Okay so the weather's finally warming up - thank GOD - and like every other person with a patch of outdoor space and big dreams, I've been obsessing over garden furniture. My sad little patio has been looking like an abandoned lot since last August when my ancient deck chair finally gave up the ghost (RIP trusty friend).
I spent three days last week hunting for deals that wouldn't make my credit card spontaneously combust. Let me tell you, some of these prices... I nearly choked on my coffee.
Argos: The Unexpected Winner?
Listen. I wasn't expecting much from Argos, but they surprised me. They've got this bright yellow and white striped sun lounger on clearance for just £20. TWENTY POUNDS! That's less than I spent on takeaway last weekend.
It's got 5-star reviews from actual humans who seem genuinely pleased with it. I mean, at that price point, what's not to love? It's the perfect "I'm pretending I'm on holiday in my own backyard" accessory.
The yellow stripes are giving me serious Mediterranean vibes. Almost bought two but realized I don't actually have friends who visit. Sad but true.
Asda's Actually Got Some Decent Stuff
I wandered into Asda looking for milk and came out with a garden furniture catalog. Classic me.
They've slashed prices by up to 20% on outdoor stuff. Teh most impressive deal I spotted was this sleek black sofa set for £399 - that's £100 off the regular price. It includes a sofa, three seats and a glass table. Perfect for those summer BBQs I always plan but rarely execute.
There's also this massive eight-piece patio set with parasol for £399 (down from £499). My sister saw it and immediately texted: "Buy this and I'll actually visit you this summer." Tempting.
Just remember these things don't come assembled. Back in 2019, I spent 6 hours putting together a "simple" garden bench and nearly divorced my screwdriver.
B&Q: Join the Club or Pay Full Price
B&Q is doing that annoying thing where the best deals are only for loyalty members. Sign up for their B&Q Club and you get 20% off garden furniture.
I've been eyeing their grey rattan 4-piece set that's down to £119 from £135. Not the biggest discount ever, but it looks way more expensive than it is. My neighbor paid £400 for something almost identical last year. His response when I told him about this deal: "already updating my resume."
What's Going on at Dunelm?
Dunelm doesn't have a proper garden sale happening right now (disappointing), but they have knocked 30% off this George Foreman Charcoal Kettle BBQ - now £69.30 instead of £99.
I feel stupid now because I paid full price for a similar model from George Foreman's own website last summer. Dunelm's selling it for about a third less than the original retailer. Lesson learned: always shop around.
They've also got the Zanussi Premium Kettle BBQ at 20% off (£143.20 down from £179).
Wilko - The Comeback Kid
Remember when we all thought Wilko was gone forever? Well, they're back, adn they've come out swinging with some serious discounts.
I nearly spat out my tea when I saw they've halved the price of their Clara Rattan sofa set - £250 instead of £500. That's the kind of discount that makes me wonder if someone made a pricing error.
I spent $4K on my living room furniture, but honestly, this outdoor set looks just as good for a fraction of the price.
If you're hunting for garden bargains this week, these are your best bets. Just factor in delivery costs when ordering online - they can turn a "bargain" into a "why did I do this to myself" pretty quickly.
And maybe don't wait too long? The way the British weather works, we'll probably have exactly 2.5 days of sunshine before it starts raining again until August.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of central banks in the economy?
Central banks manage a nation's currency, money supply, and interest rates. They implement monetary policy to control inflation, stabilize the currency, and foster economic growth. They also serve as lenders of last resort to the banking system during financial crises.
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 is the definition of money?
Money is a medium of exchange that facilitates transactions for goods and services. It serves as a unit of account, a store of value, and a standard of deferred payment, allowing individuals to compare the value of diverse products and services.
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.
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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 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.
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
- The average return on investment for the S&P 500 over the past 90 years is about 10% per annum.
- According to a Gallup poll, 56% of Americans report that their financial situation is better than it was a year ago.
- As of 2021, the average American household had approximately $8,400 in credit card debt, according to Experian.
- In 2020, the average retirement savings for Americans aged 60 to 69 was approximately $195,000, according to Fidelity.
- According to a survey by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), about 66% of Americans could not correctly answer four basic financial literacy questions.
- 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.
- A study by the National Endowment for Financial Education found that 60% of Americans do not have a budget.
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How To
How To Create a Personal Budget That Works
Creating a personal budget involves several key steps. First, assess your income by totaling all sources of revenue, including salary, bonuses, and side hustles. Next, categorize your expenses into fixed (rent, utilities) and variable (groceries, entertainment). Track your spending for at least a month to gather accurate data. Once you have this information, allocate a specific amount for each category while ensuring your total expenses do not exceed your income. Remember to include savings as a line item in your budget. Review and adjust your budget regularly to reflect changes in income or expenses, which will help you stay on track financially.
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