E-commerce companies have benefitted as people shop from home during the pandemic, and private equity is taking notice.

E-commerce M&A grew 50% between 2019 and 2020 with private equity representing 34% of deals (up from 31% in 2019 and 26% in 2018), according to Pitchbook data pulled by investment bank JEGI Clarity. 

KKR and Blackstone are gobbling up warehouses while Providence Strategic Growth backed e-commerce holding company Assembly, showing there's big demand for companies that help merchants sell on third-party marketplaces with services like advertising, design, fulfillment, and analytics.

Chris Vollmer, managing director of strategy consulting at Medialink, cited Shopify tech firm Big Commerce's IPO pop last year as an example of the big exits that PE firms anticipate from e-commerce. E-commerce tech firms also typically have recurring revenue models that appeal to investors.

"There's a lot of reasons why they're hunting around for everything from infrastructure to analytics and user experience," he said.

Amazon dominates US e-commerce, but PE firms are also looking for other firms that are capitalizing on e-commerce, like Shopify, Walmart, Kroger, and international player Flipkart.

Insider identified 10 firms that have invested in e-commerce companies, using original reporting and publicly available information.

Advent International

Advent International is pushing into companies that buy and roll up brands that sell products on Amazon, and retail and e-commerce is a big part of the firm's investments. 

"What we're now starting to see is the evolution of e-commerce into marketplaces," said Jeff Case, managing director at Advent International. "It's creating ways for entrepreneurs to be sellers."

The PE firm has invested in two rounds of funding for Thrasio, a company that was valued at $1 billion in July 2020 that acquires and operates brands that sell on Amazon. Thrasio has raised a total of $1.6 billion, according to Crunchbase.

Thrasio has acquired 90 brands including pet odor remover Angry Orange and Bitly Socks and is on the hunt for more consumer product companies that do $1 million to $10 million in annual sales on Amazon.

Thrasio provides these sellers resources like product development, marketing, and supply chain management to accelerate their growth.

Advent International has also invested in consumer brands like The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, travel retailer Dufry, and haircare brand Olaplex.

Blackstone

The decline of physical retail like shopping malls has opened up a significant new e-commerce strategy for PE giant Blackstone.

Blackstone started buying and investing in industrial real estate like warehouses more than 10 years ago. The warehouses are leased by Amazon and other e-commerce companies and used as "last-mile logistics" centers to quickly deliver packages to customers.

While other PE firms have also invested in industrial real estate, Blackstone is a giant in the space, owning about 880 million square feet of space globally from 250 deals. A recent deal with LBA Logistics gives Blackstone a 60% stake in 71 warehouses in last-mile hubs like California and Seattle.

Tyler Henritze, head of acquisitions Americas at Blackstone Real Estate, said the firm has gone from buying a broad portfolio of properties — some which could be located an hour's drive away from major cities — to focusing on smaller properties in urban areas. 

"We're trying to own warehouse space with as much proximity to rooftops and customers as we can get," he said. "If you look at Amazon's network and where they lease space, that's a good proxy of where we want to go."

He also noted that while Amazon dominates in areas like same-day delivery, retailers like Walmart and Wayfair are also investing in logistics to speed up package delivery.

Investcorp

In January 2021, PE giant Investcorp acquired Unilog, a software company that helps hundreds of small to midsize businesses sell online.

Harsh Shethia, head of Investcorp's India business, said that the acquisition is part of a larger strategy to invest in mid-market companies that bring e-commerce to India, which has lagged in online adoption. 

Unilog sells software that sellers use to create e-commerce websites and content. In addition to providing capital, Investcorp helped Indian-founded Unilog build its US business.

Investcorp's other India e-commerce investments include FreshToHome, a grocery service; and logistics company XpressBees.

India's e-commerce market is split between Amazon, Flipkart, and Reliance, making it more fragmented than the US where Amazon dominates e-commerce.

Shethia expects e-commerce's growth to continue after the pandemic ends.

"Some of the behavior of people is going to shift — we know that this was a breakout moment," he said. "It's a secular, long-term trend."

KKR

PE giant KKR is snapping up warehouses used by Amazon and other e-commerce companies to jump on the online shopping boom.

In a deal with High Street Logistics Properties worth $835 million, the firm in December bought warehouses that cover 9.7 million square feet in cities like Atlanta and Dallas. KKR also acquired two Amazon warehouses in July 2020 for $176 million in Kenosha, Wisconsin, according to the Milwaukee Business Journal.

All told, KKR owns 32 million square feet of industrial properties in the US.

"We believe that the current environment will lead to continued acceleration of e-commerce penetration which drives demand for large modern distribution centers like the ones we are acquiring," KKR's Roger Morales, partner and head of commercial real estate acquisitions in the Americas, said in July. "Logistics real estate represents a growth opportunity as more and more US consumers migrate to shopping online."

Outside of real estate, KKR's e-commerce investments include Italian e-commerce 3D packaging company CMC Machinery, and is a majority investor in Japanese supermarket chain Seiyu.

Permira

PE firm Permira has invested in three e-commerce companies over the past six months: software company Mirakl, European online marketplace Catawiki, and online marine classifieds company Boats Group.

Mirakl is a big name in e-commerce technology and sells software that helps retailers like Best Buy Canada and Carrefour launch and run marketplaces, letting more sellers do business through the retailers' websites. Permira invested in Mirakl's $300 million funding round in September 2020.

Permira led Amsterdam-based Catawiki's €150 million (about $180 million) December 2020 round of funding. Catawiki is an online marketplace for objects like collectables, jewelry, and art.

Permira's other e-commerce investments include peer-to-peer payment company Klarna, WeddingWire, and online design marketplace Minted. The firm also sold e-commerce software firm Magento to Adobe for $1.8 billion in 2018.

Providence Strategic Growth

Providence Strategic Growth wants to gobble up Amazon tech firms.

The PE firm is backing an e-commerce holding group called Assembly that seeks to be a one-stop shop for e-commerce sellers.

Assembly has acquired four e-commerce firms including Helium 10 and Refersion that help vendors sell products on platforms like Amazon and Shopify.

Matt Stone, managing director at Providence Strategic Growth, said that the goal is to acquire dozens of similar early-stage companies.

Stone said the firm's e-commerce strategy is based on a playbook it's used to roll up companies in other industries like healthcare, payments, and security.

"We have not completed the full marketing stack of what an [e-commerce] customer would need — there's probably 20 to 30 different things that a customer would need," he said. "That's something that we've done in several other verticals that has worked well."

Rockbridge Growth Equity

Detroit-based Rockbridge Growth Equity has invested in digital media and advertising companies, including Amazon adtech firm Quartile Digital in October 2020.

Quartile Digital sells technology to help brands manage and measure their advertising on Amazon and other retail platforms.

Kevin Prokop, managing partner at Rockbridge Growth Equity, said that the firm's investments are geared towards companies that use data to improve digital media and advertising. He cited Quartile Digital's focus on small to mid-size brands as key to solving challenges with e-commerce advertising.

Prokop said that his firm is open to other e-commerce investments, but not advertising-focused ones.

The firm's other investments include GSTV, Robb Report, and White Glove.

Summit Partners

Boston-based Summit Partners has made more than 25 e-commerce investments, and its recent ones show the growing role that advertising and data is playing in the sector.

Its portfolio includes Jungle Scout, which sells software that figures out what people search for and buy on Amazon to help marketers determine what items to sell, how to price products, and see what competitors are selling. In March 2021, Jungle Scout acquired Amazon adtech firm Downstream for an undisclosed amount as part of a $110 million raise led by Summit Partners.

Summit Partners was also an early investor in Klaviyo, including its $200 million Series C funding round in November. Klaviyo pulls customer and sales data from e-commerce platforms including Shopify and Magento to target email and ad campaigns at audiences like heavy spenders, potential shoppers, or newsletter subscribers.

Trilantic North America

Trilantic North America gears its investments towards entrepreneurs and e-commerce brands.

The PE firm invested in two e-commerce companies over the past two years: e-commerce platform Gorilla Commerce and footwear and apparel brand Orva.

Gorilla Commerce owns petcare and home products brands like Gorilla Grip, Sofa Shield and Kangaroo.

Orva helps shoe and apparel brands like Adidas and Ugg boots with services like merchandising and supply chain management.

Amazon's immense marketplace can make it hard for brands to stand out. Jamie Manges, partner at Trilantic North America, said the firm focuses on companies that use data to drive sales.

"Our strategy was to focus on players that we felt had differentiated models and teams that are committed to building businesses as opposed to just selling product," he said.

Vista Equity Partners

PE giant Vista Equity Partners has long invested in advertising and retail technology.

Vista Equity Partners combined its ecommerce investments like Shopatron, a company that helped sellers manage inventory; and e-commerce platform MarketLive into a tech company called Kibo that handles tasks like payments, merchandising, design, and fulfillment for retailers like Jelly Belly and outdoor apparel company Helly Hansen. 

The firm is also a majority investor in Numerator, a market intelligence firm that helps retailers and advertisers measure the effectiveness of their promotions. When grocers and retailers struggled to keep up with demand in the pandemic, Numerator focused on providing them with data about what people buy.

Outside e-commerce, Vista Equity Partners' investments include adtech companies Integral Ad Science and Mediaocean.

• Coursera has thousands of free online courses, many of them taught by Ivy League schools or companies like Google and IBM.
• Learners can access course materials and forums, and there's a small fee for graded homework and certificates of completion. 
• The courses span a range of topics, from public health to resume writing.

Whether you're interested in coding or being happier in your daily life, you can probably learn it online — and often, completely for free.

In an effort to democratize education, e-learning platforms like Coursera have thousands of courses that require $0 to access. Students can audit a course for free, which means they can access all the lectures, readings, and discussion forums in a Coursera course. If they want, they can opt to pay a fee (from $49 to a few hundred dollars, depending on the course) for features like graded homework or a certificate of completion. 

Taking free online courses can be a great option for those looking for an affordable alternative to traditional school, and can help learners developing new skills for a career switch or personal improvement. Many of Coursera's offerings are in partnership with top universities like Princeton, Yale, Stanford, Columbia, and the University of Michigan, as well as companies like Google and Amazon. They also cater to a range of demographics, from high schoolers and college students to adults. 

So if you're interested in taking an online course for free, there are tons of options through Coursera across categories like personal development, public health, computer science, arts and humanities, and more.

104 free Coursera courses:

Personal Development

• The Science of Well-Being
• De-Mystifying Mindfulness
• Think Again I: How to Understand Arguments 
• The Arts and Science of Relationships: Understanding Human Needs
• Mindshift: Break Through Obstacles to Learning and Discover Your Hidden Potential
• Healing with the Arts
• Introduction to Personal Branding
• Creative Problem Solving
• Exploring Emerging Technologies for Lifelong Learning and Success 
• Creative Thinking: Techniques and Tools for Success
• Sit Less, Get Active
• How to Write a Resume (Project-Centered Course)
• Successful Career Development
• Converting Challenges into Opportunities
• How to Get Skilled: Introduction to Individual Skills Management (Project-Centered Course)
• Applying to US Universities
• How to Apply to College
• U101: Understanding College and College Life

Health

• COVID-19: What You Need to Know (CME Eligible)
• Science Matters: Let's Talk About COVID-19
• Psychological First Aid
• Social Psychology
• A Life of Happiness and Fulfillment
• Introductory Human Physiology
• Epidemiology: The Basic Science of Public Health
• Essentials of Global Health
• Ecology: Ecosystem Dynamics and Conservation
• Epidemics, Pandemics and Outbreaks 
• Global Health: An Interdisciplinary Overview 
• Disaster Preparedness
• Disease Screening in Public Health Epidemics
• Communicating During Global Emergencies
• Infection Prevention in Nursing Homes
• Disease Clusters
• The Challenges of Global Health

Animals

• Dog Emotion and Cognition
• Science of Exercise
• Animal Behaviour and Welfare
• The Truth About Cats and Dogs
• Dino 101: Dinosaur Paleobiology
• Bugs 101: Insect-Human Interactions

Arts and Humanities

• Introduction to Philosophy
• Fashion as Design 
• Making Architecture
• Getting Started with Music Theory
• Big History: Connecting Knowledge
• Guitar for Beginners 
• The Language of Design: Form and Meaning

Computer Science

• Introduction to Programming with MATLAB 
• C++ For C Programmers, Part A 
• Computer Vision Basics
• Code Yourself! An Introduction to Programming
• Build Your First Android App (Project-Centered Course)
• Algorithms, Part I
• Algorithms, Part II
• Analysis of Algorithms
• Computer Science: Algorithms, Theory, and Machines
• Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose
• Industrial IoT on Google Cloud Platform
• Google Cloud Platform Fundamentals for AWS Professionals
• Introduction to TCP/IP

Languages

• First Step Korean
• Chinese for Beginners
• Tricky American English Pronunciation
• Writing English at University

Physical Science, Astronomy, and Engineering

• Fundamentals of Engineering Exam Review
• How Things Work: An Introduction to Physics
• Introduction to Sustainability
• Astronomy: Exploring Time and Space
• Introduction to Chemistry: Reactions and Ratios
• Mountains 101
• Introduction to Chemistry: Structures and Solutions
• Mechanics of Materials I: Fundamentals of Stress & Strain and Axial Loading
• The Science of the Solar System
• Chemistry
• Computer Architecture
• How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper (Project-Centered Course)

Business

• Marketing Analytics
• The Strategy of Content Marketing
• Personal & Family Financial Planning
• Managing the Company of the Future 
• Becoming a Changemaker: Introduction to Social Innovation
• Communication Strategies in the Virtual Age
• Design: Creation of Artifacts in Society
• The Science of Success: What Researchers Know that You Should Know
• Teamwork Skills: Communicating Effectively in Groups
• New Models of Business in Society 

Cloud and Tech

• Machine Learning for Business Professionals
• Building Conversational Experiences with Dialogflow
• Industrial IoT on Google Cloud Platform
• Google Cloud Platform Fundamentals for AWS Professionals
• Introduction to TCP/IP 
• AWS Computer Vision: Getting Started with GluonCV
• Introduction to Cloud Identity
• Cloud Computing Basics (Cloud 101)
• Developing AI Applications on Azure
• Getting Started with AWS Machine Learning

Math, Logic, and Data Science

• Introduction to Calculus
• Data Science Math Skills
• Calculus: Single Variable Part 1 - Functions
• Calculus: Single Variable Part 2 - Differentiation
• Calculus: Single Variable Part 3 - Integration
• Probability and Statistics: To p or not to p?

Tiffany Norris, 39, is the "Mummy Concierge." The London-based pregnancy and birthing guru started her career as a women's magazine journalist before becoming an event planner. She segued into her one-woman startup focusing on elite mothers five years ago while pregnant with her first child.  

"I describe myself as a PA for parenthood," she told Insider. "The ideal client for me is someone who comes to me the second that line on the pregnancy test turns blue right up until they have toddlers."

Her hourly rate is between £120 and £300 ($166 to $416), depending on the role she's playing. How many hours she works per client can vary wildly, from simply a few hours' counsel to in-person, onsite supervision. She has no set number of clients to which she caters at any one time. "It would only be the sense that I can't give 100% to all my clients that I would refuse to take on any more," she said.

Norris lives in London with her husband, who works in finance, and their two children, Rupert, who is three and a half, and 18-month-old Ophelia — she's expecting her third baby, another daughter, later this year.

Norris is also the author of the forthcoming book, "Secrets of the Mummy Concierge," which will be out in June.

The UK is currently under a COVID 19-related lockdown, which has turned many of Norris' activities virtual: Non-essential shopping trips, now outlawed under current British regulations, have become Zoom-based group chats. 

She shared how a typical day might have unfolded before the pandemic.

SEE ALSO: The 11 most prestigious preschools in Los Angeles and how to get in, according to an admissions consultant and school directors

With globe-trotting clientele, her day could start long before breakfast time.

As a mother with two toddlers of her own, Norris said she'd be up early anyway. However, her globe-spanning clientele means she's often needed to answer emails or take calls before dawn. 

"The service I offer means that I have to be available 24/7 — there are numerous nights of the week when I'm on the phone at 3 a.m. to someone in LA," Norris said. "That's part and parcel of the job. Wealthier parents are used to getting what they want at the click of their fingers, and that is the service I provide."  

Case in point: the morning she woke up to an email from a mother who was planning to leave for her luxury villa in Dubai, newborn in tow, and wanted Norris to fly out in advance and prep the home for their arrival — oh, and she had 48 hours to do it.

Each morning, she'll often go shopping with clients — with a little extra help.

If she isn't packing for the airport, Norris might be summoned for a shopping trip with an expectant mom, primed to reboot her closet for the next nine months. Often, a stylist will accompany them to consult on each purchase. 

"Moms don't want to wear frumpy maternity clothes, and they don't want to suddenly feel their old personality is gone," she said, noting it's often first-time moms who are most anxious.

The secret, per Norris: Avoid any label expressly for pregnant women, and instead stick with brands you'd regularly buy, albeit in larger sizes and with careful choices of silhouette. Sometimes, that stylist might also consult on styling for the baby, creating outfits in advance so that the new mom can dress her newborn, stress-free.

For moms on the cusp of giving birth, she'll be arranging some unexpected services.

While some clients may be prepping for pregnancy, others might be about to give birth — and need specific support for the event. 

"I've organized photoshoots literally seconds after someone has given birth: makeup artist, hair stylist for the mother, beautiful shots of her and her baby that she wants to put up on social media," she said. Norris has also helped several clients brainstorm a unique hashtag for the event so they can better track all posts related to the baby.

She occasionally fields requests that even seem outré to her — as when one family tasked her with helping to name their looming newborn. 

"The husband worked in branding, and felt like people had to stand out to be successful in life, so their child had to be the only one with their unique name," she said. Norris corralled a brain trust comprising a linguist, poet, and momfluencer to create and collate a long list of names, culled down to a shortlist of seven for the family. 

Their efforts proved moot. "When the baby was born, the family decided to go with a completely normal, British boys' name," she said. "It was hysterical."

Late morning, and it's time to meet another mom — this time, to help outfit her nursery.

Norris also assists with outfitting a nursery, often relying on stores close to her clients' homes in central London like Harvey Nichols and Harrods.  

However, she also has alternative options, open only to insiders like her. "The sector is quite secretive and closed," she said. "It's an in-the-know, secret parenting club." One example: the exclusive warehouse in London's tony Chelsea, where one-percenter moms can go for afternoon tea and road-test firsthand every brand of stroller or baby carrier.

See, too, the raft of invitation-only antenatal classes aimed expressly at the one percent. "They're for people, like celebrities, where the presumption is that everyone will be giving birth privately, have a maternity nurse, and a nanny or two at home," Norris said. Small and intimate, they require attendees to sign NDAs; waiting lists means it's vital to have someone like Norris recommend you for admittance and fast-track your approval.

Working lunches focus on finding out about new products and services on behalf of her clients.

Often, Norris finds herself meeting for lunch with PR reps for baby brands, keen to solicit feedback on products — for example, the Snoo smart sleeper, already a phenomenon stateside for wealthy parents, as it rolls out to other markets like hers. "They might give it to me to test it out and work out if I'm going to recommend it," she said.

Norris has categorically refused all paid endorsements, however lucrative, that she's been offered — it's vital her clients trust her advice is truly impartial, she explained.

She might also head to a hospital to help redecorate a room ready for a mother who's about to give birth.

In a private hospital wing, she could spend an hour or so readying the room for a client who's about to give birth: think Jo Malone fragrance diffusers, family photos, and high-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets. "A lot of mums have a fear of the hospital, especially the smells, and they want it to feel like a home from home," she said.

It's unlikely to be an emergency appointment, though, as almost all her clients can plan ahead for their births. Indeed, she estimated that 90% or so opt for a Cesarean, often because it's an easier way to schedule and plan for high-powered, high-net-worth women. 

"A lot of these moms think it's less invasive than giving birth naturally," Norris said. "They will also request steroid injections afterwards, which helps turn the scar into a little silvery line, so you can wear a bikini afterward."

She'll schedule coffee meetings most afternoons, usually to focus on recruitment, a core component of her business.

Moms particularly rely on Norris for her little black book of baby and maternity nurses. Since there's no formal certification for the role, word of mouth and references are the best benchmark. 

"It's about matchmaking the perfect maternity nurse to the perfect family: some want a grandma figure who can give them a hug when they're feeling down, but others who are used to staff want a nurse who'll be there when needed — and not, when they're not," she said.

Her clientele is eclectic, too — one same sex couple, two dads who live in Barbados, asked her to find a nurse that wasn't just a superb caregiver, but could offer a strong female influence to their baby.

The best maternity nurses are more in demand than an "it bag"— and have much longer waiting lists. "I speak to one, literally once a week, begging for her to work for clients of mine, but she is fully booked two or three years in advance," Norris said. "I had one say to me that she wouldn't get pregnant until she knew [that nurse] was available." The reason: her decades of experience and a past client list that includes countless celebrities — a vouchsafe for her expertise, Norris said.

