#and don’t!!!! buy!!!! dupe!!!!!!!!!!! albums!!!!!!!!! save your money!!!!!!!!!!!

[deus-ex-mona]

Hi!

I just wanna ask where I could get the LXL second album ultimate ver since every website I visit says there no more (OHNO DAMMIT)

I'D REALLY REALLY REALLY appreciate it if you'd also put the links here, too!!!

THANK YOU SO SO SO SO SO SO much!

hi!!!

for direct purchases, there’s the cdjapan (non proxy) release which seems to be still available (in the sense that i can still add it to my cart on the site, but i can’t be sure bc i don’t wanna buy a third ultimate box by accident).

if you wanna get better purchase bonuses with the help of ✨proxy sites✨, there’s animate, gamers (but it seems to come with the same poster that accompany the cdj purchases anyway soooo), tower records (which seems to have an affiliated proxy site??), and hmv (the fork and spoon set costs more though), to name a few. not even gonna look up the availability on amjp bc the mega jacket is essentially useless to begin with. i can’t say for sure that these are still available, but they seem to be from what i can see. don’t quote me on that thoughhhhh

i can say for sure that the lxl bonus calendars will no longer be distributed with february purchases though. the early purchase period for that has already ended :( sadded

good luck with your purchase!!! remember to ✨spend wisely✨ and that buying dupe albums is ✨not healthy✨ for your wallet!!!!!

[freewheelshippin]

Ranmaru is a musician down on his luck and out of inspiration who got taken in by a sweet old couple running a gardening/flower shop, so while he pulls himself together, he’s grouchily helping out and making bouquets and doling out plant care advice. M is a tattoo artist with not enough clients, confidence in her art, or skills in keeping succulents alive, but maybe the toughie at the store across the street can help her with all three!

and because I’m Like That I got tied up and uh....wrote a little (a lot) of something, focusing on the artistic funk part of the equation. But if you’ll let me have one more indulgence, the headcanon I have is that it eventually Happy Endings into becoming roommates and business partners, starting an indie label to support other artists!!!  

anyways here’s this excessively indulgent/serious fic that came outta this LOL

He was here, folded among big green leaves for much longer than he’d intended. The owners heard he was down on hard times and didn’t have a safe place to call home, so he holed up in their guest room. Before he knew it he was stepping in for them at every heavy mulch bag, every wheelbarrow piled high, every crouch that was too much for their aging bodies.

It wasn’t a bad life. It was an improvement, sure. He was alive and fed every day, and he’d never known a home so warm. But it still wasn’t his. He felt like a houseplant, tended to and placed in warm sun, but just as easily fading into the stillness of quiet moments and the background of everyday. He’d never wanted a life like a plant. He hungered deeply even though he was eating regularly again, and he felt more like a bored tiger, pacing in its cage but nowhere to go.

******

He’d been there long enough to start noticing the regulars. The first was that friendly guy who always got idioms wrong and bought the store out of all their cat grass. The second someone was even friendlier, and he’d bug him for what kind of flowers to get a florist. He kept asking even if Ranmaru never gave him an answer past ‘I don’t fucking know’ as he arranged bouquets that used as many herbs and broad, bold leaves as traditional flowers.

The third was someone who looked like she walked in from his past life (or the one he wanted back, anyway). The shaved head, the denim and patches, the ink peeking out from under her sleeves. She was friendly enough but nowhere near as ready to ask for things or will information about herself as the other two regulars, so he only knew her from her purchases and the name on her card.

It wouldn’t have been remarkable in itself if he weren’t so hungry. He’d burned bridges he shouldn’t have while he was ablaze, and now the only people who thought of him kindly were through this stupidly quaint little shop. He was too ashamed of his bullshit to be ready to show his face in those places right now, but he also craved chasing the stage and the dream he’d stayed alive for.

It was just a made-up story he was attaching to someone, he knew this. Maybe she went home and did everything she could to fade into pleasant background like a houseplant. But he’d rather pretend she went to the shows he wished he were going to, that her fingertips were callused in the places his were going soft, and pretend like he still could smell that stuffy, stale sweat from a venue. Maybe he hadn’t burned it away completely from his life and future.

Occasionally, he still wished he was starving, but he’d bury his hands in mulch and dig space for a new plant before he gave in to dumb thoughts like that.

