Productivity starts with a “to-do table”

A Return to Normal?

We looked at our last year of sends and are shaking our heads over how unhinged things were. We gawked at the price of eggs the way we used to gawk at the cost of designer bags. People went into debt for their Labubu collections and got shameless with their Venmo requests. And we probably never, ever want to type the word “tariff” again. 

What we wanted most? Normal. Being mid quietly reset our financial dreams. Instead of McMansions, normal houses hit the vision board. Hyundais showed up in the parking lots of financial advisors who cater to high-net-worth clients. And when Warren Buffett announced he was stepping down from Berkshire Hathaway, some of his smartest advice made the rounds again — the kind that works just as well for billionaires as it does for the rest of us. 

With that, some financial advice that withstood *shakes head* whatever 2025 was that we can take into the New Year: 

• Make these six moves to recession-proof your money –– and these five moves to protect your job security.

• Worth repeating: ChatGPT isn’t your financial advisor. Here are the do’s and don’ts of using AI to manage your finances 

• Stop going back and forth about that chunky sweater in your cart, and use the viral “.001% rule.”

• Thinking about moving somewhere cheaper? Check out these relocation programs that can pay you thousands to move, plus kick in perks like a free gym membership or concert tickets. 

• And get advice from experts. Join us in conversation with Vivian Tu (@YourRichBFF) on the money decisions that changed her life. And why most women are rarely taught to make them.

PS: If you’re visiting family this week, these are the three signs that it’s time to get involved with your parents’ finances

— Anna “New Year, Same Bank Account” Davies, writer

Read More

• Six Financial Resolutions for 2026

• Why “Micro Resolutions” May Be the Key to Money Success

• The Case for Running a 2025 “Financial Audit”

Throughout the year, we showcased ways to make your money stretch further on everyday essentials. Here are five tips we’re definitely going to keep using in 2026. 

🎨 Try this $12 paint trick to give your house spring renovation vibes… minus the price tag.

🪡 A legendary designer’s top hacks to keep wardrobe heroes looking newer, longer.

🛒 Meet the seven grocery stores with the cheapest (but high quality) items.

🏖️ Craving a frozen umbrella drink, sans $35 pool tab? Meet the 24 best affordable all-inclusive resorts for your next mini-vacay.

☎️Helpful hack: If you're trying to return something on Amazon, here’s how to actually speak with a real person.

From ghost jobs (here’s how to avoid them) to the rise of #overemployed (Redditors, who are you?), work life fully went off the rails. There was even a company that laid people off via email — with a duck cartoon attached. No notes. Actually, many notes.

Whether you’re job hunting or just trying to survive the job you already have, here are four tips to stay ahead: 

• Next time you hear the words “quick favor,” use this one-question test to decide whether it’s worth your energy. 

• Book secret buffer time, and then use these five other easy hacks for setting boundaries under the radar.  

• The best productivity technique? Honestly, whatever works for you. Maybe that’s a “to-do table” instead of list, the Pomodoro Technique, or a throwback like the “ticky-tack” or Ivy Lee method. 

• Negotiate flexibility like it’s compensation. Because it is. Time is often the most valuable perk. Just beware of “microshifting.

Q: Be honest, how was your financial year?

TOGETHER WITH VANGUARD

50%

That’s the percentage of people with a financial advisor who report feeling low financial stress.^† So if your New Year’s resolution is to focus on achieving your financial goals, Vanguard’s got you. 

Their Digital Advisor can connect to your other accounts to give you a complete picture of your financial health — making it easier to stay on top of your investments without the mental load. They also offer intuitive tools like a debt calculator and emergency fund builder to keep you on track. Plus, you can start January on the right foot with waived advisory fees for the first 90 days. Here’s to low financial stress in 2026.^‡

Brighten Up

Part of being money smart is knowing what’s worth the spend. 

Our commerce team tests it all — so you only see the picks that deserve your time and your budget. And because everyone spends differently, we pick three different prices points to help you find what works best for you. 

This week: Red light devices. Yes, you’ve seen the TikToks, but here’s the TLDR: Red light masks shine specific wavelengths of light into the skin, where they can stimulate cells, including the ones that help make collagen. What you may see with regular use: subtle improvements in skin tone, firmness, and fine lines over time. However, they require commitment and regular use.

PS: Many devices are HSA/FSA eligible — we’ve highlighted three of them below.

For the commitmentphobe:

Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand ($169)

New to red light therapy or not ready to commit to aan actual mask? This wand is ideal for targeting specific areas and is easy to travel with, plus the treatments take just three minutes per spot. Bonus: If sitting still makes you antsy, you can use it while watching TV.

A solid option or gift cards:

HigherDose Red Light Face Mask ($349)

This is the first red light mask we ever tried and loved. It also seemed to help active and healing breakouts recover faster, with dark marks fading more quickly.

The one often recommended by derms:

Omnilux Contour Face ($395) 

This mask consistently tops best-of lists. One of our editors uses it religiously, and even her dermatologist has noticed her skin looks healthier and firmer.

Trending products and brands our shopping team has been loving recently.

When you spot a silky Brooklinen duvet cover for 50% off, the question is not do I need it, but what card should I use?

If you didn't get exactly what you wanted for the holidays, treat yourself to BaubleBar's sale section; it's up to 80% off.

For more of the best sales to shop this week, click here.