Okay, I need to share this with you NOW. I'm still buzzing from my bargain hunt yesterday. My garden fence has looked like absolute garbage since that storm back in February (you know, the one where my neighbor's trampoline ended up in my pond). I've been putting off fixing it because, well, paint costs are ridiculous these days.
Listen. B&M just saved my summer plans.
The "I swear I'm not making this up" deal
I popped into B&M yesterday for something completely different (those £1 chocolate bars that my teenager inhales) when I noticed their paint section had some weird pricing going on. There was this beautiful light blue Dulux paint marked down to FIVE POUNDS. Not a typo - £5! Every other color was still £22. I actually asked the cashier if it was a mistake, and she just shrugged and said, "If it scans at that price, it's yours."
It scanned. I may have done a little victory dance at the checkout.
Why your sad garden furniture deserves better
Summer's coming faster than my ability to lose teh winter weight I promised to shed in January. If you're anything like me, you've got friends who'll invite themselves over the minute temperatures hit 20°C, expecting your garden to look Instagram-worthy.
Some expert from Luxus Europe (Matthew Look - appropriate name for a design guy, right?) told GB News that giving old garden stuff a fresh coat of paint "breathes new life into tired, old furniture, or fences." No kidding, Matthew. My 2018 garden bench looked like it had survived the apocalypse until I painted it last summer.
Wait... is this actually worth the effort?
Short answer: YES.
I spent last weekend at my sister's place where she'd painted her fence this gorgeous sage green color. Completely transformed her tiny London garden from "depressing concrete rectangle" to "ooh, is this on AirBnB?"
The paint pro also suggested moving your garden furniture around to create a fresh feel. I tried this last year after watching some YouTube video at 2am. Dragged my patio set to the opposite corner and somehow gained what felt like 3 square meters of space. Magic.
The Facebook freakout
I'm not the only one who spotted this deal. Some bargain-hunter posted it in one of those Facebook groups where people get weirdly competitive about their discount finds. The comments were full of people having minor meltdowns about missing out.
"Damn, I was only in B&M the other day, should have checked the paint," wrote one person who's clearly experiencing severe bargain-hunter's remorse.
Another shopper bragged, "I got a kitchen paint for £5 today too." (Show-off.)
Other places to throw your money at your garden
If you miss this B&M deal, don't have a breakdown in the paint aisle. There are other options.
Argos has some garden gadget marked down to under £100 (it has five stars, apparently that's important). They've also slashed prices on BBQs, which reminds me that I still haven't cleaned mine from last August. That's tomorrow's problem.
Aldi's got something for keeping your lawn green, which I'm personally skeptical about since my grass has the survival instincts of a lemming. And Lidl is selling some £2.99 decorative light thing that probably looks better in the catalog than it will in your actual garden.
But honestly? That £5 B&M paint deal is the one to beat. I'm going back tomorrow to see if they've got any left. My shed is looking at me judgmentally with its peeling paint, adn I think it's time we had a makeover conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main functions of money?
The primary functions of money are as a medium of exchange, facilitating trade; a unit of account, which provides a standard measure of value; a store of value, allowing individuals to save and transfer purchasing power over time; and a standard of deferred payment, enabling credit transactions.
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 is the importance of financial literacy?
Financial literacy is essential for making informed decisions about budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. It empowers individuals to understand financial concepts, evaluate risks, and navigate complex financial products, leading to better financial stability and long-term wealth building.
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 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.
How can I improve my credit score?
To improve your credit score, make timely payments on all debts, reduce credit card balances, avoid opening unnecessary credit accounts, and regularly check your credit report for errors, disputing any inaccuracies. Maintaining a mix of credit types and keeping old accounts open can also be beneficial.
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.
Statistics
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American spends about $1,500 per year on coffee.
- Research by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that individuals who receive financial education are 25% more likely to save than those who do not.
- The average cost of raising a child in the U.S. is estimated to be around $233,610, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- 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 student loan debt for recent graduates was approximately $30,000, according to the Federal Reserve.
- A study by the National Endowment for Financial Education found that 60% of Americans do not have a budget.
- As of 2021, the median household income in the U.S. was approximately $67,521, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
- According to the Federal Reserve, approximately 39% of Americans do not have enough savings to cover a $400 emergency expense.
External Links
How To
How To Start Investing for Beginners
Starting to invest can be daunting, but it is a crucial step towards building wealth. Begin by setting clear financial goals, such as saving for retirement or a major purchase. Educate yourself on different investment options, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs. Consider starting with a brokerage account that offers user-friendly platforms and educational resources. Diversify your investments to reduce risk, and consider low-cost index funds or robo-advisors if you prefer a hands-off approach. Make regular contributions, and resist the temptation to react to market fluctuations. Over time, compound interest will help your investments grow significantly.
PoliticsRoyaltySoap OperaGamingMoneyPrivacy PolicyTerms And Conditions
