 20-minute subway ride from Midtown Manhattan.

Source: Google Maps

The penthouse is located on Greene Street, a cobblestone street known for its stunning architecture and boutique stores.

Source: StreetEasy, USA Today

The building is over 140 years old — and according to the real-estate listing platform StreetEasy, it used to be a silk-manufacturing building.

Source: StreetEasy

Preserving its historic roots through architecture, the post-industrial style home boasts 12-foot-high vault ceilings and a custom steel staircase.

Source: StreetEasy

The double-oven kitchen features modern amenities and leads into a dining area with a staircase visible in the background.

Source: StreetEasy

The home is certainly spacious, particularly for Manhattan real estate — it offers 3,597 square feet of interior space and an additional 932 square feet of exterior space.

Source: StreetEasy

There are four bedrooms ...

Source: StreetEasy

... and four bathrooms.

Source: StreetEasy

The home's exterior space is a private rooftop terrace, which can be accessed from inside the home.

Source: StreetEasy

After a price cut, the home finally sold — for $9.45 million, or over $1.1 million less than what he paid for it only two years ago.

Source: Observer

• One of the most decorated luxury hotels in the world, the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, was recently named the "best hotel in the world" by the Ultratravel Awards.
• The Burj has been called "the world's first seven-star hotel" and "the most luxurious hotel in the world" by travel writers and critics.
• I recently spent a night at the hotel and a night at its sister hotel next door, the five-star Jumeirah Beach Hotel, to see how the two compared.
• While I expected the two hotels to be fairly similar in quality, I was surprised to find just how much more luxurious the Burj Al Arab is than Jumeirah Beach Hotel.
• Visit BusinessInsider.com for more stories.

How luxurious can a hotel possibly be?

I was determined to find out the answer to that question on a recent trip to Dubai. I planned to stay at two well-regarded hotels by Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts, a Dubai state-owned luxury hotel chain.

The first was the Burj Al Arab, a $1 billion hotel shaped like the sail of an Arabian dhow ship. In just the last year, it was named the Best Hotel in the World by The Telegraph's ULTRA Awards and given a Five-Star Award by Forbes Travel Guide. When it first opened, a journalist was supposedly so enamored with the Burj that she exclaimed that it must be a seven-star hotel, a rating that does not exist.

The second was the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, a family resort next door shaped like a cresting wave. It was renovated last year with a new lobby, guest rooms, and restaurants.

I figured that my experience at both would be about the same: over-the-top luxurious.

I was wrong. Keep reading to see what it was like.

SEE ALSO: I didn't think the $1 billion hotel considered 'the most luxurious in the world' could possibly live up to the hype. I was very wrong.

To start with, let's talk about location and architecture. The Jumeirah Beach Hotel sits on its own private beach on the Dubai coastline. Its iconic wave-shaped building is one of Dubai's most recognizable.

But the Burj Al Arab's shape, that of the billowing sail of an Arabian dhow ship, is even more iconic. The Burj sits on its own private island across the water from Jumeirah Beach Hotel.

You can only get on the island with a reservation. It provides an unobstructed view of the sea and the city.

When I entered the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, I noticed the newly renovated lobby atrium, designed to let in lots of light and show off walls painted to evoke the sea. It's very calming.

But the Burj's atrium is an architectural masterpiece. According to the Burj, it is the tallest in the world at 590 feet. The kaleidoscopic colors produce a trippy effect.

The dining room and other spaces on the main floor of the Jumeirah Beach Hotel are tastefully decorated in keeping with the ocean theme, though it doesn't seem to get a ton of sunlight.

The main floor of the Burj screams over-the-top grandeur. It's not just the gold, though there's plenty of that, but the deep color of the saffron and ultramarine tiles and the ornate furniture. Each room feels like its own art piece.

The main pool at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel is spacious, dotted with palm trees, and features a swim-up bar. It's a good place for a family vacation. I took this photo early in the morning. By the afternoon, this area was bustling.

The Burj's infinity pool, however, looks directly out onto the Arabian Gulf, which makes it the perfect spot for sunset Instagram photos. There's a hot tub embedded in the infinity pool and an attached beach with loungers. It doesn't get much more picturesque.

An Ocean Deluxe room at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel goes for around $300-500 per night. It has a plush, king-size bed ...

... and a view of the beach and the Burj. It has a couch and a small seating area, but the room is only about 150 square feet.

It's nothing compared to the Burj. Every room there is a duplex suite that goes for about $1,500 a night. It has a large, open living room, an office, and a dining area. There are enough seating options for a Sheikh's entourage.

The bedrooms at the Burj are so spacious I couldn't fit mine into a single photo. The bed is a DUX mattress, which can cost up to $15,000.

The bedding is made of Eiderdown feathers harvested from the abandoned nests mother Eider ducks use to keep their eggs warm. There's a pillow "menu" of nearly a dozen pillows of varying degrees of material, thickness, and firmness.

The toiletry products in the bathroom at Jumeirah Beach Hotel are Elemis, a London-based spa company. You get a few travel-size bottles of the body wash, which goes for around $30-40 for a full-size bottle. It's nice stuff ...

... but it's not the set of full-size his-and-hers Hermès toiletries, including cologne and perfume, that each Burj room comes with. I kept the bar of Hermès body soap and stuck it in my suitcase. All my clothes now smell like Hermès.

The difference extends to the food. At the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, I ate dinner at Villa Beach, an in-house restaurant that serves freshly grilled seafood. I ordered the fish of the day, which came well-cooked with a few sides. It was tasty ...

... but it wasn't the Michelin-starred experience that I got at the Burj's flagship restaurant, Al Mahara, run by British Michelin-starred chef Nathan Outlaw. Among the dishes I had there: crispy oysters topped with caviar, lobster salad topped with truffles, and a $266 salt-baked whole sea bass encased in salt and filleted table-side.

Breakfast at Jumeirah Beach Hotel was nothing to sneeze at. It had more than half a dozen breakfast stations with breakfast from all around the world, including English, French, Chinese, and Indian cuisines.

What the breakfast at the Burj lacked in variety, it made up for in privacy. My personal butler — each room gets one — brought a full breakfast spread for me to enjoy in my room. It included a smoked salmon eggs Benedict topped with caviar and fresh juice, pastries, and coffee.

By the time I left both hotels, the answer was clear: The Burj is indeed far more luxurious than its 5-star sister hotel.

The Burj's complimentary Rolls-Royce chauffeur drove home the point as it took me to my next destination. But the real question for travelers: Is the Burj worth $1,000 more a night than the Jumeirah Beach Hotel? Only you can answer whether you need that level of gold-plated luxury.

• A great baby monitor is one of the most important and expensive purchases you'll make when you're outfitting your nursery.
• There are three main types of monitors: audio baby monitors, video baby monitors with dedicated viewers, and Wi-Fi baby monitors.
• Based on our research and testing, the Safety 1st HD Wi-Fi Streaming Baby Monitor is the best baby monitor because it's an easy-to-use HD video monitor that's safe and secure.

Being a new parent is an exciting and occasionally stressful journey into uncharted territory. There are so many things to learn about your baby and all the different products you need to keep them happy and healthy. One of the most important and expensive purchases you'll make when you're outfitting your nursery is a baby monitor.

Parents are spoiled for choice nowadays, thanks to the rise of the connected home and new technologies like live-streaming video and high-resolution cameras. No matter which type of baby monitor you buy — whether it be an old-school audio-only monitor or a fancy Wi-Fi monitor with streaming video — it will have two parts: a monitor in the baby's room and a receiver that you carry around with you to hear and/or view your baby.

Types of baby monitors

You can choose from three types of monitors:

• audio-only monitors
• video monitors with dedicated viewers
• Wi-Fi video monitors that send a live video feed to your tablet, smartphone, or laptop

Considerations

The first thing you need to consider is whether you want to have an audio-only baby monitor or one that incorporates video. Some parents choose to use smart home security cameras that send a video feed and alerts to their phones via an internet connection instead. Your choice largely depends on your budget and how high-tech you want the baby monitor to be. 

Audio quality: The most important thing to look for in all kinds of baby monitors is audio quality. Regardless of whether you want a video-based baby monitor or not, you need clear audio so you can hear your baby properly. You'll also want one with sound activation so that you don't have to listen to white noise 90% of the time. With sound activation, you'll only hear the noises from your baby's room when there's something important to hear.

Some audio-only monitors also have LED lights that flash different colors to alert you to changes in your baby's mood or environment. The lights can be helpful if you want the monitor in mute mode or if you're just in a noisy room and the monitor's volume is down.

