In partnership with

TECH TODAY

Bumble: A match made in heaven. Founder to return and assume CEO role.

Perplexity: Acquires Read.cv social media platform for professionals.

Goldman Sachs: David Solomon cautions Startups to rethink going public.

 🚀 ADVERTISE WITH US (reply to this email to learn more)

Take on 2025 with $10,000

You’ve got big goals for 2025. And HoneyBook has the tools, resources, and bonus prizes to take you there. Join HoneyBook in January for a chance to win.

Start for free for a chance to win

TODAY’S HEADLINE NEWS 👀

The Supreme Court Has Decided On Tik Tok

TikTok must sell or shut down in the U.S. by January 19.

In a unanimous decision, justices sided with Congress, citing national security concerns over TikTok’s ties to China. They rejected arguments from users and the app’s parent company, ByteDance, that the ban violated free speech.

“For 170 million Americans, TikTok is a unique platform for expression,” the court noted. “But Congress deemed divestiture necessary to address well-supported concerns about data collection and foreign interference.”

The clock is ticking. TikTok plans to go dark in the U.S. to avoid legal fallout, while exploring last-minute options to save itself. With Biden officials signaling they won’t enforce the ban before leaving office, President elect Trump is under pressure to act quickly.

TikTok’s role as a cultural hub and news source for younger Americans complicates matters. Yet, the court’s decision leans on national security, not free speech, deferring to Congress’s authority to address potential foreign threats.

For TikTok, the fight is over. By Sunday, millions could lose their daily scroll.

The Search Is On For A Tik Tok Replacement

TikTok will go dark in the U.S. on Sunday unless a last minute deal saves it, leaving brands and creators scrambling. For companies like Life360, with 1.5 million TikTok followers built on memes and humor, the loss would be staggering. “There’s no substitute,” said Mike Zeman, Life360’s chief marketing officer. Brands would pivot to platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest, but no platform rivals TikTok’s scale and unique audience.

Candy brand Final Boss Sour owes 60% of its Q4 revenue to TikTok Shop, leveraging viral videos of puckered taste testers. Founder James Hicks is nervous but optimistic, planning to expand efforts in the U.K. Candle maker NaturalAnnie Essentials credits a viral TikTok post for its breakout, now urging followers to join email lists. Scrunchie brand Enchanted Scrunch, once 90% reliant on TikTok, has shifted focus to other channels but still sees value in the platform.

Buy now pay later provider Zip stopped TikTok spending this week, anticipating the ban. Duolingo, famous for its viral TikTok jokes, is ready to double down on Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts. “We’ll adapt, but TikTok is unique,” said Duolingo’s marketing chief Emmanuel Orssaud.

Creators face upheaval, too. Molly Rutter, a full time content creator, plans to pivot to YouTube but admits she’s devastated. For many, TikTok isn’t just an app, it’s a community. If it disappears, rebuilding will be an uphill climb.

What Exactly Did Trumps 1st Term Tax Cuts Do?

Seven years ago, Republicans promised their tax overhaul would ignite the economy, supercharge investment, boost wages, and fuel growth. Did it work, its hard to say.

The pandemic and inflation scrambled the data, leaving economists with just two pre-Covid years to study. That’s hardly enough to measure long term effects. “From 2020 onward, the data is useless,” said economist Alan Auerbach.

The law cut corporate taxes, expanded deductions, and lowered individual rates. Republicans call it a success. They credit it with economic growth in 2018 and 2019. Economists are skeptical. Individual tax cuts, they say, rarely drive growth. Corporate tax cuts helped investment, research shows, but not enough to meet lofty promises like $4,000 more per worker. Instead, benefits mostly went to the wealthy, and the cuts added to the deficit.

Bottom line is the tax cuts shifted wealth upward, and left Washington to debate their renewal. With no clear proof they delivered the economic boom Republicans claim are theses tax cuts more reward to HNW individuals and donors rather than economic necessity?

THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS NEWS

Costco Stands Firm on Diversity

Costco won’t budge, and given the consumer friction they solve they don’t need to. As other companies scale back diversity efforts, the warehouse giant defends its commitment to inclusion, tying it directly to business success.

Ahead of its annual meeting, Costco urged shareholders to reject a proposal claiming diversity initiatives could harm stock value. The board went further, arguing diversity boosts innovation and attracts talent, fueling the "treasure hunt" experience customers love.

