#online expense management

[aro-culture-is]

Aro culture is going to spencers and seeing only ace pride merch and no aro pride merch

.

[homoqueerjewhobbit]

Oooh can I rant/spill some family drama into the echochamber of people who don't know my family and will agree with me because they've been carefully selected to?

Like you're gonna stop me.

So my grandmother died about a year ago. The night before the funeral, my aunt (let's call her Karen, all names gonna be fake duh) pulls my mom aside and says, "you should make sure my son, Kyle, isn't in the same limo to the cemetery as your nonbinary kid, Ash, because he might say something transphobic to them." (to be clear, Kyle, ash and I are all in our 30s.) obviously, my mom has a breakdown about this because it's a horrible thing to dump on her the night before her mother's funeral and there's nothing more classic Karen than thinking it's my mom's responsibility to police her children's behavior.

Now, to be clear, Kyle is a libertarian gun nut and nobody likes him, but neither I nor Ash nor my parents have ever witnessed him saying or doing anything homophobic or transphobic. Mostly because we never see or talk to him, but still. Besides wearing his crypto-MAGA hat while he was pall-bearing, he was on his best behavior at Nana's funeral and a Poppy's two months later.

Fasr forward to now and @slugdge-boy, who is trans, and I are planning our wedding. So i tell my parents, "I'm not inviting Kyle, because he is transphobic and my partner, sibling, and best friend are all trans as are a number of other people being invited."

But my parents think it would "create unnecessary drama" if I don't invite him but "don't worry, he won't come anyway." which is probably true, he never comes to family things. No one was even sure he would come to the funeral.

But I don't want him to think he's welcome. I don't want even a 5% chance he might come. I don't want to even worry about the possibility of it. Even if he comes and is on his very best behavior, I don't want to wonder if he's making fun of his to his friends later.

So right now, I think I'm just going to "accidentally" leave his name off the list. I doubt anyone will even notice. I mean, it's an email invite ffs.

[silverspleen]

Games Workshop WHEN are you gonna reprint the Ciaphas Cain omnibuses. You love money, you would make SO MUCH MONEY. I would buy like.... a fancy bullshit collector's edition or whatever.

[ineedarealitycheck]

Man, first RWBY and now Voltron. 2024 is the year I learn I need to invest in CDs/DVDs/Blurays before steaming/online media I love becomes lost media. 💀💀💀

[warlordfelwinter]

we were having a laugh in the group chat about modern au Celeste being faerunian tiktok famous for his unhinged ddr content and, really, in a modern au, Celeste would absolutely be an influencer i realized. he would accidentally get a million followers on every social media and not realize that was unusual. he's got fans that are constantly furiously trying to figure out who the fuck Patience is and have convoluted conspiracy theories about it bc he's nowhere else online and everyone thought Celeste was single until he posted one random picture of them together and refused to elaborate

so, yk, after we joked about it too much i had to doodle him a fantasy insta

the seven people he follows are: Nyalori (whats_a_username - she doesn't understand how technology works sjfldsgn), Corivier, Zem (Corivier runs an account just for her like those cat accounts), Jezzara, Mattrim, Grace, and Volo

[sonknuxadow]

im so jealous of people who have a comic store near them and can just go pick up new idw sonic issues the day they come out and pick their favorite out of all the covers and stuff the only physical copies of idw sonic i can ever find in person are the volumes that collect 4 issues into one book

[lokh]

jesus christ i have a lot of leftover stock from past cons 😭😭😭

[baking-bugs]

i'm sorry that i will never be her

[booksinmythorax]

"Don't use Libby because it costs libraries too much, pirate instead" is such a weird, anti-patron, anti-author take that somehow manages to also be anti-library, in my professional librarian-ass opinion.

It's well documented that pirating books negatively affects authors directly* in a way that pirating movies or TV shows doesn't affect actors or writers, so I will likely always be anti-book piracy unless there's absolutely, positively no other option (i.e. the book simply doesn't exist outside of online archives at all, or in a particular language).

