Month: August 2025

• My husband and I got about 4,000 Australian dollars at our wedding and spent it on our honeymoon.
• I was pregnant at the time, so it doubled as a babymoon.
• Though we could’ve put it toward a deposit for a house, we would make the same decision today.

When my husband and I got married in 2015, we decided to have a wishing well for gifts. We didn’t want hideous crockery from distant relatives or material things for our tiny 1950s flat in Melbourne. We were pretty happy with what we already had.

At the time, we had only been back home in Australia for about a year and a half. Prior to that, we had blown all of our life savings on three years of traveling abroad. By the time we got married, we were still pretty broke, but we were both working full-time — me as a journalist and my partner as a remedial massage therapist — and saving toward a deposit for a house.

We got married at a vineyard on the Gold Coast in Queensland, surrounded by 66 of our closest friends and family. After the wedding, I remember sitting on the bed at my parents’ house, where we were staying, and opening all the wedding cards bursting with cash.

We were given about 4,000 Australian dollars at our wedding

Some of our loved ones gave us as much as 300 Australian dollars, which we thought was incredibly generous. Others threw in AU$20, and we were so grateful for every cent.

At the end of the card-opening session, my husband was holding a wad of money — roughly AU$4,000, or about $3,200 at the time. “What shall we do with all this moolah?” he asked, fanning it across his face.

Now, any smart person would have put the money straight into their savings account to grow the old nest egg. Not us.

Instead, my husband and I decided to spend it all on our dream honeymoon, which was also a bit of a babymoon, as I was five months pregnant at the time. Boy, was it incredible.

We decided to spend it all on our honeymoon

We flew from the Gold Coast to the Whitsunday Coast, then took a ferry over to Daydream Island. As we made our way inside the island’s resort, they presented us with mocktails and shell necklaces, and we felt like royalty.

The island was small but perfect for honeymooners. Every morning, we’d start the day with a buffet breakfast, then laze by the pool drinking refreshments, take a rainforest walk, or try water activities like stand-up paddleboarding. At sunset, we’d go for long walks on the beach, check out the open-air cinema, and stuff our faces with fresh, mouth-watering seafood.

It was honestly the most relaxing, romantic week of my life. What made it so much more enjoyable was that we didn’t have to worry about the tab at the end of it, because with the money from our wedding guests, we had it completely covered.

As our dream honeymoon finally came to an end and our plane took off, destined for Melbourne, I started sobbing, looking out the window. My husband noticed me spluttering and asked me what was wrong.

“That was the best week of my life, and now it’s over,” I said, immediately feeling ridiculous, like a 2-year-old throwing a tantrum. We both laughed at my reaction (and obvious pregnancy hormones), and he held my hand.

Looking back, we would make the same decision

In hindsight, it was probably a little indulgent to blow all of that money in a week. It would have definitely been smarter to put the cash toward a deposit for a house.

However, given the chance to do things over again, we would probably make the same choice. Our honeymoon was the last holiday where it was just the two of us; we now have three kids, and it will be a while before the youngest turns 18.

We made lasting memories, and did eventually buy a family home in Melbourne, and it all worked out in the end. But for that one glorious moment in time, we lapped up the high life with zero regrets.

• This post originally appeared in the BI Today newsletter.
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Welcome back! What would you do if your kid brought their college girlfriend home and they slept in the same room? Well, one “cool mom” didn’t mind. Find out why.

On the agenda:

• An Alzheimer’s researcher shared what he’s doing to preserve his brain health.
• Las Vegas is stuck in a Sin City slowdown.
• Why people are shelling out $2,100 for a trendy jacket.
• New drink on the links: Golfers can’t get enough of the Water Hazard.

But first: All eyes on Burning Man.

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

This week’s dispatch

It’s time for some desert fun

Burning Man, the arts festival that attracts well-known tech bros, billionaires, and Hollywood’s A-list, kicks off on Sunday.

And for those leaving their corporate world-cares behind to attend the magical desert party in Black Rock City, Nevada, there are a few must-pack items you can’t leave behind.

Business Insider’s Anneta Konstantinides is no newbie to the playa or the dry lake bed where Burning Man takes place. After attending in 2023, she writes she learned that the most important part of her planning was the packing — especially since thousands of festivalgoers bring nearly everything with them, including living accommodations.

Here are some of the 91 items Konstantinides can’t leave behind:

• Don’t wear anything “with loose feathers, glitter, or sequins — anything that can litter the playa is known as ‘MOOP’ and is looked down on by Burners.”
• “Many, many pairs of socks. We’d wear these even with our sandals to protect ourselves from the alkaline dust — no one wants Playa Foot!”
• Body wipes since many people attending Burning Man don’t shower while spending a week in the desert.
• Konstantides also advises bringing toiletries to protect you from the sun and dust, including sunglasses, chapstick with SPF, saline nasal spray, and cuticle cream.

