#Value Cash Counting Machines

[dingo-ate-my-hot-lettuce-crazy]

Rearview - Chapter 6 - Still Here

Summary: You wake up in the hospital with Cas at your side, and Dean rushes in the find you. The two of you talk of 'unpinning' things.

Characters: Dean, Cas, others

Word Count: 5.1K

Warnings: medical inaccuracies, reader is always guilty for something smh, stressed out dean + cas, dr. Linda tran is badass, these warnings are a warning, trauma, denial of bad habits, cursing, I DONT EVER PROOFREAD

Author's Note: did you know im criminally insane

Songs: Break by Alex_g_offline, Thank You by Led Zeppelin

Series Masterlist - Chapter 7

You still have the goddamn headache when you wake up.

Even through your slightly squinted view, the curtained corner of the triage room was still a bit bright, and all too sterile for your senses. There’s an itch where the I.V. drip is inserted in your wrist. The tang from the disinfectant is overwhelming and has been worsening the dull throb in your head. Your whole body feels weighted down, but you’re sure you don’t want to stand up anytime soon. Selfishly, this is the only rest you’ve gotten in about a month, and for once, you push the rest of the anxiety of the hospital bill, and time off from work and school, to the back of your mind. 

The room is smaller than you would think, but then again, they’ve stationed wheeled machines on the left and right of the bed. The three walls around you are painted a frosted mint color, and the accompanying curtain that acts as a fourth wall in front of you is a sickening yellowed khaki, reminding you of stains you’ve seen in old carpet. There isn’t much noise besides the residual beeping of your now-steady heartbeat and your soft breathing. Occasional footsteps of nurses breezing past your room sounded, and quiet murmuring of doctors and patients. 

The I.V. itches.

You drag your right hand to your forearm, scratching just above the puncture site before a hand lightly smacks it away.

“Stop that.” Cas scolds flatly.

Sighing, you bring your worn-out gaze to him, sitting directly next to the bed in one of the uncomfortable plastic chairs. Cas doesn’t look at you as he hunches over, his elbows resting on his knees. He looks tired too, and though you initially look to glare at his chiding, the same, old familiar guilt starts to sink in– he stayed. After his fuming lecture about your lack of self-care, he still bothered to stay with you as the ambulance brought you to the hospital. You didn’t deserve him. Not after your attitude toward him recently. Your eyes soften instead as you watch him for a couple of seconds.

“You had work.” You frown, saying it like you weren’t also working at the same time.

Cas deadpans, still not turning to you, “I wanted to be here to be the one to say, ‘I told you so’.”

You huff a bit of laughter at that, quirking up a brow at his remark, before exhaling deeply, as if the guilt would leave with your breath. “Yeah…yeah, I deserve that.”

Despite his reigned anger, he does move his head to you, looking over your face like he’s still trying to find something wrong. He’s still concerned but attempts to remain neutral.

“How are you feeling?”

“I’m fi–”

“Try again.”

You huff, mouth still open from your answer as you hold back the rest of that statement- embellishment, rather. It honestly is a force of habit at this point, and Cas probably knows that by now, too. But, he’s right. It’s obvious that he values the truth in your wellness more than your care about “burdening” him with it.

“My head hurts and I’m tired, but I feel better.” You acquiesce with a slight jut of your head for emphasis.

“Well, I would hope so. You passed out in the middle of the kitchen.” Cas mutters your name, stressing the situation.

“Oh, fuck. Was Roy mad that you left?” You wince as you ask, hoping that Cas still has a job after your fuck-up.

“Roy insisted I go with you– he wanted someone to update the team on your condition. He took care of our tables, and said he would have the other servers run food or cash them out.” Cas explains, reassuringly.

You close your eyes in realization, sinking back into the uncomfortably firm pillow they set behind you as the memories come flooding back to you,  “My tables– your tables…”

Cas scoffs, shaking his head with incredulity, “Do you ever think about yourself?”

You don’t answer him as you turn to him with apologetic doe-eyes, brows lowering with guilt, “I’m sorry.”

His face gentles, and lacks the frustrated worry it had before, “I don’t need an apology. I just need you to care for yourself.”

“Still,” you grimace at your shameful behavior as of late towards him, when all he did was care, “You didn’t deserve me fighting you. I just… I’m so tired of being treated like I can’t handle–” Your words cut off, trying to find the words, or maybe just the word, for the scenario. It’s hard, and you’re unsure if you’d be able to finish the thought even with a clear head.

“I get it, but you don’t need to handle this on your own. Nobody should handle this on their own. With what’s going on? What you’re going through?” Cas’ face tightens with sympathy.

With what’s going on.

With what you’re going through.

Nick– the text.

Your phone.

You hardly acknowledge the increasing rate of beeping from one of the machines you're connected to. Your face blanches as you remember what landed you hear in the first place.

Cas’ eyes dart to the heart rate monitor as he hears it pick up, and he looks worriedly between you and the machine, “What?”

“Cas, I need my phone.”

His face scrunches with troubled perplexity, “What?”

The curtain is roughly pulled back, and the minimal privacy between you and the ER dissipates as a wide-eyed Dean finds your face.

“Hey,” Dean breathed. His voice is quiet, mixed with anxiousness and relief all in one, but his eyes restlessly rake all over your form on the bed, trying to find the source of injury or ailment or reason you’re here.

“Hey… Dean?” you blink, mouth agape. How, why–

You didn’t even have time to think before Dean strides over to the opposite side of the bed where there’s space, and he pants, out of breath like he had run here, “You alright? What the hell happened?” 

“She fainted,” Cas answers bitterly.

You whine, “Cas–”

“You fainted?” Dean repeats alarmed, his glance bounces between you and Cas- for some kind of explanation.

“She’s been overworking herself–” Cas continues, ignoring your protest.

“Cas–”

“And she hasn’t been sleeping or eating properly. And she’s severely stressed.” 

“Cas, I am right here.”

Cas directs his gaze to you, with a pointed expression as enunciates with frustration, “You don’t admit to the complete truth.” 

Dean disgruntledly snorts with apparent agreement, turning to you with a look almost like betrayal, now with concern more than panic.

“This have anything to do with the whole dizzy spell you had last night when I dropped you off?” Dean accusingly points his finger at your sickly form.

Now it’s Cas’ turn.

He whips his head to you with a set jaw, your name scoldingly leaving his lips once more at your refusal to tell anyone anything.

“Oh my God,” you groan petulantly, staring up at the ceiling in a silent plea.

“Everything alright, ma’am?” 

All three heads turn back to the half-opened curtain when a shorter woman in a white coat steps through wearily to the foot of the bed, eyeing the boys with a narrowed gaze. She was smaller than them for sure, but she radiated a kind of assertiveness. Her thin black hair accentuates her sharp features on her face, toughening her exterior slightly. Her name tag on the pocket of her breast pocket reads “Dr. Tran”.

“Oh, yeah- everything’s fine.” You try diffusing the stressful air that seems to linger in the room.

She looks at you with care and concern, though the boys get a side-eye still, and it almost makes you laugh. Though you didn’t…it might’ve been inappropriate timing.

“Okay, well, my name is Dr. Tran, and I wanted to tell you the results of the tests that we ran,” she warmly introduces herself as she brings up the clipboard that’s been at her side, “Obviously, we’ve ruled out major diagnoses from the blood test. You did come in fairly dehydrated, so we’ve got you on a drip here, along with a cocktail of some vitamins and minerals for you. Your white and red blood cell count is relatively normal, but we’ve noticed some minor deficiencies due to possible malnutrition." The doctor refers to the chart, dragging along her pen on to each level she reads, "Sodium, potassium, iron are all dipping on the lower end of the scale along with electrolytes and blood sugar. These mainly tell us that your diet needs to be changed. If you don't mind, what do you normally eat in a day?”

You swallow nervously. You don’t even remember the last thing you ate.

Dr. Tran looks up expectantly, and at your hesitation, softly requests, “Forgive me for asking so bluntly, but is there any history of an eating disorder that we should be aware of?”

You shake your head vigorously with defense, “N-No, I’m not– it’s not that. I just,” you sigh shamefully, “I go to class and work and, honestly, it just slips my mind most days and I forget, and I should know better.”

The shame in your voice seems to shut down that train of thought for Dr. Tran, and she nods expressionlessly, possibly holding back her judgment, “Your deficiencies aren’t at a severe low yet, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be if this habit continues. You need to be eating meals with 500-700 calories, or get back to a daily count of around 2000– more if you are physically active.”

“We’ll make sure she eats,” Dean crosses his arms, determination set on his face. Cas nods to Dr. Tran as well.

She seems to lighten her gaze slightly at them, “Well, that’s what I like to hear. Now, as far as the other tests we’ve run, the EKG came back with no heart irregularities aside from your heart rate itself. It’s about 10-15 beats per minute faster than it should be. Your friend, Mr. Novak, here–” she glances at him with acknowledgment, “told me you have inconsistent sleeping patterns, and that you are dealing with severe stress almost daily, and possible panic attacks. Is that correct?”

Dean’s eyes feel heavy as they meet yours for a second before you look away.

Your gaze falls to the bed, avoiding eye contact from everyone in the room. You bite your cheek, feeling your face grow warm, and answer her with a reluctant huff, “Yeah, kinda.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Dr. Tran said, and you believe her sincerity, “That being said, based on all the test results and what Mr. Novak described before you lost consciousness, we are confident this was caused by a combination of your exhaustion, stress, and anxiety—what we would classify as an episode related to Acute Stress Disorder. We've even gotten a second-opinion from our psychologist on hand, who normally does the evaluations. It’s not uncommon, considering you are under a significant amount of stress, not sleeping well, and not eating enough. Your body essentially decided to do a whole system reboot, like when a computer crashes from too many tabs open.”

You scoff, and you’re not even sure at what. The diagnosis, the doctor, yourself. It seems like such a mockery. That you really couldn’t do all this yourself. That you weren’t strong enough. That Nick is still somehow getting the better of you after all this.

“Okay, so– so, what does that mean? We can get her back home today, and she’ll be okay?” Dean anxiousness gets the better of him, and he brings his thumbnail to his lip, absent-mindedly fidgeting as he stands next to your bed.

Dr. Tran inhales, considering the question, “Most likely, yes. We want you to stay for a little while, just to be sure there aren’t any more episodes, but you will be able to go home tonight. As far as your health–” she gives you a more stern look, “pay attention to your body. If you feel dizzy, sit down. If you’re tired, rest. If you have a headache, eat. Drink plenty of water. Your body needs to relax, and so does your head. The stress can be the biggest factor and if not taken care of, can lead to other problems.”