CEO Ron Vachris doubled down after a customer complaint about hiring practices. “We’ve never used quotas,” he replied. “If these policies offend you, I won’t change them.”

While pressure mounts on companies like Walmart and Meta to abandon DEI policies, Costco’s loyalty-driven model gives it room to resist. Activists pushing boycotts admit Costco’s devoted customer base makes it a tough target. “You don’t mess with a beloved company,” one said.

Costco’s high wages and worker-focused policies back its stance, though diversity at the top remains limited. Over 70% of managers are men, and 81% are white. Critics argue the company isn’t immune to DEI risks, but Costco insists inclusion strengthens its business.

As corporate America retreats, Costco is betting that sticking to its principles pays off.

Holiday Shoppers Deliver And Retailers Win

Shoppers splurged this holiday season. They snapped up everything from Cartier jewels to Target toys, despite inflation and job market jitters.

Retail sales for November and December hit $994.1 billion, a 4% rise from 2023, outpacing forecasts. Online sales climbed 8.6%, showing steady growth after the pandemic era spending frenzy. “Not a blowout year, but a good one,” said Craig Johnson of Customer Growth Partners.

Target bounced back, reporting a 2% rise in same store and digital sales. At the luxury end, Richemont’s jewelry brands, including Cartier, saw a 10% surge, defying high end demand concerns.

Still, not all retailers thrived. Macy’s and Signet Jewelers struggled, with Signet citing a shift toward cheaper gifts. Meanwhile, Lululemon and Urban Outfitters raised their forecasts, benefiting from strong demand.

Election year uncertainty loomed, but consumers proved resilient. Some even rushed to buy big ticket items, spurred by tariff fears. Lower income shoppers tightened their belts, focusing on essentials, while selective spending defined the season.

Retail’s winners celebrated, but investors showed no mercy for slip ups. Abercrombie’s strong sales couldn’t offset profit margin woes, sending its stock tumbling. As 2024 kicks off, the holiday season highlights a mixed but resilient retail landscape.

TikTok’s Survival Could Hinge on Trump’s Inauguration

TikTok got a lifeline. CEO Shou Chew will attend Donald Trump’s inauguration, as the incoming president’s team scrambles to delay a looming U.S. ban.

Chew will join tech titans like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Sundar Pichai, Tim Cook, Sam Altman, and rival Mark Zuckerberg at Monday’s ceremony. Trump’s embrace of TikTok marks a stark shift from his first term, when he sought to ban it outright.

By law, TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, must divest by Sunday or face a U.S. ban. Trump takes office the next day. His advisers are exploring ways to push the deadline by 60 to 90 days, with National Security Council pick Mike Waltz vowing to keep TikTok alive.

“Trump is determined to save TikTok,” said transition spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt. Still, the Supreme Court may rule on the law, and the Biden administration claims there’s no authority to delay it.

TikTok plans to go dark Sunday night unless a last minute order halts the ban. Trump could revive the app with an executive order after taking office Monday.

China protests the ban, while the U.S. cites national security concerns. Some suggest allowing a trusted non Chinese party, like Elon Musk, to take control of TikTok’s U.S. operations.

Trump sees TikTok as a bridge to young voters. Chew, meanwhile, is set to attend key inaugural events, positioning TikTok closer to survival. The clock is ticking.

Inflation Is Back!

Prices climbed faster in December, signaling the Federal Reserve’s inflation battle may have hit a wall.

The Consumer Price Index rose 0.4% from November, up 2.9% from last year, the sharpest monthly jump since February. Eggs and groceries led the surge.

Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and fuel prices, showed slight improvement, rising 3.2% annually after holding steady at 3.3% for months. Forecasters didn’t expect that dip.

Inflation has cooled since peaking above 9% in mid 2022. But progress has stalled in recent months, frustrating Fed officials, and putting into question additional interest rate cuts early this year.

“Inflation isn’t really moving anymore,” said Wells Fargo economist Sarah House. “The pace of improvement has been disappointing.”

Despite inflation’s stubbornness, the job market remains strong. December’s surprise surge in hiring eased fears that rate hikes might trigger layoffs.

As a result, the Fed is expected to hold rates steady later this month after three consecutive cuts. Some experts now doubt rates will drop further this year.

Still, housing inflation, a major pressure point, is easing with shelter prices up just 4.6% annually, the smallest gain in nearly three years. Wholesale prices also slowed in December, offering hope.