Video resolution: When it comes to video monitors, you'll want to make sure that the one you're buying offers night vision and a decent resolution. Most baby monitors with a dedicated viewer sadly have low VGA resolutions, which are much worse than the majority of smartphones you can buy these days. A few have a 720p HD resolution, which is decent. We hope more baby monitors go that route in the future.

A Full HD 1080p resolution is ideal but can be pricey, and you'll only get it with Wi-Fi-based video baby monitors that stream video to your smartphone or tablet. Some video baby monitors of tilt, pan, and zoom functions so you can see different parts of the baby's room or zoom right in on smaller details.

Internet connection: If you opt for a Wi-Fi video baby monitor, you'll need a strong internet connection, because if your internet fails, so does your baby monitor. These baby monitors operate like your average smart home security camera from Nest, Canary, or others. You connect the camera to your Wi-Fi network, and then you can access live video anywhere on your computer, smartphone, or tablet. Many of these types of cameras offer encryption and other high-tech security features. 

The more old fashioned video monitors are better if your internet isn't reliable because they use a dedicated video monitor instead. You can also choose to pair high-tech Wi-Fi security cameras with cheaper audio-only baby monitors to have the best of both worlds.

We've tested a few baby monitors and researched expert reviews to find the best ones you can buy no matter your preference.

Here are our top picks for the best baby monitors you can buy:

• Best baby monitor overall: Safety 1st HD WiFi Streaming Baby Monitor
• Best affordable baby monitor: LeFun Wi-Fi Video Baby Monitor
• Best audio baby monitor: VTech DM221 Audio Baby Monitor
• Best video baby monitor: Phillips AVENT SCD630/37 Video Monitor
• Best multifunction baby monitor: UrbanHello REMI Baby Monitor

Updated on 1/06/2020 by Lisa Sabatini: Updated prices, links, and formatting. 

The best baby monitor overall

The Safety 1st HD WiFi Streaming Baby Monitor allows you to customize and control the way you monitor your child and who else can see your little one.

There are a few things you can demand from a decent HD video baby monitor, like a crystal clear image and good night vision capabilities. And there are things you can expect of a good Wi-Fi-enabled monitor, like easy remote access from a smart device with real-time streaming audio and video. Then there are things you might hope for from a baby monitor, like two-way talk and solid battery life.

Finally, there are features that you probably never even thought of but that you'll get with the new Safety 1st HD WiFi Streaming Baby Monitor, and they're features you will never want to live without once you grow accustomed to them. Trust me — this is the baby monitor I use with my newborn daughter.

Want one example? How about the ability to grant temporary access to your monitor. Using the easy-to-navigate Safety 1st app, you can allow a babysitter, grandparent, or anyone else the ability to access your monitor using their own smart device. You can also rescind this access at any time.

Whether you allow others one-time or occasional access to enjoy a special moment or you establish a schedule during which a regular caregiver can view and listen through the monitor, the process of controlling access is equally easy. Now, what if your baby or toddler just did something super cute when no one else had access? No worries, you can share video clips or stills right over the web.

For serious peace of mind, this monitor allows you to customize both sound and motion alerts. When the monitor detects a level of motion or volume you have deemed noteworthy, it will alert you at once. That way, you don't have to worry about every little noise or wiggle.

Having used this monitor myself with my kids, I've been impressed by the audio and picture quality as well as the night vision.

Pros: Excellent visual quality, temporary access control, pairs with multiple camera units

Cons: Learning curve involved with use

The best affordable baby monitor

The LeFun Wi-Fi Baby Monitor is an affordable and reliable Wi-Fi video baby monitor with night vision and a 720p resolution.

Who says Wi-Fi video baby monitors have to be expensive? LeFun's Wi-Fi Baby Monitor is a top-rated baby monitor at a highly affordable price.

This tiny baby monitor live-streams 720p video from your baby's room to your smartphone, tablet, or computer via Wi-Fi or your data connection. That means you can keep tabs on your baby even when you leave the house. 

There's no dedicated viewer, so you may want to use a secondary device to check on your baby or your phone's battery could run out quickly. It's great that you can see footage on a laptop, too — especially if you work in an office and want to check in on how the new babysitter, nanny, or family member is doing with your baby.

The LeFun baby monitor features automatic zoom, it can tilt or pan, and its IR LED night vision goes up to 30 feet. Users applaud the excellent night vision and deem the 720p resolution adequate, though not as great as some 1080p cameras like NestCam. 

Thanks to two-way audio, you can also talk to your little one when he or she gets fussy. You can also record and save footage on a microSD card to create home videos of your baby being adorable. LeFun's baby monitor offers high-level encryption for extra security, and most users say the monitor is very reliable.

If you really want to have a dedicated baby monitor for in the house so your phone doesn't run out of battery too quickly, you could supplement the LeFun baby monitor with a cheap, reliable audio baby monitor, like our pick the VTech DM221. That way, you have a backup if your Wi-Fi goes down. Both are certainly cheap enough to pair together.

LeFun also offers a three-year warranty.

Pros: 720p resolution is decent, good night vision, you can watch your baby when you leave the house, video streams to your phone, made for parents and babies, customizable alerts, and it's cheap

Cons: You need to have strong Wi-Fi and there's no dedicated viewer

The best audio baby monitor

The VTech DM221 Audio Baby Monitor offers crystal clear audio, two-way talk with your baby, decent range, and a low price tag.

If you aren't interested in having a video baby monitor, the VTech DM221 is the very best audio-only monitor you can buy. You can listen in on your baby or get vibration and light-based alerts when the monitor is in silent mode. The five LED lights indicate the level of sound so you can tell whether your baby is cooing quietly or shrieking for mom and dad.

The audio quality is excellent, thanks to VTech's use of DECT 6.0, so you shouldn't hear any interference, static, or echoing when you listen in on your baby. Since the monitor uses a special frequency to relay the signal from the monitor in your baby's room to the parental unit, everything is encrypted and secure. No one but you will hear your baby.

If your little one gets fussy, you can use the monitor's two-way talk to soothe your baby remotely. Everything you say to the parental unit will relay over to the monitor in your baby's room.

The VTech DM221 has a 150-foot range, which should be more than enough for most homes. Parents just love the clarity of the sound and the reliability of the monitor. Audio-only baby monitors may be more old-fashioned, but you can count on them to let you know when your baby really needs you. 

You can also get the VTech DM221 with two parental units so that both you and your partner can hear the baby if you're in separate parts of the house.

For many parents, video monitors can become overwhelming as they find themselves checking the live feed too often. Audio-only monitors eliminate that compulsive behavior. Sometimes going low-tech and low-cost is the best way to go. 

Another option is to combine a high-end security camera like the NestCam with the VTech DM221, so you have the best of both worlds: a 24/7 video stream that you can take with you and an audio-only monitor you can keep at home. The VTech is cheap enough to buy as a backup or supplemental baby monitor.

Wirecutter named it their best budget pick for a baby monitor, highlighting its great audio quality, talk-back functionality, and superiority as a long-range baby monitor. BabyGearLab also recommends the DM221 as one of the very best baby monitors you can buy. 

Pros: DECT 6.0 provides clear audio, two-way talk lets you chat with your baby, 150-foot indoor range, rechargeable batteries last 18 hours, LED lights and vibration alerts, and a low price

Cons: Audio only, and you have to replace or recharge the batteries

The best video baby monitor

The Philips AVENT SCD630/37 Video Baby Monitor is a secure, traditional video monitor that works well.

Traditional video baby monitors don't offer the same high-resolution picture quality we're used to seeing on our smartphones and tablets. If you want high-resolution video of your baby, you'll have to go with a Wi-Fi monitor like the NestCam that streams video to your phone or tablet. The Phillips AVENT SCD630 video monitor may not be high-res, but it's the best of the bunch.

It uses 2.4GHz FHSS technology that offers a private connection between the monitor in your baby's room and the dedicated viewer in your hand. The FHSS connection should minimize interference. In BabyGearLab's testing, the reviewer found that the Phillips AVENT had the best audio signal of any of the monitors it tested.

You can also talk to your baby from another room with the monitor or play one of five included lullabies. Phillips added a special feature that puts the monitor on silent until your baby makes a sound that's above a certain level. That way you know when your baby really needs you.

In addition to the great audio, you have video on a dedicated 3.5-inch screen. The AVENT offers 2X zoom and panning so you can scan your baby's room or zoom in on their little toes. Night mode is automatically activated in dark rooms and it has a night light. The monitor will also check for temperature changes so your baby sleeps in comfort.