Cas moves to stand up, pushing off of his knees, “Everything is manageable except the stress. She’s prone to it.”

Your glare slightly at Cas.

Dr. Tran speaks up, “We already have a psychiatrist referral for you once you check out today, as well as two medications. We’re going to give you Ativan tablets for the next three days on a low dosage– around 0.5mg– which will help with panic attacks or sleep. Don’t take it unless you have to, and no more than twice a day. If you need to, you should take it an hour before you plan to go to sleep or if you experience heavy stress or panic. We’re also prescribing you two month’s supply of Zoloft– which is an anti-anxiety and an antidepressant. Take it in the morning right after you eat breakfast. We, the hospital, can’t renew prescriptions once you’re out but we can give the psychiatrist we referred your information, and they can discuss further options if you find that it’s working for you.”

You weren’t going to see a psychiatrist. You didn’t even know if you were going to take the medication. What if it hinders your ability to keep an eye out for the Challenger? Your ability to stay sharp? The whole idea of taking it is to make sure you’re dopey and unaware of your surroundings.

Stewing in your own thoughts and silence, Cas speaks up for you, “Thank you, Dr. Tran.”

“Of course, let me know if there’s anything you need. You boys are welcome to stay if you don’t cause my patient any stress.” She warns thoughtfully, giving the boys a hard stare.

“Yes, ma’am.” They both say in unison.

Dr. Tran nods approvingly, then looks back to you, “Let me know if they give you any trouble and I’ll get them out.”

You smile half-heartedly at that, but it fades quickly after you quietly reply, “They can stay.”

The doctor gives a courteous nod before allowing the three of you your privacy again. Emotional silence consumes the room at the clinking of the curtain being slid closed. Just the whirring of the machines is heard as the information soaks in– to everyone.

Dean’s gaze is on you, and you can see him look at you a few times in your peripheral vision as your eyes travel around the room in thought. You clear your throat some.

“Cas, uh, you mind giving us a minute?” 

You can see Cas sensing the tension between you and Dean, and nods understandingly, taking a couple of steps to the small gap between the curtain and the wall.

“Sure. Let me know if you need anything.”

“Cas–” You call out before he’s out of sight completely.

He halts, looking at you as he holds the curtain open.

You give him a pained, tight-lipped smile laced with guilt, but overwhelmingly more appreciative, “Thank you,” your voice barely above a whisper, the emotion so thick that you could crack at any moment, “For being here. And for caring enough to get angry at me, and giving it to me straight, even if I didn’t want it.”

Cas scoffs, though he replies with a lopsided grin, “Of course.” And he steps out.

And now to handle this situation.

You risk a glance at Dean, who hasn’t made any effort to move to the chair. He stands with his fingers rubbing gently at his forehead, before raking them through his prince-charming-like-mane. His expression is rather blank, but the slight crinkle in his brow gives him away, and you feel awful.

Inhaling, you ask gently, easing into it, “Did Cas call you?”

Dean runs his lip between his teeth before answering curtly, his hand moving to hips “Yeah.”

He starts to pace you notice, walking along from one side of the curtain to the other. The hand that just swept through his hair meets his chin now. He fidgets a lot when he’s stressed, you notice.

You can’t help but wonder if he’s over your bullshit. If this is the last straw, and he’s working his way to tell you that he’s through with this–that he’s done. Hell, you’re not even official yet and he’s already here to see you at the hospital, somewhere after eleven o’clock at night, when he could be sleeping, or out with another girl who would’ve probably got him laid by now. You don’t think you would even question if he would leave, you don’t even understand why he stays.

You take a deep breath in, “Dean…” Your voice is weak, slightly strained with emotion. You clear your throat. “I’m—I’m so sorry you had to come all the way out here this late.”

Dean stops pacing. His head tilts slightly like he can’t believe what he just heard. Then, with a sharp breath, he mutters your name into his hands and drags them down his face before turning toward you, his voice raw with frustration.

“I don’t give a damn about that,” he says, words low but firm. “I wanted to make sure you were okay.”

There’s an edge to his voice, barely reining in his frustration. Something ignites behind his eyes—something sharp and scared and just barely contained.

Something twists deep in your gut.

But Dean’s not done.

“I mean,” he scoffs, shaking his head, “I get skipping a meal every now and then. I get forgetting to drink enough water. It’s not good, but it happens. But this?” His gaze flickers over the drip in your arm, the heart monitor beside you, the fresh hospital band around your wrist. His expression darkens but remains level still.

“You passed out. Your body shut down for a second.”

His voice drops lower, but there’s no mistaking the urgency in it. “What the hell is going on with you? Why won’t you tell me?”

Your throat tightens.

You attempt to keep your breathing steady, to keep the monitor beside you from reflecting the way your pulse wants to skyrocket. So much for Dr. Tran’s warning. “Dean, I can tell you,” you say carefully, “but I–.” You exhale shakily. “I figured it was easier to keep to myself. I didn’t want you to take it personally, I wasn’t talking to Cas about everything, and I hate talking about it, and every day it just seems to be getting worse and worse–”

Dean steps closer. “What’s getting worse?”

You shake your head. Unsure. Afraid.

Dean’s voice is quieter this time, yet somehow stronger. “What’s getting worse?”

The words come out before you can stop them. 

“I’m giving you an out.”

Dean freezes.

His brows pull together, the frustration flickering into something else. “What?”

You can hardly bring yourself to look at him when your chest feels like it’s caving in. “I’m giving you an out,” you echo, voice barely above a whisper. “You can walk away, and I wouldn’t blame you. I get it. You don’t need this, Dean. You don’t need someone who’s barely got their shit together, who’s got so much fucking baggage—” The words leave your mouth like they cause you physical pain.

And Dean looks like the words hit him just as hard, like you just knocked the wind out of him. 

Then, slowly, he shakes his head. “That what you think?” His voice is rough, unreadable.

Your misty eyes fall on him again. Unanswering.

He looks at you, hurt in his gaze. “You want me to leave?”

You force yourself to speak. “No.”

Dean exhales sharply through his nose, shaking his head again. His voice rises, “Then stop trying to push me out.”

You close your eyes, trying to keep yourself together. You kick yourself because you know you’re pushing him out, and dammit you don’t want to. 

You hear him say exasperatedly, “You don’t think I have baggage?”

You hold your eyelids down tightly, not squeezing them, but with enough pressure to know that a tear isn’t going to escape just yet. Those words, his words… they makes you stop.

Dean does have baggage. His mom died when he was four years old. His deadbeat father is pressuring him into giving up the rest of his career–his life– to his mechanic shop, because he wouldn’t. He’s practically guilted into it. And Dean doesn’t need to tell you all that. You can see it in the way he tells you that he feels he “owes” it to his father, even when Dean was the one who grew up too fast– when he was the emotional scapegoat of his broken family. Because he had to take care of Sammy, and his dad. You can read it plainly off his face that he feels like he has a priceless debt to pay.

And hell, you watched him talk about Lisa. You can’t assume as much there, but you know it’s affected him. He didn’t bring her up in a positive context. 

And still, with all the trouble, he stands in front of you.

The lump in your throat doesn’t move, but only seems to grow.

You don’t know what to do. You don’t know what to do with the way he looks at you like he gives a damn, with the way his voice is just a little too raw, his fidgeting a little too restless. The way his anger is born out of concern, not the hate you were used to.

The way he hadn’t even made a step closer to exit through the curtain, only taking steps to you.

The devil on your shoulder tells you that he should leave– for his own good. Or that you should leave him.

But he is still here. Waiting for you.

And damn it, you need this to work.

When you open your eyes again, you breathe out, “The pin.”

“What?”

“We put a pin in it,” you murmur. “I’m unpinning some of it. I can’t here, but…”

Dean watches you, piecing it together.

“Your ex.” He says, certain, and his expression morphs into something softer.

Your lips pressed together as you nod.

And he nods. “Okay.”

It’s irrational– you know it is– but even just the thought of being in the passenger seat again makes your stomach drop. 

Dean’s voice is already softer as he steps into your field of vision, “Sweetheart, you’re not walking.”

Your pulse skyrockets beneath your ribcage. You sink the heels of your palms into your eyes, bringing your head down as your elbows sit on your knees.

Cas steps closer behind you, closer to the front of the bed as you’ve fully sat up at the edge. “Dean’s driven me plenty of times—safely, might I add.” His attempt at lightness is met with a wavering breath, which was supposed to be a scoff.

Dean nods, bringing himself closer to where you sit, so he can slightly kneel in front of you, so he’s at your level, pulling at your hands so he can find your eyes, as he soothes, “Listen, sweetheart. I’m gonna drive under the speed limit. I’ll take back roads— the least busiest roads I know. And if you want me to pull over for a break, I will.” 

Dr. Tran watches the interaction, and gently adds, “You can go ahead and take the Ativan now. It’ll help take the edge off, and you won’t feel as anxious during the ride. It doesn’t take too long to kick in.”

Hesitation claws at your ribs as you try to form words. It’s not a no, but you don’t know how to give an okay. 

“Dean,” a weak beg leaves your lips, your glistening eyes pleading at him.

You can almost see Dean’s heart break for you, and he carefully holds your wrists in his hands, tenderly grazing his thumb across them, and his voice somehow gets softer as his eyes lock onto yours. “I promise you, you’ll be safe.”

Cas presses the bottle into your hand, and you turn your head to it, your face is the picture of absolute dread. You huff defeatedly, trying to stare it out of existence, but your arm betrays you and tugs loosely from Dean’s hand.

It was decided that Dean would have you wait for the Ativan to fully kick in, so he opted to drive Cas back to Silver & Flames, where he left his car so he could join you in the ambulance (where he gave the EMTs a hard time about it to the point where they had told him that he could ride with, so long as he was out of the way). 

You hate to admit it but you did feel the Ativan taking the initial edge off by the time Dean had returned to the hospital, though it is not gone. Just dulled– like the panic has been wrapped in cotton, just enough so that you were taking controlled, even breaths with minimal struggle.

Dean parks a short distance into the lot, which makes you take very short strides.

The hospital sign buzzes as you walk under it, following Dean with a bit of sluggishness.

Dean perks up from in front of you, turning his head back, waiting in his steps so you can catch up with him. His shoulder brushes yours, and he moves his right hand to the small of your back– not pushing you, just guiding you.

