In your 20s, you probably checked off a lot of firsts: first job, first car, first apartment, perhaps.

Hitting the big 3-0 is often a turning point — life gets more complex, and your finances do too. Seemingly overnight, the novelty of money in your 20s is replaced with the reality of planning for your financial future.

Throughout your 30s, you're building momentum toward your peak earning years, which means bigger paychecks and growing account balances. That extra money will come in handy, since big-ticket purchases become increasingly common in your 30s. The stakes are higher for balancing it all, but there's no need to stress if you miss the mark occasionally. Almost no financial mistake is fatal.

Everyone's situation and needs are different, but read on to find out the smartest thing to do with your money in four common situations you might face in your 30s.

SEE ALSO: First job, first car, first apartment: The smartest things to do with your money in your 20s

If you're buying a house, figure out your budget first — and stick to it

Few purchases are as exciting — and anxiety-inducing — as buying a home, especially if it's your first. And for most of us, it's an inevitable purchase. Approximately two-thirds of Americans are homeowners, rather than renters.

Before you start thinking about kitchen appliances and how many bedrooms you need, it's important to determine how much mortgage you can reasonably afford. That doesn't mean talking to a real estate agent or mortgage broker, since their compensation is typically tied to the price of the home. Even well-intentioned friends and family may push you to spend outside of your comfort zone. The best approach is to do some simple calculations based on your own financial situation. 

The standard measure of housing affordability is 30% or less of your pre-tax income, but it's not a hard and fast rule. If you limit your monthly mortgage payment to even less, say 30% of post-tax income, then you'll have more money to put toward other financial goals and fun purchases, like travel and dining out. If you have student loans or other debt, you may want to limit your mortgage payment even further if you can, such as 20% of post-tax income. 

The typical homeowner earns $70,800 a year, according to the 2017 State of the Nation's Housing report published by the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. At that income, spending up to $1,770 a month on housing-related costs would be considered affordable, using the standard 30% measure. That could mean getting approved for a mortgage of $350,000 (or more), which might sound great, but keep in mind you'll also have taxes, insurance, utility costs, and ongoing repairs and maintenance, in addition to all of your other monthly expenses. Even an amount that seems reasonable at first, could leave you living paycheck-to-paycheck. 

So, before you start shopping, figure out how much you're willing and able to spend on housing, and stick to it. There will always be a bigger, better, more expensive house, but that doesn't mean it's worth the added costs. 

If you're considering going back to school, figure out how the degree will affect your finances

Some experts argue that your career is your single greatest asset, even more so than your home or investment portfolio. 

Graduate school can increase your earning potential, but it can also be expensive, and not all degrees have the same long-term payoff. Before you go back to school, carefully consider the following questions:

1. How much will you earn after you graduate? (And how is it different from what you earn now?)

2. How much will it cost you to go to school? Will you need to take out loans to cover the expense? 

3. How much income will you lose while you're in school?

The amount you pay to earn the degree, as well as the amount you recoup in future earnings, are the two most important financial considerations when weighing the decision to go back to school.

For the 2013-2014 school year, the median graduate school debt was $45,890, according to The College Board, nearly twice the median undergraduate debt for the same time frame. In most cases, earning a four-year degree is a worthwhile investment, even if you have to take out student loans to do so. But going to graduate school is a bit trickier.  

The average amount of student debt used to finance a masters degree in education is $50,879, according to Student Loan Hero. For an MBA, it's comparatively cheaper at $42,000 on average. But, even though the education degree costs more, it won't pay off in higher earning potential. The average starting salary for a teacher with a master's degree is $46,000, while the average starting salary for a recent MBA grad is $58,000, according to data from PayScale and recently reported by Business Insider. That income discrepancy only grows over time. 

Pursuing graduate studies may not be all about the money, but the financial side shouldn't be an afterthought. Even if you've already been accepted, carefully weigh the cost benefit analysis of the degree before making the decision to go.

If you're planning to have children, be prepared for the unexpected

The cost of raising a child in the US is $233,610, but you don't have to save that up before you start a family. In fact, some expenses associated with having a child will coincide with reduced expenses elsewhere — diapers and baby food replace dining out and travel. 

Still, having kids changes your financial plan. The first thing new parents often think about is saving for college, but childcare may be a bigger — and more immediate — priority. The average annual cost of full-time, in-center care for a child under age four is $9,589, compared to $9,410 for a year of in-state college tuition, as Business Insider recently reported.  

