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thecustomboxpackagingcom · 4 years ago

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5 Ways to Wrench Over Your Internet Provider (ISP)

Internet providers are real bastards: they have captive audiences whom they squeeze for every last penny while they fight against regulation like net neutrality and donate immense amounts of money to keep on lawmakers’ good sides. So why not turn the tables? Here are 5 ways to make sure your ISP has a hard time taking advantage of you.

1. Buy a modem and router instead of renting

The practice of renting a device to users rather than selling it or providing it as part of the service is one of the telecommunications industry’s oldest and worst. People pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars over years for equipment worth $40 or $50. ISPs do this with various items, but the most common item is probably the modem.

This is the gadget that connects to the cable coming out of your wall, and then connects in turn (or may also function as) your wireless and wired router. ISPs often provide this equipment at the time of install, and then charge you $5 to $10 per month forever. What they don’t tell you is you can probably buy the exact same item for somewhere between $30 and $100.

The exact model you need will depend on your service, but it will be listed somewhere, and they should tell you what they’d provide if you ask. Look online, buy a new or lightly used one, and it will have paid for itself before the year is out. Not only that, but you can do stuff like upgrade or change the software on it all you want, because it’s yours. Bonus: The ISP is limited in what it can do to the router (like letting other people connect yes, it’s a thing).

2. Avoid service calls, or if you can’t, insist they’re free

I had an issue with my Comcast internet a while back that took them several visits from a service tech to resolve. It wasn’t an issue on my end, which was why I was surprised to find they’d charged me $30 or so every time the person came.

If your ISP wants to send someone out, ask whether it’s free, and if it isn’t, tell them to make it free or ask if you can do it yourself sometimes it’s for really simple stuff like swapping a cable. If they charge you for a visit, call them and ask them to take it off your bill. Say you weren’t informed and you’ll inform the Better Business Bureau about it, or take your business elsewhere, or something.

3. Get deals from the installer

If you do end up having someone come out, talk to them to see whether there are any off the record deals they can offer you. I don’t mean anything shady like splitting cables with the neighbor, just offers they know about that aren’t publicized because they’re too good to advertise.

A lot of these service techs are semi-independent contractors paid by the call, and their pay has nothing to do with which service you have or choose. They have no reason to upsell you and every reason to make you happy and get a good review. Sometimes that means giving you the special desperation rates ISPs withhold until you say you’re going to leave.

4. Complain, complain, and complain

This sounds bad, but it’s just a consequence of how these companies work: The squeaky wheels get the grease. There’s plenty of grease to go around, so get squeaking.

Usually this means calling up and doing one of several things. You can complain that service has been bad outages and such and ask that they compensate you for that. You can say that a competing ISP started offering service at your location and it costs $20 less, so can they match that. Or you can say your friend just got a promotional rate and you’d like to take advantage of it, otherwise you’ll leave to that phantom competitor. After all, we know there’s often little or no real competition.

What ISPs, and, more importantly, what their customer service representatives care about is keeping you on as a customer. They can always raise rates or upsell you later, but having you as a subscriber is the important thing.

5. Choose your service level wisely

ISPs offer a ton of choices, and make it confusing on purpose so you end up picking an expensive one just to be sure you have what you need. The truth is most people can probably do pretty much everything they need on the lowest tier they offer.

A 1080p Netflix stream will work fine on a 25 Mbps connection, which is what I have. I also work entirely online, stream high-def. videos at a dozen sites all day, play games, download movies and do lots of other stuff, sometimes all at the same time. I think I pay $45 a month. But rates like mine might not be advertised prominently or at all. I only found out when I literally asked what the cheapest possible option was.

That said, if you have three kids who like to watch videos simultaneously, or you have a 4K streaming setup that you use a lot, you’ll want to bump that up a bit. But you’d be surprised how seldom the speed limit actually comes into play.

To be clear, it’s still important that higher tiers are available, and that internet providers upgrade their infrastructure, because competition and reliability need to go up and prices need to come down. The full promise of broadband should be accessible to everyone for a reasonable fee, and that’s still not the case.

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brokestminimalist · 7 years ago

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Minimize your bills!

We have five bills. Here they are: Utilities, Phone, Internet, Car Insurance, Car Payment. That’s it. Those are the five things we pay every month. How did we achieve this? Partly, we’re just broke as shit and can’t afford any extras. Partly we don’t like extras. Extras take up time we don’t have and money we don’t have. Let’s go over a few common types of bills here and see how you can reduce how much money you are paying to various companies every month.

Rent/Housing payment: We are very fortunate to own our own house. It is paid for. If you do not own a house, paying rent or a house payment is unavoidable. There are arguments to be made in favor of both renting and buying. We like owning our own house because we can do whatever we want with it. Purple light bulbs? Totally. Glitter walls? You can’t stop us, motherfucker! The truth is that there’s not much you can do to reduce your rent or house payment, it’s just going to be there. Make sure to prioritize it over everything else; there’s no point having cable if you’re homeless.

Phone: We consider cell phones a necessity. Chuck out your landline and get a cheap pre-paid cell phone. We favor Boost Mobile but there’s also Virgin Mobile and a wide variety of others. Don’t get yourself locked into a contract, it’s way more expensive and you don’t need upgrades every year. If you don’t smash it or drop it in a toilet your average cell phone can last several years. Right now we have a Samsung Galaxy J3 that we bought in 2016 and it’s still going strong. We pay $30 a month. Even if you are currently stuck in a contract, it’s always worth calling to negotiate. Also eliminate extra stuff like app and ringtone purchases and any bs insurance plans attached to your line.

Cable: No. You do not need cable tv. If you must have shows to watch, look at Netflix or Hulu or Crunchyroll or a dozen other cheap streaming services. You do not need to waste 20 minutes per show seeing commercials; that is time out of your life that you will never get back. You do not need 3000 channels when you can only watch one at a time. Get. Rid. Of. Your. Cable.

Internet: We can say yes to internet because it’s so intertwined into modern society. You need it to fill out job applications, file a claim with your insurance company, to talk to loved ones across the country. In our state you need it to apply for food stamps. You don’t need to go broke for it, though. Find a reasonably priced plan at a moderate speed. Do not let anyone tell you that you need 150mbps to stream movies or play games. 10 is sufficient for SD, 25 for HD. (If you have a 4K device then you need to go find a different blog to read, Scrooge McDuck.) If you can’t afford it, there’s always the library and many fast food restaurants that offer free wifi.

Insurance: Whether it’s health insurance, auto insurance or homeowners insurance, you probably need to prioritize this. We are of the opinion that the young and very healthy can go without it for a few years, but when you hit your 30′s it’s a good idea to start doing the kind of preventive maintenance that comes with a health insurance plan. Auto and homeowners insurance policies vary a lot, so contact your company and see what extras you can cut out to shave a few dollars off your bill. If you drive an old beater, drop the full coverage and just hang onto liability. Your deductible may be more than your car is actually worth. (PS, one cool perk we do recommend is roadside assistance if your insurance company offers it. It’s often 3-5 extra bucks and they will come get you off the side of the road. Worth it.)

Vehicle payment: We can’t wait until our car is paid off. We were very lucky to have been given a car when we were 18 and we drove it until it just wouldn’t go anymore, and then we kept driving it anyway. From 2004 to 2017 we did not have a car payment, just liability insurance and getting the tags renewed once a week. It was beautiful! Right now we still owe about $600 on the used car we bought last year and life is going to be sweet again very soon. Driving for free is a great experience. To minimize this bill, pay extra when you can, put as much into your down payment as you can, and never buy a new vehicle. The subject of minimalist vehicles will get its own post later.

Life Insurance: We know for some folks with kids and grandkids this is a necessity, but uh... frankly there are none of our relatives who deserve to get a ridiculous sum of money in the event of our death. So let the state cremate us and auction our house off to the highest bidder. Whatev.

Utilities: Unless you’ve got a roof made of solar panels (and if you do, we applaud you!) you probably are connected to municipal electricity, gas and water. After rent this is going to be your second priority. You can see our post about conserving electricity and water to reduce this bill as much as you can. You can make a huge difference by doing simple things and most of them are low or no cost!

Cards/Loans/Debt: It’s always worth calling to negotiate interest rates. The bottom line is, you’ll just have to pay these as you can. We’ve been as broke as we can be for the last year or so, so we’ve got a credit card that was charged off because when you don’t have food to eat or heat in your house, you kind of don’t give any fucks about your old Visa card. We’re catching up though, and we’ll pay it. Don’t let yourself default on loans if you can help it, stay in touch with credit card companies and be straightforward with them about what you’re able to do. DON’T take out any new loans or cards.

Misc. Other Stuff: This is stuff like gym memberships and house cleaning service and that kid that mows your grass and walks your dog. You can reduce or eliminate all of these by going “Derp, I’m an adult who can do things for myself!”. Mow your own grass. It’s a great workout. Scrub your own baseboards, you’re burning calories. Walk your own freaking dog. If you’re wondering how you can pay your light bill then you do not need to spend money on things you can do for yourself. Grow a pair and do your own chores.

Childcare: This one is tough, and we admit we don’t know a lot about it. From what we’ve read, swapping childcare with a neighbor or friend is effective if you’ve got someone you trust. Don’t go cheap on this if you have to hire a sitter. The person caring for your child in your absence deserves to be paid well for their services. So if you can’t afford to pay that person what you would expect to get paid for the same amount of work, you need to skip that movie you were going to see and stay home. As far as finding daycare for while you’re at work goes, we will kindly ask our followers to chime in with suggestions.

There are lots of other types of bills that you might have, but take a day to go through your finances and see which ones you can do without or can trim down. Also give our post about Needs vs. Wants a look, maybe it can help you put things in perspective. We know this blog is only tangentially about personal finance, but consider minimalism a tool for every area of life. By reducing the bills you don’t want, you’ll have more to spend on the ones you do.

Links: Seven Common Bills

#minimalbills

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kennethherrerablog · 5 years ago

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The TRUTH about how to Enjoy the Internet for Free and Avoid Slow Internet

Now that so many of us have smartphones with data plans, you find yourself paying for your cell phone data and home internet. The average home internet bill is $50 a month and climbing as internet service providers across the country continue to increase their bandwidth speeds as households stream cable tv and store everything “in the cloud.” However, even with the increase in internet rates, there are ways to still get free internet service.

Table of Contents

Two Secrets You Must Know About Free Internet

Where to Get Free Internet

FreedomPop

Try FreedomPop

Public WiFi Hotspots

Juno

NetZero

All Free ISP

Your Local Library

Ask Your Neighbor or Landlord

Your Current Internet Provider

School2Home

Upgrade to an Unlimited Data Plan

Low Cost Internet

Connect2Compete

AT&T Access

Internet Essentials

PCs for People

Frontier Lifeline Program

CenturyLink Internet Basics

Karma

Safely Using Free WiFi

Verify the WiFi Server Name With the Cashier

Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Get your own VPN!

Only Visit Secure Websites

Disable Your File Sharing Functions

Turn Off WiFi When Not In Use

Summary

Two Secrets You Must Know About Free Internet

Your free internet probably won’t be fast enough to watch Netflix on multiple devices at the same time, but you’ll still be able to surf the web, answer emails, and explore online side hustles.

In addition, most free internet options have monthly usage caps; similar to your monthly smartphone data plan.

If you’re okay with potentially slower data speeds and monthly usage caps, getting free internet service is an excellent way to save $50 every month, which is always fun to do.

Where to Get Free Internet

Because of wifi hotspots, it’s easier than ever to get free internet. The only catch is you need to go to a public place to enjoy the free wifi. This might be ok if you only need to use the internet a few hours a week or you live in a major metro area and can walk down the street to a cafe.

But, it’s also possible to get free internet at home too.

This section offers nine ways to get free internet service every month. Because there isn’t a true “free lunch,” there might be a one-time equipment purchase required.

FreedomPop

FreedomPop offers free internet and cell phone service, so you might be able to save some moolah on your monthly phone bill too if there’s coverage in your area.

For free internet service, FreedomPop is probably the best option because of its versatility. It’s just like using the mobile hotspot on your phone without draining your phone’s battery life, because you’re using a separate device that can be connected up to ten more devices all at once!

Each month, you will receive 500MB of 4G non-LTE data with a mobile wifi hotspot using their Basic 500 plan. This may be a good option if you only need to use the internet for checking your email and very limited internet surfing.

To give you an idea of exactly how much data 500 MB is, here’s the estimated amount of activity you can do:

Browse 900 web pages

150,000 basic emails

1,000 emails with attachments

Stream 100 songs

Stream one hour of video

If you exclusively do one of these activities, such as streaming video, you can watch one hour of funny cat videos each month before FreedomPop starts charging you for additional data.

You can determine if a 500 MB plan is sufficient by gauging how much data you use each month with your smartphone app.

There is one initial startup cost with FreedomPop as you will need to buy a mobile hotspot or USB stick that can cost between $15 and $30. Any electronic device with internet capability can connect to the hotspot. Since the hotspot is portable, you can take the device when you travel or run errands and they don’t have free wifi where you’re at.

Try FreedomPop

Bonus Tip: Get cashback on your wifi hotspot purchase with Ebates and also get a free $10.

Public WiFi Hotspots

Many restaurants, stores, and public places offer free wifi. While many businesses offer free wifi in anticipation that you’ll make a purchase, no purchase is necessary to use their internet. But, the cashier might begin badgering you to either make a purchase or leave to open up the table for another patron.

When looking for free wifi hotspots, consider these places first:

Starbucks

McDonald’s

Panera Bread

Target

Walmart

Shopping malls

Public parks in major cities

Libraries and community centers

Find Your Closest WiFi Hotspot With Wi-Fi-FreeSpot

Wi-Fi-FreeSpot is a running database of free wifi hotspots across the world. They list the obvious places like Starbucks or your local mall and also the less obvious businesses too. In my own small town of 8,000 residents, Wi-Fi-FreeSpot lists two additional places I never knew offered free wifi.

While you might be expected to make a purchase to enjoy the free wifi when it’s at a restaurant or coffee shop, the price can still be cheaper than your regular monthly bill. And if you like to socialize and meet new friends, going to a public place can be a fun way to interact with others to build a human connection while you surf the web.

Or, you can always type “wifi hotspots near me” into Google too.

Juno

Before the days of unlimited home internet, we used to receive CDs with free internet minutes in the mail. While Juno no longer sends CDs in the mail, they still offer 10 hours of free dial-up internet access each month. That’s a far cry from the one hour of free internet we used to get from them 20 years ago.

If you only need home internet for basic correspondence and browsing, it’s worth considering Juno. Keep in mind, you’ll need an active home phone number to dial Juno’s server with.