“I know it’s not ideal, but you do get to meet my Baby. You two will get along great, I promise.” He encouragingly smirks down at you.

You lean into his hand that rests on your back, as your lips barely twitch up in acknowledgment, though it’s not exactly comforting at this moment.

Though, you know his car the moment you see it.

It’s just as he said it was– the black 1967 Chevrolet Impala.

If you hadn’t known you would be riding in the passenger seat in the car or drugged out on anti-anxiety meds, you can confidently say you would’ve gawked. 

Dean keeps walking with you even as your steps slow until you stop a couple of feet away from the passenger side. “She’s a beauty, isn’t she?”

You take slightly heavier breaths.

You can hear him mutter your name, trying to pull you from your muddled thoughts.

“I can’t.” You swallow, backing away slightly, turning away from the car as the panic tries to dig its way out of the cotton.

“Yes, you can, sweetheart. Come here,” Dean lightly grasps your forearms as they find your middle, and pulls them back to your sides. “I’m one of the safest damn drivers you will ever meet. You think I would do anything to jeopardize your safety? Hell, or even my car?” 

You shake your head, frustrated with yourself at this point, “I don’t distrust you. It’s just, I know it’s stupid–”

Dean cuts you off, “Hey, it’s not stupid if you’re bent outta shape from it. Okay? Listen, I’m gonna hug one lane the whole time and take easy streets, and we’ll be at my place in no time. I live less than ten minutes from here.”

Dean’s hands let go of your forearms as he reaches over to the passenger, opening the door for you with a reassuring smile. He walks back out from behind it as you wearily watch him, and he extends his hand to you to gently pull you closer to him– not the car. His hand is comforting to be in, calloused but warm and inviting as he gives yours a light squeeze. He doesn’t let go, even as he backs himself and you into the side of the open car. He lets you get in on your own time, and he makes sure you’re buckled in before he closes your door and rounds the car to the driver’s side.

The drive is slow, just like he promised. It’s inevitable for the city traffic to quiet or dull, but Dean finds alternative routes that you didn’t even know existed, and you begin to ease into the ride. There’s a low hum of classic rock playing through the speakers, it sounds like Led Zeppelin, and you focus on that for a while.

Dean focuses on driving. He catches you in his view when he yields to the right or makes a turn, but he lets you sit, lets you breathe.

By the time he pulls up outside his apartment complex, you aren’t exactly sure how long it’s been. Dean said it was a ten-minute drive but you would’ve also bought if he said it’s been an hour. The exhaustion is creeping up on you as the effects of the medication linger.

You miss Dean’s proud smile at you when he gets out of the car first, rounding Baby so he can reach for the handle.

“Dean, I can—”

“I want to,” his voice is distant, muffled as the door still separates you, and he cuts off whatever protest you were saying with his signature smirk. 

He offers a hand to you as he opens the door for you to step out of the car, a little disoriented, but the kiss that lands on the crown of your head grounds you. Steadies you.

His complex doesn’t have a lobby like yours, so there are two flights of stairs that seem to drag on forever or get longer, and steeper. Dean stays behind you the whole time, not yet having to push you forward, but his arm hovers a couple of times.

His apartment is nothing less than what you expect. It’s not exactly lively with decoration and color, but his living room furniture matches and actually compliments his space rather well. And you gotta give him credit where it’s due– he has a coffee table in front of the sofa and a painting hanging above the TV.

The plus is that it’s a one-bedroom. He gets it all to himself.

“I figure I’ll give you a grand tour when you’re better rested, but it ain’t too much.” Dean steps in behind you after locking the door, watching you, making sure you don’t break in front of him.

And you don’t. You turn around to him with a small grin, “You don’t have to worry about me. If you have a bed or couch, that’s perfect.”

Dean flashes his teeth slightly in amusement, and looks to you warmly, “I’ll take the couch.”

Your brows furrow as you look at him, “Why would you take the couch in your own apartment?”

“Because. At La Casa de Dean, women who come home from the hospital get the most comfortable sleeping arrangements.” Dean’s intonation firms slightly, but his face remains gentle and playful.

After a moment, you meet his eyes again, “You can stay. With me then.”

He takes a moment to really read your face, checking to make sure it wasn’t guilt, but rather a want for him to stay near. “You sure?”

You nod, “Yeah, I am,” you look down as you let out a deep exhale, “We can unpin… everything tomorrow if that’s okay. I’m not trying to keep anything from you but, the Ativan is just–”

Dean purses his lips as he shakes his head, “No– I want you to get your rest first. Absolutely.”

For the first time tonight, you feel a true sense of relief. It breeds the grateful smile on your face, and you lean into Dean. A hand meets the back of your head, and you feel a little safer again.

A/N: ngl its four am im eepy

taglist: @suckitands33 @globetrotter28 @supernotnatural2005 @star-yawnznn

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Our runners up this week are @cthulhusaurusrex, @nine-effing-hells, and @xenobladexfan!

@cthulhusaurusrex — Pole Position

Somehow one of two cards named Pole Position submitted this week. Not that I mind, it's a fun term, and it feels very appropriate. This is a wonderful little bundle of effects that really puts the screws on your opponent if you can keep up the momentum. And that instantly makes the name so, so very evocative that I can't help but be enraptured by it. It starts your engines, rewards you with a little extra stopping power for keeping up the pressure, and once you hit your stride and it's done its job, you can cash it in for an extra card so you don't peter out. This really distills the gameplan of speed down to a science, and I think that's pretty cool.

@nine-effing-hells — Mox Fordite

Love me a good reference to fordite, and where better than the vehicle set all about vehicles? For the uninitiated, fordite is a colloquial name for caked-on paint slag from automotive manufacturing plants that's been cut into jewelry. It's pretty stuff, even if it's definitely a bit unusual. And this one is pretty unusual, too. A hard turn limit before a mox can start producing mana is definitely a good balancing factor, although in exchange once it gets there it can always produce mana unlike the more conditional moxen variants. And while an extra mana starting at at minimum turn 4 isn't going to upend the game, in a format with such a ubiquitousness of exhaust effects, every bit of mana counts at all stages. I think the real value here, though, is just the fact that this can start your engines for zero mana. The ability to weave it into any given turn or just windmill slam it turn 0 for a bit of affinity is a great bit of utility.

@xenobladexfan — Well-Oiled Machine

I'm belatedly realizing that I had zero SYE cards in winners and three here. Whoops, I guess this is just Speed Hour, then. Oh well. Still, they're all killer designs, this one included. Strionic Resonator is an old favorite of mine, and this carries on that legacy. There are in fact a lot of triggered abilities running around this set, notably including—as you've helpfully highlighted—speed increasing. Being able to cut entire turn or two off of hitting max speed is a huge deal, although the upfront cost means the most aggressive speed decks probably won't see too big a difference. And while the normal ability can't touch exhaust abilities, the machine's own exhaust has no such restrictions, which is oh so very juicy. This one's a house in and of itself, but the sheer explosivity potential on display here is dizzying, and I'd absolutely love to tool around with this engine.

~

And that's a photo finish! It's not done yet though, as I'll be cruising over to the discord to take commentary requests for the next 12 hours. Drop on by! —@spooky-bard

[ovwechoes]

DPS Boys & Headcanons!

It's finally arrived; each of the OVW DPS girls have plans to attend a concert, but who would they each go see? These are my personal headcanons (SFW)!

My post with my DPS female headcanons can be found on my profile! Any and all thoughts are welcome, and because this post is a littleee lengthy I've put it under the cut <3

Bastion: Bastion enjoys music, but not enough to bring him to a concert. He doesn't mind if Torbjorn or Brigitte invites him along, but he's too afraid of how busy concerts can be to attend incase it triggers his PTSD.

Cole Cassidy / Cassidy: Similarly to Ashe, he enjoys country music and would love to see artists such as Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Chris Stapleton. He would do anything to attend one of their concerts, even build his own time machine. He's not too picky though, and he's happy to see whatever band or whoever he can live as it's something he's always enjoyed (and probably always will, even if it's not with the deadlock gang anymore).

Genji Shimada / Genji: I can imagine Genji loves to indulge in music that blends classic japanese styles with pop, hip hop and jazz. He's an introvert by nature though, so it would have to take a lot for him to go to a concert and bring himself to see them with so many people around. Artists like Nujabes, Kitaro and Bonobo would most likely be at the top of his list for who he wants to see live. He appreciates artists who blend Japanese instruments with soothing rhythms and technological beats, it makes him feel as though he's seen through the music and it's something he values.

Hanzo Shimada / Hanzo: Alongside Genji, I can imagine he appreciates artists who are developing the sound of Japanese instruments and blending them with pop and other genres. However, I think he would lean more so towards traditional Japanese performances; it would bring him back to a time when he was younger and more innocent, and it would remind him of his life before the mistakes and choices he made changed everything. He would do what he could to watch Taiko Drumming performances live and to feel the music pound through his feet. I can imagine that he would also aim to go to musical adaptations of Japanese movies, like studio ghibli ones, to enjoy the musical aspect in person. It's something that would calm him and quiet the thoughts that plague his mind and remind him of his guilt.

Jamison Fawkes / Junkrat: I can imagine Junkrat is the type to listen to every genre; if something tickles his brain in the right way, he loves it. He especially would love punk rock, like The Offspring and System of a Down, but also anarchist artists who have politically charged lyrics like Rage Against The Machine. He'd do anything to see them live, and would probably pickpocket everyone there with him.

Gabriel Reyes / Reaper: Reaper is old school, he's an old man. He likes his metal music and his dark, moodly classics, such as Marilyn Manson, Nine Inch Nails, Slipknot, Korn and Tool. He would be the type to stand in the crowd and watch the mosh pits happening, without really doing anything other than tapping his foot and drinking. He appreciates the music of course but in his own way that scares everyone off around him.

John Francis "Jack" Morrison / Soldier: 76: Jack's taste in music is definitely influenced by his upbringing in Minnesota; he loves blues, jazz and gospel music despite not being entirely religious (or as religious as he used to be, before the soldier program). As such, he would definitely try to see Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, and Count Basie at least one last time before anything happened to him and prevented him from doing so, even just for old time's sake and for nostalgia. He views them as traditional American musicians, and would do what he could to see them live (if he has the chance to of course).

Torbjörn Lindholm / Torbjörn: Torb would be the type to enjoy classic rock and alternative folk music; it's something you'd hear in his home constantly while he works. He's at an age where he's been to enough concerts, and doesn't feel the need to anymore especially when he has more work to complete with undoing the harm he believes he's caused (via the omnic wars). If he was asked if he could see anyone in an alternate universe without any limits, he would struggle to pick between Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Sabaton and Buddy Guy.

