• This post originally appeared in the BI Today newsletter.
• You can sign up for Business Insider's daily newsletter here.

Welcome back! One reporter previewed this year's White House Christmas decorations, unveiled by First Lady Melania Trump. The decor's layout was traditional yet different from years past due to the East Wing construction. Take a look inside.

On the agenda:

• Avoid making these mistakes at your next work event, according to etiquette experts.
• Here's how to incorporate more fiber into your diet without suffering through bloating.
• Wealthy Americans are flocking to the Cotswolds, which has earned the nickname the "Hamptons of England."
• Spotify Wrapped gave users a "listening age" — but some aren't happy about it.

But first: Create plaid, pine perfection.

If this was forwarded to you, sign up here. Download Business Insider's app here.

This week's dispatch

Avoid those (Ralph Lauren) plaid pitfalls

Decking the halls got super traditional this year.

Meet the Ralph Lauren Christmas, it's the decor inspiration du jour — and no matter how you celebrate, everyone wants in on the darkened jewel tones, the plaids, and traditional vibes.

Although this very viral decor takes cues from the iconic American fashion label, it's also a nod to another traditional aesthetic.

"It is English country meets Americana," Sara Parker, a lighting and furniture designer, told BI's Samantha Grindell Pettyjohn. "So it kind of gives you that old money, quiet wealth that's not so quiet."

Still, it's easy to get wrong. If you want to get in on the hot decor theme, here are a few "don'ts" to ensure your RL Christmas is Santa-approved.

1. Don't just opt for reds, greens, and blues.

   "We're not just sticking to reds. We're going with ox blood…So definitely the deepest, most rich and saturated forms of those colors," Parker said.

2. Don't skip the plaid.

   Barbara Reimelt, the former senior vice president of global product presentation for Ralph Lauren and founder of The Ninety Nine Group, said you can use it in fun ways, such as napkins or a table runner. "You take a tartan fabric and wrap it around the base of the Christmas tree," she added.

3. Don't overspend.

   You don't have to turn your home into a Ralph Lauren store to achieve the look. In fact, there are affordable ways to still get the desired effect. "Invest in ribbon," Parker suggested. "And it doesn't have to be tartan ribbon, just even, nice velvet ribbon or things like that."

Don't be that coworker

Work gatherings can be a great opportunity to bond with your colleagues and celebrate accomplishments together, but inappropriate behaviors can hurt your professional reputation.

BI spoke to two etiquette experts who shared nine mistakes guests should avoid making during work events, from skipping leadership greetings to hiding behind your phone.

Work party faux pas.

Take your foot off the gas

Most Americans don't eat enough fiber. This means they're missing out on its various benefits, including support for heart and gut health, lowering cholesterol, and reducing the risk of colon cancer.

Packing on the fiber too quickly can also cause gastrointestinal distress. Preventive cardiology dietitian Michelle Routhenstein shared her tips for incorporating more fiber into your diet without the stomach pain.

Sneaky ways to up your fiber intake.

The "Hamptons of England"

The quaint villages and towns in the English countryside, known as the Cotswolds, have long been a hot spot for the wealthy. Now, Americans are taking a serious interest.

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi bought a $20 million estate last year, and other American celebrities, such as Beyoncé and Jay-Z, are rumored to be next. BI's series delves into how the Cotswolds have become a playground for America's rich and famous.

The British Americans are coming.

What's your (Spotify) age?

Another Spotify Wrapped has come and gone, and this year, users got a taste of Spotify's cruel and merciless wrath. In addition to your top songs and artists, the streaming service's new feature gave listeners an estimated age based on their music taste.

Some young people are upset with their ages, though. Just because they listen to oldies doesn't mean they should be considered one. BI's Katie Notopoulos breaks down what Spotify's listening age says about you.

Hand me the aux.

Also read:

• How does your Spotify Wrapped get made? 3 Spotify leaders break down the yearlong process.
• Give me more Spotify Wrapped. I have thoughts on what companies should (and shouldn't) launch their own versions.

What we're watching this weekend

• "The Abandons": Lena Headey and Gillian Anderson lead this new Netflix series set in the Old West. It's full of drama, shootouts, and family turmoil.
• "Mad Men": All episodes of this memorable show are now available on HBO Max. Go back and enjoy watching the 1960s-era antics of Don Draper, Peggy Olson, Roger Sterling, and Joan Harris.
• "Jay Kelly": This Netflix original movie from Noah Baumbach stars George Clooney as a well-known actor and Adam Sandler as his manager, who reflect on life choices, relationships, and their friendship as they travel through Europe.

What to shop

• Cards, cash, and clean lines: We delved into the top men's wallets and landed on picks that can withstand daily use — slim enough for front pockets, easy to access under pressure, and crafted with materials designed to last.
• Because freezing isn't fashionable: We sifted through puffers, parkas, and wool-blends to find the women's coats that actually hold up. These picks bring the warmth and the style, no matter the cold.
• Not your average fire pit: Built from heavy-duty steel, the new Yeti Fire Pit is a 70-pound backyard beast designed to last for decades — its metal actually develops a protective patina over time. Read our review to learn why it stands out.

How fake sneakers, handbags, and watches became a $2 trillion industry

As counterfeit goods become increasingly convincing, how can we detect and stop them?

More of this week's top reads:

• Three common mistakes customers make at a wine tasting, according to a server at a winery.
• I've spent $7,000 to fly with my son almost every weekend for a contest. We've unlocked awesome perks.
• I got my kids, all seven and under, a landline. They invited friends over on a snow day without my help, and I was thrilled.
• Five shoe trends that are in this season and four that are out, according to stylists.
• A 31-year-old marathon runner thought she had norovirus. She was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer.
• A CEO who wakes up without an alarm shared five tips to help you be a morning person by hacking your body's internal clock.
• "Rage bait" is the word of the year. My fellow rage-baiters: This is a bad sign.