Uncertainty looms, however. President elect Trump’s plans for tariffs, immigration restrictions, and tax cuts could ignite a new round of inflation stoking prices higher. Fed policymakers are watching closely but remain cautious.

With inflation stuck and the economy stable, the Fed is in wait and see mode. “They can afford to hold off until Trump’s policies take shape,” said BNP Paribas economist James Egelhof.

Banks Are Booming And Earnings Are Too

JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Goldman Sachs, and others posted massive profits, blowing past expectations. JPMorgan alone made $14 billion last quarter and $59 billion for the year. Wells Fargo pulled in $20 billion annually, while Goldman raked in $14 billion. Optimism reigns as bankers predict more deals, mergers, and lending under Trump’s pro business administration.

“This is an ‘animal spirits’ moment,” said JPMorgan CFO Jeremy Barnum, borrowing from Keynes.

Wall Street is riding high. Bank stocks outpaced the broader market’s 23% surge in 2024. Yet questions loom. Wells Fargo flagged high mortgage rates and inflation hurting lower income consumers. Citi warned of uncertainty around Trump’s tariffs and tax plans.

California’s wildfires add risk, with banks like JPMorgan assessing the impact on mortgages and insurance. But for now, the mood is clear, business is good, and bankers are betting it stays that way.

QXO Wants Beacon Roofing Supply

The new building products distributor revealed its $124.25 per share cash offer for Beacon Roofing Supply, claiming Beacon won’t engage. The bid, first made in November, values Beacon at nearly $7.7 billion. Beacon shares, trading at $108.85 before the news, jumped 10% Wednesday.

QXO says it has financing in place and is ready to nominate directors to Beacon’s board. But it warned, $124.25 is near the top of its range.

QXO, led by dealmaker Brad Jacobs, was born in 2023 after Jacobs and investors rebranded a small software firm. It hasn’t made its first move in building materials yet but sees Beacon as the target. With no other buyers in sight, QXO’s clock is ticking as shareholder nominations close Feb. 14.

Democrats Lock And Load On Pete Hegseth

Tipping Drops As Diners Push Back On Rising Costs

Americans are tipping less at restaurants than at any time in six years, squeezed by rising prices and relentless prompts for gratuities in unexpected places.

In full service restaurant environments, tips averaged 19.3% by late 2024, down from 19.9% in 2021, according to Toast, a restaurant payment platform. The decline mirrors diners’ frustrations as menu prices climb and mandatory service fees appear. Leaving many customers cutting back on dining out or ordering less when they do.

Andrea Hill of HMC Hospitality, which runs Chicago’s Hooters locations, says customers are skipping extra drinks, meaning servers are “making less per table.” Meanwhile, waitstaff like Jenni Emmons in upscale Chicago restaurants fear their incomes are under threat as tipping norms erode under pressure.

About 38% of diners tipped 20% or more in 2024, down from 56% in 2021, according to Popmenu, a restaurant tech company. High costs have diners rethinking generosity, with some balking at new fees.

In Washington, D.C., where voters scrapped the tipped wage system in 2022, 70% of restaurants raised prices. Fritz Brogan, who owns five D.C. eateries, says higher payroll costs forced him to bump prices and cut employee hours, leaving diners confused about service fees and tipping expectations. “No one wants to do math after dinner,” he said.

Worker advocacy groups like One Fair Wage are pushing to eliminate tipped wages entirely, arguing they exploit workers. They’ve made gains in D.C. and Chicago and aim to expand efforts in states like New York and Maryland. But restaurant industry leaders warn these shifts threaten traffic, operators, and workers too.

The fight over tipping, wages, and rising costs shows no sign of slowing, leaving diners and staff to navigate a landscape where generosity increasingly feels like a luxury. Though when a tip system is in place workers do not earn a working wage therefore tips are the bulk of income earned by wait and bar staff so remember to be generous in any case, and extra generous when the service is deemed above that which was expected.

Starbucks New Rules Bathrooms For Customers Only

Starbucks is rolling back its open door policy. Starting January 27, the coffee chain’s North American stores will require customers to make a purchase to use its cafes, patios, or restrooms.

The shift marks the end of a nearly seven year policy allowing anyone to linger. Sparked by a 2018 incident in Philadelphia that led to national backlash and racial sensitivity training. While some praised the policy, Starbucks employees often complained of messes, loitering, and disruptive behavior.

