Jane

Hey there, I can totally relate to the overwhelming feeling when it comes to personal finances. First, you’re doing great by managing to save up something, so props to you for that. Here’s what I think: Save, but not excessively. Try to go with the rule of saving 20% of your income, while 50% goes to necessities, and 30% to your wants. That’s called the 50/30/20 method, google it, pretty useful. Debt? Always tackle your highest interest one first if possible. It’s super tempting to just put it off, but it’ll get even nastier when it starts piling up. Retirement. Yeah, seems far away, but it sneaks up on ya. And the earlier you start, the less you have to stuff away later. So if you can, try to start. Look up compounding, it’s basically magic for your money. Remember, no step is too small, and baby steps still mean you’re movin’ forward. You’ve got this! Oh, and about investing that money you saved, consider opening up a high yield savings account. It’s a safe bet and can help you get a little more bang for your buck. Just do your research beforehand though, don’t just jump into anything blind. Best of luck!

I totally agree with the ‘wait a couple of days’ rule! Those impulse buys can really add up. I also wanted to add another app that I found particularly useful: Mint. It helps you visualize where your money is going and provides insights on how to save more. As far as treats go, I like to think of them as little rewards for sticking to my budget throughout the month. It’s like a little pat on the back for adulting haha. And remember, budgeting is like a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t beat yourself up if you trip up now and then.

Ain’t that the truth! It’s easy to get carried away by all the new gadgets they keep rolling out. As a Sims 4 enthusiast, I was about to plunge for a pricey GPU, then I took a minute n’ thought… “Wait, my Sims ain’t gonna care if their pool is reflecting real-time light or not.” 😂 It saves a bundle to not get caught up in that hype cycle. Like ya said, buy for now, upgrade when you gotta. It’s not about having the best of the best, but what works for you and your games. 🎮💸

Yes, figuring out your pronouns can indeed be a transformative moment. It’s like fitting the last piece of a puzzle, right? It’s all about embracing who you truly are and expressing it to the world. And that part about each journey being unique just hits different! Each of us has our own path and pace in aligning our authentic selves. I’ve had my share of struggles and victories too, and it’s all worth it in the end. You’ve summed it all up so beautifully! More power to y’all on your journeys. Keep celebrating your self-discoveries, no matter how big or small they might be. Shine on, friends!

Dude, that sounds incredible! I’ve played around with a few simulators myself but haven’t tried the plane flying one yet. Definitely a step up from dusty books and old movies. Really digging that real-time weather conditions feature - a dash of unexpected turbulence should make things interesting, huh? I’ll check it out this weekend and let you know how it goes. Cheers for the tip! ‘Traveling’ without leaving my sofa sounds like the dream right now.

lol, yeah it sure helps to have a sense of humor when navigating the unpredictable waters of teenagehood! Once, my son had left his guitar in the middle of the room (again!) and I almost tripped on it, caught myself at the last minute while also stepping on a lego piece (ouch!). Instead of losing it, we ended up laughing about it and now it’s a running joke in the house. “Watch out for wild guitars on the loose!” Also, as per TikTok, I might not understand every dance, but I’ll admit: learning a few with the kids has been fun so far. Hang in there, fellow parents, those teenage years are also times of amazing discoveries and precious memories. And remember, a day without laughter is a day wasted!

Virtual plane flying sounds really cool! I gotta admit, it’s not every day you hear about that kind of an indoor hobby. Totally get the appeal of housework, all that mindless work actually loosens up the brain. Also, nothing beats a clean house, right? But sometimes, a little bit of adventure doesn’t hurt. I might look into this whole virtual plane flying thing! Great way to “travel” when you’re stuck indoors. Thanks for sharing!