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

• Eating protein helps us feel full, build muscle, and recover after a workout.
• The spports nutritionist Rob Hobson eats a high-protein diet while avoiding ultra-processed foods.
• He adds beans to dishes and keeps his fridge stocked with plenty of protein sources.

Grocery store shelves are stacked with convenient, protein-ified snacks, from bars to soda. But how much should you rely on them if you're trying to avoid ultra-processed foods?

For Rob Hobson, a sports nutritionist, the answer is simple: it's "very, very easy" to consume enough protein without relying on UPFs, which are linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease when eaten in large amounts.

To support his daily hourlong workout routine, which combines endurance training on an assault bike and weightlifting, he aims to consume around 0.7g of protein per pound of body weight each day. Hobson said this is enough to build muscle, feel full, and fuel himself.

He used to turn to protein bars and shakes, which are typically ultra-processed, but cut down on UPFs two years ago.

Hobson shared how he hits his protein targets without eating UPFs, but stressed he is mindful of being overly restrictive. He does this by following the 80/20 rule: eating whole, unprocessed foods most of the time, and whatever he's craving for the remainder.

"I still have a glass of wine. If I want a bit of chocolate, I will. If I want to have a pizza, I will," he said.

Hobson added that it's important not to obsess over single nutrients, such as protein.

"If you do that, then chances are you are missing out on other stuff," he said.

Eating oats with minimally processed protein powder for breakfast

After he gets home from the gym, Hobson eats a bowl of overnight oats containing oats, milk, and a minimally processed protein powder.

"It's whey protein that's been hydrolyzed, but it doesn't contain anything else," he said.

Oats contain some protein, but they are high in soluble fiber, which helps lower cholesterol, and insoluble fiber, which supports smooth digestion and feeds the beneficial microbes in the gut.

Adding beans to soup

Beans are a cheap and convenient source of both protein and fiber. Just one cup of black beans, for example, contains around 15 grams of protein.

Hobson adds them to his meals to up the protein count. "If I buy a ready-made soup, I will just chuck in half a can of beans," he said.

Keeping the kitchen stocked with easy protein

Hobson always keeps his fridge stocked with protein sources, like canned tuna, tofu, and chicken, which he can quickly cook up and add to a stir-fry or stew.

"I find it really easy just to use those foods," he said.

His go-to is a source of protein with some pre-cooked rice from a bag, vegetables, and soy sauce.

• Luigi Mangione has been in court in NY fighting the admissibility of evidence tied to his arrest.
• Mangioni stands accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
• Here are some of the images, audio, and video presented at the hearing, which continues Monday.

Luigi Mangione does not want future jurors to see the gun and handwritten "manifesto" that his arresting officers in Altoona, Pennsylvania, say they pulled from his backpack.

No surprise there. The Glock-style metal-and-3D-printed 9mm is a match, prosecutors say, to shell casings and a bullet from the fatal ambush shooting, five days prior, of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. And Mangione's writings? Prosecutors say they detail the 28-year-old Baltimore native's plan to "wack" a healthcare insurance company's CEO.

Mangione and his lawyers have been in state court in Manhattan since Monday, arguing that the backpack was unlawfully searched without a warrant.

Six law enforcement witnesses have testified, and the court hearing is set to continue next week. Here are some of the images and audio presented in court so far — and why they matter.

The original 911 call — laughter, apologies, a bagel order.

Prosecutors, led by Assistant District Attorney Joel Seidemann, bear the burden of proving that Altoona Police acted professionally, even calmly.

To that end, some of the first evidence Seidemann presented was this 911 audio, which sets the stage for what was to come. Police say they arrived at the McDonald's expecting the visit to be uneventful in part because the manager who made the call was so apologetic — insisting she was only seeking to appease her customers. Dispatch listed the call as "Priority: Low."

Prosecutors say Mangione tried to throw cops off the scent by claiming he was a "homeless" guy named "Mark." He handed them this ID.

"What's your name?" the first of two patrolmen entering the McDonald's asked. "Uh, Mark," Mangione answered, according to sealed police bodycam footage shown in court Monday. He told them he was homeless.

Here is the New Jersey license that Mangione then gave the two cops. Moments later, he complied with the command to pull down his blue and white paper medical mask. "I knew it was him immediately," Patrolman Joseph Detwiler testified, adding, "I stayed calm."

Bodycam footage showed the officer whistling along as Jingle Bell Rock played on the McDonald's sound system — to keep Mangione calm as well, he told the judge.

An arresting officer testified he was concerned Luigi Mangione could be dangerous, in part because he'd seen images like this one.

Detwiler had closely followed the manhunt for Thompson's killer, the veteran patrolman told New York Supreme Court Justice Gregory Carro from the witness stand.

He'd said he'd seen NYPD social media postings publicizing the as-yet-unnamed shooting suspect's face. Elsewhere online, he had seen surveillance footage of the shooting, which was played in court.

"I knew in New York that they hadn't found the firearm," Detwiler testified to explain that safety was behind the decision to frisk Mangione and search his backpack before arresting him on the initial Pennsylvania charges of forgery and providing a false ID to law enforcement.

Additional evidence was taken from Mangione at Altoona's police station, including a small folding knife and $7,800 in large bills.

Before they left the McDonald's, Mangione alerted the police to a small folding knife they'd failed to find in his pocket. It was of legal size, Detwiler's partner, Patrolman Tyler Frye, testified Thursday, adding that even so, "It could possibly hurt somebody — seriously."