I hope these are accurate and if you have any opinions, please send them my way! My asks are open to anything and everything overwatch related <3

[dailyanarchistposts]

Chapter 3. Economy

Meeting our needs without keeping count

Capitalism has produced some amazing gadgets, but the military and the police are almost always the first to use new technologies, and often the wealthiest people are the only ones who benefit from them. Capitalism has produced undreamed of wealth, but it is hoarded by parasites who did not produce it and who lord over the slaves and wage laborers who created it. Competition may seem to be a useful principle for encouraging efficiency — but efficiency for what purpose? Beneath the mythology it has created, capitalism is not actually a competitive system. Workers are divided and played against each other, while the elite cooperate to maintain their subjection. The wealthy may compete for bigger slices of the pie, but they regularly take up arms together to ensure that every day the pie is baked and brought to their table. When capitalism was still a new phenomenon, one could describe it more honestly, without being confused by decades of propaganda about its supposed virtues: Abraham Lincoln, hardly an anarchist, could see clearly enough that “capitalists generally act harmoniously and in concert to fleece the people.”

Capitalism has failed horribly at meeting people’s needs and arranging a fair distribution of goods. Throughout the world, millions die from treatable diseases because they cannot afford the medicine that would save them, and people starve to death while their countries export cash crops. Under capitalism, everything is for sale — culture is a commodity that can be manipulated to sell lingerie or skin cream, nature is a resource to be sucked dry and destroyed for profit. People must sell their time and energy to the owning class in order to buy back a fraction of what they produce. This is a deeply rooted system that shapes our values and relationships and defies most attempts to abolish it. The socialist revolutions in the USSR and China did not go deep enough: as they never fully abolished capitalism, it reemerged, stronger than before. Many anarchist attempts have not gone deep enough either; capitalism may well have resurfaced in these experiments if hostile governments had not crushed them first.

Power and alienation must be pursued to their roots. It is not enough for the workers to own their factories collectively if they are controlled by managers and the work still reduces them to machines. Alienation is not simply the absence of legal ownership of the means and fruits of production — it is the lack of control over one’s relationship with the world. Worker ownership of a factory is meaningless if it is still administered by others on their behalf. The workers must organize themselves and control the factory directly. And even if they control the factory directly, alienation persists where the broader economic relationships, the factory itself, dictates the form their labor takes. Can a person truly be free working on an assembly line, denied creativity and treated as a machine? The form of work itself must change, so that people can pursue the skills and activities that give them joy.

The separation of work from other human activities is one of the roots of alienation. Production itself becomes a sort of obsession that justifies exploiting people or destroying the environment for the sake of efficiency. If we view happiness as a human need no less than food and clothing, then the division between productive and nonproductive activity, between work and play, melts away. The squatting movement in Barcelona and the gift economies of many indigenous societies provide examples of the blurring of work and play.

In a free society, exchange is simply a symbolic assurance that everyone is contributing to the common resources — people don’t hoard resources or take advantage of others, because they have to give in order to receive. But exchange can present problems by attaching a quantitative value to every object and experience, thus stripping them of their subjective value.

Where once an ice cream cone was worth a delicious ten minutes of finger licking goodness in the sun, and a book was worth several afternoons of enjoyment and reflection and possibly even life-changing insight, after these goods are assessed according to the regime of exchange, an ice cream cone is worth a fourth of a book. Further into this process, to make the exchanges more efficient, while consequently fixing the quantitative value as inherent rather than comparative, an ice cream cone is worth one unit of currency and a book four units of currency. The monetary value replaces the subjective value of the object — the pleasure people find in it. On one hand, people and their desires are taken out of the equation, while on the other hand all values — pleasure, usefulness, inspiration — are absorbed into a quantitative value, and money itself becomes a symbol for all these other values.

In effect, possessing money comes to symbolize having access to enjoyment or the fulfillment of a desire; but money, by affixing a quantitative value, robs objects of the sense of fulfillment they might bring, because humans cannot experience quantitative, abstract value. In eating an ice cream cone, the pleasure is in the act — but in buying a commodity, the pleasure is in the purchase, in the magical moment that an abstract value is transformed into a tangible possession. Money exerts such a powerful influence on notions of value that consumption itself is always anticlimactic: once the commodity is purchased, it loses its value, especially as people come to prioritize abstract value over subjective value. Furthermore, having purchased it, you lose money, and your total holdings of symbolic value decrease — hence the nagging feeling of guilt that accompanies spending money.

In addition to alienation, exchange creates power-over: if one person accumulates more quantitative value, they have accrued the right to a greater portion of the community’s resources. Systems of exchange and currency, like the barter network in Argentina or the coupon system for purchasing goods in parts of anarchist Spain, rely on customs and social arrangements to prevent the reemergence of capitalism. For example, a gift economy could function at a local level, with exchange used only for regional trade. People could deliberately set up work environments that encourage personal development, creativity, fun, and self-organization, while decentralized federations of such workplaces could award one another with coupons for the goods they produce so each person has access to the wealth created by all.

But it is a worthwhile challenge to do away with exchange and currency altogether. Within free stores or Freecycle, the symbolic assurance provided by exchange or barter is unnecessary. The assurance that everyone will contribute to the common wealth springs from the culture of the spaces themselves. As a participant, you express the desire to give and to receive, and your inclusion in the social space increases as you carry out both of these activities. In such contexts, giving pleases a person just as much as receiving.

The world is bountiful enough to provide for everyone’s needs. Scarcity is a dangerous illusion that functions as a self-fulfilling prophesy. Once people stop giving and begin hoarding, collective wealth declines. If we overcome the fear of scarcity, scarcity itself disappears. Common resources will be bountiful if everyone shares and contributes, or even if most people do. People like to be active, to create and improve things. If people are ensured access to common resources and spared the poverty of wage slavery, they will create plenty of the things they need and that give them pleasure, as well as the infrastructure required to make and distribute these things.

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Conspiracy theorist and professional gadfly Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced Monday that he will convert his vanity PR stunt into a third-party presidential campaign. Kennedy abandoned his Democratic primary bid after he made ignorant and racially tinged statements about COVID immunity, statements that caused his popularity among Democrats to plummet. Recognizing that he had no chance of disrupting the Democratic primary and could never earn a spot on the debate stage in the Republican primary, he took refuge in an independent third-party campaign.

          The development should give Democrats a measure of relief. Many Democrats were worried that Kennedy’s unnaturally youthful physique and famous name would siphon disillusioned voters away from Joe Biden. But as the Trump campaign has deduced, Kennedy is a bigger threat to conspiracy-prone, disgruntled GOP voters than Biden. Indeed, the RNC and the Trump campaign both attacked Kennedy after he announced his third-party campaign. The Trump campaign said,

Voters should not be deceived by anyone who pretends to have conservative values. [Kennedy’s campaign is] nothing more than a vanity project for a liberal Kennedy looking to cash in on his family’s name.

See Vanity Fair, Turns Out RFK Jr.’s Independent Bid Could Do Trump More Damage Than Biden. Per Vanity Fair,

Internal polling from the Trump campaign suggests that a Kennedy third-party bid would sap more votes from the ex-president than Biden in a general election matchup, according to a Semafor report published Friday. “It’s single digits, but it’s enough where it counts to make a difference,” a person familiar with the data told the outlet. The Trump campaign, in turn, is reportedly readying a messaging onslaught against Kennedy, who, despite being a member of the most iconic family in Democratic politics, is running as a pro-gun anti-vaxxer whose platform aligns much more closely with conservative populism than Biden’s progressive liberalism.

          And it can’t help RFK Jr. that his siblings issued a joint statement condemning his run for the presidency:

The decision of our brother Bobby to run as a third-party candidate against Joe Biden is dangerous to our country. Bobby might share the same name as our father, but he does not share the same values, vision or judgment. Today's announcement is deeply saddening for us. We denounce his candidacy and believe it to be perilous for our country.

          This development is less about RFK Jr. than it is about the Democratic tendency to exaggerate fears and assume the worst, especially where Joe Biden is concerned. When Kennedy was teasing his candidacy, Democrats were in a panic—a narrative that was amplified by a willing media. See, e.g., NYPost, RFK Jr. has the White House sweating, and rightly so.

          Kennedy’s reputation in the Democratic Party is already damaged after he said that COVID was bioengineered to be “ethnically targeted” and that Ashkenazi Jews were suspiciously immune. When the Trump campaign machine is done with Kennedy, he will likely drop out of the race entirely.

          I started the newsletter with this story because of another wave of Joe-Biden-is-too-old angst circulating among Democrats. Although I can’t pinpoint where the most recent angst originates, I received a half-dozen copies of an op-ed by David Brooks in NYTimes, Opinion | Can we talk about Joe Biden? (I am not going to waste one of my NYTimes gift subscriptions on this article.)

          On the one hand, Brooks is mainly sympathetic to Biden and concludes that Biden is the Democrat’s only choice. But in arriving at that conclusion, Brooks devotes a lot of NYTimes real estate to three tired premises: (a) Biden is old; (b) polling is bad for Biden; and (c) voters care about inflation more than any other issue. Those premises lead Brooks to this crescendo of handwringing:

Voters know both men very well at this point, so when I hear Democrats comforting themselves that people will flock to Biden if the alternative on the ballot is Trump, I worry they are kidding themselves.

          For a guy at the pinnacle of the opinion writer ecosphere, Brooks’ analysis is badly off-point. But rather than argue with Brooks, I will simply note that every special election in 2023 has been a national referendum on Joe Biden, and he has exceeded expectations at every opportunity. Brooks does not examine that critical fact because it undermines his analysis in two ways:

          First, “Biden” and “Trump” are surrogates and avatars for two different visions of America—authoritarian vs democratic, gun safety vs a heavily armed citizenry, reproductive liberty vs state-imposed religious regulation of women’s bodies, dignity vs discrimination against LGBTQ people, and environmental protection vs unregulated fossil fuels.  If Brooks doesn’t understand that point, he has been comatose since 2019 (at least).

          Second, Brooks simply assumes that Trump is a legitimate candidate who has not mounted a coup, incited an insurrection, unlawfully retained defense secrets, disclosed sensitive nuclear information to Russian diplomats and random guests at Mar-a-Lago, and been adjudged as a sexual abuser. Not to mention that Trump is teetering on bankruptcy as he defends 91 felony counts. Yet, to Brooks, Trump is just one of two major party candidates in the 2024 election.