Other coffee meetings could include a client's live-in chef to discuss the menu planned for weening an older baby or dropping in at the office of a cranial osteopath. It's a big trend, per Norris, to tap the latter right now. Their skills can purportedly help restless babies if that child had experienced a forcep-assisted delivery, which could have reshaped their soft skulls.

Even immediately after birth, Norris will be helping moms plan for the next 18 years.

From there, Tiffany could stop in at one of the new children's private members' clubs that have emerged in London — think Soho House in New York for the pacifier set. These include Purple Dragon and Cloud Twelve. 

"The idea is that, as a parent, you go upstairs to a spa, perhaps, while your child is having music lessons downstairs," she said. There are waiting lists for these clubs, of course — but Norris has connections to wrangle her clients' instant access.

She'll also consult with parents on a prospective school for their child soon after birth; in five years' time, all places will be taken. 

Top choice: the Knightsbridge School. "You go there both because it's a brilliant school and because you want to be seen going there," she said.

Even though she's juggling other families, she doesn't neglect her own kids.

Even as she spends her working day focused on other people's children, her own kids remain a priority.

Working from home, she'll always try to disconnect to handle supper, bath time, bedtime, and story time for Rupert and Ophelia. As a working mom, she has a nanny, like most of her clients. She describes her as "invaluable."

Once her son and daughter are asleep, she'll likely finish the day with a phone call or two.

"There is no stop button on what I do," Norris said. Indeed, it's in the evening that she often fields emotional, perhaps tearful, calls from clients looking for solace and advice rather than practical help from a dispassionate listening ear. "They're worried about being judged if they talk to their friends, and they trust me," she said.

Fears around giving birth and stress regarding sleepless newborns are commonest.

"It's one of the bits of my job I enjoy the most — at the end of every phone call, managing to make them feel better," Norris said. "Knowing that mum is going to sleep well that night is the nicest way of finishing the day."

For most of its 152-year history, Goldman Sachs was not a household name. Serving the ultra-wealthy and institutional clients, the investment bank flew below the radar for much of Main Street, never putting a logo on its buildings.

That all changed in 2008, when the investment bank became a bank holding company in the wake of the financial crisis. The move meant it could deal in deposits and checking accounts. But it would still be another eight years before it fully entered into the consumer banking space.

In 2016, Goldman launched Marcus, an upstart consumer bank within the firm looking to establish itself on Main Street. 

Goldman employees in divisions like investment banking and sales and trading (now called global markets) tend to boast long tenures. More than half of firm's 2020 partner class started their careers at the firm. 

Marcus represented a change from that trend. Most of its senior leadership joined the firm from other companies or via acquisitions. And turnover within Marcus has been more similar to that of a startup.

The first big shift came with the establishment of a standalone consumer division at Goldman, called the consumer and wealth management division, where Marcus now sits. Stephanie Cohen, a fast-rising star at Goldman who previously served as the bank's strategy chief, and Tucker York, who was head of the bank's private-wealth business, were tapped to co-head the new division. 

That was followed by a major reshuffling of top leadership that saw Harit Talwar, a partner in charge of all of Goldman's consumer business, effectively give way to Omer Ismail, also a partner at the firm and one of the original backers of Marcus within Goldman.

The change didn't last, though. Ismail, who took control at the start of the year, is already on his way out.

As of Monday, Ismail is leaving the firm along with David Stark, a fellow partner and one of the creators of the Marcus' Apple Card. Stark's departure comes less than a month after a promotion to head the consumer business' large partnership strategy team.

Both Ismail and Stark are joining Walmart's nascent fintech startup, as first reported by Bloomberg.

Also this year, Marcus saw the departure of one of its earliest leaders, an executive who had joined Goldman through its 2018 acquisition of Clarity Money. Adam Dell, the founder of Clarity Money, was a partner at Goldman and the head of digital products at Marcus before he stepped down from his role.

In late January, meanwhile, York and Cohen detailed a new strategy and acquisitions team within the division. The team is headed by Jemma Wolfe and Stephan Lambert, both of whom have been at the bank for nearly a decade.

In the wake of the leadership shakeups, Insider mapped out the top executives who still remain at Marcus. The group includes a mix of experts, many of whom are fairly new to the bank. 

Meet the top 15 executives who remain at Goldman Sachs' Marcus

SEE ALSO: Goldman Sachs is losing 2 consumer banking execs to Walmart. Here's a look at how the powerhouse Wall Street bank has been making a Main Street push.

SEE ALSO: A former Stripe exec was just tapped to help run Goldman Sachs' Marcus and lead its direct-to-consumer strategy. Read the full memo here.

Harit Talwar, partner, head of consumer business

The departure of partner Harit Talwar, who became chairman of Goldman Sachs' consumer business in January after spending nearly six years leading Marcus, was supposed to herald reinvigorated leadership at the retail bank. Now, Talwar has been brought back into the role he left just a few months ago.

Like many others on this list, Talwar wasn't a long-time Goldman employee when he joined Marcus in 2015.

Instead, his experience lay squarely in consumer finance. He was head of consumer banking at Morgan Stanley before the firm officially spun off Discover in 2007. At Discover, he served as head of US payments and subsequently president of US cards, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Abhinav Anand, MD, global head of consumer risk

An early member of the Marcus team, Abhinav Anand is one of the few remaining leaders that joined the firm in 2015. Anand has served as the global head of consumer risk at Marcus and the head of consumer lending.

Brian King, formerly the chief risk officer at Marcus, left the bank in October last year to become chief risk officer of consumer and small business banking at Wells Fargo.

Anand also led partnerships with the likes of Amazon, JetBlue and Walmart at Marcus, per his LinkedIn profile.

Prior to joining the firm, Anand headed risk management at Discover.

Swati Bhatia, partner, head of direct to consumer business

Swati Bhatia, a former Stripe exec, joined Goldman Sachs as a partner in February to lead the direct-to-consumer side of the Marcus business.

Bhatia leads one side of Goldman's two-pronged strategy when it comes to building out its consumer business: To reach consumers directly through Marcus and via partnerships. Goldman partner David Stark was appointed to lead the partnership side in February, but is leaving the firm to join Walmart's new joint venture fintech company.

Bhatia was most recently the chief payments risk officer at Stripe, an online payments fintech last valued at $36 billion. 

Lei Chen, MD, head of fraud risk

Lei Chen is another Amex alum-turned-Marcus employee. 

A managing director who joined Goldman in 2018, Chen spent more than 20 years at American Express in a variety of roles across the company, from underwriting to global commercial card risk. Most recently prior to joining Marcus, she was vice president in charge of global commercial analytics.

Dustin Cohn, MD, head of brand & marketing for consumer and investment management

Cohn joined Marcus as head of brand and marketing communications in 2015. His remit expanded in 2019, and he now leads marketing for the entire consumer and investment management division.

Prior to joining the firm, Cohn was chief marketing officer for retailer Jockey and textile supplier Optimer, and was a director of marketing at PepsiCo.

Sonali Divilek, MD, head of product, consumer business

Like Harit Talwar, Sonali Divilek also came to Goldman Sachs with a background in credit cards, having spent 15 years at American Express, according to her own LinkedIn page. She spent time as Amex's head of global charge products and commercial payments after working her way up from a manager role when she joined in 2002. 

Divilek joined Marcus in 2019 as a managing director from Prudential Financial, where she had been COO of the firm's Advisory Services group. 

As head of product at Marcus, Divilek has overseen the rollout of several new tools recently launched by Marcus, including Marcus Insights and Marcus Invest.

John Fathers, MD, head of consumer technology

John Fathers, a managing director at Goldman, heads up the consumer technology team within Marcus. Unlike many on this list, Fathers has spent the vast bulk of his 25-year career at Goldman. 

He joined the firm in 1996, according to his LinkedIn profile, before leaving in 2018 to join JPMorgan Chase. Fathers returned to Goldman less than a year later.

Andrea Finan, MD, head of digital investing

Andrea Finan brought a long track record of experience at Goldman Sachs to Marcus when she became head of digital investing within consumer wealth management in 2018. In this role, she most recently spearheaded the February launch of Marcus Invest with Sonali Divilek.

She joined Goldman in 2003 after beginning her career at Brown Brothers Harriman. Over the past 18 years she has worked on teams ranging from strategic client services to digital solutions within the firm's investment management division.

Chantal Garcia, MD, COO of consumer banking

A 20-year Goldman veteran, Chantal Garcia currently serves as COO of consumer banking.

Garcia joined the firm in 2000, spending most of her career in human capital management, the firm's HR division, before transitioning to her current role in February last year, according to LinkedIn.

Garcia was named a managing director in 2017.

Irfan Hussain, partner, chief information officer for consumer and wealth management

Irfan Hussain was named chief information officer for Goldman's consumer and wealth management division in January this year. 

Another Goldman veteran, Hussain joined the firm as an analyst in 1995, leading technology for the securities division.

After nearly two decades leading tech for various desks in sales and trading, Hussain moved to the asset management side of the business in 2014, the same year he was named partner.

Elisabeth Job Kozack, MD, co-head of consumer lending

Marcus was in its infancy when Elisabeth Job Kozack first joined Goldman Sachs in 2015 as a vice president working on the bank's digital lending team. Now, Kozack is a managing director and co-head of consumer lending at Marcus — and one of the longest-serving leaders at the consumer bank. 

Lending would grow to be a big part of Marcus' initial growth.In its latest strategic update, Goldman Sachs said it hopes to grow Marcus' consumer lending and card base by 150% by 2024, compared to a 28% target for deposit base growth.

Prior to Marcus, Kozack was a nine-year veteran of American Express, where she ultimately oversaw one of the company's most popular card offerings, the Platinum card, and one of its most exclusive, the Centurion card.

John Lazzati, MD, consumer cards

John Lazzati leads consumer cards at Marcus. Based in Wilmington, Delaware, he joined the firm as a managing director in December last year, equipped with a wealth of consumer-card experience. 

Lazzati most recently developed and launched a new credit-card business for student-loans giant Sallie Mae, according to LinkedIn.

Prior to that, he led unsecured lending and card products for Citi, spent four years as chief marketing officer at Swift, and started his career working on business credit products at Bank of America.

Des McDaid, MD, head of UK deposits

Marcus doesn't operate solely in the US. Managing Director Des McDaid heads the retail bank's deposit operations in the UK, where he joined Goldman Sachs in 2017. 

Prior to joining Marcus, McDaid was at Edinburgh-based TSB Bank, according to his LinkedIn, which he joined in 2014 and where he last managed its savings and loans business.

McDaid also spent 10 years at ING Direct UK before its sale to Barclays in 2013. At ING, McDaid oversaw the savings business line and also led customer and product marketing teams. 

Marcos Rosenberg, MD, head of deposits

Another relatively new entrant to Goldman Sachs, Marcos Rosenberg joined the firm in 2017 as its head of deposits after a career in consumer banking and venture capital. 

Rosenberg spent four years as a managing partner at late-stage venture fund Spinnaker Ventures in San Francisco before joining Bank of America as a senior vice president in charge of consumer deposits in 2003, according to his LinkedIn.

The bulk of Rosenberg's career prior to Marcus, however, was spent at USAA, the investing, banking, and insurance giant. Over the course of 10 years there, he served as head of key business units for the bank including credit cards, consumer lending, deposits, and USAA's savings and trust business.

Doug Villone, MD, global head of operations for Marcus

Doug Villone joined Marcus as a managing director leading global operations for Marcus in 2018. 

Prior to joining, he spent 10 years at Barclay where he held various leadership roles in operations, customer service, and strategy. He started his career at MBNA America Bank, and spent a few years at HSBC before joining Barclays.

• The best rechargeable battery chargers are simple to use and don't overcharge your batteries, preserving their lifespan.
• The Nitecore D4 Charger is our top pick because it doesn't overcharge, has a large display, and can auto-detect a wide array of batteries.
• Also check out our guide to the best rechargeable batteries you can buy.

It's estimated that Americans dispose of 3 billion batteries every year, according to battery recycling firm Battery Solutions. But rechargeable batteries can be reused 1,000 times or more, which is better for the environment and your wallet in the long run.

However, rechargeable batteries can become damaged over time with the wrong kind of charger. For example, don't pick a charger based on charging speed alone. High-speed charging can severely shorten the lifespan of your batteries. Instead, look for a charger that offers "gentle" or "slow" charging.

If you are concerned about having to wait for the charging to complete before using your device again, consider buying a couple of sets of batteries for the device. Some chargers also have a "conditioning" function. This cycles your batteries through discharging and recharging in order to help them reach their full capacity and lengthen their life.

"Smart chargers" can also stop charging your batteries once they are full as opposed to less effective "dumb chargers," which tend to charge for a certain amount of time. 

While researching the best rechargeable battery chargers, we examined thousands of expert and buyer reviews and ratings of several models. Our guide features chargers with a track record of versatility, durability, and performance.

Here are the best rechargeable battery chargers:

• Best battery charger overall: Nitecore D4 Charger
• Best 8-cell battery charger: Powerex 8-Cell Smart Charger
• Best battery charger for vaping: XTAR VC4 Charger
• Best charger for AA and AAA batteries: Panasonic Cell Battery Charger Pack

SEE ALSO: These are the best rechargeable batteries of 2020

SEE ALSO: The best charging stations and USB charging hubs of 2020

The best overall

The Nitecore D4 Charger can charge an array of battery types, while displaying the charge progress on an easy-to-read LCD panel.

Pros: Large display, charges a broad range of battery types, automatic battery detection

Cons: Only displays the progress of one battery at a time, charge time increases when charging four batteries

The Nitecore D4 Charger is great because it can automatically detect and charge Li-ion, LiFePO4, Ni-MH, and Ni-Cd (AA, AAA, AAAA, and C) batteries. This device can charge up to four batteries at a time, and the large LCD screen displays the progress of the charge for each of the batteries using a five-bar indicator.

For specific batteries, you can press the Mode button on the side to get more detailed charging progress and parameter information, such as charging time, current, and voltage.

When the charge is complete, the "Chg. Finish" indicator comes on and the D4 automatically stops charging, an important safety feature. The bundle comes with the charger, a wall plug, and four EdisonBright AA NiMH rechargeable batteries.

The most common complaint is that recharging slows when there are four batteries charging.

The best 8-cell battery charger

If you frequently use AAs and AAAs in your electronics, the Powerex MH-C800S 8-Cell Smart Charger will keep your batteries juiced and extend their life.

Pros: 8 charging slots, features conditioning cycle

Cons: Expensive, only charges AA and AAA batteries

The Powerex MH-C800S 8-Cell Smart Charger is manufactured by Maha Energy, an organization that focuses solely on charging and battery technology for both consumer and industrial sectors.

The MH-C800S can charge between one and eight NiMH or NiCd AA or AAA batteries. The LCD screen uses three bars to show the charging status of each battery. There are three charge modes: rapid charge (one to two hours), soft charge (three to four hours), and conditioning, which can take a full day.

Wirecutter previously recommended the Powerex charger for people who need eight charging slots on one outlet. The reviewer appreciated the accurate charging, that you can monitor the progress, and it's easy to use. However, he didn't like that the default mode is the faster 1-A charging, which isn't as conducive to extending your battery's lifespan as the Soft charge.

The best battery charger for vaping

At a relatively low price point, the XTAR VC4 Charger is able to charge a wide range of battery sizes and types.

Pros: Charges several different battery types, cost-effective, USB power input

Cons: Doesn't come with a USB wall adapter, it takes some work to fit AAA batteries in

There are a couple of features that set the XTAR VC4 Charger apart from other devices in our guide. First, it doesn't plug directly into the wall. The charger features a USB charge cable, which you can plug into just about anything with a USB port. I use a multiple-port USB wall adapter. Another unique feature is that the slots are large enough to fit D-cell batteries. It's fairly rare to find a unit that can handle NiMH cells ranging from AAA to D.

XTAR sent me the VC4 for free to test out, and for the most part my family has been happy with it. I use it for charging NiMH batteries for a variety of devices, including my sons' toys, and my wife uses it for her vaporizer's 18650s.

I've found that it's a real pain trying to get the AAA batteries in there just right to get them to charge. Other sizes seem to work fine, though. The display is easy to read and gives helpful information that even a layperson can understand, but it can be finicky when you first insert the batteries.

The best for AA and AAA batteries

If you are mainly in need of a good charger for AA and AAA batteries and don't need a fast charge, consider the affordable Panasonic Advanced Individual Cell Battery Charger Pack.

Pros: Uses slow charge to extend battery life, simple to use, inexpensive, comes with batteries

Cons: Only charges AA and AAA batteries

The Panasonic K-KJ17MCA4BA Advanced Individual Cell Battery Charger Pack is unique in its simplicity. You just pop in one to four AA or AAA batteries (any combination will work) and wait for the charging light to turn off. The batteries charge at a slower 300 mA speed, which is great for extending their lifespan. And, when charging is complete, it automatically shuts off.

There are four different packs that vary based on what batteries come with it. There are the packages that come with four AA or four AAA batteries. The Power Pack comes with 8 AA, 2 AAA, and 2 C-size and D-size spacers. You simply put an AA battery in the spacer when you want to power devices that require C or D cells. The Super Power Pack is essentially the same as the Power Pack, only it has 12 AA and 4 AAA batteries along with the spacers. The charger is the same for all four packages.

The Panasonic Advanced Individual Cell Battery Charger was previously the top pick on Wirecutter. The reviewer liked how simple it is to use and that you can charge just one battery, rather than having an even number in the slots. For the typical NiMH AA battery, he found it took about seven hours to reach a full charge.

Check out our other related buying guides

The best rechargeable batteries

The best rechargeable batteries are high-quality, ready to use out of the package, hold a charge after months in storage, and are economical in the long-term for powering various devices. These are our top picks.

The best charging cables

A great charging cable ensures that your device is always charged up and ready for the day — without breaking. These are our top picks for the best charging cables.

The best smart outlets

Smart outlets are about convenience and safety: They let you remotely power-down devices unintentionally left plugged-in, and automatically switch on lamps, radios, air conditioners, and more. These are the best smart outlets.

Jack Dorsey and Jay-Z are officially in business together, cementing a relationship that seems to have formed on the beaches of Hawaii and off the coast of the Hamptons.

Square and Tidal announced on Thursday that the fintech company would take a majority stake in the music-streaming platform. The widely anticipated deal was first reported last December after several photos surfaced of the two moguls vacationing together. 

According to The New York Times' Katherine Rosman, the duo started hashing out the deal beginning "a few months ago." 

Jesse Dorogusker, an executive at Square who will lead Tidal in the interim, told The Times that the deal "started as a conversation between the two of them" and that "they found that sense of common purpose."

Though it's unclear when the two moguls met, Dorsey has admired Jay-Z's business acumen since at least 2015, and in the wake of the deal, the two men have publicly praised each other as visionary leaders.

Here's where their friendship began and everything that's happened since. 

SEE ALSO: Kanye West calls social-media apps like Facebook and Instagram 'modern-day cigarettes,' says his conversations with Mark Zuckerberg were 'completely different' from his talks with Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, his favorite founder

Jay-Z is a rapper and business tycoon worth $1 billion.

The 51-year-old mogul grew up in the Marcy housing project in Brooklyn, New York, and launched his rap career as a teenager. He founded Roc-A-Fella Records in 1995 after he was unable to find a major label that would sign him. 

His rap career has since netted him 22 Grammys and millions in earnings, but he has also launched multiple other business ventures: the clothing company Rocawear, which he sold for $204 million in 2007; a stake in D'Ussé, a cognac made by Bacardi; and Tidal, the music streaming service he bought for $56 million in 2015. 

He recently sold half of Armand de Brignac, a champagne company he purchased in 2014, to LVMH, the French luxury house that also owns Dom Pérignon. 

In addition, he founded entertainment company Roc Nation in 2008 which is home to artists like Rihanna and Alicia Keys and has a major deal with the NFL. 

He became the first billionaire in hip-hop in 2019. 

Jack Dorsey is the billionaire CEO of both Twitter and Square.

The 44-year-old dual CEO cofounded Twitter in 2006 and was booted from the chief executive role two years later. He stayed on as chairman of the board and returned to the helm of the social networking firm in 2015 — in the intervening years, Twitter went public, making Dorsey a billionaire.

In 2009, he founded Square, which let business owners more easily accept credit card payments. The fintech firm went public in 2015 and is now where the majority of Dorsey's wealth derives from. In April 2020, Dorsey announced that he would put $1 billion of his Square equity into a fund that supports coronavirus relief and other aid efforts. 

Dorsey was nearly ousted from the CEO role at Twitter once again in early 2020 by hedge fund Elliott Management, which argued that Dorsey wasn't focused enough on the company due to his other job at Square. But he hung onto his title and remains at the helm of Twitter.

