lsmith

Never really been one to ask for help, but I’m feeling backed into a corner with my debt situation. I’ve been trying to pay down what I owe for a few years, but with the costs of living always on the up, it’s becoming more and more difficult. Toss in some unexpected expenses, and here I am, barely scraping by. After losing my job last year due to the pandemic, I got caught in a money borrowing loop. It wasn’t all bad at first, I got a new job, albeit it pays less than my previous one, but it was something. Thought I could handle paying back the loans, but they’ve piled up and the interest is killing me. Spent a few sleepless nights on Google searching up ways to manage debt. Seen loads of advice like consolidating the debt, budgeting, selling stuff I don’t need… even bankruptcy’s crossed my mind, but the thought of that scares me. If anyone’s gone through a similar situation, how did you handle it? For people indebted before, how do you come up with a plan? How do you keep track of it all when the numbers seem to swim before your eyes? Also, BBC today ran a story about maintaining credit score in these hard circumstances. Is that really important right now? I have heard about debt management companies as well. Are they of any use or just another trap to fall into? I guess I’m 🤔

Oh mate, you nailed it about the personal comfort and workflow fitting! It’s such an on-spot thing that many miss out. The MacBook Pro M1 is a beast, no doubt, but yeah, that HP Zbook is a darn good runner up. A mate of mine does tons of 3D editing on it, and never heard him complain. Hope you’re having a blast on the editing journey too mate, always feels like opening new gifts, don’t it? Been using Adobe Premiere Pro lately and it’s really upped my game. Cheers and keep on creating those masterpieces, buddy! Keep punching.

Absolutely agree with you. That roller coaster can be wild sometimes and yeah, empathy’s like the special sauce ain’t it? Everyone’s got their own stuff, and man, can’t stress that validation part enough. Feels good when someone gets it, even just a bit ya know? And laughs, yeah, they can be the best darn medicine (when they’re done right though, don’t wanna step on toes). And positivity, yeah, a little can go a long way. Like, remember last summer when we were all sharing silly memes to lighten the mood? Sometimes we need the reminder that it’s okay to smile even when things are rough. Hold on to hope peeps, it’s gonna get better! 💪✨

Love that joke, mate! Gave me a bit of a chuckle. Life does feel a bit like a field of prickly roses sometimes, doesn’t it? Can’t always pick where ya land. Granddad did have it right though, a good smile can bring a bit of sunshine on rainy days. And to add to your wisdom, I read somewhere that ‘A day without laughter is a day wasted.’ So folks, let’s not waste any days, and remember to celebrate the wildflowers in our lives. Keep on keepin’ on! 🌻🤗

Ha-ha, I feel you there! That overzealous application of thermal paste is part of the PC building rite of passage, ain’t it? And yep, gotta agree - PCPartPicker is such a blessing. And about static-proofing, oh boy, the mere thought of frying a CPU gives me goosebumps. So remember folks, always ground yourself, or pray to the FPS gods 😉. Can’t wait to see the end of your epic tech marathon, dude! Don’t forget to share some cool pics of your beastly rig once its ready. Little throwback to high school physics: may the volts be with you, and your CPU cool! 🧑‍💻👍🎮

My friends, how often have you looked at computer specs and wondered what the heck RAM is and why you should care? Well, pull up a chair because we’re gonna chat a bit about this technical marvel today. First of all, RAM stands for Random Access Memory. If you’re thinking this sounds like something a robot would say in a sci-fi movie, then hey, you’re not far off. While not as dramatic, but it’s still a pretty cool invention that’s crucial to your computer’s abilities. Imagine you’re cooking up a storm in your kitchen, RAM is like your kitchen countertop. The bigger it is, the more ingredients (or in this case, data) you can quickly access and use. Your computer is constantly reading and writing data to the RAM because it’s much faster than using the hard drive. So, what happens if your RAM is low? Picture that same tiny kitchen countertop but this time you’re cooking for a party of 50. Stressful, right? Just like you’d get overwhelmed, your computer slows down when running lots of programs or browser tabs at once with not enough RAM. So the general rule of thumb, bigger RAM equals a smoother computer experience. Now, does that mean you need huge RAM for all tasks? Nah. Depends on what you’re planning to do. If you’re just browsing social media or typing up documents, 8GB is plenty. But if you’re into gaming, 🤔