*****

The first time they had a conversation, it was because she forgot something. A big something, big enough that Ranmaru wondered how someone could have a head on their shoulders but forget this.

It was a long, flat portfolio bag. He flipped through it to figure out what it was and tried to not look past that. It was tempting, though, because the contents made him feel the tiniest bit sated for the first time since he’d started working here.

They were flash sheets for tattoos. It had to be hers, right? There was energy to them that he’d ached for but turned his back from. So when she came back, he brought it up very plainly.

“You forgot something here,” he said when she came up to the counter. He produced the portfolio bag.

“.......Oh.”

“What, is it not yours?”

“No, no, it is! I just didn’t realize I’d even lost it!”

“How the hell did you manage that?!”

“A swiss cheese brain full of holes,” she laughed. “...Also, I’ve been really busy.”

“What would make you so busy you forget a giant stack of art like that?”

“Uh…”

“....Whatever. It’s none of my business.” He started to properly ring her up before something occurred to him. “You bought the same succulent last week,” he commented, furrowing his brow. “And a few other times before. What’s so great about it, anyways?”

She made a face of discomfort and surprise, and he felt the same distant shame that he messed this last (even if imagined) connection to that life, too.

“...maybe you can help me, because I keep killing it.”

“You killed a succulent in a week?!”

“No! I mean. I don’t know, is that even possible?”

“First time for anything,” Ranmaru snorted.

“Okay,” she said, putting hands on the counter challengingly. “Don’t get the wrong idea. I’m not one of those serial plant killers.”

Ranmaru just looked back at her incredulously. “You sure about that?”

“If it’s not a succulent, I know what I’m doing! I got a whole brood of chili plants and herbs and spiderplants…”

“You’re overwatering it.”

“You haven’t even seen the plant.”

“Yeah, I don’t have to. Everything else you mentioned doesn’t shit the bed if you water them too much, and succulents are stupidly sensitive to that kind of stuff. Are the leaves falling off if you barely even poke them?”

“......Yeah…” She looked apprehensive, almost resentful for a moment.

Ranmaru knew he shouldn’t, but he just kept talking. “I can’t tell you what you wanna do with your plants, but it sounds overwatered.  Don’t water it at all for a couple weeks. Make sure the drainage is good, repot it if it isn’t. Bring it in if you’re still fucking it up.”

“You sure are rude as shit when a plant buddy’s life is on the line, huh?”

“What’s the point of buying a plant if you’re just going to kill it?! You’re just throwing away your money that way,” he grumbled, embarrassed. Him, caring about plants passionately. That didn’t feel right for his image, but it felt more wrong to just let people uselessly throw away their time and money just to give a living thing no future.

“I mean, I’m also buying dupes right now to spruce up my workspace, it’s not like I just have a graveyard for my cash and failed succulents.”  

Ranmaru grunted. “Just bring ‘em in if they’re still giving you trouble. I can give you some cartons to make carrying ‘em easier.”

“Ahhhh, nah, don’t worry about it. I work across the street. It’s no problem.”

“Where?” He had a feeling he knew already.

“Oh, the tattoo parlor. I’m actually headed back there right now.”

“....Guess I could just as easily go over there.”

“Hey, and you could get a tattoo from me while you’re at it!” she laughed. “Here, hold on.” She fumbled a little before handing over her business card. Ranmaru studied it briefly before pocketing it gratefully.

When she tried to hand him money, he held a hand up.

“...Pay when you stop killing ‘em. I should’ve checked in sooner, and you get so much from here already, anyways.”

“...You’re sure.”

“If you feel guilty, then take my advice seriously.”

“....Weird business model, but I like it. I can’t give you a discount on ink, if that’s what you’re after.”

“Hell no. Go back to work. Come back when you stop watering them so much.”

“Alright, fine, fine. You drive a hard bargain,” she said with a laugh, scooping the plant into her hand. “I’ll see you next time I fuck ‘em up some other way.”

She left, and Ranmaru realized she forgot her portfolio bag again.

******

He didn’t do much of anything except sleep, eat, take care of the neighborhood strays, and work anymore, but he thought about practicing bass again. He didn’t have amps, pedals, or much of anything anymore, either sold in desperation or lifted by former bandmembers in spite, but his actual basses he couldn’t let go of. Sentimentality or some promise to himself this arrangement was temporary, he guessed.