At the Altoona police station, a more thorough search of Mangione's clothing and backpack recovered $7,800 in large bills and currency from Thailand, Japan, and India, totaling $1,620. "There's a gun," Patrolwoman Christy Wasser is heard saying in footage showing her searching Mangione's backpack.

Given the gun and the overlooked knife, the decision was made to strip-search Mangione.

• During his 40-year career, Scott Scovel saved $3 million for his retirement.
• But when he retired, he was so fixated on saving that he struggled to start spending.
• Spending tactics, like a $50,000 "war chest," helped him adopt a carpe diem approach.

I spent a lifetime skimping and worrying about my retirement portfolio and savings, and by the time I was 58 in 2020, they were worth $3 million — more than enough to retire and cover healthcare for the rest of my life.

Yet, I worried about worst-case scenarios, such as hyperinflation leaving me destitute. So I worked another year. And another.

For decades, I'd heard retirement advice encouraging me to "save more!" But no one explained that at some point, I'd need to radically shift my lifestyle and "spend more!"

I fixated on saving until an old college classmate died at age 59 in 2022. I was the same age, and his death deeply disturbed me. Realizing I had more money than time, I decided it was time to stop working.

A few weeks later, one day before my 60th birthday, I left my full-time job as the head of pricing at a software company. I'd made the transition to the next phase of my life, but my savings-oriented mindset struggled to change.

I was proud of my disciplined approach to saving

I'd been saving for retirement since the beginning of my career, when I worked as a junior portfolio analyst at a financial planning company. I opted to have my company deduct 10% from each of my paychecks and place it into a retirement fund. They partially matched my contributions, too, and drummed into me the importance of saving for retirement.

I continued this habit throughout my 20s and 30s. As I got older, I strove to make the maximum 401(k) contribution allowed by the IRS each year, including the extra catch-up amount they permit once you turn 50. Fortunately, my career as a product and general manager across various industries, including banking, media, and technology, provided me with the means to steadily contribute to my retirement plans.

Over nearly 40 years, I had put money into retirement accounts from almost every paycheck, deferring today's joys to ensure tomorrow's happiness.

To maximize long-term returns, I invested in equity mutual funds in each of my employer's retirement plans, mainly aggressive US funds plus some international ones, too. Every time I moved companies, I rolled over my funds with my former employer into low-cost Vanguard IRAs. I didn't worry if the market went up or down, as I knew in the long term, shares significantly outperformed cash or bonds.

By my late 50s, thanks to the power of compound interest, my savings had grown to over $3 million. Plus, I owned my home. My gut felt I probably had enough money to retire, and I then confirmed this by reading reams of investment articles, talking to experts and friends, and building a multi-page spreadsheet breaking down my finances.

I was financially, but not mentally, ready to retire

At first, it was uncomfortable seeing my savings declining, and I had such a work-until-I-drop mentality that I couldn't even think of myself as "retiring." I told myself I was just taking a three-month vacation before deciding on the next stage of my career.

I realized I needed to rewire my brain and approach to personal finance to ease my transition into retirement and enjoy spending as much as I'd loved saving. That helped me stop working more willingly.

When my three-month "vacation" ended, I extended it by a few months and then a few more. I just started my 38^th month of vacation. And now, when my taskmaster mind is distracted, I even tell people I'm retired.

I give myself a 'paycheck' and have a 'war-chest' for fun experiences

I budgeted that I'd need $7,500 a month to cover expenses during retirement, which I initially manually transferred from my savings to my checking account. But then, my frugal instincts kicked in, and I wondered if I could get by with $6,500 instead by cutting back on things like eating out or buying clothes.

An automatic monthly transfer was a much better solution. I discovered this approach in a retirement article, but took it further by naming it my "paycheck." This language eased my angst, and as a result, I never have to fret about how much I'm withdrawing, nor am I tempted to skimp on anything.

Another effective anti-saving tool is my "war-chest," which is a pot of money I set aside each year for fun experiences, some of which is taken from my monthly "paycheck."

I aim to pay myself around $50,000 a year for this war-chest, so I can travel extensively while I'm still in my early 60s, physically fit, and in my "go-go" stage of retirement. I'll reassess the annual war-chest amount as I get older, reaching the "slow-go" and "no-go" stages of retirement. My financial planning suggests I'll be able to stick to my $7,500 a month "paycheck" and war-chest withdrawals, both increasing annually at the rate of inflation, until I'm 95.

In the spirit of carpe diem, I've enjoyed recent war-chest experiences such as witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration in Kenya, paying extra to get nearly invisible hearing aids that make me less self-conscious, and watching my girlfriend's delight when I replaced her broken dishwasher. At the end of the year, I view any money left in my war-chest as lost enjoyment, not savings.

For decades, I acted like Aesop's proverbial ant, who worked all summer to store food for winter, while the grasshopper played and later starved.

Thanks to my vacation mindset, paychecks, and war-chest, I've become wiser. I enjoy retirement because I both toiled like the ant in the past and now safely revel like the grasshopper in the present.

Do you have a story to share about saving for retirement? Contact the editor, Charissa Cheong, at ccheong@businessinsider.com

• We asked 14 business leaders to share the songs that get them motivated and energized for the day.
• They named tracks by Beyoncé, Eminem, and U2, among others.
• Listen to their complete playlist on Business Insider's Spotify.

Spotify Wrapped is out, and like the rest of us, CEOs are recapping their year in songs.

These 14 business leaders have all previously told Business Insider how their daily routines look — now, they're telling us how they sound.

From getting hyped up before important meetings to getting energized at the beginning of the day, these 14 leaders shared their go-to pump-up songs and why the tracks motivate them.

Listen to the complete playlist on Business Insider's Spotify.

Mark Cuban

Mark Cuban's life has been good.