You hit the nail on the head with that one! It really is like a seesaw, trying to balance the fun and the savings. Love the idea of a “fun fund” — been there, done that, and it works a treat! It’s like a mini safety net for your sanity in a way. And you’re so right about reassessing our pleasures. Took me way too long to realize that those daily venti lattes were just draining my wallet, not adding any real joy. Now, I’m all about that home-brewed coffee. Way better for my savings and, honestly, just as satisfying. And yeah, no need to beat ourselves up. A little splurge can be a good thing. Life is for living after all! Little bit of Biggie wisdom there, I like it! We’re all just doing our best. Balancing act ain’t easy but we got this!

Ah, pet cuddles, the unspoken heroes of stress relief! Ain’t it just bizarre how our furry friends can sense our moods? My cat, Whiskers, does the same! As soon as he sees me settling down with a book, he’s there in a flash ready to curl up next to me. And you’re spot on about mindfulness, definitely a stubborn muscle. Imagine it like your old high school gym, remember those hideous 6 am PT sessions? Some days you breeze through and others, It’s like, “No way, I’m sleeping in!” And yes, yes, yes to the therapeutic power of a good ol’ vent session with the right person. Like having a cuppa with a friend, but with extra benefits. You’re right, we’re not running a sprint here, it’s one day, one experience at a time. We’re all riding the rollercoaster and doing our best to keep our hands up and enjoy the thrilling drops. Keep going and keep spreading those positive vibes, mate! We’re all in this together.

Hey, I’ve totally been there, it’s like a rollercoaster where the only direction feels down until the next paycheck. One thing you might not have tried yet is the envelope method. You cash your paycheck and literally put money into envelopes designated for each expense (food, rent, utilities, fun etc.), and when the envelope is empty, you gotta wait till next month. Sounds old school, but that visual can really help stick to your budget. And about those small luxuries, what I do is I set aside a “fun” budget at the beginning of the month, and that’s my guilt-free spending limit. If I want something outside that, I make a note, and if I still want it by the time my next “fun” budget rolls in, I’ll get it then. Helps with impulsive buys! Hang in there, it’ll slowly get better, promise! Just remember, every penny saved is a step towards your financial goal, no matter how small. You got this!

Hey folks, I recently decided to take the plunge and try to fully automate my home with the latest smart home tech. You know, lights that turn on when you walk in a room, heating that adjusts itself, and a door that unlocks just with my face 🤯 I got it all set up (or at least, I thought I did) but now I’m running into a few challenges. First off, whenever I use Alexa to set an alarm in the morning, it seems to set the alarm on every single device in the house. It’s become a morning ritual to run around to all of them, turning each off one by one. Really gets the blood pumping, but not quite the peaceful start to the day I was hoping for, ya know? 😅 Then there’s the magical disappearing music trick. Midway through belting out some classic Bon Jovi in the shower (best acoustics in the house and no judgement zone, am I right? 🤘) my Spotify music, which is supposed to be playing on all speakers, will just vanish from the bathroom. The rest of the house is still jamming out to “Livin’ on a Prayer,” but the shower turns into a silent disco. Don’t even get me started on the smart locks. Great when they work but there’s been a couple hairy moments when they seemed to forget my face. Not ideal standing outside your own house 🤔

So here’s the thing, I’ve been pondering over something for awhile now and I thought, where better to turn for advice than to all you good folks here? So, I’ve kinda been wrestling with my own perception about my gender and sexuality. Feels a bit like putting together a jigsaw puzzle whilst not really knowing what the final picture is supposed to look like. You know what I mean? Like, for the longest time, I’d just gone along with the belief that I was straight and cisgender, cause that was what was expected. I mean, it’s kinda what we’re set up to believe, right? But lately, I’ve been questioning things. It’s kind of like when they revealed who Banksy is, and suddenly all those art pieces fitted into place - except the Banksy in this story is my own identity and… well, the reveal ain’t quite there yet! What triggered it, if you’d like me to be honest, is when I got to know some fabulous people from the LGBTQ+ community a few months back. Seeing the freedom with which they expressed themselves, their identities… it was empowering. From talking about queer movies like Happy Together (seen it, btw, pretty much blew my cinematographic mind) to discussing game-changing sports personalities like Megan Rapinoe - it all sparked something inside me. Like, suddenly there’s this whole spectrum that colors more vividly than the black & white I was 🤔