NetZero

NetZero also offers 10 hours of free dial-up internet access. The one downside is that NetZero is only compatible with PC and mobile devices. Mac owners will need to consider using Juno or another internet provider instead of NetZero.

To get 20 hours of free internet service, you can signup with both Juno and NetZero and switch to the other when your monthly allowance is used up.

Like Juno, you need an active home phone number so your internet modem can dial the NetZero server to access the internet.

200MB Free Mobile Broadband

In addition to the 10 hours of free dial-up access, it’s also possible to get 200MB of free mobile broadband access a month.

But, there are two conditions:

The free plan is only valid for 12 months and cannot be renewed

You must buy a NetZero hotspot device ($79.95) or bring your own device

To continue using the NetZero mobile broadband access after your free 12 months end, you’ll have to upgrade to paid plan that costs that start at $17.95 plus a $3.95 monthly access fee.

This free plan can be a good option if you’re going through a rough patch, but you’ll be better off with the FreedomPop hotspot plan as you get double the data and it’s always free.

All Free ISP

Another easy way to find free internet providers near you is with the All Free ISP free internet search engine. You only need to enter your state of residence or area code to look for free and cheap internet plans in your city. The two most prevalent choices will be Juno and NetZero, but you might see another option as well.

Your Local Library

Most public libraries offer free internet from either their desktop computers or wifi network. You might have to apply for a library card to log into the network, but you can also borrow great books to read in your spare time too.

I periodically go to my own public library to use their free wifi hotspot. It’s quicker than my home internet which is a definite thumbs up when I need a change of scenery to work distraction-free. Each session is only one hour, but since I bring my own device I can continually renew the session and have worked in the library all day sometimes because of internet outages at home.

Ask Your Neighbor or Landlord

If your neighbor or landlord has internet access, they might be willing to share their internet with you. When you’re too far away from their router to get a reliable signal, you’ll need to invest in a wifi extender–they cost less than $70 on Amazon–to plug into a wall outlet between their router and where you will sit to normally access internet.

After linking the extender to their internet, it will begin repeating the signal and will be strong enough to surf the web and stream videos.

Before buying an extender you will want to review your local laws and the internet service provider terms and conditions to make sure you can legally use a wifi extender. This option might make more sense if you’re renting a part of the landlord’s house or you live in an on-property guest house and cannot get your own separate internet line installed.

Your Current Internet Provider

While many households are cutting the cord by ditching cable tv and landline phone service to save money each month, bundling your internet, phone, and cable can occasionally be cheaper.

Ask your current internet provider if they offer internet bundles. You might have to downgrade your internet speed, but they might be willing to waive your internet fee if you subscribe to other services.

If you pursue this option, be wary of introductory rate offers that expire after several months and the provider begins charging you for internet again. It is possible to avoid these marketing gimmicks with Trim Financial Manager, a free program that continually monitors your internet provider’s promotional offers to make sure you never overpay for internet and phone access.

School2Home

If you live in select California communities, you might be eligible for free internet service with the School2Home initiative. Some families won’t qualify for free internet but can get discounted internet for only $10 a month through national internet providers including AT&T and Frontier.

Upgrade to an Unlimited Data Plan

Unlimited cell phone data is back with many cellular networks. By upgrading to an unlimited plan that allows mobile hotspot capability, you can create your own free wifi hotspot. But, your speed and data usage can still be restricted when you’re in hotspot mode.

Cell phone plans regularly change, but here are the current policies for the largest networks:

AT&T: 10GB of 4G LTE mobile hotspot

Sprint: 10GB of 4G LTE mobile hotspot; cellular data throttled after 23GB

T-Mobile: Unlimited 3G mobile hotspot; cellular data throttled after 50GB

Verizon: 15GB of 4G LTE mobile hotspot; cellular data throttled after 22GB

Some carriers also include free subscriptions to premium streaming networks like HBO and Netflix when you have an unlimited plan. As long as you’re happy watching this programming on your phone, upgrading to an unlimited data plan can save you money in more ways than one.

Having used this option to get free internet in the past to save a few bucks, I will tell you that using your phone as a mobile hotspot on a regular basis degrades the battery life and you will need to replace your phone sooner because the battery won’t hold a charge for more than a few hours.

Bonus Tip: Instead of putting your old phone in a desk drawer until the world ends, sell your phone for cash while it still has some material value remaining. I don’t know about you, but money is more valuable than a phone I never plan on using again.

Low Cost Internet

When 10 hours of free dial-up or 500 MB isn’t enough each month, you might also qualify for a discounted internet plan. These plans usually offer higher speeds and unlimited service, and they’re still affordable enough that these options are cheaper than buying a double shot espresso each time you go to Starbucks to use their free wifi.

Connect2Compete

The mission of EveryoneOn is to provide home internet access to the 75 million Americans that currently don’t have internet at home. This site is supported by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Connect2Compete initiative that partners with national internet service providers to provide fast, reliable home internet for $9.95 a month.

While Connect2Compete isn’t free, you can get the same internet service for a fraction of the cost. To qualify for these discounted internet plans, you must meet the three following requirements:

Have at least one child eligible or enrolled in the National School Lunch Program

Not subscribed to home internet in the last 90 days

No outstanding bills or unreturned equipment

AT&T Access

Access from AT&T is one of the cheapest home internet plans for low-income families. Plans start at $5 per month and you can get speeds up to 3 megabits per second which is enough to do some basic video streaming on one device at a time.

Besides the unlimited home wifi internet service, you also get complimentary access to the AT&T wifi hotspot network that lets you access paid wifi hotspots for free.

To qualify, at least one person in your family must be eligible for federal SNAP benefits and live in the 21 state area where AT&T offers wireline internet service.

Internet Essentials

If you’re privileged to be served by Comcast, you can get 15 Mbps connection speeds at home with Internet Essentials for $9.95 a month; you might not be able to stream multiple videos at once but it’s plenty fast for ordinary internet activity. Internet Essentials comes with free wi-fi router access so you can connect multiple devices at once.

When you need to access your internet on the go, Internet Essentials give you 40 one-hour Comcast Xfinity wifi hotspot passes each month.

PCs for People

PCs for People offers unlimited Sprint 4G LTE mobile broadband for $10 month with their Bridging the Gap plan. As a national carrier, there’s a good chance you live inside Sprint’s 4G LTE coverage area.

Because the mobile coverage is unlimited, you can take your hotspot everywhere you go and downsize your smartphone data plan to offset the $10 monthly subscription fee. With this service, you might spend less than before because you get unlimited internet for $10 a month. And, multiple devices can connect at once.

Frontier Lifeline Program

Frontier offers dial-up internet for $9.25 a month. You can either have landline phone service or standalone internet service to qualify for this discount internet program. Eligibility requirements will vary by state, but you must qualify for the Federal Lifeline program as a general rule of thumb.

CenturyLink Internet Basics

CenturyLink Internet Basics gives you internet speeds up to 1.5 Mbps for $9.95 each month. You must meet all of the four requirements to qualify for Internet Basics service:

Reside in CenturyLink service area

Not subscribed to CenturyLink internet service

Do not have an unpaid CenturyLink bill or unreturned equipment

Follow Lifeline or TAP phone service guidelines

It’s also possible to get discount home phone access with CenturyLink too if you still need a home phone for your family.

Karma

By itself, Karma isn’t a free wifi service because you have to pay a monthly fee, but you get 100mb free each time you share your hotspot with other Karma members. This option probably works best if you have other friends and family members using a portable wifi hotspot too.

Karma operates on the Sprint LTE network and your first 5GB of data of free before you begin paying for a monthly plan. You will need to buy a Karma Go wifi hotspot for $199 and subscribe to a monthly plan. The cheapest plan costs $3 a month plus $10 for each gig of data you use, so you can pay as little as $13 every month for 1 GB of mobile internet.

Safely Using Free WiFi

Free public wifi used to be a novelty a few years ago that only a few restaurants, airports, and hotels offered. Now, it’s becoming virtually commonplace. While free internet is convenient, you need to be careful what you do on free wifi networks to protect your sensitive personal information.

While most people use free wifi for honest purposes, identity thieves with some advanced computer skills can potentially hack into your computer, phone, and tablet and steal your personal information without your knowledge.

If you don’t have internet at home, you might have no choice but to use free wifi to access your bank information, file your taxes, and make an Amazon purchase where you need to enter your credit or debit card information to pay for the goods. Using your friend’s home wifi network or your work internet might not be an option at the moment, so public wifi is your only choice.

With millions of free wifi hotspots worldwide, the odds of having your personal information stolen is relatively low but it only takes once and it can happen when you least expect it.

That’s why it’s so important to take the following precautions:

Verify the WiFi Server Name With the Cashier

If there are multiple wifi networks available, verify the correct hotspot name with the cashier. Computer hackers might name their personal hotspot to closely resemble the legitimate wifi hotspot hoping an unassuming customer will click on it.

For example, the correct hotspot network to join is “Panera” but you might also see an option for “Panera1.” Some businesses offer multiple networks so a single network doesn’t get overloaded and so Panera1 could very well be a legit network. Regardless, it’s always better to ask and be safe than assume and get scammed.

Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Whether you connect to the internet with a phone, computer, or tablet, you really should always connect to a free network with a virtual private network service like NordVPN. Using a VPN network encrypts your internet activity and makes it extremely difficult for scammers to steal your personal information.

If you use free wifi hotspots on a regular basis, a VPN is an absolute must to safely use public wifi for less than $3 per month.

Get your own VPN!

Only Visit Secure Websites

Most websites are transitioning to using “https://” instead of “https://” for additional security, but not every site has yet. With Google Chrome, you can tell if the site your visiting uses https encryption or not because you’ll see a green padlock and the word “Secure” beside it.

If you don’t see that icon, be careful where you click on the site as it can be a phishing scam. Browsers also block certain sites they know are prone to phishing scams as well and you have to click a second box to visit these select unsecured sites.

Disable Your File Sharing Functions

Many devices automatically enable sharing functions that instantly transfer documents to the cloud or your friend’s device. This can be a backdoor way to access your personal data if you accidentally click a button to enable sharing with a stranger.

Turn Off WiFi When Not In Use

Finally, turn off your wifi router when you’re not using the internet. Not only will you save battery power, but a hacker can’t get into your computer if it’s not connected to the internet.

Summary

Free internet comes in three different forms: home dial-up, mobile hotspots, and free public wifi. A combination of these three mediums can make it possible to never pay for internet again, but you might have to pay for an upgraded plan if you need to use more data, require faster connection speeds or you want your own private network to protect your personal information.

How do you access the internet for free and how would you rate your current service?

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The TRUTH about how to Enjoy the Internet for Free and Avoid Slow Internet published first on https://mysingaporepools.weebly.com/

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lianordin · 5 years ago

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The audio gear we recommend to students

Arturia KeyStep

Lugging music gear back and forth gets tiresome when you already have dirty laundry and about 80 pounds of books you have to carry when you go home for breaks. The $119 Arturia KeyStep MIDI controller can greatly reduce your load with a light, easy-to-use keyboard that also happens to have a powerful sequencer feature. The 32-note keyboard supports MIDI in and out, plus CV output and clock sync for connecting to gear. For controlling your favorite DAW (digital audio workstation), it has the requisite USB port. It’s a portable music creation station that’s light and works with all of your gear. So no matter where you are, you can still create without adding too much more weight to your sack of laundry. — Roberto Baldwin, Senior Editor

Buy KeyStep on Amazon – $119

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT

These aren’t noise-cancelling wireless headphones, but they are the best-sounding wireless headphones we’ve tested in 2019. Audio-Technica has made a wireless version of its popular M50 model while retaining that signature sound. There’s stellar sound clarity with a wide stage that keeps things from feeling compressed. The M50xBT also handles most genres well, with the appropriate emphasis on lows, mids and highs that doesn’t allow one to overpower the others.

Touch controls are all the rage on headphones in 2019, but they can be frustrating to use. The M50xBT has physical controls that are consistently reliable, because you have much bigger things to worry about than making sure your headphones pause the music when you need them to. Yes, you give up ANC, but the sound quality you get for $199 is worth the savings. These will make sure your Release Radar and Discover Weekly playlists on Spotify sound stellar, even during a long study session. — Billy Steele, Senior Editor

Buy ATH-M50xBT on Amazon – $180

Audioengine A2+ Wireless

When it comes to compact shelf or desktop speakers that sound good, Audioengine has quite the reputation for quality audio gear. It doesn’t look flashy, but the A2+ Wireless has everything you need for a modest yet powerful setup. These offer wireless connectivity via Bluetooth aptX, so you don’t have to worry about your dorm’s unreliable WiFi to stream music without a tether. There’s also USB and stereo inputs so you can connect directly to your computer or analog devices like a turntable.

None of that means anything if the speakers don’t sound good, and that’s not a concern here. Audioengine’s trademark clarity is on display, and despite the smaller size, the A2+ Wireless is plenty loud. It’ll be enough to provide tunes for impromptu dance parties, a weekend get-together and low-key study sessions. — B.S.

Buy A2+ Wireless on Amazon – $215

Bose QuietControl 30

School is louder than you expected. People are excited to be away from their parents for the first time, and the result is a rambunctious dorm and talking in the library. Having fun is great, but you’re paying a lot of money to get an education and sometimes you need to block those distractions out. The noise-cancelling Bose QuietControl 30 earbuds do a great job of digitally quieting other students while you’re studying or when you just need to keep your sanity in a loud new world.

With a $300 asking price, they’re not cheap. But they do sport some of the best noise-cancelling tech out there. Plus, because they’re earbuds and not headphones, you can use them with a pillow to remove distractions while you sleep. That’s probably one of the more important things to do in college, unless there’s a really cool party going on. — R.B.

Buy QuietControl 30 on Amazon – $299

Jabra Elite 65t

Why follow the Q-tipped Airpod hordes into classes when Jabra’s Elite 65t true wireless earbuds are a great alternative? For $10 more than Apple’s earbuds, they’re a heck of a lot more discreet and deliver great sound quality across a wide range of music, from hip-hop to bluegrass to jazz. They’re also extremely comfortable, easy to pair, dust- and sweatproof, and come with a convenient charging case. They are a bit costly at $170, but good-quality earbuds are a pretty crucial part of college life. — Steve Dent, Contributing Editor

Buy Jabra Elite 65t on Amazon – $150

Jaybird Tarah

Truly wireless earbuds are great until one falls out of your ear or escapes out of your pocket into the great unknown. If you’re someone who wouldn’t do well with a fully untethered headset, something like the Jaybird Tarah is an excellent option. The sport headset is wireless, but the kind you’d call wireless before the AirPods and its rivals became big. Tarah’s earbuds are tethered to each other, so you don’t have to worry about one or the other getting lost while you’re out for a run or at the gym.