Also, yeah, Libby and Hoopla licenses are really expensive, but libraries buy them SO THAT PATRONS CAN USE THEM. If you're gonna be pissed at anybody about this shitty state of affairs, be pissed at publishing companies and continue to use Libby or Hoopla at your library so we can continue to justify having it to our funding bodies.

One of the best ways to support your library having services you like is to USE THOSE SERVICES. Yes, even if they are expensive.

*Yes, this is a blog post, but it's a blog post filled with links to news articles. If you can click one link, you can click another.

[gothhabiba]

🍉🇵🇸 eSims for Gaza masterpost 🇵🇸🍉

Which eSims are currently being called for?

Connecting Humanity is calling for:

Nomad (“regional Middle East” plan): code NOMADCNG (they are completely out)

Simly (“Palestine” and “Middle East” plans)

Airalo (“Discover” plan)

Gaza Online is calling for:

Holafly (“Israel” and “Egypt” plans): code HOLACNG

Nomad (“regional Middle East” plan): code NOMADCNG (can now be used multiple times from the same email)

Airalo (“Middle East and North Africa” plan)

Sparks (“Israel” plan)

Numero (“Egypt” plan)

For Connecting Humanity: if you sent an eSim more than two weeks ago and it is still valid and not yet activated, reply to the email in which you originally sent the eSim. To determine whether the eSim is still valid, scan the QR code with a smartphone; tap the yellow button that reads “Cellular plan”; when a screen comes up reading “Activate eSIM,” click the button that says “Continue.” If a message comes up reading “eSIM Cannot Be Added: This code is no longer valid. Contact your carrier for more information,” the eSim is activated, expired, or had an error in installation, and should not be sent. It is very important not to re-send invalid eSims, since people may walk several kilometers to access wifi to connect their eSims only to find out that they cannot be activated.

If a screen appears reading “Activate eSIM: An eSIM is ready to be activated” with a button asking you to “Continue,” do not click “Continue” to activate the eSim on your phone; exit out of the screen and reply to the email containing that QR code.

Be sure you're looking at the original post, as this will be continually updated. Any new instructions about replying to emails for specific types of unactivated plans will also appear here.

Check the notes of blackpearlblasts's eSim post, as well as fairuzfan's 'esim' tag, for referral and discount codes.

How do I purchase an eSim?

If you cannot download an app or manage an eSim yourself, send funds to Crips for eSims for Gaza (Visa; Mastercard; Paypal; AmEx; Canadian e-transfer), or to me (venmo @gothhabiba; paypal.me/Najia; cash app $NajiaK, with note “esims” or similar; check the notes of this post for updates on what I've purchased.)

You can purchase an eSim yourself using a mobile phone app, or on a desktop computer (with the exception of Simly, which does not have a desktop site). See this screenreader-accessible guide to purchasing an eSim through each of the five services that the Connecting Humanity team is calling for (Simly, Nomad, Mogo, Holafly, and Airalo).

Send a screenshot of the plan's QR code to gazaesims@gmail.com. Be sure to include the app used, the word "esim," the type of plan (when an app has more than one, aka "regional Middle East" versus "Palestine"), and the amount of data or time on the plan, in the subject line or body of your email.

Message me if you have any questions or if you need help purchasing an eSim through one of these apps.

If you’re going to be purchasing many eSims at once, see Jane Shi’s list of tips.

Which app should I use?

Try to buy an eSim from one of the apps that the team is currently calling for (see above).

If the team is calling for multiple apps:

Nomad is best in terms of data price, app navigability, and ability to top up when they are near expiry; but eSims must be stayed on top of, as you cannot top them up once the data has completely run out. Go into the app settings and make sure your "data usage" notifcations are turned on.

Simly Middle East plans cannot be topped up; Simly Palestine ones can. Unlike with Nomad, data can be topped up once it has completely run out.

Holafly has the most expensive data, and top-ups don't seem to work.

Mogo has the worst user interface in my opinion. It is difficult or impossible to see plan activation and usage.

How much data should I purchase?

Mirna el-Helbawi has been told that large families may all rely on the same plan for data (by setting up a hotspot). Some recipients of eSim plans may also be using them to upload video.

