I'm gonna be honest - I've been spiraling through TikTok at 2am again, watching people living their best "hot girl summer" lives with fancy frozen margaritas. And there I was, sweating in my tiny garden with nothing but warm rosé and melting ice cubes. Depressing.

Then yesterday happened.

The impulse purchase that might actually be worth it

So I was doing my usual B&M wander (you know, where you go in for bin bags and somehow leave with £60 worth of random stuff) when I spotted this slushie cocktail maker thing for TWENTY QUID. Twenty! My brain immediately flashed to all those TikToks, and before I could talk myself out of it, I was lugging the "Big Chill Cocktail Slushie Maker" to teh checkout.

The cashier actually smirked at me and said, "Having a party?" and I just nodded like "obviously" even though my weekend plans involved Netflix and possibly feeding my neighbor's cat.

£330 cheaper than the fancy one?!

Listen. I'm not made of money. Back in 2019, I spent £200 on a fancy blender that now collects dust next to my air fryer. Not making that mistake again.

This B&M slushie maker does basically the same thing as that Ninja SLUSHi Frozen Drink Maker that costs a ridiculous £349.99. THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTY POUNDS! For frozen drinks! My editor showed me the Ninja one last month and I laughed in her face. Who has that kind of money lying around for fancy ice?

What's the catch? (There's always something)

I was fully expecting this thing to be garbage. Like those £5 fans that break after two uses or those solar lights that work for approximately 45 minutes.

But... it's actually decent? It holds about a litre of whatever concoction you want to freeze. I threw in some ice, cheap vodka, and that blue raspberry syrup my nephew left at my house, and boom – I had myself a proper frozen cocktail that didn't immediately melt into sad juice.

The Facebook crowd is losing their minds

Apparently I'm not the only genius who discovered this. Some guy called Daniel posted about it in a Facebook group called Snack Reviews, and people went absolutely mental. Comments everywhere like "I NEED THIS" and "OMG tagging the girls!!!"

Poor Daniel probably didn't expect to start a national B&M stampede.

I texted my sister a photo of my blue slushie creation and she immediately responded: "already updating my resume so I can afford more alcohol to put in that thing." Family priorities, right?

Costa del Backyard

Look, we all know British summer lasts approximately 6 days total, spread randomly between May and September. But for those 6 glorious days, I'm now fully equipped to pretend I'm in Marbella instead of Milton Keynes.

The thing is genuinely easy to use. You don't need a mixology certificate or whatever. Ice goes in. Booze goes in. Button gets pressed. Magic happens.

You can even make non-alcoholic versions if you've got kids around or if you're trying to convince yourself that "not every social occasion requires drinking" (my doctor's words, not mine).

Is it worth fighting someone's nan for?

God. The way people are talking about this thing online, I'm expecting news reports of brawls in the home goods aisle.

I spent $4K on a holiday last year and barely remember half of it. For £20, this little machine might actually deliver more joy per pound. And unlike that Ninja version that costs more than my monthly food budget, if this breaks after one summer, I won't need therapy to process the financial loss.

So yeah. If you see one, grab it. Just don't tell anyone I sent you when you're elbowing someone's grandmother out of the way to get the last one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a budget deficit?

A budget deficit occurs when a government's expenditures exceed its revenues over a specific period, usually a fiscal year. This can lead to increased borrowing and national debt if not addressed through spending cuts or revenue increases.

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 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.

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.

What are the benefits of having an emergency fund?

An emergency fund provides financial security by offering a safety net for unexpected expenses, such as medical emergencies or job loss. It helps prevent debt accumulation, reduces stress, and allows for better financial planning, ensuring that individuals can navigate unforeseen circumstances without significant hardship.

Statistics

• In 2020, the average retirement savings for Americans aged 60 to 69 was approximately $195,000, according to Fidelity.
• A report by Bankrate indicated that only 29% of Americans have a written financial plan.
• As of 2021, the average student loan debt for recent graduates was approximately $30,000, according to the Federal Reserve.
• According to a survey by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), about 66% of Americans could not correctly answer four basic financial literacy questions.
• The average return on investment for the S&P 500 over the past 90 years is about 10% per annum.
• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American spends about $1,500 per year on coffee.
• A study by the National Endowment for Financial Education found that 60% of Americans do not have a budget.
• As of 2021, the average American household had approximately $8,400 in credit card debt, according to Experian.

External Links

ssa.gov

• Social Security Administration

mint.com

• Mint

investopedia.com

• Investopedia

bankrate.com

• Bankrate

bls.gov

• Bureau of Labor Statistics

thebalance.com

• The Balance

kiplinger.com

• Kiplinger

irs.gov

• Internal Revenue Service

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.