digital-trends-unleased

[digital-trends-unleased]

Most Common Financial Mistakes To Avoid it.

Avoid these Top 10 Most Common Financial Mistakes to secure your financial future. Learn how to steer clear of costly errors and make informed decisions for a stronger financial foundation. Mistakes and how to avoid Financial mistakes to avoid and mistakes you may be making: 1.  Excessive and Frivolous Spending From Finance Vast fortunes frequently slip away dollar by dollar. Though it might appear inconsequential when indulging in a double-mocha cappuccino, dining out, or treating yourself to a pay-per-view movie, these seemingly small expenses accumulate significantly. Merely spending $25 each week on dining out translates to $1,300 annually. This sum could be allocated to an additional credit card payment, your auto installment, or even multiple extra payments. For those facing financial challenges, steering clear of this error holds immense significance. Particularly when standing on the brink of foreclosure or bankruptcy, every single dollar assumes an even greater importance. 2. Never-Ending Payments Reflect on whether you truly require possessions that demand recurring payments month after month, year after year ,having an emergency fund. Subscriptions such as cable television, music services, or upscale gym memberships might lead you into a cycle of perpetual payments without yielding actual ownership. During periods of financial constraint or when aiming to increase your savings, adopting a more streamlined lifestyle can significantly contribute to boosting your savings and providing a buffer against economic difficulties. 3. Living on Borrowed Money Worst money mistakes in the practice of using credit cards for essential purchases has become fairly widespread. However, while a growing portion of consumers are accepting double-digit interest rates for expenses like fuel, groceries, and various goods that vanish well before the bill is settled, it's not prudent financial counsel to follow suit. The presence of credit card interest rates substantially inflates the cost of the items charged. Moreover, there are instances where relying on credit can lead to outspending your earnings. Avoid living on borrowed money. 4.Avoid it how to Buying a New Car Every year, millions of new cars are purchased, although only a minority of buyers are financially equipped to make a cash payment. Nonetheless, not being able to make an outright cash payment for a new car can also signify an underlying inability to truly afford the vehicle. It's essential to grasp that being able to manage the monthly payment doesn't equate to having the financial capacity to truly afford the entire car. Moreover, when resorting to borrowing money for a car purchase, the consumer becomes subject to paying interest on an asset that consistently loses value, thereby accentuating the gap between the car's worth and its purchase price. To compound matters, a significant number of individuals engage in trading their cars every two or three years, resulting in financial losses with each trade. While there are instances where an individual's circumstances necessitate taking out a loan for a car purchase, the question arises: how many consumers genuinely require a large SUV? These vehicles come with considerable costs, spanning purchase expenses, insurance premiums, and fuel consumption. Unless there's a legitimate requirement for towing a boat or trailer or if the SUV serves as an income source, opting for such a vehicle might not be financially prudent. In the event that purchasing a car and potentially borrowing funds are on the horizon, it's advisable to consider a vehicle that touts better fuel efficiency and entails lower insurance and maintenance costs. Acquiring a car comes with a substantial financial commitment, and investing in a vehicle that exceeds your actual needs could result in wasteful spending that might otherwise have been directed towards savings or debt settlement. 5. Spending Too Much on Your House In the realm of home buying, larger doesn't always equate to better to avoid it . Unless you have an extensive family to accommodate, selecting a 6,000-square-foot residence will inevitably result in higher taxes, maintenance costs, and utility expenses. It's crucial to weigh whether you truly desire to impose such a substantial and enduring impact on your monthly budget.   