          Never before in our history have we had a major presidential candidate under four criminal indictments as he runs for office and Brooks fails to mention that fact in his analysis of the election. Really?!? “But, but, but . . . inflation,” Brooks responds. Give me a break! I have more faith in the American people than does Brooks. I hope you do, too. Do not fall for facile, shallow journalism that sells American voters short.

          Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was supposed to destroy Biden’s campaign. He will now be lucky to escape with his standing in the anti-vaxxer community intact. As always, we can’t count on Republicans or independent candidates to defeat themselves, but let’s not talk ourselves into defeatism when we should be confident and hopeful.

[Robert B. Hubbell Newsletter]

[connollytim32]

Teaching Kids About Saving: Build Habits That Last a Lifetime

  Key Takeaways  

Start young: Kids as early as three can begin understanding basic money principles through touch, play, and simple saving visuals.

Make it age-appropriate: Tailor tools, systems, and conversations to match your child’s developmental stage and personality.

Use allowances wisely: Whether tied to chores or not, they’re a great way to introduce budgeting, saving, and decision-making.

Hands-on learning works best: Games, pretend play, and real-world shopping experiences beat lectures every time.

Mistakes are teachable moments: Let your child feel the results of poor decisions early—when the stakes are low.

Introduction: Why Saving Should Start Early  

We teach our kids to say “please” and “thank you,” to brush their teeth, and to look both ways before crossing the street. But what about saving money? For many families, that lesson comes late—if at all.

Yet, saving is a lifelong habit that’s easier to build when the stakes are low. When a five-year-old decides between spending a dollar now or saving it for a toy, they’re developing the same muscles adults use when budgeting for a home or investing for retirement.

This isn’t about turning kids into mini-financial advisors. It’s about giving them the mindset and tools to feel confident when handling money. And the earlier that starts, the better.

Why Early Money Lessons Matter

We often prioritize reading, manners, and safety when raising our kids—but money? That lesson gets postponed. The irony is that financial behavior, just like any other life skill, is most easily molded in early childhood. Kids form beliefs about money from what they observe at home long before they understand what an interest rate or credit score is. And those beliefs—how to earn, save, or spend—can last a lifetime.

Think about it: kids see us swipe cards, tap phones at registers, and order groceries online. It looks like magic to them. If we don’t explain what’s happening, they’ll fill in the blanks themselves, and those assumptions often stick. “Money comes from a machine.” “You buy whatever you want.” “If you run out, someone else gives it to you.”

It’s not just about teaching your child the logistics of saving—it’s about giving them emotional and psychological tools. Kids who learn about money early tend to be more confident and less anxious when they start handling their finances. They’re more likely to delay gratification, budget, and avoid debt traps as adults.

And the best part? The lessons don’t have to be complex or intimidating. Teaching your 5-year-old to put coins in a piggy bank or helping your 10-year-old save for a video game can have more impact than a semester of high school economics.

Money isn’t a grown-up problem. It’s a human reality. And when we bring kids into the conversation early—with warmth and honesty—we set them up for a lifetime of smarter decisions and greater independence.

How Kids Understand Money at Different Ages

Understanding how children perceive money at different stages of development is key to teaching them effectively. Kids don’t all absorb information the same way—and financial concepts are especially abstract in early childhood. Knowing where your child is developmentally helps you tailor your conversations, tools, and expectations without overwhelming them.

Ages 3–5: Learning Through Play  

At this stage, money is more of a game than a tool. Toddlers and preschoolers might recognize coins or know that paper bills have value, but they don’t yet grasp purchasing power or delayed rewards. What they do understand is action and reaction: “If I give this coin, I get something fun.”

This is a great time to introduce the idea that money isn’t infinite. Use clear visuals—jars, toy cash registers, or even play stores at home. Let them handle coins, sort them, count them. Make saving visible and tactile. It’s not about perfection—it’s about familiarity.

Ages 6–9: Beginning to Grasp Value  

Kids in this group start recognizing that money has different denominations and that it takes work or time to get it. They’re more receptive to the concept of saving and can begin to understand that “if I wait, I get more.” Allowances or reward-based chores work well here, especially if you guide them to split the money into categories like saving, spending, and giving.

They also begin comparing themselves to peers: “Why did she get that toy?” Use those moments as open conversations about choices, budgets, and trade-offs.

Ages 10–13: Developing Responsibility  

As kids mature, they can handle more nuanced conversations. They’re able to budget for short-term goals and understand the consequences of poor spending choices. Start including them in small financial decisions—like comparing prices at the store or helping plan a birthday party budget.

Introduce them to concepts like needs vs. wants. This is also a great time to encourage them to earn money through extra chores or neighborhood jobs like dog walking or lawn care.

Ages 14+: Preparing for Independence  

Teenagers are almost adults, and their financial world has started to expand. Debit cards, online banking, digital wallets—they’re surrounded by opportunities to spend, but not always the maturity to plan. This is your chance to teach about saving for long-term goals like a car, college, or travel. You can even introduce compound interest and help them start a savings account.

The main takeaway? Kids evolve, and so should the way we talk about money. Each stage brings new opportunities to reinforce habits that stick.

Building the First Foundation: The Value of a Dollar

Understanding the value of a dollar is one of the most foundational money lessons a child can learn. Without this, saving becomes abstract, and spending becomes careless. Kids who don’t understand value often grow into adults who struggle with budgeting, impulse purchases, or debt.

The problem? We live in a world where money is increasingly invisible. Tap your phone, click a button—done. It’s no surprise that young children think money is limitless or that things just “appear” when needed.

To build this foundation, start with something real and simple. Physical money—coins, small bills—works best with younger children. Let them hold it, count it, and save it in clear jars where progress is visible. Label jars with things they care about: “toy,” “ice cream,” “donation,” or “new shoes.” Seeing those coins stack up toward a personal goal makes the abstract idea of saving feel concrete and exciting.

Use relatable examples from your daily life. When you're at the store and choose a generic cereal over a name-brand one, explain: “We’re saving $2 by making this choice—and we’ll use that money for movie night instead.” These small moments help kids make the connection between choices and outcomes.

Also, let them experience earning money. Whether it’s through chores, helping a neighbor, or a birthday gift, involve them in the process. When a child uses their own money to buy something, they pay more attention. They may also be more thoughtful about the purchase—and more disappointed if it doesn’t live up to their expectations. That disappointment? It’s useful. It teaches them about buyer’s remorse, quality vs. cost, and emotional spending—all before they’re old enough for a credit card.

Don’t shy away from talking about money either. Share your thought process aloud. “We’re going to wait on buying this because it’s not in the budget right now.” Or, “I’m putting this money aside for something special next month.” Kids are always listening. The more they hear you treat money with intention, the more natural it becomes for them.

At the end of the day, teaching kids the value of a dollar isn't just about dollars. It’s about teaching patience, decision-making, and the satisfaction of working toward something instead of expecting it immediately.

It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give them—and it doesn’t cost a cent.

Allowance, Earnings, and Chores: What’s the Right Balance?

When it comes to giving kids money, there’s one question that never seems to have a one-size-fits-all answer: Should allowance be tied to chores? Some parents swear by it, while others avoid the connection entirely. The truth? It depends on what you’re trying to teach.

At its core, an allowance is a tool—not a reward or a bribe. It’s a way to help kids learn how to manage money while the stakes are low. Whether it’s a flat weekly amount or based on completed tasks, the key is to use it as a learning experience, not just a payout.

If you do tie it to chores, be clear about expectations. Create a list of age-appropriate responsibilities—making the bed, feeding the dog, taking out the trash—and be consistent with how and when the money is given. This method helps kids understand that money is earned, not handed out. It also encourages them to be responsible and take pride in contributing to the household.

On the flip side, some families believe chores are just part of being in a family—not something to be paid for. In that case, you might offer a no-strings-attached allowance for learning money skills and offer extra earnings for additional work like helping in the garden, babysitting younger siblings, or organizing the garage.

The method matters less than the message: “We’re giving you this money so you can learn how to use it wisely.” Encourage your child to split their allowance into categories like saving, spending, and giving. Whether it’s jars, envelopes, or a budgeting app, the habit of dividing money from the beginning helps them learn intentionality.

Allowance also gives kids the freedom to make small mistakes. Maybe they blow all their money on candy and regret it the next day. That’s a learning opportunity—not a failure. It’s better to make a $5 mistake at 10 years old than a $500 one at 20.

And don’t forget to talk about their spending choices. Ask questions like, “How did it feel to buy that?” or “Was it worth what you saved?” Those conversations help develop reflection and build financial self-awareness.

Ultimately, whether you tie money to chores or not, make sure your child understands that money isn’t just something to spend—it’s something to manage. That lesson will stick with them long after the chore chart disappears.

Smart Saving Systems for Different Ages

One of the biggest mistakes adults make when teaching kids about money is assuming all kids can use the same tools. But just like reading or riding a bike, financial skills need to be age-appropriate and hands-on to really stick. That’s where customized saving systems come in—tailored not just to your child’s age, but also to their personality, interests, and attention span.

Ages 3–7: Visual and Tangible Systems  

For younger kids, keep it physical and visual. Kids this age respond best to things they can see and touch. Use three jars or labeled envelopes: Save, Spend, and Share. Every time they receive money—whether from an allowance, gift, or small chore—have them divide it. You can even use stickers, drawings, or color-coding to help them stay engaged.

Make saving a game. For example, set a goal—like buying a $10 toy—and create a progress chart that they can fill in each time they save a dollar. The visual progress helps them build patience and reinforces the reward of delayed gratification.

Ages 8–12: Budgeting and Goal Setting  

This age group is ready for slightly more structure. They can begin to understand percentages or simple budgets, such as “save 50%, spend 40%, give 10%.” Use a printable worksheet or a simple notebook where they can track how much they’ve saved toward a specific goal. For example: “New headphones—$25 needed, $8 saved.”

Introduce the concept of short-term vs. long-term goals. A short-term goal might be a comic book, while a long-term goal could be a bike. Help them set realistic timeframes and celebrate milestones along the way.

Teens (13+): Digital Tools and Real Banking  

Teenagers are often immersed in technology, so introduce them to digital savings tools that mimic adult banking experiences. Apps like Greenlight or Step let teens use debit cards with parental controls, while still encouraging budgeting and saving habits. Many banks even offer teen savings accounts that earn interest and offer online access.

This is also the right time to introduce concepts like interest, compound savings, and income tracking. If your teen has a part-time job or earns from freelance gigs, help them categorize income, track expenses, and set financial goals.