Tarah is sweatproof, waterproof and promises six-hour battery life. Jaybird’s app also allows you to create personal sound profiles for your headset and can locate your device if you ever lose it. At $100, it is definitely more expensive than off-brand options, but it still costs less than other models of a similar caliber, including the company’s own X4. — Mariella Moon, Contributing Editor

Buy Jaybird Tarah on Amazon – $79

Korg Volca Nubass

Look, anyone can roll into a dorm room jam session with an acoustic guitar. But if you want to stand out from the crowd, show up with a pocket-size synth powered by a miniaturized vacuum tube. The Nubass is the latest entry in Korg’s venerable Volca line. It is, as the name implies, focused on making bass sounds, and at that it excels. The sound is thick and warm, capable of delivering both punchy LCD Soundsystem-esque thumps and nasty acid glides. (You know, in case your dorm room jams are more dance party than “Kumbaya.”) But the Nubass is capable of some pretty killer leads too. It’s just about learning how to use it.

Like the rest of the Volca line (with the exception of the Mix), the Nubass is battery powered, which makes it perfect for carrying around campus and knocking out a quick melody if inspiration strikes. Plus, the MIDI in port and 1/8-inch sync jacks make it easy to integrate into a larger, more stationary studio setup once you’re back in your room. — Terrence O’Brien, Managing Editor

Buy Volca Nubass on Sweetwater – $200

Pocket Casts

There are free options for organizing and playing podcasts, but Pocket Casts goes a lot further for a small, onetime investment. For starters, the app is well-designed, and it offers features the free options lack. Episode search will save you a lot of time hunting for something specific, especially if it’s an older installment or one you’ve already archived. You can also play a podcast without having to subscribe to it first. It sounds like common sense, but it’s not always the case in some apps.

Pocket Casts also works well with Google Cast, AirPlay 2 and Sonos, so you can beam your podcasts to a smart or wireless speaker in your dorm or apartment. The app is also compatible with Android Auto and CarPlay, making it an ideal road trip companion for the trek home. You have to pay for both the mobile and desktop apps separately, but you can probably get by with just the version for your phone and save $9. — B.S.

Sonos One

Two years on, the Sonos One remains a great pick if you want an affordable yet powerful smart speaker for the dorm. It provides richer, more-balanced audio than rival speakers in its class, and it’s considerably more flexible to boot. You can control it using Alexa, AirPlay or Google Assistant, and Sonos’ apps offer access to seemingly every audio service under the sun. You can wake up every day to your favorite internet radio station or cue up a study playlist when you need to prepare for exams. It’s not the most bass-heavy speaker on the market (much to the delight of dorm neighbors), but it’s compact enough that it won’t eat up too much of your desk space. — Jon Fingas, Contributing Editor

Buy Sonos One on Amazon – $199

Spotify Premium

You can’t properly soundtrack the most important years of your life if you don’t have access to all the music. From those moments of melancholia in your dorm room to parties on the quad and everything in between, you need good music. Our pick is Spotify Premium, especially since it’s just $4.99 for students, and you get Hulu and Showtime thrown in for the money. You don’t get any TV with the free, ad-supported version of Spotify, plus plenty of limits.

Why Spotify over Apple Music (or YouTube and the rest)? Price is one factor, but there are reasons too. Spotify works on more platforms, and more speakers, so you’re not limited to using Homepod in your dorm. Plus, Spotify’s AI-grinding will help point you to new music you’ll quickly fall in love with, something Apple’s curated playlists rarely do. — Daniel Cooper, Senior Editor

Subscribe to Spotify – $10 month

UE Boom 3 / Megaboom 3

Bluetooth speakers are almost a requirement now in any home, dorm or park. Ultimate Ears, a brand known for strong specs and reliable build quality, has continued that tradition with its latest Boom 3 and Megaboom 3 speakers. The exterior has a pleasing new design, robust battery and IP67 waterproofing, making them safe for full shower and pool use. The micro-USB port, meanwhile, is now conveniently located on the side, thereby cutting down on cable mess.

If you’d prefer wireless charging to plugging in, you can also get the Power Up dock so your speaker is always ready to grab and go. Unlike their Alexa-powered siblings, the Boom/Megaboom 3 retain stereo pairing as well as the ever-useful PartyUp mode. This allows one mobile device to connect to more than 150 Boom-series UE speakers at one time for an expansive, crowdsourced sound. On top of that, up to eight Bluetooth devices can be paired to one speaker at the same time for quick takeovers. And if you’re strapped for cash, the reliable lineage of UE means an OG Megaboom is still seriously capable and often found at steep discounts. — Jon Turi, Homepage Editor

In this article: arturia, ath-m50xbt, aturia keystep, audio-technica, audioengine, av, boom 3, bose, bts2019, elite65t, gadgetry, gadgets, gear, jabra, jaybird, jaybird tarah, korg, megaboom 3, pocket casts, quietcontrol30, sonos, sonos one, spotify, spotify premium, thebuyersguide, UE, volca nubass

All products recommended by Engadget are selected by our editorial team, independent of our parent company. Some of our stories include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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jeremystrele · 5 years ago

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Cable vs. DSL: Which Is Right for You?

When searching for a new internet provider, you’ll come across the terms cable, dial-up, DSL and fiber. DSL runs through telephone wires, while cable internet is transmitted through a coaxial cable network. Cable internet is usually faster than DSL and tends to have higher peak speeds, which makes it a better choice for households that do a lot of high-definition streaming. But it can come at a cost. To figure out which one is best for you, compare the details of cable vs. DSL below.

Cable vs. DSL

When comparing DSL vs. cable internet, the differences are not just in speed and price but also in how each service functions.

Speed

Price

Best for

Cable

25 Mbps – 940 Mbps

$30.00/mo.–$150.00/mo.

Browsing, streaming, gaming and downloading

DSL

3 Mbps – 200 Mbps

$40.00/mo.-$80.00/mo.

Browsing and checking email

*As of 3/19/2020

What is DSL internet?

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) is internet service transmitted using standard copper telephone lines. These lines most likely already exist if your house is wired to support a landline telephone. Because DSL piggybacks on phone lines, it is available to 89% of the American population and can connect using a modem and a standard telephone line jack.

Top DSL providers

The top DSL providers that have been in the internet game for a long time are AT&T, Frontier Communications and CenturyLink. These three providers offer a variety of plans to fit different customer needs. When choosing a provider and internet type, make sure to look at availability for your area.

Speed

Starting price

AT&T

Up to 100 Mbps

Starting at $50.00/mo.

Frontier

Up to 150 Mbps

Starting at $27.99/mo.

CenturyLink

Up to 100 Mbps

Starting at $49.99/mo.

*As of 3/19/2020

DSL internet speeds

DSL speeds have gotten faster over the years and go up to 200 Mbps. Though higher speeds are out there, such as with a fiber-optic connection, 200 Mbps exceeds the requirements of most homes, which is why 100 Mbps is sometimes called “lightning-fast” internet speed. And though streaming is one of the activities that eats up bandwidth, an HD movie still only uses around 8 Mbps while playing a video game requires around 3 Mbps (depending on the type).

When thinking about DSL vs. cable, it’s important to note that maximum speeds will vary according to the provider and specific plan. Fast DSL service can deliver speeds of up to 200 Mbps while slower plans can start at fewer than 10 Mbps. If you plan on streaming often across multiple devices, you should opt for a plan that offers at least 50 Mbps.

DSL pricing

DSL is a decidedly cost-for-speed service – the higher the speed, the higher the cost. For example, Parallax Systems’ maximum speed is 3 Mbps and costs $39.95/mo., while Harrison Telephone Company offers up to 200 Mbps for $59.99/mo. The type of internet you choose will depend on your typical online needs and availability.

Who is DSL good for?

There are other options besides DSL, like cable, fiber and satellite. So who (and what) is best suited for DSL internet service? If you’re mainly browsing, streaming movies and TV, or playing single-player games, DSL is fine as long as it’s a relatively small number of users (three or fewer). The key to remember is that fewer users equal faster speeds. Once many users are doing different activities online, speeds can slow down.

Who isn’t DSL good for?

DSL isn’t good for people who need to stream a lot of high-definition content or regularly engage in online gaming. Because DSL’s bandwidth is limited, high-definition content may bog down the connection—if it shows at all. Also, because online gaming often requires instantaneous transmission of video, sound effects and live voice input, a DSL connection may not have the bandwidth to manage all of the data.

Pros and cons of DSL internet

Pros

Wired systems are more reliable

A variety of DSL plans available to suit the average internet user

Supports common internet activities like browsing, reading emails and social media

Widely available since it uses existing telephone lines

Dedicated bandwidth that is not shared with neighbors

Cons

Price for the service is high when compared to cable and fiber

For a little more per month, you can get up to 10 times the speed in some cases

A large family with multiple devices will find it hard to stream simultaneously

Multiplayer gaming may not be adequately supported by lower speeds

Maximum speed available is only 200 Mbps

What is cable internet?

Cable internet is sent by a cable service provider that transmits data using space on a specified television channel. The signal enters the home via a coaxial cable which is connected to a cable modem and when a user connects their computer or other devices to the modem via either an Ethernet cable or a wireless router, they gain access to the internet.

Top cable internet providers

Speed

Starting price

RCN

Up to 250 Mbps

Starting at $39.99/mo.

Spectrum

Up to 940 Mbps

Starting at $49.99/mo.

Cox

Up to 940 Mbps

Starting at $29.99/mo.

*As of 3/19/2020

Cable internet speeds

Cable internet speeds typically range from 25 Mbps to 940 Mbps. Cable internet is slower than fiber-optic internet because the copper lines inside the cable cannot handle the same amount of bandwidth. Cable lines transmit electrical impulses, which can’t travel as quickly as the pulses of light that move through fiber-optic lines.

However, with speeds between 25 and 200 Mbps you can still do a lot of streaming, gaming and searching. With only 100 Mbps you can stream on several devices at once and it will only take about 5 minutes to download a four-gigabyte file. If your internet speed is limited to 10 Mbps, you can still stream movies, but you may have trouble if you’re doing so on more than one device at the same time. You can easily check and send emails or stream music with a 10 Mbps connection.

Cable internet pricing

Cable internet prices range between $30.00/mo. and $150.00/mo with higher speeds costing more. One of the main reasons cable internet is so expensive is because it costs companies considerable money to lay the cable used to transmit the signal. Every time a company expands its service area, they have to pay to install the necessary infrastructure. The rates often vary from one area to the next due to local variations in labor and installation costs.

Who is cable internet good for?

Cable internet is a good choice for individuals and small households who won’t be using a lot of devices simultaneously. While cable internet will allow you to stream video or do some gaming, the more devices you use at once the slower your internet will be. People who mostly use their internet to check email, make voice over internet provider (VOIP) phone calls or stream music can also use cable internet. But note that even with advertised high speeds, the speed you actually get may be limited, particularly as other users connect their devices.

Who isn’t cable internet good for?

Cable internet is a poor choice for families or households that want to connect multiple devices at once. The bandwidth cable internet providers offer is limited, and the performance of your internet connection will be significantly worse when multiple devices are streaming simultaneously. Cable internet also has very limited upload speeds, which makes it a poor choice for gamers who often need quick upload speeds for interactive online gaming.

Pros and cons of cable internet

Pros

Relatively inexpensive

Good for small families

Widely available due to the use of cables

Does not require a phone line

Faster than DSL and satellite internet

Cons

Slower than fiber-optic internet

High initial connection fees for the user

Forces you to sacrifice upload speed for strong download speeds

Slower performance during peak hours

FAQs about cable and DSL

Is cable internet or DSL internet faster?

Cable is generally faster because it can handle more bandwidth.

What is the difference between cable and DSL internet?

DSL transmits the internet signal through telephone lines, while cable uses copper wire. Cable internet also has a higher maximum bandwidth than DSL.

Which is better for people living in remote areas?

DSL tends to be the common choice for people living in remote areas because cable is often not available. However, if you live in a remote area, and cable internet is an option, you may experience superior performance if you choose cable over DSL.

Is DSL or cable better for gaming?

Cable is better for gaming because it usually has a higher bandwidth limit.

The bottom line

Even though both cable and DSL internet are convenient options, people who need faster speeds are often better off going with cable. However, if you don’t live in a household where there are several devices streaming content at the same time, DSL may be an adequate solution. In the end, it’s best to first assess the needs of your household by carefully examining how much streaming, gaming and downloading you and others will be doing. Then check which services are available in your area and choose the best package for you and your family.

The post Cable vs. DSL: Which Is Right for You? appeared first on Freshome.com.

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owensrhodes · 5 years ago

Text

Cable vs. DSL: Which Is Right for You?

Cable vs. DSL

When comparing DSL vs. cable internet, the differences are not just in speed and price but also in how each service functions.

Speed

Price

Best for

Cable

25 Mbps – 940 Mbps

$30.00/mo.–$150.00/mo.

Browsing, streaming, gaming and downloading

DSL

3 Mbps – 200 Mbps

$40.00/mo.-$80.00/mo.

Browsing and checking email

*As of 3/19/2020

What is DSL internet?

Top DSL providers

Speed

Starting price

AT&T

Up to 100 Mbps

Starting at $50.00/mo.

Frontier

Up to 150 Mbps

Starting at $27.99/mo.

CenturyLink

Up to 100 Mbps

Starting at $49.99/mo.

*As of 3/19/2020

DSL internet speeds

DSL pricing

Who is DSL good for?

Who isn’t DSL good for?

Pros and cons of DSL internet

Pros

Wired systems are more reliable

A variety of DSL plans available to suit the average internet user

Supports common internet activities like browsing, reading emails and social media

Widely available since it uses existing telephone lines

Dedicated bandwidth that is not shared with neighbors

Cons

Price for the service is high when compared to cable and fiber

For a little more per month, you can get up to 10 times the speed in some cases

A large family with multiple devices will find it hard to stream simultaneously

Multiplayer gaming may not be adequately supported by lower speeds

Maximum speed available is only 200 Mbps

What is cable internet?

Top cable internet providers

Speed

Starting price

RCN

Up to 250 Mbps

Starting at $39.99/mo.

Spectrum

Up to 940 Mbps

Starting at $49.99/mo.

Cox

Up to 940 Mbps

Starting at $29.99/mo.

*As of 3/19/2020

Cable internet speeds

Cable internet pricing

Who is cable internet good for?

Who isn’t cable internet good for?

Pros and cons of cable internet

Pros

Relatively inexpensive

Good for small families

Widely available due to the use of cables

Does not require a phone line

Faster than DSL and satellite internet

Cons

Slower than fiber-optic internet

High initial connection fees for the user

Forces you to sacrifice upload speed for strong download speeds

Slower performance during peak hours

FAQs about cable and DSL

Is cable internet or DSL internet faster?