The batteries are rechargeable, and there's a backup battery option that will last 10 more hours when you're in a pinch.

Many experts recommend the Phillips AVENT baby monitor, including Lifewire, BabyGearLab, Heavy, and CheekyTummy. 

Pros: It has a 3.5-inch dedicated viewer, good range, monitors the temperature, two-way audio, LED lights indicate sound level, night vision, and great audio

Cons: Low resolution and it's expensive

The best multifunction baby monitor

The UrbanHello REMI is a five-function device that starts off as a baby monitor but grows along with your child.

When you're child is still an infant, your family's UrbanHello REMI will serve as an audio baby monitor that helps you keep tabs on the little one. Its softly glowing face also serves as a clock parents and other caregivers can check when in the nursery. When paired with its app, REMI's sleep tracking function will help you establish your child's sleep patterns, noting evident wake-ups and periods of steady rest based on the sounds it detects in the room.

If that's all this multi-function device did, then it would still be worth its price tag. But REMI does more yet. As your child gets older and can begin to manage his or her own sleep schedule, REMI helps the kid out by serving as a sleep trainer. You can program the time that your child is allowed to wake by having REMI wake up at the appointed hour. And to calm and soothe a child, you can use this Bluetooth enabled device as a speaker, playing music or talking to your child via REMI app connection.

Older kids can take over using REMI themselves, using it to listen to music and as an alarm clock. Oh, and also it's a nightlight. UrbanHello calls it a five-function device, but if you add up each of its individual abilities, it's easily twice that, in fact.

I use this baby monitor with my slightly older kid and he loves it. You can read my full review here.

A writer from Fatherly called REMI a versatile device that served well as a "baby monitor," a "two-way walkie-talkie, [and an] adjustable nightlight," among other functions, noting the fact that kids could make good use of REMI from age zero through age ten. — Steven John

Pros: Multiple functions, helps with sleep training, good sound quality

Cons: Occasional phone connection issues

Everything you need to know when choosing a baby monitor

Baby monitors may not seem high-tech (and some of them aren't), but there are a lot of terms you need to know before you buy one. We've broken down the most important terms to know and what to look for in a baby monitor.

• Security is a mixed bag, especially as baby monitors get more high tech. If tech giants like Apple and Google run into security flaws, high-tech baby monitors are sure to experience similar problems. However, some less high-tech baby monitors aren't secure, either, and many suffer from signal interference. We've checked each company's security policy to find the most secure options for you.
• Digital vs. Analog: Digital monitors encode signals so that no one else can listen in. Meanwhile, baby monitors that use wireless analog transmission aren't private. Anyone with an RF scanner can intercept the signal and listen. We recommend you look for digital baby monitors only.
• Frequency: Some baby monitors operate on the same 2.4GHz frequency band as household products like microwaves, cordless phones, wireless speakers, and so on. When the monitor is on the same frequency as a number of other products, you can experience interference and static. You may want to get a monitor that uses a different frequency like 1.9GHz, which the Federal Communications Commission sets aside for audio-only applications. It's called DECT, or Digitally Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications.
• Range of signal: Some baby monitors have better range than others. If you live in a big house with multiple rooms, range will be a key consideration for you. Anyone who lives in a single-story house or a smaller apartment may not need as much range. Many baby monitors have an alert when you get out of range, and the packaging typically gives you an estimate of the range. Bear in mind that range varies widely from home to home. The construction of the walls between you and the baby monitor may even limit the range.
• Check the return policy: Every family is different, so it can be hard to choose the perfect baby monitor for your needs. For that reason, we recommend you look into each product's return policy. Some companies are very good about letting you return baby monitors, but others are not. You may need to try a few different ones out before you find the winner. Obviously, we hope this guide assists you in making the right choice, but it's always good to have a backup plan. We've noted the return policy for each baby monitor we recommend in this guide.

Check out our other baby gear guides

The best baby swaddles you can buy

While swaddling does come with some controversy, it's hands-down one of the best ways to get a fussy baby to sleep. But like all baby products, swaddles come in all shapes and sizes.

The swaddle you choose will depend on the following: material, ease of use, effectiveness, safety, size, and cost. We used these factors when reviewing baby swaddles. We looked at hundreds of reviews, consulted other moms, and used personal experience to narrow down the list to the best baby swaddles you can buy.

Here are the best baby swaddles:

• Best swaddle overall: Aden + Anais Classic Swaddle Baby Blanket
• Best budget swaddle: SwaddleMe Original
• Best basic swaddle: Sleepea Swaddle by Happiest Baby
• Best premium swaddle: The Ollie Swaddle

The best bottle warmers you can buy

You might think a baby bottle warmer is something extra that's not necessary. But when your little one is screaming in the middle of the night for warm milk, having a warmer will save your sanity, and hopefully, some sleep. These gadgets can heat formula and breast milk without hot spots so you don't have to boil water in a pan. 

Here are the best bottle warmers:

• Best bottle warmer overall: Philips AVENT Fast Baby Bottle Warmer
• Best budget bottle warmer: The First Years 2-in-1 Simple Serve Bottle Warmer
• Best travel bottle warmer: Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Portable Travel Baby Bottle Warmer
• Best safe and simple bottle warmer: Kiinde Kozii Bottle Warmer and Breast Milk Warmer
• Best high-tech bottle warmer: Dr. Brown's Deluxe Baby Bottle Warmer

The best cloth diapers you can buy

Cloth diapers are easy to use, offer money-savings, and are nothing like the ones your grandma used to use. When you get down to finding the perfect cloth diaper, it comes down to four factors: cost, sustainability, absorbency, and cuteness (your baby has to look good, after all). 

Here are the best cloth diapers:

• Best cloth diapers overall: GroVia Hybrid Reusable Baby Cloth Diapers
• Best budget cloth diapers: OsoCozy Prefolds
• Best high-end cloth diapers: Charlie Banana One-Size Diaper
• Best cloth diapers for toilet training: Super Undies Pull-On Undies 2.0
• Best all-in-one cloth diapers: BumGenius Freetime All-In-One Snap Closure

The best breast pumps you can buy

If you're a nursing mom who plans to spend more than a couple hours away from your baby, pumping is a necessary evil: It keeps your milk supply up and ensures your kiddo has enough to eat.

Here are the best breast pumps:

• Best breast pump overall: Medela Pump In Style Advanced
• Best closed-system breast pump: Spectra Baby USA S1
• Best breast pump for travel: Yunbaby Portable Breast Pump
• Best manual breast pump: Philips Avent Manual Comfort Breast Pump

• With a good set of tools, you can repair a crooked cabinet, hang a shelf or picture frame, tune up your bicycle, or fix a leaky pipe under the sink.
• The Stanley 65-Piece Tool Kit is our top choice because it has only the tools you need and each item is well-made.

One of the best gifts I have ever received was something I didn't even know I needed. Shortly before I left for college, a family friend gave me a basic tool kit, advising me to bring it along with me to school. Over the subsequent four years, I used the screwdrivers, hammer, pliers, measuring tape, and the other essentials in that kit to do everything from repair a broken bed frame in my dorm room, to hang shelves and assemble furniture in an apartment, to work on sets and lighting design for many student film projects.

After college, that very same kit made a cross-country move with me to California, where it remained in service throughout the early years of my working life and my marriage, helping as my wife and I decorated and furnished our first apartment and made the innumerable little repairs and updates that came with renting a charming but decades-old property. While I've lost quite a few items from that kit over the past 16 years, I still have the hammer, level, and needle-nose pliers. The fact that one basic set of tools — a set that probably cost only around $30 and fit into one slender carrying case — served as my only tool kit for so long is pretty remarkable. 

We've selected a range of kits that are well priced, thoughtfully curated, and sure to fit the needs of many people. When considering which tool kit is the best match for you, make sure you think about which tools you will likely use the most often, as well as the ones you might never touch. When was the last time you actually found yourself in need of a ratchet set, for example? (If that need arises regularly, maybe look beyond a basic kit!)

Remember, we're looking at elementary kits for a reason: The aim is to arm yourself with everything you'll need for basic projects and repairs, not clutter your home with needless extras. You can always add on specialty tools if the occasion arises, but these kits should save you from realizing mid-project that you're missing one of the basics. Read on to see which kit is best for your needs.

Here are the best basic tool kits you can buy: 

• Best basic tool kit overall: Stanley 65-Piece Tool Kit
• Best value tool kit: WorkPro 100-Piece Kitchen Drawer Home Tool Kit
• Best compact tool kit: Cartman General Household 39-Piece Tool Kit
• Best basic tool kit for use on the road: AmazonBasics 65-Piece Home Basic Repair Tool Kit Set With Bag

Updated by Caitlin Petreycik on 1/6/2020. Updated prices, links, and formatting. Added related guides.