The goal is not to make them perfect savers overnight—it’s to help them experiment, build confidence, and make small decisions that feel like wins. When kids have systems that grow with them, saving becomes a habit, not a hassle.

Games, Stories, and Real-Life Practice

One of the most powerful ways to teach kids about saving and money isn’t through lectures—it’s through play, stories, and hands-on experience. Kids learn best when they're having fun or when they feel emotionally connected to a story or outcome. So if you're finding it tough to make money lessons stick, try weaving them into moments that already excite your child.

Use Games to Teach Financial Concepts  

Games naturally create environments where kids make decisions, take risks, and face consequences—all of which tie directly into real-world money habits. Classic board games like Monopoly, The Game of Life, or even Pay Day are more than just rainy-day activities—they’re opportunities to talk about budgeting, debt, savings, and investing.

But you don’t even need to stick to traditional board games. Apps like PiggyBot, Greenlight, or Bankaroo gamify saving and spending decisions in a format kids already enjoy. These tools let them set savings goals, track spending, and see digital rewards over time—all under your guidance.

Even younger kids can benefit from pretend-play scenarios. Set up a “store” at home where they use play money to buy items like toys or snacks. Let them make choices, run out of money, and decide whether to “save” for something better tomorrow.

Tell Stories That Connect to Real Life  

Books can be equally effective in shaping a child’s money mindset. Picture books like “Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday” or “Bunny Money” tell stories kids can relate to—about making choices, facing regret, and learning from mistakes. These moments spark questions and conversations you might never get from a formal “money talk.”

Better still, use your own stories. Share a time you saved up for something important, or even a moment when you overspent and regretted it. Your honesty will help your child see that money lessons aren’t about perfection—they’re about growth.

Involve Them in Real-Life Decisions  

Everyday situations are packed with money lessons. Take your child grocery shopping and let them help compare prices. Let them use cash to pay a cashier or calculate how much change they’ll get back. Let them plan a family treat—within a $10 budget.

These moments build real-world confidence and show your child that money is something to interact with, not fear.

The more money becomes a part of your child’s world—in ways that are fun and age-appropriate—the more likely they are to build habits that last.

Conclusion: Building Lifelong Habits, One Lesson at a Time  

Saving money may seem like a simple concept to adults, but for kids, it’s a brand-new language—one that needs to be introduced gently, playfully, and consistently. What we’ve explored so far proves one thing: teaching kids about money isn’t a one-and-done conversation. It’s a slow build, layer by layer, across their developmental years.

We started with the “why”—because early money lessons shape lifelong beliefs and behaviors. From there, we looked at how a 4-year-old understands money differently than a 14-year-old. We explored the value of a dollar and how kids can learn it through simple choices, clear visuals, and hands-on experiences. We broke down the pros and cons of allowances, how chores fit in, and how to guide your child into becoming a conscious earner and saver. Then, we looked at building smart systems tailored to each stage—from piggy banks to budgeting apps. And finally, we saw how powerful games and stories can be for instilling lessons in ways that kids enjoy and remember.

If you only take away one thing from all of this, let it be this: teaching your child about saving isn’t about creating a financial prodigy—it’s about empowering them to feel confident, capable, and calm when handling money. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s planting seeds that grow over time into habits, values, and choices that support a fulfilling and independent life.

So start small. Be patient. And above all—be consistent. Their financial future starts with your everyday moments today.

FAQs  

1. At what age should I start teaching my child about saving?  

You can begin as early as age 3 by introducing coins, jars, and basic spending/saving choices. Even toddlers benefit from seeing how money is used and hearing simple explanations.

2. How much allowance should I give my child?  

There’s no set number—it depends on your family’s income, your child’s age, and what you expect them to pay for. A common guideline is $1 per year of age weekly (e.g., $7 for a 7-year-old).

3. Should I pay my kids for doing chores?  

Some parents do, others don’t. You might separate basic chores (family contributions) from “extra work” that earns money. What matters most is being consistent and using the opportunity to teach value.

4. What’s the best way to help my child save money long-term?  

Create a habit. Use labeled jars for young kids, introduce apps and banking tools for older ones, and encourage both short-term and long-term goals they care about.

5. What if I’ve made money mistakes—can I still teach my child good habits?  

Absolutely. Your experiences are powerful teaching tools. Be honest, share your lessons, and let your child learn from your story. It creates trust and an emotional connection to the topic.

[vmscareaid]

7 Essential Insights About Money Counting Machines

In today's fast-paced financial environments, efficiency and accuracy in handling cash are paramount. Businesses, whether large or small, rely on advanced tools to streamline operations, and a money counting machine is one such indispensable device. This article will delve into the key aspects of money counting machines, highlighting why they are crucial for businesses and how to choose the right one.

1. The Evolution of Money Counters

Money counters have come a long way from the simple mechanical devices of the past. Modern machines are equipped with advanced technologies, allowing them to handle large volumes of cash quickly and accurately. Today’s machines not only count notes but also detect counterfeit currency, making them essential tools in the retail and banking sectors. With the rise of digital transactions, the need for cash handling might seem reduced, but cash is still king in many parts of the world, making money counting machines relevant even today.

2. Types of Money Counting Machines

There are several types of money counting machines, each designed to meet different needs.

Basic Currency Counting Machines: These are straightforward devices that count the number of notes passed through them. They are ideal for businesses with a low risk of counterfeit currency and where speed is more important than accuracy.

Mix Value Counters: These advanced machines can count mixed denominations and calculate the total value of the notes. This feature is particularly useful for businesses that handle large amounts of cash in various denominations, ensuring that they don’t just count notes but also know their exact value.

Note Counting Machines with Counterfeit Detection: These machines not only count money but also check for counterfeit notes using UV, magnetic, or infrared technology. This is crucial for businesses in high-risk areas where counterfeit currency is more prevalent.

3. Why Businesses Need Currency Counting Machines

For any business handling cash transactions, time is money. Manually counting notes is not only time-consuming but also prone to human error. A money counting machine automates this process, significantly reducing the time spent on counting cash and minimizing errors. Moreover, the counterfeit detection feature in many machines ensures that businesses do not lose money by accepting fake notes.

4. Key Features to Look For

When choosing a money counting machine, there are several features to consider:

Counting Speed: Depending on the volume of cash handled daily, businesses should look for machines with varying counting speeds. High-speed machines are suitable for larger businesses, while smaller businesses may opt for slower, more affordable models.

Counterfeit Detection: As mentioned, this feature is crucial for businesses in areas where counterfeit currency is common. Ensure the machine uses multiple detection methods for the highest accuracy.

Hopper Capacity: This refers to the number of notes the machine can hold at once. Larger hoppers are better for businesses that need to count large amounts of cash quickly.

Noise Level: Some machines can be quite noisy, which can be a distraction in quieter office environments. Consider a machine with a lower noise output if this is a concern.

Portability: For businesses that require flexibility, portable money counting machines are available. These are lightweight and easy to transport, making them ideal for use at multiple locations.

5. The Cost Factor: What to Expect

The price of money counting machines varies significantly based on their features. Basic models can be quite affordable, but as you add more advanced features like counterfeit detection and mix value counting, the price increases. It's important to balance your budget with your needs, as investing in a more expensive machine can save you money in the long run by preventing losses from counterfeit notes and improving efficiency.

6. Maintenance and Durability

Money counting machines are robust devices, but like any equipment, they require regular maintenance to ensure longevity. Regular cleaning and calibration will keep your machine running smoothly and accurately. It's also wise to invest in a machine from a reputable brand that offers a good warranty and customer support.

7. Real-World Applications

In the retail sector, where cash transactions are frequent, a currency counting machine can save significant time during cash register closeouts. For banks and financial institutions, mix value counters ensure that large volumes of cash are processed accurately. Even small businesses can benefit, as these machines reduce the likelihood of errors and the labor costs associated with manual counting.

Conclusion Investing in a money counting machine is a smart move for any business that handles cash. With features like counterfeit detection, mix value counting, and high-speed processing, these machines streamline cash handling, improve accuracy, and protect your business from losses. Whether you run a small retail shop or a large financial institution, there's a currency counting machine tailored to your needs. By choosing the right machine, you can enhance efficiency and ensure the smooth operation of your cash-handling processes.

[mrsirobin]

How Can a Money Counting Machine Make Cash Handling Easier in Bangladesh?

In many parts of Bangladesh, cash remains the dominant mode of payment — from bustling local markets to busy retail outlets and corporate cash counters. Managing and counting this cash daily can be a real challenge. Whether you’re a shop owner, a bank employee, or part of a company’s finance team, you’ve probably experienced the frustration of manually counting bundles of currency over and over again.

That’s where a Money Counting Machine comes in as a reliable assistant. It’s not just about speed — it's about accuracy, efficiency, and peace of mind. If you’re curious about the Money Counting Machine price in Bangladesh, it's important to first understand what this device can do for your business or organization.

What Exactly Is a Money Counting Machine?

A Money Counting Machine is a device that counts banknotes automatically, helping users save time while improving accuracy. Many of today’s machines do more than just count — they also sort, batch, and verify notes using advanced technology. This includes built-in counterfeit detection features and user-friendly interfaces.

Such devices have become increasingly common in Bangladesh, especially in areas where high volumes of cash flow through daily operations. From grocery stores and pharmacies to NGOs and mobile recharge points, this tool is simplifying daily cash tasks.

Why Accuracy and Speed Matter in Cash Handling

Counting money by hand is not only tedious, but mistakes are also inevitable, especially when you're dealing with large stacks. Miscounts lead to losses, errors in records, and time-consuming recounts. With a Money Counter Machine, you can count hundreds of notes in seconds — and be confident in the result.

Many devices also offer batch counting options, allowing users to set specific numbers like 50, 100, or 150 notes. This is especially useful when organizing cash into bundles for deposits or audits.

How Do Currency Counting Machines Detect Fake Notes?

A major concern in cash-based economies is counterfeit money. Unfortunately, fake notes continue to circulate across Bangladesh. A Currency Counting Machine equipped with a fake note detector can make a huge difference.

These machines use technologies like UV (Ultraviolet), MG (Magnetic), and IR (Infrared) scanning to identify unusual ink, magnetic strips, or transparent patterns in notes. As the cash is being counted, the machine scans each note for authenticity. If a suspicious note is detected, the machine immediately alerts the user.

Using a money counting machine with fake note detector significantly reduces the risk of financial loss due to counterfeit currency, which is why many businesses and financial institutions now consider it a must-have feature.