He studied the business card a lot. Something about the style of the art on it felt right, beyond it being the dose of the studs, sweat, and tears he missed. He didn’t bother trying to describe it to himself further than that; it just felt right, and that’s all he needed to know, but it didn’t stop him from lying awake in bed, staring at it as he struggled to sleep or get out.

Eventually that led to the temptation of looking through the portfolio more thoroughly. He gave in after washing his hands so thoroughly he wouldn’t get the dirt of potting soil or the grease of human hands on it. Not out of secrecy, more out of respect.

Not all of them were things he’d say he was interested in -- science fiction, cartoons, dinosaurs, other stuff he didn’t recognize -- but so much was riffing on images, bands, lyrics, album covers that built his tastes in rock. Even models of bass guitars he’d tried to save up for, once upon a time. It didn’t match the tattoowork he was used to seeing, the lines and compositions feeling more like they belonged in a comic book or a gig poster.

It felt good. It was a small vision of the kind of future he’d wanted. Art and energy like that, paired with his music. He’d forgotten how the excitement of chasing a good future felt, much less feeling like it was even vaguely within grasping distance.

His eyes fell on an image that wouldn’t leave him. A severed, snarling wolf head, out of which winding leaves and vines and stems grew, blooming into orchids.

*****

She didn’t come back for weeks. He went about this life as usual, but some days he’d find his fingers sliding over the smooth neck of one of his basses, missing their calluses as the strings dug into them. But the motions never left him, at least, and they hit notes like barely any time had passed.

He should give that portfolio back to her already. But he’d found himself looking at its contents more and more when he missed the stage so much he physically ached. He couldn’t be imagining this feeling this art made him have, not after this long.

At one point he made a copy of the wolf with orchids growing out of it. He cut it out, unbuttoned his shirt, taped it over his heart, and looked at himself in the mirror, and for the first time since the old couple took him in, he didn’t feel like a houseplant.

*****

He came to the parlor with the portfolio in hand on a lunch break soon after that. She looked uncomfortably unoccupied, her area empty of clients while the other tattoo beds were occupied. He didn’t bother with the receptionist before calling her name. She practically jumped out of her skin from surprise.

He just presented the portfolio bag.

“...Whoops.”

“Do you just not want your art back?”

“...It just slipped my mind.”

Because you’ve been busy, Ranmaru thought to himself as he looked at the empty tattoo bed.

“Did you kill your new plants yet?”

She straightened up and her whole demeanor changed, from the moon to the sun. “Now that I can rub in your face. Look, look, come see.”

She had a small planter of succulents, nestled among spideplants and a red prayer he remembered selling her. The spiderplant and red prayer looked healthy. The succulents didn’t look amazing, but they certainly weren’t on their way to meet their maker.

“Not bad. I’ll rec you some better succulent soil next time you come in. Whenever that is.”

“I figured I’d wait more than one watering cycle before I came in parading like a pageant queen.”

“Too many and I bet you’d be holding another plant funeral,” he said with a wry smile. “But take your shit back already. I’m tired of all your art being at my place where I’m the only one looking at it.”

“...Wait, hold on. Did you look through it?”

“....Sorry. It’s been weeks. I liked your business card and curiosity got the better of me.”

“Oh…” She looked not disappointed, just surprised. “So...you mean, like. Thumbing through the pages looking at it, not just staring at the bag look at it.”

“Is it a secret project or something?”

“No, no. Just…” She hesitated. “Some flash sheets that didn’t do well is all.”

“Really?” Ranmaru was surprised. “These?”

“...Yes? Did I forget something else in there?”

“No. Just. Surprised they didn’t do well. I like ‘em. There’s a good energy to them.”

“Well, that makes you the first,” she said with a hollow laugh.

Ranmaru barely considered with his head what he was about to ask. He’d already chewed it over so much and knew in his heart his answer that he didn’t need to hesitate.

“If nobody else claimed it, I want one of them,” he said resolutely. “The wolf with the orchids.”

“...What, like, now?”

“I’m on lunch, I can’t do now. But….when’s the earliest you got?”

She laughed grimly. “When do you get off work?”

“Six.”

“Then I’m available at six.”

“Then I’ll be here.”

She looked at him in disbelief.