6. Using Home Equity Like a Piggy Bank Opting for refinancing and extracting funds from your home entails relinquishing a portion of ownership to another party. There are instances where refinancing holds merit, such as when you can secure a reduced interest rate or when refinancing facilitates the settlement of higher-interest debts. Alternatively, you can explore the option of initiating a home equity line of credit (HELOC). This enables you to harness the equity within your home akin to utilizing a credit card. However, this might lead to incurring needless interest payments solely for the purpose of accessing your home equity line of credit. 7. Living Paycheck to Paycheck As of June 2021, the personal savings rate for U.S. households stood at 9.4%. Many households often live from one paycheck to the next, making any unexpected issue a potential disaster if you're not adequately prepared. The culmination of overspending can place individuals in a precarious situation—where they rely on every penny earned, and a single missed paycheck could result in catastrophe. This is certainly not the circumstance you'd want to be in when facing an economic downturn. Should such a situation arise, your choices would become severely limited. Financial advisors commonly recommend maintaining a savings equivalent to three months' worth of expenses in an easily accessible account. The loss of a job or shifts in the economic landscape might deplete your savings, forcing you into a cycle of incurring debt to repay debts. Having a buffer equivalent to three months' expenses could potentially determine whether you retain ownership of your home or face its loss. 8. Not Investing in Retirement Failing to put your money to work in the markets or in other income-generating investments could potentially prevent you from achieving financial independence. Regularly contributing to designated retirement accounts is a vital step towards securing a comfortable retirement. Maximize the benefits of tax-deferred retirement accounts and/or your employer-provided plan. Gain a clear understanding of the duration your investments will have to mature and your risk tolerance. If feasible, seek guidance from a certified financial advisor to align these factors with your objectives. 9. Paying Off Debt With Savings  You might be considering that if your debt carries a 19% interest rate while your retirement account is yielding 7%, substituting retirement savings for debt could seem like a way to pocket the difference. However, the situation isn't as straightforward as it seems. Apart from forfeiting the benefits of compounding, repaying those borrowed retirement funds can be extremely challenging, and you might incur substantial penalties. Although borrowing from your retirement account can be a reasonable option with the right mindset, even the most disciplined financial planners often struggle to set aside money to replenish these accounts. Once the debt is cleared, the urgency to reimburse it typically diminishes. It becomes tempting to maintain the same spending habits, which could lead to falling back into debt. If you intend to use savings to eliminate debt, you must adopt the mindset of living as if you still have a debt to honor—to your retirement fund.   10. Not Having a Plan The trajectory of your financial future hinges on your current actions. Despite spending numerous hours watching television or scrolling through social media, allocating just two hours per week for financial matters seems implausible. However, it's crucial to recognize your financial direction. Prioritize dedicating some time to financial planning. The Bottom Line To veer clear of the pitfalls of excessive spending, commence by scrutinizing the minor expenses that accumulate rapidly. Gradually progress to overseeing the substantial expenditures. Exercise caution before incurring new debts, understanding that the ability to make a payment doesn't equate to being financially equipped for the purchase. Ultimately, make it a monthly imperative to save a portion of your earnings, alongside investing time in crafting a robust financial blueprint. Trade on the Go. Anywhere, Anytime Prepare to engage with one of the planet's major cryptocurrency exchanges. Benefit from competitive fees and personalized customer assistance as you trade with confidence. Additionally, access Binance's suite of tools that simplifies reviewing your trade history, overseeing auto-investments, analyzing price charts, and executing conversions without incurring fees. Sign up for a complimentary account and become part of the worldwide community of traders and investors in the cryptocurrency market.   Read the full article