SEE ALSO: The best tape measures you can buy

The best basic took kit overall

The Stanley 65-Piece Tool Kit comes with well-made tools that you will use frequently and it should last for years.

Truth be told, I've never used a Stanley tool kit. But I do own a Stanley measuring tape, a few Stanley screwdrivers, a Stanley Allen wrench set, and, well, looks like I probably should have just bought a kit instead of a bunch of one-off tools. Sigh. Anyway, every Stanley tool I have ever bought is still in good working condition after many years of use, and you can expect the same from the carefully selected tools you'll find in the Stanley 94-248 65-Piece Tool Kit.

Too many lower cost basic tool sets include inferior tools and try to compensate for the middling quality with an abundance of items. The 65 pieces in this kit include 30 screwdriver bits and ten Allen wrenches (also called hex keys), and eight ratchet attachments, so you're only getting about a dozen actual individual tools. 

Each of the said tools is durable and precision-crafted, and sure to last for years even if you use them regularly. The screwdrivers have reinforced tips, the 13-ounce hammer is rock solid, and the 16-foot tape measure offers excellent standup ability.

This kit costs a few dollars more than most options, but when it lasts twice as long, you'll agree it was worth the modest investment.

Pros: High-quality tools, durable hard-shell storage case, no superfluous tools

Cons: Tools often slip out of place inside case

The best value tool kit

The WorkPro Kitchen Drawer 100-Piece Tool Kit costs less than $30 but comes with dozens of useful tools and hardware in a lightweight soft-shelled carrying case.

For those of you paying close attention, yes, you're correct — this is not actually the lowest priced tool kit on our list, it's the second-lowest priced. But considering it comes with more than twice as many items as the most inexpensive set, the WorkPro Kitchen Drawer 100-Piece Tool Kit represents the lowest cost in relative terms.

This kit has all the basics you'd rightly expect to find here, such as a claw hammer, needle-nose and standard pliers, a wrench, and multiple screwdriver bits. It also has four precision screwdrivers, great for working with electronics (even if that just means removing the battery casing) or for repairing eyeglasses. The 9-inch magnetic level features three vials, allowing for accurate positioning and easy reading.

All of the many components of the kit tuck away into a lightweight but durable soft-sided storage pouch that, as the name suggests, can fit into a drawer with ease. As for those 40 cable ties (AKA zip ties), you'll be amazed at just how often they prove useful, from cord management to a stopgap plumbing repair to helping support plants in the garden.

In a comprehensive review, the team from The Wirecutter called this kit a high-quality choice, noting its "soft case with straps that hold the tools securely in place" and the singling out the well made adjustable wrench.

Pros: Great price point, lightweight well made case, includes precision screwdrivers

Cons: Short tape measure, hammer too light for some uses

The best compact tool kit

The Cartman General Household 39-Piece Tool Kit is small enough to fit in a drawer, but it has most of the basic hand tools needed for minor repairs and hobbies.

The Cartman kit is far and away the least expensive tool kit on our list, but I'm not calling it the best value kit for one reason: It's missing a couple of items that you will almost surely have to purchase separately and that will essentially negate its low cost. These are a level and a pair of needle-nose pliers, which I certainly wish the brand had included instead of those scissors. You probably have a few pairs of scissors already, but may not have pliers, right?

That said, the tools that are included in this little kit are decent considering its minuscule price, and the small size of the kit is a definite advantage. The Cartman General Household 39-Piece Tool Kit is small enough to slip into a kitchen drawer or to hang out in your car's trunk, under the seats, or even in a large glovebox, ready to assist with roadside repairs.

The tool kit has multiple screwdriver bits that fit in a driver handle but note that the driver does not ratchet. It comes with four precision screwdrivers, a pair of basic pliers, a rather small hammer, and a few other useful tools. With the addition of needle-nose pliers and a level, I would call this a great tool kit for the price. As is, one can still appreciate its small size and small cost.

The product reviewers at Wiki.Ezvid.com called this set the best inexpensive tool kit around, noting that the tools are "heat-treated to resist corrosion" and that all the included items meet or exceed ANSI standards.

Pros: Great low price, compact size, heat-treated chrome-plated tools

Cons: Missing level and needle-nose pliers

The best basic tool kit for use on the road

Whether you're headed to a friend's house to help them get settled in after a move or you need to make some repairs around the shop or the office, the AmazonBasics 65-Piece Home Repair Tool Set is always ready to go.

The AmazonBasics 65-Piece Home Repair Tool Set has, well, all the basics. Each "basic" item is of above-average quality, too. It comes with a solid 13-ounce hammer, standard and needle-nose pliers, a 16-foot tape measure, a trim little set of mechanic's tools, screwdrivers, and a level. And I'm even leaving out a thing or two.

As you expect from the AmazonBasics brand, these tools are of decent quality considering the price. This set is also notable for its carrying case. The soft-sided bag-style carrier features both a handle and a shoulder strap, making it remarkably easy to move around with your tools.

If you need to spend time on the road and want tools close at hand, or if you often move around your property (or your office, shop, or friend's house) while working, this ease of portability will be a major plus.

Pros: Easy portability, thoughtful curation, solid hammer

Cons: Weak ratchet mechanism

Check out our other buying guides for tools

The best tape measures

No toolkit is complete without a great measuring tape. From the professional contractor's work to the DIY home repair, countless projects call for precise measurements. The QuickDraw DIY Self Marking Measuring Tape is our top choice because its innovative built-in pencil ensures you mark the same spot you measured.

• The best tape measure overall: QuickDraw DIY Self Marking Tape Measure
• The best low-cost tape measure: Stanley PowerLock 25-Foot Tape Measure
• The best extra-long measuring tape: WorkPro 100-Foot Fiberglass Measuring Tape
• The best professional-grade tape measure: General Tools LTM1 2-In-1 Laser Tape Measure
• The best precision measuring tape: eTape16 Digital Measuring

The best ladders for working around the house

From painting the nursery to changing a light bulb or hanging holiday lights, everyday life often calls for a ladder. The Little Giant 22-Foot Multi-Use Ladder is our top choice because it allows for safe use up high, in stepladder configuration, and even on the stairs. We've also included step ladders and heavy-duty ones for outdoor use.

• Best ladder overall: Little Giant 22-Foot Velocity Multi-Use Ladder 
• Best ladder for painting: Louisville Ladder FS1508 Fiberglass Ladder
• Best affordable stepladder: Rubbermaid RM-3W Folding 3-Step Stepladder
• Best portable ladder: Ohuhu EN131 Telescopic Extension Ladder

The best hammers 

A hammer looks like a simple tool, and, at its core, it is. But different designs work well for different jobs. Think of it this way: You wouldn't use a tiny artist's paintbrush to paint your ceiling, even though you could. You'd use a more efficient tool, such as a paint roller. That's why we rounded up the best hammers to suit every need. Here are our top picks: 

• Best hammer overall: Stanley 20-Ounce FatMax Xtreme Claw Hammer
• Best soft-face hammer: Vaughan & Bushnell 12-Ounce Soft-Face Hammer
• Best titanium hammer: Stiletto TiBone 15-Ounce Titanium Milled-Face Hammer
• Best framing hammer: Estwing 25-Ounce Big Blue Framing Hammer
• Best ball pein hammer: Tekton Jacketed Fiberglass Ball Pein Hammer

• Alo Yoga exercise gear has gained respect among yogis and celebrities since its 2007 founding.
• The company makes flattering, trend-focused performance gear that can be worn from "studio to street."
• To see how it stacks up in person, three reporters tested the popular Airlift leggings. The bottom line? We all loved them from the start, and we still swear by them after months of wear. Find our personal reviews below.
• Still looking? Read about the best women's workout clothes you can buy.

If you've ever tapped on an Instagram post of a supermodel working out, aimlessly wondering where those cute leggings are from, I'd be willing to bet that, more often than not, said model will be sporting Alo Yoga, a relatively young LA brand with an outsized following.

Since its founding in 2007, the company has become a mainstay in both diehard yogi camps and the earth's small but hyper-visible population of models and artists. Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, Taylor Swift, Chrissy Teigen, Jenna Dewan, Olivia Culpo, Hailey Beiber... the list of high-profile patrons goes on.

So, what gives?