Cable is generally faster because it can handle more bandwidth.

What is the difference between cable and DSL internet?

DSL transmits the internet signal through telephone lines, while cable uses copper wire. Cable internet also has a higher maximum bandwidth than DSL.

Which is better for people living in remote areas?

Is DSL or cable better for gaming?

Cable is better for gaming because it usually has a higher bandwidth limit.

The bottom line

The post Cable vs. DSL: Which Is Right for You? appeared first on Freshome.com.

0 notes

jovialsoulinfluencer · 5 years ago

Text

Cable vs. DSL: Which Is Right for You?

Cable vs. DSL

When comparing DSL vs. cable internet, the differences are not just in speed and price but also in how each service functions.

Speed

Price

Best for

Cable

25 Mbps – 940 Mbps

$30.00/mo.–$150.00/mo.

Browsing, streaming, gaming and downloading

DSL

3 Mbps – 200 Mbps

$40.00/mo.-$80.00/mo.

Browsing and checking email

*As of 3/19/2020

What is DSL internet?

Top DSL providers

Speed

Starting price

AT&T

Up to 100 Mbps

Starting at $50.00/mo.

Frontier

Up to 150 Mbps

Starting at $27.99/mo.

CenturyLink

Up to 100 Mbps

Starting at $49.99/mo.

*As of 3/19/2020

DSL internet speeds

DSL pricing

Who is DSL good for?

Who isn’t DSL good for?

Pros and cons of DSL internet

Pros

Wired systems are more reliable

A variety of DSL plans available to suit the average internet user

Supports common internet activities like browsing, reading emails and social media

Widely available since it uses existing telephone lines

Dedicated bandwidth that is not shared with neighbors

Cons

Price for the service is high when compared to cable and fiber

For a little more per month, you can get up to 10 times the speed in some cases

A large family with multiple devices will find it hard to stream simultaneously

Multiplayer gaming may not be adequately supported by lower speeds

Maximum speed available is only 200 Mbps

What is cable internet?

Top cable internet providers

Speed

Starting price

RCN

Up to 250 Mbps

Starting at $39.99/mo.

Spectrum

Up to 940 Mbps

Starting at $49.99/mo.

Cox

Up to 940 Mbps

Starting at $29.99/mo.

*As of 3/19/2020

Cable internet speeds

Cable internet pricing

Who is cable internet good for?

Who isn’t cable internet good for?

Pros and cons of cable internet

Pros

Relatively inexpensive

Good for small families

Widely available due to the use of cables

Does not require a phone line

Faster than DSL and satellite internet

Cons

Slower than fiber-optic internet

High initial connection fees for the user

Forces you to sacrifice upload speed for strong download speeds

Slower performance during peak hours

FAQs about cable and DSL

Is cable internet or DSL internet faster?

Cable is generally faster because it can handle more bandwidth.

What is the difference between cable and DSL internet?

DSL transmits the internet signal through telephone lines, while cable uses copper wire. Cable internet also has a higher maximum bandwidth than DSL.

Which is better for people living in remote areas?

Is DSL or cable better for gaming?

Cable is better for gaming because it usually has a higher bandwidth limit.

The bottom line

The post Cable vs. DSL: Which Is Right for You? appeared first on Freshome.com.

from https://freshome.com/broadband/cable-vs-dsl/ via Cable vs. DSL: Which Is Right for You?

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0 notes

mrhotmaster · 5 years ago

Text

Prime Video: Best Movie Series In India (March 2020)

Best All-Time Amazon Prime Video Movie Series In India Of March 2020

With the brand new profiles function introduced in March, Amazon Prime Video is all of sudden a far higher streaming provider for buddies and households. More so in India, wherein a Prime club runs at just Rs. 999 per yr. Unlike Netflix, Amazon additionally does not make you pay more for HD or 4K. Yes, we admit Prime Video's collection catalog isn't any match for Netflix — it's less than a third of its overall — however there is nevertheless a whole lot of proper TV to be determined right here. It would not assist that Amazon does not do an awesome activity of surfacing hidden gems, however, hello, that is in which we come in. Below, you'll discover a bunch of big names (The Big Bang Theory), Amazon originals (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), and stuff you've probable by no means heard of (Spaced).

To choose the satisfactory TV suggests on Amazon Prime Video, we started with Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritic, and IMDb scores to draw up a shortlist. Considering the shortcomings of review aggregators in that department, the last of them is needed for non-English programming. Also, we used or rejected our editorial judgment. This listing can be up to date once every few months if there are any worthy additions or if a few TV shows are eliminated from the service, so bookmark this web page and preserve checking in. Here is the pleasant collection currently to be had on Amazon Prime Video in India, sorted alphabetically.

➔4 Blocks (2017 – Present)

Set inside the Berlin borough of Neukölln, this German-language crime drama follows the leader of a Lebanese drug cartel who desires to leave in the back of the violent manner of life for a non-violent life along with his wife and their daughter, however, is reluctantly pulled in after a police operation threatens the entirety. Set for a third and final season in 2019.

➔The Adventures of Tintin (1991 – 1992)

A co-manufacturing between three nations — Belgium, Canada, and France — this animated variation of cartoonist Georges Prosper Remi's maximum famous work ran for 39 1/2-hour episodes across three seasons, handing over nearly dozen adventures that had been praised for his or her faithfulness, every so often lifting comic panels to the screen precisely as they seemed.

➔The Affair (2014 – Present)

A schoolteacher and budding novelist (Dominic West) begins an extramarital affair with a younger waitress (Ruth Wilson) seeking to piece collectively her life in this somber drama, which brought two robust seasons of the deep and psychological statement earlier than a slight dip added by using plot struggles in the 0.33 season.

➔The Big Bang Theory (2007 – 2019)

This long-lasting sitcom, loved and hated in the same degree, is ready for the physicists and their neighbor pretending to act and nerd friends: the aerospace engineer and the astrophysicist. It brought two women — a neuroscientist and a microbiologist — because it went on. Seasons two through six have been the best years.

➔Bosch (2014 – Present)

Adapted from the novels he wrote, writer and writer Michael Connelly offers us Los Angeles Police detective Hieronymus “Harry” Bosch (Titus Welliver), a Gulf War and Afghanistan veteran who solves inscrutable instances — the murder of a boy many years in the past to a high-quality civil rights lawyer — whilst handling non-public struggles. The slow first season, however it soon delicate itself.

➔The Boys (2019 – Present)

Far from perfect, this gory superhero-obsessed-tradition antidote, based on Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson's comedian collection, follows a bunch of nobodies (Karl Urban amongst them) seeking to take down a corrupt group of superheroes who've chosen capitalism over charity. In short, the superheroes are the supervillains.

➔Casual (2015 – 2018)

A newly-divorced female and successful therapist — and her teenage daughter — movements again in along with her more youthful brother and relationship site co-founder in this candy li'l comedy-drama. The two educate each other through the pains and tribulations of the dating global, even as together raising the girl.

➔Deutschland 86 (2018)

This sequel to the hit authentic — Deutschland 83, which is regrettably no longer on Amazon — is ready within the titular 12 months either aspect of the Iron Curtain, because it explores existence in each West and East Germany thru the standpoint of an undercover secret agent, who navigates love, own family, and secrets and techniques. Renewed for a 3rd season, titled Deutschland 89.

➔Doctor Who (2005 – Present)

David Tennant, Matt Smith, Peter Capaldi, and — the first-ever girl Doctor — Jodie Whittaker provide their take at the time-traveling, galaxy-hopping alien in the modern-day revival of the long-lasting British sci-fi show. Seasons 1 – eleven are to be had. Seasons two, three, four, and five are usually considered the high-quality of the lot, with the closing of them generally highlighted.

➔Dororo (2019)

Born without any frame components because of his strength-hungry father, a younger guy — blind, deaf, and more — made from prosthetics units out to reclaim what's his from 12 demons on this anime. Along the way, he befriends the titular orphan boy.

➔Downton Abbey (2010 – 2015)

A post-Edwardian generation period drama set within the English countryside, managing the aristocratic Crawley circle of relatives and their domestic servants, and the way the terrific activities of the 1910s and Twenties affected their lives and the British social hierarchy. I went through a dip in excellent inside the center to past due years however recovered for the final season. The follow-up 2019 movie is on iTunes.

➔The Expanse (2015 – Present)

Hundreds of years in the future, mankind that has colonized the Solar System is at the threshold of warfare and it's up to a crew of various origins — Earth, Mars, and the Asteroid Belt — to show the best conspiracy of all.

➔Fleabag (2016 – Present)

Phoebe-Waller Bridge created and starred on this comedy-drama out of her one-female play, approximately a young, sexually-liberated, dry-witted irritable woman who navigates contemporary lifestyles in London at the same time as coming to phrases with a recent tragedy.

➔Forever (2018)

Maya Rudolph and Fred Armisen megastar in and govt produced this comedy-drama approximately a married couple who've lived the identical lifestyles — the same conversations, the equal meals, and the identical lake-residence vacation — for 12 years. But after the spouse proposes to shake matters up, the two locate themselves in a whole new global.

➔Fringe (2008 – 2013)

This sci-fi collection counts J.J. Abrams as a co-creator and follows an FBI agent (Anna Torv) who is forced to paintings with an institutionalized scientist taken into consideration this era's Einstein and his estranged son to make the experience of unexplained phenomena, which ties into parallel universes and trade timelines.

➔The Good Fight (2017 – Present)

A spin-off sequel to the severely-acclaimed The Good Wife follows Diane Lockhart (Christine Baranski) after she's forced out of the law organization wherein she becomes an accomplice, and has to enroll in a high-profile regulation corporation in Chicago. The criminal/political drama has greater than held its own unlike most spin-offs and has been praised for its examination of topical social issues.

➔Good Omens (2019)

Michael Sheen and David Tennant megastar as an angel and demon with an unlikely century-spanning friendship on this Neil Gaiman-led version this is responsible for sticking too close to the book he co-wrote (among some different faults). Having grown content with existence on Earth, the two attempt to save you a drawing close Armageddon.

➔The Good Wife (2009 – 2016)

After a humiliating sex and corruption scandal puts her husband behind bars, his spouse — a former kingdom's attorney — must go back to work to offer for her own family, at the same time as battling the undesirable highlight. Known for its unique criminal cases, top-notch performances, and turning in always on all fronts at some stage in its lengthy seven-season cable run.

➔The Grand Tour (2016 – Present)

The former Top Gear trio of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May persevered to do what they did at BBC — overview supercars, excursion the arena, however mostly make amusing of every other — for three seasons, before switching to specials-only with the fourth season.

➔The Handmaid's Tale (2017 – Present)

Elisabeth Moss stars in the lead of this prescient and unflinching version of Margaret Atwood's dystopian traditional novel, set in a global where a totalitarian army dictatorship has overthrown America authorities and subjugates ladies inside the call of declining fertility quotes. Two high-quality seasons followed by using a dip in the 1/3.

➔Homecoming (2018 – Present)

In her first collection of ordinary positions, Julia Roberts performs a caseworker who enables US veterans to transition again to civilian existence, and a waitress returned in her fatherland who has trouble remembering her earlier existence throughout periods. As an auditor digs into her past, she realizes she changed into being misled. A mental thriller directed by way of Mr. Robot's Sam Esmail.

➔House (2004 – 2012)

For 8 long years, Hugh Laurie played the misanthropic and unconventional titular doctor who regardless of reliance on pain remedy and a cane — it simply introduced to his acerbic character — led a team at a fictional New Jersey health center, and made notable use of his out-of-the-field wondering and instincts to diagnose sufferers.

➔Laakhon Mein Ek (2017 – Present)

Biswa Kalyan Rath's anthology collection offers a have a look at unlucky souls — a teen caught at an engineering coaching institute, or a young health practitioner published to a rural cataract camp — preventing in opposition to prejudices, the gadget, and extra. And generally failing.

➔Lodge forty-nine (2018 – 2019)

Overlooked using most, which led to its cancellation after seasons, this splendidly weird comedy-drama follows a disarmingly optimistic former surfer who by hook or by crook arrives at a rundown fraternal hotel after the demise of his father and disintegrate of the family enterprise, hoping to find his manner again to the life he had.

➔The Looming Tower (2018)

Lawrence Wright's Pulitzer Prize-prevailing ebook of the same name is adapted into a ten-element miniseries, exploring how the clash and contention between the FBI and CIA inside the early 2000s may additionally have inadvertently brought about America's biggest tragedy, September 11. Powerfully written and strengthened through exceptional acting, which includes Jeff Daniels, with a directing tone set by way of Alex Gibney.

➔Luther (2010 – Present)

Idris Elba stars as a committed and tremendous British detective who attempts to preserve a grip on his private existence while managing the mental fallouts of the crimes he is tasked to remedy.

➔Mad Men (2007 – 2015)

Set in New York in the 1960s, a slow-burn theory that provides an insight into a fictionally produced advertising agency, specializing in one of all its exceptionally talented managers (Jon Hamm). It offered brilliantly crafted characters and a subversive, sensible have a look at the American workplace, while in no way losing in fine throughout seven seasons.

➔Made in Heaven (2019 – Present)

From the minds of Gully Boy duo Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, a drama approximately the excesses, hypocrisies, and darkness hiding in the corners of huge, fat Indian weddings, instructed thru the eyes of two wedding planners looking to stability their personal and professional lives. It has many faults, no longer as excellent as others in this listing, however, it is the high-quality of what Amazon has produced in India.

➔Malgudi Days (1987 – 1988)

R.K. Narayanan's collection of quick stories approximately unique faces of existence in a fictional South India metropolis are selectively tailored for the display screen, thanks to his cartoonist brother R.K. Laxman, actor-director Shankar Nag, and manufacturer T.S. Narasimhan.

➔The Man within the High Castle (2015 – 2019)

Philip K. Dick's famous change history novel of the identical name, in which the Axis powers won World War II and divided the USA to be ruled by using Germany and Japan, opened in engrossing style and multiplied itself in powerful methods in its 2d year, however, changed into in the end permit down by using its unwieldy plot.

➔The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017 – Present)

Arguably Amazon's high-quality authenticity so far, the ideal existence of a Jewish housewife (Rachel Brosnahan) in overdue 1950s New York City crumbles after her husband confesses he's having an affair, which leads her to a surprising discovery: she has a knack for stand-up comedy.

➔The Mindy Project (2012 – 2017)

Fresh off her success with The Office, Mindy Kaling created and starred in her show, a rom-com about an OB/GYN (Kaling) seeking to balance her professional and private existence. After three appreciated seasons with a few faults, it moved to stream in which it similarly delicate itself and ended with the 117th episode and six seasons.