Practical conversations about paychecks, benefits, and childcare are essential, and the earlier the better. The cost of healthcare for a family is much higher than for a single person, and the percent you spend on premiums and out-of-pocket costs will vary based on where you get your insurance. Becoming a parent also means you'll need life insurance, disability insurance, and a will to protect your growing family.

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase

I recently moved to an apartment that didn't have AC in the thick, soupy New York City humidity. This meant that I woke up often throughout the night, stuck to my sheets. 

Like anybody who didn't want to be steamed, I opened my window to its screen to allow a breeze in. Each night, I woke up with what looked like a raised roadmap of exactly which rest stops the 100,000 mosquitoes had stopped at to eat.

Even now that I have AC, the excessively high energy prices have me looking for alternative ways to keep my small apartment cool and not feeling like a swampland during these summer months.

After huffing up city blocks, accruing more grime as the day goes by, I want my apartment — and my room, most specifically — to be its own haven. I want clean and cool. I also would like to save money over time, which lead me to research products.

The good thing is that even though summer is only three or four months long depending on where you live, it is an annual thing, so whatever you buy to help you right now will likely see many, many uses. For me, that helps justify spending a bit more on comfort. Unless you're moving to Antarctica in the fall, that perspective might be shortsighted. The sooner you get good summer essentials, the more years you get returns on that investment and live comfortably. 

Below are 11 life hacks for keeping your apartment cool this summer, and for hopefully many after. 

SEE ALSO: 13 energy-efficient home upgrades that pay for themselves over time

Airy, breathable linen sheets

Brooklinen is an Insider Picks favorite, and their new linen bedding is perfect for the summer. Especially if you're sharing your bed with a partner and thus battling two sources of body heat, your bed is an important place to start if you want to keep cool. Try out these soft, airy linens to help dissipate the heat.

Linen Hardcore Sheet Bundle, $375 

Linen Core Sheet Set, $195

Linen Duvet Cover Set, $265

Linen Pillowcases, $60

Cooler LED light bulbs

Incandescent bulbs waste about 90% of their energy just in the heat that they emit. By switching to an LED bulb, you'll not only be doing the environment and your energy bill a favor, but you'll also save yourself some added (and totally unnecessary) heat.

These ones are specifically designed to give off less heat, but these GE 13-Watt bulbs are also a great option.

Dusk to Dawn LED Sensor Light Bulb, $12.99

Buckwheat pillows that allow air to circulate

Buckwheat pillows, though they might seem odd at first, are actually pretty popular — and for good reason. The buckwheat hulls allow air to circulate better throughout, instead of getting stuck in foam, and they also conform perfectly to your head, neck, and spine.

Beans72 Organic Buckwheat Pillow, $39.99

The INSIDER Summary: 

• Dairy Queen's frozen treats are classic dessert nostalgia. 
• The best desserts include the classic Blizzard, soft serve in a cone, and the Dilly Bar.
• The Arctic Rush slushy came in last place.

The words "I love Dairy Queen" are an understatement. I grew up with Dairy Queen running through my veins, and it didn't help that there was a Dairy Queen just a short walk away from my house. In my mind, every event called for a celebratory trip to Dairy Queen. Soccer game? Dairy Queen. Violin recital? Dairy Queen. Family visiting? Dairy Queen. There may be dessert shops with fancier, and perhaps better tasting frozen treats, but there's nothing that quite beats the classic DQ taste with a hint of nostalgia. 

I was born to go to Dairy Queen (OK, maybe that's a bit dramatic). And after years and years of in-depth research, I believe that I have created the ultimate Dairy Queen frozen treat ranking from worst to best. So, feast your eyes on this list and get ready to indulge. 

14. Arctic Rush

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OK, the Arctic Rush is just an over-glorified slushy that you could probably get for cheaper at a 7-Eleven or make yourself. That being said, I actually do like the Blue Raspberry flavor, but these slushies are not the reason why I go to Dairy Queen.

13. Banana split

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I may be biased because banana splits are not my favorite to begin with, but this Dairy Queen treat just does not do it for me. The whipped cream and sugary syrups overpower the natural goodness of the banana. 

12. Fruit smoothies

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In my mind, Dairy Queen is an ice cream shop, not a smoothie shop, so their smoothies are not my go-to. These smoothies are a bit too sweet for me, and I'd prefer just getting the ice cream. We're all here for the ice cream anyways. 

The US European Command has released dramatic photos of a Russian jet coming within a few feet of a US Air Force reconnaissance jet over the Baltic Sea in a maneuver that has been criticized as unsafe.

The photographs released Friday show the Russian SU-27 coming so close to the wing of the US RC-135U that the Russian pilot can be seen in the cockpit in some images.

