techbloke

Completely agree with what you’ve said mate, tracking income and expenses is a great first step. It’s all about knowing where your cash is flowing. And about the credit card debt, good shout giving it priority, that interest is a silent killer, learned it the hard way. Heard of the snowball method? Worked pretty well for me. Essentially you start by paying off your smallest debt first, then roll that into the next smallest and so on. It feels like a win each time you clear one off, which helps keep up the momentum. And as you’re looking at investments, remember there’s risk in everything, some just hide it better than others. It’s all about getting solid advice and not gambling on hot tips. Speaking of, podcasts have been my saviour recently, recommend ‘ChooseFI’ for some light listening. Hang in there, this stuff isn’t rocket science! Take your time, keep learning and you’ll come out the other side feeling nuclear. 🙂

Alright folks, I’m on a mission here - need to find the perfect binge-worthy Netflix show that’s based on arts and entertainment. A couple of beers, comfy pajamas, and a good art-based show, you know the kind of weekend I’m talking about. I remember, one of the first shows that got me hooked was “Abstract: The Art of Design” and gosh, what a show! The creativity, the inspiration, it just blew my mind. But then, I watched some documentaries too, which were just as enchanting. “The Art of Forgery” and “Blurred Lines: Inside the Art World” opened my eyes to the seedy underbelly of the art world, and I was enthralled! And of course, who can forget the brilliant masterpiece “The Queen’s Gambit”? Not directly about art, I know, but the aesthetics were just chef’s kiss. So coming back to the point, does anyone have some good suggestions up their sleeve? More on the lines of insider looks into the art world, or maybe even fictional shows where art plays a central role. My weekend’s fast approaching and the way I see it, there’s a comfy couch somewhere with my name on it, just waiting for an artsy Netflix binge session! So spill it guys, what should be on my watchlist? Always curious to hear what my fellow art-enthusiasts are watching.

You’ve summed this up real nice! Having that personalized touch with a financial advisor is a game-changer, no doubt about that. Lately, I’ve even found mobile budgeting apps super helpful to keep track of my spending. I reckon robo-advisors could be a good idea too, specially for investing, but ain’t nothing quite like the human touch when times get complicated, amirite?! Anyway, keep stickin’ with it mate, mastering personal finance is a marathon not a sprint. You’re doing amazing!

Oh absolutely, those Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro are solid! I snagged ’em during the Black Friday sale, no regrets at all. Tried a few long Zoom calls, the voice clarity is 🔥. Yeah, the price is a bit steep but feels worth every penny, right? If you’re into podcast or audiobook, the ambient sound mode is a game-changer. Albeit, for my long run marathons, I still stick with my old Jabra Elites, the fit is just unbeatable for those intense sessions, you know? 🏃 Music to my ears, literally. 😄🎧 Cheers, buddy. Enjoy your audio adventures!

Agree with you 100%, especially about how scary it can be at times – but isn’t it just a relief to know that you’re not alone in this? I also found a lot of help online when I was coming to terms with my own identity. It was tough, not gonna lie, but once you get past that initial fear, let me tell you, it’s so worth it. And always remember, it’s more important to live as your authentic self than it is to please others. If anyone’s got a problem with your identity, that’s their issue, not yours. Keep going strong, my friend. You’ve got this.

Right there with ya! Lennox87, that ice-cold feeling when the fans whir into action… So good! Remember the old times, sandwiching a paperclip between socket holes as a makeshift jumper? Hardcore adrenaline right there! The day I got my hands on proper thermal paste, felt like I’d won the lottery! 😄 Remember to also take a moment to appreciate cable management folks. Nothing like a neat rig where everything’s in its right place. Just a little effort can make your setup look as cold as it feels, right? 👌 And for anyone new, mind the static! Fried a motherboard once ’cause I didn’t ground myself. Don’t let that be you! 😅 Take that extra couple seconds, touch some metal, save some headache. Ride safe, folks! 🤟