“There's a need to reset expectations,” said Starbucks North America President Sara Trilling. The new policy, outlined in employee notices, includes bans on harassment, smoking, and panhandling. Free water will also be limited to customers and their guests.

Baristas will now ask non compliant individuals to leave, with clearer protocols for involving law enforcement if necessary. CEO Brian Niccol, who took over last year, is revamping Starbucks' approach to improve safety and restore its cafes' inviting atmosphere.

The chain will reintroduce amenities like condiment bars, ceramic mugs, and free coffee refills for those who dine in. But after three quarters of declining sales and complaints of overcrowding and loitering, Starbucks is prioritizing paying customers.

“Our stores will be inviting places to linger,” Niccol wrote, “but for those who actually support our business.”

Sketchers The Underdog That Outsold Expectations

The NBA’s MVP and Europe’s top goal scorer don’t lace up Nike or Adidas. Instead, they wear Skechers just like Martha Stewart.

Known for slip on comfort, Skechers has quietly climbed to the third largest footwear brand globally. By 2026, it’s on track to hit $10 billion in revenue without chasing the cool factor. Its strategy is to fill gaps rivals overlook. While Nike courts superstars and Hoka targets runners, Skechers wins over retirees, budget conscious families, and now athletes like Harry Kane and Joel Embiid.

Skechers keeps it simple, a comfy affordable shoe priced around $50 for kids and $115 for pickleball players. It doesn’t dabble in hype driven limited releases, but dominates in overseas markets, even outselling Nike in India.

Founded by Robert Greenberg in 1992, Skechers took decades to rise. Greenberg’s past at L.A. Gear taught him patience and the perils of expanding too fast. Now, with steady growth and $8 billion in 2023 sales, Skechers has doubled its stock price in five years while Nike and Adidas faltered.

Skechers’ pivot into performance shoes and cleats, paired with Nike’s retreat from lower income markets, has opened new doors. Even a pending Nike lawsuit hasn’t slowed its momentum.

For Skechers, it’s not about being flashy, it’s about staying comfortable. As one fan put it, “Since I have these, I’m unstoppable.”

LOS ANGELES FIRES

Demand And Bidding Wars Fuel L. A.’s Rental Market

Wildfires have turned neighbors into rivals in Los Angeles. The race for rental housing is cutthroat.

The fires have killed 25 people, destroyed thousands of homes, and displaced tens of thousands more. Families are sleeping in hotels, shelters, or with relatives. These are temporary solutions.

Displaced residents now flood the housing market. They scour listings, rush open houses, and submit applications before others. The competition is fierce.

“You walk in, and everyone looks defeated,” says Kelsey Unger, whose home burned in the Eaton fire. She, her husband, and their toddler are hunting for a three bedroom home in the San Gabriel Valley. It feels impossible.

Demand has skyrocketed. A new development in Highland Park leased out in days, with rents as high as $7,500. Meanwhile, California’s price gouging laws limit rent increases to 10%, but bidding wars are rampant.

Some landlords are accused of raising rents unfairly. Authorities are watching. Listings flagged for violations have been pulled, but the problem persists.

Home insurers covering rental costs drive prices higher, pushing many families to the edge. Advocates fear evictions and call for rent freezes and eviction bans for fire victims.

The rental market in LA, already stretched thin, is buckling. The fires displaced thousands, and rebuilding could take years. The few available homes are snapped up as desperate families cling to hope.

“We’re trying to stay close to work, schools, and daycare,” says one displaced mother. “But it’s a fight.” In LA, the battle for housing is just beginning.

SPORTS

NFL 2025 Playoffs Bracket (Updated)

As we head into to the second round of the NFL playoffs may your bets beat the spread and your favorite team get the W.

January 13, 2025 Update: The Los Angeles Rams beat the Minnesota Vikings to advance to the second round of playoffs. The NFL postseason had some blowouts and one, maybe two, good games. Hopefully your team made out better than mine ⚡️ but there’s always next year! Here is the playoff bracket update, along with all the second round matchups. The postseason will conclude with Super Bowl LIX on February 9, 2025 🏈

💰️ Smart Money Matters 💰️ 

Culture Corner

Artificial Dye Red No. 3 Banned By FDA 

The FDA is banning Red No. 3, a synthetic dye linked to cancer in lab rats, from food and ingested drugs. Food manufacturers have until 2027 to remove it from products like Pop Tarts and candy corn.