Boosting your brain health

When it comes to brain aging, nothing helps more than healthy habits, according to Dr. Rudolph Tanzi, a brain aging researcher. He created the acronym “SHIELD” to encourage good brain health and potentially reduce the risk of conditions like Alzheimer’s.

Tanzi also takes omega-3 supplements, which can lower inflammation and reduce the risk of blood clots. Mounting evidence suggests those effects can also have antiaging benefits.

Reducing the chances of cognitive decline.

Leaving Las Vegas

For years, two of Sin City’s main draws were that it was one of only two places to legally gamble in the US and that it was relatively cheap to visit. Now, though, as sports betting has expanded to other cities, Las Vegas has started to lose its special appeal.

Plus, Vegas has gotten expensive. Resort economics have changed, tourists have begun to expect more luxury goods and services, and some establishments now charge New York City prices for drinks.

Still, it’s not dead — just sleepy.

A customized luxury piece

Luxury fashion brand Bode is all the rage right now, with its one-of-a-kind $2,100 Senior Cord Side Tab jacket becoming a fan-favorite investment piece. While most luxury brands are known for their rare pieces, Bode runs its business differently.

After purchasing the customizable jacket, Bode emails the customer an extensive questionnaire about their hobbies, favorite movies, lucky numbers, and more. Customer Marc Bass said the brand has achieved something few others have: It’s created a line of conversation-starting garments that are truly unique and accessible.

Worth the splurge.

Meet the Water Hazard

Many golfers have long preferred the Transfusion as their cocktail of choice while out on the green. The vodka-based drink features ginger ale, grape juice, and lime juice. But a new drink is taking over, according to golf course workers.

The Water Hazard mixes vodka with blue Gatorade, lemonade, and Sprite. The Gatorade’s electrolytes add a hydration twist to the refreshing drink, although it’s unlikely you’ll get the electrolyte benefits since the Gatorade is mixed with alcohol.

Plus, the aesthetic is nice.

What we’re watching this weekend

• “The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox”: This Hulu miniseries delves into the 2007 wrongful conviction of American student Amanda Knox (played by Grace Van Patten), which became a headline-grabbing international incident.
• “Peacemaker”: In season 2 of HBO Max’s hilarious DC Comics series, expect more outlandish adventures from this disturbed superhero played by John Cena.
• “F1: The Movie”: Now available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home, check out one of the summer’s best movies as Brad Pitt plays a washed-up Formula 1 driver who seeks glory against the greatest racers in the world.

What to shop

• Pack light, look sharp: We found a bunch of comfy, stylish pants that are perfect for travel. They’re easy to pack and easy to wear. Check out our guide to the best women’s travel pants for looking polished without sacrificing comfort on the go.
• Ticket buyer protection for a price: Our deep dive has verified that StubHub is a legit spot for buying and selling event tickets with valid, on-time delivery or refunds if anything goes wrong. Just beware: you’ll pay extra for that peace of mind with clearly shown fees.
• Saatva’s Labor Day sale: Saatva is offering up to $400 off its luxury mattresses during its Labor Day sale, along with perks like white-glove delivery. It’s one of your best chances this year for serious savings on high-end comfort.

More of this week’s top reads:

• What Disney adults fear the most.
• I’ve visited Portugal over a dozen times. There’s one underrated region I keep going back to.
• My experience on “Survivor” made me want to live among nature. So I moved to Mexico.
• Nine ways you’re making your wedding look cheap, according to a luxury planner.
• I was burned out at work, so I quit my job, sold my home, and moved to Spain. It was the best decision of my life.
• Spike Lee says he won’t shop around his scrapped ESPN Colin Kaepernick doc: “That thing fell apart a year ago.”
• Inside a matcha rave, where Gen Zers go wild for ice-cold brews, sober partying, and getting home at a reasonable hour.
• Coach Deion Sanders says athletes should stop choosing colleges that offer a short-term payday.

Chipotle wants to turn dorm rooms into burrito bowls.

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

Ghent – The Gentbrugge neighbourhood in Ghent hosted the inaugural Grand Prix Gentbrugge, a 250-meter race featuring 57 participants. Lisander Cardyn claimed victory in the adult category, while Linus triumphed in the under-15 division. This event marked the kickoff of the Gentbrugge Leeft festival, reports 24brussels.

The Grand Prix, renowned as “the shortest time trial in the world,” unfolded along a slightly less than 250-meter course, with the starting podium set up in the church square of Gentbrugge. Among the competitors were 14 children and 43 adults, including former Belgian champion Jesse Vandenbulcke.

