Look, I'll be honest. I've dropped my phone in the toilet. Twice. The second time I just stood there staring at it, thinking "not again, you absolute idiot." My friend Mark still brings it up at parties - "Remember when Sarah had to fish her iPhone out of the loo at my wedding?" Thanks, Mark.
But here's teh thing - phones break. They just do. And repair shops know we're desperate, which is why they charge ridiculous amounts that make you wonder if they're secretly funding a yacht purchase.
The "Don't Be Me" Prevention Guide
Seriously, just buy a case. I resisted for years because "it ruins the aesthetic" (past Sarah was pretentious). Then I dropped my caseless iPhone on concrete and spent $240 fixing the screen. Could've bought 24 cases for that price.
Those neck strap things? I thought they looked dorky until my coworker started using one after her phone was snatched right out of her hand outside Starbucks last summer. Now I'm a convert.
And for God's sake, stop putting your phone in your back pocket! I sat on mine during a first date in 2021 and heard the horrifying crack. He pretended not to notice. We didn't have a second date.
When Your Phone Goes Swimming
Panic is your enemy here. I learned this after my aforementioned toilet incidents.
First thing: turn it OFF immediately. Don't try checking if it still works!
Those little silica gel packets everyone throws away? Gold. Pure gold. I started hoarding them after spending $85 on a "water damage treatment" that the repair guy later admitted was just putting my phone in... wait for it... silica gel packets.
No silica gel? Rice works too. My sister used instant oats once in desperation and it actually worked, though her phone smelled vaguely of breakfast for weeks.
Weird Fixes That Actually Work
The classic "turn it off and on again" isn't just IT Crowd humor - it genuinely fixes about 70% of glitchy problems.
Screen scratches making you crazy? Toothpaste. Not the gel kind - you need the white abrasive stuff. My 11-year-old nephew taught me this after watching some YouTube video. I felt ancient.
There's also this fancy cerium oxide polish thing on Amazon for about £5 that works on glass screens. Just remember to tape up the edges first unless you want polish seeping into your speakers. Ask me how I know.
Today's "I Should Buy This" Deal
PlayStation 5 Astro Bot bundle for £339 at very.co.uk - down from £389.
My brother spent three months trying to find one of these last year and paid full price. When I texted him this deal, his response: "I hate everything." Poor guy.
Cheap Spring Mood-Lifter
Lidl has these adorable potted flowers for £3.99 starting today. I bought two yesterday (staff discount perk from my friend who works there) and they instantly made my living room look less like a depression cave.
Beauty Dupe That'll Save You a Fortune
Listen. I've used Benefit's Hoola bronzer (£33 at lookfantastic.com) since uni. It's basically my security blanket at this point.
But last week I was in Primark with my sister-in-law who grabbed their £3.50 version and made me try it. Couldn't tell the difference. COULDN'T TELL THE DIFFERENCE. That's £29.50 I could've been saving for years!
Fancy Some Extra Cash?
HOAR Raffle is giving away £100-£250 to readers every month. I never win these things (seriously, I once entered 87 competitions in a month as an experiment and won absolutely nothing), but maybe you'll have better luck.
More Sun Savers codes = more tickets = better chance of winning. Math I can actually understand.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I start saving for retirement?
To start saving for retirement, begin by establishing clear retirement goals and determining how much you need to save. Contribute to employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as a 401(k), and consider opening an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Regular contributions and taking advantage of compounding interest can significantly boost your retirement savings over time.
What are credit scores and why are they important?
Credit scores are numerical representations of an individual's creditworthiness, calculated based on credit history, payment behavior, and debt levels. They are important because they impact the ability to obtain loans, credit cards, and favorable interest rates, affecting overall financial health.
What are the different types of money?
The main types of money include commodity money, which is based on physical goods like gold or silver; fiat money, which is government-issued currency not backed by a physical commodity; and digital currency, which exists electronically and is often decentralized, such as cryptocurrencies.
How does inflation affect the value of money?
Inflation refers to the general rise in prices over time, which erodes the purchasing power of money. As inflation increases, each unit of currency buys fewer goods and services, meaning that the value of money decreases in terms of what it can purchase.
How can I budget my money effectively?
To budget effectively, start by tracking your income and expenses to understand your spending habits. Set realistic financial goals, categorize your expenses, and allocate funds accordingly. Regularly review and adjust your budget to ensure it reflects your current financial situation and objectives.
What are the risks associated with investing in the stock market?
Investing in the stock market involves several risks, including market volatility, economic downturns, and company-specific factors that can lead to losses. Investors may also face liquidity risk, where they cannot sell an investment quickly without incurring a loss. Diversification and thorough research can help mitigate these risks.
What is the difference between saving and investing?
Saving typically involves setting aside money in a secure account for short-term needs or emergencies, while investing involves using money to purchase assets like stocks or real estate with the expectation of generating a return over the long term. Investing carries higher risks but offers the potential for greater rewards.
Statistics
- A report by Bankrate indicated that only 29% of Americans have a written financial plan.
- As of 2021, the median household income in the U.S. was approximately $67,521, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
- A study by the National Endowment for Financial Education found that 60% of Americans do not have a budget.
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American spends about $1,500 per year on coffee.
- As of 2021, the average student loan debt for recent graduates was approximately $30,000, according to the Federal Reserve.
- According to the Federal Reserve, approximately 39% of Americans do not have enough savings to cover a $400 emergency expense.
- A survey by the American Psychological Association found that 72% of Americans reported feeling stressed about money at some point in the past month.
- As of 2021, the average American household had approximately $8,400 in credit card debt, according to Experian.
External Links
How To
How To Save for Retirement Effectively
Saving for retirement begins with setting clear goals regarding when you want to retire and how much money you will need. Start by contributing to employer-sponsored retirement plans like a 401(k), especially if your employer offers matching contributions. If self-employed or your employer does not provide a plan, consider opening an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Aim to save at least 15% of your income annually, including employer contributions. Regularly review and adjust your contributions as your income changes. Diversify your investments within your retirement accounts to reduce risk and maximize potential returns over time.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://hellofaread.com/money/forget-the-riviera-margates-the-uks-new-coastal-hotspot-and-im-kicking-myself-for-not-buying-there-in-2019
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