Red 3, approved in 1969, is made from petroleum and gives foods a bright cherry red hue. It was banned from cosmetics in 1990 but remained legal in food, thanks partly to industry lobbying. Consumer advocates argued the dye violates a 1958 law prohibiting additives that cause cancer in animals or humans, even at tiny doses.

The ban comes amid growing scrutiny of food additives. California recently passed a similar law, and Europe has banned Red 3 in most products for years. Companies like Kellogg and Ferrara are already phasing it out.

Critics call the dye’s risks unacceptable for its purely cosmetic use. “It’s absurd Red 3 was banned in lipstick but still allowed in candy for kids,” said CSPI President Peter Lurie.

The move highlights a shift toward stricter food safety rules, with consumer groups pushing for bans on other chemicals like BPA and titanium dioxide.

Quiet Quitting Became A Prominent Term Heading Into 2025

In 2024, "quiet quitting" became a buzzword, capturing a shift in how employees view work. It means doing only what your job requires, no extra effort, no overtime. It’s a rejection of hustle culture, with workers prioritizing their health and personal lives over endless ambition.

The trend grew from the pandemic’s aftershocks. The Great Resignation saw millions leave jobs in search of balance and meaning. Burnout pushed others to rethink how much they were willing to give. Younger workers, especially, now seek purpose beyond paychecks.

Opinions differ. Some call it healthy, a stand against overwork and a move toward sanity. Others see it as laziness, a threat to productivity.

Quiet quitting isn’t simple. It reflects a deeper change in workplace expectations. Employers who adapt, offering support, fair pay, and respect, will be the ones to thrive.

With TikTok’s Fate Uncertain Users Look For Alternatives

The Supreme Court is weighing TikTok’s future in the U.S., and with 170 million users on edge, alternatives are gaining attention.

One contender is Lemon8, a ByteDance app blending Instagram and Pinterest. It launched in Japan in 2020 and has slowly expanded. ByteDance has pushed creators toward Lemon8 with promises of incentives. But if TikTok is banned, Lemon8 might face the same fate.

That leaves platforms like Instagram and YouTube. Instagram’s Reels mimics TikTok’s vertical videos, while YouTube offers Shorts for quick clips and its classic long form content. Both platforms are ready to absorb TikTok’s audience.

Creators like Yumna Jawad are already diversifying. “I’m on Flipboard, testing Lemon8, and Threads,” she said. “There’s always a new one, and I’m open to trying.”

As TikTok’s fate hangs in the balance, users may need to explore new digital homes. The question is, where will they land?

ECONOMY

Undocumented Workers Pour Billions Into Social Security They’ll Never Collect

Undocumented immigrants pumped $25.7 billion into Social Security in 2022, according to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. Since they can’t claim benefits without legal status, this money subsidizes payouts for American retirees.

But if mass deportations proceed, an idea floated by past administrations, Social Security could lose $20 billion annually, say program actuaries. With birthrates falling and baby boomers retiring, every dollar counts.

Immigrants, documented or not, are a lifeline for the aging workforce. They pay taxes, often under borrowed or fake Social Security numbers, but cannot access the benefits. Some see this as unfair, others as essential to keeping the system afloat.

Experts warn that stricter immigration policies could worsen Social Security’s funding shortfall, projected to cut benefits by 21% in 2033 if no action is taken. For every 100,000 additional net immigrants annually, the funding gap improves by 0.09% of payroll.

Undocumented workers still file taxes, often through IRS issued taxpayer IDs, hoping to prove good character in future immigration cases. Their contributions to federal, state, and local taxes totaled $96.7 billion last year, reinforcing their role as quiet backers of U.S. social programs.

“They want to integrate,” said Sarah Lora, a tax law professor, “and paying taxes is a key step.”

FINANCE

American Express Fined $230M For Misleading Small Businesses

American Express will pay $230 million in penalties for deceptive sales practices targeting small business customers. The fines include $108.7 million to the Justice Department and an expected settlement with the Federal Reserve.

The penalties stem from tactics like misrepresenting card rewards and fees, checking credit reports without consent, and falsifying employer ID numbers to boost card signups. Salespeople also marketed wire services as tax avoidance tools, the DOJ said.

The Wall Street Journal exposed these practices, which began during Amex's scramble to retain Costco’s small business customers after their partnership ended in 2016. Aggressive sales goals and hefty commissions fueled the misconduct, lasting until 2021.

Amex claims it has addressed the issues, disciplined staff, and revamped training. But the fallout from its high pressure sales tactics, originally aimed at offsetting the loss of Costco’s lucrative business cardholders, continues to cost the company.

