Startup Stash - Luxe Mama, Tax Back & Tok Search🤱

Are you a new mother bring home a newborn from the hospital? Brace yourself, it's no walk in the park. You're in for a whirlwind of sleepless nights, round-the-clock caregiving, and a whole lot of mental and physical recovery, often in splendid isolation.

But guess what? A fresh wave of startups is shaking things up by offering posh postnatal care for new parents.    

• Boram Postnatal Retreat: This swanky joint takes up the ninth floor of the ritzy Langham Hotel in New York City.
• The Village: Nestled inside the luxurious Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco, it's pure indulgence.
• Ahma & Co: The newest kid on the block in New York, currently building a waitlist of eager customers (images below).

Think of these plush rooms as a five-star hotel experience, but with some extra pizzazz:

• Lactation support, wellness checks, and professional nurseries for those moments when you just need a breather.
• Hangout spots for mingling with fellow parents, because who doesn't want a little adult conversation?
• Expert advice on everything from breastfeeding to the art of diaper changing.

This isn’t a new thing in other parts of the world. In places like China and South Korea, new moms get a break from work and chores, with plenty of postnatal getaways. 

But here's the catch: these retreats aren’t so accessible in the US. The Village sets you back $950 a night (with a three-night minimum stay), while Boram starts at $900 for the first three nights. 

TikTok's search results have begun to reflect its evolving usage pattern — i.e. as a search engine. 

The platform has discreetly introduced Wikipedia excerpts within certain search result pages, especially those related to individuals, locations, and events. This strategic move has been officially confirmed by TikTok spokesperson Zachary Kizer.

The Wikipedia feature seamlessly integrates with the in-app search results, neatly positioned alongside relevant videos. By clicking on these snippets, users are redirected corresponding Wikipedia pages.

Meanwhile, Google has acknowledged the evolving landscape in which platforms like TikTok are encroaching on its traditional dominance in the realm of online search. In a statement made last year, Prabhakar Raghavan, the Senior Vice President responsible for search at Google, pointed out that a significant segment of young users, nearly 40%, now favor TikTok or Instagram over Google Maps or Search when looking for restaurants.

You've probably heard the old adage: Nothing is certain but death and taxes. Well in recent years, one of those certainties has taken a nosedive – especially if you happen to be a millionaire.

Back in 2012, the IRS meticulously reviewed the tax records of around 41,000 individuals raking in over $1 million in earnings. Fast forward to 2019, and that number dwindled to a mere 14,000 receiving the same scrutiny. In 2020, the count dropped even further, hitting a low of 11,331. 

To put it in perspective, the IRS audited just 3.8 tax returns out of every 1,000 in 2022, giving the average Joe or Jane a slim 0.38% chance of becoming the subject of an audit.

But hold on to your receipts, because there's a twist in this tale. The IRS is turning the tables on the wealthiest taxpayers, sounding the alarm that they're coming after 1,600 millionaires who collectively owe at least $250k each in overdue taxes. And they're not kidding around – "dozens" of revenue officers are zeroing in on those millionaires who haven't paid up in full. 

Brace yourselves, the taxman is making a comeback!

😵‍💫 Poor Child - Childhood poverty rates in the US more than doubled compared to 2021, according to a report by the Census Bureau.