To see for ourselves, we tested a few pairs of Alo Yoga Airlift leggings in our own (very normal) lives. The verdict: flattering, silky, and buttery soft. Despite the fact that they're trend- and fashion-focused, that shouldn't translate to impracticality; these leggings manage to look good and perform during exercise. 

A few things to note if you're looking to buy: some reviews note sweat showing through lighter colors; the capris run slightly longer than average; and the site sells out quickly. So, if you find something you love, it may be better not to wait. The company also has a 30-day return policy for unworn gear in case the fit isn't perfect in person. 

Here's what we thought after testing the Airlift leggings:

7/8 High-Waist Airlift Legging

7/8 High-Waist Airlift Legging, $114, available at Alo and Carbon38

High-Waist Airlift Capri, $104, available at Alo

These leggings feel like a second skin, but one that's so stretchy you could bend into a pretzel and you wouldn't feel any pulling, digging, or resistance. Every time they come out of the wash, they're the first pair I put on for a workout or day of running errands. The material is silky and soft, the stretch is just enough to hold them in place without digging, and they're breathable without being sheer. They're definitely best for anything that involves bending or stretching a lot (they were designed for doing yoga, obviously), but I've worn them running plenty of times and they held up really well.

The 7/8 version fits like full-length leggings on me, but the capri version is my favorite since they fit like ankle leggings on my five-foot frame. 

UPDATE: It's been seven months since I first tried these leggings and I'm still deeply obsessed. So much so that I've thrown out most of my other leggings and bought another pair of these.

The sheen has sort of faded in the wash after all this time, but that's probably because I haven't followed the hand-washing directions, nor do I ever remember to turn the leggings inside out before machine-washing. Kind of my own fault. Regardless, I still love them deeply and wear them all the time! — Sally Kaplan, Insider Picks editor

High-Waist Airlift Legging

High-Waist Airlift Legging, $82.99-$118, available at Alo, Backcountry, and Carbon38

Looking at these leggings, you'd think they're just like any other pair, but the difference is clear once you feel them. They're buttery smooth and feel great on your legs, and they stretch very well. You can and should take advantage of the variety of color options because they're a nice change from traditional black. Although I'm of average height (5-foot-6), my legs are on the shorter side, so I found with this legging length that some fabric did bunch up — I had to choose between my ankle or knee areas. If I could go back, I'd maybe do the Capri style instead. But the overall feel and performance of the leggings is awesome. I personally wear them for running and weight training. — Connie Chen, Insider Picks reporter

High-Waist Airlift Capri

High-Waist Airlift Capri, $104, available at Alo and Nordstrom

I was surprised by how much I loved these leggings. Typically, when I see performance gear being billed as "studio-to-street," I assume that's code for athleisure rather than gear that's actually compatible with hot, sweaty cardio sessions. But Alo's High-Waist Airlift Capri ($114) impressed me — the four-way stretch fabric fits like a flexible, breathable second-skin during exercise, and I've used them far more frequently for HIIT than I have for streetwear.

They're also, admittedly, pretty flattering. The creamy, silky material isn't stuffy and compressive, but it still manages to lengthen the silhouette into a lean, seamless shape. Or, as Alo puts it, they're "engineered to lift, sculpt, contour and smooth." They're not exactly Spanx, but when I put them on for the first time my first thought was, "Ah, I get why celebrities wear these so much now." 

The one thing I'd note is that the capris run a little long, meaning they're still great for my 5'7 frame, but may end up being full-length for petites. And while I didn't notice sweat showing through on the dark cherry color I tested, other reviews mentioned seeing the sweat in lighter colors. 

The price is steep at $118, and I've found cheaper options that are just as breathable, but, if you're thinking of getting them, I'd wager you'll love them. — Mara Leighton, Insider Picks reporter

• Depending on the rewards, perks, and benefits you'll get, it can be worth paying an annual fee for a credit card.
• However, there are still great and rewarding credit cards without an annual fee.
• There are co-branded airline cards, cash-back options, and flexible rewards points-earning cards.
• Here the best no-annual-fee credit cards to open now, including our top choice, the Wells Fargo Propel American Express® card, and the Chase Freedom Unlimited.
• See Business Insider's list of the best rewards credit cards »

Many people feel that paying an annual fee for a credit card makes no sense. Why should you pay to spend money?

I'll confess that I used to be in this camp. However, I've learned that, when a credit card offers the right mix of benefits, rewards, and perks, it can absolutely be worth paying a fee — that's because you'll get way more value from the card than you'll spend toward the fee. For example, I pay a total of $1,000 each year for two premium credit cards, but I get way more than that back. 

However, there are still good reasons to go for a no-annual-fee card, especially because you don't have to pay an annual fee to earn valuable rewards. Additionally, in the case of some Chase cards, adding a no-annual-fee card to your wallet can even supplement and boost the value of cards that do have an annual fee.

Here are the best no-annual-fee credit cards in 2020:

• Wells Fargo Propel American Express card: Best for cash-back bonus categories
• Chase Freedom Unlimited: Best for pairing with the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve
• Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: Best for cash back at US supermarkets
• Uber credit card: Great return on Uber purchases
• Chase Freedom: Earns among the highest cash back, if you work for it
• Ink Business Cash Credit Card: Best for business spending categories
• Citi® Double Cash Card: Best for simplicity
• Amex EveryDay® Credit Card from American Express: Best for earning Amex points
• Airline cobranded cards: Best for American, Delta, or United loyalists

Keep in mind that we're focusing on the rewards and perks that make these credit cards great options, not things like interest rates and late fees, which will far outweigh the value of any points or miles. It's important to practice financial discipline when using credit cards by paying your balances in full each month, making payments on time, and only spending what you can afford to pay back.

1. Wells Fargo Propel American Express card

Welcome offer: 30,000 points, worth $300 (after spending $3,000 in the first three months)

This card from Wells Fargo has one of the more attractive rewards programs you'll find from a no-annual-fee card — at least, if you don't want to dive into the complicated world of multiple rewards programs and complex redemptions.

The card earns 3x points on all travel, dining, and streaming services (and 1x point on everything else). If that sounds familiar, it's because it's almost the same as the popular Chase Sapphire Reserve.

There are some key differences between the cards. The Propel lets you redeem points for 1¢ each toward cash back, merchandise, travel, and more, while the Sapphire Reserve offers a range of more valuable redemption options — it's easy to get at least 50% more value for Chase points. Plus, the Sapphire Reserve offers a number of premium perks that the Propel doesn't, like airport lounge access and a $300 annual travel credit travel delay insurance.

Of course, the Sapphire Reserve also comes with a $450 annual fee, while the Wells Fargo Propel doesn't have a fee. Between the new member offer, and the solid earning rate on popular spend categories, the Propel makes a decent option for those who don't travel often, or who aren't comfortable floating a large annual fee.

2. Chase Freedom Unlimited

Welcome offer: $150 or 15,000 points (after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months)

The Chase Freedom Unlimited is one of the best available options for a no-annual-fee card — especially if there's a chance that you'll want to earn more valuable credit card rewards with a premium card later on.

That's because while Chase markets the card as "cash back," it actually earns Ultimate Rewards points that you can redeem for cash (1 point = 1 cent). 

If you decide that you want maximize the value of those points by purchasing travel with a bonus through Chase, or transfer them to frequent flyer partners, you can open a card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card or the Sapphire Reserve, and pool your points from the two cards. The Freedom Unlimited earns 1.5% cash back (or 1.5 points per dollar spent) with an introductory offer of 3% (or 3 points per dollar) for the first $20,000 spent in your first year, so paired with a Sapphire Reserve, it's a great card to use for purchases that aren't made on travel expenses or dining.

Best of all, the card has no annual fee and often has 0% APR for the first 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. After that, there's a 16.49%-25.24% variable APR. If you have a major purchase ahead of you, that introductory offer can be useful.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited is a fantastic all-around card. However, to get the most value when it's time to spend your points, you need the Sapphire Reserve or Preferred card, too, so you can pool your points. Otherwise, points are only worth 1¢ each no matter how you use them, and they can't be transferred to airline or hotel partners.

Click here to learn more about the Chase Freedom Unlimited »

3. Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express

Welcome offer: $150 statement credit (after spending $1,000 in the first three months)

The Blue Cash Everyday is a cash-back card, earning 3% cash back at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 each year — and 1% after that — 2% back at US gas stations and select department stores, and 1% cash back on everything else.

There's also a "Preferred" version of the Blue Cash Everyday — the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express earns a bigger 6% back on the first $6,000 spent at US supermarkets (and 1% after), 6% back on select US streaming services, 3% back at US gas stations and on transit including taxis, rideshares, parking, and tolls, and 1% cash back on everything else. The higher earning rate on the Preferred makes it worth paying the annual fee — however, the Blue Cash Everyday is still a great option if you're opposed to that.