The Cost Plus Drugs founder and "Shark Tank" personality said his go-to song is Joe Walsh's rock anthem "Life's Been Good," in which the singer details a rock star life, from hotel adventures and wild parties to Maseratis and hit records.

Jamie Siminoff, founder of Ring

Ring's founder and former CEO, and Amazon VP, Jamie Siminoff, listens to "Sky Full of Stars" by Coldplay — which has been a favorite of his for a while — to boost his energy for the day.

Meredith Whittaker, president of Signal

For Signal president Meredith Whittaker, "Wish I Didn't Miss You (Hex Hector/Mac Quayle Mix)" by Angie Stone is the song that gets her energy going.

"Because it's a certified banger. Period," she told Business Insider over email.

Ben Goodwin, CEO of Olipop

Ben Goodwin, the CEO of prebiotic soda company Olipop, said he has five favorite tracks when he needs to amp himself up:

• "This Feeling – Extended" by Sentre and Of Norway
• "Fearless" by Joseph Ashworth
• "By Ya Side" by Daniel Bortz and Nils Corben
• "I Can Feel That" by Pascal F.E.O.S.
• "It Sounds Like a Dream" by Nuage

"A good pump-up song should generally be high energy and have an uplifting vibe," he told Business Insider. "It's ideal if it's on the edge of cheesy but well enough executed that you don't mind, and it actually helps you turn off your analytic mind a bit."

Bryan Myers, CEO of Solidcore

The CEO of Solidcore also has a list of go-to pump-up songs:

• The EDM remix of "Suavemente" by Elvis Crespo and Juacko
• "No Problem" by Chance the Rapper.
• "Crazy in Love" by Beyoncé

Of Beyoncé's track, he said, "The iconic intro is the party starter anthem that always puts a smile on my face."

Shannon Hennessy, CEO of Habit Burger

Shannon Hennessy opts for "Go Your Own Way" by Fleetwood Mac.

"It reminds me to be brave and listen to my gut," she said.

Hennessy added she has a known weakness for Disney songs and numbers from Broadway musicals, especially Wicked's "Defying Gravity."

Krishna Kaliannan, founder of Catalina Crunch

Krishna Kaliannan, who founded cereal brand Catalina Crunch, listens to a 1998 German pop banger by Blümchen to get his energy up for the day. The song's title, "Heut' ist mein Tag," translates to "today is my day."

"It's a great reminder that YOU are in control of your day. Your attitude determines how your day turns out," the founder told Business Insider over email.

He also listens to Eminem's "Lose Yourself" before high-stakes moments.

"[It's a] great pump-up song right before a big meeting or presentation," he said. "The song dares you to seize the moment or lose it. Go big or go home."

Jessica Hoppe, CEO of The World Residences at Sea

Jessica Hoppe also hypes up with "Lose Yourself" by Eminem.

"I'm from Michigan, so there's something about Eminem that feels like home — authentic, gritty, and unapologetically driven," Hoppe said in an email.

"'Lose Yourself' has that perfect mix of edge, rhythm, and storytelling," she said. "It's all about pushing through fear, betting on yourself, and rising to the moment. It reminds me that the biggest opportunities come when you're willing to take a deep breath, trust your preparation, and step fully into the spotlight."

Tori Dunlap, CEO of Her First $100K

Tori Dunlap listens to "12 to 12" by Sombr when she wants to feel energized.

"I first discovered it on a trip to New York, and since then, it just hypes me up with that city energy," Dunlap said.

Jesse Itzler, entrepreneur

Jesse Itzler, an author, cofounder of Marquis Jet, and partner of ZICO Coconut Water, said his go-to song is "Step into a World" by KRS-One.

"It makes me feel like I'm about to get into a bar fight," he told Business Insider over email. "I don't like bar fights. But I like adrenaline. It's my adrenaline shock for the day."

Niki Leondakis, CEO of CorePower Yoga

Niki Leondakis said her go-to song is the Grateful Dead's "Bertha."

"It shakes loose whatever I'm holding, lifts my energy, and sets the tone for a day centered on forward motion and possibility," she said. "I also played it for the last mile of every race I ever ran."

Tracey Halama, CEO of Supergut

Tracey Halama said that she listens to "Good as Hell" by Lizzo when she needs to get energized, in part because it's "performed by an empowered woman that takes no prisoners!"

David Barnett, founder of PopSockets

David Barnett, the founder and former CEO of PopSockets, said he listens to "Where the Streets Have No Name" by U2.

"It reminds me of the excitement I felt watching professional cycling races in person when I was a teenager," he said.

Emily Fontaine, head of VC at IBM

Emily Fontaine, IBM's head of VC, said she loves pretty much any pump-up song from the '60s or '70s, and that Paul Simon's "Late in the Evening" was a top hit on her Spotify Wrapped.

"It's a track that immediately lifts me up and puts me in the right headspace to tackle the day, whatever it may bring," she said.

• Asseta AI is software for family offices, which are becoming more common.
• The startup has raised $4.2 million in seed funding from investors in the financial services sector.
• Read Asseta AI's pitch deck, which outlines the growing family office market and the problems it aims to address.

Family offices in the US managed $3.1 trillion worth of assets last year, according to a Deloitte report. That's more than the market caps of Meta and Tesla, combined.

But many family offices manage all of those assets using relatively basic software, such as Excel and QuickBooks, as well as borderline prehistoric technologies like fax machines.

The majority — 72% — of family offices said their investment in the technology needed to run their businesses is either insufficient, nonexistent, or only moderately sufficient, according to the Deloitte report.

Asseta AI, founded in 2023, is an accounting platform designed to address this. It works with family offices — the vehicles that oversee the money and assets of the uber wealthy — who together manage more than $10 billion in assets on Asseta AI.