Dorsey is currently worth an estimated $12.5 billion. 

Dorsey appears to have admired Jay-Z since at least 2015, when he tweeted at the rapper about how much he was enjoying Tidal.

Tweet Embed:
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/592764218362953729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
I appreciate & respect people who depart from their strengths and take on new challenges. Been using Tidal & dig it! https://t.co/KY8TBJjrfO

Dorsey has gotten involved with Jay-Z's philanthropic endeavors. In April, he teamed up with Jay-Z and Rihanna to create $6.3 million in grants to support coronavirus relief efforts.

Source: Clara Lionel Foundation

In May, Dorsey donated $10 million to Reform Alliance, a nonprofit focused on prison reform. The organization was founded by Jay-Z, rapper Meek Mill, and billionaire Michael Rubin.

Source: Rolling Stone

Beginning in August, Jay-Z and Dorsey were spotted out in public together multiple times — first, on a walk in the Hamptons.

Tweet Embed:
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1296522776719679488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Jay-Z Hangs Out with Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey in the Hamptons https://t.co/PHA35XTEPh

That same month, Dorsey joined Jay-Z, Beyoncé, and their kids aboard a yacht. Dorsey and Jay-Z were photographed sipping rosé as the boat cruised around the waterways of the Hamptons.

Source: Page Six

Jay-Z name-checked Dorsey in a feature on the song "Entrepreneur" by Pharrell Williams: "Black Twitter, what's that? When Jack gets paid, do you? / For every one Gucci, support two FUBUs."

Youtube Embed:
//www.youtube.com/embed/bTOoY5MIkvM
Width: 560px
Height: 315px

Source: Genius

The two moguls were then photographed on a beach in Hawaii last November, joined by actor Sean Penn.

Source: Daily Mail

In February, Dorsey and Jay-Z announced they were teaming up on a bitcoin endowment called "₿trust," which is focused on developing the cryptocurrency in India and Africa. The endowment is being funded by with an initial investment of 500 bitcoin.

Source: Business Insider

Rumors began swirling in December that Jay-Z and Dorsey were working on a deal when Bloomberg reported that Square was in talks to buy Tidal as part of an ongoing strategy to shore up standalone services in its portfolio. For its part, Tidal has secured exclusive releases from major artists including Rihanna and Beyoncé, but hasn't overtaken rivals like Spotify or Apple Music.

Source: Business Insider

Then, in March, Square announced that it would take a majority stake in Tidal for $297 million through a mix of cash and stock. Dorsey said Square will start integrating its services into artists' merchandise sales, new listening experiences and collaboration tools, and "complementary revenue streams."

Source: Business Insider

Dorsey wrote on Twitter that he's inspired to work with Jay-Z and is "grateful for Jay's vision, wisdom, and leadership." He posted a photo of them appearing to hash out the deal over a bottle of wine.

Tweet Embed:
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1367460921937817602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
I'm grateful for Jay's vision, wisdom, and leadership. I knew TIDAL was something special as soon as I experienced it, and I'm inspired to work with him. He'll now help lead our entire company, including Seller and the Cash App, as soon as the deal closes. https://t.co/YRfYjcWJQxpic.twitter.com/xBtq2xfwue

As part of the deal, Jay-Z will join the board of Square. He tweeted that he and Dorsey have a "shared vision" and that "Jack is one of the greatest minds of our times."

Source: @sc/Twitter

• The best rechargeable batteries are high-quality, ready to use, hold charge for months, and are economical for powering various devices.
• ThePanasonic Eneloop 2100 Cycle Ni-MH Rechargeable Batteries are our top pick because they are affordable, have a one-year warranty, and demonstrate consistent quality and performance.
• Be sure to also check out our guide to the best rechargeable battery chargers you can buy.

Some rechargeable batteries cost three or four times as much as single-use batteries. With most rechargeable battery brands, however, you will make back your extra upfront cost after five charges. Not only that, but you'll be helping Mother Nature, too. 

In our guide, we are focusing on AA and AAA batteries because these are by far the most popular rechargeable battery sizes. Many of the brands we cover also offer their batteries in C and D sizes. In fact, Eneloop even offers C and D spacers that make it so you can use AA batteries in devices that require C and D batteries.

We also focus on nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) low self-discharge (LSD) batteries. Just about all rechargeable AA and AAA batteries use NiMH because of its large capacity, and LSD batteries are the best because they hold the charge for longer when your device is not in use.

Battery capacity is measured in milliamp hours (mAh). And, most standard rechargeable AA batteries are rated for 2,000mAh and AAAs are 800mAh with slight, generally insignificant differences between brands. This is why many of the experts recommend simply paying attention to the per-battery costs and going with the cheapest name-brand cell. You should avoid knockoffs and discount brands. They rarely deliver quality and could potentially harm your devices and charger.

While researching the best rechargeable batteries, we looked at thousands of buyer and expert reviews and ratings of several brands. Our guide features batteries that are affordable, deliver on their capacity ratings, and will withstand hundreds of charge cycles.

Here are the best rechargeable batteries:

• Best rechargeable batteries overall:Panasonic Eneloop 2100 Cycle Ni-MH Rechargeable Batteries
• Best eco-friendly rechargeable batteries:Energizer Rechargeable Batteries
• Best rechargeable batteries on a budget:Tenergy Rechargeable NIMH Batteries

The best overall

The Panasonic Eneloop 2100 Cycle Ni-MH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries are ideal for devices that drain your batteries on a daily basis.

Pros: Holds charge after months of nonuse, can be recharged up to 2,100 times

Cons: Relatively expensive

Eneloop is legendary in the rechargeable battery industry. Introduced in 2005 by Sanyo, Eneloop batteries are made in Japan and are in their fourth generation, the first since Panasonic bought Sanyo for $4.6 billion in 2009. And, it appears the quality continues.

What sets the Panasonic Eneloop 2100 Cycle Ni-MH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries apart from other brands is the advertised 2100 cycle lifespan. This is virtually impossible to test at this point since the batteries have only been on the market for about four years now, but Eneloop does have a track record of durability.

The AA batteries have a 2,000mAh capacity with a 1,900mAh minimum, and the AAAs have 800mAh capacity with a 750mAh minimum. These batteries are pre-charged using solar power and can maintain 70% of their charge when left in storage for 10 years.

Wirecutter listed these batteries as runner-up. The reviewer was particularly impressed with the AAs' ability to hold 82% of their charge capacity after sitting idle on a shelf for nine months. The reason it wasn't his top choice was that the price tends to be more than other brands.

Since there are differences in the various generations of Eneloop batteries, you'll want to pay attention to the model numbers and specs of each generation. The latest fourth-generation batteries have a "BK" prefix in their model number, have the same capacity as older generations, and are capable of more charging cycles.

The most eco-friendly rechargeable batteries

The Energizer Rechargeable Batteries not only perform well, but they are also the first cells to be partially made of recycled batteries.

Pros: Made with 4% recycled batteries, pre-charged, five-year usable battery life

Cons: More expensive than some brands that perform better

When it comes to performance, the Energizer Rechargeable Batteries are on par with the other major brands. What sets them apart is that they are made of 4% recycled batteries. This makes them even better for the environment. Other than that, the batteries come pre-charged. The AAs have a 2,000mAh capacity, and the AAAs are rated 800mAh. And, since they are low self-discharging, they can last for up to a year in storage without losing their charge.

Wirecutter recommends the Energizer Recharge Universal batteries because they performed well in each stage of testing, including initial capacity, self-discharge, capacity after 48 charges, and remote-control car racing. Reviewed stopped short of recommending the Energizer batteries because the price was more than the AmazonBasics cells, and they didn't perform as well in their fan test.

The best on a budget

If you don't plan on charging your batteries more than 500 times, the Tenergy Rechargeable NIMH Batteries perform just as well as the major brands but cost less.

Pros: Inexpensive, higher than advertised capacity, retains 85% of charge after a year in storage

Cons: Can only be recharged up to 500 times

While the Tenergy Rechargeable NIMH Batteries are the most cost-effective in our guide, they still have many of the same features as the more expensive options. The AA Tenergy batteries are rated at a 2,000mAh capacity (which tends to be closer to 2,100 in reality), and the AAAs have an 800mAh rating, but according to buyers who have tested the batteries out, it tends to be more like 900 mAh.

Tenergy advertises that the cells can only last for up to 500 charging cycles, which is half that of the next lowest brands. So, this may not be the best alternative if you plan on recharging your batteries on a daily basis.

Light and Matter compared the Tenergy Centura Rechargeable NIMH Batteries to nine other brands. The mAh rating and possible charge cycles were on par with the other standard capacity options. However, Tenergy was among the least expensive and held on to more charge after a year. 

Tenergy batteries arrive about 30% charged and will need a few use cycles to reach their full charging capacities. After that, they tend to live up to their low self-discharge claim.

Rechargeable batteries FAQs

Which devices make sense to power with rechargeable batteries?

If you are a photographer, RC race car enthusiast, gamer with wireless console controllers, or regularly use devices that often require battery swaps, then rechargeable batteries are worth the cost.

If you are just buying cells for a low-drain device, such as a TV remote control you rarely use, or clocks, then it makes financial sense to choose a single-use option since you would not recharge the batteries enough to recoup the additional initial investment.

What's the best charger for my rechargeable batteries?

We have a guide for that! Check out the best rechargeable battery chargers we've seen so far. In general, however, choose the "slow" or "gentle" charge mode on your charger and avoid fast charging if you want to prolong the life of your batteries. Also, if you have a charger that features a "conditioning" function, use that every 10 to 15 charging cycles. This is a slow process that charges and discharges your batteries to erase any use "memory" that could reduce the permanent capacity.

Check out our other great buying guides

The best rechargeable battery chargers

High-quality rechargeable battery chargers don't overcharge your batteries, extend the life of the cells inside them, and are easy to use. These are our top picks for the best rechargeable battery chargers.

The best smart outlets

Smart outlets are about convenience and safety: They let you remotely power-down devices unintentionally left plugged-in, and automatically switch on lamps, radios, air conditioners, and more. These are the best smart outlets.

The best smart light bulbs

Smart light bulbs bring your home into the 21st century, allowing you to control your lights straight from your phone or with your voice. These are our top picks for the best smart bulbs according to our testing.

The best smart speakers

Smart speakers can do a number of different things, including answer questions, control smart home devices, set alarms, play music, and more. Whether you're a loyal Google fan or an Amazon fan, these are the best smart speakers for your home.

The best charging cables

A great charging cable ensures that your device is always charged up and ready for the day — without breaking. These are our top picks for the best charging cables.

• TVs can be quite expensive, but retailers often offer sales to make them more affordable.
• Right now, Sony's A8H 55-inch 4K OLED TV is on sale for $1,500— that's $400 off its full retail price.

A quality TV is the centerpiece of any home entertainment system, but finding the right display for your needs and the right price for your wallet can be challenging. When shopping for a TV, there are many different aspects to consider, including size, panel type, resolution, HDR support, smart TV platform, and more. 

If you're looking for a display with genuine home theater performance in mind, then you'll likely want to opt for a 65-inch- or- larger premium 4K TV. The best 4K TVs typically use an OLED panel, or a high-end LED panel with quantum dots and local dimming. These display types will provide you with the best contrast, black levels, and brightness performance for dazzling high dynamic range (HDR) images.  

For buyers who simply want a reliable TV for casual viewing, however, a smaller screen and a more budget-friendly LED panel should get the job done just fine. Though picture quality won't be quite as impressive as more expensive display types, there are many affordable LED TVs out there with solid performance. And, while 4K resolution and built-in smart TV interfaces were once thought of as premium features, nowadays even entry-level TVs come with 4K panels and smart TV capabilities as default features. 

Once you've settled on the basics for what you're looking for in a new display, there are plenty of deals readily available from all of the major TV manufacturers, including Sony, Samsung, LG, Vizio, TCL, and Hisense. To help narrow things down, we've rounded up all of the best TV deals available right now. 

Here are the best TV deals in March 2021:

Best OLED TV deals

When it comes to picture quality, no other display type offers better overall performance than an OLED TV. Unlike traditional LED TVs (which use LCD panels), OLED TVs don't require a backlight. Instead, every pixel is able to produce its own light or shut off completely. This enables OLED displays to produce superior black levels, contrast, and viewing angles compared to regular LED models. With that said, OLED panels can't get as bright as LED TVs, and they can be susceptible to burn-in if you leave a static image on the screen for hours on end.

For most buyers, however, the pros of OLED tech far outweigh the cons. Of course, the high-end picture performance of an OLED TV typically comes with a high price tag. Thankfully, OLED TVs from LG and Vizio often go on sale. 

Best premium LED TV deals

Unlike OLED displays, LED TVs still use traditional LCD panels with backlights to produce their images. Though this tech does have some drawbacks when it comes to black levels and viewing angles, high-end LED TVs are still capable of very impressive picture quality with industry-leading brightness. High brightness is particularly desirable for the best HDR performance, allowing highlights to really pop from the screen. 

Many high-end LED TVs are branded as QLED TVs since they include quantum dot technology. This feature allows the displays to achieve a wide color gamut for more accurate and rich colors. Premium LED TVs typically include full-array local dimming as well, enabling the backlight to dim in specific zones across the screen. This enables the display to achieve much better contrast and black levels compared to LED TV models without local dimming. 

Best midrange LED TV deals

Like premium LED TVs, the best midrange LED TV models also offer many impressive picture quality features, including quantum dots or other wide color gamut technologies. Brightness levels aren't quite as high as more expensive models, however, and contrast isn't as precise since there are typically fewer dimming zones or no dimming zones at all. 

Still, if you're a buyer who wants to save a bit without losing support for the latest display technologies, like HDR, then a midrange LED TV model will likely be a good fit. 

Best budget LED TV deals

For buyers who are less concerned about picture quality and more interested in simply finding an affordable display with reliable smart TV connectivity, there are plenty of budget-friendly options to consider. These models don't include advanced image features like local dimming or quantum dots, but you can find some entry-level models with basic 4K HDR playback capabilities.

Budget LED TVs can also be found in smaller screen sizes for people who want to purchase a TV that's suitable for a smaller living room or bedroom. And, while 4K is pretty much the standard for most new TV models, you can still save some money by opting for a lower resolution HDTV. 

• A dishwasher is one of the most time-saving products you can have for your home.
• After research and expert interviews, we determined theBosch SHEM63W55N as the best.
• It's quiet, has an adjustable middle rack for larger items, and has a good reputation among experts.

As a homeowner, a dishwasher will give you the biggest return on investment. Instead of washing, rinsing, and drying dishes by hand, you're free to relax while the dishwasher accomplishes the same goal.

And they don't just save time, they also greatly reduce water usage. According to Energy Star, the average modern dishwasher uses less water than hand-washing dishes and because it can use much hotter water, it sanitizes and more effectively removes bacteria. Considering these time-saving, water-conserving, and sanitizing benefits, it's easy to see how valuable a dishwasher can be to your home. 

I was a residential carpenter for four years and have experience installing, removing, and repositioning dishwashers. I used my experience, along with the insight of four experts, to curate this list of the four best dishwashers. For a look at my research methodology, head over here.

The best dishwashers in 2021

• Best dishwasher overall: Bosch SHEM63W55N
• Best budget dishwasher: Frigidaire FGID2466QF
• Best high-end dishwasher: Miele 24" G 7566
• Best portable dishwasher: GE GPT225SGLBB

The best dishwasher overall

The sleek design, ultra-quiet operation, and the unanimous support of its brand by our experts make the Bosch SHEM63W55N the best dishwasher you can buy.

Pros: Extremely quiet operation, stainless steel interior tub, AquaStop leak protection

Cons: Exterior is not smudge-proof, not ADA compliant

When I consulted my experts on their most recommended brands, Bosch came up time and time again. Gurfinkel of Appliance Repair LA specifically praised the brand's usability, reliability, and technical support, putting Bosch in the top tier of residential dishwashers. 

The Bosch SHEM63W55N features a stainless steel interior tub, a roomy third rack, and an adjustable upper rack. The tines on the top and bottom racks are can fold down to customize their storage capacity. However, all this room translates to a unit that isn't compatible with those needing special height requirements.

The Bosch SHEM63W55N boasts some special features, like a quick-wash cycle that takes only about an hour, a sanitizing setting, and a leak protection feature, a system of sensors that can detect when leaks occur and instantly shuts off the water supply. I've personally come home from a long weekend to find my dishwasher had leaked onto my parents' hardwood floors, so this can be an extremely helpful feature.

Its estimated yearly energy use is 269 kWh, according to the US Government Energy Guide. This comes out to about $25 per year, assuming you run four loads per week. 

At only 44 dB, this dishwasher makes around the same amount of noise as a refrigerator— which is to say it's one of the quietest options you can buy. 

The stainless steel exterior and recessed handle give it a sleek, high-end look, and the front-facing control panel allows you to monitor its operation easily. The exterior is not fingerprint-resistant, however, so if you have active kids around, you might want to have a bottle of stainless steel cleaner on hand.

The best budget dishwasher

Despite its reasonable price tag, the Frigidaire FGID2466QF still provides a lot of the valuable features you see on high-end models, like a sanitizing wash cycle, fold-down tines, and a drying mode.

Pros: Smudge-proof stainless steel, sanitizing cycle, StayPut hinge ensures the door will not fall open or closed

Cons: Slightly louder than others, plastic interior tub, not ADA compliant

The fact that the Frigidaire FGID2466QF doesn't look like a budget model is one of the reasons Nick Yahoodain, CEO of Advanced Builders and Contractors recommended it so highly.

The hidden control panel and stainless steel exterior are clean and modern. The front panel and bar handle has a smudge-proof finish, which can look darker than uncoated stainless steel. If you're planning on matching your stainless steel appliances, visit a showroom or appliance store if possible to take a look yourself. 

The plastic interior tub is less durable and harder to clean than stainless steel, though it's likely a big reason why this machine is relatively affordable. The height also isn't ADA compliant, which can be another drawback.

I was impressed by its door hinge, which prevents it from falling open or closing shut when you don't want it to. The Frigidaire FGID2466QF also features fold-down tines and has a high-temperature sanitizing setting. 

The Frigidaire FGID2466QF uses sensors to determine how much water pressure is needed based on how dirty the dishes are — a feature you often see in high-end models. Its dual drying options allow you to choose whether you prefer heated drying or not. It can also be programmed for half loads — an energy-saving feature that Yahoodain pointed out in his recommendation. 

The Frigidaire FGID2466QF uses 268 kWh per year, assuming an average household runs about four loads per week. This comes out to an estimated yearly cost of about $32. 

At 52 dB, it's well under the noise level of a normal conversation and surprisingly, a typical dishwasher — which registers at around 70 dB by the CDC. 

The best high-end dishwasher

The Miele G 7566 might have an intimidating price tag, but if money's no object, its top of the line components, reputation for quality, and Wi-Fi connectivity are worth it.

Pros: Wi-Fi connectivity, quiet operation, customizable tray designs

Cons: Not NSF certified

Gurfinkel recommended the Miele G 7566 for its high-quality and impressive five-year warranty.

It features a stainless steel tub and an adjustable third rack. It also has four LEDs to illuminate the interior, making it easy to see what you're loading and unloading.

The Miele G 7566 has a few special features that I haven't seen in other models — most notably, the Wi-Fi connectivity and pre-set times so you can start the wash cycle even when you're not home. It also features a QuickIntenseWash, which cleans and dries dishes in 58 minutes compared to the average normal dishwasher cycle of two hours. 

The Miele G 7566 runs even quieter than the Bosch at 38 dB.

It looks modern and minimal with hidden controls and a stainless steel bar handle. The white LED readout gives it a high-tech look and really separates it from other models that use black or red. The surface should also be easy to clean and maintain.

This model is not officially NSF-certified to sanitize glassware, cookware, and dishes though its SaniWash cycle reaches 167 degrees. This exceeds the 150 degrees that NSF requires for certification and the Miele manual describes this cycle as intended for "baby bottles, cutting boards, and prepared dishes," but you won't have the peace of mind that comes from an official NSF certification.

According to its energy label, it should use about 230 kWh per year, which comes out to about $30.

The best portable dishwasher

Even though it's a portable model, the GE GPT225SGLBB has the sleek look of a built-in unit, features a hard food disposer, and is mounted on four swiveling casters for easy transport.

Pros: Hard food disposer, stainless steel tub, the top can be used as extra counter space

Cons: Loud, must be hooked up to the sink to operate, needs an additional bucket if your sink is higher than 34 inches

Gurfinkel recommended the GE GPT225SGLBB as his top portable option. It has a food disposal, stainless steel interior tub, sanitizing cycle, and can adjust the water temperature for an ideal wash cycle.

Because they lack the noise-deadening benefits of surrounding cabinets, portable dishwashers tend to be louder than built-ins. The GE GPT225SGLBB runs at 54 dBA, the loudest of all the units I researched and a little under the level of a normal conversation. 