Intercepts are common and are usually considered routine, but EUCOM said in this case on June 19 “due to the high rate of closure speed and poor control of the aircraft during the intercept, this interaction was determined to be unsafe.”

Two days later, Sweden summoned Russia’s ambassador after another SU-27 jet flew close to a Swedish Gulfstream reconnaissance plane over the Baltic.

Check out the pictures below: 

On Monday, a Russian Su-27 fighter jet intercepted a US RC-135U reconnaissance plane over the Baltic Sea.

The Russian Su-27 intercepted the US plane in an 'unsafe' manner, according to the US Air Force, coming within 5 feet of the RC-135U.

“Due to the high rate of closure speed and poor control of the aircraft during the intercept, this interaction was determined to be unsafe,” the US Air Force said.

This week, Drake unveiled a laid-back summer track at a fashion show, and DJ Khaled released a Calvin Harris-produced jam featuring Travis Scott and Jeremih. 

Music is easier than ever to get and harder than ever to sort online, so we've picked the best songs out this week that you can stream right here:

SEE ALSO: How DJ Khaled revived his career and became a pop superstar with his marketing genius

Drake — "Signs"

Drake premiered his latest song "Signs" at Louis Vitton's runway show at Paris Fashion Week on Wednesday. The low-key dancehall track (produced by frequent Drake collaborator Noah "40" Shebib) sounds like an alternate take on Drake's multi-platinum hit "One Dance." 

Listen to the song at the 4:30 mark in the video below: 

Parcels — "Overnight" (feat. Daft Punk)

Daft Punk lends a funk guitar riff that's highly reminiscent of their 2013 hit "Get Lucky" to up-and-coming Australian band Parcels' latest single.

Vince Staples — "Yeah Right" (feat. Kendrick Lamar)

English producer Sophie and Australian electronic sensation Flume lace California rappers Vince Staples and Kendrick Lamar with a thundering, bass-heavy industrial beat on "Yeah Right" from Staples' excellent new LP, "Big Fish Theory."

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

The Fourth of July is finally upon us! To celebrate, Backcountry is having a sale, featuring many familiar outdoor brands, including Patagonia, The North Face, and Marmot.

Backcountry is offering up to 50% off hiking boots, camping equipment, and much more. We scrolled through pages and pages of discounted goods and narrowed down the selection to our 15 favorite deals to scoop up before they're gone for good. 

Patagonia Men's Fjord Flannel Shirt, $53.40 - $62.30 (originally $89)[30 - 40% off]

Danner Women's Portland Select Mountain Light Boots, $251.96 -$265.96 (originally $359.95 - $379.95)[30% off]

SmartWool Men's Kiva Ridge 1/2-Zip Sweater, $60 - $71.97 (originally $120)[40% - 50% off]

When it debuted in 2002, the Roomba captured the public's attention. No one had ever seen such a clever vacuum cleaner, let alone one that was hands-free.

Fifteen years later, Roomba creator Joe Jones may have come up with the next ground-dwelling superstar, only this time the machine works outside.

Here's what Tertill is all about.

SEE ALSO: 21 objects that are perfectly designed and can't be improved any further

This is Tertill, a Roomba for your garden.

Tertill contains sensors that locate and target weeds.

When it encounters a weed, the device will roll over the unwanted plant and cut it from the ground.

The SUV market has been booming for the past few years, and that means the luxury SUV market has also been on the rise.

Business has gotten so good that brands that never did SUVs in the past — Jaguar, Lamborghini, Bentley, Maserati — are getting into the game.

Consumers have more luxury SUV choices than ever, so choosing the right vehicle can be difficult. Over the past year, we've sample three good choices: The Lexus RX 350, the Volvo XC90, and the Audi Q7. 

They're all excellent. So how to chose among them?

Read on:

SEE ALSO: The Ford Focus RS is almost too much fun to drive

THE LEXUS RX 350: This midsize crossover SUV has been in the Lexus lineup since 1998 and is perhaps the luxury brand's most important vehicle in the US market, where SUVs rule the road these days. Pricing starts at about $43,000.

The RX 350 is a core product for Lexus — the Lexus that Lexus can't afford to screw up. The vehicle was redesigned for the 2016 model year, and our conclusion after we reviewed it was that Lexus did a fine job.

The RX 350 remains the default luxury family hauler in the segment. Basically, everything about it is good. Well, almost everything. But we'll get to that in a second.

Our test car had a 3.5-liter V6 that served up 295 horsepower, with an all-wheel-drive system could handle nasty weather. This is a perfectly capable powerplant that won't leave anyone wanting. 