"There's a huge gap in the market between mom-and-pop accounting software and large enterprise systems like SAP," Dean Palmiter, Asseta AI's CEO, told Business Insider.

He was working at accounting tech giant Sage when a client, a former hedge fund manager who had started a family office, described how convoluted it had all become.

"He was using 67 separate QuickBooks logins, and that's when I had the aha moment," he said.

Asseta AI's suite of tools provides consolidated reporting for visibility across all of a family's legal entities, offering insights into transactions, asset classes, and family members.

In November, Asseta said it raised $4.2 million in seed funding.

It's a good time to be thinking about wealthy families.

There are more billionaires than ever, and they are wealthier than ever, with a combined net worth of $15.8 trillion, according to a UBS report published this week.

That means more family offices than ever. Last year, Deloitte estimated there were 8,030 family offices globally, and that by 2030, the wealth of families with family offices would reach about $9.5 trillion.

Asseta AI has been feeling the demand. The company, which charges clients $35,000 a year, is on track to be profitable in the next 18 months, Palmiter said. He said he wasn't actively fundraising when clients began to ask about its reserves, prompting him to explore fundraising options.

"They just want to know that we're well capitalized for multiple years," he said. "We were perfectly content bootstrapping."

The round was co-led by financial services investors Nyca Partners and Motive Partners. The money will be used to expand Asseta AI's product offerings into areas like forecasting and planning, and scale its team by hiring across engineering and customer success.

The pitch deck that Palmiter used to secure $4.2 million highlights the growing opportunity in the space and outlines how Asseta AI can help meet those needs.

The deck has been edited, and details have been redacted to share it publicly.

The pitch deck starts with a title slide that introduces Asseta AI and the company's tagline.

The second slide lays out Asseta AI's simple mission statement.

Asseta AI touts its adoption and growth metrics.

Asseta AI's C-suite has experience across technology, accounting, and investing.

The company's founders are Dean Palmiter and Daniel Kennedy.

Palmiter, who serves as its CEO, worked on the family office practice at Sage and NetSuite. Kennedy, the CTO, has over a decade of experience as an engineer, having worked for BCG and designed platforms for companies such as Walgreens and CVS.

Nathan Kotler, the head of investments, Josh Summerford, the head of finance, and Stan Perry, the COO, all have experience in family offices.

Asseta AI details its solutions to the current market's problems in this slide.

This slide reads:

Asseta is the comprehensive AI-native operating system.

Our unified platform is innovating family office operations by transforming fragmented accounting and investments data into actionable intelligence.

Asseta AI included a screenshot of its interface.

Asseta AI outlines the potential market opportunity.

The deck dives deeper here.

This slide reads:

As of 2024, an estimated 168,500 people globally have a net worth of more than $50 million and more than 35,000 have more than $100 million according to Credit Suisse and UBS's Global Wealth Report. 40% of these UHNWIs are in North America. There are 3x more family offices today than there were in 2019.

This slide breaks down the competitor set of existing accounting software.

Here's Asseta AI's pitch to clients.

This slide reads:

• We bring expertise in family offices that can't be beat.
• We build to solve the challenges for a very specific customer problem set.
• Our customer base and community more closely resembles them.
• SOC 2 Type II compliant.
• AI purpose built for accountants.
• All inclusive pricing. No hidden costs. No penalties for growth.
• Implement in minutes and get instant value.

The deck ends with the company's plans for the future.

This slide reads:

Asseta AI becomes the only modern all-in-one family operating system of the last decade

• Build an ecosystem of AI-powered apps on top of clean accounting and investments data

• Become the source of truth for families to make more informed investment/financial decisions

• Beans are a budget-friendly and tasty nutritional powerhouse.
• A private chef-turned premium bean brand founder shared 3 recipes that are high in protein and fiber.
• She adds them to classic dishes like soups to make them more nutritious.

Eating one cup of beans a day can help you reach almost any nutritional goal you might have.

Want to add extra protein to your meal? Beans. Improve your gut health? Beans. Reduce inflammation? Beans. Eat fewer ultra-processed foods? Beans.

Few know this better than Amelia Christie-Miller, the 32-year-old founder and CEO of Bold Bean Co., a UK-based premium bean brand whose jars of fat chickpeas and butter beans, among others, can be found on the shelves of most upmarket delis or grocery stores in London.

Christie-Miller is on a mission to get people eating more beans, partly to improve their health and partly to tackle the climate crisis, as beans are more sustainable than animal products and improve soil quality.

"They really are the answer to so many of our world's problems," Christie-Miller told Business Insider.

Eating beans provides many health benefits

The tiny — and cheap — nutritional powerhouses are excellent sources of both plant-based protein and fiber (a cup of black beans, for example, contains around 15 grams of both). There's ample evidence to suggest eating them regularly can help with far more than just smooth digestion.

In one 2025 study published in the journal Current Developments in Nutrition, 72 participants with prediabetes were split into three groups and asked to eat either a cup of chickpeas, black beans, or white rice daily for three months.

By the end of the study, those who ate chickpeas reduced their cholesterol levels by around 10%, from high to normal, and those who ate black beans saw a significant drop in their inflammation levels.

Here are three tasty bean recipes from her latest cookbook, "Full of Beans: Delicious Beany Recipes to Obsess Over."