[digital-trends-unleased]

How to turn a Live Photo into a video on your iPhone

Introduced by Apple many years ago with the iPhone 6s, Live Photos is an entertaining feature that transforms static images into three-second snippets. It accomplishes this by capturing the 1.5 seconds preceding and following the moment you tap the shutter button. This innovation has become a constant across all subsequent iPhone models, and even if you're new to the iPhone realm, you've likely engaged with it unknowingly, as it is enabled by default. Disabling it requires specific actions if you wish to return to capturing standard still shots. Leaving Live Photos activated doesn't entail any major drawbacks. Sharing them as conventional, unmoving photos is as simple as sharing any other image. Additionally, while they do occupy a tad more space on your iPhone, this isn't as significant as it used to be, thanks to Apple's adoption of the more efficient HEIC format in 2017. In the past, Live Photos could inflate in size to almost double that of an equivalent static JPEG, but today, the contrast is typically around 25%. Nonetheless, while you can effortlessly share a static rendition of the photo across various platforms where standard images can be posted or sent, the animated segment presents a slightly more intricate challenge. Naturally, Live Photos function seamlessly within the Apple ecosystem; thus, sharing them via iMessage or a Shared Photo Album to friends with iPhones, iPads, or Macs poses no difficulty whatsoever. Moreover, Apple has extended its Live Photos technology to third-party websites, and popular social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have embraced its integration. Even Google Photos has supported Live Photos for an extended period and offers enhancements for them. However, if your intention is to ensure that the Live Photo plays flawlessly for all viewers, the optimal approach involves converting it into a video or an animated GIF. This approach also proves advantageous if you aim to preserve your Live Photos in a more conventional and future-proof format. While Live Photos are anticipated to remain functional on Apple devices for the foreseeable future, the outlook becomes less certain when considering their compatibility with Windows PCs or Android phones and tablets. The positive aspect is that Apple simplifies the process of saving a Live Photo as a standard video. Remarkably, this feature is seamlessly integrated into the Photos app. How to save a Live Photo as video The procedure for creating a video from a Live Photo varies slightly depending on which version of iOS you're operating. The most recent iteration, iOS 16, is compatible with any iPhone released within the past six years, encompassing devices like the latest iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro, as well as the 2017 iPhone 8. However, if you're still using an iPhone 6s or iPhone 7, both of which support Live Photos, you'll remain on iOS 15. Fortunately, the steps are almost identical for both versions, with just one option positioned slightly differently on those older models. Here's how to go about it: Step 1: Launch the Photos app on your iPhone. Step 2: Tap the Album icon located at the bottom. Step 3: Scroll downwards and opt for Live Photos from the collection listed under "Media Types." This action will present you with a gallery display exclusively showcasing the Live Photos housed within your photo library. Navigation within this section mirrors the approach employed in the primary Library view, allowing for actions like using pinch gestures to zoom in and out on the grid. Step 4: Select a Live Photo from the gallery to access it. Step 5: Once your selected Live Photo is open, tap the three-dot More button situated at the upper right corner of the screen. This action will unveil a dropdown menu featuring additional choices. For those utilizing iOS 15, you'll need to opt for the Share button instead, triggering the standard iOS share sheet to appear. Step 6: Choose the Save as Video option from the pop-up menu (iOS 16) or the share sheet (iOS 15). Your iPhone will create a copy of the Live Photo as a standard video clip. Step 7: In the event that the "Save as Video" option does not appear within the menu or share sheet while you have a Live Photo selected, it's likely due to either having deactivated the Live Photo feature or activated an effect mode such as Loop or Bounce (which will be discussed in the final section). Live Photos equipped with effects cannot be transformed into videos. To address this, you'll need to revert the photo to its original Live Photo state. To achieve this, simply choose the Live button situated in the top left corner of the photo (which might also display Loop, Bounce, or Long Exposure) and adjust it back to Live from the ensuing dropdown menu. Step 8: The resulting video clip will retain the identical metadata as the original Live Photo, encompassing the precise date, time, and location details. Consequently, it will be categorized alongside the initial Live Photo in your library. However, this doesn't imply that it will invariably find its place at the bottom of your Library timeline, unless you're transforming a Live Photo captured in close succession. Step 9: The swiftest method to locate your newly saved video involves returning to the Albums view and directing your attention to the Recents album. This particular album arranges your photos based on their actual addition date to your library, as opposed to their internal timestamps. How to combine multiple Live Photos into a single video clip Utilizing iOS 16, you have the added capability to merge multiple Live Photos into a singular video clip, crafting a montage of your Live Photo moments. Follow these steps: Step 1: Launch the Photos app on your iPhone. Step 