The luxury level is sort of high-medium. The materials are excellent, the fit and finish is wonderful, and the overall comfort level of superb. Nothing on the RX 350 blows you away, but there's also very little to complain about. There's a reason this thing has been going strong since the late 1990s. 

The new styling is mildly controversial, but over a week, we got used to it.

Infotainment is a weak spot for the RX 350. Lexus is lagging the competition here, but not by all that much.

Here's what we said in our review:

The infotainment system runs off a substantial center screen that's controlled with a puck-like thingy that resides between the seats. The screen doesn't retract, and while it satisfies all the necessary functions — audio, navigation, Bluetooth connections, and so on — it simply doesn't feel as up-to-date as what you can get in a Cadillac, Audi, or BMW.

We've made this complaint about all the Lexus vehicles we've tested. This is in no way a dealbreaker because the system works fine, once you get the hang of it. But infotainment is the main place where owners interact with vehicle technology, and as Apple CarPlay and greater levels of connectivity come online in autos, some new standards are being established.

Overall, we try to put ourselves in the mind of an owner when we review a vehicle, and we think that RX 350 will ultimately be irritated by some of the SUV's infotainment quirks.

VERDICT: You really can't go wrong with the RX 350. This is the one that doesn't require a lot of thought.

Lexus has been selling this car since the late 1990s, and it should keep selling it until humanity decides that luxury SUVs are going the way of the Conestoga wagon.

"The 2016 RX 350 was one of those cars that tested out exactly as expected," we wrote. "OK, the design is going to be a bit much for the 'burbs. But otherwise the crossover that started it all is holding up its responsibilities admirably."

For the price, it's an easy choice. But maybe you don't want an easy choice. So read on.

Since it was invented over 200 years ago, the wristwatch has been an integral component of fashion.

In addition to their practical functionality of telling time, a watch serves as a collectible piece of art that communicates the personality and style of its wearer.

With the help of Crown & Caliber, an Atlanta-based pre-owned luxury-watch marketplace, we've put together a list and commentary about the wristwatches worn by nine of the most powerful CEOs in the tech industry.

SEE ALSO: These are the watches worn by some of the most powerful men in finance

SEE ALSO: The incredible life and career of Warren Buffett, the billionaire every investor looks to for inspiration

Melissa Mayer, former CEO of Yahoo

The Wisconsin native was appointed the head of Yahoo in 2012 following a 13-year career at Google. Verizon officially closed its $4.48 billion purchase of Yahoo, the company announced Tuesday. Mayer will step down with a $23 million package.

Omega Deville Symbol Quartz — $4,900

Mayer's watch, an Omega Deville Symbol Quartz, retails for $4,900 but can be purchased pre-owned on Portero, a watch marketplace, for $985.

Tim Cook, CEO of Apple

Apple's market cap surpassed $800 billion in May. As such, the iPhone-maker is one of the world's most valuable companies. And the man at the helm of it all is Tim Cook. He assumed the position as CEO in 2011.

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

Wine is great. We drink it to celebrate, to pair with a fine meal, or simply to unwind while watching Netflix. There are few things as satisfying as popping a cork and pouring a glass, knowing the hard part of the day is done.

Wine is also unique among alcohols in that there are tons of accessories that are also part of wine culture.

There are decanters, openers, stoppers, and tons of glasses to choose from while filling out the wine section of your kitchen.

We spoke with Birk O'Halloran, lead curator for the subscription service Wine Awesomeness. The company focuses on making wine accessible to everyone and eliminating some of the high-mindedness and intimidation that is sometimes associated with it.

Thus, we thought O'Halloran would be the perfect person to guide us through some of the essential wine accessories that you need in your kitchen. You can check out his picks below.

A quality set of wine glasses

Hopefully most of us are past the days of drinking red wine from a coffee mug or red Solo cap, and even if you’re not, this is a great place to start. Everyone needs a set of wine glasses, and this set is simple, reliable, and available at a great price.

Riedel Vivant Red Wine Glasses Set of 4, $39.99, available at Target

A corkscrew

This tool is familiar to everyone who has ever bartended or waited tables at a restaurant with wine service, and probably most everyone else as well. It is the gold standard of bottle openers. Back in my days as a waiter, I used this corkscrew on bottles ranging from $40 (incredibly easy) to $800 (absolutely terrifying). It’s a great tool that belongs in every kitchen.

Pulltap's Corkscrew, $9.40 available at Amazon

A decanter

Decanters help aerate your wine, letting it "breath," as they say. They also end up being some of the most beautiful pieces of glassware in your kitchen, with tons of different gorgeous designs available. This particular decanter is one such piece, with a shape that easily fits the entirety of a standard bottle and a wide base that provides maximum aeration.