“...You really want it that bad?”

“Don’t tell me what I want,” he growled. “I saw it and it felt right, thinking about it on me. Orchids are a part of my name, anyway.”

“....Okay, you know what? Let’s do this properly. We’ll do a consult at six. I’ll edit the design so it’s more personalized to you, then we’ll schedule an actual appointment you’re actually prepped for so you don’t pass out on the table. And don’t -- “ She caught him about to insist before the words could come out of his mouth. “-- I’m sure you think you’re real tough, but you can’t just tough guy your nervous system into taking more pain unprepared.”

“Fine. See you at six.”

Ranmaru wanted to tell her the hurry was less because he thought he could take it, and more because he was so ready to have it on him. He didn’t, though, and just left, head buzzing with hazy, overwhelming excitement he didn’t know how to express.

*************

Consulting with her on the drawing was more fun than Ranmaru had had in weeks, maybe months. She stayed past her coworkers to do the consult, so they had the parlor to themselves to discuss edits. She played doom metal in the background, sludgy and slow enough that they could properly have a conversation, but the energy as she discussed the drawing with him, drew in edits, and made conversation was exhilarating like a concert.

It was so easy to talk. Even if he was short or blunt, it didn’t seem to stop her from continuing the conversation, and every development they pushed it in just felt good. He didn’t feel invaded, but he didn’t feel insignificant, either, and the way the drawing was going, he felt a kind of known he had lacked.

“I still can’t believe you want your first ink on your pec like that,” she remarked as she refined linework. Ranmaru enjoyed watching how her pen moved.

“It’s over my heart. Not just my chest.”

“That’s, uh.” She hesitated before capping the pen. “.......Are you really sure about this?”

“...” Ranmaru felt himself recoil at the thought of telling her the depth of what this drawing made him feel, but he wanted to communicate, somehow, that he couldn’t imagine regretting this. “I’m absolutely sure.”

“.......” She hesitated again. “This isn’t….a pity thing, right?”

The thought to hold his tongue actually managed to occur to him in time. The doubt she expressed pissed him off in so many different ways. That she was unsure enough to tell him, and that it was there to begin with. The thought of throwing away this connection just to be pissed made his stomach twist, and he thought of the person he saw in the mirror with the drawing taped to his chest that first time.

“This isn’t a pity thing,” he said stiffly as he forced his voice down. “....I saw that drawing and imagined myself with it. And I liked that vision of myself more than the current me.”

“Oh god,” she said, her face bright red. “That’s so goddamn deep. My dumb fuckin’ wolf really made you feel that?”

“It’s not dumb!” he barked. “Why’re you calling it dumb to me? I’m about to get it tattooed on me, aren’t I? Be prouder of your work!”

She took a deep breath after a moment of being totally taken aback. “....You’re right. Thanks. I should be more professional about this. So….my absolutely majestic, heaven-sent fuckin’ wolf really made you feel all that?”

Ranmaru felt his mouth crook into a smile. “Yeah. I want it to be mine, and I want that better me to be mine, too.”

She smiled back widely. “I’ll do your tit justice, then.”

***************

The appointment was that weekend. When she pressed the stencil against his bare chest, he felt the hunger in him sated for just a moment. Not in a carnal urge sort of way, but more like the path forward felt brighter. Possible. Changes and connection and a future was possible again. He wanted more ink from her already, but he also wanted it to not just be that. He wanted a friendship.

“Okay,” she said as he laid on the table in front of her. “Ready?”

The whir of the machine and needles started and stirred a nervousness in his gut that he hadn’t expected, and he hesitated and gasped for a sec.

“...You OK?”

“Yeah,” he grunted. “Just…nervous.”

“Take a deep breath. It’s not too late to rethink or reschedule if you need more time.”

“No.” He was resolute. “I want this.”

She paused. “....I can’t do this the whole time. But just to get you comfortable.”

She offered her left hand to him to squeeze. He hesitated for a moment before taking it, folding each finger over hers. He can’t remember the last time he touched someone like this.

“...Okay. Deep breath. Let out out slowly…there we go. Ready?”

“Ready.”

The needle plunged into him, and while it hurt, he felt excitement and renewal spreading through to his fingertips.

[beths-escape-from-reality]

Hey Guys!