The GE GPT225SGLBB is reasonably energy-efficient at about 270 kWh/year. This adds up to about $35 with an electric water heater or $23 with a natural gas heater. 

The unit is black on all sides with a metal door and laminate wood top, which you can use as additional countertop space. The hidden controls give it a modern utilitarian look.

Portable dishwashers are simple to install. Unlike built-ins that connect to existing plumbing fixtures, the GE GPT225SGLBB needs an outlet and connects via a unicouple. This is essentially two hoses: one that attaches to the faucet for hot water and the other to expel wastewater back into the sink. 

If your sink is 34 inches or higher off the floor, you won't be able to drain wastewater into the sink because it's too high, so you'll need a bucket or pitcher that's lower than the height of the sink.

Our research methodology

I wasn't able to physically test these dishwashers myself, so I leaned on my kitchen remodeling experience and background as a general contractor. I also consulted four experts for brand and model recommendations, as well as criteria that I could use to compare and contrast models as I did my research. 

I consulted a food safety expert, Kaylyn Brunskole, the technical manager of Food Equipment at NSF International. I also reached out to an appliance retailer, Albert Safaradi of Albee's Appliances, and a home remodeling expert, Nick Yahoodain, CEO of Advanced Builders and Contractors, and an appliance repair expert, Alexander Gurfinkel of Appliance Repair LA. 

After consulting experts, I developed a set of criteria to use to compare potential options, including their appearance, construction, installation details, special features, energy use, noise levels, certifications, and repair and warranty details. 

I then spent hours rigorously researching the most popular options from online retailers and read countless best-of lists and customer reviews, developing a list that I vetted with my experts and removing ones that didn't meet their criteria. The result is four expertly-vetted dishwashers.

FAQs

When should I use a dishwasher?

This is ultimately a personal preference, but there are smart ways to use your dishwasher so you're not wasting money or water.

Run your dishwasher when you have a full load — that means when the upper, middle, and lower racks are full. If you use a dishwasher when it barely has anything to clean, you can easily run up your water bills. This might mean waiting a day or two to accumulate enough dishes to run a load.

And if you have hard water, try to run the dishwasher early in the evening so you're still awake to remove and dry dishes by hand and avoid hard water spots. 

How do I load a dishwasher? 

Yahoodain said that loading your dishwasher is specific to your machine and typically mapped out in the user manual, especially for machines that have specific wash zones or half-load options. 

Generally, according to Brunskole, "It's a good idea to position items at an angle to help with drainage, with the top rack commonly used for smaller items and larger on the bottom. For utensils, some dishwashers have an upper utensil rack or a silverware basket on the bottom. Whichever style you choose, review the manual before you get started to learn the best way to load your dishwasher."

Do you need to rinse dishes first? 

Even though you might think you're helping by rinsing off your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher, you could actually be making it less effective. This is because the sensors that some dishwashers use to determine how long a cycle should run and how much water to use can be fooled by pre-rinsed dishes. It assumes that the load is cleaner than it actually is and ends up running a lighter wash cycle. 

Can you wash plastic takeout containers in a dishwasher?

Brunskole said that plastics are commonly loaded on the uppermost racks away from the lower heating element, but you should always refer to the manufacturer's recommended washing cycles and rack loading guidelines. Even if plastic take-out containers have a dishwasher-safe label on them, check the manufacturer's manual first to see what can and can't be washed. 

What types of dishwashers are there? 

• Built-In: These are the most common types of dishwashers. They are designed to be installed in a dedicated area under your kitchen counter and are connected to permanent plumbing hookups. They're typically sandwiched on both sides by cabinetry or drawers, which muffle the noise of its operation. 
• Portable: Unlike built-in models that are permanently installed, portable dishwashers are freestanding units that sit on wheels and can be moved around as you like. Since they don't have any dedicated plumbing connections, they typically get their water supply by hooking directly to your kitchen faucet. The wheels allow you to roll them into a closet or storage area after use. Plus, since they're not located underneath a counter, you can usually use their top as a kitchen workspace.
• Countertop: For those who are really tight on space, countertop dishwashers are even more convenient than portable options. They connect right to your kitchen faucet and use considerably less water than full-size dishwashers. They're on the smaller side so they wouldn't be a great choice for households that produce a lot of dirty dishes. We didn't feature any countertop models in this guide, but I look forward to testing them in the future.

How do you install a dishwasher?

Dishwasher installation is a pretty straightforward process, so if you've got a reasonable amount of experience working with appliances, you should be alright to DIY. Gurfinkel explained that a YouTube video and proper equipment like a hose and a wrench can be enough. Issues may arise if your original dishwasher wasn't installed properly and can't be removed — this will require breaking countertops and floors, and above all else, a professional.

If you'd rather have a professional install your dishwasher entirely, Gurfinkel recommended going with a local installer, rather than a big box store. He explained that local installers usually care more about how the installation goes since they rely on positive reviews and word of mouth, unlike big box stores. 

If you decide to install your dishwasher yourself, Yahoodain said the most important things to remember are to make sure everything is connected properly and the machine is level. "You also want to check with the manufacturer to make sure that a professional installer isn't required to uphold the warranty," he said.

What sizes of dishwashers are there?

Safaradi said, "Dishwasher dimensions are standard: 23 ¾ inches wide by  33 ⅝ inches  high by 24 ⅝ inches deep, except for handicapped-enabled (ADA-compliant) units which are 24 inches wide by 34 ½ inches high by 24 inches deep." Compact-sized dishwashers tend to be about 18 inches wide. 

Even though portable versions are freestanding and don't need to fit into an opening, you still want to get a good idea of how they'll fit in your kitchen. These dishwashers run about 24 inches wide, 27 inches deep, and 37 inches high (a bit taller than the rest due to their rolling casters).

How long should a dishwasher last? 

"On average, you can expect a dishwasher to last you about 10 years with potential maintenance in between," Yahoodain said. Gurfinkel's caveat to that is how you use them, so make sure to follow the manufacture's guidelines for optimal operation. One thing our experts stressed was the durability of stainless steel tubs over plastic, so that can be a large factor in the lifespan of your dishwasher. 

Is a front or top-mounted control panel better?

Most dishwashers offer the option of having the control panel located either on the front of the unit or on the top of the door, which is hidden from view when the door is closed. This is really just a matter of personal preference as some people like the minimal look of the top-mounted design, and it also prevents curious kids from pressing buttons at random. I personally prefer the convenience of the front-facing panel since I can always tell how much time is remaining on the cycle just by glancing at the unit. Top-mounted units will sometimes direct a red light on the floor to indicate that it's not finished yet, but that's not enough information for me. 

What certifications should I look for? 

One of the ways to effectively clean and sanitize dishes is to use a dishwasher with a NSF/ANSI 184: Residential Dishwashers certification. 

Brunskole said, "The certified sanitizing cycle on your dishwasher means it has been tested to reduce 99.999% (5-log) of bacteria. Cleaning is removing visible soil from a surface whereas sanitizing is reducing the bacteria on a surface. It is not always necessary to sanitize dishes; however, it is important to choose this cycle on your dishwasher when you have raw meat juice, for example on a cutting board, that you put in the dishwasher to clean."

All of our top picks are NSF-certified, except for the Miele 24" G 7566, though it uses water temperatures that meet NSF guidelines to sanitize dishes.

Yahoodain also recommended prospective shoppers look for dishwashers with a certified Energy Star rating which means the unit is more efficient than ones that meet just the federal minimum standard for energy efficiency.  All of the options I chose are Energy Star certified. 

Depending on where you live, you might qualify for certain rebates to cut costs and energy use, said Yahoodain.

How do you clean a dishwasher?

This can vary depending on the machine, according to Yahoodain, who explains that cleaning "depends on the type of dishwasher, finish (stainless, plastic, or a mix), and the type of filter which catches leftover food in the machine."

I have personally had success using a simple mixture of warm water and vinegar and using a dishrag to wipe down the interior components. That being said, make sure to read the manufacturer's instructions first.  

You can also buy dishwasher cleaning tablets, like these from Affresh, to keep build-up at bay. There are a few different types that work for different brands, so make sure you get the right one. Try to clean your dishwasher once a month, or at least on a regular cycle.

When should you use the sanitizing cycle?

If your dishes, knives, or dishwasher-safe cutting boards have been in contact with raw meat, you should disinfect them with the sanitizing cycle. The same goes for any baby-related items such as bottles or toys. Brunskole said, "A good rule of thumb is to use the sanitizing cycle on your dishwasher when dishes inside have sat for more than two hours. Food left at room temperature can be a breeding ground for bacteria leading to potential foodborne illness."

What should you do if your dishwasher isn't draining? 

Try running your dishwasher a second time — it may have shut down by itself in the middle of the initial cycle. If there's still water collecting at the bottom, try these fixes: unplug the dishwasher and check the hose for clogs or kinks, run your garbage disposal, and clean the air gap that connects to the drain hose (if your dishwasher's hose doesn't empty into the garbage disposal drain).

Glossary

Wash zone: Your dishwasher has multiple areas that can be washed in different ways — these are wash zones. Typically a dishwasher will have two wash zones, the upper and lower racks, giving you the option to wash both or just one. This comes in handy when you only have half a load of dishes to clean.

Filter: Your dishwasher filter prevents pieces of food from ending up back on your dishes or clogging your drain. These can be either self-cleaning or manual versions, so make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to keep them clean. 

Sensor wash: Using a beam of light to analyze your dishes, sensor wash dishwashers can determine the best cycle, temperature, and duration to clean specific dish loads.  

Lower rack: This is the main storage area of the dishwasher and is used for items like plates, pots, pans, and larger bowls. 

Top rack: This is the second rack of the dishwasher and is used for cups, glasses, and oddly shaped utensils that may be too tall for the bottom rack. 

Third rack: Located at the top of the dishwasher, this is a thin tray that slides out and provides the ideal space to lay down smaller or irregularly shaped items. A third rack can sometimes act as the utensil basket, freeing up valuable space on the bottom rack.

Settings: Each machine has different settings, but these are among the most common based on my research. 

• Normal: The standard cycle that should be used on typical, moderately soiled loads. The duration can vary depending on the machine, but on average lasts about two hours.
• Eco: Lower washing and rinsing temperatures to minimize the amount of energy and water used. This cycle can take longer than normal, up to 2.5hours.
• Auto: A sensor analyzes how soiled the dishes are and selects the best cycle. 
• Quick Wash: This setting uses more water and higher temperatures to get your dishes done quickly, though this can sometimes result in less effective results than a normal wash. This cycle can usually run between 30 and 60 minutes.
• Sanitize: Uses extra-hot water (above 150 degrees F) to sanitize your dishes and destroy bacteria. This is recommended when washing dishes that have come in contact with raw meat or any other source of potential bacteria. This cycle is usually used in addition to another cycle and should add about 30 minutes to the wash time.
• Pots & Pans: This setting uses extra water to ensure your extra-large cookware is cleaned effectively. This cycle tends to run about 2.5hours.

Check out more guides to kitchen appliances and fixtures

• The best kitchen faucets
• The best kitchen sinks
• The best refrigerators

• For a close-to-home vacation, East Coasters should consider the uncrowded Adirondacks.
• Located in upstate New York, the area offers mountain scenery and all-seasons outdoor activities. 
• We compiled top Airbnbs in the Adirondacks, with rates from $80 to $262, plus one special splurge.

Although vaccine rollouts are underway, the novel coronavirus continues to make travel a challenge. Vacationers continue to gravitate towards destinations within driving distance of home that offer ample space for social distancing.

The Adirondack Park in upstate New York is a 6-million-acre patchwork of towering mountains, old-growth forest, and freshwater lakes, making it easy to find seclusion. While it feels particularly remote, it is only a four-hour drive from both New York City and Boston. 

The Adirondacks have been popular since the Gilded Age when wealthy industrialists flocked to their wilderness retreats to escape city life. Today, visitors may participate in a variety of outdoor activities year-round. In summer consider fishing, swimming, boating, and hiking. In winter, enjoy top-notch downhill skiing at Whiteface Mountain, as well as ample opportunity to snowshoe, ice-skate on frozen lakes and Olympic ice, and cross-country ski on miles of groomed trails. In autumn, a spectacular display of crimson, amber, and orange leaves weave a photogenic tapestry of fall color. 

Small towns like Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Bolton Landing are some of the dozens of quaint villages that dot the region. There's a yesteryear quality to these resort towns, with alfresco lakefront dining and old-fashioned mom-and-pop shops. 

As safety is a high priority for most travelers right now, rest assured that experts consider renting an Airbnb to be one of the safer options. Additionally, Airbnb has implemented stringent new cleaning measures via its Airbnb Enhanced Clean program that all hosts must now adhere to.

However, it's important to note that there is still no guarantee for absolute safety right now. We recommend following CDC, WHO, and other reputable organizations' safety guidelines, and to wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, and maintain social distancing.

We selected the best Airbnbs in the Adirondacks based on the following criteria:

1. All listings are private homes, cottages, or apartments in line with current expert recommendations. 
2. All are highly rated having earned an overall score of at least a 4.68 out of a possible 5. And, all garnered a cleanliness score of at least 4.5 out of 5.
3. All properties allow easy access to nature, so get ready to linger in front of a crackling campfire, hike to lookouts with stunning lake views, or hit the ski slopes. 
4. Listings are affordable and range in price from $80 to $262 per night to start, with the exception of one spectacular and splurge-worthy stay for special occasions.

These are the best Airbnbs in the Adirondacks, sorted by price from low to high. 

Cozy lakeside cottage in Hamilton, $80

Book this cozy lakeside cottage starting at $80 per night

Resting on five private acres and set right beside Lake Moraine, this tiny home is the ultimate secluded retreat for couples and solo travelers. And at just $75 per night, the price is tough to beat.

The interiors are minimalistic but still fun, with a bright green kitchen island, cream couch, and navy and white patterned armchair for relaxing. The beautiful deck overlooking the lake is a prime place to start or end the day. The lake and nearby creek are easily accessible via wooden boardwalks and guests have access to kayaks and paddleboards during warmer months.

This home still has scattered dates open in March and full availability starting in April.

Historic ice house overlooking a pond in Saranac Lake, $105

Book this loft cottage starting at $105 per night

In the late 19th century, Saranac Lake gained recognition as a place to heal from tuberculosis. The clean mountain air had a tonic effect, just as it does today. The village is very walkable, with numerous art galleries and a sweet carousel with hand-carved animals for the kids to ride on.

Built in the early 1900s as a pre-refrigeration ice house, this petite cottage has been meticulously renovated while maintaining original details. A sturdy wooden ladder goes to the sleeping loft where you'll find a new mattress on the double bed. The kitchenette has a hot plate and microwave but no stove. 

Outside, relax in one of the two Adirondack chairs overlooking Ricketson Pond, toast marshmallows over the fire, and enjoy your morning coffee on the porch. The only noise you'll hear are the two-dozen laying hens in the nearby barn, reminding you to purchase a dozen before you head home. 

This home has availability starting in May.

Apartment on the Cedar River near Indian Lake, $134

Book this riverfront apartment starting at $134 per night

This snug apartment in the woods enjoys a tranquil spot on the Cedar River a few miles from Indian Lake. Enjoy nature and fish, swim, kayak, and canoe in the pristine river, or hike along its edge. 

This apartment is just the right size for two. It's loaded with character, including a comfortable queen bed with a vintage quilt, Adirondack chairs facing the river, and a Vermont Castings gas stove. The kitchen is bare-bones, with just a hot plate, microwave, and tea kettle, so it's not suited to preparing big meals, though there is an outdoor gas grill. In the evening, build a fire and enjoy the starry sky.

The helpful hosts live next door with their friendly puppy and pets are welcome for a small additional fee. 

This listing still has full availability over the next several months.

Romantic cottage in Lake Placid, $156

Book this compact cottage starting at $156 per night

Lake Placid is a classic mountain town surrounded by high peaks. There's plenty of shopping and dining, though nature is never far. Mirror Lake is in the center of town, offering excellent swimming in summer and snowy sleigh rides across the frozen surface in winter.

This listing is a stylish bungalow immersed in greenery, just a short walk from the village. The design-forward 1920s studio cottage has been fully renovated and was even featured in Country Living, Domino, and on HGTV.

Amenities include a stainless-steel kitchenette, heated California king bed, claw-foot bathtub, teak lawn chairs on the patio, and a yard with a fire-pit. It's especially ideal for couples seeking a romantic getaway.

This home has full availability from early April on.

Riverside camper on the Hudson in Warrensburg, $160

Book this riverside camper starting at $160 per night

If you're seeking a connection with nature but don't want to forgo creature comforts, this camper sits on a shady swath of the Hudson River only seven miles from Lake George Village.

This heated, air-conditioned camper has simple yet sufficient amenities and is roomier than it first appears. It includes a full kitchen, a queen and two double beds, and a full bathroom. Additionally, there are two sofa beds in the common space.

Kayaks, canoes, and fishing poles are included, so it's easy to explore the river. Miles of hiking trails are at your doorstep. After a full day, kick back and relax with a bonfire as the sunsets over the water. 

This home is seasonal and bookings open up in May. Summer weekends are already filling up quickly, so it may be worth booking well in advance.

Remote cabin near Indian Lake, $200

Book this cabin starting at $200 per night

This cabin is mere steps from crystal-clear Indian Lake and comes with a kayak so you can paddle away. Hiking trails are at your doorstep and the educational Adirondack Museum is nearby. 

Newly remodeled with hardwood floors throughout, there's one private bedroom as well as an open sleeping loft with two beds. A fireplace with plenty of firewood and a vast collection of DVDs are perks for a cozy night in. Note that there's no grocery store in the vicinity, so come prepared with provisions. 

This cabin is very popular, but there are still dates open starting in May. 

Farm cottage in Moreau, $213

Book this farm cottage starting at $213 per night

Stay in a roomy cottage on a 70-acre working family farm and get a bona fide taste of agrarian life. The hospitable hosts give guests free rein to explore the grounds and get involved with simple chores like gathering eggs.

Explore numerous hiking options and relax in the saltwater hot tub. Horseback riding (with pony rides for kids) is possible for an additional fee, as is the chance to learn to butcher a chicken. The farm is only 20 minutes from Saratoga Springs, a cultural hot spot known for its healing mineral water, horse racing, and dynamic dining scene. 

This free-standing cottage has a queen-sized bed in the bedroom plus a single bed and sofa bed in the common space, so there's plenty of room for the kids. The eat-in kitchen is spacious but for nights when you'd rather someone else do the cooking, the farm sells ready-to-eat throwback favorites like chicken pot pie and chili with cornbread.  

Hobby Farm Cottage still has a few dates open in March and full availability starting in April. 

Cozy cabin in the heart of Lake Placid, $232

Book this in-town cabin starting at $232 per night

Lake Placid is a four-season resort so there's no wrong time to visit. It has twice hosted the Winter Olympic Games, so expect plenty of recreational options, including Alpine skiing and ice-skating on the Olympic oval in winter, and kayaking and hiking in summer and fall.

If you're looking for accommodations just a two-minute stroll from Main Street's shopping, dining, bars, and movie theater, this cabin is a winner. It's situated next to leafy Teddy Bear Park with stellar views of Whiteface Mountain.

The cabin sleeps up to six people and there's also a portable crib and stair gate if you're traveling with a baby or toddler. The kitchen features brand new appliances home chefs will enjoy and the patio has a grill for summertime cookouts. 

This home has plenty of availability over the next several months.

Post-and-beam house in North River, $266

Book this house starting at $266 per night

Guests of this beautiful home may enjoy the use of Garnet Hill association's private beach and boat launch on stunning 13th Lake. Stroll the path to a private babbling brook, gaze at free-roaming wildlife, or try white-water rafting on the nearby Hudson River. Garnet Hill is known for its fine Nordic skiing and groomed snowshoe trails in winter so cold temperatures are anything but a deal-breaker.

This 3-story house is roomy, with four bedrooms, two full baths, and an extra half bath. A fireplace, screened-in porch, carved wood accents, and peaked pine roof add rustic touches. The well-stocked kitchen has a charming collection of antique teapots. Paintings of birds and native wildlife decorate the walls, bringing a bit of the outdoors inside.

This home still has plenty of availability over the next several months.

Lake cabin with use of boats in Saranac Lake, $280

Book this fish cabin starting at $280 per night

Lake Colby is a boater's paradise and this cabin comes with an assortment of rowboats, kayaks, and canoes. It is situated just 300 feet from the water's edge so it will be easy to spend most of your vacation swimming, fishing, or boating out on the water. 

Fish Cabin, as it's named, is furnished in a rustic style with wood paneling, bed frames made with local lumber, old-fashioned quilts, and a screened-in porch. There's a bedroom with a queen bed plus a single and a sofa bed in the living room. The cabin is a private listing but there are three other cabins nearby so you may have neighbors a few steps away.

Fish Cabin has plenty of availability in the next several months, but is starting to fill up for July and August already.