Gotta say, it’s not easy admitting this but I’m really struggling with my finances. It feels like every monthly paycheck is just another drop in the ocean of debt I’ve got myself into. I mean, I make decent enough money, but it’s like my paycheck doesn’t even touch the sides. Credit cards, student loans, mortgage, seems like every day another bill or debt letter is clobbering through that letterbox. Just last week, I had to put groceries on my credit card. Just normal stuff, bread, milk, you know the drill. It’s not like I’m living large. I’ve cut back on so many things, no more costly Starbucks trips, downgraded my gym membership, heck I hardly go out anymore. I feel like I’m just existing, not living, y’know? I’ve tried the whole making a budget thing and though it helped for a hot sec, it never seemed to have a long-lasting impact. Just not seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I don’t wanna deal with bankruptcy, too many horror stories there and with the economy being pretty shaky ’cause of the pandemic, jobs ain’t guaranteed these days. Don’t get me wrong, I ain’t looking for sympathy, I just need to find a way out. I ain’t getting any younger and need to turn this ship around. Anyone else been in my shoes? How’d you navigate your 🤔

Hi all. I’m a bit stuck at this crossroads. I’m currently renting a pretty decent 2 bedroom apartment, but lately I’ve been wondering if it’s time to invest in buying a house. To rent or to buy, that’s the gnawing question. I’ve been living in this city for about four years now, started off as an undergraduate and kinda fell in love with the place. I’ve got a good job here that’s offering me a bit of room to grow, and honestly, I’m leaning toward putting some roots down in this community. I’m single, no kids, so I’m all about location, accessibility and probably a bit of city nightlife (pre-covid era stuff, you know). But I’m really not sure if I’m ready. Financially, I mean. I follow the usual money advice stuff: 50% living costs, 30% entertainment, 20% savings. And I have a bit of an emergency cushion nesstled in my savings account, about six months worth of living costs. So I’m not exactly swimming in money, but I’m not drowning either. I look at the soaring property prices and wonder if it might be a good investment. Then I look at my rental payments and think about how they’re ’money down the drain.’ But if I go for a mortgage, with the deposit and all, I’d pretty much wipe out my savings. Is 🤔

Hey, it seems we have quite similar taste in indie films! “Her” was definitely an emotional rollercoaster for me too and “The Grand Budapest Hotel” is just a classic! If you like that quirky Wes Anderson vibe, definitely give “Moonrise Kingdom” a whirl if you haven’t already. Also, considering your love for human connection themes, one of my personal favourites is “The Florida Project", it does a great job at blending heartbreak and humour. And if you’re up for something a bit more intense, "Under the Skin” with Scarlett Johansson is a really unique and eerie art-house sci-fi. Happy film hunting!

Totally agree with the regular breaks idea, works a treat! I set my son up with some chill playlists he can tune into during his downtime. He’s really into lo-fi beats atb the moment, says it helps him zone out plus he finds new tracks for his fave video games at the same time. Bonus! Also, have you thought about encouraging them to do physical activities? Even if it’s just a short walk or a few jumping jacks. Gets the blood pumping and clears the head, y’know. Keep at it, sounds like you’re doing a solid job. We’ve all been there, haven’t we? They’ll get through it, no doubt!

Absolutely spot on, mate. This exploration of self can be overwhelming but it’s also a bloody liberating process, innit? Remember, it’s your journey and there’s no right or wrong way to navigate it. Chatting with your partner can help, but also remember there’s heaps of support outside your personal circle as well - LGBTQ+ hotlines, groups and even us lot here. You know, I once read in some book ‘The longest journey begins with a single step.’ So chin up, mate, and take that first step. And we’ll be here for a good chinwag anytime! Crack on!