Today I thought that I would do another little collective haul. I haven’t really been shopping all that much lately, I am trying to save some money. I am hoping to replace my camera this year and, finally, get my drivers licence, so I am bit more frugal then usual, but I have picked up a few odd bits here and there so I thought that I would hare them with you. Here we go…

First I picked up another Lego Birckhead thing. If you saw my Disney haul then you know that I brought one there, well I love it so much that I got another one I picked up Belle. I will admit, she does look a bit derpy, and this one was a lot more complicated to put together then my Iron Man but I love it. It looks super cute on my book shelves and I can see these becoming something that I collect. It was £9.99, which is actually pretty good.

Next I popped into Peacocks with my mum to try and find a clutch for her and ended up getting a pair of shoes. They are a pair of black, multi-buckle heals. They are fake saude, really comfy and so beautiful. I love them. They are a dupe for the Topshop version of the Saint Laurent ones (if that makes sense) and I love them. I have wanted a pair of these for ages, but couldn’t bring myself to spend £60 on the Topshop ones, but I saw these and they where only £24 to begin with, plus they where on sale for half price so only £12 and I could not leave them there. I love them. I can see myself wearing these all the time.

I also went into Clinton and got a couple more Tsum Tsum’s. I picked up the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland and then I (FINALLY!) got myself a Belle. I got Beast, Mrs Pots and Chip ages ago and I have never been able to find a Belle, but now I have one, at long last lol. They are £3.50 each and yeah. Nothing more I can say about them.

Next I went into New Look where I got a few sale items. First I got two beanie hats. They are identical, one black, one grey. They are in the really oversized, floppy style and very cute. They will be perfect for autumn (yes, I am already waiting for it lol). One was £1, the other £1.50….not sure why, but oh well. Still a bargain I also picked up two sets of tights. Both ‘fashion’ tights. I just thought that these would look really sweet with my black skater skirt. Both are black, and normal up to mid thigh. Then one has strips, the other spots. I just really like them. They where £2 each I I think they will look very cute.

Then I ordered myself a mug from Evie Bookish on Society 6. There are a few designs on here that I have been eyeing up for a while but a few weeks ago there was one of their flash discount offer things, so I decided to finally go for it and order one. So I ultimately decided to get the Infernal Devices one. It is so beautiful. It is all in shades of black and blue and green and it is so stunning. On one side of it is an illustration of the Clockwork Angel and then on the other side was a quote from Clockwork Princess that is so lovely. The quote it ‘It is not easy to be different, and even less so to be unique. But I begin to think I was never meant for an easy road’ and I love it. This is going to sit on my Cassandra Clare shelf and look beautiful. I think it cost me around the equivalent of £9, but it was ages ago because shipping to the UK takes and age, and I cant remember how much discount I had. If you want bookish items, check out Evie Bookish.

Next, rather randomly, I brought some shelf brackets. I am currently redecorating my bedroom, and while doing this I have removed a giant framed poster that I had on my wall and decided to replace it with some shelves. I originally wanted floating shelves, but I was worried that they wouldn’t hold any weight, considering I am using them as kind of ‘feature’ book shelves (they now contain some of my all time favs/pretty book) so I got myself some brackets instead. The ones I got are just simple white metal. They have the cross bar on them to act as a bookend and I really like them. They where around £3 each from amazon.

I also actually brought some music. I know! I brought myself a couple of albums that I have wanted for ages. I popped into HMV and picked up 2 albums on their 2 for £10 deal. I got 21 Pilots, Blurry Face and also Troye Sivan, Blue Neighbourhood. I had listened to both of these on Spotify multiple times already but I don’t like streaming out and about because of how much data it uses, plus the adds really piss me off lol, so I am so happy to finally own both of these.

I also picked up a new work skirt. Mine has needed replacing for about 4 moths now but I have been putting off getting a new one for so long. Partly because I am a cheapskate but mainly because nowhere had the right length in stock (I am very short and they only had long ones in that came like to my shins which is just way to long for me). So I popped into H and M and they finally had my length in again. It is just a simple, knee length, fitted pencil skirt. It was £17.99 and just perfect for work. While in here I also picked up 2 new basic white tank tops. They where £3.99 each and are the best around.