2: Tap the Album icon located at the bottom. Step 3: Scroll down and choose Live Photos from the list situated beneath "Media Types." This will display exclusively the Live Photos contained within your photo library. Step 4: Select the "Select" option found at the upper right corner. Step 5: Choose the Live Photos that you intend to merge into a single video. Step 6: Once your selected Live Photo is open, tap the three-dot More button positioned at the bottom right of the screen, which will prompt the options menu to appear. Step 7: Opt for the "Save as Video" choice. The duration of this process varies based on the number of photos you've chosen, ranging from a few seconds to several minutes. During this time, a "Saving..." dialogue will appear as your Live Photos are being transformed into a video. After the video is successfully generated, you'll find yourself back in the Live Photos view. It's possible that you'll need to access the Recents album, as mentioned in the previous section, to locate your video. It will carry the timestamp of the oldest Live Photo you included in your montage. It's worth noting that there doesn't seem to be a practical upper limit to the quantity of Live Photos you can compile into a single video. However, just like when converting an individual Live Photo to a video, you won't be able to include Live Photos where the Live Photo feature is disabled or ones with added Loop, Bounce, or Long Exposure effects. The "Save as Video" option won't appear in the menu if any of these are part of your selection. How to use Loop, Bounce, or Long Exposure with Live Photos You also have the option to incorporate special effects into your Live Photos to infuse a touch of fun. Apple presently offers three distinct effects: Loop, Bounce, and Long Exposure. Loop transforms your Live Photo into a brief, continuous loop devoid of pauses, while Bounce imparts a continuous back-and-forth motion to the Live Photo. As the name implies, Long Exposure transforms your Live Photo into a still image that amalgamates the three seconds of video, simulating the effect of a photograph captured with an exceptionally slow shutter speed. Live Photos featuring these activated effects cannot be converted into videos using the built-in tools within the Photos app. Nonetheless, you can still view them on your iPhone and other Apple devices, and share them with friends and social media platforms capable of accommodating Live Photos. Here's how to proceed: Step 1: Launch the Photos app and select a Live Photo. Step 2: With the chosen image open, tap the Live button located at the top left corner. From the ensuing dropdown menu, choose either Loop, Bounce, or Long Exposure. Alternatively, you can opt for "Off" if you prefer the Live Photo to appear as a conventional, static image. How to convert Live Photos to animated GIFs On certain occasions, you might find it more preferable to share your Live Photo in the form of a GIF rather than a video. This approach could be particularly advantageous on specific social media platforms, especially those that autoplay GIFs or lack support for uploading video clips. Regrettably, iOS 16 does not include a built-in method to convert a Live Photo into an animated GIF. However, as is often the case, the App Store presents an array of solutions to fill this gap. Unsurprisingly, one of the most popular options is Giphy, which has the capability to convert any Live Photo into an animated GIF — even if it includes Loop or Bounce effects. Furthermore, Giphy enables you to trim the GIF, customize it with your own effects, and directly share it on social media. Additionally, Giphy allows you to save Live Photos as video clips with the same editing capabilities, accommodating Live Photos containing Bounce and Loop effects. It's worth noting that the only drawback with Giphy is the necessity to create an account for its usage. However, it does support "Sign in with Apple" for a convenient sign-up process. If you prefer to bypass this step, there are alternative apps available on the App Store that can achieve the same task, although they might not be as feature-rich as Giphy. Here's what to do: Step 1: Download Giphy from the App Store, open the app, and either sign in or register for an account. Step 2: Click on the "Create" option situated at the upper right corner. Step 3: Upon receiving a prompt, provide permission for Camera access, and subsequently, tap on the photo thumbnail located at the lower left corner to open your photo library. Once again, grant access if prompted. Step 4: Opt for "Live Photos" located at the bottom to exclusively view your collection of Live Photos. Step 5: Select a Live Photo that you intend to transform into a GIF, and tap on it to open. Step 6: You'll be presented with an array of editing tools designed to allow customization of your Live Photo before converting it into a GIF. These tools encompass options like cropping, trimming, and the inclusion of stickers and text effects. Utilize these tools to make the desired edits, and once you're satisfied, click on the Right Arrow located at the lower right corner to move on to the subsequent step. Step 7: On the following screen, a preview of the finalized GIF will be displayed. Opt for "Share GIF" to progress to the subsequent screen. Alternatively, you can select the smaller "Tap to Copy GIF" option if you wish to swiftly copy it to your clipboard for pasting into another application. Step 8: Within the "Share Video" interface, decide between "Save GIF" to preserve a copy of the GIF in your photo library or "Save Video" to store it as a standard video clip. Additionally, you have the option to employ the alternative choices available here for direct sharing to platforms like Messages, Facebook Messenger, Snapchat, or Instagram.   Read the full article