Le Chateau Wine Decanter, $39.95, available at Amazon

Celebrities have a new favorite workout that's a throwback 1980s.

The VersaClimber is a cardio machine that mimics the sensation of climbing a mountain. 

It's been around since 1981 when it was first created in a mechanical engineer's garage in California. 

"The big heyday for VersaClimber was the late '80s. It was running on all cylinders. It was very, very busy," Brett Collins, the sales manager of Versaclimber, told ESPN.

Now, it's experiencing a comeback and everyone from Lady Gaga to Hilary Duff swear by the machine.

Find out what all the fuss is about below:

When you're on a VersaClimber, you stand upright and hold onto the handles, while pushing the pedals with your feet. The machine only moves as fast as you do, so you set your own pace.

The idea is to do a mix of short and long strokes and adjust the range and speed of each stride. While one leg steps, the arm reaches out — it is a push and pull move.

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You can even target different parts of the body by isolating the workout to just your arms or legs.

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You may have noticed something about television recently: It's really good!

We're currently in the middle of what a lot of critics call the "Golden Age" of television. The ubiquity of screens and rise of platforms like Netflix have led to more television content than ever, and more competition for them to have the best shows.

The best shows are the ones that take advantage of the length that movies don't have and use the imagery that novels can't conjure. They can captivate big audiences and change their lives forever.

Since we're living in the "Golden Age," a lot of the best shows are recent, and many are still ongoing. Here's INSIDER's list of 23 television shows you should see in your lifetime.

"The Sopranos" (1999-2007)

David Chase's mob epic is the daddy of all "Golden Age" television. It's the sprawling story of Tony Soprano — a towering James Gandolfini — trying to stay sane while straddling his personal life as a suburban dad and his other life as a ruthless mob boss.

It's one of the first shows to introduce novel-like storytelling powers and character-building in a serialized television show, and still stands as one of the best.

"Game of Throne" (2011-present)

I'm not sure who's going to end up being the ruler of Westeros, but "Game of Thrones" is definitely the king of TV. Its backstabbing characters, knotty plot lines, and astounding visual effects (dragons!) makes it one of the most obsessed-over shows on TV — right now, and ever.

"The Wire" (2002-2008)

Former Baltimore police reporter David Simon wrote "The Wire," which looked at drug dealers and their relationships with the city's police force through their own eyes. His knowledge of the subject made the show feel gritty without being exploitative, and moving and empathetic instead of merely polemical.

If you follow the Kardashians as closely as I do, you know a few things: They love big salads, they live for #sponsored Instagram posts, and their children are adorable and will rule us all one day. 

But you'd be forgiven for not knowing what the heck is going on with Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick's relationship. It has taken so many forms and they've been on and off more times than I can even count.

Luckily, I did count! So come with me through the tale of Kourtney and Scott's ever-changing relationship, as documented on social media and E!'s "Keeping Up with the Kardashians."

2006: Kourtney and Scott met for the first time.

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 Kourtney and Scott met at "Girls Gone Wild" creator Joe Francis's home in 2006, according to People magazine. She posted a throwback picture to that night on Instagram in 2015.

Scott said on an episode of "Kourtney & Khloe Take the Hamptons"that he was into Kourtney when they met. She later said that she didn't like him at first because he was "annoying," four years younger, and "didn't have a job." Get ready to sense a pattern. 

2007: They began dating.

When "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" first began, Scott was prominently featured as Kourtney's boyfriend. The two seemed happy for the most part and couldn't keep their hands off of each other.

This makes sense, since they were in the phase of their relationship called "Limerence," a term coined by Dorothy Tennov in her book "Love and Limerence: The Experience of Being in Love." This phase can last anywhere from 18 months to two years and is often categorized by high sex drive and infatuation.  

2008: We saw the first signs of trouble.

But their honeymoon period didn't last long. Not even a year into their relationship, Scott was accused of cheating during an episode of the show when the Kardashian sisters found texts on his phone that read, in part: "I loved looking into your eyes last night. I wish I could come to LA for a week and not tell Kourt."

She accused him of cheating on her with an ex and the two broke up that year. Kourtney then headed down to Miami for "Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami" as a single woman. 

2007 was a major milestone for Amazon. It was the year the Seattle-based company brought out the first Kindle e-reader.

Before then, Amazon was little more than an ambitious and fast-growing online shop. A decade later, and it's a global juggernaut — dominating everything from ecommerce to cloud web hosting.