Click here to learn more about the Blue Cash Everyday card »

4. Uber Credit Card

Welcome offer: $100 Uber Cash (after spending $500 in the first 90 days)

The Uber card has offered surprisingly good value since it launched in 2017, with no annual fee as well as no foreign transaction fees. And it just received an update that makes it even more valuable if you're a frequent Uber customer.

Now, the card earns 5% cash back on Uber purchases — up from the previous rate of 2% back. So the Uber credit card is hard beat in terms of earning cash back on your Uber rides (as well as Uber Eats orders and JUMP bike and scooter rides). The card no longer earns 4% back at restaurants; instead, it earns 3% back — at restaurants, bars, hotels, vacation rentals, and airfare. But that's still pretty solid.

The Uber credit card earns you Uber Cash that you can redeem toward Uber purchases. So don't get this card if you don't think you'll ever spend money with Uber. It also offers a cell phone protection benefit.

5. Chase Freedom

Welcome offer: $150 cash back or 15,000 points (after spending $500 in the first three months)

The Chase Freedom works virtually the same way as the Freedom Unlimited, earning cash back in the form of Chase Ultimate Rewards points that you can either combine with another card, or redeem for cash or merchandise. 

The key difference is how it earns those rewards. Unlike the Freedom Unlimited— which earns 1.5% cash back (or 1.5 points per dollar spent), the regular Freedom earns 5% (or 5x) in rotating categories each quarter on up to $1,500 spent in that category. For example, Q1 of this year was any payments made through a mobile wallet like Apple Pay, while the current quarter includes purchases at gas stations, select streaming services, and internet, cable, and phone services.

Which Freedom-branded card is more rewarding for you depends on how you spend your money. Personally, I use both, but if I had to choose one, I'd stick with the Freedom Unlimited— the consistent earning rate above 1% would make up for the lack of quarterly bonuses. To each his or her own, though!

Click here to learn more about the Chase Freedom »

6. Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card

Welcome offer: $500 (or 50,000 Ultimate Rewards points) after spending $3,000 in the first three months

The Ink Cash is another solid Chase entry, although this one is a business card — however, anyone with just about any kind of business can qualify, whether you have a brick-and-mortar space with employees, or you're a freelancer, or even someone with a small side gig.

Just like with the two Freedom cards, you can pool the "cash" you earn with points from a points-earning card, effectively converting your cash into (potentially) more valuable points. Alternatively, you can reap the rewards in the form of cash instead.

The Ink Cash earns 5% cash back (or 5x points) on the first $25,000 in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services each card holder year. It earns 2% back (or 2x points) on the first $25,000 in purchases at gas stations and restaurants each year, and 1% (or 1x point) on everything else with no cap.

Click here to learn more about the Chase Ink Business Cash card »

7. Citi Double Cash Card

Welcome offer: None

All in all, the Citi Double Cash is the simplest card on this list. It earns 2% cash back — 1% when you make a charge, and 1% when you pay it. Since, if you're looking for credit card rewards, you should be paying your balance off in full each month, you can just look at the full 2%.

There's one downside, though: the card doesn't have a sign-up bonus. That's significant, because the money you earn from a sign-up bonus can equal an entire year's worth of regular spending. Just look at the Wells Fargo Propel, above, which offers $300 worth of points. To get that much, you'd have to spend $15,000 on the Citi Double Cash.

While I would personally stick with a card that offered a generous sign-up bonus, there's no questioning the appeal of the Double Cash. With no categories to worry about, you're guaranteed among the highest consistent return rates of any cash back card — 2% across the board is nothing to sneeze at.

Click here to learn more about the Citi Double Cash »

8. Amex EveryDay Credit Card from American Express

Welcome offer: 10,000 points (after spending $1,000 in the first three months)

American Express Membership Rewards is Amex's in-house rewards program, and the Amex EveryDay is the best no-fee card that earns them. These points can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, or more. However, the best option is to transfer them to a frequent flyer partner.

The EveryDay earns 2x points at US supermarkets (on up to $6,000 of purchases per year, then 1x after that) and at AmexTravel.com, and 1x on everything else. It also offers a 20% bonus on points earned in a billing period when you make 20 or more purchases during that period.

Like most Amex cards, features a few travel and purchase protections, as well as access to the Amex Offers program.

While most people will be better off with a version of the card that has an annual fee, the Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express, the regular EveryDay is still a strong option — especially since there's no annual fee.

9. A no-annual-fee airline credit card

Welcome offer: Varies

• Delta: Blue Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express 
• American Airlines: American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card
• United: United TravelBank Card

You may be sensing a theme here, but most airline credit cards worth having have an annual fee — although many of them will waive it for the first year. Those cards tend to come with useful benefits for people who fly with the airline, like priority boarding or free checked bags. You can learn more about the best overall airline credit cards here.

However, if you're interested in earning frequent flyer miles with a particular airline through your spending, but don't care about those perks and want to avoid the fee, you have a couple of options. 

If you're a Delta flyer, you can go for the Blue SkyMiles card from Amex, which offers 2 Delta SkyMiles on every dollar spent with Delta and at US restaurants, and 1 mile per dollar on everything else. It also gets you a 20% discount — in the form of a statement credit — on Delta in-flight purchases like food or drinks. It offers 10,000 SkyMiles when you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months.

American loyalists have a new option, the recently-released AAdvantage MileUp card. This card offers 2x AAdvantage miles on every dollar spent at grocery stores and with American Airlines, and 1x mile on everything else. It also offers 10,000 AAdvantage miles and a $50 statement credit after spending $500 in the first three months.

United's no-annual-fee card doesn't earn miles, but instead offers cash back, called "TravelBank" cash, that can only be redeemed towards flights. You'll earn 2% TravelBank cash for every dollar spent with United, and 1.5% on other purchases. You'll also get 25% back on in-flight food and drink purchases. The card offers a sign-up bonus of $150 in TravelBank cash after you spend $1,000 in the first three months.

Click here to learn more about the Chase Freedom Unlimited »

• More credit card coverage
• What's the best airline credit card?
• The best cash-back credit cards
• Southwest credit card review
• Best rewards credit cards

SEE ALSO: I pay $1,000 in annual fees for the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Amex Platinum — and as far as I’m concerned, the math checks out

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

Join the conversation about this story »

• The five youngest billionaires in America have a combined net worth of $28.5 billion, according to the Forbes Real-Time Billionaires Index.
• Of those five, the youngest is 22-year-old reality star and makeup mogul Kylie Jenner, whose $1 billion fortune primarily stems from her company Kylie Cosmetics.
• Second in line is Snapchat cofounder Evan Spiegel, who, at 29, has a net worth of $3.6 billion. 
• While Jenner spends her time collecting luxury cars and splurging on purchases for daughter Stormi Webster, Spiegel has opted for a more private life with wife Miranda Kerr and their kids. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The five youngest billionaires in America have a combined net worth of $28.5 billion. 

Kylie Jenner, the youngest billionaire in the world, spends much of her fortune on new homes, customizing luxury cars, and vacations with her baby daughter, Stormi Webster. Jenner is particularly known for flaunting her wealth on social media, as she did after chartering a $200 million superyacht for her 22nd birthday celebrations.

Behind Jenner, there is Snapchat cofounder Evan Spiegel, who, at 29, is also one of the world's youngest billionaires. Spiegel has taken a more private approach to how he spends his time and money, especially since marrying model Miranda Kerr in 2017. 

Spiegel and Kerr reportedly live together in a $12.5 million home in Brentwood, California, and also have an ocean-front Malibu cottage worth nearly $2 million. 

Here's how Jenner, Spiegel, and America's other youngest billionaires spend their time and money.

SEE ALSO: The 15 richest women in America, ranked

DON'T MISS: Meet the 15 youngest, richest American billionaires

Kylie Jenner, the world's youngest billionaire at 22, has a net worth of $1 billion. She spends much of her fortune on luxury cars, vacations with her daughter, Stormi Webster, and accessories like handbags.

Source: Forbes, Business Insider, Business Insider

Her car collection alone is reportedly worth millions.

Source:Instagram, Business Insider

According to E! News, the 22-year-old at one time owned four homes, including three in Hidden Hills, California.

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Source:E! Online, Instagram 

For her 22nd birthday, the makeup mogul chartered a $200 million yacht named Tranquility.