Next, randomly I brought I got myself some nail wheel swatch things. Basically, have chosen some storage boxes that I am going to buy after pay day for my nail varnish collection. At the moment they are all in mixed matched boxes and are very ugly so I have chosen these boxes and I am planning to reorganise everything and maybe get rid of a couple that I don’t like. But I have also decided since I have around 80 varnishes I want to make it easier to chose what ones I want to wear. So I order these little wheels. Basically, if you haven’t seen these, they are plastic wheels with fake nails on them and you simply paint each one a different colour and then label it. It helps show what the actual colour is and makes it easier to choose one. I mean, how many times have you started painting your nails only to discover that it looks nothing like it did in the bottle. So I got a pack of 10 wheels, around 140 nails, and they where £1.59 from amazon. (side note, once I have sorted everything out, would you like a nail varnish collection post?)

In the same spirit I brought some tiny little sticky labels. This is just to make labelling the wheels easier. Again, from amazon, they where like £1 for 300. and they are about 9 mm by 13mm.

Finally I brought some paint. As I have already mentioned I am currently redecorating my bedroom, so I had to buy paint. I got a 2.5lt pot of Dulex paint in the shade Gray Steel 2, which is a light grey colour. And yeah. It was about £30 and I cant wait to actually paint.

And there we have it. Those are the things that I have brought over the last month or so. Quiet a strange selection, but still. Have you brought anything recently? I hope that you have enjoyed today’s post and I will see you all again soon.

Collective Haul Hey Guys! Today I thought that I would do another little collective haul. I haven't really been shopping all that much lately, I am trying to save some money.

[jobsearchtips02]

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DVDs are almost obsolete– and there’s a huge reason.

Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images.

Some items we’re used to purchasing every day can in fact be a huge waste of money.

Store-bought greeting cards, physical books, cable television, and premium gas are just a couple of examples.

Bigger purchases, such as a boat or a time-share, often aren’t worth the expense either.

Visit Company Insider’s homepage for more stories

We make so lots of purchases that we do not always understand what we are purchasing– and how we might be conserving money.

Lottery tickets

Lottery tickets are a waste of money.

REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson.

Lots of lottery game players purchase tickets every day with the hope of striking big, but video games of possibility are preventing you from having more cash, not less. You are expected to lose money if you play the lottery and there is no guarantee you will even keep earnings.

Water bottles

Water bottles are a substantial waste.

Pete Norton/Getty.

As Americans became more health conscious and began drinking less soda, beverage companies needed a new plan. It worked as Americans now consume more mineral water than soda, although it costs $1.22 per gallon for a commodity that can be accessed for next to nothing.

Trademark name drugs

Opt for standard brand names.

AP.

For most products that are precisely the exact same, customers would typically choose the more affordable choice. This does not apply for trademark name drugs, which consistently outpace sales of their generic equivalents in spite of having the very same components and effects. Save yourself some money and buy the generic ibuprofen instead of Advil.

Cinema concessions

A cinema.

Kevork Djansezian/Reuters.

Movie theaters do not make benefit from film tickets, but instead through food sales The over-inflated popcorn and costly sweet is a dupe considering you can purchase the same products at the grocery store for much cheaper and lots of theaters do not care if you generate your own snacks (as long as you clean up after yourself).

Café coffee

A barista in a cafe.

REUTERS/Jason Redmond.

Prior To Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts were on every street corner, people brewed their own coffee in the house This is still somewhat popular– particularly with coffee pods– however coffeehouse have actually taken a lot of the business. With pricey price and long waits, it’s a marvel why everyone isn’t relying on homebrew.

Books

A woman at a bookstore.

Mike Segar/Reuters.

A library is the very best way to save cash on a pricey hobby. Libraries are totally free and featured countless books, DVDs, and other products for you to borrow.

Boats

Boats can be truly expensive.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images.

One indication of wealth is cruising on an individual yacht, however that might be a better indicator of squandered wealth. Boats are pricey by themselves, however as Saltwater Sportsman states, costs for storage, gas, upkeep, and electronic navigation increase the initial expense.

CDs and DVDs

Stacks of CDs.

Reuters.

CDs and DVDs are ending up being obsolete, however lots of people still pay out money for hard copies of albums and movies. Like books, CDs and DVDs can be rented at libraries, but the majority of people now stream entertainment on apps like Spotify and Netflix for a regular monthly rate that costs less than a single disc.