1) Cosy chicken and white bean soup

Feeds four

Takes 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 250g (9oz) leftover roast chicken, shredded, skin reserved for the crispy topping
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil, plus extra to serve
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 to 2 rosemary sprigs, leaves picked and chopped
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano or thyme
• 100g (31⁄2oz) kale, chard, or cavolo nero, roughly chopped
• 750ml (25fl oz) chicken stock
• 250ml (9fl oz) milk
• 570g (1lb 41⁄2oz) jarred white beans, with their bean stock
• 1 bay leaf (optional)
• salt and pepper
• lemon wedges, to serve

Method:

1. If you have any leftover chicken skin from your roast that's gone all cold and flabby, this is the moment to turn it into something the table will be fighting for. Peel it off the chicken and heat a deep, heavy-bottomed saucepan over a medium—high heat (you don't want the stovetop too hot, or you'll risk burning the chicken skin). Add one tablespoon of the olive oil, then lay the chicken skin in the pan in a single layer.

Fry for three to four minutes on each side, moving the pieces around so they crisp up evenly. Once crisp, remove them using tongs and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Leave all the rendered fat in the pan to start your chicken soup.

2. Add the remaining oil to the pan (use a bit less if you had lots of chicken fat), reduce the heat a little, and chuck in the onion, carrot, and celery. Season, stir to coat the veggies in the oil, then gently cook for 15 minutes to soften.

3. Chuck in the garlic, rosemary, and oregano, and cook for a further few minutes, then add the chicken and kale, and stir everything together. Season again, then pour in the chicken stock and milk. Add the beans with their bean stock, and bring to a simmer. Add a bay leaf at this point, too, if you like. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes.

4. Divide between deep bowls, then top with an extra splash of olive oil and a handful of the crispy chicken skin. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over.

2) Chickpea, tomato, and harissa stew with herby yogurt

Feeds two

Takes 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 250g (9oz) cherry or baby plum tomatoes
• 2 garlic cloves, finely sliced
• 570g (1lb 41⁄2oz) jarred chickpeas, with their bean stock
• 2 tablespoons of good-quality harissa, a North African chile pepper paste

For the herby yogurt:

• 2 garlic cloves, grated
• Zest of 1 lemon and a squeeze of the juice
• 15g (1⁄2oz) dill or parsley, finely chopped
• 3 teaspoons of capers or a handful of green olives, drained and chopped
• 250g (9oz) Greek yoghurt

Serve with:

• warm flatbreads
• couscous or quinoa

Method:

1. Heat the olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over a high heat. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for five to six minutes until blistered, soft, and slightly charred. Lower the heat to medium, then add the garlic and fry for one to two minutes, stirring, until fragrant.

2. Add the chickpeas, along with their bean stock, and bubble for three to four minutes until reduced by half. Stir through the harissa and simmer for two to three minutes more.

3. Meanwhile, in a bowl, mix together all the ingredients for the herby yoghurt. Adjust the seasoning and acidity to your taste, adding a squeeze of lemon juice if you like it very lemony.

4. Spoon the chickpeas into warm bowls and top with the herby yoghurt. Serve with warm flatbreads and/or cooked couscous or quinoa, if you like.

3) Black bean Makhani with kachumber salad

A makhani is a Punjabi dish typically made with lentils, but this version swaps them for black beans. The Bold Bean contributor Raina Patel said: "This recipe is my tribute to my grandma — cosy, comforting flavours from my childhood with a little twist."

Feeds four

Takes 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of neutral oil, such as sunflower or rapeseed oil
• 1 onion, roughly chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed or finely grated
• Thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger, finely grated
• 1 chile, finely chopped / 1⁄2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, to taste
• 3 teaspoons of garam masala
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
• 150ml (5fl oz/1⁄4 pint) passata or 2 large tomatoes, blitzed in a blender
• 1 bay leaf (optional)
• 570g (1lb 41⁄2oz) jarred black beans, with their bean stock
• 100ml (31⁄2fl oz) double cream or Greek yoghurt
• A pinch of white sugar (optional)
• Juice of 2 limes, plus wedges to serve
• Salt
• Greek or coconut yoghurt, to serve

For the kachumber salad:

• 1⁄2 cucumber, diced
• 2 vine or cherry tomatoes, diced
• 1⁄2 red onion, very finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• A pinch of chile powder
• A small handful of mint or coriander

Method:

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Tip in the onion with a pinch of salt, and cook for eight to ten minutes until softened. Add the garlic, ginger, and chile or cayenne pepper, and cook for a further two to three minutes until fragrant.

2. Stir in the garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and another good pinch of salt. Continue to cook for one minute or so, stirring constantly to prevent the spices from burning. Add a splash of water if it begins to stick.

3. Add the passata and the bay leaf, if using, and stir for two to three minutes. The mixture will begin to thicken. Now add the beans and their bean stock. Increase the heat to medium—high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water if needed.

4. Meanwhile, make the kachumber salad. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and taste for seasoning. Set aside for later.

5. If you're happy with a chunkier makhani, you could partially mash the beans with a potato masher, then add the cream or yoghurt. However, for something closer to the traditional Punjabi classic, carefully transfer a third of the mixture to a blender, making sure the bay leaf isn't in there. Pour in a splash of the cream or yogurt to cool it slightly, secure the lid tightly, and blend until smooth. Pour the blended mixture back into the pot and stir to combine.

6. Taste for seasoning. At this stage, you may want to add a little sugar to balance. Stir in the remaining cream or yoghurt. Add the lime a little at a time, tasting as you go.

7. To serve, spoon the makhani into bowls, and top each one with a dollop of Greek or coconut yoghurt and a big spoonful of the kachumber salad. To make it into a full and hearty meal, serve with basmati rice, naan bread, or tortilla chips.

• Ralph Lauren Christmas has been trending as the "in" aesthetic for the 2025 holiday season.
• It looks a lot like traditional Christmas decor, but it has its own twist.
• Lean into darker colors, tartan, and twinkly lights for the Ralph Lauren Christmas look.

If you've searched online for holiday decoration inspiration in the last month, you've probably stumbled across the term "Ralph Lauren Christmas."