Real-Life Applications in Bangladesh

Let’s consider a few examples of where these machines are making a difference:

Retail Shops: Shopkeepers dealing with cash throughout the day can quickly close accounts at the end of business hours.

Banks and MFIs: High-value transactions demand accurate counting and instant detection of counterfeit notes.

Educational Institutions: Schools and colleges that collect tuition fees in cash can benefit from faster payment processing.

Hospitals and Clinics: Billing departments can reduce customer wait times during payment processing.

Event Organizers: Selling tickets or managing entry fees becomes more manageable with fast and secure cash handling.

These examples show that a Money Counting Machine isn’t just for large organizations — even small business owners and individuals in Bangladesh can benefit greatly.

What Features Should You Look For?

Not all counting machines are the same. Before making a purchase, it's helpful to know what features are important based on your needs. Here are some key things to look for:

Fast Counting Speed: Look for models that handle 800–1200 notes per minute.

Fake Note Detection: Choose one with UV, MG, and IR detection.

Preset Batch Counting: Ideal for banks and retail use.

External Display: So customers can also view the counting process.

Easy Maintenance: Some machines come with dust covers, cleaning brushes, and user manuals.

Reliable Warranty: A 2-year replacement warranty gives added confidence.

These features make cash handling smoother, safer, and more efficient for both general users and professionals.

How Much Does a Money Counting Machine Cost in Bangladesh?

Now comes the question many are curious about — the Money Counting Machine price in bd. While there’s no fixed price, most reliable models in the Bangladeshi market start from around BDT 21,000.

Of course, prices may go higher depending on additional features such as multi-currency support, display options, and advanced counterfeit detection. However, even the basic models cover the essential requirements for most small to medium-scale operations.

Considering the long-term benefits — reduced errors, quicker cash processing, and protection from fake notes — the investment is often recovered in just a few months of use.

Who Should Consider Buying One?

If you’re someone who handles cash daily — even in moderate amounts — a Money Counter Machine could be a game-changer. This includes:

Retail and wholesale business owners

Bank and finance professionals

Cash collection agents

School, NGO, or clinic cash desks

Event planners and cash-based service providers

Even households that frequently deal with cash (e.g., landlords, donation organizers) may find it helpful for quickly counting and bundling money.

Is It Easy to Use?

Yes — most modern Currency Counting Machines are designed with simplicity in mind. They usually come with an instruction manual in Bangla and English, making them easy to operate for users with no technical background. The display panel clearly shows the note count, and alert systems indicate fake notes or errors.

Some machines even come with preset options for quick tasks — like auto-start/stop, self-cleaning reminders, and note-jamming alerts — so users don’t have to worry about complicated maintenance.

Final Thoughts

In today’s digital age, where time and accuracy are everything, a Money Counting Machine proves to be a vital tool for businesses and individuals alike in Bangladesh. It not only saves hours of manual effort but also protects your cash flow from the growing threat of counterfeit currency.

As the demand for safe and efficient cash handling grows, investing in the right machine becomes a smart and responsible decision. And while the Money Counting Machine price in Bangladesh starts from just around 21,000 BDT, the real value lies in the reliability, speed, and peace of mind it offers.

Whether you're managing a small store or overseeing large-scale transactions, the benefits of automation in cash management are too significant to ignore.

[cassidausa01]

What Is a Mixed Bill Counter and How Does It Work?

In today's fast-paced business environment, efficiency and accuracy are key components of success. Whether you're managing a retail store, a bank, a casino, or any other cash-heavy operation, handling money manually can be time-consuming and error-prone. This is where a mixed bill counter comes in — an innovative piece of technology designed to streamline the cash handling process while reducing human error.

In this article, we’ll explore what a mixed bill counter is, how it works, and why investing in the best mixed bill counter is a smart decision for any business. We'll also spotlight a trusted brand in the industry: Cassida USA.

What Is a Mixed Bill Counter?

A mixed bill counter is a type of money counting machine that can recognize and count different denominations of banknotes in a single pass. Unlike traditional bill counters, which require all bills to be sorted by denomination before being fed into the machine, a mixed bill counter can handle unsorted stacks of currency. It uses advanced recognition technologies to detect the value of each note and provides a total count and value instantly.

This innovation not only saves time but also greatly reduces the chances of human error, making it an essential tool for businesses dealing with high volumes of cash.

How Does a Mixed Bill Counter Work?

Mixed bill counters are equipped with several technologies that work in tandem to identify and count currency accurately:

1. Currency Recognition Technology

At the heart of every mixed bill counter is a system that uses optical sensors and image recognition to identify the denomination of each bill. These sensors scan both sides of each note to detect unique features such as:

Size and dimensions

Colors and patterns

Security features like watermarks, micro-printing, and holograms

The machine then cross-references this data with pre-programmed templates for each denomination, enabling it to differentiate between $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 bills automatically.

2. Magnetic and Ultraviolet (UV) Detection

To prevent counterfeit currency from slipping through, most high-end mixed bill counters incorporate counterfeit detection technologies. Magnetic sensors detect magnetic ink used in legitimate notes, while UV sensors check for fluorescent symbols and threads embedded in genuine currency.

3. Infrared (IR) Detection

IR sensors further enhance the machine’s ability to verify the authenticity of each bill by checking for IR ink patterns that are invisible to the naked eye.

4. Batching and Sorting Features

Many of the best mixed bill counters also offer batching and sorting features. For example, you can set the machine to count a certain number of bills at a time, or to sort out specific denominations or suspect bills for further review.

Benefits of Using a Mixed Bill Counter

1. Time-Saving

One of the primary advantages of using a mixed bill counter is the time it saves. Counting cash manually can take hours, especially if the bills are not sorted. A mixed bill counter can process hundreds, even thousands, of notes in minutes.

2. Improved Accuracy

Even the most diligent employee can make mistakes when counting large amounts of cash. A mixed bill counter minimizes the chance of error and ensures every cent is accounted for.

3. Counterfeit Detection

With counterfeit detection features, you can rest assured that every bill that passes through the machine is thoroughly examined for authenticity.

4. Convenience

Mixed bill counters eliminate the need to sort money beforehand, allowing staff to focus on other tasks. They also produce printed reports and summaries for easy record-keeping and audits.

5. Professional Image

Using advanced cash handling equipment conveys a sense of professionalism and reliability to customers and business partners.

Who Needs a Mixed Bill Counter?

Mixed bill counters are ideal for a variety of industries, including:

Retail Stores: Daily cash register reconciliation becomes faster and more accurate.

Banks and Credit Unions: Large volumes of deposits and withdrawals can be processed with ease.

Casinos and Gaming Centers: Handle significant amounts of cash quickly and securely.

Restaurants and Cafés: Manage cash from multiple tills effortlessly.

Churches and Charities: Accurately count donations made in various denominations.

Choosing the Best Mixed Bill Counter

When selecting a mixed bill counter, it's important to consider several key features:

Counting Speed: Look for machines that offer fast throughput (at least 1,000 notes per minute).

Multi-Currency Support: If your business deals with international cash, choose a model that can handle multiple currencies.

Ease of Use: User-friendly interfaces, clear displays, and intuitive operation are essential.

Counterfeit Detection: Make sure the machine includes magnetic, UV, and IR detection.

Durability and Warranty: A reliable build and good manufacturer support will save you from headaches down the line.

One of the top providers of cash handling equipment is Cassida USA, a brand known for quality, precision, and innovation in the industry.

Why Choose Cassida USA?

Cassida USA has established itself as a trusted name in currency handling solutions. Their mixed bill counters combine high-speed performance with state-of-the-art detection features, all housed in sleek, user-friendly designs.

Popular models like the Cassida Zeus or Cassida Quattro are known for:

Superior counterfeit detection

High counting speeds

Reliable performance under heavy usage

Touchscreen displays for ease of use

Compatibility with both U.S. and international currency

With a commitment to customer satisfaction and cutting-edge technology, Cassida USA consistently delivers some of the best mixed bill counters on the market.

Explore their full range of mixed bill counters here: https://cassidausa.com/collections/mix-bill-counters

Conclusion

In a world where time is money, a mixed bill counter offers an efficient, accurate, and secure way to manage your cash flow. Whether you run a small business or oversee operations for a large financial institution, investing in a reliable machine from a reputable brand like Cassida USA can save you both time and money.

From rapid currency recognition to advanced counterfeit detection, the best mixed bill counters are more than just counting machines — they’re essential tools for modern money management.

Make the smart move. Automate your cash counting process and experience the difference a professional-grade mixed bill counter can make.

[kolibriusa01]

Understanding the Importance of a Mixed Bill Counter in Modern Cash Management

In today's fast-paced world, efficient cash management is more important than ever. Whether you are running a small retail business, managing a large financial institution, or overseeing operations in a high-traffic venue, handling large volumes of cash efficiently and accurately is a priority. One of the essential tools that facilitate streamlined cash management is a mixed bill counter.

A mixed bill counter is an advanced machine that can simultaneously sort and count different denominations of currency, such as banknotes of varying values. It is a game-changer in cash-intensive operations, reducing manual labor, increasing accuracy, and improving operational efficiency. In this article, we will delve into why a mixed bill counter is essential in modern cash management and explore how it has revolutionized the way businesses handle cash.

The Evolution of Cash Management

Cash management has evolved significantly over the years. Traditional methods of counting and sorting bills were time-consuming and error-prone. In the past, businesses would rely on manual counting and sorting of bills, which was not only labor-intensive but also prone to human errors. With the advent of technology, machines have been developed to automate many of these processes, including currency counting and sorting.

The rise of mixed bill counters is one such technological advancement. These counters use sophisticated sensors and mechanisms to identify, count, and sort bills of different denominations. This automation has brought tremendous benefits to various industries, from retail and hospitality to banking and casinos.

What is a Mixed Bill Counter?

A mixed bill counter is a machine designed to automatically count and sort different denominations of bills at the same time. Unlike traditional bill counters, which can only handle one denomination at a time, mixed bill counters can identify and separate different currencies as they are being fed into the machine. This ability makes them particularly useful in environments where multiple denominations of bills are being processed simultaneously.

For example, a retail business might receive cash payments in several different denominations. Without a mixed bill counter, employees would need to manually sort the bills and count them one by one, which can be time-consuming and prone to error. However, with a mixed bill counter, the machine can automatically detect the different bills, count them, and separate them into their respective denominations, providing accurate results in a fraction of the time.