Lakeside tree house on Glen Lake, $262

Book this tree house starting at $262 per night

Glen Lake is an impressive body of water and the cabin's views fully showcase its pristine beauty. It's a serene spot nestled in the pines so the only noises you'll hear are birds chirping and the leaves blowing in the breeze. Glen Lake is popular with families, some who've been vacationing here for generations. 

The wood floors, panoramic deck, and updated kitchen are inviting. There are two bedrooms as well as two baths. For larger families, there's also a futon in the upstairs living room. The cabin comes with a canoe, kayak, and bicycles, adding numerous ways to be active in the great outdoors. 

This home still has good availability over the next few months.

Castle overlooking Lake George, $1,159

Book this storybook castle starting at $1,159 per night

This captivating mini-castle is nestled in the mountains with panoramic lake views and loads of luxury just a few minutes from Bolton Landing, Lake George's premier village. While it's likely out of your price range for a casual weekend away, it's an excellent choice for a romantic honeymoon or a small special occasion like a micro wedding.

This specific listing has just two bedrooms, but a gatehouse and a larger castle sit on the property as well, so there's the possibility to rent all three and sleep up to 21 people. With many weddings sadly needing to be reworked due to COVID-19 and many international destinations still off the table, this makes for a dreamy domestic choice for an intimate ceremony. And, despite its high price tag, it still comes in cheaper than many traditional venues.

The palatial stone structure is striking on the outside, with all the amenities you can think of on the inside, including decorative touches like stained-glass windows. The private terrace has spectacular lake and mountain views for picture-perfect moments.

The castle has plenty of availability over the next several months.

Traveling elsewhere on the East Coast?

• The best Airbnbs in Maine
• The best Airbnbs in the Hudson Valley
• The best Airbnbs in Rhode Island
• The best Airbnbs in Connecticut
• The best Airbnbs in the Hamptons

• Stainless steel home appliances are durable, but are susceptible to fingerprints, streaks, and smudges.
• A good stainless steel cleaner is gentle on appliances and doesn't leave spots behind.
• We've selected the best stainless steel cleaners including wipes, aerosols, natural cleaners, and more.

Stainless steel is extremely durable and resistant to water damage and rust. But it can also show every fingerprint, smudge, and water spot that is not properly wiped away. If you use the wrong type of cleaner, there is no way to restore the finish.

Ammonia, chlorine bleach, and oven cleaner are all particularly damaging, as are scouring powders and steel wool. And if you live in an area with extremely hard water, the minerals will leave spots. In other words, despite its hardiness, stainless steel requires a high level of upkeep.  

For tougher stains, I need to call in backup. Luckily, I've tested enough stainless steel cleaning products to determine which ones get the job done. 

Here are the best stainless steel cleaners in 2021

• Best cleaning wipes for stainless steel: Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaning Wipes
• Best aerosol cleaner for stainless steel: CLR Stainless Steel Cleaner
• Best natural cleaner for stainless steel: Therapy Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish
• Best homemade solution for stainless steel: Heinz Cleaning Vinegar and Pompeian Pure Olive Oil

The best cleaning wipes for stainless steel

Perfect for tight spaces and quick cleanups, Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaning Wipes quickly make fingerprints vanish.

Pros: Wipes conform to tight spaces, useful for quick clean-ups, disposable, removes fingerprints and smudges

Cons: Darkens some types of metal like aluminum, wipes will dry out quickly if the canister is not properly closed

Any surface is easy to clean if you do it frequently, and this rule applies to stainless steel. In between deep cleaning, Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaning Wipes are perfect for quick, everyday cleanups like cooking splatters and fingerprints on refrigerator doors.

The wipes are offered in a convenient, resealable pop-top canister to keep them from drying out — similar to other household cleaning wipes you may already have. To use, simply wipe in the direction of the metal's grain and then buff with a soft, dry cloth to prevent streaks. Smudges, water spots, and stains will be gone.

I also love to use these wipes to remove greasy smears and splatters on my outdoor grill. And nothing will fit into the tight spot where handles join a stainless-steel panel like Weiman Wipes. When I attempt to clean those spots with some liquid cleaners, the cleaner runs down the panel before I can get my cloth in there to clean.

The best aerosol cleaner for stainless steel

With just one spray, CLR Stainless Steel Cleaner will leave stainless steel clean and streak-free — no buffing needed.

Pros: One-step cleaning, works well to remove smudges

Cons: Petroleum-based product, should never be used near a gas flame or hot appliance

Almost every stainless steel cleaner recommends using the product to clean away smudges and stains and then coming back with a soft, dry cloth to buff away any streaks the cleaner has left behind. With CLR Stainless Steel Cleaner, the second step is eliminated — no buffing is needed.

My microwave is mounted at eye-level which means the top of the appliance is above my head. Cleaning anything above my head is not a favorite chore so I like a one-step process. Just a good shake of the can, a quick spray with the cleaner, and one pass with a microfiber cloth leaves the finish shiny and streak-free.

While the product is scented, it is very light and dissipates quickly. The steel can is also recyclable.

The best natural cleaner for stainless steel

Developed with plant-based ingredients, Therapy Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish is safe to use around children and pets.

Pros: Plant-based formula, safe to use around children and pets, leaves appliances clean and streak-free

Cons: Most expensive stainless steel cleaner per use, not readily available in mass-market stores

With a gentle herbal scent and plant-based ingredients, Therapy Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish is an excellent choice if someone in your home has chemical sensitivities. The company makes one of the few stainless-steel cleaners that actually list every ingredient on the label: filtered water, coconut oil, sorbitan monooleate (emulsifier), lavender vanilla essential oil blend, acrylates copolymer (emulsifier), and methylisothiazolinone (preservative).

The starter kit includes a 16-ounce spray bottle of the cleaner and a 14-by-14-inch microfiber cloth. Simply spray on the solution and, working with the grain of the metal, wipe away grime and smudges. Finish by buffing with a dry area of the microfiber cloth. After cleaning, a bit of the coconut oil remains on the surface to protect the shine and repel fingerprints.

Therapy is formulated to use on refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, sinks, outdoor grills, and microwaves. It should be noted that Therapy is slightly more expensive than the other cleaners on this list. 

The best homemade solution for stainless steel

Using household ingredients like Heinz Cleaning Vinegar and Pompeian Pure Olive Oil can leave stainless steel appliances streak-free.

Pros: Cleans stainless steel using natural ingredients, inexpensive to use, can be used to clean many other surfaces around the house

Cons: Vinegar aroma

Is there anything that vinegar can't clean? If you don't mind the scent of vinegar and have a little leftover oil in the kitchen, your stainless-steel appliances will gleam after using this simple mixture.

I'm recommending Heinz Cleaning Vinegar because it is slightly more acidic than regular white distilled vinegar, which makes it more effective in removing grease and food splatters. I keep it in a labeled spray bottle to make cleaning easier. Just spritz the vinegar onto the surface of the stainless steel and wipe the appliance down using a microfiber cloth (following the grain of the metal, of course). You will be amazed at how clean it looks.

Then, to help protect the finish from holding onto every single fingerprint (and nose-print from the dog), use just a teeny bit of Pompeian Pure Olive Oil on a soft cloth for a final coating. You can actually use any type of oil you have on hand; mineral oil, vegetable oil, even WD-40. The key to success is using as little oil as possible (and, again, buffing it in with a microfiber cloth). 

Tips for keeping stainless steel appliances clean

Wipe appliances down regularly between deeper cleanings

Since equipping my kitchen with stainless steel appliances, I have been testing various cleaning products and techniques. One tip I swear by is wiping down the appliances daily with just a dry microfiber cloth; often, this allows me to skip other cleaning products altogether.

Wipe with the grain

Like wood, stainless steel has a grain so always wipe with it, not against it.

Always use a microfiber cloth 

Using a microfiber cloth instead of paper towels is also another helpful tip as these cloths reduce streaks and pick up small food particles and dust. Simply spray the cleaner directly on the appliances surface and wipe for an easy streak free shine. 

See more great cleaning buying guides

• The best cleaning cloths
• The best cleaning products for kitchen and laundry appliances
• The best floor cleaners

If city leaders across the country learned anything from the past year, it's the value of resilience. 

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed cracks in infrastructure, posed mobility challenges, and revealed a digital divide. The places that have fared the best are the ones that have been investing in the future, specifically in areas like digital transformation, manufacturing, sustainability, infrastructure, and innovation. 

"I don't think we talk about resilience enough,"Diana Bowman, co-director of the Center for Smart Cities and Regions at Arizona State University's School for the Future of Innovation in Society, told Insider. "Resilience talks about our capacity to respond in a quick way to address whatever those external challenges are."

While investing in technology and infrastructure is key for cities of the future, Bowman said that resilience also depends on strong partnerships across the public, private, and local university sectors. 

"One of the things that we've seen in this last 12-month period is if you take your eye off the ball at any single one of these, then your ability to have a fully engaged school system, fully engaged workforce is really challenged, and everybody suffers as a consequence of that," she said. For example, the influx of people working and learning from home revealed a lack of access to high-speed internet in some places. 

Cities of all sizes should be thinking about building a better tomorrow through investment and policy, or risk getting left behind. 

The need for cities to innovate and be more sustainable is coming, whether they're prepared or not, Zachary Schafer, CEO and executive director of United for Infrastructure, a nonprofit working to modernize and repair the country's infrastructure, told Insider. "It's better to be developing frameworks early to understand how to deploy them, how to use them, how to benefit from them, and how to talk to residents about these technologies."

Several US cities are already leading the way. Here's a look at 10 places making big strides when it comes to innovation.

The cities are listed in no particular order.

Chicago, Illinois

The city of Chicago has several programs in the works aimed at updating infrastructure and advancing manufacturing. 

One example is the Smart Lighting Program, which some have referred to as the largest streetlight modernization project in the nation. It involves installing wireless, LED lights across the city, which can be dimmed or controlled remotely. The goal is to cut energy costs and improve public safety. 

To function as a kind of "fitness tracker" for the city, the Array of Things (AoT) project included placing sensors throughout the city to collect data on the environment, infrastructure, and activity. The purpose is to address traffic safety and flooding, reduce costs, and make the city more efficient and equitable. 

Both the streetlight and AoT programs come with interactive elements, so residents can track their progress and view the data collected. 

"Chicago has a good program for launching projects using digital technologies to transform the city landscape," Schafer said. "You're building the foundational infrastructure for a smart city or for a city to use to make smart decisions." 

On the manufacturing front, Chicago is home to MxD (Manufacturing times Digital), which opened in 2015 to focus on digital design, automation, and digital in manufacturing. MxD is part of the Manufacturing USA initiative, which established institutes across the country to focus on different areas of technology and digital transformation in manufacturing and supply chain. 

MxD helps educate manufacturers about digital tools and processes. It has a mock production line, projects to help digitize equipment, and cybersecurity technology developed with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Honolulu, Hawaii

The entire state of Hawaii is leading the charge on sustainability, Bowman said. Two years ago, Gov. David Ige issued a declaration of commitment to sustainability— though the state's focus on sustainability started long before. 

In 2014, Hawaii kicked off the Aloha+ Challenge to address six metrics from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, including clean energy transformation, local food production, management of natural resources, solid waste reduction, creating smart and sustainable communities, and building and educating a green workforce. The initiative comes with an online dashboard that allows the public to track the progress the state is making in these areas. 

Bowman said the program is a great example of the state legislature in Honolulu working with nonprofits and private companies to achieve sustainability metrics. "If you don't measure it, you can't act upon it, so it's crucial in terms of sustainability and resilience," she added. 

The city of Honolulu has a resilience strategy and set up a Resilience Office to track how climate change is affecting the city. It's examining "shocks" and "stresses," such as hurricanes, tsunamis, infrastructure problems, cost of living, and vulnerable communities.

Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta has been growing exponentially, and the city is expected to add nearly three million more residents over the next couple of decades. 

To handle the growth, city leaders and stakeholders have been focusing on traffic and transportation infrastructure. Part of the plan is to add more express lanes to highways, put sensors on some roads to detect traffic patterns and weather problems, and adjust traffic lights to help with flow. 

Smart streetlights are also being added, and the city is testing a gunshot detection system that would send alerts to 911, police patrol cars, and residents' smartphones. Other systems would help drivers detect parking spots. Atlanta partnered with Georgia Power, AT&T, and Current by GE for the project.

"There's a lot of activity going on just in general around transit and Atlanta, in and around the larger metro area,"Christopher Le Dantec, associate professor in the School of Interactive Computing and School of Literature, Media, and Communication at Georgia Tech, told Insider. That means thinking through the transportation of people and goods around the city and its suburbs. 

"It's a very difficult problem to solve because there are so many different agencies at play," he added. 

Other initiatives center on reducing the number of cars on the road. Atlanta is expanding its walking and biking plan, providing grants to help communities become more pedestrian-friendly and encouraging different types of commuting like carpooling, flexible work schedules, and working from home. 

Incorporating more bike infrastructure has been several years in the making and involved collecting and analyzing data, Le Dantec said. "It was part of a transformation within the urban core of Atlanta, where there is now a lot more people moving around on bicycles, even prior to the past year's events," he added.

San Antonio, Texas

Through its Office of Innovation, San Antonio has several infrastructure and technology projects in the works.

Some are still in the development phase, but so far some city vehicles have been equipped with sensors to gather real-time data on infrastructure and identify problems like potholes and then report them to the appropriate agency for repair. The goal is to reduce calls to the city and provide upkeep to areas that tend to be neglected. 

Recently, San Antonio launched a Smart Streetlight Project that will have remote controls and sensors to monitor parking, air quality, temperature, noise, and flooding. The city also installed interactive digital kiosks at its transit hub and other locations to give residents and visitors real-time access to information about traffic, transit systems, and attractions, like local restaurants. The kiosks also provide free WiFi and access to city services. 

Cities should view digital infrastructure as a way to rethink how people interact with their government and policymakers, and give residents easy access to details about what's going on in their city, Le Dantec said. 

"Being able to actually show what those outcomes look like becomes a really powerful way to mobilize people toward addressing these issues," he said. 

Technology in manufacturing is another key area for San Antonio. CyManII (Cybersecurity Manufacturing Innovation Institute), a Manufacturing USA institute located there, is focusing on cybersecurity and secure automation in manufacturing. These issues are critical today, as the manufacturing sector saw an uptick in ransomware attacks in 2020.

Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina

The tri-city area of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill has long been known as a hub for innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship.

In fact, Raleigh ranks third on Forbes' list of the "Best Places for Business and Careers" for its economic and job growth and educated workforce. 

Being a tech hub and supportive of entrepreneurs and startups has attracted new residents, making Raleigh one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. 

The three cities also form the Research Triangle, along with North Carolina State University, Duke University, the University of North Carolina, and Wake Forest University. The Research Triangle Park is home to several major tech companies and known as a center for innovation and technology. 

The presence and partnerships with universities is a central part of a smart, resilient city, Bowman said. 

"You have world-class universities that have been fundamental to driving the innovation agenda," Bowman said. "It has attracted leading tech companies and other multinationals to that space. Not only is there the benefit of having universities in terms of being able to engage with them and co-create and co-test, it becomes a supplier of high-quality talent to those companies."

Several nonprofits exist across Raleigh-Durham, including Innovate Raleigh and RIoT, that are devoted to supporting innovation and entrepreneurship. The tech focus also extends to the manufacturing sector. The area houses a Manufacturing USA institute, PowerAmerica, focusing on semiconductor technology and electronics.

Madison, Wisconsin

The Wisconsin state capital has an ambitious sustainability plan to reach zero-net carbon emissions and use 100% renewable energy for city operations by 2030. The plan sets specific goals for slashing overall energy and fuel consumption and making half of city buses electric by 2035. 

Other city initiatives include increasing solar power by training unemployed and under-employed people in solar panel installation. 

The city also has goals to improve air and water quality and transportation systems, support sustainable construction, affordable housing, and local food systems, economic and workforce development, and more. 

The University of Wisconsin-Madison has a number of sustainability initiatives, too, like housing and grants for students who have ideas for enhancing sustainability on campus. The university is also working to align its sustainability goals with academics and research. 

A part of its efforts are engaging key stakeholders, including universities, nonprofits, local business, and members of the public. Interviews, public meetings, and a new website in development will keep citizens informed of the progress and promote transparency. 

Local governments too often overlook the need for communication, especially in innovation and digital transformation projects, Brian Chidester, head of worldwide industry strategy for the public sector at information management firm OpenText, told Insider.

"[Madison] has really embraced that piece of it," he said.

Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix, and the entire state of Arizona, has been working to become a leader in autonomous vehicles since 2015, when the governor signed an executive order to support the testing of driverless cars. 

Phoenix has partnered with companies like GM and Lyft to allow hundreds of driverless cars to be tested on their roadways. Recently, the city began working with Waymo to launch a self-driving taxi fleet in nearby Tempe and Chandler. 

"You just see the vehicles everywhere, the Waymo vehicles in particular, and we now have a long history, and it's just part of the landscape," Bowman said. 

The state also created the Institute of Automated Mobility with Intel, Arizona State University, and other universities and organizations to research autonomous vehicles. Part of the goal is to create a regulatory framework that other places can model. 

One setback to the self-driving initiative was a 2018 incident when a driverless Uber struck and killed a pedestrian in Tempe. Bowman said city leaders handled the investigation in a transparent way that regained community trust and investment in the program. 

By investing in autonomous vehicle infrastructure and innovation, the hope is to cut down on traffic fatalities, help older people age in place, reduce traffic and the need for parking, and protect the environment, she explained.

"Integrating autonomous vehicles into your fleet has the potential to reduce congestion within cities, and that brings an environmental benefit with it," Bowman said. 

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles has emphasized its commitment to sustainability while addressing some of the city's biggest infrastructure concerns, like traffic and road safety. 

A digital dashboard, called the pLAn, debuted to track and measure its Green New Deal sustainability plan. It keeps tabs on metrics like water and electricity usage, greenhouse gas emissions, and other sustainability efforts. And the data is open to the public. 

"One of the things I really like about what we see in LA is not only do they make this public — and they have a fantastic dashboard that any citizen or any individual anywhere in the world can go to and see how they're doing based on hundreds of metrics — but they also have held themselves accountable," Bowman said. "They've done a voluntary review of how well they're doing, and the results of that review has then gone on to inform the next step." 

Governments holding themselves accountable in this way is something other metros can learn from, she added. 

Mayor Eric Garcetti has also set a goal of reducing carbon emissions to zero by 2045, and has a number of other goals to make the city more sustainable and reduce traffic. 

For example, they're working on a network of bus-only lanes, adjusting traffic lights to put trains first over cars, launching an electric bus fleet, creating better traffic light synchronization, and debuting bike- and pedestrian-friendly projects. 

Los Angeles is also home to one of the Manufacturing USA institutes, CESMII (Clean Energy Smart Manufacturing Innovation Institute), that focuses on smart sensor and digital process technology to make manufacturing more efficient.

Boston, Massachusetts

One of Boston's many innovation, infrastructure, and sustainability projects is the Vision Zero initiative, a smart-street project with the goal of reducing traffic accidents and fatalities through data gathering and analysis.

Through the program, Boston is investing in new infrastructure on the streets, including LED lights, surveillance cameras, sensors, and a public dashboard. The data collected will inform future decision-making on roadway improvements, like safer sidewalks and streets and advanced signage. 

Other traffic-centric innovative infrastructure programs include giving drivers real-time information about where to find parking spaces or suggestions for taking another form of transportation. The point is to reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions. The city is also working on driverless car testing, smart parking sensors, and IoT. 

Additionally, Boston is working to modernize information systems and technology in utility infrastructure to make utilities more affordable, equitable, and sustainable through the Smart Utilities Vision project. 

"[Boston] has been trying to position itself as a technology hub, so that's part of what's driving a lot of their digital transformation infrastructure," Chidester said. 

Investing in innovation and infrastructure tends to attract larger companies and a highly skilled workforce, which boosts the economy, he added. Specifically, Boston has developed an environment to draw and support fintech companies. 

The Boston area has the advantage of having several universities, including Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which the city partners with to test new technology and other projects. 

"One of the things you see is cities with large, very advanced universities with good engineering programs are some of the furthest along, simply because they've got the partnership between academia and city government," Schafer said. "You've got engineering programs going to the city to say, 'Hey, we're working on this technology to be tested in our city.'"

Denver, Colorado

Denver's population has increased 20% over the last 10 years, so the city has seen more construction and traffic, which has worsened its air quality. 

To address the issue, they launched Love My Air, a program to measure air quality in real time using pollution sensors.

The city is tackling its transportation issues by participating in Vision Zero, like Boston. This includes launching an intelligent transportation system to address traffic and road safety. The program will deploy connected vehicle technology to allow trucks to communicate with traffic signals and connect city vehicles. 

