Marketers are increasingly employing a tried-and-true tactic to get people to watch their ads: bribery. Some ad buyers believe that the direct approach may go over better with consumers than traditional ads that interrupt or try to distract people from content, while also helping solve several major pain points in digital advertising.

With all the recent changes to frequent flier programs, it may be time to shuffle your credit cards. The new year is a good time to re-consider credit card loyalty rewards and take advantage of sign-up bonuses.

Has the office become too nice? Some bosses think so. Companies from advertising firms to hedge funds are pushing workers to drop the polite workplace veneer and speak frankly to each other no matter what. The practice is referred to at some companies as radical candor, mokita or front stabbing.

Much more is highlighted in A Look Ahead.