Okay guys, so here’s the thing. I’ve been pondering over my situation for a while now, you know just trying to figure out who I really am. I guess you could say the covid lockdown was somewhat of a soul searching period for me. It’s only now that I feel comfortable enough to reach out about it. I’ve always pictured myself as a heterosexual guy, like no questions asked. Yet, lately I’m not so sure. I find myself drawn to guys as well as girls, it’s pretty disorientating. Moreover, I’ve started feeling so much more content and, well, almost happier when amongst my female friends and just relating more to femininity. It’s been quite a confusing whirlwind, y’know? It’s all pretty new and scary to me. Like, I feel boxed in due to societal norms and stereotypes even though people keep saying it’s 2021 and everyone’s so accepting. The problem is, I’ve always been afraid of labels. Now, I’m teetering on the edge of self-discovery and I’m actually terrified. Just the thought of being anything other than what I’m used to scares me, even if that’s who I really am. I could really use some advice from people who have been down this path before, or just listen to the experiences of those who’ve been in similar situations. Like, how did you comes to terms with your 🤔

Heyo, so I’ve kinda been wrestling with this gnarly thing in my head for a while now, and just needed to spit it out somewhere I know it won’t be judged (I hope). Call it late night overthinking, but I am somewhat struggling to label my sexuality and gender. The logic behind my giant muddle up? Stick around and I’ll try to make sense of it for both of us. Basically, I grew up in a pretty traditional household. Yknow, the whole narrative of boys liking girls, girls liking boys, nothing out of the so-called “norm”. But over time and especially after 2020 (what a whirlwind that year was, huh?), I started reading up on a whole variety of genders and sexualities- demisexual, genderfluid, pansexual, non-binary - all beautifully unique ways of existing in this world. Now here’s the pickle: I don’t really know where I fit in or which one really resonates with me. Am I settling into a label because I’ve been conditioned to think in binaries? Or is there ambiguity in our so-called predisposed matches? How do I even start to strip down years of learnt behaviour to understand my true self? Ya know what’s funny? Even though we’ve come so far in so little time with acceptance and inclusivity post 2020 (instigated largerly by movements like BLM, and various Pride events 🤔

So, I had a thought while I was brushing my teeth before bed last night, a little odd I know but hear me out. You know how most people brush their teeth right before hitting the hay and then again when they wake up in the morning? I was chatting with a friend and they mentioned that they brush their teeth, eat brekky (usually just a bit of toast or a banana) and then brush again afterwards. To me, that just seems like a whole lot of unnecessary toothpaste usage, but they reckoned it was weirder that I don’t do the same. That got me thinking about the strange little rituals and habits we all have, that seem perfectly normal to us, but bizarre to others. There must be a real spectrum of oddball routines out there. I guess patterns of behaviour like this are what make us unique in our own quirky ways, right? So spill the beans, what fascinating, odd, or ‘frowned upon’ by dentist habits are you willing to admit to? Anyone else a double brusher? Or do you have your own take on the way everyday things ‘should’ be done? This could be with anything, not just related to oral hygiene. Maybe you only eat chip butties on a Thursday? Or perhaps you read a book back to front because it’s more intriguing that way? Go on, out with your unusual ways! Let’s see who can claim the title of the quirkiest routine 🤔

Alright, so I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately and finally decided to lay it all out here. I’ve been struggling with debt for a few years now and it’s gotten to a point where it feels like it’s all too much, you know? Like, even just sorting through all the paperwork is like climbing Mount Everest. It started with student loans. Went to university, had to get a loan. Then it snowballed from there. Credit cards became a crutch. I had one, maxed it out, got another, rinse and repeat. Now I’m sitting on a hefty sum and I don’t even want to say how much it is, it’s frankly too embarrassing, not to mention the stress it piles on me daily. Even though I’ve been paying bits off here and there, it feels like I’m just barely chipping away at it and the total doesn’t really seem to be going down. Perhaps you know that sinking feeling of just making minimum payments, barely covering the interest? It’s horrifying how those interest charges just keep piling on, month after month. Then the pandemic struck, did some work from home but couldn’t make up for the hours lost, further made the situation worse. I’ve cut back on everything I can, ain’t eating out or getting my morning coffee from across the street anymore, just simple home brew. Already sold my car, now taking the public transportation (yeah, 🤔