The phrase refers to holiday decor that takes inspiration from the iconic brand and, at first glance, looks a lot like traditional Christmas decor.

However, Ralph Lauren Christmas puts its own spin on decking the halls, and it's easy to miss the mark when trying to recreate the look.

Here's everything you need to know.

'Ralph Lauren Christmas' is the 'it' holiday aesthetic of 2025

Interest in "Ralph Lauren Christmas" has skyrocketed in recent months, with Google Searches for the theme spiking from October to November. If you take a look at social media posts with the tag, you'll see photos and videos of luxurious Christmas decor full of timeless ornaments, tartan touches, and twinkling lights.

"The Ralph Lauren aesthetic centers on rich colors, layered textures, and pieces that harmonize beautifully," Alma Abruzzo, who has created several Ralph Lauren Christmas tablescapes through her company The Tablescaper, told Business Insider.

Sara Parker, a lighting and furniture designer, described the aesthetic as "English country meets Americana."

"It kind of gives you that old money, quiet wealth that's not so quiet," she told Business Insider.

"It really is a return to traditionalism, and I think that is tied to nostalgia for a lot of people," Parker said. "I think that our socioeconomic climate is really making people crave nostalgia and crave those cozy feelings, and I think that Ralph Lauren gives that to us."

Barbara Reimelt, the founder of the interior design firm The Ninety Nine Group and the former senior vice president of global product presentation for Ralph Lauren, echoed Parker.

"Given that it seems the world is in such a strange place, going back to things that make us feel cozy, warm, comfortable, and just happy is what people want," Reimelt said.

Traditional red and green decor doesn't quite cut it for Ralph Lauren Christmas

Although you might see some bright red and green touches in a home decorated with a Ralph Lauren Christmas theme, too much of the classic Christmas color scheme isn't best suited to the style.

"I would say we're really focused on a deep color palette," Parker said. "We're not just sticking to reds. We're going with oxblood. We're not just doing blues. We're doing navy. We're not doing Christmas greens. We're doing hunter greens. So definitely the deepest, most rich and saturated forms of those colors."

In the same vein, Parker said that colorful Christmas lights don't quite work with the Ralph Lauren look, and it's best to stick to white lights and tapered candles instead.

"I would stay away from colored, nostalgic lights," Parker said. "It's just not quite classic enough."

Tartans and textures

Tartan plaid is a signature element of Ralph Lauren Christmas decor, as Parker told Business Insider.

Abruzzo said that black watch tartan, in particular, which is composed of black, dark blue, and deep green, suits the aesthetic well.

Reimelt added that tartan often appears in unexpected ways from the brand, so you should feel free to experiment with it as you bring it into your home.

"You could take a tartan fabric and wrap it around the base of the Christmas tree," she suggested. You can also use it for napkins or as a runner for your holiday table setting.

In addition to tartan, Parker said rich textures are a signature of the style, so you should be embracing fabrics like leather, wool, and velvet. Reimelt said that blending those textures can also help create the desired look.

"It's about a velvet next to a taffeta or a little bit of a harder textile," she said.

Abruzzo also told Business Insider that the metals you use to decorate can make a big difference in achieving the Ralph Lauren Christmas look.

"Silver is the primary metal, occasionally accented with brass, and crystal is a must," Abruzzo said. "Pay attention to detail, but steer clear of clutter."

You don't have to buy Ralph Lauren products

You might be tempted to splurge on Ralph Lauren's latest seasonal line to create the Christmas of your dreams, but Parker and Reimelt advised against turning your home into a replica of your local store's holiday display.

"We're not trying to make your Christmas look like you're walking into a Ralph Lauren flagship store," Parker said. "I probably wouldn't go out and buy a blanket with an equestrian pattern. It's too literal."

Instead, you want to capture the essence of the brand's aesthetic without having the RL brand on everything you own.

You can invest in one or two items from the brand if you really want to, but otherwise, it might be better to purchase items from affordable retailers like HomeGoods and Walmart.

Likewise, Reimelt said the Ralph Lauren Christmas aesthetic lends itself to DIY decor.

"Go in the forest or go to the next flower district store, buy pine cones, and paint them the color you want," she said. "Or go to Mood Fabrics in New York City, buy fabrics or ribbons."

That way, you can create one-of-a-kind pieces that will reflect the Ralph Lauren style and your family's vibe.

You also don't need to buy a ton of products to lean into the look

Credit card points can be great, but you don't need to rack them up trying to transform your house into the Ralph Lauren Christmas aesthetic.

"If Walmart had an entire display and it was like, 'Here's your Ralph Lauren Christmas on a platter,' I would highly discourage people from buying everything," Parker said.

Parker suggested grabbing a few more affordable items that will make a big impact, like ribbon.

"Invest in ribbon," Parker advised. "I think ribbon is a really impactful and affordable way to achieve the look. And it doesn't have to be tartan ribbon, just even nice, velvet ribbon or things like that."

She also said it's smart to invest in pieces you know you'll use year after year, such as special ornaments.

"Starting a steady collection of ornaments is a great idea in general," she added. "I think that you can incorporate some heirloom and nostalgic ornaments with this aesthetic."

Reimelt told Business Insider that people shouldn't put pressure on themselves to perfectly fit the Ralph Lauren Christmas aesthetic they see online. Instead, they should focus on figuring out what holiday decor feels true to them.

"I think doing it in a way that speaks to you rather than just copy and paste, to me, is always more meaningful," Reimelt said.

Abruzzo expressed a similar sentiment, saying it's important to stay true to yourself even if you embrace Ralph Lauren Christmas.

"The goal is to create a warm, cohesive atmosphere that blends in with your home already," she said.