For those reasons I would recommend getting the largest plan you can afford for plans which cannot be topped up: namely, Simly "Middle East" plans, and Holafly plans (they say you can top them up, but I haven't heard of anyone who has gotten it to work yet).

For all other plans, get a relatively small amount of data (1-3 GB, a 3-day plan, etc.), and top up the plan with more data once it is activated. Go into the app’s settings and make sure low-data notifications are on, because a 1-GB eSIM can expire very quickly.

Is there anything else I need to do?

Check back regularly to see if the plan has been activated. Once it's been activated, check once a day to see if data is still being used, and how close the eSim is to running out of data or to expiring; make sure your notifications are on.

If the eSim hasn't been activated after three weeks or so, reply to the original email that you sent to Gaza eSims containing the QR code for that plan.

If you purchased the eSim through an app which has a policy of starting the countdown to auto-expiry a certain amount of time after the purchase of the eSim, rather than only upon activation (Nomad does this), then also reply to your original e-mail once you're within a few days of this date. If you're within 12 hours of that date, contact customer service and ask for a credit (not a refund) and use it to purchase and send another eSim.

How can I tell if my plan has been activated? How do I top up a plan?

The Connecting Humanity team recommends keeping your eSims topped up once they have been activated.

See this guide on how to tell if your plan has been activated, how to top up plans, and (for Nomad) how to tell when the auto-expiry will start. Keep topping up the eSim for as long as the data usage keeps ticking up. This keeps a person or family connected for longer, without the Connecting Humanity team having to go through another process of installing a new eSim.

If the data usage hasn't changed in a week or so, allow the plan to expire and purchase another one.

What if I can't afford a larger plan, or don't have time or money to keep topping up an eSim?

I have set up a pool of funds out of which to buy and top up eSims, which you can contribute to by sending funds to my venmo (@gothhabiba), PayPal (paypal.me/Najia), or cash app ($NajiaK) (with note “esims” or similar). Check the notes of this post for updates on what I've purchased, which plans are active, and how much data they've used.

Crips for eSims for Gaza also has a donation pool to purchase eSims and top them up.

Gaza Online (run by alumni of Gaza Sky Geeks) accepts monetary donations to purchase eSims as needed.

What if my eSim has not been activated, even after I replied to my email?

Make sure that the QR code you sent was a clear screenshot, and not a photo of a screen; and that you didn’t install the eSim on your own phone by scanning the QR code or clicking “install automatically."

Possible reasons for an eSim not having been activated include: it was given to a journalist as a back-up in case the plan they had activated expired or ran out of data; there was an error during installation or activation and the eSim could no longer be used; the eSim was installed, but not activated, and then Israeli bombings destroyed the phone, or forced someone to leave it behind.

An eSim that was sent but couldn’t be used is still part of an important effort and learning curve. Errors in installation, for example, are happening less often than they were in the beginning of the project.

Why should I purchase an eSim? Is there any proof that they work?

Israel is imposing near-constant communications blackouts on Gaza. The majority of the news that you are seeing come from Gaza is coming from people who are connected via eSim.

eSims also connect people to news. People are able to videochat with their family for the first time in months, to learn that their family members are still alive, to see their newborn children for the first time, and more, thanks to eSims.

Some of this sharing of news saves lives, as people have been able to flee or avoid areas under bombardment, or learn that they are on evacuation lists.

Why are different plans called for at different times?

Different eSims work in different areas of the Gaza Strip (and Egypt, where many refugees currently are). The team tries to keep a stockpile of each type of sim on hand.

Is there anything else I can do to help?

There is an urgent need for more eSims. Print out these posters and place them on bulletin boards, in local businesses, on telephone poles, or wherever people are likely to see them. Print out these foldable brochures to inform people about the initiative and distribute them at protests, cafes and restaurants, &c. Also feel free to make your own brochures using the wording from this post.

The Connecting Humanity team is very busy connecting people to eSims and don't often have time to answer questions. Check a few of Mirna El Helbawi's most recent tweets and see if anyone has commented with any questions that you can answer with the information in this post.