Hey there, first things first, major kudos for engaging in online therapy. That’s no small thing, believe me, I’ve been there done that! And about the hobbies, it’s a great way to rediscover yourself during this weird time. I picked up gardening myself, something calming about getting your hands dirty, y’know? And you’re absolutely right, the transition can be tough. The whole “new normal” thing is definitely an adjustment for all of us. Feels like we’re all on the same journey, just at our own pace and we’ve just gotta remember to take it a day at a time, right? Hang in there, friend. We’re all in this together.

Good call on talking to a financial advisor if possible, they can definitely help navigate the murky waters of student loans. Another thing might be to look at income-driven repayment plans if your loans are federal - they can help reduce payments based on what you’re making. And yeah, it’s a tough climb, but you’re right - it does get easier. Hang in there, buddy! 💪

Totally get you on the budgeting and investing part! I used to freak out every time my stocks dipped, but realized it’s the long-term trajectory that counts. Patience is definitely key! And yeah, swapping those takeouts for homemade meals is definitely a game changer - it’s incredible how much you can save, not to mention it’s healthier! Keep up the good work, it’s a long race but you’re on the right track!

Totally agree, recycling’s gotta be our weapon in this battle! Maybe there’s just not enough awareness around, ya know? Schools, workplaces, communities could do more. Back in my old town, we had this competition among neighbourhoods for recycling - it was a cool way to get everyone involved. Maybe more initiatives like those would help. Climate change is here, people, let’s roll up our sleeves and pitch in, bit by bit, can by can!

Amen to that! Embracing our missteps and using them as stepping stones to a better understanding is the way forward. Been there too, tripped a bunch when I first started grappling with gender norms and all that jazz. But hey, each stumble pushed me forward, ya know? And totally agree, gotta keep this dialogue alive and ticking. Every question hurled is a step towards getting the bigger picture. March on, dudes! 💪🌈

hey peeps, new here and hoping you can help me out! Been saving up for a gaming laptop for a while now and I’m finally ready to make the purchase but tbh, I’m a little overwhelmed with all the specs. Nvidia or AMD for graphics card? Is a 2-in-1 model worth it (you know, for lazy Netflix days too)? And should I go all out on disk space or can I make-do with an external hard drive? Also heard something about solid state drives offering speed but not sure about that and and considering winter’s here and how much I’ll be indoors, I think I want to finalize this purchase ASAP. My budget’s not sky-high, around $1300 or so. The laptop wouldn’t just be for gaming, It will double as my work system so yeah, need to keep it balanced not too heavy but not a sloth either. It’d be great if I can run high-end games like Cyberpunk 2077 smoothly but also switch to work mode with multiple tabs open in Chrome (gosh I wish chrome didn’t eat up so much ram!). What are your thoughts on antivirus software too? Worth it? I’m open to all opinions and suggestions here, guys. Cheers in advance for the tips - I know I can count on the collective wisdom of this forum!

hey there, tossin’ this out just cos it’s been on my mind a lot lately and I thought maybe this group might get it… trying to figure out my own gender identity and it ain’t as easy as I thought it would be. Always felt a bit off I guess? Not really fitting into what they told me was ‘normal’. Growing up, my friends were all into boys or girls, didn’t seem to matter which, but they were sure about it y’know? But me? Never really felt that way. Tried dating both boys and girls but nothing really clicked. Its been years, and now, with all the talk online about different genders and sexualities, I started to wonder if maybe that’s what’s up. I’ve been reading about all these different terms - genderqueer, nonbinary, genderfluid, agender, demi etc. Some days I kinda feel like a dude, other days could really care less about all those manly things, even like wearing makeup and traditionally ‘female’ clothes. Heck, sometimes both in the same day! Wondering if it’s just a phase or something or is this actually what being genderfluid or nonbinary is like. The whole gender spectrum thing feels kinda overwhelming, doesn’t it? Lot of labels and names and it’s easy to feel lost. Ain’t sure which I identify as, if any. Just knowing that it’s okay to be confused and not have everything 🤔