It is still less associated with hardware and gadgets than the likes of Apple, but since 2007, Amazon's tech product line has radically expanded — with AI smart-speakers, tablets, and even an ill-fated smartphone.

It is even now building its own drones, with the aim of revolutionising deliveries — but don't expect them to take to the skies for a few years yet.

Even now, though, its product line is extensive. Business Insider has rounded up every gadget the "Everything Store" has launched this year, or is rumoured to be going to launch.

The Echo Show

In 2015, Amazon unveiled the Echo. It's a home speaker with a twist: An AI assistant inside called Alexa that is controlled by the user's voice and can do everything from read the news to check the weather, adjust the lighting, and — of course — play music. 

In 2016, it followed it up with the Echo Dot, a compact version. Then in May 2017 came the announcement of the Echo Show:  An Echo with a 7-inch screen attached that can be used to make video calls and play videos.

It officially launches in the US on June 28 for $229.99.

The Echo Look

The Echo Look, announced in April 2017, does what the name suggests — it looks at you. More specifically, it's an Echo with a built-in camera that can take selfies and analyse your outfits and fashion sense.

However, it's currently only available by "invite-only."

The Dash Wand with Alexa

The latest part of the Alexa family, this one takes an existing product — the Dash Wand — and sticks Amazon's AI assistant in it. And what's the Dash Wand? Basically, its a fancy barcode scanner you can use to order new products. If you're running low on mayo, for example, you just scan the jar in your fridge to add another one to your online basket.

With the addition of Alexa, in June 2017, it becomes the cheapest gadget yet (at $20) to come with Alexa — giving Amazon an edge on competitors like Apple and Google, who are now also bringing out AI smart-home devices.

The price of college in the US continues to tick up at a worrisome pace.

In 18 years, the cost to attend a public college is estimated to be about $54,000 a year — over $200,000 for a 4-year degree, according to a recent analysis by investment management company Vanguard. At private colleges, that figure is about $120,000 a year — nearly half a million dollars in total.

Given that enormous expense, it's no wonder many parents worry about how — and when — to start saving for college.

Some families look to 529 plans, an account that allows college savings to grow tax-free, similarly to saving for retirement in an IRA. Some states offer a full or partial tax deduction on 529 contributions as well. When the funds are used to pay for college and other qualified education expenses, withdrawals from a 529 plan are not taxed.

But the offerings in 529 plans vary from state to state, meaning families need to do their due diligence before signing up. Savingforcollege.com (SFC) takes some of the guesswork out of deciding on a plan. The site provides "5-Cap Ratings"— rating each plan from 0 to 5 — in areas such as investment performance, costs (fees and other expenses), and reliability (flexibility to make changes and the quality of financial disclosures from the program).

Still, there are additional things to keep in mind when choosing a 529 plan. If you select an out-of-state plan but live in a state with income tax, you may miss out on a valuable tax deduction. And each plan has a different fee schedule, which should be taken into consideration before making a choice.

Below, take a look at the top 10 college savings plans in America. All scores are out of a possible five points.

SEE ALSO: 9 Things You Probably Don't Know About College Savings Plans

DON'T MISS: From house to kids: The smartest things to do with your money in your 30s

10. Alaska T. Rowe Price College Savings Plan

"Accepts contributions until all account balances in Alaska's 529 plans for the same beneficiary reach $400,000,"according to SFC.

• Performance score: 4.05

• Costs score: 3.68

• Reliability score: 4.80

Sign up for the plan here »

9. Louisiana START Saving Program

"Accepts contributions until all account balances in Louisiana's 529 plan for the same beneficiary reach $500,000,"according to SFC.

• Performance score: 3.80

• Costs score: 5.06

• Reliability score: 2.30

Sign up for the plan here »

8. Nevada USAA 529 College Savings Plan

"Accepts contributions until all account balances in Nevada's 529 plans for the same beneficiary reach $370,000,"according to SFC.

• Performance score: 3.21

• Costs score: 3.76

• Reliability score: 4.93

Sign up for the plan here »

The best kind of summer reading is a book that's both informative and entertaining — a book that makes you feel smarter without boring you to tears.

They're not always easy to find, but lucky you — we've found 15 of them. Below, you'll see our favorites from psychologists, data scientists, CEOs, and other business experts.

Don't be surprised if you devour more than one in a single vacation week, and return to the office brimming with new ideas.

SEE ALSO: 7 books you can finish in a long weekend that will make you a more well-rounded person

'Black Edge' by Sheelah Kolhatkar

In 2014, the eighth employee of legendary investor Steve Cohen's hedge fund SAC Capital Advisors was convicted of insider trading. Cohen himself was not found guilty but was barred from managing outside capital until 2018.