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According to the charter listing, Tranquility costs €1.1 million (over $1.2 million) per week to rent.

Source:Instagram, Business Insider

She also has an extensive collection of rare Hermès handbags.

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Source:Instagram

Jenner also spends plenty of money doting on her 1-year-old daughter, Stormi Webster.

In November, Jenner gave fans a brief "tour" of Stormi's playroom, showing off the baby's monogrammed Louis Vuitton bag and set of decorative skateboards reportedly worth over $12,000.

More recently, Jenner posted about the Fendi stroller and matching Fendi diaper bag she'd bought for her daughter, both reportedly costing thousands of dollars.

Evan Spiegel, 29, has a net worth of $3.6 billion. He's the cofounder and CEO of Snap Inc., the company that owns wildly popular social media platform Snapchat.

According to Forbes, Spiegel is "one of only three self-made billionaires in the world under the age of 30."

Source:Business Insider, Forbes

Spiegel is married to model Miranda Kerr. The two live in a 7,164-square-foot $12.5 million home in Brentwood, California.

Source: Business Insider

They also reportedly own a 1,700-square-foot cottage in Malibu, which Kerr bought for $2.15 million after she first moved to Los Angeles.

The home is eco-friendly, and has a machine that produced sustainable water for the whole house.

Source:Hollywood Reporter, Business Insider, Instagram

Spiegel proposed to Kerr in 2016 with a 2.5 carat diamond ring that reportedly cost nearly $100,000. They married in 2017, and Kerr wore a custom made Christian Dior couture wedding gown.

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Source:Business Insider, Instagram, Instagram

The pair reportedly had their honeymoon at a resort in Laucala, a private island in Fiji. One night at one of the 25 villas costs between $6,000 and $60,000, with a minimum stay of at least four nights.

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Some sources, however, report that Spiegel and Kerr stayed at the owner's home instead. 

Source:Business Insider, Instagram

After Snap went public, Spiegel took a "bro trip" on a superyacht that costs $967,415 per week. He reportedly sailed to Italy and Greece.

He also bought himself a Ferrari in 2015. 

Source:Business Insider

Then there is 31-year-old Bobby Murphy, chief technology officer of Snap Inc. He has a net worth of $3.7 billion. Along with Spiegel, he cofounded Snapchat.

Source: Forbes

Forbes reports that Murphy has spent more than $30 million on real estate in Pacific Palisades and near Venice Beach, where Snap Inc.'s headquarters is located.

Source: Forbes

In 2018, he spent $19.5 million on a Palisades home once owned by actor Eddie Albert. A year later, he bought the 4,432-square-foot home next door for $9.5 million. According to Variety, sources say Murphy is hoping to build a bigger estate.

Source:Variety 

Murphy also owns a $6 million home elsewhere in the Palisades, a $2.26 million home in Venice, a $2.1 loft near Venice, a $2.1 million home in Santa Monica, and a $5 million home in Venice.

Source:Variety 

Lukas Walton, 33, has a net worth of $18.2 billion. He is a grandson of Sam Walton, best known as the founder of Walmart. He inherited his fortune after his father died in a plane crash.

Walton also owns stakes in First Solar and Arvest Bank. He is chair of the environmental program committee at his family's foundation, where he has donated nearly $149 million. He currently lives in Jackson, Wyoming.

Source: Forbes

Walton, like many of the other ultra-wealthy Walmart heirs, is pretty private about his life. A 2015 profile about him revealed he was raised in National City, California, where the median income is $30,000 per the 2000 census. He also attended Colorado College where he received a bachelor's in "environmentally sustainable business" — a major he created.

Despite his discrete personal life, according to New York Magazine, he has voting rights on his family's holding company board, Walton Enterprises, which still holds a 50.2% stake in Walmart.

Source:NYmag, Walton Family Foundation

Thirty-four-year-old Julio Mario Santo Domingo III has a net worth of $1.9 billion. He is a disc jockey, and formed Sheik n' Beik Entertainment in 2013 with Herve Larren.

His wealth comes from his grandfather, who once controlled the entire beer industry in Colombia.

Source:Page Six

In 2015, Larren sued Santo Domingo, claiming that Santo Domingo used him for business connections, then excluded him from the earnings for a Florida music festival. Larren filled a $37.8 million lawsuit in New York.

Source:Page Six

Larren alleged that Santo Domingo persuaded him to leave his job at LVMH to help launch Santo Domingo's DJ career.

According to Larren, Santo Domingo used Larren's connections from LVMH, as Larren helped Santo Domingo secure DJ jobs in Paris, London, Monaco and Ibiza.

Source:Page Six

Before the Florida music deal, Santo Domingo fired Larren, accusing him of embezzlement.

Santo Domingo had sued Larren, alleging that Larren took a $1.8 million loan from him (reportedly meant to help launch an online charity auction company), then spent it on his "extravagant lifestyle" instead.

Source:Page Six

Other than legal disagreements with his former business partner, Santo Domingo seems to live a pretty charmed, but otherwise private-from-the-public life.

His brother-in-law is Andrea Casiraghi, a Monegasque prince. His uncle is Alejandro Santo Domingo, chairman of the Santo Domingo Group, who has a net worth of nearly $4 billion.

In 2016, he married reporter Nieves Zuberbühler in a Halloween-themed wedding. The ceremony was held at the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

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Source:Vogue, Instagram , Instagram

He lives in New York City, while his wife is a working reporter. Her last Instagram posts show her traveling the world.

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Source:Instagram 

• A lousy soap makes for a lousy shave, so choosing the right one is just as important as selecting a quality razor.
• Mitchell's Wool Fat is considered by many to be the gold standard of shaving soaps, and it's the best shaving soap that money can buy.
• If you're looking for a foamier alternative for use with multi-blade razors, check out our guide to the best shaving cream for men.

Most men today probably treat their daily shaving routine as something of a chore. It's very likely that you also use or have used a multi-blade cartridge razor and canned shaving foam to get the job done when what you should be using is a good shaving soap, bristle brush, and safety razor.

Quality soap is a vital part of your shave because it lubricates your face and whiskers so that your razor blade can move cleanly across your face for a close shave with minimal irritation. A good soap will also lock in your skin's moisture instead of drying it out and leaving your face with that unpleasant "tight" feeling.

What makes a shaving soap different from normal bar soap is its composition, which consists of added fat  — either from animals or plant sources such as coconut oil — and/or glycerin. These ingredients are used to give the soap a smooth, slick consistency so it works better as a lubricant while keeping your skin hydrated. A number of all-natural shaving soaps are also made today for people who want to avoid certain synthetic additives like parabens.

Since everyone's skin and facial hair is a bit different, it can take some time to dial in your wet shaving kit, but it's worth the effort if you want to achieve that perfect shave every time. Your personal soap selection largely comes down to preference, so your best bet is to stick to established soapmakers and try a few to find the one that's right for you.

To help you choose, we've smoked out the five best shaving soaps, including our favorite pick along with a hard puck soap, a soft cream, a soap for shavers with sensitive skin, and a handy soap stick for when you're on the road.

Here are the best shaving soaps:

• Best overall shaving soap: Mitchell's Wool Fat shaving soap
• Best hard puck shaving soap: D.R. Harris shaving soap
• Best soft cream shaving soap: Taylor of Old Bond Street shaving soap
• Best shaving soap for sensitive skin: Proraso shaving soap
• Best travel shaving soap: Arko shaving soap
  

Updated on 1/6/2020 by Jen Gushue: Updated links, prices, and formatting. 

The best shaving soap overall

Mitchell's Wool Fat lathers, lubricates, and shaves exceptionally well while being gentle on the skin, making it the gold standard for wet shavers new and old.

A select few shaving soaps can be considered "gold standard" options that every man should try, and one such example is Mitchell's Wool Fat, which has remained a wet shaving staple for nearly a century. It has set the bar for what a good shave soap should be.

True to its name, Mitchell's Wool Fat shaving soap is made from the fatty substance secreted by woolly animals. In this case, it's domestic sheep, but rest assured that no animals are actually killed to collect this fat. Instead, it's harvested from the already-shorn wool of the animal. Wool fat contains large amounts of lanolin, a waxy material that works especially well as a skin lubricant and moisturizer, so it's easy to see why it is ideal for use in shaving soap.

Mitchell's started making its wool fat soap in England in the 1930s and has been exporting it all over the world since then. Although its regular wool fat soaps have remained in high demand, its shaving soap, in particular, has achieved near-legendary status among wet shavers owing to its great lubricating and lathering properties.

Its all-natural ingredients are gentle on the face, and the wool fat is also very good for soothing and preventing irritation on sensitive skin.