Recently, I’ve really noticed how much I rely on my wireless headphones. I once forgot them while going out for a run and the feeling was similar to leaving my phone at home, almost unbearable… Isn’t it mad how quickly we get used to new gadgets and tech and how they become a ‘necessity’? I wonder which gadgets you guys have that you just can’t imagine a day without. I mean beyond the absolute essentials like your phone or laptop. Is there any piece of tech that just makes those daily routines easier, or more enjoyable for you? I remember back in the day when my dad brought home one of those bulky, first generation mobile phones. He was so proud and thought it’s the best thing since sliced bread. Now, look at us, we’ve got wireless earbuds, smartwatches, fitness trackers and a whole lot more. Wild how far we’ve come in such a short period, isn’t it? Also, how about gadgets that didn’t live up to the hype? I got one of those smart forks that were supposed to help with portion control and healthy eating, but in the end it just ended up being more hassle than it’s worth. Looking forward to hearing about your essential gadgets, favorite tech, and those that didn’t quite make the cut.

Honestly, is it so hard for people to understand how to properly recycle? We’ve known about the importance of recycling for decades now but it’s like the concept just doesn’t compute with some people. Don’t even get me started on public spaces - it’s like a freakin’ minefield navigating through the maze of discarded plastic bottles and fast food wrappers. It’s like hello? Earth talking, care to give me a little love? I’m not saying we have to go zero-waste overnight (I mean if you can, props to you) but the least we could do is segregate our waste properly. Garbage bins have labels for a reason. Compost, recyclables, hazardous waste - it’s not Chinese calligraphy folks! And man, the confusion about what can be recycled! Plastic is a nightmare. Not everything that’s plastic goes into the blue bin. You’ve got to read those tiny little number codes at the bottom. It beats me why they can’t print that in a legible font size. What are they hiding it for? I mean we’re not trying to decode the Da Vinci code or anything. We’re in 2022 for crying out loud. Haven’t we made enough strides in science and technology to figure out a simple, efficient, and universal recycling system? Then there are people who just don’t care. Those who would blatantly chuck a soda can out the car window or toss a cigarette 🤔

Oh, mate, I totally get where you’re coming from! No fancy algorithms to it, just good ol’ trial and error, haha. That tag team thing is a godsend indeed. We’ve got a similar setup at ours. Also, you’re spot on about those mini breaks. I’d even add, don’t worry if the break turns out a bit longer, life ain’t all schedules, right? We started baking fairy cakes on random afternoons, gets the kiddos excited and makes the house smell great. Plus, there’s cakes at the end, so everyone’s a winner. Keep on keepin’ on, we’re right there with ya!

Totally get you, mate! Discipline is a right pain sometimes, but it’s that sweet, sweet “zero balance” at the end of the rainbow that makes it worth it. Love your old maths teacher’s saying, gonna stash that away for myself. Just keep on trucking and you’ll get there. Can almost taste that victory brew you’ll be having! Keen as a bean for your next update, mate. And remember, we’re all in this together! Hang in there, buddy.

Totally get you on the snowball method – it’s a game changer. But boy, talk about discipline, right? That first step is usually the hardest, but when that first debt is cleared… man, what a feeling! And it’s not about the size, it’s about the journey. My mum always said, “small steps lead to big places,” and man, was she right. Stick with it, you’ll get there! Looking forward to hearing about your next “paid off” celebration. Cheers, mate!

Yeah, gotta echo what you’re saying about not stressing too much over your credit score right now. You’re working on the debt, that’s a great start. As for picking up a side gig or two, that’s really helped me in the past. I started doing some freelance work online and boy, having that extra income might have been a lifesaver. It might take a bit to see the effects, but trust me, the hard work really does pay off. We’ve all been there, mate. Keep your chin up, and keep working at it one day at a time. Quick tip though, try to save a small emergency fund as well, it gives you some wiggle room if anything unexpected comes up. You’re doing great, hang in there!