And to address and manage data around its infrastructure, Denver is creating an IoT platform to gather data about transportation, environmental health, weather, and freight. The data is pulled from road and weather sensors, street lights, universities, and other city infrastructure, which the city will use to drive future projects. 

Denver also has a partnership with Panasonic on a project called CityNow. It's creating smart city infrastructure in a remote area that includes high-tech highways and driverless vehicles. They've installed WiFi, LED street lights, pollution sensors, security cameras, and a solar-powered microgrid. 

One challenge cities face in their digital transformation and innovation initiatives is that they start small, maybe with specific neighborhoods. While this makes sense, Chidester said it often creates disparate technologies, giving cities an additional challenge of making everything work together for the benefit of residents. 

"You're not going to drop a whole bunch of technology to encompass the entire city," he said. "Ultimately, as you crawl, walk, run, there's the need to ensure interoperability, and the ability to take information and analytics and drive value on behalf of their citizens." 

Data and analytics are necessary for sustainability and infrastructure efforts. But another issue cities will need to address revolves around the data they're collecting through sensors and other means, Schafer said — specifically, who owns the data and what it's all used for. And do citizens have the right to take their data back? 

"That's a thorny issue that a lot of them are going to have to deal with," he said. "Whether they like it or not, it's coming."

• Whether your dry skin is seasonal or not, treating it can often seem impossible.
• We consulted two dermatologists and our team to learn about dry skin and which products to buy. 
• If you have a different skin type or are unsure, see the best moisturizers for every skin type. 

Tight, red, itchy, rough — these are all descriptors of dry skin. And while dry skin on its own is tough, peeling or flaking can also appear, especially during the transition from the summer season to fall and winter, no matter your skin type. 

If you notice your skin experiencing dryness, you likely also notice that not all facial moisturizers can get the job done in curing it. The most important things to keep in mind when buying a moisturizer are the ingredients and consistencies of the lotion itself. We spoke with Dr. Kavita Mariwalla, board-certified dermatologist of Mariwalla Dermatology, and Dr. Corey L. Hartman, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology, to break down these details, and help guide us toward the best moisturizer for dry skin.

Click to jump to the best face moisturizers for dry skin that you can buy:

• Best face moisturizers for dry, sensitive skin
• Best face moisturizers for dry, acne-prone skin
• Best face moisturizers for dry, mature skin
• Best face moisturizers for extremely dry skin
• Frequently-asked questions about moisturizers for dry skin

The best face moisturizers for dry, sensitive skin

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

Moisturizing Cream (small)

This cream has a thick consistency, so you'll never have that tight, still-dry feeling. But it's non-comedogenic, so it doesn't clog pores or leave you feeling greasy, either. It's free of fragrance and other common irritants, which is why it's a great choice for sensitive skin types. — Kyle Kerchaert, senior video producer, beauty and style

Once I reached my mid-30s, it felt like all the moisture had been sucked from my skin. The CeraVe Moisturizing Cream was the only thing that calmed and hydrated my face. And though I was originally worried that it would be too thick, it absorbs quickly and leaves your skin feeling soft, not greasy. — Jamie Feller, account executive

I grew up with severe eczema on my face, and this moisturizer was the only thing that was gentle enough to be used on my sensitive skin. While it may seem too thick at first, it absorbs very quickly, leaving your face soft and dewy. — Grace Wade, associate health reference editor

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

Ultra Repair Cream (small)

I have recommended First Aid Beauty's Ultra Repair Cream time and time again because it's just that good. It's unscented and has a creamy consistency. I apply it every night to my face and neck, and it has never led to breakouts on my sensitive skin. — Victoria Giardina, buying guides fellow

Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion

Moisturizing Lotion (small)

The Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion is ideal for dry, sensitive skin. It contains no fragrance, dye, formaldehyde, or lanolin. It contains both humectants and emollients to provide a mix of hydration and moisturization. — Dr. Corey L. Hartman, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology

Clinique Moisture Surge 100-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator

Moisture Surge 100-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator (small)

I have dry, sensitive skin as well as rosacea, and this has been my year-round lifesaver. It's a gel-cream so I initially had my doubts, but whenever I even think of trying another moisturizer, I come back to this. This product is paraben-free, fragrance-free, and oil-free, and also has hyaluronic acid and aloe water. — Magenta Ranero, senior chart editor, Insider Intelligence

The best face moisturizers for dry, acne-prone skin

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream with Hyaluronic Acid for Extra-Dry Skin

Hydro Boost Gel-Cream with Hyaluronic Acid for Extra-Dry Skin (small)

My skin feels soft, hydrated, and supple when I use this gel cream, especially during the cold winter months. I appreciate that it's non-comedogenic, so it won't clog my pores, as I have acne-prone skin. It's also fragrance-free. This moisturizer contains humectants such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, along with emollients like olive extract — all of which help to pack quite the punch in the best and most hydrating way possible. — Katie Decker-Jacoby, style & beauty reviews fellow 

Hada Labo Skin Plumping Gel Cream

Skin Plumping Gel Cream (small)

I discovered this moisturizer on a desperate Reddit search for an oil-free formula that wouldn't irritate the seborrheic dermatitis that sometimes pops up on my face. This gel formula is gentle and non-irritating, and it feels like a glass of water for your skin. It also cleared up the minimal flaking I was experiencing from my AHA serums. It does leave a bit of a dewy finish, so I prefer it at night or with some extra setting powder under makeup. — Kyle Kerchaert, senior video producer, beauty and style

C’est Moi Gentle Moisture Lotion

Gentle Moisture Lotion (small)

C'est Moi is better known for their colorful makeup, but I picked up this moisturizer on its website on a whim and have loved it. My skin gets very dry in the winter, and so I'm always on the lookout for products that deliver a lot of moisture for a budget price. This one isn't greasy or oily at all, and I was shocked at how moisturizing even a small amount of product felt. — Allison Jiang, story production fellow

Lotus Moon Vitamin B Hydrating Gel

Vitamin B Hydrating Gel (small)

I have dry, sensitive, and acne-prone skin and this plant-based moisturizer is a champion at hydration. It has a gel formula, so it's lightweight, absorbent, and doesn't make me sweat on hot days. It also smells lovely and helps keep my breakouts at bay. — Stephanie Hallett, senior personal finance editor

The best face moisturizers for dry, mature skin

SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter

A.G.E. Interrupter (small)

The A.G.E. Interrupter is an advanced wrinkle treatment that combats the visible signs of aging caused by glycation, which is a major factor of the natural aging process. — Dr. Kavita Mariwalla, board-certified dermatologist of Mariwalla Dermatology

SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2

Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 (small)

The Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 contains free fatty acids to replace cellular lipids and nourish dry skin. This is a crowd favorite for those with extremely dry skin that is worth the splurge. — Dr. Corey L. Hartman, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology

fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Dream Night Cream

Lotus Youth Preserve Dream Night Cream (small)

This is actually a night cream I use as a regular moisturizer in the winter when my skin is its driest for a big hydration boost. It works great under makeup, helping to impart a dewy look that I generally have trouble achieving due to my skin's aforementioned dryness. It's essentially an amped-up version of my other favorite Fresh moisturizer. — Ellen Hoffman, executive editor

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer

Water Drench Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer (small)

This moisturizer is probably my most-recommended skincare product ever. I generally have really dry skin, but you'd never know it when I'm using this gel-like formula from Peter Thomas Roth. It makes my skin soft and plump, but never leaves behind a sticky residue. The best part about it, though, is that its effects last all day (and I'm not just regurgitating brand copy here — this is literally one of the only moisturizers I truly feel this way about). — Sally Kaplan, deputy editor

The best moisturizers for extremely dry skin

SkinFix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream

Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream (small)

The Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream is a deeply hydrating face cream with active lipids, peptides, small particle hyaluronic acid and rich shea butter for brightening, firming, and plumping. — Dr. Kavita Mariwalla, board-certified dermatologist of Mariwalla Dermatology

Nourish Organic Lightweight Moisturizing Face Lotion

Lightweight Moisturizing Face Lotion (small)

The Lightweight Moisturizing Face Lotion contains argan oil to replenish moisture and rosewater to improve tone, hydration, and elasticity. Shea butter acts as a seal to lock in the moisture and repair the barrier. — Dr. Corey L. Hartman, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology

Aquaphor Healing Ointment

Healing Ointment (small)

My eczema reacts so badly around my eyes that even the best eye creams and the best moisturizers cannot bail me out. In times of distress, I smear just a small amount of Aquaphor onto my under eyes to restore moisture. I apply it as needed, but most typically before bedtime to lock in moisture and before I apply makeup so my eyelids can soak it up and prevent my concealer from looking cakey. — Jacqueline Saguin, style & beauty reviews fellow

FAQs

Which ingredients should you look out for when buying moisturizer for dry skin?

To start, it's helpful to know the three categories of moisturizing ingredients: occlusive, emollient, and humectant. An occlusive forms a barrier to retain moisture, an emollient traps water, and a humectant brings water to the top layer of the skin. Dr. Mariwalla and Dr. Hartman recommend ingredients that fall under these groups, including ones like ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, squalene, petrolatum, shea butter, and lactic acid. 

On the flip side, there are of course ingredients that could further irritate your dry skin, such as fragrance, retinoids, glycolic acid, alcohol, sodium lauryl sulfate, and salicylic acid, according to both dermatologists. 

What are the differences between creams, lotions, and gels?

The key differences are their ratios between water and oil. According to Dr. Hartman, creams are composed of half water and half oil, lotions contain mostly water and less oil, and gels are water-based and lack any trace of oil. This matters because, according to Dr. Mariwalla, thicker creams typically deliver more moisture than thinner lotions and watery gels. For example, extra dry skin might require a heavy cream, while dry, acne-prone skin might benefit from a lightweight, oil-free gel.

Is there anything else I can do for my skin before applying my moisturizer?

Face moisturizers alone likely won't relieve your dry skin. Dr. Hartman recommends washing your face with a cream or oil-based cleanser and staying away from foamy ones. For good measure, Dr. Hartman adds, "Avoid hot water, use less soap or cleanser, and wash for shorter periods of time. Moisturizer works to strengthen the skin barrier and to trap in water, so apply the moisturizer immediately after washing." After applying moisturizer in the morning, Dr. Mariwalla advises layering on sunscreen to block harmful UV rays, which is a step all skin types should take. 

Rest assured, if you consistently experience dry skin, seeing your dermatologist is a good idea. Your dermatologist can help uncover the reason for your dry skin and if you perhaps need stronger prescription treatments. 

• Asian-Americans make up one of the most diverse racial groups in America — but can share similar experiences with racism and xenophobia.
• Literature can help foster a better understanding of underrepresented groups, examining everything from harmful Hollywood stereotypes to the challenges of immigration. 
• We compiled a list of books, ranging from fiction to memoirs, that paint a portrait of the Asian-American identity and experience.

Asian-Americans make up one of the most diverse and rapidly growing racial groups in the nation. Ever since the beginning of Asian migration to the US began with Chinese immigrants in the 1800s, Asian-Americans have consistently shown that we are a force of cultural, artistic, and political power. 

Crucially, we are not a monolith, with over 40 countries in Asia, countless cultures, and a record amount of socioeconomic diversity between us. But the xenophobia and racism that Asian-Americans of all backgrounds have faced in this country remain a uniting thread, especially recently, as hate crimes against Asian-Americans have skyrocketed. 

Literature plays a crucial role in the empowerment and understanding of underrepresented groups. We compiled a list of books – ranging from fiction and graphic novels to essay collections and memoirs — that each paint a portrait of the Asian-American experience. Each one, whether harrowing or funny, modern or classic, conventional or experimental, is part of a centuries-old, distinctly American literary tradition that is especially important right now.

11 books that delve into the Asian-American identity and experience: 

"Interior Chinatown" by Charles Yu

This experimental novel, which won the 2020 National Book Award for Fiction, is written in the form of a screenplay. It centers on Willis Wu, who acts on a police procedural called "Black and White" and is chasing his dream role of "Kung Fu Guy." However, he must first work his way up through a series of roles, including "Generic Asian Man" and "Background Oriental Making a Weird Face."

It's a satire of racist Hollywood tropes, containing deeply profound commentary about what it means to exist in a world that sees you as a caricature. Yu, who previously worked as a corporate lawyer and writer on HBO's "Westworld,"takes the racism of the entertainment industry and holds it up to the real-life pain, joy, and disillusionment that define the Asian-American experience.

"Sour Heart" by Jenny Zhang

"Sour Heart" is a collection of bildungsroman (coming of age) stories told from the point of view of various nameless young daughters of poor Chinese immigrants, mostly taking place in New York City. Zhang's raw perspective on the immigrant experience is one that you're not likely to find anywhere else.

Her imagery is often aggressively frank, coarse, and seething with unfettered emotion— to me, it illuminates the dual ugliness and beauty present in many immigrant parent-child relationships. Her young narrators go through sexual exploration, self-discovery, and survival, all while trying to navigate close family ties. This book shows the power of fiction to illuminate the underbelly of everything, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to experience a different side of the Asian-American coming-of-age narrative.

"From a Whisper to a Rallying Cry: The Killing of Vincent Chin and the Trial that Galvanized the Asian American Movement" by Paula Yoo

It's not widely known, but the Asian experience in America has been marked by horrific physical violence since we first arrived in this country, from mass lynchings to day-to-day hate crimes.

The 1982 murder of 27-year-old Vincent Chin was considered a turning point in both Asian-American civil rights history and the journey towards criminalizing hate crimes in the US. He was celebrating his bachelor party when two white autoworkers beat him to death. They were initially only required to serve no jail time — just three years' probation and a $3,000 fine. But Asian-American activists lobbied to argue that it was a racial crime, and the men eventually received federal charges. 

Vincent's road to justice parallels that of many victims of anti-Asian violence today. Yoo's book is written for young adults, but it's an important read for all those looking to know more about AAPI history.

"America is In The Heart" by Carlos Bulosan

This Filipino-American memoir — and the oldest book on this list — recounts the life of author Carlos Bulosan, who immigrated from the Philippines to the United States in 1930. It's remarkable in the fact that it provides a critical perspective of working-class Asian-Americans at the early stages of Asian immigration to the United States.

Most Asian immigrants to the US had to face a number of race and class struggles compounded together, which is a lens that sometimes gets lost in modern-day discourse. This autobiography has evolved over the years into a classic activist text, making its inclusion in any discussion of the Asian-American experience especially crucial. 

"Pachinko" by Min Jin Lee

While very little of this novel actually takes place in the present day, let alone in America, it's a sprawling book that follows four generations of a Korean family and shows how trauma accumulates over time. From immigrating to Japan to eventually going to the US, the family's story is marked with heavy sacrifice, both emotional and physical, as everyone struggles to survive and stay together. 

It's clear that Lee understands a crucial fact about the Asian-American, more specifically, and the Korean-American experience: that one way or another, the emotional burdens of our ancestors often become our own. The immigrant story of survival is crucial to understanding much of the Asian-American experience today, and Lee explores that with a stark, touching lens. 

"The Gangster We Are All Looking For" by lê thị diễm thúy

This semi-autobiographical novel, written by post-colonialist writer and performance artist Lê Thị Diễm Thúy, tells the story of a young girl who flees Vietnam and moves to San Diego with her family in 1978. She tries to assimilate to American culture while also trying to survive the trauma of losing her brother in Vietnam and navigating her parents' violent relationship. 

Asian-Americans are often subject to the "model minority" stereotype of being privileged and wealthy, approximate to whiteness in their ability to assimilate. However, the model minority myth fails to take into account those of us whose experiences are defined by the violent trauma of migration and colonization that in turn mars our experiences in the US. lê thị diễm thúy's novel captures the psychic pain of those experiences — and is an important read for those seeking to understand the Vietnamese-American story.

"Minor Feelings" by Cathy Park Hong

Reading this collection of essays felt like scratching an itch that I didn't know I had. Hong's voice is a resounding one in the world of Asian-American creative nonfiction, one that seeks to break out of the mold completely and resists the categorization of Asian-American authorship altogether as it relates to the fetishization of otherness and trauma.

Her writing, at times rageful and at times deadly calm, comes through as one of the few to take on Asian-Americans as a collective group. Most importantly, she recognizes that the future of Asian-American activism is reclaiming the revolutionary roots of the "Asian-American" grouping, which was created in solidarity with Black activists during the Civil Rights era. If you're looking for a modern-day manifesto for the Asian-American soul, I can't recommend this book highly enough.

"American Born Chinese" by Gene Luen Yang

"American Born Chinese" is a graphic novel that will change your view on graphic novels. Gene Luen Yang takes the comic form and uses it to tell a heartfelt story about growing up Chinese-American. Reading this book in middle school was an eye-opening experience because I had never seen a comic that represented me, let alone my identity struggles.

The characters include The Monkey King (based on a traditional Chinese folk tale), a young Chinese kid facing bullying from his white classmates, and Chin-Kee, a racist stereotype personified as the Chinese cousin of a white boy. All the character's stories become woven together by the end, making it an amazing feat of storytelling that hits you right in the chest.

"Native Speaker" by Chang-Rae Lee

This was one of the first novels I ever read that featured an Asian-American protagonist, and ever since then, it's always been on my list for most powerful novels about the Asian-American experience.

It's about a Korean-American man named Henry Park who has to spy on a Korean-American politician. Along the way, he struggles to keep his marriage together after a devastating tragedy and attempts to reconcile his own identity as a Korean-American person living in a world full of espionage and betrayal. It's subtle and understated while wrestling with so many themes integral to the Asian-American consciousness, like the conflict of wanting to assimilate into a society that shows you again and again that it only sees you as a foreign threat.

"Interpreter of Maladies" by Jhumpa Lahiri

Jhumpa Lahiri's Pulitzer Prize-winning debut work contains nine short stories that explore different facets of the Indian-American experience. The characters range from a young Indian-American couple mourning a terrible loss, to a mentally troubled young woman in India, to a young white boy who stays with an Indian university professor's wife after school.

"Interpreter of Maladies" is a book that I turn to when I need to be comforted and transported by prose; the stories are all so skillfully written, with a compassionate and inventive eye for unique perspectives. 

"Baseball Saved Us" by Ken Mochizuki

In this picture book, Shorty, a young Japanese-American boy whose family has been interned by the American government during World War II, turns to baseball to escape the harsh reality of his situation.  

The internment of Japanese-Americans has sparked a literarytradition of picture books that tell the fictional — and sometimes real — stories of children in these camps. This book, with its somber art style and touching story, is an amazing testament to how poignantly children's books can convey stories of injustice. 

Most importantly, it's a vital educational tool for those who want their children to learn about the American tradition of ostracizing and dehumanizing entire communities of people, and the longstanding racism and xenophobia that inspire these events.

We rounded up the best sales and deals happening online today, including savings at Baublebar, The Home Depot, and Dyson. 

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 deals available right now

The best sales and discounts happening right now

Get up to 20% off furniture and wall decor at Home Depot

Shop the Home Depot's Fresh Savings for Spring sale now. 

Now through March 24, The Home Depot is holding a huge pre-spring deals event. The sale includes discounts of up to 20% off select kitchen furniture, home office furniture, wall decor, and artificial plants. For some inspiration before you shop, check out our roundup of the best deals from the sale here.

Save up to $100 at Dyson

Shop the Dyson sale now.

Now through March 20, Dyson is offering up to $100 off select Dyson v11 stick vacuums. The Outsize, our top cordless stick vacuum pick, is included in the sale. Dyson's sale section often has worthwhile discounts on the brand's devices, but it's not often that so many items are available. Right now, you can nab a Dyson v11, Dyson v7, or Dyson Ball Animal 2 with up to $100 off.

Get up to 90% off at Jachs NY

Shop the Jachs NY Spring Cleanup Sale now.

Now through March 15, Jachs NY is offering a huge sale featuring up to 90% off sitewide. A one-stop-shop for men's apparel, the retailer has tons of shirts, cardigans, hoodies, pants, and blazers, all discounted right now. This isn't the first Jachs NY sale we've seen, but it's definitely one of the best.

Get 20% off at Baublebar

Shop the Baublebar semi-annual event now. 

For trendy and affordable jewelry, Baublebar is one of our favorite places to go. We love how cute and affordable Baublebar designs are and even found that they really do hold up over time. Now through March 8, you can get 20% off sitewide with promo code SEMI20. Sales from the retailer are somewhat rare, especially ones this good. 

Get 30% off at Hydro Flask

Shop the Hydro Flask seasonal color sale now.

Hydro Flask is holding a rare sale featuring 30% off select past-season colors right now. A handful of colors are included in the sale, so make sure to drop by and check if your favorite is discounted. Hydro Flask bottles are more than just hype; they're lightweight, nearly indestructible, and just downright fun. Good deals on these bottles are hard to come by, so if you see one you like, don't hesitate to add to cart.

Get up to $300 off select laptops from Best Buy

Shop the Best Buy Computing Shopping Event now.