The Key Benefits of a Mixed Bill Counter

1. Time Efficiency

One of the biggest advantages of using a mixed bill counter is the significant time savings it offers. Manual counting and sorting can take hours, especially in high-volume cash handling environments. With a mixed bill counter, the process becomes almost instantaneous. This allows businesses to allocate their time and resources to more critical tasks, such as improving customer service or managing inventory.

2. Accuracy and Reduced Human Error

Human error is a natural occurrence when manually counting large volumes of cash. A simple mistake in counting or sorting bills can lead to discrepancies in the cash register, which may result in financial losses or discrepancies in the books. Mixed bill counters, on the other hand, provide highly accurate results. They use advanced sensors and algorithms to ensure that the counting and sorting process is flawless, significantly reducing the chances of human error.

3. Enhanced Security

When handling large sums of cash, security is always a top concern. Mixed bill counters are equipped with security features such as counterfeit detection, which helps identify fake bills. This ensures that only authentic currency is counted and stored. In addition, because the process is automated, the likelihood of internal theft is reduced, as fewer employees need to handle cash directly.

4. Increased Productivity

By reducing the time and labor required to count and sort cash, mixed bill counters improve overall productivity. Employees no longer have to spend hours on repetitive and tedious tasks. Instead, they can focus on more value-added activities that contribute to the business’s success. Whether it's serving customers, managing the cash register, or performing other essential tasks, a mixed bill counter ensures that time is used more efficiently.

5. Reduced Operational Costs

At first glance, investing in a mixed bill counter may seem like an unnecessary expense. However, the long-term savings are substantial. By automating cash management processes, businesses can reduce the number of staff required to handle cash, thereby lowering labor costs. Additionally, mixed bill counters minimize the risk of human error and discrepancies, which can lead to costly mistakes. The reduction in operational costs, combined with the time savings, makes investing in a mixed bill counter a wise financial decision.

6. Better Cash Flow Management

For businesses, managing cash flow is a critical aspect of ensuring financial health. Mixed bill counters help businesses maintain better control over their cash flow by providing accurate and efficient cash handling. With real-time reports and automated cash tracking, businesses can keep a closer eye on their cash reserves and make more informed financial decisions. Whether it's ensuring sufficient change for customers or tracking revenue, a mixed bill counter helps businesses stay on top of their finances.

Applications of Mixed Bill Counters

Mixed bill counters are used in various industries, each benefiting from the automation and efficiency they provide:

Retail

Retail businesses, especially those with high foot traffic, benefit greatly from mixed bill counters. Cashiers no longer need to manually count and sort bills at the end of a shift. Instead, they can rely on the mixed bill counter to perform the task quickly and accurately, allowing the business to close out registers faster and more efficiently.

Banking and Financial Institutions

Banks and other financial institutions handle large volumes of currency daily. Mixed bill counters help speed up the process of counting, sorting, and verifying currency. These machines also play a critical role in the detection of counterfeit bills, ensuring that only genuine currency is circulated.

Hospitality and Entertainment

Venues such as casinos, hotels, and entertainment centers often deal with high volumes of cash. A mixed bill counter can help streamline the cash management process, ensuring that operations run smoothly and that financial discrepancies are avoided.

Why You Should Buy a Mixed Bill Counter

The benefits of buy mixed bill counter are clear. But when choosing to invest in one, it’s crucial to select a reliable and reputable brand that offers high-quality performance. When considering purchasing a mixed bill counter, you should look for one that offers speed, accuracy, and durability. This ensures that the machine can handle high volumes of cash and withstand the demands of busy environments.

One such trusted option is the Kolibri USA Mixed Bill Counter, which combines cutting-edge technology with high-performance capabilities. Designed for both small and large businesses, this machine is engineered to provide fast, efficient, and accurate cash management solutions. With built-in counterfeit detection and a user-friendly interface, the Kolibri USA Mixed Bill Counter can help your business save time and money while improving cash handling accuracy.

To learn more and make a purchase, Visit https://kolibriusa.com/collections/mixed-bill-counter

Conclusion

In today's competitive business environment, having an efficient and accurate cash management system is crucial. A mixed bill counter is an invaluable tool that can help businesses streamline their cash-handling operations. Whether you’re running a retail shop, a bank, or a high-traffic venue, investing in a mixed bill counter can lead to significant time savings, increased accuracy, better security, and reduced operational costs. By choosing a high-quality product, such as the Kolibri USA Mixed Bill Counter, businesses can ensure they stay ahead of the curve in managing their cash efficiently and securely.

[socioviews]

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Playing Slot Machines

Everyone loves to attempt out their exact fortune at a online casino every from time to time. However, despite the amusement and excitement of slot machine play, winning high-value coin jackpots is even more fun! Nowadays, the overall public is privy to a good buy more about how slot machines paintings than earlier than, but there are however many questions that’ll possibly stay unanswered. However, the high-quality aspect human beings are maximum curious approximately is the manner to boost their odds of winning at a slot tool and hitting that large jackpot.

Although that is pretty a complicated issue count number because every slot device features slightly in a remarkable way, there are numerous tips any passionate on line on line casino player need to apply to beautify their chances. So, preserve reading to find out greater approximately the manner you might be able to up your triumphing possibilities.

Find the Return to Player (RTP) information. First and critical, the RTP performs a critical feature in raising and measuring triumphing odds. The number that indicates the likelihood of winning a prize from each slot machine is known as the RTP. In essence, this percent range will tell you how likely it is that you will win the jackpot. The higher the quantity, the better the general payback percent on that precise device.

You typically obtained’t have any troubles finding out what the RTP is for on-line slots, but brick and mortar casinos inside the U.S. Hide these numbers very well. So, even though it’s nearly not viable to discover the actual RTP numbers for traditional casinos, however you can perform a chunk research and locate an approximate huge range. Check out slot gacor.

With this information, you can choose which slots have the highest return to player (RTP), making them the most likely to win the jackpot. Concentrate on Slots with a Higher Denomination All players are free to put as many coins as they want in the slots while they are playing. However, in case you’re gambling to win, preserve in mind that slots with better denominations normally have better payout opportunities. So, if your motive is to get a higher shot at leaving a winner lot of cash, choose excessive denomination slots, if your bankroll can find out the coins for them.

[svatechnologies]

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Maximize Retail Efficiency: How Lynde Ordway’s Coin Separator Speeds Up Cash Management

Why Accurate and Fast Coin Sorting Matters

In fast-paced retail environments, time is money—literally. Manual coin sorting not only slows down operations but also increases the risk of human error, revenue loss, and employee burnout. That’s why more retailers across the U.S. are turning to the Lynde Ordway coin separator—a trusted solution that automates, accelerates, and perfects the cash-handling process.

What Is a Coin Separator?

A coin separator is a specialized machine that automatically detects and separates coins based on denomination. Unlike basic trays or manual methods, these machines eliminate human guesswork. They improve accuracy, speed, and productivity in environments where cash flow is constant—like supermarkets, laundromats, vending businesses, arcades, and more.

🚀 How Lynde Ordway’s Coin Separator Boosts Retail Efficiency

1. Speeds Up End-of-Day Reconciliation

Manual coin sorting can take up to 30 minutes per cashier. Multiply that by 5–10 registers and you’re losing hours every week. With the Lynde Ordway coin separator, that process drops to under 5 minutes, freeing up your team to focus on customer service or closing faster.

2. Minimizes Counting Errors

Even the best employees make mistakes under pressure. Lynde Ordway’s precision sensors ensure near-perfect coin denomination detection—making it a retail coin sorter you can trust.

3. Boosts ROI and Labor Efficiency

Cutting back on time spent sorting means fewer payroll hours wasted. Over the course of a year, the return on investment (ROI) becomes evident. Some users report saving up to $5,000 annually in labor costs alone.

💡 Time-Lapse Example: Manual vs. Automated Sorting

Method

Time Taken to Sort $100 in Mixed Coins

Error Rate

Manual

~30 minutes

5–10%

Lynde Ordway Coin Separator

~4 minutes

<1%

Imagine the impact of that time saved across hundreds of transactions each week!

Where It Fits Best

Grocery Stores – for quick till reconciliation

Laundromats – constant coin input/output

Arcades & Gaming Venues – reduce delays in counting

Transit Companies – manage coin-heavy fare boxes

Event Venues & Amusement Parks – speed up booth closings

The Lynde Ordway coin separator adapts well across various retail sectors and can handle high-volume operations with ease.

Features Retailers Love

✅ Compact and portable design ✅ Handles multiple denominations at once ✅ Low maintenance with high durability ✅ Easy to integrate with other Lynde Ordway cash management tools ✅ Designed and built for commercial-grade performance

Q&A: What Business Owners Are Asking

Q: Is a coin separator the same as a coin counter? A: No. A coin separator only separates coins by type; a coin counter adds up the value. Lynde Ordway offers both options—many of which work together seamlessly.

Q: How much training is needed? A: Minimal. Staff can be trained in less than 10 minutes. The machine is intuitive and comes with easy-to-follow instructions.

Q: What about maintenance and repairs? A: The Lynde Ordway support team offers long-term service plans and quick parts availability, minimizing downtime.

Why Choose Lynde Ordway?

Backed by decades of experience in cash handling systems, Lynde Ordway builds machines designed for durability, accuracy, and ease of use. Their coin separator models are trusted by thousands of U.S. retailers—especially those seeking to cut costs without compromising accuracy.

If you're researching the best coin separator for retail use or wondering how to improve coin handling speed, Lynde Ordway should be at the top of your list.

Final Thoughts

When you streamline cash handling with tools like the Lynde Ordway coin separator, you’re not just saving time—you’re gaining consistency, improving staff efficiency, and enhancing your bottom line. In today's competitive retail world, automation is no longer optional—it’s essential.

✅ Take Action Now

Ready to upgrade your retail operations? 👉 Explore Lynde Ordway’s Coin Separator Models 👉 Request a free demo or consultation 👉 Discover how much time and money you can save this year

coin separator

[notecountingmachine]

Elcons Note Counting Machine.. “Upgrade your cash handling with the Elcons Heavy Duty Mix Value Note Counter – fast, accurate, fraud-proof, and built for serious business. Perfect for shops, banks, and cash-heavy operations!”

Heavy-Duty & High-Speed Performance Built for continuous, high-volume cash handling, this machine counts up to 1,000 notes per minute without overheating or slowing down.

Mix Value Counting with Denomination Breakdown Easily counts mixed denominations and displays both total value and quantity per note — no need to sort bills manually.

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