➔The Missing (2014 – 2016) This two-season anthology thriller is about lacking youngsters — a five-yr-old boy in France, and a woman who turns up eleven years later in Germany — and the way it impacts their families as they undergo the disaster. Always uses dual timelines shifting in parallel to construct suspense. Tchéky Karyo's lead detective is the simplest common detail. ➔Mozart within the Jungle (2014 – 2018) Inspired by oboist Blair Tindall's 2005 memoir, this 4-season long comedy-drama concentrated on a formidable oboist (Lola Kirke) who develops a robust bond with the new conductor (Gael García Bernal) of a fictional New York symphony orchestra, with escapades in Mexico and Italy across seasons. ➔Mr. Bean (1990 – 1995) Rowan Atkinson's famous character, whom he defined as a toddler in a grown man's frame, has appeared anywhere from the London Olympics establishing ceremony to an interview on Japanese television, always pronouncing little. He was given his start with this iconic collection that produced a paltry 14 episodes over 5 years but gave us enough laughs to closing an entire life. ➔The Night Manager (2016) Tom Hiddleston, Hugh Laurie, and Olivia Colman lead the way with robust performances in this six-episode miniseries model of the 1993 John le Carré novel, approximately a former British soldier and luxury motel manager (Hiddleston) who turns into an undercover operative to infiltrate the internal circle of a worldwide arms supplier (Laurie). ➔The Office (2005 – 2013) This American remake of Ricky Gervais' BBC sitcom mockumentary lasted some distance longer — 201 episodes over 9 seasons — as it observed the pretty-often beside the point and awkwardly-hilarious lives of the employees of a suburban Pennsylvania paper employer. Suffered in later seasons but returned to form in the very last season after the return of creator Greg Daniels. ➔One Mississippi (2016 – 2017) In this shifting -season comedy, a girl (Tig Notaro) returns home after the sudden death of her mom and struggles to adjust to life as she battles her fitness issues, and her dysfunctional circle of relatives and discovers extra about her mom's beyond. Notaro is also a co-author. ➔Parks and Recreation (2009 – 2015) Amy Poehler starred as an always-constructive public authentic in an Indiana city's parks department for seven seasons, surrounded via an ensemble cast as eccentric as the following one. Co-created by way of Daniels (The Office) and Michael Schur, the show made adjustments after a poorly-received debut season and by no means appeared again, as it blossomed into one of the best sitcoms of this century. ➔Penny Dreadful (2014 – 2016) An explorer, a gunslinger, a scientist, an immigrant, and a mysterious and powerful girl (Eva Green) team up to combat supernatural threats that draw upon nineteenth-century Gothic fiction — assume Dracula, Frankenstein, and Dr. Jekyll — London in Victoria. Green's entity and its overall success were praised. ➔Person of Interest (2011 – 2016) Before Westworld, Jonathan Nolan explored AI as a supercomputer that profits sentience, which enables its reclusive billionaire programmer and a presumed-dead ex-CIA agent to keep lives by giving them the identities of those involved in imminent crimes. A process that became an invasive serial account and mediation of the ethics of artificial intelligence regulation. ➔Planet Earth II (2016) Yes, it's a documentary, but it is also the top of BBC's potential to craft storylines out of the lives of animals that proportion the planet with us, and the dangers we gift to them. And to top off its wonderful pics that span islands, mountains, jungles, deserts, grasslands, and towns, David Attenborough's voice courses us through all of it. ➔Preacher (2016 – 2019) After a supernatural occasion imbues him with a present, a preacher teams up with his trigger-happy ex-girlfriend and a hard-ingesting Irish vampire searching for answers and God. Based on the comedian series of the identical call, the show has gore and offensive amusing aplenty, however, it can lack in narrative recognition. Ran out of steam inside the final season. ➔Psych (2006 – 2014) After conning the law enforcement officials into believing he has psychic abilities, a hyper-observant guy with eidetic reminiscence turns into a contract consultant for the nearby police branch, launching a faux psychic enterprise with his formative years' satisfactory pal. Improved after a no longer-so-correct first 12 months and has caused TV movies because its 8-season run ended. ➔Queen Sugar (2016 – Present) Ava DuVernay and Oprah got here together to create this drama based totally on Natalie Baszile's 2014 novel, approximately the lives of the estranged Bordelon siblings who move back to Louisiana after their father's loss of life to run the family's struggling sugarcane farm. ➔Seinfeld (1989 – 1998) Scores and important success for the duration of its run, this sitcom about a stand-up comic (Jerry Seinfeld) and his neurotic New York friends (Julia Louis-Dreyfus amongst them) butting heads over trivial questions remains a hallmark in television history, albeit some episodes and characters have not aged properly in any respect. Seinfeld and David are co-creators. ➔Shameless (2011 – Present) Based on the lengthy-jogging hit UK collection also from writer Paul Abbott, the American remake — now in its 9th season itself — is about inside the south side of Chicago and centers on a perpetually-drunk single father of six with the children mastering to attend to themselves. Several stumbles in the latest seasons. ➔Shaun the Sheep (2007 – Present) Before it spawned a feature movie that earned Oscar, Golden Globe, and BAFTA nominations and where the titular clever, assured and mischievous sheep talked, this forestall-movement lively youngsters collection was recognized for its bite-sized episodes, with Shaun leading the crowd on adventures and walking jewelry across the sheepdog. Four seasons are to be had.

➔Sneaky Pete (2015 – 2019) Bryan Cranston co-created this crime drama wherein a con man (Giovanni Ribisi) assumes the identity of his cellmate to keep away from a dangerous gangster whom he once robbed. But residing with the fake-family — which has no motive to suspect who he is, due to the fact he changed into long lost — presents challenges of its personal. ➔Spaced (1999 – 2001) Before they gave us the Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy, Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg directed and co-created, respectively, this sitcom approximately the misadventures of twenty-something London strangers (Pegg and Jessica Stevenson, fellow co-writer) who pose as a married couple to get a flat in the English capital. ➔Star Trek: Picard (2019 – Present) Patrick Stewart returns as Jean-Luc Picard on this follow-as much as the lengthy-walking Star Trek: The Next Generation — available on Netflix — nearly a decade and a half of after he retired, after a young girl with feasible connections to his beyond seeks his assist. It is probably too sluggish for a few and it would not attempt hard enough to take on new fans. ➔Supernatural (2005 – Present) Over two and a half of many years when they lost their mother to a demonic supernatural force, two brothers — introduced up with the aid of their father as soldiers with knowledge of the mystical — roam throughout the again-alleys of the united states and hunt down each evil they stumble upon. Eric Kripke ran the show for five seasons, and the darkish myth series is about to finish with its upcoming fifteenth. ➔The Terror (2018 – Present) This supernatural horror anthology takes actual-life events — British Royal Navy Captain Sir John Franklin's lost day trip to the Arctic in the mid-nineteenth century, and the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II — and spins terrifying tales, presenting ghosts, cannibalism, demonic polar bears, and Japanese folklore. ➔This Is Us (2016 – Present) This heartstrings-tugging circle of relatives drama jumps via time to depict the lives of three siblings (Sterling K. Brown among them) and their dad and mom, who appear to be mysteriously related to each other in methods beyond their shared birthday. ➔Transparent (2014 – 2019) A dysfunctional Los Angeles family unearths their past and destiny unraveling following an admission from the elderly father (Jeffrey Tambor) that he identifies as a girl. Winner of numerous awards which includes the Golden Globe for the first-class collection for its poignancy and empathy. Finale turned into middling though. Tambor turned into fired over sexual harassment allegations.

➔Undone (2019 – Present) From the makers of BoJack Horseman, a more lifestyles-like lively series about a 28-year-vintage woman (Rosa Salazar) who discovers she has a brand new relationship with time after moving into a vehicle coincidence, after which makes use of that to solve the mystery of her father's (Bob Odenkirk) loss of life. But her exploits positioned her relationships and fitness in critical jeopardy. ➔A Very English Scandal (2018) Hugh Grant and Ben Whishaw lead this three-component miniseries based totally on a real story and John Preston's book of the same name, following the upward thrust of British Member of Parliament Jeremy Thorpe (Grant) and the scandal that could cease his lifestyles, concerning the tried murder of his ex-homosexual lover (Whishaw). ➔Vinland Saga (2019) Set in large part in Danish-managed 11th-century England, this anime follows Thorfinn, a young man introduced up by Vikings who murdered his own family and invariably desires vengeance. They are soon stuck in a conflict of succession between Danish princes, at the same time as Thorfinn desires of a non-violent land that his father pointed out. Adapted by way of Hiroshi Seko (Ajin, Attack on Titan). ➔Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi (1984) Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro director Kundan Shah and satirist Sharad Joshi came collectively to deliver this sitcom that deftly poked fun on the Indian center magnificence, specializing in a poker-confronted husband, his vivacious office-going spouse, and her unmarried brother. It benefited from the chemistry of its 3 leads (Shafi Inamdar, Swaroop Sampat, and Rakesh Bedi) and the sheer versatility of Satish Shah. ➔Yes Minister (1980 – 1984) Together with its 1986-88 sequel — Yes, Prime Minister — the two short-lived British series are reigning kings of the political satire, following a newly-appointed branch minister suffering to carry out reforms and later, his surprising elevation to the best workplace inside the land.

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maritzaerwin · 5 years ago

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20 Money-Saving Tips for Millennials for 2020

Rumor has it that Millennials are world-class spenders and terrible money savers and according to a survey by CNBC, the rumor might be true. The survey found that 67% of people between the ages of 18 and 24 have savings of less than $1,000. What’s even worse, 33% of them have no savings.

Most of them live by the rule: work hard, play hard. What’s the point of working hard if you can’t enjoy it, right?

While it holds some truth, saving money can actually make your life better in the long run. If you’re a heavy spender, it’s time to change things up. Here are some of the benefits of saving your money.

The Benefits of Saving Money

a) Sense of Security

Life is unexpected, you never know what will happen next. Saving money will give you a sense of security knowing that you’ll be prepared if something bad happens. So, restrain yourself from buying unnecessary things and save your money in case something bad happens and you have to pay the hospital bills.

b) Freedom

If you have enough savings, you can buy most things with cash and avoid being trapped into credit card debt. This way, you don’t need to worry about having to pay your debt every month. And forget about those debt collectors knocking on your door too. This is the kind of freedom that everyone wants but only money-savers can have.

c) Flexibility

Saving money gives you the flexibility to live on your own terms. You’ve got the extra money to open a side business, invest in stocks, or go on a vacation. Those are the things that are impossible to do when you live paycheck to paycheck.

Money-Saving Tips

Saving your hard-earned money every month isn’t easy. If it is, then everyone would be doing it. But the truth is, only a minority of people have financial awareness to save for the future. In this article, we’ll help you become one of those selected few people with these actionable money-saving tips and ideas:

1) Use Cash More

Paying with cash, instead of cashless payment methods will make it much easier for you to track your spending because you have to physically count the money every time you buy something. Research from New British has also backed this claim as they found that digital payment methods have caused consumers to overspend.

2) Rent, Don’t Get into Mortgage Yet

Don’t force yourself into buying a house via mortgage when you can’t afford it yet. Only consider a mortgage if the monthly payment isn’t more than 28% of your income and you have no other debt. Otherwise, it’s better to rent. You could also get a roommate to share the cost if you’re comfortable living with another person.

3) Apply for Scholarships

It’s no secret that college fees aren’t cheap. As a result, 71% of students are reportedly caught in student debt. To avoid being stuck in a debt, apply for scholarships to cover the costs of your education. Apply as many as you can to increase your chances.

If you fail and really need to take the loan, take the federal loans instead of private ones. The federal loans usually offer more flexibility, like payment deferment and rescheduling options.

4) Sell Your Car and Take the Bus

If you have a car, consider selling it to save on gas, parking, maintenance, and loan interest. You can then use the money to pay off your other debts like student loans. There are a lot of cheaper alternatives to commute. You can take public transportation, share a ride with your colleagues, or even ride a bike.

5) Cut Down Your Electricity Use

Cutting down your electricity use will not only help your finances but also the environment at the same time. Do an energy audit in your home to find areas that you can cut down. Usually, cooling and heating appliances are the biggest energy consumers in a household.

6) Don’t Eat Out Too Often

Eating out with your friends is fun, but doing it too often will damage your financial condition. Instead of going out to a restaurant or cafe, invite your friends to come over to your house. There, you can cook your own meals and coffee. It’s a great way to save money while still being able to have fun with your peers.

7) Cancel Unused Memberships and Subscriptions

Cancel all memberships and subscriptions that you don’t really need anymore. When was the last time you went to the gym? If you have a gym membership, consider canceling it. Instead, do free work-outs like running in a park as well as doing push-ups and sit-ups.

8) Cut Your Cable

With the growing popularity of streaming services like Netflix and video sharing platforms like YouTube, TV cable has become a thing of the past. They cost less than cable, while also giving you the flexibility to choose what content to watch and when to watch it.

9) Learn to Say NO

According to Credit Karma, 40% of Millennials overspend and get caught in debts just to keep up with their friends. Don’t make the same mistake. Learn to say no to your friends if they invite you for a night out when you’re running low on cash.

Photo Credit -Pixabay.com

10) Refrain from Overusing Social Media

Social media can be harmful if you overuse it. Everyone is using social media to brag about their latest trip to Europe, their newest collection of Gucci bags, and anything necessary to make them appear cool and rich.

Limit your social media use to avoid being influenced to buy unnecessary things just to look cool. Just remember that your friends won’t be there when it’s time to pay the credit card debts.

11) Buy Higher-quality Clothing that Lasts Longer

Buying cheap products doesn’t necessarily help you save more money. In fact, it’s much cheaper to buy high-quality stuff that costs more but lasts longer than cheap knock-offs that you can only wear 2 or 3 times before it breaks.

For instance, spending $300 on a pair of jeans that you can wear for 3 years is much better than spending $10 on a pair of jeans that you can only wear for a couple of months.

12) Avoid Impulsive Buying

Living in an era of online shops and social media, Millennials are under constant threat of impulsive buying. With eCommerce sites like Amazon all over the web, purchasing something online has never been easier. Not to mention those Instagram ads that know exactly what kind of shoes or watch you like.

To avoid impulsive buying, it’s necessary to create a monthly budget and stick to it no matter what happens. It may be hard, but saving money is all about being disciplined and having a strong commitment.

13) Use a 30-day Rule

To avoid impulsive buying, you need to practice the 30-day rule of shopping. The rule of the game is simple: if you want to buy something really bad, wait for 30 days. After 30 days, you’ll realize where the urge of shopping comes from. Do you really need the item? Or is it just your appetite? Most of the time, it’s the latter.