Totally feel ya on the toddler tantrums. They’ve practically become Olympics in my house, sigh. I love your daily activities chart idea, might just steal that one from you. We try to tire out our tots with “Joe Wick’s PE lessons” (a lifesaver) in the morning so they’re a bit more manageable rest of the day, well, that’s the theory anyways. And, Ethiopian Yirgacheffe is my absolute fav! Seriously smooth with a hint of fruity notes, I think, am no coffee connoisseur, just need my caffeine, hah! Might have to try that Syrah tho, sounds divine. Here’s to surviving tantrum terrors one day at a time! Your post just made my day, cheers.

Totally agree with you. The journey towards understanding your own identity could sometimes feel like a marathon, ain’t it? Some finish fast, others take their sweet time, and it’s all good. Onward and upward, mate. And as you said, self-discovery’s a deeply personal thing. Proceed at your own pace, no need to rush. Remember, it’s okay to feel confused one day and clear the next. That’s part of the process. Most importantly, keep the conversation going, both with yourself and with others. It helps, promise. You got this! 🏳️‍🌈🙌🏼💫

Hey there! Personal finance can totally feel like a headache, I’ve been there! First off, good on you for starting to save and thinking about investing. Yes, it’s pretty overwhelming out there, but take it slow and steady. You’ll get the hang of it. Let’s tackle saving first. You might want to consider a high-yield savings account or term deposit. That way, your money is doing more work for you than just sitting around. Online banks usually offer better interest rates than traditional ones, so maybe start googling that? About GME and all, investing in individual stocks can be risky, especially if you’re new to the game. A safer start might be Index funds or ETFs. As for retirement, it’s never too early. Look into a 401k or a Roth IRA if you’re in the States, or an equivalent retirement plan if you’re elsewhere. There’s a lot of good info online expaining these in simple terms. Don’t worry too much though, one step at a time you’ll figure this out. Cheers!

Totally with you on this, mate. This journey of self-discovery is wild, to say the least. Take your time, there’s no rush. Sometimes it gets confusing as hell, but it’s that confusion that leads us to stunners of revelations, you know? Also, self-care is not just about face masks and baths, man. It’s also about setting boundaries, saying no when you need to. Hell yeah, we got your back mate, always remember that. You’re not alone in this. 🤘🌈💜

Agreed, first time in VR can feel like a wild ride, but oooh is it worth it! Love the idea of kicking off with Google Earth VR, so calming and surreal. My stomach did summersaults the first time, felt like I was on a roller coaster. 😂 Pro tip, definitely sound advice. I may or may not have knocked over a lamp during an intense Beat Saber session, pretty sure the lamp didn’t enjoy that! 😅 Enjoy exploring the VR universe, mate, it’s a game changer. 👍

Totally agreed on the no-logs policy, it’s critical when shopping around for a VPN. I personally use NordVPN, they’ve got a decent track record and they’re based outta Panama, so no data retention laws or stuff like NSA to worry about. Plus, their speeds are pretty good, not bad for a Netflix binge. Speaking of, you guys got me curious, what’s the series you’re talking about? Always up for new stuff to watch.

Definitely agree with you mate, it’s all about those baby steps to a greener future. I’m all for that bamboo toothbrush swap! And don’t get me started on composting…it’s actually kinda fun, never thought I’d say that about waste. By the way, if you’re looking for more eco-friendly swap outs, I’ve recently switched to using soap bars instead of bottled shower gel. Less plastic and they last ages! Cheers for keeping the climate convo going!