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The best Black Friday gaming PC deals for 2022

Missed out on finding the ideal bargain amidst the black Friday deals and sales yesterday? No need to fret, as there are still remarkable Black Friday deals available for gaming PCs. Should you be in the market for a fresh gaming PC, we've curated a selection of the finest deals currently accessible. Whether you're working with a modest budget or aiming to procure a top-tier gaming rig, there's an option catered to you in this compilation. Take a glance at the ongoing offers highlighted below — it's important to note, however, that these deals might not linger. Thus, if something catches your eye, seize the opportunity apple black Friday deals without delay! CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme — $850, was $1,100 Let's delve into one of the initial Black Friday gaming PC offers, which showcases an RTX 3050 – a graphics card not commonly found in desktops, given its usual association with laptops. However, it boasts additional commendable attributes such as a 12th-gen Intel Core 5-12600KF, a robust mid-tier CPU, along with 16GB of RAM. Collectively, these components contribute to a relatively seamless operating system experience. The package also entails 500GB of storage, albeit on the lower end, prompting consideration for an additional HDD or SSD to complement it. If you're a novice seeking to avoid the complexities of building a PC from scratch, the Gamer Xtreme presents an exceptional choice, especially since CyberPowerPC sweetens the deal with a quality mouse and keyboard inclusion. Legion Tower 5i Gen 6 — $1,100, was $1,540 We hold the Legion Tower 5i in such high regard that we've granted it a place within our compilation of the finest gaming desktop PCs. Beneath its exterior, it houses an RTX 3060 – a significantly more potent graphics card in comparison to an RTX 3050. Opting for at least an RTX 3060 is advisable when transitioning to a desktop, making it a worthwhile upgrade if within your means. The presence of an 11th-gen Intel i5-11400 further enhances its performance, offering a robust mid-range CPU capable of smoothly handling CPU-intensive games such as simulations and strategy titles. The configuration of 16GB RAM in a dual-channel setup bolsters performance, while the inclusion of a 650W PSU leaves room for future expansions. Conversely, the 500GB SSD capacity, although functional, falls on the lower side for a gaming desktop. To address this, considering one of the ongoing external hard drive deals could be prudent. Lenovo sweetens the deals best black friday by bundling in three months of Xbox Game Pass, providing an appealing extra perk. Alienware Aurora R13 — $1,300, was $1,872 Elevating the GPU a level higher, here's a best black Friday deals gaming PC deal that not only catches the eye but is also a testament to Alienware's knack for aesthetics. Sporting an RTX 3060 Ti, this offer promises a performance boost, translating to those coveted extra frames. Accompanied by the 12th-gen Intel i7-12700F, the system boasts ample power for streaming on platforms like Twitch or YouTube. Moreover, this enhanced CPU prowess introduces versatility, enabling tasks such as music and video editing to complement your gaming experience. Marking a notable addition, this entry boasts 16GB of DDR5 RAM, the fastest variant available in the market – an unexpected delight within this price bracket. Regrettably, storage stands at a modest 500GB SSD, likely necessitating a future upgrade due to the expanding size of modern games. Legion Tower 7i — $1,630, was $2,240 The Legion Tower 7i emerges as a noteworthy contender among the Black Friday gaming PC deals, presenting a harmonious fusion of performance and affordability, particularly evident with its inclusion of an RTX 3070. This equips it to effortlessly handle 2K at 144Hz – a resolution and refresh rate commonly found in the gaming monitor deals available. With the applied discount, the possibility of securing an outstanding monitor to complement the setup without surpassing a $2,000 budget seems quite feasible. Even though the 11th-gen Intel i7-11700K isn't the latest iteration, its prowess remains substantial for gaming, editing, and streaming tasks. Regrettably, DDR5 RAM isn't part of the package, yet the dual-channel configuration of the 16GB DDR4 RAM contributes to a marginal performance enhancement. The 650W power supply serves as a promising foundation for potential upgrades, although they might not be necessary given the generous storage setup – a 1TB HDD and 500GB SSD combo – providing ample space to last a year or more, if not longer. Alienware R14 Aurora Ryzen Edition — $2,100, was $2,780 Presenting our final offer, an absolute powerhouse housing an RTX 3080 Ti beneath its exterior, enabling seamless 4K gaming at comfortably smooth frame rates. While surpassing the 100 mark might be a challenge, particularly on the latest titles, the visual splendor at this level can easily overshadow such concerns. The presence of the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X CPU further contributes to its might, a processor that, in typical AMD fashion, excels in multi-threading tasks such as audio editing and streaming. Once more, the absence of DDR5 RAM is notable; however, the provided 16GB of DDR4 proves to be more than adequate, leaving room for future upgrades or replacements. The substantial 1TB SSD enhances the deal, offering ample storage that should remain sufficient, even considering the growing size of contemporary games. On the whole, the R14 emerges as a prime contender for one of the finest Black Friday deals for a premium gaming desktop, particularly one boasting an RTX 3080 Ti.       Read the full article

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Most Common Financial Mistakes To Avoid it.