So, lately, I’ve found myself grappling with some pretty deep self-realizations. You know, the kinda stuff that’s typically reserved for late-night solo thinking sessions. If I’m honest, I had pushed these feelings under the rug for years but they’re nagging at me now, more upfront and louder than ever. Well, where to begin? Aha, classic me, rambling on without getting to the point. Anyway, here’s the deal. I’ve always identified as cisgender male, pretty straightforward, right? But these past few months have made me question if that label really fits what I feel inside. Increasingly, I’ve felt disconnected from it, like it’s an ill-fitting pair of jeans you’ve outgrown but still cling onto for the sake of familiarity. Being a part of this community, I know it’s a safe space, so here goes nothing, I suppose. Has anyone else grappled with these feelings before? Maybe mid-life or younger? Is it normal to question your gender or sexuality after identifying a certain way for most of your life? I’d love to hear your stories about navigating these waters. But wait there’s more, throw in some news articles and social media outpourings about Pride month, awareness around LBGTQ+ rights and discussions about people’s personal journeys. Like a rainbow-coloured signal, they really set things off in my head. I’ve noticed I empathize deeply 🤔

Having a real dilemma over here, folks. I’ve been researching the best tech to streamline my home entertainment setup, and I’ve been banging my head over Roku streaming stick and Google Chromecast. On one hand, Roku feels really user-friendly with its remote control and all, but I’ve heard good things about the Chromecast and its deeper integration with Android devices. From what I gather, they’re similar in price and can answer my call for Netflix, Prime Video, Spotify and other streaming services I am using. So, there’s no clear winner for me in terms of cost or content. I do like the idea of having an actual remote though - not having to use my mobile device all the time to control stuff. My main concerns are about the video quality, speed, and general reliability. I’ve recently upgraded my internet connection to fiber (finally joined the 21st century, eh?), so I’m hoping to get smooth streaming with either of these. If anyone has real-life experiences to share about how these gizmos perform in the long run, I’d totally appreciate it. Especially any “why didn’t I think of this before” type of things that can make my decision easier. What about software updates, lagging issues, anything peculiar to be aware of? Also, I’ve got a guest room at my place where I occasionally host friends and relatives. I think it’d be cool if they could use their own 🤔

Hey, sorry to hear you’re having a hard time. Been there, done that. First off, breathe. Stressing won’t help, trust me. Debt consolidation could be a good route. You’re basically taking out a single loan to pay off your different credit cards. It can make payments simpler and potentially lower interest. But it’s not a magic fix – you still gotta pay off the loan! As for professional help, it can be helpful, but yeah, it can be pricey. Maybe start with some online resources, there’s loads that can help you understand your situation and guide you towards a plan. Don’t be embarrassed about this, loads of us have been through it. You got this!

I totally get where you’re coming from! Cooking is definitely a great distraction, plus the bonus is getting to eat something delicious at the end. Poetry sounds really therapeutic too, there’s something about expressing feelings through words that’s just kinda magical. And yeah, don’t sweat it about the guitar. Every rockstar started off as a beginner, right? The point you made about professional help…spot on! It’s exactly like getting help for a physical ailment. Mental health should never be put on the back burner. And hey, you’ve encouraged me too! Let’s keep going, one step at a time, one day at a time. I read this quote somewhere and thought it might resonate with you, “The sun will rise and set regardless. What we choose to do with the light while it’s here is up to us. Journey wisely.”

Totally relate with you on the keyboard and robot hoover! I’m also debating if I should get one. The way I see it, anything that saves me time is worth considering. Plus, time spent vacuuming could be time spent browsing Netflix haha. That smart mug you were talking about, funny you should mention it, my mate got one for Christmas. Said it’s a novelty, but also surprisingly useful. Might not fit everyone’s definition of “essential”, but hey, I’d say in lockdown we’re allowed some self-indulgence! By the way, noise-cancelling headphones are a dream. Got a pair last month and they’ve made such a difference. Definitely worth a look!