14) Eat First Before Shopping for Groceries

Never shop for groceries while you’re hungry. When you’re hungry, every food will look extra delicious and you might end up buying too much food that you don’t actually need. Creating a grocery list before you go shopping will certainly help you stay on track. And also, don’t forget to eat first.

15 )Make Extra Money

Cutting down life expenses can be difficult to pull out at times. No matter how hard you try, there’s just not enough money to save at the end of the month. Especially when you’re married and have kids. If that’s the case, making extra money is the most reasonable route to go.

There are many ways to make extra money depending on your skills. You can do freelance jobs, start your own online business, teach online courses, or even offer house cleaning services for your neighbors.

16) Borrow, Instead of Buying

Don’t ever buy what you can borrow, it’s a waste of money. Things that you must borrow are those that you need for the time being, but not for a long time. Things like books, movies, lawnmowers, ladders, chainsaws, carpet cleaners, tables and chairs for events, as well as tents when you decide to go camping.

17) Don’t Let FOMO Get the Better of You

FOMO is an acronym that stands for Fear of Missing Out. This is a social anxiety that’s commonly found in Millennials. Basically, it’s a feeling of wanting to catch up to what your friends do, whether it’s having fun with friends, going on a luxurious vacation, or buying the latest gadgets.

Instead of buying something you need, you’ll buy something because other people do the same. And you want to look cool. It’s in human nature to crave acceptance and not wanting to be left behind. But if you let FOMO control your life, you won’t ever be successful.

18) Buy Used Furniture and Items for Your House Decoration

Your house is the place you spend time with your family and rest after an exhausting day. Of course, it needs to be comfortable and nicely decorated. Who wants to go home to a place that looks like a dump, right?

Nicely decorated doesn’t always mean expensive taste. You can buy used furniture at a garage sale, flea market, second-hand store, or even a shop of a charitable organization. You can also recycle unused junk into beautiful home decor items with some creativity.

Source: Pinterest

19) Purchase Something That’s on Sale

If you can, avoid paying the full price when you purchase something. Instead, wait for the sale season to begin before going on a spree. Big holidays like Christmas and New Year certainly offer a lot of discounts. Also, look for the occasion. Purchasing winter boots and coats during summer will usually be much cheaper than during winter.

20) Don’t Get a Pet Just Yet

Adopting a pet might seem like a fun idea until the bills come in. The average yearly cost to raise a small dog is around $2,674, and it grows as the dog gets bigger. Medium dogs will cost $2,889 and large dogs will cost $3,239 yearly. And don’t forget about those medical emergencies that can cost you thousands of dollars!

Conclusion

In the last few years, Millennials have been heavily criticized for their lack of ability and willingness to save money. Yes, studies have confirmed that Millennials indeed have a lower savings rate than both Gen X and Boomers but, it’s not entirely their fault.

Today, everything is significantly more expensive than it was back in the day. Education costs are much higher, forcing students to take up student loans. Not to mention credit card debt, car loan, and mortgage on top of it. Millennials spend most of their income to pay off their debts until there’s barely enough to save.

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t cut down on your expenses and start saving.

Here are some actionable money-saving ideas that you can try right away:

Use cash instead of cashless payments.

Don’t get into a house mortgage when you can’t afford it, rent instead.

Apply for scholarships to help finance your study.

Sell your car and take public transportation to commute.

Cut down your electricity use.

Don’t eat out too often, cook your own meals.

Cancel all memberships and subscriptions that you no longer use.

Switch from TV cable to Netflix or Hulu.

Don’t get easily influenced by your friends and social media posts.

Buy high-quality fashion items that last longer, as opposed to cheaper knock-offs.

Use a 30-day rule before purchasing something.

Borrow what you can, and only buy items when it’s on sale.

Don’t go shopping for groceries while being hungry.

Do side hustles to earn extra pennies.

Buy second-hand furniture, or make one from unused junk in your home.

Don’t get a pet when you’re still in debt.

The post 20 Money-Saving Tips for Millennials for 2020 appeared first on CareerMetis.com.

20 Money-Saving Tips for Millennials for 2020 published first on https://skillsireweb.tumblr.com/

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itsfinancethings · 5 years ago

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November 29, 2019 at 07:00AM

List season has hit particularly hard this year, as the end of our first full decade of social media immersion has culminated in a multi-month spree of ranking and revisiting the likes of which humanity has probably never seen before. So I feel compelled to open by thanking you, the reader, for giving yet another highly subjective hit parade your attention.

My hope is that along with a few of the zeitgeisty critical darlings (Fleabag, Watchmen, Succession) you’re sure to find in every other top 10 of 2019, this list will point you in the direction of some equally wonderful series (Vida, David Makes Man, Back to Life) that haven’t gotten the shine they deserve. What you won’t find here, incidentally, is anything from the initial slate of shows on brand-new streaming services Apple TV+ or Disney+. Whether that disappointment turns out to be a pattern or a fluke, only time will tell.

10. Back to Life (Showtime)

Few characters have embodied the saying “you can’t go home again” as fully as Back to Life creator Daisy Haggard’s Miri Matteson. Out on parole after spending half her life in jail for a crime she committed at age 18, Miri returns to her small English hometown—not because she’s missed the place, but because she has nowhere to go but her parents’ house. While enduring harassment at the hands of neighbors who will never forget what she did, she struggles to find work, companionship and peace. From the producers of Fleabag, this quieter, gentler traumedy weighs Miri’s crime against the less extreme but more malicious transgressions of her family and friends. It poses the question of whether anyone who pays their debt to society really gets a fair chance to start over—and it suggests that you can tell a lot about a community by getting to know its scapegoats.

9. When They See Us (Netflix)

Ava DuVernay is the rare popular artist fueled by an irrepressible optimism about building a better future as well as righteous anger about the past and present. She brought both of these defining traits to bear on this four-part drama about the Central Park Five—whom her miniseries rechristened the Exonerated Five. Along with exposing how and suggesting why a broken New York City criminal justice system was so eager to vilify blameless children of color in the aftermath of a monstrous act of sexual violence, DuVernay and her stellar young cast worked with the real Five to create multifaceted portraits of regular kids with hopes, ambitions and communities that suffered as a result of their incarceration. And she found echoes of their story in the current movement against mass incarceration and in the presidency of Donald Trump, who stoked public fury at the boys. When They See Us celebrates the righting of a grievous wrong while acknowledging that no vindication, or remuneration, could fully heal such deep wounds.

8. Watchmen (HBO)

For those of us who haven’t enjoyed our culture’s never-ending superhero craze so much as endured it, the news that the most prestigious of all prestige cable outlets was adapting a DC Comics book sounded kind of like a betrayal. Et tu, HBO? But we should never have doubted The Leftovers creator Damon Lindelof’s ability to make Alan Moore’s brilliant, subversive 1980s classic resonate more than three decades later. Instead of revisiting the Cold War, Lindelof set his Watchmen in an alternate 2019 where the events of the comic are canon, Robert Redford (yes, that one) has been President for decades and a white supremacist group called the Seventh Kavalry is slaughtering police who are loyal to the liberal administration. Into this mess rides masked vigilante Sister Night (Regina King, in the would-be hero role she’s long deserved), a cop who is supposed to have retired from crime-fighting. There is (or should be) enough carryover from Moore’s original to appease its cult fandom, but the show is at its best when contending with our confused, misinformed, politically polarized current reality. And in that respect, it’s every bit as intelligent, provocative and mysterious as it is entertaining.

7. Undone (Amazon)

Fans worried that BoJack Horseman mastermind Raphael Bob-Waksberg would turn out to be a one-hit wonder could take comfort in this wildly imaginative sci-fi dramedy that he co-created with Kate Purdy, about a disaffected young woman (Rosa Salazar’s Alma) who narrowly survives a catastrophic car crash. In hospital-bed visions tied to her sudden physical trauma and preexisting mental illness, Alma reunites with her long-dead father (Bob Odenkirk), learns that he was murdered and allows him to guide her on a time-travel mission to prevent the crime from happening. Yet Undone is more than just a high-concept mystery; it’s a journey into human consciousness, a beautiful example of Rotoscoped animation and a subtle meditation on family, identity and spirituality.

6. David Makes Man (OWN)

The success of Moonlight sent ripples through Hollywood, elevating writer-director Barry Jenkins and a cast including Mahershala Ali, Jharrel Jerome and Janelle Monáe to the highest echelon of their art form. It also opened industry doors for MacArthur honoree Tarell Alvin McCraney, who wrote the play on which the film was based. This year he unveiled David Makes Man, a lyrical drama about a smart, troubled 14-year-old (Akili McDowell, astonishing in his first lead role) in the Florida projects who’s struggling to get into a prestigious high school and avoid being drafted into a gang, while mourning a mentor. Though it shares a lush aesthetic and many themes—black boyhood, complicated role models, queer identity—with Moonlight, the expanded format allows McCraney to explore the people around David. His privileged best friend (Nathaniel McIntyre) suffers abuse at home. His gender-queer neighbor (Travis Coles) takes in runaway LGBT teens and plays a delicate role in the local ecosystem. And his single mother (Alana Arenas), an addict in recovery, holds down a degrading job to keep the bills paid. This isn’t just the old story of excellence and poverty battling for the soul of one extraordinary child; it’s the story of a community where both qualities must coexist.

5. Lodge 49 (AMC)

At least once a year, a series too smart for prime-time gets canned even as network execs re-up long-running bores like NCIS for 24 more functionally identical episodes. In 2019, it was Lodge 49 that ended up on the wrong side of the equation. A loose, semi-stoned account of a young man (Wyatt Russell’s Sean “Dud” Dudley) treading water in the wake of his beloved father’s death, the show expanded over the course of its first season into an allegory for the isolation of contemporary life. The Southern California landscape around Dud, an affable dreamer, and his self-destructive twin sister (Sonya Cassidy) had been scarred by pawn shops, breastaurants, temp agencies, abandoned office parks. Refuge came in the form of the titular cash-strapped fraternal organization, where Dud found two precious things late capitalism couldn’t provide: a sense of community and a mysterious, all-consuming quest. Both propelled him and his cohorts to Mexico in this year’s funny, bittersweet second season; perhaps sensing the end was near, creator Jim Gavin’s finale provided something like closure. Still, the show—which is currently being shopped to streaming services—has plenty left to say. Here’s hoping the producers find a way to, as the fans on Twitter put it, #SaveLodge49.

4. Vida (Starz)

In its short first season, creator Tanya Saracho’s Vida assembled all the elements of a great half-hour drama. Mishel Prada and Melissa Berrera shined as Mexican-American sisters who come home to LA after the death of their inscrutable mom, Vida—only to learn that the building and bar she owned are on the verge of foreclosure. It also turns out that Vida, whose homophobia destroyed her relationship with Prada’s sexually fluid Emma, had married a woman. Meanwhile, their angry teenage neighbor Mari (Chelsea Rendon) raged against gentrification. These storylines coalesced to electrifying effect in this year’s second season, testing the sisters’ tense bond as they found themselves in the crosshairs of activists who saw their desperate efforts to save the family business as acts of treachery from two stuck-up “whitinas.” Thanks largely to the talented Latinx writers and directors Saracho enlisted for the project, Vida brings lived-in nuance to issues like class, colorism and desire—yielding one of TV’s smartest and sexiest shows.

3. Succession (HBO)

Right-wing tycoons and their adult children have gotten plenty of attention in the past few years—most of it negative. So why would anyone voluntarily watch a show in which the nightmare offspring of a Mudoch-like media titan (Brian Cox) compete to become his successor? A rational argument for all the goodwill around Succession might point out the crude poetry of its dialogue (from creator Jesse Armstrong, a longtime Armando Iannucci collaborator), the fearlessness of its cast (give Jeremy Strong an Emmy just for Kendall’s rap) and the knife-twisting accuracy of this season’s digital-media satire (R.I.P. Vaulter). But on a more primal level, one informed by the increasingly rare experience of watching episodes set Twitter ablaze as they aired, I think we’re also getting a collective thrill out of a series that confirms our darkest assumptions about people who thirst for money and power. It’s a catharsis we may well deserve.

2. Russian Doll (Netflix)

To observe that there was a built-in audience for a show created by Natasha Lyonne, Amy Poehler and Leslye Headland in which Lyonne starred as a hard-partying New York City cynic might’ve been the understatement of the year. But even those of us who bought into Russian Doll from the beginning could never have predicted such a resounding triumph. In a story built like the titular nesting doll, Lyonne’s Nadia Vulvokov dies in a freak accident on the night of her 36th birthday. The twist is, instead of moving on to the afterlife or the grave, she finds herself back where she started the evening, at a party in her honor. Nadia is condemned to repeat this cycle of death and rebirth until she levels up in self-knowledge—a process that entails many cigarettes, lots of vintage East Village grit and a not-so-chance encounter with a fellow traveler. Stir in a warm, wry tone and a message of mutual aid, and you’ve got the best new TV show of 2019.

1. Fleabag (Amazon)

Fleabag began its run, in 2016, as a six-episode black comedy about a scornful, neurotic, hypersexual young woman caught in a self-destructive holding pattern of her own making. The premise didn’t immediately distinguish creator and star Phoebe Waller-Bridge as all that different from peers like Lena Dunham, Aziz Ansari and Donald Glover. But the British show’s execution was sharp, funny and daring enough to make it a cult hit on both sides of the Atlantic—and to anoint Waller-Bridge as TV’s next big thing. She went on to helm the exhilarating first season of Killing Eve, giving this year’s second and final season of Fleabag time to percolate. It returned as a more mature but, thankfully, no less audacious show, matching Waller-Bridge’s somewhat reformed Fleabag with an impossible love interest known to fans as the Hot Priest (Andrew Scott). The relationship offered a path to forgiveness for the kind of character most millennial cris de coeur have been content to leave hanging. By allowing Fleabag a measure of grace without sacrificing her life-giving vulgarity, Waller-Bridge conjured the realistic vision of redemption that has so far eluded her contemporaries—and closed out the 2010s with the decade’s single greatest season of comedy.

#IFTTT #Blogger

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iluvtv · 6 years ago

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Political Power Outage

We all know there is plenty to be outraged about these days. But I think it’s high time to make a vote for joy!

Maybe it’s feeling decidedly grown up while possessing very, very little responsibility. Maybe its the shit-storm that is the world and my very tiny confidence that there is much hope to cling to (I’ll try for a moment to muffle my cynicism here and at least make a rah of enthusiasm for the assumed effectiveness of Ms. Pelosi paired with the newly vacated Sessions). Maybe it’s just my nature. No matter what induces it I increasingly seem to give about zero fucks beyond my commitment to having and spreading this emotion.

JOY.

And when my own humor fails there’s more good TV than I know what to do with. If the apocalypse is near I hope the last thing that crashes at my house is the cable line and streaming services. This way I can at least sneak some uninterrupted guilt-free time to beat my way through at least like 20% of what’s left on “the list.”