Avoid these Top 10 Most Common Financial Mistakes to secure your financial future. Learn how to steer clear of costly errors and make informed decisions for a stronger financial foundation. Mistakes and how to avoid Financial mistakes to avoid and mistakes you may be making: 1.  Excessive and Frivolous Spending From Finance Vast fortunes frequently slip away dollar by dollar. Though it might appear inconsequential when indulging in a double-mocha cappuccino, dining out, or treating yourself to a pay-per-view movie, these seemingly small expenses accumulate significantly. Merely spending $25 each week on dining out translates to $1,300 annually. This sum could be allocated to an additional credit card payment, your auto installment, or even multiple extra payments. For those facing financial challenges, steering clear of this error holds immense significance. Particularly when standing on the brink of foreclosure or bankruptcy, every single dollar assumes an even greater importance. 2. Never-Ending Payments Reflect on whether you truly require possessions that demand recurring payments month after month, year after year ,having an emergency fund. Subscriptions such as cable television, music services, or upscale gym memberships might lead you into a cycle of perpetual payments without yielding actual ownership. During periods of financial constraint or when aiming to increase your savings, adopting a more streamlined lifestyle can significantly contribute to boosting your savings and providing a buffer against economic difficulties. 3. Living on Borrowed Money Worst money mistakes in the practice of using credit cards for essential purchases has become fairly widespread. However, while a growing portion of consumers are accepting double-digit interest rates for expenses like fuel, groceries, and various goods that vanish well before the bill is settled, it's not prudent financial counsel to follow suit. The presence of credit card interest rates substantially inflates the cost of the items charged. Moreover, there are instances where relying on credit can lead to outspending your earnings. Avoid living on borrowed money. 4.Avoid it how to Buying a New Car Every year, millions of new cars are purchased, although only a minority of buyers are financially equipped to make a cash payment. Nonetheless, not being able to make an outright cash payment for a new car can also signify an underlying inability to truly afford the vehicle. It's essential to grasp that being able to manage the monthly payment doesn't equate to having the financial capacity to truly afford the entire car. Moreover, when resorting to borrowing money for a car purchase, the consumer becomes subject to paying interest on an asset that consistently loses value, thereby accentuating the gap between the car's worth and its purchase price. To compound matters, a significant number of individuals engage in trading their cars every two or three years, resulting in financial losses with each trade. While there are instances where an individual's circumstances necessitate taking out a loan for a car purchase, the question arises: how many consumers genuinely require a large SUV? These vehicles come with considerable costs, spanning purchase expenses, insurance premiums, and fuel consumption. Unless there's a legitimate requirement for towing a boat or trailer or if the SUV serves as an income source, opting for such a vehicle might not be financially prudent. In the event that purchasing a car and potentially borrowing funds are on the horizon, it's advisable to consider a vehicle that touts better fuel efficiency and entails lower insurance and maintenance costs. Acquiring a car comes with a substantial financial commitment, and investing in a vehicle that exceeds your actual needs could result in wasteful spending that might otherwise have been directed towards savings or debt settlement. 5. Spending Too Much on Your House In the realm of home buying, larger doesn't always equate to better to avoid it . Unless you have an extensive family to accommodate, selecting a 6,000-square-foot residence will inevitably result in higher taxes, maintenance costs, and utility expenses. It's crucial to weigh whether you truly desire to impose such a substantial and enduring impact on your monthly budget.   