Now through March 14, you can save big on laptops from Best Buy. Laptops powered by Intel processors, Microsoft Surface, Chromebooks, and Lenovo laptops are just some of the included items. There are tons of discounts, so if you need help getting started, try reading our guide to the best Chromebooks here.

Get 40% off at Sunski

Shop the Full Send Special at Sunski now.

A rare sale on some already-affordable glasses, right now you can snag 40% off select Sunski styles. The sale includes 5 styles: the Andiamo, Portola, Original, Mattina, and Olema. We like Sunski for being stylish yet affordable, and right now is a great chance to snag a pair for even less. Sales from Sunski are rare, and we don't expect this one to last too long.

As the world rolls out COVID-19 vaccines and international travel remains largely grounded, Singapore has opened up what it says is the world's first bubble facility for non-quarantining business travelers.

The facility, called Connect@Changi, will allow business travelers to bypass the city-state's mandatory 14-day quarantine— as long as they don't leave the facility. Inside, guests will stay in hotel-like rooms, have meals delivered to a cubbyhole outside their door, and conduct in-person business meetings with Singaporeans and professionals from around the world in rooms with air-tight glass panels and separate ventilation systems.

"Without such a facility, travel options are essentially binary – either stay at home due to travel restrictions, or fly overseas and endure long periods in quarantine," Robin Hu, head of international policy at Temasek and chairman of SingEx-Sphere Holdings, two of the project's developers, said in a press release. The facility offers business travelers the option of resuming in-person meetings in a "safe and contained manner" while also boosting Singapore's economic recovery, he said. 

The 780,000-square-foot facility opened this week with 150 guest rooms and 40 meeting rooms, but it plans to be able to host 1,300 travelers by the end of the year. Room rates start at 384 Singapore dollars, or about $287, which is based on a minimum 24-hour stay and includes meals and COVID-19 tests.

Earlier this week, I got a sneak peek of Connect@Changi just before the first guests arrived. Here's what travelers can expect from the world's first business travel bubble facility. 

SEE ALSO: Inside the world's top-rated airport nearly 12 months after the pandemic ground international travel to a halt

DON'T MISS: I ate the world's cheapest Michelin-starred meal, a $2.25 street food dish in Singapore. I've never gotten better value for my money.

The Connect@Changi facility was built inside the Singapore Expo Convention & Exhibition Centre, a roughly one-million-square-foot complex near Changi Airport that's typically used for live concerts, conferences, and exhibitions.

In the pandemic, none of those events has been happening, leaving the expo center sitting empty. Last spring, it was temporarily converted into a facility for patients recovering from COVID-19.

In December, the Singapore government-owned investment company, Temasek, announced it was teaming up with a group of Singapore companies including Changi Airport Group and Sheares Healthcare Group to open what they say is the world's first bubble facility for non-quarantining business travelers.

The first phase of construction was finished in about 14 weeks.

To stay at the facility, travelers must apply on the Connect@Changi website and await approval. Connect@Changi will coordinate with the Singapore government to approve the special visa for business travelers.

Right now, travelers coming from any country can apply, with the exception of those coming from the UK and South Africa. But approval is not guaranteed; Singapore will consider factors including the COVID-19 status of the traveler's country and the departure country of other travelers staying at the facility at the same time, a publicist said.

They may be able to skip a two-week quarantine, but those who stay at Connect@Changi should prepare their nostrils for multiple COVID-19 PCR tests.

Before leaving for Singapore, guests must take a COVID-19 PCR test in their country of departure within 72 hours of their flight. Once they arrive at the airport in Singapore, they'll be tested again. And while staying at the Connect@Changi facility, guests will be required to undergo additional PCR testing at the on-site testing center on days three, seven, and 14 of their stay.

That means that a five-day stay would require a total of three COVID-19 PCR tests.

After travelers land in Singapore and get their first PCR tests at Changi Airport, a shuttle will transport them to the airside entrance of Connect@Changi, which is reserved for international arrivals to the facility and staff.

The center is a five-minute drive from the airport. 

Once they've checked in at reception, guests will be shown directly to their rooms, where they must remain until they get the results of their arrival COVID-19 PCR test.

The facility currently has 150 guest rooms open, but 660 rooms are expected to be open when the first phase is completed in May.

When Connect@Changi is fully completed later this year, it will have the capacity to accommodate roughly 1,300 business travelers at a time, according to press materials.  

Due to the uncertainty of the pandemic, project developers don't know how long the facility will be open, a publicist told me. But once it's no longer needed, it will be demolished and the expo center will return to its former operations.

When a traveler first arrives, their room number will be illuminated red to indicate the traveler is awaiting the results of their PCR test.

The guest will receive their test results via text message in about six to 12 hours, after which the traveler is allowed to leave their room, a publicist told me.

If the test comes back positive, the traveler will immediately be transported to a medical facility in Singapore and the Connect@Changi will follow all of the Ministry of Health's contact tracing and testing protocols.

During their stay at Connect@Changi, guests will use a free mobile app to do everything from booking meeting rooms to choosing their meals and reserving a workout in a gym pod.

The facility has three types of rooms: an Executive Twin room with two twin-size beds; an Executive King room with one king-size bed; and a Premier King, with a king-size bed and the added perk of a view of the indoor courtyard.

While the king-size rooms are typically meant for one person, a married couple would be allowed to share a room if they were both traveling to Singapore for business purposes.

None of the rooms, regardless of its size, has a window to the true outdoors; all windows look into the expo center.

The guest rooms are smaller than a typical hotel room but seemed to be outfitted with everything necessary for a short stay.

Before the pandemic, most business travelers to Singapore stayed for under five days, so Connect@Changi expects most visitors to the facility to stay for a similarly short duration.

In the Premier King room, the bed takes up most of the space.

But there's also a desk and a 43-inch, wall-mounted TV.

Phones in each room allow travelers to make free local calls.

The bathrooms have no bathtubs. Toiletries are provided in the showers.

There's also a mini-fridge, kettle, and microwave.

Each room also has its own thermostat so travelers can adjust the temperature to their comfort — no small benefit in Singapore, where the weather is hot and humid but the air-conditioning can be aggressive.

On the bedside table is a pop of greenery in the form of a live plant with ionizing technology that claims to clean airborne pollutants and reduce anxiety and lethargy.

The Premier King rooms overlook the courtyards, where live plants are mixed with glowing optical fiber lights designed to resemble fields of lalang, a type of grass native to the region.

Despite the careful details, however, there's no disguising that this is still in the middle of an expo center.

The nightly rate at Connect@Changi includes three meals per day delivered to the guest's room. For a contactless delivery, the food is left in a cubbyhole right outside the door.

Guests can also order food from any of the hundreds of restaurants at Changi Airport through the mobile app, or through local delivery apps like Foodpanda or Grab.

Travelers can choose from a menu of Asian and international food, as well as vegetarian options. Below is one of the typical lunch options: a "hawker style" ocean king prawn with kang kong vegetables.

One of the project's partners, SingEx, which runs the expo center, will provide the meals.

In the facility's common areas, travelers are allowed to mingle with other guests while maintaining social distancing and wearing masks.

An executive from Germany, for example, could meet with their colleague from Switzerland and work together at the table above.

The facility's two courtyards were designed to resemble tropical outdoor spaces in line with Singapore's "City in a Garden" nickname.

The floor is carpeted with artificial grass, but the greenery surrounding the courtyard is real.

Two dome-shaped pavilions serve as additional work spaces.

Free WiFi is available throughout all common areas, meeting rooms, and guest rooms.

A posted sign indicates that 30 people can be in each courtyard at a time.

In the courtyard and throughout the rest of the facility, other signs remind travelers to maintain a distance of one meter from other people.

Each courtyard has a gym pod, which travelers can reserve for a private workout.

Up to two people can work out in the gym pod at a time.

Guests reserve the pod via the Connect@Changi app and scan a QR code to unlock the door.

Inside, there's a treadmill, a cycling machine, a bench press machine, and free weights.

Each courtyard also has vending machines and a Starbucks coffee station.

The key component of the facility is, of course, the business center.

Connect@Changi expects business travelers to use the facility for things like meeting a job candidate in person before hiring them or signing legal documents.

The facility opened with 40 meeting rooms of varying sizes, but Connect@Changi expects to have a total of 170 meeting rooms open by May. Notably, none of the meeting rooms has a window.

Guests can book meeting rooms through the mobile app for an additional cost of between roughly $15 and $150 per hour, depending on the size of the room. 

The smallest size room, which accommodates up to four guests, is $15 per hour to book.

This room is available only to guests staying in the facility, not outside visitors.

In the meeting rooms that are designed to host outside visitors who are meeting with Connect@Changi guests, the two groups will be separated by an air-tight glass panel, and each side of the room has its own separate ventilation system.

A microphone system allows the two groups to hear each other through the glass.

The largest meeting room available is a board room with a videoconferencing setup that can host up to 11 people on each side.

If they want to conduct a lunch meeting, travelers can arrange for meals to be sent to the meeting room.

When not eating or drinking, however, both guests and visitors are required to keep their masks on at all times.

The board room also includes a UV-sanitizing document transfer box so that two groups can pass documents back and forth.

The bubble facility has its own on-site COVID-19 testing center, where all travelers are tested on the third, seventh, and 14th days of their stay.

Staff is regularly tested as well.

There's a small socially distanced waiting area ...

... and two testing stations.

Once travelers arrive, the facility's cleaning staff will wear full PPE.

For safety reasons, there will be no in-room housekeeping throughout a guest's stay, although guests can request extra towels. 

Visitors based in Singapore are not required to undergo COVID-19 testing before coming to meet with a guest at the facility, as they will have separate entrances, exits, and ventilation systems.

The travelers staying in the facility are responsible for booking meeting rooms and inviting any colleagues from the Singapore side.

Connect@Changi is purposely not being called a hotel — partially because that's not what it is — but also to manage expectations, a publicist told me. When a traveler hears "hotel," they expect a cocktail bar and a pool, she said.

That's certainly not what travelers will find at Connect@Changi. But they will find what appears to be an efficient, COVID-free bubble that could be a model for other countries hoping to open up safe business travel. The facilities are not luxurious, but they are comfortable enough and provide the necessary amenities for a short work trip.

"Ideally, you would like to have people free to move around, do what they want to do and spend where they want to," Temasek's senior managing director, Alan Thompson, said at a media briefing in December. But, he added, Connect@Changi is a "good alternative option" as the world works to eradicate the virus.

Test driving a car can determine whether it's worth buying. A first date can tell you whether someone is worth forging a relationship with.

And for big food and beverage companies, a minority stake can be the first step to a bigger deal. 

Some of the biggest deals in CPG so far in 2021 got their start as minority investments. In February, Coca-Cola said it would acquire majority ownership in sports drink BodyArmor, a brand it has been a minority investor in since 2018. And in January, snack giant Mondelez said it planned to acquire Hu after three years of a minority stake and working with the brand through its venture arm. 

"It's saying 'Let's date for a while before we get married,'" said Bob Goldin, partner and co-founder at Pentallect, which advises food and beverage companies. 

Not all minority investments are guaranteed to end with the larger company acquiring the smaller one, he added. Minority investments tend to be small, low-risk opportunities for companies like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo to see if an up-and-coming brand can deliver on its promises. 

Still, many minority stakes lay out criteria, such as sales growth targets, that could trigger or factor into a company's decision on a full acquisition. If the company fails to meet those or goes under, the larger player hasn't lost much.

"The smaller brand will make these very aggressive forecasts, and the companies probably say, 'We're not 100% buying into it, but we'll help you,'" Goldin said.

While Morningstar analyst Nick Johnson said minority investments "almost always serve as a pathway to ownership," they can provide other benefits for the big companies as well. Beverage makers in particular benefit just from using their distribution networks to push out a wider variety of drinks, for instance. "The more volume you can push through those apparatuses, the better the unit economics," he said.

Insider talked to experts and reviewed existing minority investments that major food and beverage players have made. Here are eight brands that big CPG companies are already invested in that could become the next buzzy food or beverage acquisition:

SEE ALSO: Instacart's valuation just doubled to $39 billion as it preps for IPO, but experts say competitors like DoorDash and large grocery chains are nipping at its heels

Rude Health (PepsiCo)

Instagram Embed:
//instagram.com/p/CL6n9VkMfAv/embed
Width: 540px

UK-based Rude Health makes cereal, plant-based milk, and other health foods won an investment from PepsiCo in 2019, though the stake only became public knowledge last year. Through its venture arm, PepsiCo owns about 9% of the company. 

PepsiCo has said its venture arm is looking to work more with brands that offer specific health benefits. PepsiCo also struck a partnership with Beyond Meat to jointly develop plant-based food and drinks in January.

Rude is one of a series of small, health-focused brands that have won investment from bigger players in recent years, Goldin said. But PepsiCo's renewed focus on plant-based products could make it attractive for a full acquisition: Rude already makes plant-based milks like almond and oat. Milk is the largest plant-based product category by sales but one that Beyond has yet to get into.

Blue Stripes Urban Cacao (Hershey)

Instagram Embed:
//instagram.com/p/CLIMdnjjnch/embed
Width: 540px

Blue Stripes Urban Cacao Shop sells cacao water, energy bars, and other chocolate-infused goodies at its physical retail shops as well as online. The founder behind the concept is Oded Brenner, who founded the Max Brenner chain of chocolate shops in the 1990s. Hershey became an investor in 2019 for an undisclosed amount.

Blue Stripes focuses on "using all the unknown parts of the amazing cacao fruit, its pulp and shell, to create a line of very healthy consumer packaged goods," Brenner told trade publication FoodIngredientsFirst in 2019. Now, that premise might sound even better to Hershey, which said in February that it was trying to develop more "better-for-you" candy and chocolate products going forward.

Hershey is interested in working with new brands and products as well as "experimenting with new business models," then-CFO Mary Beth West said at the time of the investment, referring to Blue Stripes. 

Press Seltzer (Constellation Brands)

Instagram Embed:
//instagram.com/p/CLhVLc-n4XK/embed
Width: 540px

Like many beverage makers, Constellation has been getting in on the hard seltzer craze by creating new hard seltzer products out of its existing brands. It launched Corona Hard Seltzer, for instance, based on the well-known beer in its portfolio. Constellation plans to double its hard seltzer-producing capacity in 2021, and CEO Bill Newlands alluded to "another exciting new hard seltzer initiative" to launch later this year.

Coca-Cola and Molson Coors have partnered to create a Topo Chico hard seltzer using the Topo Chico brand Coke acquired in 2017. Constellation, though, has yet to make an acquisition in the space.

Constellation did take a minority investment in Press in 2020 citing its novel flavors and lower alcohol content compared to rivals as advantages. After its investment, Newlands told analysts that Press's more premium pricepoint would fill a gap for high-end hard seltzer in Constellation's portfolio. He called Press "a unique value proposition and price point as we believe the hard seltzer segment will price-stratify over time."

Monster Beverage (Coca-Cola)

It's not an emerging brand, but Coca-Cola has been a minority investor in Monster since 2014. At the time, Coke paid $2.15 billion for a 17% stake in the energy drink maker after reportedly failing to strike a deal for the entire company two years earlier. Today, Coke owns about 19% of outstanding shares, according to S&P Capital IQ.

Since then, Coke has launched its own brand of energy drinks. But rival PepsiCo made a big move in 2020 when it acquired Rockstar for $3.85 billion, and Coke has yet to match that.

"Energy's a fast-growing category," said Morningstar's Johnson. While Coke could opt to keep growing its own brand or pursue a smaller player, its Monster stake could turn into full ownership if it wants to refocus in a big way after a year of culling brands, he said.

Health Ade Kombucha (Coca-Cola)

Coca-Cola invested $20 million in kombucha brand Health-Ade in 2019 through its Venturing and Emerging Brands unit. At the time, CEO James Quincey said the investment was part of Coke's efforts to become a "total beverage company" instead of just being a soda maker.

Since then, it has culled numerous brands as part of a broader restructuring, including former high-growth stars such as Zico coconut water, which Coke also made a small investment in before eventually acquiring in full. But Health-Ade survived and is still working with Coke.

Products like Health-Ade typify the kind of up-and-coming brands that Coke would want to buy, Morningstar's Johnson said. Coke looks for brands that "give them exposure enclaves to the various high-growth categories" like kombucha as a precursor to buying them outright, he said. 

Sun Basket (Unilever)

Instagram Embed:
//instagram.com/p/CDmb1grlrVN/embed
Width: 540px

Meal kit company Sun Basket raised $30 million in Series E funding in 2019, a round that included money from Unilever's venture arm. It wasn't the first time that Unilever had invested in the company, either: That happened in 2019 when it led a $9.2 million round for the company.

While Blue Apron went from being a rising star in the food world to a troubled turnaround case, Sun Basket and others have found new success selling meal kits during the pandemic as more people eat at home. And last fall, Nestle bought Freshly, which makes heat-and-eat meals, for $1.5 billion.

Of course, meal kits aren't as hot as they were a few years ago, Goldin said. "That's another 'We'll kind of wait to monitor and see what happens' case," he said. 

LifeFuels (Keurig Dr Pepper)

Virginia-based LifeFuels's investment from Keurig dates back before the company combined with Dr. Pepper in 2018. LifeFuels makes "smart" water bottles that make different-flavored drinks using insertable cartridges — not unlike Keurig's pod-based system for coffee and other hot beverages. Users can also sync the bottle with a smartphone app that provides nutrition and hydration information.

Keurig Dr Pepper has been looking for high-growth products to add to its stable of brands. Recent acquisitions include water brand Core Hydration as well as soda brand Big Red, which the company held a minority stake in for a decade before buying it entirely in 2018.

Natural Food International Holding (PepsiCo)

PepsiCo spent $131 million in 2019 for a 26% stake in Natural Food International, one of the largest natural food producers in China. At the time, Pepsi pointed to China as a key focus for expansion going forward.

Many of Pepsi's food and snack brands, including those at its Frito-Lay division, have also been among the company's best-performing products by sales in recent years, surpassing even some of its beverage brands.

Goldin said it would make sense for Pepsi to make an acquisition like Natural Food International, given that China is the world's largest food market and that Chinese regulators prefer that foreign companies buy into a Chinese player instead of building their own operations in-country themselves. "Instead of Pepsi going in there and green fielding it, the government requires that," he said.

Even in 2021, women pay more for mortgages than men when they buy a house. 

Mortgage comparison site Own Up analyzed Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data and found that women pay more for mortgages in 49 US states.

Own Up calculated typical interest rates for men and women and found the spread of rates offered to both men and women for a $354,000, 30-year fixed mortgage loan. That spread value was then added to the prime rate, or the best interest rate a bank can offer.

The difference between what a single man and a single woman would pay over the full term of the loan varied widely, with the biggest difference at over $7,000 in Mississippi. There's only one state where women don't pay more: Alaska. 

Here are the 15 states where women pay the most for mortgages.

15. Missouri

Women in Missouri will pay about $4,600 more than their single male counterparts. 

Women's interest rate: 3.40%

Men's interest rate: 3.34%

Difference in interest paid over the mortgage's term: $4,654

14. Indiana

Indiana women also pay more for mortgages. 

Women's interest rate: 3.47%

Men's interest rate: 3.41%

Difference in interest paid over the mortgage's term: $4,676

13. Michigan

Michigan women will pay closer to $4,700 more for a home than men in the state.

Women's interest rate: 3.51%

Men's interest rate: 3.44%

Difference in interest paid over the mortgage's term: $4,687

12. South Carolina

Homes in South Carolina cost women 0.06% more than men, but that difference adds up.

Women's interest rate:  3.39%

Men's interest rate: 3.33%

Difference in interest paid over the mortgage's term: $4,721

11. Connecticut

Connecticut has the biggest gender discrepancy between interest rates of all the New England states.

Women's interest rate: 3.27%

Men's interest rate: 3.20%

Difference in interest paid over the mortgage's term: $4,822

10. Arizona

Arizona's interest rate for women is the highest in the US. 

Women's interest rate: 3.50%

Men's interest rate: 3.43%

Difference in interest paid over the mortgage's term: $5,040

9. Kansas

Homes in Kansas are relatively affordable, but that doesn't mean that women still won't pay more.

Women's interest rate: 3.33%

Men's interest rate: 3.26%

Difference in interest paid over the mortgage's term: $5,052

8. Tennessee

Tennessee women will pay over $5,000 more over the life of their mortgage.

Women's interest rate: 3.39%

Men's interest rate: 3.32%

Difference in interest paid over the mortgage's term: $5,071

7. Arkansas

Homes in Arkansas will cost women more than $5,300 more. 

Women's interest rate: 3.41%

Men's interest rate: 3.33%

Difference in interest paid over the mortgage's term: $5,359

6. Georgia

In Georgia, women pay about 0.08% more, which adds up to almost $5,500 over the life of the loan.