It’s not all jaw droopingly perfect (admittedly some of my most frequent followings are viewed through a somewhat evil eye whilst reading the news) but there’s just enough bullshit on all of our periphery to make even the most basic satire hard to truly fuck up.

Case in point: Modern Family (am I seriously not only still watching but still publicly talking about this show?! — If you don’t watch don’t start and I’ll be brief here, but….). This sitcom which was cutting edge when it premiered is now mainly sleepy and rather cliche. There’s a moment early in this season where Hailey actually says to a large black woman “thanks girl, your hair’s on point!” to which I was so baffled by I took to #blacktwitter in hopes of some dialogue on this exchange only to realize black people don’t seem to bother with Modern Family #smarterthantheJews? (like how I managed to marginalize and generalize two “kinky-haired” minorities right there? Clearly I’m learning from the fine folks running our country these days...)

But my vote’s for joy so let’s address more positive matters; despite all odds Modern Family has still managed to take on White Boy Privilege with a delightful bit of charm (and underlying vitriol)…

The week of October 5th (noteworthy in as much as it aired during the Kavenaugh hearings) Modern Family ran it’s second episode of its 10 year (and I assume finale) run with a certain je ne sais quois… not entirely shocking but certainly on par with my zero fucks ‘tude . When Jay wonders why Phil is being so rude to him Luke looks at his grandfather and earnestly retorts “I dunno, but its not easy being a white man these days. You feel me?” And yes, I do believe this line was written in at the very last minute as the Trump Boys raged against the machine (aka crazy women making it “so dangerous to be men these days”).

Similarly, when Alex wonders if she should continue her lifetime pursuit of a science fellowship or change career paths and become a singer she considers the money she’d be giving up.

Alex: “I could make half a million my first year out of school.”

To which her Grandfather wisely replies: “Wow, what are they paying male scientists these days?!”

In other “sitcoms that once broke the mold and now barely blip the controversy radar” news, Will and Grace took on the once taboo topic of sexual harassment with an avant garde “grace” I had yet to witness from network comedy. Last week Grace confronted her father for not knowing just how skeezy his bestfriend had been to her when she was in High School and even more to the point assuming that she had been the one at fault when the summer job she’d had for this man had gone sour. Unfortunately, the “inappropriate old man” experience is all too universally relatable and the layered approach to Grace’s trauma some 30 years later combined with her father’s eventual apology was a fabulously welcome and important commentary. But if all that’s too heavy for your bliss Karen’s lip synching to the Wicked Witch of the West Monologue will 100% make this episode worth it.

Moving past the predictable sitcoms that are either ready to be retired or are newly resurrected is TV making me far happier. Since we can’t all get work visas and escape to Canada I guess you’ll have to settle on your couch for a few Canadian exports. First and foremost, Letterkenny, a special little satire I’d been planning on getting to for months. This show along with the Netflix debut of season 4 of Schitt’s Creek are so special they deserve a HAIL CANADA blog all their own so we’ll save them for a rainy day. Suffice to say they make me very, very happy. And if you too need joy run to them with open arms.

Speaking of shows worthy of quoting literally every line their genius writing staff composes (and fabulous actors deliver) while also being completely unafraid to address pretty much every single ‘Merica terror -- I finally got around to the first half of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’s season 3. As per usual Tina Fey produces popular culture and political commentary entirely on the nose while still being rib achingly funny. I mostly appreciate that this show is entirely willing to offend everyone. As a human largely offended by politics as a whole I find this a hugely relatable and fantastic tactic.

Like in the season premier when sweet little innocent Kimmy, victim of years of captivity gets a sexual harassment suit filed on her (been there girl!)

Titus explains to Kimmy there is a reckoning going on even though she’s not “a Weinstein or the president” she still needs to watch her step.

“It’s not about you it’s about your coworkers.”

Advice we all need.

Or, when lily white, baby boomer, radical Lilian sits on her Brooklyn stoop drinking malt liquor, holding her late husband’s ashes and lamenting to a young ethnic kid about gentrification her brown neighbor pushes back. The shift is lucrative for him: “I’ve gone from selling rock to powder.”

This is humor offensive on a bipartisan level, right?

The cleverness hardly stops at episode one though so don’t wait until the world is ending and all the power goes out (no please no!!!) sit down and get compfy, this may be the best season yet!

Just a quick PSA, do be wary of getting sucked into Netflix’s next recommendation. Algorithms aren’t nearly as wonderful as my suggestions. Just take Titus’ word for it...

“You know how Al Gore invented internet? He also invented a rhythm for it. It’s named for him and it learns about you and picks things you like.”

I die.

And to go completely off brand here I’d be especially remiss if I failed to mention one of my greatest TV joys these days: Meghan McCain’s return to The View! As a rather unlikely fan I suppose I’m just compassionate enough to appreciate the lengthy time the network allotted McCain to take to grieve “The Maverick” but good golly am I overjoyed to have the betch back at the table. Truthfully, I’m pretty enamored with the whole cast and their lively dynamic (how refreshing to listen to smart women respectfully discussing real issues — the empathy they bring to the current rhetoric is sorely hard to come by)! All cast considered, there is something marvelous about this girl who was raised so differently than me, with such different political ideals and yet I still just feel so connected to. She is an incredibly intelligent, well read, self-actualized bad girl. She speaks her opinions with conviction and poise and even though I mostly disagree with the sentiment I so aspire to argue with that kind of eloquence and confidence. I look forward to sipping a thimble of gin with her as I cook dinner each night. Here’s to you (and your Pops) Ms.McCain! God knows the more divisive the country gets the more I rely on these women!

And if all that wasn’t enough my new satire god R. Eric Thomas (if you aren’t subscribing to his weekly email you fail at life) actually tweeted that my new Schitt’s Creek election t-shirt was “perfect”.

I guess we all can see satire was the real winner this (and every) week!

#r. eric thomas #the view #tina fey #unbreakable kimmy schmidt #letterkenny #schitts creek #will and grace #megan mullally #metoo #Modern Family #vote #joy

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martechadvisor-blog · 7 years ago

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Digital Expectations in a Television World

Remember the “good ole days” in advertising? For starters, there weren’t that many options for reaching consumers. You could run a spot on TV or radio, a print ad in a magazine or newspaper or a billboard in outdoor advertising. Targeting was almost exclusively based on demographics—females, 25 to 54—and success was measured primarily by how much of your target audience was exposed to the ad.

That was consumer advertising for many decades. But then about two decades ago, not long after computer scientist Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web, the world of advertising changed forever. (Despite his claim to the contrary, Al Gore did not invent the Internet.)

Once people began consuming content via computers, advertisers had new ways of identifying consumers and knowing when they were exposed to a digital ad. As these methodologies advanced, so did the ability to target and measure ads.

A Brave New World

Today, advertisers have nearly unlimited ways to target consumers using digital advertising: what they paid for their house and who lives there, the cars they drive, the groceries they buy, the places they go and the hobbies they enjoy. And the same source of data thats used for targeting can also be leveraged to measure the impact of the advertising. It’s no longer good enough to know if they were exposed to the ad; advertisers rightly want to understand if the ad caused the person to visit a store and purchase the advertised product.

Now that advertisers have grown comfortable with the precise targeting and measurement of digital advertising, they expect to have the same ability in traditional advertising, including the medium advertisers choose to spend the most dollars in: television. “As television advances with things like addressable TV and set-top box data, there is an increase in requests from clients to apply the same targeting practices and audience-defining capabilities to TV as we do in digital,” noted Denise Colella, Senior Vice President of Advanced Advertising Products and Strategy at NBCUniversal in an interview with eMarketer.

Addressable TV to the Rescue

While digital-like targeting and measurement isn’t yet possible with linear television, it is with addressable TV. Households accessible via addressable TV can receive different ads based on who they are and what they are likely to buy. While during a commercial break I might see ads for Mercedes, Nutella and a drug prescribed for cancer treatment, my neighbor might see ads from Chevy, Pampers, and eTrade. The addressable set-top box acts much like a digital ad server, determining which ad to serve up based on who is receiving the ad.

In 2016, there were 68 million addressable television households in the US, being served by providers such as AT&T’s DirecTV, Dish or Comcast’s xfinity. Advertisers running ads on addressable TV can leverage many of the same data sources for precise audience targeting and measuring in-store sales lift, enjoying the same benefits they have grown accustomed to with digital advertising. It’s especially ideal for regional brands who don’t want to reach a national audience, making television affordable to advertisers who previously couldn’t afford the waste of linear broadcast TV.

But Wait, There’s More!

Relying on addressable TV as the silver bullet presents challenges, however. For one, you still won’t be able to reach so-called “cord cutters”—people who have ditched cable television for more affordable streaming services, such as Hulu and Netflix. Nor will you reach “cord nevers”—people who’ve never subscribed to cable television. That’s a growing audience, with one out of every five U.S. households choosing not subscribing to pay television. It’s most prevalent with younger audiences—often the most coveted consumers—with adults 18 to 34 chalking up more than 30 billion hours watching television via digital methods on demand vs. only 19 billion hours watching live television.

And then there are the multi-screen viewers, which is just about everyone today. A Nielsen Technographic study in 2015 found that 65% of U.S. online adults use another device while watching television. Who hasn’t picked up their smartphone while simultaneously watching a TV show or had their tablet or laptop balanced on their lap while watching a movie?

The point? **Advertising shouldn’t be an either-or proposition, but rather an and proposition**. Smart advertisers are running both addressable television campaigns with digital campaigns, in a coordinated and synchronized manner. Providers such as DirecTV offer the ability to purchase a single ad campaign that reaches the identically targeted households on both addressable TV and their digital devices (smartphones, tablets, desktops, laptops). That way they are assured of reaching both the pay-TV subscribers as well as those only consuming content on digital devices and reaching everyone simultaneously during the same commercial breaks. What’s more, the advertiser receives a single measurement study for the campaign that compares the sales impact of those reached only by digital TV, those reached only via their digital devices and the incremental gains from being reached on both during the campaign period.

Talk about the best of both worlds! By maximizing reach and frequency with the target audience—no matter how precise—advertisers enjoy the rich, precise targeting and meaningful measurement they’ve grown accustomed to with digital advertising while also leveraging the tremendous brand impact made possible by television commercials. It’s truly a win-win: the advertiser achieves more effective and impactful promotion while the consumer gets to enjoy consuming content where, when and how they choose.

**It’s a brave new world in advertising—one that no doubt would have heads of the “mad men” of the 70’s spinning—but one that promises to finally achieve true people-based marketing** by treating every consumer as an individual no matter how and where they choose to consume content.

This article was first appeared on MarTech Advisor

#martech #marketing #technology #business #cmo

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kennethherrerablog · 6 years ago

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44 Legit Ways to Save Money Fast (Even if You’re Awful at Saving)

If you have little to nothing in your savings account, you’re not alone.

You’ll often hear experts recommend that you have an emergency fund that would cover between three and six months of living expenses, but many Americans don’t. In fact, a recent Bankrate survey of 1,000 people found that 23% of respondents had no savings at all.

But don’t panic. It may be daunting trying to save money fast, but it’s not impossible. Here are 44 tips to help you save money quickly.

13 Ways to Trim Your Monthly Budget ASAP

Hopefully, you have a budget that already includes allocations for savings. But you can do better than that. Chances are, you can find additional savings to squeeze out — even when it comes to necessary expenses.

These tips will help you cut the fat from your monthly budget.

1. Cancel subscriptions and memberships that aren’t essential — like that meal-kit service and gym membership. There may even be subscriptions you didn’t realize you were still paying for. A subscription-tracking tool, like the Empower app, can help you figure out what’s being automatically drafted from your account.

2. Say goodbye to your cable bill and move to a less expensive streaming service. Hulu and Netflix offer free trials for your first month of service. There are even subscription options that will allow you to watch live TV, such as Sling TV, which has plans starting at $25 per month.

3. Ditch your pricy cell phone plan and switch to a cheaper prepaid option. Verizon Wireless and AT&T offer prepaid plans starting at $30 per month, and you aren’t tied down to a contract.

4. Use your smartphone’s Wi-Fi hot spot for internet access instead of paying for home service. This option is best if you don’t use internet at home often, because frequent use may drain your cell phone’s data.

5. Call your phone, internet, cable and insurance providers and threaten to cancel. Sometimes they’ll be willing to give you a lower rate to keep you as a customer.

If you don’t want to spend time on the phone yourself, download Truebill, an app that’ll help you identify and cancel unwanted subscriptions. Truebill users cancel an average of $60 per month in unwanted subscriptions. That’s a savings of $720 per year.

6. Get your insurance policies through the same company for discounted rates.

Tia Chambers, of Indianapolis, Indiana, saved $33 per month on her mortgage insurance and $27 per month on her car insurance — a combined monthly savings of $60 — by switching her home and auto insurance to one company.

To find the best rates, try the search engine Gabi, which gives you a true apples-to-apples comparison at the same coverage levels and deductibles you currently have, compares the major insurers’ rates for that same coverage and helps you switch on the spot if it finds you a better rate.

7. Increase your insurance deductibles to lower your monthly bill. Just be aware that you’ll pay more out of pocket should you need to file a claim.

8. Contact your student loan servicer to ask about switching to an income-based repayment plan or deferring your payments if you’re experiencing hardship. Don’t think of these as long-term solutions, though, as they could increase the overall interest you pay on the loan.

9. Set up automated bill pay to avoid late fees. Your bank likely has an online bill-paying service that lets you set up transfers directly to another account.

You can also set up auto bill pay by providing your service company with your bank account or debit card information, and having the company withdraw funds by the bill’s due date automatically.

10. Save on housing costs by listing a room on Airbnb or getting a roommate to split expenses. If you list a room, you’ll want to make sure to have your landlord’s approval.

11. Adjust your tax withholding status if you get a hefty refund check each year. Pocket your take-home pay increase as savings.

12. Transfer your credit card balance to a new card with 0% interest. And while you’re at it, avoid racking up additional debt. Don’t make any large purchases on your credit card or take out any new loans.

13. Save money on your car payment and insurance costs by selling your car and going from a two-car household to a one-car household. If you only have one car to begin with, you could sell that car and get a cheaper one.

Just make sure the vehicle you’re selling is worth more than what you owe on it and that you also factor in the cost of title and registration fees. If public transportation is widely available where you live, you could sell your car and rely on local transit systems.

How to Save Money Fast: 7 Ways to Cut Daily Spending

If you’re trying to save money fast, take a good look at what you spend every day. Where you can make a change?

You might think you have no wiggle room to save, but that $1.50 toll and $5 cup of coffee add up. Saving a little money every day will snowball into a nice amount of cash at the end of the month.