Organizers had to limit registration to 60 participants, as outlined by Tim Van Steendam, one of the event coordinators. He stated,

“We had to close registrations at 60. You can’t start that early on a Friday evening, and we also have to take the sunset into account.”

Winners and Key Events of the Gentbrugge Leeft Festival

The competition featured live commentary, leading to excitement among the crowd. Cardyn of Sint-Amandsberg finished the adult race in 27.52 seconds, while Linus secured first place in the under-15 category with a time of 30 seconds. Event commentator Schotte noted,

“I just prepared, as usual, a phone call with the organisers, after which I wrote down a sheet of paper with all the information. And the rest I just improvised,”

The Grand Prix Gentbrugge also officially launched the three-day Gentbrugge Leeft festival. Tim Van Steendam emphasized the community spirit behind the event, stating,

“It’s mainly the sense of community that drives us to organise this.”

The organizing committee comprises a diverse group, from local florists to writers and other residents. Tim added,

“We’ve been organising this for about five years now, and we’ve noticed that the neighbourhood has grown much closer together since then.”

This year’s festival program features a wide array of activities suitable for all ages, including a flea market, a barbecue, and live music. Tim outlined changes in the competition structure, stating,

“In previous years, the participants had to pull a truck that got heavier each time, but this year it will be a competition with real strength tests.”

Among the festival’s highlights is the traditional John Massis Cup, designed to determine the strongest individual in Gentbrugge. This year, the competition will adopt a new format, as explained by Tim Van Steendam:

“The qualifying rounds start on Saturday, where participants must stack beer barrels and tilt a heavy tractor tire. The three strongest men and women will return on Sunday. Then they’ll get to bend steel, a true tribute to our John Massis, the legendary powerhouse who is buried nearby.”

Initiated in 2018, the Gentbrugge Leeft festival aims to foster closer ties within the Gentbrugge community. Organized by a local committee of residents and small business owners, the festival has expanded over the years, introducing various activities, including flea markets, barbecues, live music, and sports competitions.

The festival’s centerpiece, the John Massis Cup, commemorates the famous Belgian strongman from the 1970s, who is interred in the vicinity.

• Morgan Mazor practices matrimonial law as a partner at Bender & Crane. She frequently works with Gen Z clients.
• Mazor noticed a trend among her young clients: Gen Zers were more likely to ask their partner about finances and sign a prenup.
• “My parents always told me, ‘We don’t talk about money,'” Mazor said. “Gen Zers have opened up the door to talking about it.”

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Morgan Mazor, a 37-year-old partner at Bender & Crane who practices matrimonial law. It’s been edited for length and clarity.

The thing that I’ve noticed the most with Gen Z is that the stigma around talking about money has really changed.

I’m a millennial. My parents always told me, “We don’t talk about money.” You’re not supposed to ask about how much money anybody makes. You don’t ask somebody how much they spent on their house or how much something costs. What are their spending habits? How much debt does somebody have?

Even when I was dating, it wasn’t a discussed factor. Gen Zers have opened up the door to talking about it.

There were also much more traditional trajectories. Somebody would eventually stay home and raise their children. Now I’m asking, “Are you going to have children?” That’s not automatic.

Whether or not someone will stop working is definitely on the back burner. Everyone is on board that we have to be a two-income household.

Gen Z is absolutely more open to prenups.

I can see the trend that prenups are not this, “Oh no, if we’re doing this, we’re going to get divorced.” It’s just another one of those check boxes of things that you do now for financial planning.

For millennials and older, prenups were more about families that had money pushing them. I see Gen Zers that realize their potential, that may not have the money already, but are thinking, “I’m a young professional. I have these career aspirations.” They’re coming to a prenup thinking things we never thought about before.

It’s about those young professionals on the cusp of their careers. I could even talk about Jeff Bezos. It was amicable, but it was likely one of the most expensive divorces ever. Things like that could have been worked out in a prenup.

What will be interesting about Gen Z is the digital entrepreneur. If these younger kids are focusing on making money through digital influencing, how do you capture that income? How do you value that? That’s something you may want to carve out in a prenup.

I’ve had clients come to me and be like, “We’ve already talked about it. This is what we want to do.” I’ll come in and draft it, then it gets sent to the other spouse’s lawyer, and there’s pushback. When I had older clients, they would want me to have the conversations with the lawyers and try to figure it out.

I see the younger generation sit down, go home, and have that conversation with their future spouse. They’re willing to do that face-to-face; they’re not hiding behind a lawyer or a parent.

I think that also creates healthier relationships because you have the same expectations financially. Besides infidelity, financial things are really what break marriages in the end.