Women's interest rate: 3.40%

Men's interest rate: 3.32%

Difference in interest paid over the mortgage's term: $5,498

5. New Jersey

New Jersey's interest rates are lower than most other states, but women still pay more. 

Women's interest rate: 3.26%

Men's interest rate: 3.18%

Difference in interest paid over the mortgage's term: $5,515

4. Florida

Florida women will pay a higher amount than men for their mortgages over time. 

Women's interest rate: 3.46%

Men's interest rate: 3.38%

Difference in interest paid over the mortgage's term: $5,591

3. Ohio

Ohio is in the top three states where women pay more for mortgages than men. 

Women's interest rate: 3.42%

Men's interest rate: 3.34%

Difference in interest paid over the mortgage's term: $5,856

2. Alabama

Alabama women will pay $6,000 more for mortgages than men. 

Women's interest rate: 3.44%

Men's interest rate: 3.36%

Difference in interest paid over the mortgage's term: $6,006

1. Mississippi

By gender, Mississippi is the most unequal state for homebuying. Women will pay almost $7,077 more than men. 

Women's interest rate: 3.47%

Men's interest rate: 3.37%

Difference in interest paid over the mortgage's term: $7,077

What's behind this gender rate gap?

Trina Patel, a financial advice manager at finance app Albert, told Insider that the gender pay gap could contribute to higher interest rates.

"Women are typically in fields that earn less than men, or they earn less than men. The amount of wealth that they can build is going to be slightly at a disadvantage. If you're earning less, by default, you might not be able to save as much for a future down payment," she said. A lower income could also mean a higher debt-to-income ratio, another major factor in what a buyer pays for a mortgage.

How to get a lower mortgage rate

"One thing we do know, that is universally a problem for women and men, is the fact that the majority of people in the United States do not shop for their mortgage," said Patrick Boyaggi, CEO of Own Up.

The experts agree that the best way to avoid overpaying is simple: shop around for a mortgage."Don't accept the first offer presented to you by the first lender you're introduced to," Boyaggi said. Compare all parts of the offer, from the interest rate to the closing costs and fees. Once you have a feel for what lenders have to offer, don't be afraid to negotiate. 

Once you've signed for your home, there could still be ways to lower your interest rate. Opendoor consumer trends expert Beatrice de Jong says that refinancing could help. "Record-low mortgage rates can translate into lower costs for borrowers looking to refinance," she told Insider by email. "With current rates as low as they are, it's likely that your new rate would be low enough to make refinancing worth your while." 

Some influencers only need a few thousand followers to start earning money off their online platforms.

Called "nano" influencers, this category of creators generally have fewer than 5,000 subscribers on YouTube and between 2,500 and 10,000 followers on Instagram. 

Nano influencers often specialize in a specific niche, with a small and engaged community that feels like they know the influencer on a personal level. 

When starting out, nano influencers will often pitch their own brand sponsorships instead of relying on an agent or manager.

Jen Lauren is a part-time social-media influencer in New York City and has 1,500 YouTube subscribers and 3,000 followers on Instagram. She told Insider she earns money by partnering with brands, through Amazon's affiliate program, and from YouTube ad revenue through its Partner Program. 

When pitching brands, she uses a 3-page media kit that she updates a few times a month. Her most recent brand partnership was with the food delivery service Epicured. She promoted the brand in her YouTube video, "What I Eat In A Week with IBS."

"It's important to build a relationship with brands and to work with brands that you already love, especially when you're starting out, to build subscriber loyalty," she said.

Insider spoke with five influencers who had under 10,000 followers about how they set their rates when negotiating paid sponsorships with brands.

The "rates" influencers use are often a starting point for brand negotiations and can vary based on the specifics of a brand campaign, like usage rights and exclusivity. Usage rights refers to the ways the brand can use the influencer's content, while exclusivity is when the influencer can't work with a brand's competitor for a certain period of time.

Here are the influencers, listed from fewest followers to most:

Jen Lauren: 1,500 YouTube subscribers (November)

Lauren, 24, started her YouTube channel as a hobby two years ago.

She told Insider in November that she emails the brands she wants to work with directly, direct messages smaller brands on Instagram, and sometimes finds an influencer marketing contact for a brand on LinkedIn and then message the person directly.

Lauren charges around $350 for an Instagram sponsorship (one in-feed post) or YouTube sponsorship (brand mention), and that price will vary depending on the scope of work, she said in November. Insider verified her rates with documentation provided by Lauren.

Her YouTube channel has dozens of workout class reviews and some of her most popular videos include a review of SoildCore classes (11,000 views), Rumble Boxing (9,000 views), and Barre3 (9,000 views). 

She works with studios around NYC reviewing different ones in exchange for free classes, and she said one studio even sent her a discount code for her viewers to use if they wanted to sign up. 

Since Lauren is still starting out in her career, most companies will offer her free products first (versus paid sponsorships), and will ask her to share insights on her content to determine a potential partnership.

Read the full post:

A YouTube and Instagram nano influencer shares the simple 3-page media kit that helped land her first brand deal — and how much she gets paid

Amber Broder: 2,300 Instagram followers (September)

Amber Broder is a full-time college student and a part-time skincare influencer on Instagram with about 2,300 Instagram followers. 

She posts skincare product reviews on her Instagram and has started working with brands this year.  

"It's difficult to monetize when you're still small," Broder said in September. But so far, she's been able to turn her content into a paying side hustle for herself. 

She uses a formula to help calculate her starting rates for content: 4% of her total of followers. This is a common strategy for creators starting out setting pay rates. However, the formula doesn't factor in time, quality, exclusivity, or usage rights, so Broder uses this as a guideline for her rates.

Her starting rates for Instagram content (as of September) included:

• In-feed Instagram post: $100 to $120
• Instagram Reel: $50 to $75
• IGTV: $200 to $250

When negotiating her rates with brands, Broder emphasizes her high engagement rate, which she said was around 16% as of September. 

Read the full post:

An Instagram 'nano' influencer started making money with fewer than 3,000 followers. Here's how much she charges for sponsored posts and how she lands brand deals.

Laur DeMartino: 3,300 YouTube Subscribers (November)

Laur DeMartino, 19, is a part-time lifestyle content creator on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.

Her primary platform is YouTube, where she posts weekly videos and had over 3,300 subscribers as of November. On Instagram, she has 5,300 followers and 4,200 followers on TikTok.

DeMartino earns most of her income as a creator through brand sponsorships, she told Insider in November. She also earns a small amount through Google-placed ads on her YouTube videos.

Her starting rates for a YouTube sponsorship are between $300 and $500, which she said depends on the brand and what the deliverables are. DeMartino also secured a recent brand deal worth $4,000, which included a $1,000 gift card to purchase the brand's product. The partnership included content deliverables across all three platforms she uses.

DeMartino also uses a media kit when pitching herself and communicating with brands, which she shared with Insider in November. 

Read the full post:

Kayla Compton: 3,400 YouTube subscribers (March)

Kayla Compton, 23, is a part-time influencer and full-time social media manager based in San Diego.

After starting her YouTube channel in high school, Compton began taking her social-media presence more seriously in college. YouTube is her primary platform, where she has 3,400 subscribers. She also has about 1,900 Instagram followers. 

She earns money as a creator through YouTube's AdSense program, commission on affiliate links, and through occasional brand sponsorships.

"A lot of people might think, 'Oh, if you have a thousand followers, no one's going to pay you for that,'" Compton said. "But if you have a very engaged audience and you can target people really well and have a good connection with your audience, brands will pay for that."

Compton told Insider in March that her starting rate for a brand sponsorship package (which usually includes a YouTube video, Instagram post, and Stories) was $250. 

On average, Compton will do one to two sponsorships each month, she said. But since she still works a full-time job, that limits the amount of pitching and branded work Compton can take on.

Read the full post:

A YouTube nano influencer shares the exact 8-page media kit she uses to get brand deals

Khadijah Lacey-Taylor: 9,800 Instagram followers (October)

Khadijah Lacey-Taylor had about 9,800 Instagram followers as of October 2020. (Since Insider first spoke with her, her Instagram has grown and she now has over 11,000 followers on the app.)

As a part-time fashion influencer, Lacey-Taylor found a niche in creating short-form videos with her husband and business partner, Tamarco Taylor, who is also a part-time professional videographer. 

The two collaborate on pitching ideas to brands and negotiating her rates for partnerships. 

Lacey-Taylor landed her first paid brand deal on Instagram in January 2020 with Tampax when she had under 3,000 followers at the time. 

Here were her starting rates for Instagram content (as of October):

• Instagram in-feed video or Reel: $2,500 to $7,000
• In-feed post (with photo carousel): $700 to $1,000

"Always aim high then work your way down," Taylor, Lacey-Taylor's husband, told Insider in October.

Read the full post:

How an Instagram influencer with under 10,000 followers booked $10,000 in brand deals last month thanks to short-form video

• Kettlebells help optimize workouts as they combine strength work with cardio and flexibility training.
• Beginners should pick their weight carefully and learn proper form to minimize the risk of injury.
• Our top pick, the Everlast Vinyl Dipped Kettlebells, is affordable and has an injury-preventative outer.

Editor's note: Due to fluctuating stock, many of the picks may be out of stock, back-ordered, or low in stock. We will keep this updated as best we can. 

If you're looking to outfit your home gym on a budget or with minimal gear, we'd argue that the single most versatile piece of equipment you could consider is a kettlebell. The odd, bell-shaped weights may look intimidating to someone who has never swung one before — and learning how to use one should definitely be taken seriously.

But the piece of equipment is actually really easy to get the hang of, and the odd shape of a kettlebell allows for a more dynamic range of movement than you get with a traditional dumbbell. Thus, kettlebells are used not only for strength training but also for cardio work, flexibility and balance training, and to target multiple muscle groups at once. Kettlebells are incredibly diverse, but they also open the door for challenging moves you can't otherwise do — like a kettlebell swing — and add another layer of challenge to tried-and-true exercises like goblet squats.

Kettlebells have a lot of advantages and they almost always level up the fun of a workout — but they shouldn't be treated like toys. It's important to learn proper form for every move and to choose the right weight for your skill level, which is why we've included information on both of these at the end, along with why you should add kettlebells to your workout if you aren't convinced yet.

Whether your fitness goal is to build muscle strength, improve your cardiorespiratory fitness, or continue to challenge your body in new and exciting ways, one single bell can help you achieve any of these.

Here are the best kettlebells:

• Best kettlebell overall: Everlast Vinyl Dipped Kettlebell
• Best kettlebell for interval training: TRX Training Kettlebell
• Best adjustable kettlebell: Bowflex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell
• Best low-cost kettlebell: AmazonBasics Vinyl Kettlebell
• Best soft kettlebell: Bionic Body Soft Kettlebell

Best kettlebell overall

Everlast's Vinyl Dipped Kettlebells are coated with a thick, colorful layer of vinyl which makes them safer to use and allows for quick identification of each weight.

Pros: Protective vinyl coating, easy-to-use color coding for different weights, decent price point

Cons: Maximum weight too low for some athletes

It only takes smashing a cast-iron kettlebell into the side of your knee one time to help you understand that features like a softer vinyl coating is really nice to have on your kettlebell.

"I've used Everlast kettlebells for years," Cincotta told Insider. "When the bell itself is coated like this, as opposed to metal-based, you're able to do much more with the bell without accidentally tearing up your body."

If you're buying more than one, it's nice that the Everlast's Vinyl Dipped Kettlebells have bright colorings to mark different weights, so you're at less risk of grabbing the wrong weight for a given exercise. The kettlebells are also available in increments between five and 35 pounds. 

Whether used for suitcase squats, lunges, presses, or core training, these are reliable kettlebells from a company with more than 110 years of history in the fitness gear arena.

Best for interval training

TRX Training Kettlebells have lightly textured handles that allow for a secure grip and easy transitions, ideal for use during high-intensity exercise.

Pros: Textured handles for secure grip; multiple weights offered; broad, flat base adds stability

Cons: Expensive

If you're a fan of HIIT exercise (high-intensity interval training), you'll love these kettlebells that are perfectly suited to fast, highly specific motions. Their textured grips ensure you keep a steady grasp even when you're sweaty, moving fast, and rapidly switching between various different exercises.

TRX offers kettlebells from four kilograms (8.8 pounds) all the way up to 40 kg (88 pounds) with moderate increases between each option. That means you can choose the exact amount of weight to suit your body for any given exercise. (Find out more in how to choose the right weight kettlebell.)

These bells also have a broader, more flat base compared to competitors. That extra flattened surface area makes these kettlebells more stable when you set them down fast, like during HIIT workouts.

One significant drawback is the price, however — these aren't cheap.

Best adjustable

With the Bowflex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell, you get six kettlebells in one, which is ultimately one of the best values around.

Pros: Six weights in one, affordable compared to buying all six weights, easy to adjust

Cons: Expensive up front; handle is less ergonomic than others; bulky, especially for use at lighter weight

Yes, $149 is a lot to pay for a kettlebell. But with the Bowflex SelectTech 840, you're actually getting six kettlebells in one, which turns this into quite the deal.

The 840 gets its name from its lowest and highest weights, which are eight pounds and 40 pounds, respectively. In between those low and high options, you get 12-, 20-, 25-, and 35-pound increments, a good spread for people of varying strength and for a single person's use at varied exercises.

Switching between weights is quick and easy, too. You simply turn a dial and lift up on the handle, and the extra weight is left sitting there on the ground. Beyond the ease of use during active exercise, you'll also appreciate what is effectively six kettlebells only occupying the space of one. 

The benefits of this design are clear, but there are a few drawbacks — the largest of which is that kettlebell is less ergonomic than a standard option. The handle is slimmer and doesn't have the flared shape of most kettlebells, and the overall unit is larger than solid options, which might make some exercises harder to execute properly.

With a few reps, you should get used to the shape, though, and the value far outweighs the cons.

Best budget

AmazonBasics Vinyl Kettlebell has many features of other brands like a gentler vinyl coating and range of weight choices, but you'll pay a few bucks less.

Pros: Great price point, good spread of weight increments, colorful, vinyl coatings

Cons: Grips often have minor imperfections

There's plenty of positive things to say about the kettlebells from AmazonBasics. They're coated in a thick vinyl that protects your skin and helps minimize the chance of scuffing the floor or scratching a piece of furniture; they come in a wide range of weights, starting at 10 pounds and reaching all the way up to 60, with 11 increments along the way; and their colorful coatings make it easy to tell one weight from another.

That description fits just about any decent set of kettlebells. What sets these apart from the pack is that they cost on average 15% less than its competitors — and you can use your free Prime shipping for delivery.

For that reduced price, you can expect a slight reduction in quality. Many of the kettlebells sold under the AmazonBasics banner have minor imperfections in the handles such as irregular bumps or little holes. 

These flaws shouldn't be deal-breakers unless you have sensitive hands, for which you can also work out with gloves on.

Best soft-sided

The Bionic Body Soft Kettlebell is plenty heavy but soft-to-the-touch, so you won't break a toe or crack a tile if you accidentally drop one.

Pros: Safer for flooring and injury, decent price point for a unique product

Cons: Leather exterior damages more easily than standard kettlebell

If you work out often enough, at some point you are going to have an accident. Dropping weights is a fact of life, and it's why gyms have padded floors. If you're working out on the hardwood or tile floors of your own home, that dropped weight might lead to an unexpected and unpleasant home repair project — or, potentially, an ER trip to fix a broken toe.

Working out with a soft-sided kettlebell solves this. Bionic Body's Soft Kettlebells come in a decent range of weights, spanning 10 to 35 pounds, and they're durable and solid-feeling in your hands.

There's no sacrifice of function in the name of making them soft-sided, and you won't even pay that much more for these kettlebells than you would for standard iron or vinyl-coated weights. 

The leather wraps around the weights won't chafe or irritate your skin, so these kettlebells make for more comfort. But with them being leather, the exterior can get scuffed and torn in a way a solid kettlebell can't, so you do need to treat these with a bit more care than with other options.

What else we tested

Many brands offer their own version of the kettlebell incredibly similar to one another, so there's little reason to look much beyond the list we put together. There are, however, a few specialty options and accessories worth your consideration:

Meister MMA Elite Portable Sand Kettlebell ($13): This option is made from rugged PVC that can be filled with sand to create a functional kettlebell. Empty, the sack packs down flat for easy storage or travel. Filled and with the neoprene handle wrapped into place, this portable kettlebell lets you knock out snatches, standing rows, and more anywhere you go — so long as you can find sand. And for under $15, you can't beat it.

Kettle Gryp ($35): The Kettle Gryp is a one-pound plastic grip that affixes to any dumbbell with a grip wider than 4.5 inches and converts dumbbells into kettlebells. So that stack of free weights you have there in your garage? Every one of those could be used just like a kettlebell.

Yes4All Adjustable Kettlebell Handle $34: If you have weight plates in your home (the disc weights with holes for mounting them on bars, e.g.) then a Yes4All Adjustable Kettlebell Handle can create an ad hoc kettlebell of myriad weight combinations.

Why add kettlebells to your workout

For some professional perspective on the importance of kettlebells, I spoke with R.J. Cincotta, director of fitness with Orangetheory Fitness Long Island and a 15-year veteran of the professional training and fitness world. Though most Orangetheory gyms don't use kettlebells, Cincotta spoke to Insider based on his own extensive fitness experience. 

"Kettlebells are best used for power movements," Cincotta said. "You're going to use them for squats and swings, and you'll use them for a lot of single-sided exercises often referred to as asymmetrical movements. You can even use kettlebells for stability work as well."

What makes a kettlebell harder to use than a dumbbell lies in its shape, which puts the weight several inches away from your hand. This means you'll need to activate more of your muscles as you stabilize the weight. With a kettlebell, every single-handed exercise like curls, shoulder presses, snatches, and so on is that much more productive. And for two-handed exercises like goblet squats, the grip shape means added stability so you can focus on your form, as well as your core, glutes, quads, and other muscles.

Why form is crucial

Before you start swinging your new kettlebells around wildly, make sure you take some time to learn how to properly execute the exercises for which they are so helpful when used correctly.

"When you're using kettlebells, safety is the first thing," Cincotta said. "Many people just start swinging them around and don't focus on form. There's such a dynamic difference using them [compared to other weights] that you really need to learn form, first. And you don't want to go too heavy too quickly; that's a very easy way to get injured."

With that advice in mind, we tested a variety of kettlebells from brands like Everlast, TRX, and Bowflex to find the best currently available. So, no matter if you're just looking for a set to round out your home gym or want to kick your weekly fitness routine up a few notches, there's a set of kettlebells perfect for you. 

How to choose the right weight kettlebell

The problem with buying a single piece of strength equipment like a set of dumbbells or a kettlebell is that different moves call for different resistance amounts. One of the main selling points of a kettlebell is that it's such a diverse piece of equipment, but to really maximize its use, you want to choose the single weight that will deliver the most bang for your buck.

When thinking about what weight will be most useful, it's better to go a little heavier, San Diego-based trainer Pete McCall, CSCS, host of the All About Fitness podcast, told Insider. "Kettlebells are often used for exercises like swings and goblet squats, and for these lower body movements, heavier is better," he says.

What's more a heavier kettlebell actually forces you to use better form and technique. "Going too light could lead to "cheating" during the lift which, in turn, could result in injury," he said. (We know — it's the rare instance the injury risk is in going too light instead of too heavy).

Lastly, McCall added, is buying a heavier kettlebell will lead to more results because you'll have to work harder to move it and therefore use more muscle.

Keep in mind though,"heavier" is entirely relative. Like Cincotta said (and any trainer will tell you), a weight above your strength level is the fast track to injury.

Generally, the best way to choose a weight is to borrow a friend's or pop into your local sporting goods store and see what feels comfortable for moves like lunges and squats. But if you can't do that, McCall offers some guidelines for what weight is good for most people:

If you don't have a solid foundation of muscle mass already or experience using a kettlebell, aim for a 20- to 25-pound (12kg) kettlebell for a female, and a 30- to 35-pound (16kg) bell for a male.

For those experienced with a kettlebell (i.e., have been using one 1-2 times a week already), females should opt for a 30- to 45-pound (16 or 20kg) bell, males for 40- to 50-pound (20 to 24kg) kettlebell.

If you're going light, McCall also advises looking for a competition-style kettlebell. "With traditional kettlebells, as the weight gets lighter, the handle gets smaller," he explains. But competition-style bells have more room between the bell and the handle, which can be a lot easier to grip, especially for those not used to the equipment.

For what it's worth, investing in both a lighter and heavier one can really open your world of exercise options.

Of course, the one option that solves this dilemma is to buy an adjustable kettlebell, which lets you move from light to heavy with the twist of a dial. They're a lot more money upfront, but can be a lot cheaper in the long run if you know you love KB workouts.

For all of the options included in this guide, we've priced each at a 20- or 25-pound weight for more accurate comparison (except for our top adjustable kettlebell pick, which is a set price for all weights included).