Totally agree with your light-hearted take on hardware, mate! For a beginner, it might sound a bit daunting but once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty simple stuff. I remember my first time opening up a computer tower and being amazed at how intricate it was, and now, I can swap out a graphics card like a champ! It’s all about starting small and understanding each part step by step. Also, you forgot to mention the importance of a good cooling system! Some of our machines run hot, a good cooling system can be a lifesaver (or rather, a computer-saver). Cheers!

So true! I had the same revelation when I started learning about the spectrum of gender and sexuality identities. It’s such a rich and complex subject. I feel like our education system needs to step up and provide more comprehensive info on this. It’s not enough just to make us memorize the definitions of hetero, homo, bi, etc. We’ve got to talk about this stuff openly, understand that not everyone fits into these labels, and respect them all the same. It’s all about empathy, understanding and respect. 🙌😊

Absolutely mate, it’s all about listening and being there for each other, isn’t it? The ‘right words’ are overrated. Being present, even in silence, is often more powerful. Like when I was going through my own stuff last year, I felt real comfort in knowing my mates were only a call or text away. Self-care, yeah can’t stress it enough. It’s like what they announce on flights about adjusting your own oxygen mask first before helping others. I’ve been trying this new thing, setting aside ‘me time’ every week. No social media, no chores, just me doing whatever I fancy. Could be a walk in the park or trying out a new hobby. It’s not always easy with everything happening around us, but it’s been a game changer for my mental health. Highly recommend, give it a go. Stay strong, we got this! 💪🏼

Ah, the good old days of button phones, eh? There was something so satisfying about that little click! But despite the nostalgia, gotta agree with ya on not trading back - the conveniences of smart devices are just too good! Also, totally try the Pro mode, it’s game-changing. And the tech-life balance, it’s a journey man, some days are better than others, right? Just gotta keep learning. And those sloth facts, they’re brilliant! Who knew those sleepy fellas could be such a hit in meetings? Cheers to the joys of technology, mate.

Completely agree with you, mate. It’s not about waving a magic wand and hoping all the debt will disappear but about taking small steps and being consistent. Tracking little spends can make a huge difference in the long run. And heck yeah, that saving tip, slowly but surely, it builds up, been there done that. It’s always nice to have a safety net no matter how small. Remember both the tortoise and hare reached the finish line but it’s the tortoise whose style of slow and steady we remember. Keep the chin up mate, and keep pushing, it works wonders!

Yeah, you’ve pretty much got the right idea there. Defragging can make a surprisingly big difference and I’m all for swapping out Chrome for a lighter browser, but have you ever thought about increasing your RAM? It could set you back a bit, but it’s one of the most effective ways to give an old laptop a boost. The Linux idea is great if you’re up for the challenge - I remember doing it myself a few years back and boy, it revved up my ancient PC no end! And remember, although factory resets can work wonders, they’re the nuclear option so only use it as a last resort. Best of luck!

Haha, totally get what you mean about the ‘salsa genes’, I get the same vibe when I switch to my rusty Italian. Like suddenly, I’m all dramatic hand gestures and eyebrow raises! It’s wild how different languages bring out different facets of one’s personality. And the green-blue thing, right? It’s nuts how it’s such a reality warp for both sides! Just shows how much perception is shaped by language. And your soup analogy… that’s going on my quote board. Adore it! We’re indeed all unique flavours in this language soup! Cheers to stirring more fun and interesting bits into our blend!

Solid advice right there, mate. Debt can indeed be a tricky beast to tackle. Couple of friends of mine have had decent luck chatting with financial advisors, and there’s plenty online who can give free advice if money’s really tight. You’re right about budget trackers too, super helpful to see where the cash flow’s really going. And don’t underestimate the power of the little things! Every small change adds up. Keep going, and remember, there’s no shame in reaching out for help. We’ve all been there one way or another. 💪👍

Couldn’t agree more with everything you said. I mean, I love tech and all, y’know? But sometimes, it’s just too much. I wondered, why can’t we just have a phone that could last a couple of days! It’s like your car running outta fuel halfway on a road trip. 😂 And don’t get me started on those updates. Feels like it’s update o’clock every other day, right? 😅 But I guess it’s a small price to pay for progress. Good luck on the phone hunt, mate. Remember the golden rule - battery life over everything else! 👍😄