Cable Television

Cable TV has been mainly replaced by streaming services.

Joe Raedle/ Personnel/ Getty Images.

Like music and movies, television is moving from more traditional modes to online streaming. Considering that cable packages make you pay for more than you desire, a pick-and-pay model may wind up costing you less.

Welcoming cards

Welcoming cards are overpriced.

Shutterstock/lentament.

Make your own– it’s more meaningful if you gift an individualized card and you’ll save the $5.

Gift cards

Present cards typically go unused.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images.

Present cards aren’t as popular a present as you might think.

Gym subscription

Health club memberships can cost you.

Scott Barbour/Getty Images.

Gym subscriptions can be costly, so if you’re not a regular visitor, you’re simply wasting cash. Thankfully, there are ways to be healthy and workout beyond a gym.

Premium fuel

Premium gas isn’t worth it.

REUTERS/Carlos Barria.

Regular will do simply fine. For the majority of vehicles, there is no need to spend more at the pump for premium gasoline. The additional cost is not worth it, so save up at the tank and select the most economical fuel.

The most recent gizmo

Upgrades often do not make a difference– stick to your older design.

Justin Sullivan/Getty.

The old and brand-new version will probably be really similar and the most recent design may have kinks to work out.

In-game purchases

In-app purchases can build up.

Carlo Allegri/Reuters.

Those complimentary games you play on your smartphone need to get money from someplace It turns out these video games are extremely addictive and designed with mental techniques so you will spend the most cash to get to the next level.

Express shipping

Conserve your money and just get basic shipping.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images.

Online merchants can make a great deal of money charging customers huge fees for fast shipping. But while the basic option may take a bit longer, the cost savings is worth it.

Full-priced clothes

Await your favorite products to hit the clearance section.

Shoshy Ciment/Business Expert.

Not just do most in-store clothes items eventually go on sale after a few weeks, however there are countless other ways to get brand-new clothes for less.

Heading out to consume

Eating out is very costly.

Chandan Khanna/AFP/Getty Images.

Everyone understands that going out to eat is costly. According to the Bureau of Labor Stats, the average American family invests about $3,000 a year dining out. That’s a substantial expenditure. According to a short article by MoneyUnder30, this number far surpasses just how much it costs to prepare food in your home. The typical rate of a meal out is $13 On the other hand, the cost of purchasing groceries and making a meal at home is around $4 per plate– a whopping $9 distinction.

Alcoholic drinks in restaurants

Mixed drinks and white wine are overpriced in a lot of dining establishments.

andrea federici/ Shutterstock.

While an entire bottle of red wine at your local alcohol store might cost anywhere between $10 and $15, you can anticipate to pay a minimum of $ 8 or $9 for simply a glass at a restaurant. Mixed drinks can cost much more, regardless of only consisting of a shot or 2 of alcohol per serving. Save your cents and buy a soda the next time you head out to eat.

Food shipment

Shipment charges can rise to $8.

Katie Canales/Business Expert.

Companies like Postmates, Caviar, Seamless, GrubHub, and more enable you to enjoy your preferred restaurants from the conveniences of home– for an added charge.

High-end charm items

Drugstore products work simply as well.

Bethany Biron/Business Expert.

Pharmacy makeup has come a long method over the last few years, to the point where they measure up to higher-end brands. The actual differences in between products you discover in CVS and Sephora are nearly slim to none– so don’t pay more for the high-end brand names.

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Factors to Consider When Buying a Car Stereo System

Are you planning to pimp your ride with a new stereo system? That’s a smart move because a good stereo system brings about a lively atmosphere when going on road trips or driving to school. Today, you’ll learn about the important Factors to Consider When Buying a Car Stereo System.

How much are you willing to spend on a car stereo system that fulfills your entertainment?

You need to learn these Factors to Consider When Buying a Car Stereo System in order to get value for money. You’ll also understand the mistakes to avoid to avoid coming off as a total newbie. Are you ready to learn?

1. 8 Factors to Consider When Buying a Car Stereo System

1. Do you want Component or full range speakers?

If you just want a modest car stereo system, the full range speaker set is suitable for your car. It comes in one unit that consists of a subwoofer, midrange speakers, and twitters. Component speakers resemble each other and they’re popular in newly purchased cars within the $15,000-$18,000 range.

