New Survey - Wants VS Needs: Ease the fight for entertainment and wants!

According to a Mind & Money Connection survey, people are refusing to give up certain expenses even though they are considered non-essential.

The top expenses include:

• 'Treat Yourself' Purchases (like morning coffee) - 30.1%
• Health & Wellness (gym memberships, therapy, etc.) - 29.3%
• Media & Entertainment (streaming, music subscriptions) - 26.9%
• Experiences (movie tickets, concerts, theme parks) - 26.7%
• Social Activities (dining out, clubs, sports) - 22.5%

I can understand the desire to maintain certain health/wellness, and some extras to add normalcy during tough times, but there are options worth considering.

For those who want to hold onto non-essentials, I suggest exploring more affordable alternatives:

• Amazon Prime provides good entertainment value in addition to free shipping
  - Amazon offers monthly payment plans
  - Amazon provides TV/Film, Games, Music, and More in one service
  - Grubhub orders are free through Amazon Prime
• Free streaming services like FreeVee, Pluto TV, Tubi
• Buy good coffee to make at home
• Free-to-play gaming options, discounts/bundles and games you already own
• Thrift stores and second-hand shops for clothing
• Travel or enjoy a nice affordable staycation

The key is to budget and do your research, get creative with free/low-cost options, and prioritize covering essential expenses first. Resources like the $30 Now Home Internet service can help make entertainment and work accessible if you need to cut a cost.

Remember, there are also assistance programs in the U.S. for the less fortunate. With discipline and a good plan, you can hopefully get through this challenging time and establish a budget. For saving, Paypal actually has a saving account option that provides you with 4.30%, so if you plug a small amount of money into it on a consistent basis you can benefit.

Lastly, Rideshare drivers, you can make $1200/year without additional work by signing up for a tablet to entertain your passengers. There is no charge for you and tips may increase due to the added entertainment.

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9 Things Needed To Build A Gaming PC... For Streaming!

To build a gaming PC suitable for streaming, you will need the following components:

1. Processor (CPU): A powerful processor like Intel Core i7 or i9 or AMD Ryzen 7 or 9 will be ideal for streaming games.

Monthly payment plans are available for select processors.

2. Graphics card (GPU): A high-end graphics card like NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 or AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT will deliver smooth gameplay and high-quality streaming.

3. Memory (RAM): At least 16GB of RAM is recommended for streaming games.

4. Motherboard: Choose a motherboard that is compatible with your processor and has enough expansion slots for your components.

5. Storage: A solid-state drive (SSD) with at least 500GB of storage space will be ideal for installing your operating system, games, and streaming software.

6. Power supply unit (PSU): A high-quality PSU with enough wattage to power your components is essential.

7. Cooling: A high-quality CPU cooler and case fans will help keep your system cool and running smoothly.

8. Streaming software: Download and install streaming software like OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) or Xsplit.

9. Audio and video equipment: You will also need a good microphone, webcam, and headset to ensure high-quality audio and video for your stream.

Remember to do your research and choose components that are compatible with each other and meet your budget and performance requirements.

Sophima | Guest Contributor

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5 Things To Consider Doing This Summer... As A Gamer!

If you're a gamer looking for something fun to do during summer vacation, here are some ideas:

1. Attend a gaming convention: Summer is a great time for gaming conventions, where you can meet other gamers, try out new games, and participate in tournaments and other events.

2. Join a gaming club: There are many gaming clubs and communities that organize events and meetups throughout the summer. Joining a club can be a great way to connect with other gamers and find new friends who share your interests.

3. Participate in online tournaments: Many gaming platforms host online tournaments during the summer, where you can compete against other players from around the world. Participating in these tournaments can be a great way to improve your skills and win prizes.

4. Create and upload gaming content: If you're interested in content creation, summer vacation is a great time to start creating and uploading gaming content to platforms like YouTube and Twitch. This can be a great way to build your audience and connect with other gamers if you're willing to invest the time.

5. Take a break and enjoy the outdoors: While gaming can be a lot of fun, it's also important to take a break and enjoy the outdoors. Consider having a pool party, taking a day trip to a nearby park or beach, or going for a hike or bike ride with friends.

Remember, summer vacation is a great time to have fun and explore new activities and interests. Whether you're a dedicated gamer or looking for something new to try, there are plenty of fun and exciting options to choose from. Explore them before summer comes to an end.

"Some of my best memories... are based on things we did in the summertime." - Blu

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