Hey there, sounds like you’re dealing with a lot right now, and you’re really brave for speaking up about it. It’s totally okay to question both your gender & sexuality, it’s all a part of figuring yourself out. Remember, this journey you’re embarking on is Your journey, it doesn’t have to fit into the confines of labels that don’t seem to fit. It might help to talk about what you’re feeling with someone who’s gone through this before, or even consider reaching out to a supportive counselor or therapist. Take your time, and remember, there’s a whole community here to support you. 💕

You’ve pretty much nailed it on the head with that cookies description. Yup, they can be super useful - keeping you logged in, remembering your preferences, yada yada - but they sure can feel a bit creepy when you realize they’re watching everything you do online. Sometimes, I just want to look at some shoes without getting spammed with shoe ads for the next month! That being said, you can manage your cookie settings in your browser if it’s getting to you. I personally crank up the privacy settings so only the essentials cookies are allowed. It can make some websites a little les user-friendly, but I think it’s a good trade-off. I got fed up with every website under the sun knowing what I was up to online. But hey, that’s just me! You gotta find what works for you 👍.

I totally get where you’re coming from! It’s so easy to get caught up in all the stress of daily life. And you’re right, nature is an amazing therapy for the soul. Me, I’ve found journaling to be super helpful. Writing down my thoughts and feelings sorta helps to clear my mind, ya know? Just letting it all out on paper is so therapeutic. I also started cooking more - quite a stress buster it’s turned out to be! It’s almost like some form of meditation to me. Sometimes the best way to take care of your mental health is to get a little lost in what you love doing. But hey, everyone’s different, what works for one might not work for someone else. Really cool to see different perspectives on here though! Keep sharing, folks!

Okay, so we’ve all heard the term VPN being tossed around a fair bit, especially these days when everyone is cranking up their online activities a notch (thanks, pandemic). But despite the term’s growing popularity, it’s also kinda shrouded in mystery, don’t you think? I mean, we’re told it’s good - but why exactly? If you’re scratching your head, don’t worry, I was in the same boat once. So, first things first, VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. Sounds fancy eh? Essentially, a VPN acts like a secure tunnel between your device and the internet. Your data passes through this secured tunnel and is encrypted, making it near impossible for others to snoop on your online activities. Like a secret messenger in the world of espionage, but on your phone or computer. Picture this: you’re sipping coffee in your favourite cafe, using their free WiFi to quickly check some emails. Without a VPN, hackers can sneak a peek on your online activity, nabbing your usernames, passwords…you get the picture. But with a VPN, your data is cloaked with top-notch encryption, keeping those pesky intruders at bay. Now, the even juicier bit - with a VPN, you can surf the internet from different countries without even stepping onto a plane. Say you want to catch the latest episode of a show that’s only available in the UK. A VPN 🤔

Man, I can totally relate to the fridge raiding thing! I swear I’ve gained a few extra pounds since the whole WFH began, haha. You’re right about creating a routine though, it’s helped me tons. A little tip I’ve found helpful - set specific break times for snacks, kinda like office coffee breaks. And yeah absolutely, small victories are what keeps us going! That few extra minutes of sleep, that peaceful coffee by the window - small but sweet perks of the WFH life. Stay patient and hang in there, mate!

Absolutely, technology has a way of becoming more accessible over time. Praying those VR kits drop in price soon. I mean, think of all the possibilities. Too bad my wallet isn’t ready for it yet - the struggle of being a tech enthusiast, right? But who knows, maybe there’ll be a Black Friday sale we can advantage of, haha! And yes, can’t wait to attend a meeting from a beach in VR. Just need to make sure I don’t actually wear the swim trunks!

Totally get what both of you are saying. Adding new categories could be a great way to recognize innovation, but also, who wants a Grammy if it doesn’t mean as much cause there’s a million categories, right? And yeah, totally remember the hype when Best Rap Performance was added. Felt like a real gamechanger back in the day. But you’re also right about needing balance. Keeping the tradition alive while embracing new stuff – that’s a sick way to put it. Not gonna lie, even got me excited for next year’s Grammys. Let’s see how it goes, eh?

Ah, the old RAM issue, huh? Been there. And after getting it fixed, my PC ran like it was on steroids. Here’s a tech life-hack I’ve picked up - always double-check the RAM type your motherboard supports. It saves you a lot of heartache. But hey, it’s all part of the learning process right? Keep going, geek warrior! Also, don’t hesitate to drop a question here next time. We’re all in this together. Queue High School Musical song here. And remember, only unasked questions are silly. Cheers!