"Black Edge" is the story of the Justice Department's investigation into SAC Capital, and New Yorker staff writer Sheelah Kolhatkar has made it as gripping as a thriller.

If you're a fan of "Billions," it's worth checking out this authoritative take on the true story that's often just as dramatic as fiction.

Find it here »

'Everybody Lies' by Seth Stephens-Davidowitz

Stephens-Davidowitz is a Harvard-trained economist and former Google data scientist. In his book, he explores the myriad uses of Big Data and how the very definition of "data" is constantly expanding.

You don't have to be a numbers nerd to have your mind blown by some of the findings in the book. Those findings include: It doesn't really matter where you go to college. You can predict the unemployment rate with the number of Internet searches for pornography. And Netflix's algorithm probably knows you better than you know yourself.

It's an easy read that also leaves you full of fascinating tidbits to share at your next networking event — and will change the way you view the world around you.

Find it here »

'Barking Up the Wrong Tree' by Eric Barker

For years now, Barker has been running a super popular blog by the same name as the book, where he shares insights from social psychology that help readers tackle everyday challenges.

In the book, Barker uses compelling anecdotes and scientific research to debunk common myths around the science of success — as in, your high-school valedictorian might not have a better shot at wealth and fame then you do! What's more, he gives readers tools for figuring out what success really means to them.

Barker writes in a conversational-bordering-on-jokey tone, so it's really easy to follow. But he also takes the science of success seriously, so you won't go more than a few pages without having learned something useful.

Find it here »

The GOP healthcare bill faces an uncertain future in the Senate after its introduction this week.

Even though Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell wants to vote on the Better Care Reconciliation Act (BCRA) by the end of next week, many Republican senators have not embraced the bill with open arms.

Some more conservative senators want the bill to go further in its repeal of the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, and four members released a statement on Thursday saying they would vote against the bill along those lines.

Some moderates, on the other hand, think the bill goes too far and want to keep some of the more popular parts of the ACA intact.

Here are the nine GOP senators likely to shape the fight over the BCRA — and what they might want in terms of changes.

Rand Paul of Kentucky

What he's said: Paul was among the four senators that came out publicly against the BCRA on Thursday, arguing that it did not deliver on its promise to repeal Obamacare. "The current bill does not repeal Obamacare," Paul said in a statement. "It does not keep our promises to the American people. I will oppose it coming to the floor in its current form, but I remain open to negotiations."

What he wants: Paul wants to roll back much of the regulations set up by the ACA and eliminate much of the funding to provide insurance subsidies. He said during the legislation's drafting of the bill that he doesn't want to create "a new entitlement" by solidifying the tax credits into law under the plan. Basically he wants less of everything: funding, regulation, and taxes.

Susan Collins of Maine

What she's said: After the release of the bill, Collins' office released a statement suggesting that the senator's decision was still up in the air. "Senator Collins will carefully review the text of the Senate health care bill this week and into the weekend," said the statement. "She has a number of concerns and will be particularly interested in examining the forthcoming CBO analysis on the impact on insurance coverage, the effect on insurance premiums, and the changes in the Medicaid program."

What he wants: While Collins' state has not expanded Medicaid, the slower growth caps for the program could be enough to push her away from the bill. Additionally, Collins opposes defunding Planned Parenthood, which the Senate bill would do for one year. Collins' term is up in 2020.

Ted Cruz of Texas

What he's said: Cruz was also one of the four conservatives to come out against the Senate bill. "I want to get to yes, but this first draft doesn't get the job done," Cruz said in his own statement. "Over the next week and beyond, I will continue working to bring Republicans together to honor our promise, repeal Obamacare, and adopt common-sense, consensus reforms that can actually be passed into law."

What he wants: Cruz had a litany of demands in his statement, including some provisions that would not be admissible in the bill under the budget reconciliation process Republicans are using to try to pass it. What can be included is a full repeal of so-called essential health benefits, which Cruz called for, along with a desire to do more to lower premiums. Cruz is up for reelection in 2018.

Graduation season has finally come to a close — but that doesn't mean you can't continue to live by the advice espoused in the stellar speeches given this year.

The 2017 commencement speakers addressed politics, surviving life's hardships, teamwork, and innovation.

In an Instagram campaign called #BIBrightFuture, Business Insider curated the most inspiring quotes from speeches which were delivered by presidential candidates, CEOs, actors, and returning alumni.

Here are some of our favorites:

SEE ALSO: The 3 books Stanford is asking incoming freshmen to read over the summer

Howard Schultz at Arizona State University

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Howard Schultz, former Starbucks CEO, expressed his confidence in younger generations while stating "my generation has not made it easy for you."

