HI, MY NAME IS TOM - AND I'M ADDICTED TO THE SENSELESS PAIN AND SUFFERING OF BEING A SPORTS FAN.

Of all the relationships in life, none is more toxic than the one we have with the sports team we love the most. But why is it so impossible to call it quits?

STEP INTO Mr. Affleck's OFFICE

Since founding a production company with a genuinely radical vision, Ben Affleck has chosen to make films as an executive first, a director second, and an actor third, But can you really just stop being one of the biggest movie stars on earth?

The Real Cowboys of New York City

Pro bull riding has a new foothold—and record numbers of fans—suggesting that our latest flirtation with Western Americana has entered a phase of mainstream appeal. Can cowboy fever help bull riding become the next UFC?

Nobody Cares What You Want...

...unless you speak up and tell them! That's how this franchisee became a CEO, and then transformed herself into a true leader.

I'VE BEEN A PUBLICIST FOR 17 YEARS.DON'T HIRE ME.

Entrepreneurs often think they need PR. Most don't. Here's why you're probably better off not hiring someone like me.

His Schools Drove $7.5 Million in a Year

Jason Skidmore didn't have an education degree. Here's how he thrived as an education franchisee anyway.

'ONLY THE STRONGEST ARE GOING TO SURVIVE'

Brian Lee cofounded companies like LegalZoom and ShoeDazzle-and he believes a lot of conventional business wisdom is backward. Sure, it's harder to raise capital. But it's actually cheaper than ever to start a company.

Trust Equals Sales

For their business to work, Dianne and Gabrielle Melillo need more than customers. They need a community that has total confidence in them.

The Omega That Bond Built

For 30 years, Omega has been 007's watch of choice. Now, with a new Seamaster, the Swiss maker is letting some of that superspy allure spill over to its main line.

Private Powder

The next frontier of exclusive, members-club culture? Ski mountains. We went to Netflix founder Reed Hastings’s new Powder Mountai to see how private mountains are taking over—

Damiano David IS REVIVING THE ROCK STAR

He became one of the world's biggest musicians after winning Eurovision with his band, Måneskinand now the Italian singer has his sights on a global solo career. Over espresso and cigarettes in Rome, Damiano David argues that pop music desperately needs a high-fashion frontman.

MR&MRS. RIZZ

At 22, PIRATES PITCHER PAUL SKENES and LSU GYMNAST LIVVY DUNNE seem to have it all—wild success in their respective sports, movie-star good looks, big-ticket deals, and crackling chemistry. Now what? We went to Baton Rouge to find out.

BIGGER Than TEXAS - BigXthaPlug

put Texas rap back on the map. Now, on the heels of a hypnotic album packed with hits, he's plotting to take his Lone Star appeal worldwide.

Does This Deal Taste Good?

There are a lot of franchise restaurants. So how do you know which ones are worth buying? This restaurant veteran says it’s all about average unit volume—and here's why.

THE BIGGEST MISTAKES THAT STARTUPS MAKE

The path forward is hard, so learn from where others have fallen. This is a list of very hard-won lessons.

'The Best Marketing Dollars I've Ever Spent'

Great marketing doesn't require huge budgets. We asked franchisees and franchisors to share their best marketing ROl—and their stories (on the following pages) will inspire you.

Build Your Money Machine

A franchise isn't just a franchise. It should be a Money Machine, creating profit even while you're out of the office. Here's how.

SPEEDY GROWTH KILLED MY STARTUP

We seemed to be rocking it—lots of press, major partnerships. Then we learned the harsh consequences of overlooking our customers.

You Should Give Ideas Away

Don't be overly protective of your ideas. When you make them free, the ROI is huge.

Want to Buy a Low-Cost Franchise? These Are The Top 300!

On this list, find a franchise for anywhere from $2,000 to $150,000.

HOW TO CLOSE THE SALE (EVEN WHEN THEY SAY NO)

I'm the world's leading door-to-door sales expert. I've heard “no” endlessly. Here's how I close sales anyway—and how you can too.

BUFFETT'S LATEST PORTFOLIO MOVES

The Oracle of Omaha added a beverage company and said buh-bye to more bank shares.

STRATEGIES TO SAVE MONEY ON PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

Many Medicare recipients are benefiting from changes that make prescriptions more affordable. But you can still make other moves to keep your costs in check.

Medicare Tips for First-Timers

IN the months before I turned 65 last year, I got a lot of mail from two sources: assisted living centers featuring photos of youthful seniors playing pickleball and Medicare Advantage and medigap providers promoting their plans.

12 GREAT GIGS FOR RETIREES

Whether you want to earn extra cash, fill some of your free time, or both, we have ideas for you.

Something to Come Home To

Tweaks that up your curb appeal and make you smile. By Mary Ellen Polson

OUR RENAISSANCE FOURSQUARE

We were happy to finally get the chance to restore this unique home.

English Arts & Crafts sensibility at Rumford Hall

It was twenty years ago that a friend told Jeanne Farewell and Monty Denneau about a unique property in New York's Hudson Valley.

19th century millwork A RIOT OF ORNAMENT IN WOOD

Gingerbread meant overdone, at one point in time: a word for superfluous details on houses so over-embellished they resembled the decadent sweets of medieval royalty, or fictional fairytale cottages.

outside IN

The Arndt family found the mid-century house of their dreams-and life immediately got brighter.