If there's one drawback to Mitchell's Wool Fat Soap, it's that it can be stubborn to lather until you develop a good routine. A stiffer brush with boar or horse bristles will help, and some guys choose to soak the soap in a little bit of hot water for a few minutes — a process known as "blooming" — to soften it up a bit and make it easier to load your brush.

Once you've got the hang of this, Mitchell's Wool Fat will likely prove itself to be the last shaving soap you'll ever need. It's sold with a nice lidded ceramic bowl, and you can also buy standalone pucks to refill the bowl or to use with a favorite bowl or mug you already have. It's slightly expensive, but since it's a fairly hard puck, it'll last you quite a while.

Pros: Lubricates and shaves extremely well due to its lanolin content, all-natural ingredients with no parabens, made in England, and is available with a nice lidded ceramic bowl

Cons: Can be tricky to lather, and the scent is very mild

The best hard puck shaving soap

Made in England and triple-milled for extra hardness, D.R. Harris is a historic shaving soap that is the easy choice for any wet shaver who favors the dense lather and long life that solid pucks provide.

All of the brands featured among our favorite shaving soaps have been around for decades (or longer), but D.R. Harris might boast the most impressive pedigree of all. This family-owned company was founded in England in 1790, has held various royal warrants since 1938, and continues to produce high-quality soaps that are a favorite of wet shavers all over the globe, especially among those who favor hard pucks.

As is appropriate for such a historic brand, D.R. Harris soap is made using old-school triple-milling. This process is the gold standard for solid soaps and results in a dense, hard bar that lasts a long time and creates a rich lather when worked properly. This extra processing makes triple-milled pucks a bit more expensive than other shave and body soaps, but they also last considerably longer — possibly for years depending on how often you shave and what lathering method you use.

Due to its hardness, a soft floppy badger bristle brush may prove insufficient to easily produce a lather (higher-quality badger bristle should get the job done, however). A brush with stiffer bristles, such as boar or horsehair, might deliver better results with this soap. It comes in an attractive wooden shave bowl, and, like Mitchell's soap, you can also order it by the puck when it runs out or if you already have a bowl or mug you like to use.

D.R. Harris shaving soap is tallow-based, made from animal fats for great lubrication and moisturizing properties. The thick, slick consistency of this tallow-based soap allows it to protect your face as you draw a razor across it, and it requires minimal water to work it up into a luxurious creamy lather in your bowl or mug. Even guys with hard water, something that can cause lathering problems with some soaps, have an easy time with this one.

Pros: Triple-milled for extra hardness and longevity, whips up a highly dense lather with little water, tallow-based for good lubrication, lasts a long time, made in England, and is available with an attractive wooden shave bowl

Cons: The hard triple-milled puck will lather best with a stiffer brush

The best soft cream shaving soap

Another of the oldest and most iconic brands in existence, Taylor of Old Bond Street shaving soap shaves beautifully, smells great, and has a soft, creamy consistency that quickly works into a luxurious lather.

Taylor of Old Bond Street is one of those household names you will see a lot on your wet shaving journey. Its old-school formula, which was first created in the mid-19th century, has been the favorite of men for generations.

This pedigree is well-deserved and Taylor of Old Bond Street shaving soap remains an English classic for a reason: It's soft creamy consistency easily whips up a rich (not airy or bubbly) lather, it lubricates incredibly well, and hydrates your face for a smooth post-shave feel that doesn't leave your skin tight and dried out.

The soft cream is incredibly easy to work with but won't last quite as long as a hard soap. Still, the generous 5.3-ounce container should still carry you for around five to six months. The plastic bowl has a nice classic aesthetic and the airtight lid actually screws down to ensure that the cream won't dry out between uses. Note that you only need a little bit of this stuff, so don't lather in the bowl. Scoop a dollop out with your brush and work it up inside another bowl or mug.

You've got several fragrances to choose from, from peppermint to sandalwood, as well as an all-natural formula that's free of parabens and preservatives and is purpose-made for sensitive skin. Sandalwood is by far the most popular among wet shavers as it's a classic, masculine aroma that simply smells fantastic, and it's one that your great-grandfather likely used.

Pros: Made in England, the soft cream is incredibly easy to lather, lubricates and hydrates your skin beautifully, smells great, several formulas to choose from, and comes with a nice-looking lidded bowl

Cons: The soft cream won't last as long as a hard soap

The best shaving soap for sensitive skin

The Italian-made Proraso shaving soaps can offer some much-needed relief from bumps, razor burn, and general post-shave irritation.

Wet shaving isn't without its drawbacks. Chief among these is that the act of dragging a sharp razor across your skin can result in redness, bumps, inflammation, or a generally unpleasant sensation generally referred to as "razor burn." This is often due to a shoddy razor, but it can also be caused by a bad soap. If you have suffered from this, then you know the relief that a good soothing soap can provide. Our recommended solution to this is Proraso's excellent menthol and eucalyptus shaving soap.

The Proraso menthol and eucalyptus formula was actually our top pick for the best shaving soap for your shaving kit. It made the cut there due to its low cost, ease of use, great feel on your face due to the added menthol, and the fact that it's great for guys with sensitive skin.

I mentioned in that review that this is the soap I've used for years because I love the cooling effect of the menthol and my fair skin is on the sensitive side. I also shared a handy tip for maximizing the soap's potential: Grab a tube of the matching Proraso cream and pop a dollop of it on top of the soap before you start lathering. You'll get a super-slick bubble-free lather that lubricates your face extremely well.

I personally find the menthol and eucalyptus soap to be perfect for my skin. It doesn't hurt that it smells great, too, and I love anything minty. Proraso also offers another formula made for shavers who have particularly fussy faces. This one is made with green tea and oatmeal to reduce inflammation. I've never felt the need to use it myself, but if your skin is especially prone to post-shave irritation, it works a treat.

I recommend you try the menthol first, however, as the cooling effect on your skin is really something else. You'll feel it immediately after your razor makes a pass and the air hits the freshly-shaved skin. Afterward, instead of an alcohol-based aftershave, finish up with some Proraso aftershave balm. It's the perfect complement to your Proraso soap, and it'll cool and soothe your face without drying it out and giving you the burning sensation that alcohol-based aftershaves do.

Pros: The menthol immediately cools and soothes skin during and after shaving, the green tea and oatmeal formula provides extra relief for especially sensitive shavers, comes with a lathering bowl, it's made in Italy, and it smells great

Cons: The semi-soft soap won't last as long as a hard puck, and it lathers best when used with the matching Proraso cream

The best travel shaving soap

Great lathering capabilities, a compact shape, and unbeatable value make the Arko stick the perfect shaving soap to toss in your bag when you're on the road.

Whether you're traveling by plane, train, or automobile, your grooming routine shouldn't have to suffer. You'll probably want to leave behind your usual shaving tools, however, as a bowl or mug, full-sized shaving soap, and other tools can quickly eat up space in your Dopp kit or weekender bag. It's important to travel light when you're on the move, and Arko's famous soap stick is just the ticket for taking your wet shaving ritual with you on the road.

The first thing you'll probably notice about the Arko soap stick— aside from its unusual shape — is its distinctive retro-style packaging that harks back to mid-century America. In fact, this labeling has remained unchanged since the soap hit the market in 1957. It may not look as nice on your shelf as a nice wooden or ceramic shave bowl, but Arko's old-school packaging is one of the things that has made this soap an iconic standby in the wet shaving community.

But what's really great about this Turkish tallow-based classic is how well itperforms relative to its low cost. It's arguably the best value to be had in a traditional shaving soap and punches well above its weight when it comes to lubrication and lathering capabilities. How you lather it is up to you, although Arko's unique shape obviously makes this process a bit different than your standard bowl or mug soap.

Many shavers simply apply it directly to their wet faces, rubbing it onto the skin in circular motions and then following up with a shave brush to generate the lather. Others do this in the palm of their hand. You can also cut off a piece and lather it inside a separate container. Some shavers even take it completely out of the foil and pack it into their favorite bowl or mug for use at home.

The Arko soap stick is a perfect size for tossing into your Dopp kit when you hit the road and don't have room to pack your regular shaving kit. Many opt to use it at home as their go-to soap, too, owing to its low cost and great quality. Not only is the Arko stick a great travel soap, but it's also one of the best shaving soaps in its own right.

Pros: An excellent value, can be lathered in a variety of ways, soaps up well, and its handy stick shape is perfect for travel (and it's just as great when used at home)

Cons: It's unscented and the smell is nothing to write home about

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