He encouraged the graduates of Arizona State University's class of 2017 to have more innovative and inclusive dreams that will "enhance the promise of America."

Sheryl Sandberg at Virginia Tech

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Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg took the opportunity at Virginia Tech's graduation to discuss a topic familiar to both the Virginia Tech community and Sandberg: resilience.

She spoke about the importance of relationships and the power they provide during difficult times. Sandberg recounted her feelings after her husband's tragic death in 2015 and the people who helped her just by being there. 

"You don't have to do something huge," she said. "You don't have to wait until someone tells you exactly what they need.  And you don't have to be someone's best friend from the first grade to show up."

She invited the graduates to continue to lift each other up even beyond graduation. "Strength like that makes those who see it stronger," she said. "Hope like that makes all of us more hopeful."

Will Ferrell at the University of Southern California

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Will Ferrell delivered the commencement address to the University of Southern California's graduating class of 2017.

As a USC alumnus, he told the audience that he once began his career as an intern with NBC Sports, only to realize that comedy was his true path.

He told graduates that everybody experiences self-doubt. "You're never not afraid," he said. "I'm still afraid."

And in true Will Ferrell fashion, he ended his speech with an epic rendition of Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You."

American cities and towns — big and small — are celebrating Pride month, which is meant to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Riots.

Since then, LGBT rights have come a long way. The Supreme Court passed marriage equality. "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," was repealed. Oregon elected the nation's first openly bisexual governor. Cultural icons like Ellen DeGeneres, Caitlyn Jenner, and RuPaul Charles have started national conversations about what it means to be queer.

At the same time, many in the LGBT community worry that their rights could erode under the current White House. In late February, the Trump administration announced that it will rescind federal protections over transgender students. And in May, Trump signed an executive order that provides protections for organizations to claim religious exemptions, provisions that civil liberties groups say would allow for discrimination against LGBT Americans.

June 2017 also marks a year since the Pulse gay nightclub shooting, which killed 50 and injured 53 people in Orlando, Florida. This year, a number of Pride celebrations around the US are manifesting as parades, vigils, and protests.

Let's take a look at the history of Pride.

SEE ALSO: How the rainbow became the symbol of LGBT pride

The first Pride celebrations happened in San Francisco and New York City in 1970.

In 1970, just 30 people marched down Polk Street in San Francisco. (Today, San Francisco marchers add up to around 1.8 million.)

They were in response to New York City's Stonewall Riots, LGBT demonstrations against the police in 1969 that were considered the beginning of the gay liberation movement. Here is a photo from a San Francisco Pride march on its 10-year anniversary:

At the time, police raids on gay bars were frequent — Men in drag or women not wearing"at least three pieces of feminine clothing" were sometimes arrested.

New York's first annual Pride parade was called Christopher Street Liberation Day, named after the location of Stonewall bar.

The prospect of making small talk alternately causes people to roll their eyes and/or shudder.

But opting out of superficial chat isn't really an option if you're ever planning on going to a conference, or a cocktail party, or really any place where there are other human beings you don't know that well.

To help you out, we checked out Quora, Reddit, and other resources, and highlighted some of the best tips for upping your small-talk game.

You can even make a habit of practicing with strangers you'll probably never see again, since research suggests that making conversation with fellow commuters leaves people happier.

Read on to make small talk less a burden and more an experience that's actually (gasp!) enjoyable.

SEE ALSO: 12 ways to avoid awkward small talk and have real conversations

Demonstrate interest in your conversation partner

Several Quora users said the best way to keep a conversation rolling is to show you care about what the other person has to say.

"If you don't fundamentally care about the person you are speaking with, that will show, and that may be the primary reason why you are running out of things to discuss,"Kai Peter Chang writes.

That also means letting your conversation partner share information about himself or herself.

"Let the other person speak more,"Anam Gulraiz writes. "People LOVE talking about themselves."

Ask open-ended questions

Instead of asking yes/no questions that lead to dead ends, encourage your conversation partner to share some more detail about his or her life.

"In general, open-ended questions lead to more conversational paths,"Craig Weiland says.

For example, instead of asking a fellow party guest, "Are you here with your family?" you might ask, "How did you meet the host?"

Allow your conversation partner to teach you

"If there's a subject you're not familiar with, just be honest with that person and nine out of 10 times they'll teach you about it,"Michael Wong writes.

It goes back to that central idea of letting other people do most of the talking. Asking other people to explain what they mean might prompt them to talk for at least another few minutes.