• Petey Stathopoulos owns and runs a breakfast cart in NYC called Peteys World Cafe.
• His father, who ran a food truck for decades, warned him that this business "will destroy your life."
• He dreams of a different job, but says the grind has taught him who he is and what he really wants.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Petey Stathopoulos, 29, owner of Peteys World Cafe, a coffee cart in New York City. It has been edited for length and clarity.

I run a coffee cart in Midtown New York City, but it wasn't the life I'd planned for, nor a life I want to keep up long-term.

My dad's been in the food truck business since before I was born and always told me, "Don't ever get into this business. This is the hardest and the worst business in the world. You'll destroy your life."

During COVID, I was going through a major depression. I was out of a job, and I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life. I just stayed home at my parents' place with my wife and kid and was kind of being a dirtbag. Then, after about a year, my dad basically got fed up with me.

He came to me one day and said he'd found a pushcart for sale, and he gave me a choice: either buy the pushcart or get out of the house. So, I bought the cart and the business for about $35,000.

See how Petey and other food truck vendors earn a living on NYC streets in the BI video below:

Living the life I was told to avoid

I wake up around 4 a.m. each morning at my place in Long Island, rush to the garage in Long Island City where I store my cart, and drive an hour into Manhattan, where I set up shop in Midtown. I then drive it all back when I'm done around 11 a.m., and I do this five days a week.

At first, the routine grounded me. Within a year, I began to feel like myself again. But now, four years in, I've realized that I don't want to do this anymore.

The work is constant, and the customers can be unpredictable. I lost about half of my customer base when I raised my prices by $0.25.

That sucks because I always try to give good customer service: I greet you, I try to remember you, and I try to be as good as possible. But the stress of keeping up with raising prices and maintaining a loyal customer base is unrelenting.

I pay $350 a month for the garage, $1,200 to $2,000 a month for baked goods, about $200 a month for propane, $50 a week for cleaning, and that doesn't include insurance, gas, and maintenance costs.

At the end of the day, I earn enough to simply maintain, but that's not a way to live.

The only reason I stay in this job is because of my kids. I have a 7-year-old and a 2-year-old. But because of my work, I can only give my kids 20% of my battery, and I give everybody else 80%. I wish it could be the other way around.

I know I sound negative, but there's so much positivity that has come from this experience. I had to go through this to grow and become the man I am today. Through this process, I've learned who I am and what I want. I think every man should go to war with themselves to truly find themselves.

I want to start a coffee shop

Whenever I get rid of this pushcart, I plan on working for a specialty coffee shop and getting an understanding of how the flow works, because it's all flow. Eventually, I would love to own my own coffee shop.

Right now, though, the economy's pretty bad, and nobody really has money to buy a street business, so I'm stuck here for a while longer.

In the meantime, I enjoy experimenting with various drinks at home using my espresso machine. One of my favorites is an iced Americano.

• Bedding company CEO Scott Tannen says parents regularly ask him to consider their children for jobs.
• He warns that such over-involvement can ruin their child's chances of getting hired.
• The strongest internship candidates advocate for themselves and are eager to learn, said Tannen.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Scott Tannen, cofounder and CEO of Boll & Branch, a luxury bedding company based in Summit, New Jersey. This story has been edited for length and clarity.

My wife and I started Boll & Branch in January of 2014, and we've had interns for about eight or nine years at this point.

Even though we're in a small suburban town 45 minutes outside Manhattan, we have always received a lot of interest from parents who know our business and would like their children to work for us.

I'm a parent myself. I have three college-age girls. We all want the absolute best for our kids, and I recognize the job market is tough. But it blows my mind how many parents think it's appropriate for them to reach out to me on LinkedIn or by email and say, Hey, if you could talk to my child, you'd be able to inspire them to apply.

I'm thinking, dude, I've got thousands of applications for this job, and all you're telling me is that your kid is incapable of working independently.

It would be easier for a parent to say, Hey Jane or Johnny, you should look into this company that offers internships and consider applying. Let me show you how to use LinkedIn to figure out who the hiring manager is. Let me help proofread your cover letter.

All of those things are fully appropriate for a parent to do. But when a parent decides to take the action themselves, it unfortunately has such a negative effect that I might rule out their child right off the bat.

Last year, we had a parent show up at our office demanding we interview their son, who didn't say a word. Therein lies the problem. You've not taught this child how to advocate for himself. It was an incredibly awkward experience.

Just before Thanksgiving, we posted all our 2026 internships on our career site. We have 15 openings across the business, from marketing and product development to merchandising and finance. We'll probably start doing interviews in January.

Parents are more aggressive this year. One called our 1-800 customer service number on Black Friday weekend, asking about internship opportunities for their child. This is a very busy time for a retail business.

Most parents, however, reach out over LinkedIn. They're not even asking for advice. They're actually pitching their kids to me. For example, I got a message from a parent asking me to consider their son for any of our internships. This person said their son is very shy but very bright, and encouraged me to reach out to him.

I wrote a LinkedIn post about how parents shouldn't do this, and someone commented that it was valuable and well-articulated. But then this person asked if it would be okay to send me their son's résumé. I replied by saying that if your son were to reach out and demonstrate his interest, we'd be delighted to review his application.

I think these parents are the ones doing their kids' school assignments because they're so afraid of their child failing. But they're actually robbing their children of great opportunities to learn. When things don't work out, that's the real world. If you don't get a job, it's a chance to learn what went wrong so you know better for next time. There's so much to be gained from failure.

The best thing a parent can do to help their child get a job is to teach them how to stand out in a crowd. In the case of internships, this can mean showing they want to learn and are curious. The college kids who have that attitude are the ones who end up getting hired and then get asked to come back after they graduate and work for us full-time.