6. Using Home Equity Like a Piggy Bank Opting for refinancing and extracting funds from your home entails relinquishing a portion of ownership to another party. There are instances where refinancing holds merit, such as when you can secure a reduced interest rate or when refinancing facilitates the settlement of higher-interest debts. Alternatively, you can explore the option of initiating a home equity line of credit (HELOC). This enables you to harness the equity within your home akin to utilizing a credit card. However, this might lead to incurring needless interest payments solely for the purpose of accessing your home equity line of credit. 7. Living Paycheck to Paycheck As of June 2021, the personal savings rate for U.S. households stood at 9.4%. Many households often live from one paycheck to the next, making any unexpected issue a potential disaster if you're not adequately prepared. The culmination of overspending can place individuals in a precarious situation—where they rely on every penny earned, and a single missed paycheck could result in catastrophe. This is certainly not the circumstance you'd want to be in when facing an economic downturn. Should such a situation arise, your choices would become severely limited. Financial advisors commonly recommend maintaining a savings equivalent to three months' worth of expenses in an easily accessible account. The loss of a job or shifts in the economic landscape might deplete your savings, forcing you into a cycle of incurring debt to repay debts. Having a buffer equivalent to three months' expenses could potentially determine whether you retain ownership of your home or face its loss. 8. Not Investing in Retirement Failing to put your money to work in the markets or in other income-generating investments could potentially prevent you from achieving financial independence. Regularly contributing to designated retirement accounts is a vital step towards securing a comfortable retirement. Maximize the benefits of tax-deferred retirement accounts and/or your employer-provided plan. Gain a clear understanding of the duration your investments will have to mature and your risk tolerance. If feasible, seek guidance from a certified financial advisor to align these factors with your objectives. 9. Paying Off Debt With Savings  You might be considering that if your debt carries a 19% interest rate while your retirement account is yielding 7%, substituting retirement savings for debt could seem like a way to pocket the difference. However, the situation isn't as straightforward as it seems. Apart from forfeiting the benefits of compounding, repaying those borrowed retirement funds can be extremely challenging, and you might incur substantial penalties. Although borrowing from your retirement account can be a reasonable option with the right mindset, even the most disciplined financial planners often struggle to set aside money to replenish these accounts. Once the debt is cleared, the urgency to reimburse it typically diminishes. It becomes tempting to maintain the same spending habits, which could lead to falling back into debt. If you intend to use savings to eliminate debt, you must adopt the mindset of living as if you still have a debt to honor—to your retirement fund.   10. Not Having a Plan The trajectory of your financial future hinges on your current actions. Despite spending numerous hours watching television or scrolling through social media, allocating just two hours per week for financial matters seems implausible. However, it's crucial to recognize your financial direction. Prioritize dedicating some time to financial planning. The Bottom Line To veer clear of the pitfalls of excessive spending, commence by scrutinizing the minor expenses that accumulate rapidly. Gradually progress to overseeing the substantial expenditures. Exercise caution before incurring new debts, understanding that the ability to make a payment doesn't equate to being financially equipped for the purchase. Ultimately, make it a monthly imperative to save a portion of your earnings, alongside investing time in crafting a robust financial blueprint. Trade on the Go. Anywhere, Anytime Prepare to engage with one of the planet's major cryptocurrency exchanges. Benefit from competitive fees and personalized customer assistance as you trade with confidence. Additionally, access Binance's suite of tools that simplifies reviewing your trade history, overseeing auto-investments, analyzing price charts, and executing conversions without incurring fees. Sign up for a complimentary account and become part of the worldwide community of traders and investors in the cryptocurrency market.   Read the full article

