Insider Today: Living to 150

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Happy (early) holidays! If you're already thinking about what to do with money you might receive this season, perhaps follow this family's lead. They spent their $75,000 inheritance on a bucket list trip to South Africa. They say it helped them grieve.

On the agenda:

• For Generation Alpha, learning to read is becoming a privilege.
• How to pull off the quiet-luxury style, even if you're not rich.
• She stayed at an "otherworldly" Norwegian ice hotel. She'll never do it again.
• Inside the daily routine of a biohacker who wants to live to 150.

But first: A time to say thank you.

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This week's dispatch

Dip into your holiday cheer fund

Even as many Americans are dealing with tipping fatigue, the holiday season can be a time to thank the workers who make their lives easier — with a tip.

According to Bankrate's 2024 Tipping Culture Survey, which surveyed 2,445 US adults earlier this year, many Americans plan to tip their teachers, childcare providers, housekeepers, landscapers, and mail carriers.

Etiquette expert Nick Leighton told Business Insider that it's important to ask those in your community how much they intend to tip since a tip amount is "made up of a constellation of factors, including the nature and length of the relationship with a person and what's considered 'typical' in your area."

Still, if you're wondering how much to tip the people who've helped you all year, here's some general guidance.

Etiquette expert Diane Gottsman told BI that a good tip is typically how much you'd pay childcare providers, housekeepers, and lawn care professionals for a normal visit. However, it may not be legal for teachers and mail carriers to accept tips. Instead, thoughtful non-cash gifts may be more appropriate.

Why our kids can't read

There has never been a golden age for reading scores in America, but a report from last year has raised alarm bells. Reading performance among 13-year-olds has hit its lowest level since 2004, the report found.

Legislators and school districts are touting new, expensive reading programs to improve literacy rates. However, teachers and parents say that's still not helping kids discover the joy of reading. Families who can afford it are moving their kids to different schools or hiring tutors, driving a deeper societal wedge.

Inside the reading wars.

Luxury on the low

Quiet-luxury style is still in vogue. It's all about using high-quality, understated pieces to create chic, effortless looks that say, "I'm rich."

Celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow nail the trend. Luckily, quiet luxury is easy to duplicate. A personal stylist shared the tips to keep in mind for achieving the look.

Don't go overboard with logos.

Iced out

Dana McMahan and her husband spent $475 for one night in a Norwegian hotel straight out of "Frozen." Staying in the lodge, McMahon writes, was a "once-in-a-lifetime" experience with an "otherworldly" glow.

But would she do it again? Absolutely not. As it turns out, sleeping on ice isn't the most comfortable arrangement.

An Arctic abode.

Biohacking and business

Every morning, longevity clinic co-owner Kayla Barnes-Lentz, 33, spends 2.5 hours biohacking. Her routine includes her first round of electromagnetic field therapy, a workout, sun exposure for her circadian rhythm, sauna time, a shower, and more — all before breakfast. Her goal is to live to 150.

Barnes-Lentz told BI that her longevity habits — many of which aren't fully scientifically proven — have helped her reverse her biological age by 11 years.

Her daily routine.

What we're watching this weekend

• "Virgin River": Netflix's drama series about a small town returned for season six this week.
• "Juror No. 2": Clint Eastwood's courtroom drama film is now streamable following a quiet theatrical release earlier this year.
• "Beast Games": YouTuber MrBeast's new game show kicked off this week on Prime Video, featuring 1,000 contestants vying for a hefty $5 million cash prize.

See the full list

What to shop

• Not too late to save on jewelry: Though it might be too late to get them for Christmas, Blue Nile's jewelry makes incredible gifts for yourself or a loved one. During its holiday sale, rings, bracelets, earrings, and more are up to 50% off.
• Actually comfy ankle boots: A good pair of ankle boots is versatile, comfortable, and durable. But not all pairs are created equal, so we've rounded up 17 styles to meet your needs, like waterproofing, affordability, and everyday wear.
• Avoid another price hike: YouTube TV will join the wave of streaming services raising prices next year. If you're planning a switch, these are some of the best alternatives to consider.

More of this week's top reads:

• Mark Cuban says 60 is the new 40. He follows 3 habits to stay youthful.
• BI's Rachel Hosie tried microtox: the antiaging treatment that smoothes without freezing the face.
• Ultraluxury hotel brands are turning to cruise ships and private jets.
• A gut-health scientist who trained as a chef shared her 2 easy, go-to breakfasts.
• A travel reporter stayed at one of the most expensive lodges next to the Serengeti National Park, where she fell asleep listening to lions roaring.
• The cancellation of 'Freaks and Geeks' broke Linda Cardellini's heart. It also taught her a valuable lesson.
• Review: The 6 best places to order last-minute Christmas dinner online in 2024.
• A Greek Mediterranean diet expert shared the best advice for Americans who want to eat better on a budget.

The Insider Today team: Dan DeFrancesco, deputy editor and anchor, in New York City. Grace Lett, editor, in New York. Lisa Ryan, executive editor, in New York. Amanda Yen, associate editor, in New York.