Save Money on Food

You’ve gotta eat, but that doesn’t mean you have to overspend on food.

14. Only go grocery shopping once a week; make a list and stick to it. Before you go, take inventory of what’s in your freezer and pantry to see what you can make out of what you already have. Buy staples — like oatmeal or rice — in bulk.

15. Pack your own lunch to bring to work, and make snacks at home for when you’ll be out running errands. Meal planning can also help you avoid overpaying for food. Prepare several meals at the start of each week. Plan meals that have minimal ingredients, and ignore recipes with high-cost ingredients.

16. Avoiding drinking your potential savings. Drink water instead of buying soda or juice. Nix the bottled water, and go with filtered water or tap instead. Make your own coffee to avoid the high prices at coffee shops.

Save Money on Transportation

Unless you work from home or you can easily walk or bike to work, you’re probably spending money on transportation every weekday. Here’s how you can reduce those expenses.

17. Carpool with your co-workers or neighbors who work close to your job. Split the costs of gas, tolls and parking.

18. Check out local public transportation options to see if you could cut the cost of your commute. Public transit isn’t available everywhere, but it can save some commuters on gas and parking. Oftentimes, purchasing a monthly pass is a better deal compared to paying each day or getting a weekly pass.

19. Fuel up for less. Use apps like GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas when it’s time to fuel up. Or sign up for a fuel rewards program that’ll save you money on frequent purchases at a given gas station.

20. If you pay for parking, seek out a cheaper garage or lot — even if that means you have to walk a few blocks farther to work.

6 Money Moves That Help You Save Faster

Saving money takes effort, especially if you’re looking to bulk up those savings fast.

21. Set up direct deposit to put a certain percentage of your paycheck into savings each time you get paid. It’s a simple way to set money aside before it reaches your checking account.

22. Treat saving like a bill you pay to yourself. Set up your bank account to automatically transfer money from your checking account to your savings account once per month.

This can be especially useful for workers who don’t rely on regular paychecks, like those in the gig economy or those who get paid in tips. For example, you could set up a $50 savings transfer midmonth. Or you could set aside 10% of your tips at the end of each shift.

23. Download savings apps that’ll help you save money without even thinking about it. One of our favorites is Digit, which pulls small amounts from your checking account to your savings account after determining how much you can safely put aside.

24. Keep your savings someplace you can’t access it easily — like an online bank account where you can’t make withdrawals at a nearby ATM. Better yet, make sure it’s a high-yield savings account so that you’ll earn more interest.

25. Temporarily pause or lower contributions to long-term savings vehicles — like your retirement account or kids’ college fund.

26. Save any extra money you might get — whether that’s a work bonus, side-gig income or birthday cash.

7 Ways to Change Your Mindset From Spending to Saving

When you’re trying to bulk up your savings quickly, you need to be dedicated. You have to have the right frame of mind.

Setting personal finance goals can keep your mind focused on what you’re trying to accomplish — like having an emergency fund as a safety net or saving up for a special trip — rather than dwelling on what you’re missing out on by reducing your spending.

Here are some tips to help you become a saver instead of a spender.

27. Find ways to enjoy your downtime without spending money. Go to the park or the beach. Take a walk with a friend instead of meeting up for lunch or drinks. Host a potluck dinner or game night. Check out DVDs from the library instead of going to the movie theaters. Attend free events in your city.

28. Stop impulse buying. Attach a sticky note to your debit card asking yourself if the purchase you’re about to make is necessary.

If internet shopping is your weakness, you can remove your credit card info from online accounts, block your favorite retail websites or even install Icebox, a free Google Chrome extension that removes the “add to cart” option on retail sites and replaces it with a “put it on ice” button. You won’t be able to purchase the item for however long you determine you want to “freeze” the purchase.

29. Switch your spending over to a cash system. Put cash in envelopes for each budget category. Handling cash for each transaction helps you easily see how much money is being spent. Once you’ve spent all the money in that budget category, that’s it for the month.

30. If you have a two-income household, try living off one income while saving the other. After Dallas resident Veneta Lusk got married, she and her husband decided to live off his income while saving hers to build up a six-month emergency fund and a down payment for a car.

By choosing to save and not spend her income, the couple was able to pay off that first car in less than a year. They were also able to buy and quickly pay off a second car and pay off their home mortgage in five years.

31. Commit to a “no-spend challenge,” where you nix all spending outside of essentials and planned purchases. Get comfortable telling yourself (and others) no, and watch your savings blossom.

32. Manually track your spending. R.J. Weiss, of Geneva, Illinois, uses a spreadsheet to manually track every dollar he spends around the holidays and special occasions. Though he uses a budgeting app most of the year, he uses pen and paper when he anticipates expenses may run high, because it makes him more aware of his spending.

33. Save your change. After you buy something, set the spare change aside to deposit into your savings account. Your bank may provide paper to roll up your coins for free — or it may accept the loose change unrolled.

If you’re trying to exchange coins for cash at a coin-counting machine like Coinstar, be aware of service fees.

7 Strategies for Saving When You Still Need to Spend

Let’s be real — no matter how dedicated you are to saving, you can’t completely eliminate all spending. Sometimes, you just want to treat yo’ self. Or perhaps you’re trying to save money during the holidays but don’t want to be a complete Scrooge.

These tips will help you save even while you spend.

34. Never buy anything full price. Email the manufacturers of your favorite brands to ask for coupons. Use Groupon or look for promotions for special discounts when dining at a restaurant or planning an outing. Take advantage of senior, student or military discounts, if any of those apply to you.

35. Check old gift cards to see if you have money left over to spend. For example, before you go out and buy a present for your kid’s upcoming birthday, check to see if there’s a balance on that old Walmart gift card in your wallet.

Also, some states have gift card laws that mandate retailers must give you the cash value left on the card if it falls below a certain amount.

36. Get your haircut or manicure at a cosmetology school instead of your regular salon. Vocational schools usually offer lower prices for their services.

37. See what you can get without spending any money at all. Check Craigslist or your local Buy Nothing group on Facebook for free items. Barter services — like babysitting or lawn mowing — with family, friends and neighbors. Host or attend a clothing swap, book swap or toy swap to get free items while getting rid of some of your own.

38. Find great deals at dollar stores on items like greeting cards, party supplies and even socks. When you shop elsewhere, save money by choosing generic brand products.

39. Open a rewards credit card that earns cash back — just make sure to pay off that credit card purchase ASAP.

40. Limit gift giving. Spend time with loved ones for birthdays, Christmas and other holidays instead of giving presents. Or if you do give presents, choose to exchange DIY or very inexpensive gifts.

4 Ways to Get Extra Cash to Pad Your Savings

It’s simple: The more money you make, the more you can save.

Making extra money — whether that means selling unwanted items or taking on a side gig — is a great way to score additional savings quickly.

41. Get a side hustle, start a part-time job or find other ways to make money fast, like being a mystery shopper or donating plasma. Use all that additional income from your side business to pad your savings.

42. Earn extra money at your current job by negotiating a raise, volunteering to work overtime or requesting to pick up more shifts.

43. Declutter your home and make quick cash by selling unused items you have lying around. After Toronto resident Sandy Yong got married last year, she decided to sell various items she had purchased for her winter “Beauty and the Beast”-themed wedding.

Yong turned to Facebook Marketplace, Letgo, Bunz and Kijiji, a Canadian online classified ad service, to earn extra money. You could also sell unwanted items on eBay, at a local consignment shop or by having a garage sale.

44. Check your state’s unclaimed property website to see if someone owes you money. It might be a long shot, but there could be insurance policy money or a forgotten security deposit that you’ve never claimed. Check the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators or Missing Money to search for potential unclaimed money with your name on it.

Nicole Dow is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder.

This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.

The Penny Hoarder Promise: We provide accurate, reliable information. Here’s why you can trust us and how we make money.

44 Legit Ways to Save Money Fast (Even if You’re Awful at Saving) published first on https://justinbetreviews.tumblr.com/

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zeroviraluniverse-blog · 7 years ago

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Why You Should Apply Sunscreen Before Boarding Your Next Flight

Visit Now - https://zeroviral.com/why-you-should-apply-sunscreen-before-boarding-your-next-flight/

Why You Should Apply Sunscreen Before Boarding Your Next Flight

By now, you’ve likely heard about how much less expensive it is to forgo your cable package and fulfill your television needs with streaming services—heck, your friend/neighbor/cousin/chatty coworker has been droning on about it for months. You’re finally ready to take the plunge; but where do you start?

First, make sure your router is up to the task: Don’t invest time and money in setting up new subscriptions and gadgets only to wind up with buffering video. Look for routers with dual-band connectivity; Netflix recommends a download speed of at least 5 Mbps (Megabits per second) for HD quality video, and over 25 Mpbs for Ultra HD. Then, substitute your cable or satellite provider for one or a combination of these 12 options.

1. THE BIG THREE

Often referred to as “The Big Three,” Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Amazon Prime are considered the cream of the crop in online streaming because they offer outstanding original programming in addition to large catalogs of existing shows and movies. Subscriptions to all three can be fairly reasonable, with Amazon Prime starting at $99 a year or $12.99 per month. Netflix’s standard plan goes for $10.99 a month now, while Hulu will set you back $7.99 a month with limited commercials, or an extra $4 per month with no ads.

2. FLAT ANTENNAS

Since 2009, television stations have been required to broadcast exclusively in digital, rendering old-fashioned “rabbit ears” obsolete. Now, you can watch live shows on networks like NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox, PBS, The CW, and others by installing a flat antenna in your home. Models by Mohu (starting at $17.99) and Channel Master ($19) are affordable and easy to install.

3. OVER-THE-AIR DVR

The one drawback to relying on a flat antenna is that you must watch your shows in real time, with no fast-forwarding, pausing, or rewinding. Solve this issue with an over-the-air (OTA) DVR. Services like Tablo or Plex DVR allow you to record live TV shows and then store them on an external hard drive for delayed streaming. (The catch is, some of these services require you to purchase a corresponding device—they won’t work with just any antenna.)

4. TV STREAMING SERVICES

Want more TV channels than are available through your antenna? For $20 a month, you can subscribe to Sling TV to get 28 live-streaming cable channels, such as AMC, CNN, TNT, Comedy Central, and the History Channel. A $40 monthly subscription will give you access to over 40 channels, including ESPN. There are other emerging services that might work for you, too.

PlayStation Vue has multiple plans depending on your interests, and you don’t even need a PlayStation 4 console to use it. YouTube TV has fewer channels and plans than the Vue, but at $35 a month, it has a solid selection of high-profile networks, including ESPN and FX. Hulu has also entered the game with a live TV service, touting 50+ channels at $39.99 a month (which also includes the limited commercials Hulu streaming subscription). DirectTV Now has a package that starts off at more than 60 channels for $35, and it tops off at $70 for 120-plus channels.

You’ll have to browse through each individual service to find out which one is compatible with the devices you own and if these plans are more cost-effective than your current cable package. But with no equipment costs or long-term contracts, these services are worth considering if you’re ditching cable.

5. SPECIALIZED SUBSCRIPTIONS

If you have more unique tastes than even Netflix can account for, chances are there is a specialized streaming service that can give you what you want. Fans of British television should check out Acorn TV, which allows you to watch episodes of Jeeves and Wooster and the original Prime Suspect on your smart TV or mobile device for only $5 a month. If anime is your thing, Crunchyroll professes to be “one of the few legal, official anime and drama streaming sites out there,” with premium subscriptions starting at $7 a month. Cinephiles have a few choices for popular art house and indie movies: Check out Mubi, Fandor, and FilmStruck, which is a streaming service collaboration from Turner Classic Movies and the Criterion Collection.

6. CHROMECAST

Google’s Chromecast ($35) quickly turns any HD TV into a smart TV. Just plug the Chromecast dongle into your TV’s HDMI port and connect it to your home Wi-Fi network. Now you can stream various apps (including Netflix, Hulu Plus, HBO Now, YouTube, Pandora, Spotify, and more) onto the TV in your living room, while using your Android or iOS device as a remote control.

7. ROKU

Roku is a little black set-top box that connects your TV to the internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. It comes with a simple remote control and features more video streaming content than any other device or media streamer. You can even plug in a USB drive to play your own video and music files on your TV. Available in a number of models, including a USB stick version (starting at $49.95), many experts consider it the best and most reliable streaming device on the market today.

8. APPLE TV

If you’re an iTunes user who owns an iOS device and a MacBook, then Apple TV might be the best choice for you. Like Chromecast and Roku, Apple TV gives you easy access to the Big Three as well as HBO and Showtime; what sets it apart for Apple users is its seamless integration of iTunes and other Apple apps. It also comes with a nifty touch-surface remote that lets you swipe or use Siri to surf channels. With prices starting at $149, it’s the most expensive set top-streaming box for cord cutters, but it will be well worth the cost if you already live in the Apple ecosystem.

9. PLEX

If you already have a large digital movie, music, and TV library, you can use Plex to easily watch your media files from your computer or television. Sign up for and install the Plex Media Server (it’s free!) on your computer and it will catalog, organize, and label your files into a user-friendly interface that’s watchable on Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, Android and iOS devices, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.

10. STANDALONE PREMIUM NETWORK SUBSCRIPTIONS

In the past, if you wanted premium cable networks like HBO and Showtime, you’d have to include it to your cable subscription package at an additional cost. But the networks have gotten hip to the cord-cutting trend and now offer standalone subscriptions. HBO offers HBO Now for $14.99 a month, while Starz has a streaming service for $8.99 a month that is compatible with Apple TV, Android, Roku, Chromecast, and Amazon Prime. Showtime offers streaming for $10.99 a month, or you can add Showtime to your Hulu Plus or Amazon Prime accounts for an extra $8.99.

11. DIGITAL NEWS OUTLETS

There are also great streaming options for news junkies. While CNN and MSNBC don’t have standalone streaming services, the cable news networks are available on Sling TV. News outlets like CBS News, Sky News, ABC News, Bloomberg TV, Fusion, and Newsy, meanwhile, all offer free live streaming services for Roku and Apple TV.

12. SPORTS PASSES

For some people, watching live sporting events has been one of the biggest barriers to completely canceling their cable subscriptions. But over the years, major sports leagues and entertainment venues have started to cater to the demands of cord-cutters. Now you can watch live, out-of-market Major League Baseball games on MLB.tv, hockey with the NHL GameCenter Live, and basketball with NBA League Pass. The NFL and DirecTV are now offering NFL Sunday Ticket to non-DirecTV customers, so more people can watch live, out-of-market NFL games every Sunday. You can even subscribe to the WWE Network for $10 a month for access to an extensive back catalog library and every new pay-per-view event.

#Apply #Boarding #Flight #sunscreen #Facts

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