  A full range set of speakers produces louder and more distinct sounds because it contains separate components. Pioneer Electronics has a long history of producing full range speakers. They’re also expensive. You can clearly distinguish the subwoofer from midrange speakers and twitters. Purchasing this set enables you to install components according to your preferred setting. Like installing the subwoofer in the trunk to enhance bass.

2. Speaker Sizes

Are you looking to draw attention whenever you arrive at school or parties? You’ll need large speakers to achieve this objective. Speakers come in several sizes starting from 8 inches going up to 12 inches. Nowadays, you can get custom made speakers that are as large as 16 inches.

  Large speakers are ideal for large sedans and SUVs because they have enough space for installation. You need enough space because installing large speakers on small car doors causes cracks in the car windows due to frequent rattling.

  3. Compatibility with your electronics

If you don’t listen to radio stations 24/7, you need a car system that allows you to plug in several media devices. Sometimes you want to listen to a podcast but surrounding traffic noises are so loud that you can’t concentrate even when wearing earphones. However, if your car stereo has a 3.5mm auxiliary jack, guess what? All you need to do is plug in your phone and turn up the volume!

  If you already have a car DVD player, you need to look for a car stereo system that’s compatible with your unit. Why? Because a good car stereo system enhances your movie watching experience by channeling audio through a surround system just like a movie theatre.

4. Power handling

A full range set of speakers may require an external amplifier. Amplifiers enhance audio clarity and help you to regulate power flowing to woofers, midrange speakers, and twitters. For the best audio performance, each speaker should receive optimum power consistently.

  Larger speakers above 10 inches have a high power consumption rate. So, you’ll need a high capacity amplifier to get your speakers pumping. Obviously, you’ll need to budget for a long lasting car battery to match your stereo’s needs.

5. Anti-theft features

You’ve heard countless stories of car burglars invading neighborhoods then fleeing with stereo systems worth tens of thousands of dollars. Perhaps you wondered whether the car owners had good car alarm systems in the first place. However, a car alarm system deters theft in areas where security guards are nearby.

  Modern car stereo systems have detachable components to minimize the risk of burglary. For instance, a detachable faceplate makes it hard for thieves to steal a stereo because it will fetch a bad price on the black market. Some digital stereos require the owners to key in a security code in order to play music and access various features.

6. Increase in auto insurance quotes

Your auto insurance provider expects you to notify them after installing a new car stereo system. It’s considered a car modification and therefore your car needs a new valuation. Obviously, you end up paying higher quotes because you’ve added an expensive modification to your car.

  Start by calling your auto insurance agent and ask about their company’s policy on newly installed car stereo systems. If you don’t like your new premiums, consider shopping for a more affordable auto insurance provider.

Read: How to Find a Cheap Car Insurance

7. Analog or digital system?

The smartphone wave has taken over mobile communication and entertainment systems. Nowadays, you’ll spot digital car stereo systems running on various Android operating systems. Are there any special advantages to owning a digital system? Yes, there are several. They’re easy to use because they have a touch screen menu that resembles a smartphone.

  Perhaps the biggest advantage is you can download various apps. For instance, Google Maps turns your stereo’s screen into a map for better navigation. You can easily sync your phone to the car stereo system in order to share playlists with your friends.

  Analog car systems only feature an LED screen to indicate channel frequency and a set of volume and channel tuning knobs. Nowadays, analog car systems have USB ports for drivers to enjoy listening to their favorite albums stored inside flash drives.

8. Price

How much are you willing to spend on a car stereo system that fulfills your entertainment? If you’re planning to purchase a brand new system, then you need a definite savings plan. Remember, your car stereo’s price influences your auto insurance quotes.

  Budgeting for a used car stereo takes less time and money. That means you won’t feel the effect of your auto insurance company revaluing your car. However, purchasing a used car stereo is risky because the seller doesn’t offer any warranty.

2. Share these 8 Factors to Consider When Buying a Car Stereo System!

Now that you know the Factors to Consider When Buying a Car Stereo, sly salesmen won’t dupe you. Make sure you test out a system before buying it. Go for a car stereo system that has strong anti-theft features to lower the risk of theft. You might consider buying a good car alarm system to scare off car burglars and alert security guards manning parking lots at your frequent destinations such as work, school, and the mall.

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