POLITICS

100 Presidential Executive Orders Expected Monday Despite And Bypassing Congress

Donald Trump isn’t waiting. Days before his inauguration, he met with Senate Republicans and laid out a plan, overhaul immigration and shake up trade. His priorities were clear, America First, and fast.

Armed with experience and confidence, Trump promised swift action. He has drafted 100 executive orders, plans to press presidential authority, and aims to cement his legacy with tariffs and border restrictions.

Immigration and trade are his weapons of choice. Trump will target asylum programs, deportations, and border security with new urgency. He also plans sweeping tariffs, pitched as solutions for jobs, debt, and national security. Critics call his methods bold, allies call them necessary.

This time, Trump isn’t holding back. The tools of the presidency, and his mandate, are his to wield. How far he goes depends on how hard he pushes, and whether people surrounding him have the courage to push back.

THE GRIND FACTORY ⚙️

UNIQUELY INTERESTING

💡 Epiphany Moments

Starbucks began in 1971, as small shop in Seattle's Pike Place Market. Three friends, Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker sold high quality coffee beans, tea, and spices. It became a local favorite, known for its focus on quality.

In 1982, Howard Schultz joined the company. A trip to Italy inspired him when he saw coffeehouses as gathering places and imagined Starbucks becoming more than just a seller of beans. By 1987, with investors’ help, Schultz bought the company and set his vision in motion.

Starbucks grew quickly, transforming into a coffeehouse chain. Espresso drinks, lattes, and cappuccinos became staples. Stores opened across the U.S., then the world. Starbucks became a global phenomenon with thousands of locations.

Innovation followed soon thereafter. New drinks, food, and mobile ordering kept customers coming back. Starbucks also embraced social responsibility, ethical sourcing, sustainability, and community engagement became part of its brand.

Today, Starbucks is more than coffee. It’s a cultural icon, a meeting place, and a symbol of modern life. Built on quality, customer experience, and constant evolution, Starbucks became a brand the world recognizes and loves.

 🍎 One Smart Apple

Ready Pac Produce achieved true success in the mid 1990s by revolutionizing the fresh food industry with its single serve salad kit. Known as the Bistro Bowl®, this innovative product transformed the way consumers accessed fresh, healthy meals on the go. Combining convenience, freshness, and portability, it met the rising demand for healthier, ready to eat options and set Ready Pac apart as a pioneer in the pre packaged produce market.

The single serve salad kits quickly became a hit, appearing in grocery stores, convenience stores, and even airline meals. This success drove rapid expansion, with Ready Pac extending its product lines to include fruit and snack packs, becoming a household name for fresh, convenient food. Strategic partnerships with major retailers like Walmart and fast food chains further cemented its market dominance.

In 2017, Ready Pac’s success culminated in its acquisition by Bonduelle, a French agricultural powerhouse, for $409 million. This marked the company’s transition from a U.S. leader to a global player in fresh produce.

Ready Pac’s breakthrough wasn’t just a product it redefined a category, proving that fresh, healthy food could also be convenient and accessible. The single serve salad kit remains a cornerstone of its legacy, reshaping consumer habits and the fresh food industry. 🍏 

 HEALTH & LONGEVITY •ᴗ• This Week For A Long Life

Longevity Essentials Are Simply Making Good Choices

Longevity comes down to choices. Eat well. Stick to whole foods fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid processed junk. The Mediterranean diet, heavy on fish and olive oil, is linked to longer life.

Move often. Exercise regularly, 150 minutes of moderate activity a week will do. Add strength training twice a week. Enjoy what you do, and you’ll stick with it.

Sleep matters. Get 7-9 hours a night. Go to bed at the same time. Build a calming bedtime routine.

Stress kills. Manage it with meditation, deep breathing, or time in nature. Keep strong social connections they’re vital.

Don’t smoke. If you drink, do it sparingly.

Visit your doctor. Regular checkups, screenings, and vaccines can catch problems early.

Keep your mind sharp. Learn new things. Stay curious. Stay connected. Life is long if you live it right.

 🚀 ADVERTISE WITH US (reply to this email to learn more)

We value your voice and encourage you to connect with us. Follow us on social media to stay updated, or reply directly to this email. We read every message. Your feedback keeps us going, so please let us know how we’re doing.

The Grind may earn an affiliate fee if you purchase books, products, or services through our links.