[hsmagazine254]

Navigating Online Expenses: The Power of a Company Debit Card

The Importance of Having a Company Debit Card for Online Expenses In the ever-evolving landscape of business, managing online expenses efficiently is crucial. One powerful tool that can streamline this process is a company debit card. In this article, we’ll delve into the significance of having a dedicated company debit card for handling online expenses. Enhancing Financial Management 1. Secure…

[ruchiii]

Investing for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building Wealth Investing is a crucial aspect of building long-term wealth, and it's a financial journey anyone can embark upon, even if you're a beginner in the world of finance. In this blog, we will explore the fundamentals of investing for beginners, offering a step-by-step guide to help you make informed decisions and secure your financial future. ## Step 1: Clear Your Debts Before you start investing, it's essential to address any high-interest debts you may have, such as credit card balances and personal loans. Paying off these debts should be a top priority as they often have interest rates that exceed the returns you might gain from investments. ## Step 2: Create an Emergency Fund Building an emergency fund is the foundation of financial security. Aim to save at least three to six months' worth of living expenses in a readily accessible account. Apps like Axio can assist with personal finance management, helping you track your progress toward this goal. ## Step 3: Understand Your Financial Goals Determine what you're investing for, whether it's retirement, a down payment on a house, or your child's education. Having clear financial goals will guide your investment decisions. ## Step 4: Educate Yourself Investing requires knowledge. Spend time learning about different investment options, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and real estate. You can find plenty of resources online or consider taking a course on investing. ## Step 5: Start with a Daily Budget Tracker App Managing your daily expenses is crucial. Use a daily budget tracker app to keep an eye on your spending and ensure you have money to invest. Axio, for instance, is a personal finance management app that can help you keep your expenses in check. ## Step 6: Choose Your Investment Strategy There are several investment strategies to consider: - *Passive Investing*: This involves low-cost index funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that track the overall market's performance. - *Active Investing*: This approach involves individual stock picking or actively managed mutual funds. - *Diversification*: Spread your investments across different asset classes to manage risk. ## Step 7: Open an Investment Account To buy and sell investments, you'll need to open an investment account with a brokerage or a financial institution. Research different platforms and choose one that aligns with your investment strategy. ## Step 8: Invest Regularly Consistency is key to successful investing. Set up automatic contributions to your investment account, so you invest a portion of your income regularly. This strategy, known as dollar-cost averaging, helps you benefit from market fluctuations over time. ## Step 9: Monitor and Adjust Regularly review your investment portfolio. Rebalance it as necessary to maintain your target asset allocation and ensure it aligns with your financial goals. ## Step 10: Stay Informed Continue your financial education and stay informed about market trends and economic developments. Knowledge is a valuable asset in the world of investing. In conclusion, investing is a journey that begins with careful planning and a commitment to financial growth. Alongside your investment endeavors, consider using budget tracking and personal finance management apps like Axio to keep your finances in order. With dedication and knowledge, you can start building wealth and working towards your financial dreams. As a bonus, in today's digital age, some Buy Now, Pay Later apps, like those available in India, offer investment options or allow you to pay for purchases in EMI, making them a unique bridge between spending and saving. When used thoughtfully, these apps can complement your investment strategy and overall financial planning.

[lonesplendour]

Missed out on two concerts next year because tickets are just ridiculous to get your hands on. The whole idea of pre-sales and people being given early access to tickets is just so ridiculously unfair to me, especially when a lot of times those pre-sale tickets are locked behind some kind of paid option beforehand i.e. you get access to pre-sales if you've signed up for or bought into something. It's also really shitty for some fans to buy up tickets for multiple shows across multiple locations too, I don't really care how big a fan you are, if you're lucky enough to gain tickets to one show of a performer you know is going to likely sell out, it's shitty to buy up tickets for other shows on top of that. Tickets are already so overpriced and stupidly difficult to get your hands on, fans don't need to be worrying about other fans buying up all the tickets before they even get a chance at any. It's not cute when you boast about it either.

[rhsofttech2023]

A Guide to SAP HCM Online Training in India

[octobergraves]

$200 for a math textbook