[digital-trends-unleased]

The Basics of Financial Responsibility

What does it entail to exhibit the basics of financial responsibility? While the answer is intricate, its essence lies in a straightforward reality: To be financially responsible, you must abide by your financial capabilities. In order to do so, your expenditures should be less than your earnings. Credit Cards and Debt in Financial Responsibility If your aim is to truly embrace financial responsibility, simply managing the minimum monthly credit card payment won't suffice. In fact, not being able to settle your entire balance highlights that your expenses already surpass your income. Employing credit responsibly entails clearing your account's balance in full each month. Furthermore, credit cards should primarily serve as a convenience tool, not a means to bridge financial gaps. They offer the convenience of a cashless transaction and the potential to accumulate reward points. Credit cards can prove invaluable during emergencies. Nonetheless, if a crisis compels you to maintain a balance on your card, practicing financial responsibility entails reigning in your spending until that balance is fully repaid. Consider the Interest in Financial Responsibility The identical reasoning holds true for all recurrent payments that involve interest charges. Reflect on this: Settling interest on any expense implies that you're disbursing more for that item than its actual price. Does this align with the most responsible decision, or is it simply the most convenient one? When the interest payments are integrated into the purchase cost, you end up spending more to acquire the item than the very value attributed to it by its manufacturer. Consequently, the primary goal should be to evade interest payments on any front. Naturally, when considering housing and personal transportation expenses, evading interest is a luxury not feasible for most individuals. In such scenarios, the responsible course of action involves minimizing the monthly interest outlay to the greatest extent possible. Acting in Your Own Best Interest For numerous individuals, reducing interest and borrowing might be easier said than done, yet it essentially boils down to discerning between necessities and indulgences. For instance, while a car might be a necessity, going for a top-of-the-line model isn't essential, and unless you can settle the payment upfront, it's not advisable to drive one. Similarly, while securing a place to live is a necessity, owning a mansion isn't. While most of us need a mortgage to acquire a home, making a financially prudent home purchase involves opting for one that won't strain your finances. In financial terms, this translates to a cost that doesn't exceed two to 2.5 times your annual income. Another reasonable benchmark is ensuring your monthly mortgage payment doesn't surpass 30% of your monthly take-home pay. Beyond avoiding overspending on your home acquisition, it's advisable to make a substantial down payment to eliminate the need for private mortgage insurance (PMI). If you're unable to meet these purchasing criteria, it's better to rent until you're financially prepared to buy. Paying Yourself First—Saving Spending every cent of your earnings is inherently imprudent, unless you possess an exceedingly generous trust fund overflowing with resources that will sustain your lifestyle indefinitely. For the majority of individuals, particularly those aspiring to retire someday, saving demands serious attention. A highly effective approach is to prioritize yourself by setting aside a portion of your paycheck before tending to your bills – this is often referred to as paying yourself first. A reasonable goal to aim for is saving around 10%. In the realm of savings, directing your investments towards the stock market can be a lucrative choice. While investing carries inherent risks, embracing calculated risks becomes necessary at times. The responsible path involves formulating a comprehensive plan. Initiate by exploring asset allocation strategies to grasp the art of selecting the optimal blend of securities for your investment strategy. Subsequently, if your workplace offers an employer-sponsored savings plan, contribute to it. Many employers match your contributions up to a specified percentage, providing a guaranteed return on your investment by contributing at least enough to secure the match. When your financial situation allows, maximize your tax-deferred savings opportunities by contributing the full allowable amount within the plan. After delving into investing, track your progress toward your objectives and adjust your portfolio as needed to stay aligned with your goals. Emergency Fund Being financially responsible involves anticipating the unforeseen. The consensus among experts is that you should possess the capacity to sustain yourself financially for a minimum of six months without any income. In the case of a married couple accustomed to relying on dual paychecks, this entails having the capability to cover essential expenses like the mortgage, groceries, and utilities using only one income, or possibly no income at all. If the prospect of a missed paycheck would have dire financial consequences, it's imperative to establish a financial safety net to avert such a scenario. Don't Keep Up with the Joneses Being financially responsible entails fulfilling your obligations to meet your own and your family's necessities. Achieving this goal requires an inward-directed approach. Your neighbors aren't responsible for covering your expenses, which implies that their spending patterns shouldn't influence your choices or determine the level of your lifestyle. Budgeting Possessing a budget stands as a fundamental pillar of financial responsibility. It's imperative to have a clear comprehension of where your money is being allocated. Just as business proprietors recognize the significance of comprehending their cash flow and balance sheets, leading to the absence of any thriving business without a budget, the same principle applies to your personal finances. A Very Personal Definition Does practicing financial responsibility entail a strict regimen of cutting corners and pinching pennies? It could, but solely if it's necessary to evade debt. Conversely, if you find yourself in a position comparable to the Sultan of Brunei, affording a private jet, a mega-yacht, a villa in the South of France, and several palaces might not pose a challenge. While those with more modest resources might view such extravagance skeptically, it shouldn't be conflated with a dearth of financial responsibility. After all, there's nothing imprudent about purchasing items that you can readily afford to pay for. Arriving at "Responsible" In essence, financial responsibility entails adhering to a lifestyle that aligns with your available resources, irrespective of their extent. Thus, carefully examine your financial circumstances, assess your patterns of income and expenditure, and implement the required changes to establish a foundation of responsible financial management.   Read the full article

[digital-trends-unleased]

The best Black Friday gaming PC deals for 2022

Missed out on finding the ideal bargain amidst the black Friday deals and sales yesterday? No need to fret, as there are still remarkable Black Friday deals available for gaming PCs. Should you be in the market for a fresh gaming PC, we've curated a selection of the finest deals currently accessible. Whether you're working with a modest budget or aiming to procure a top-tier gaming rig, there's an option catered to you in this compilation. Take a glance at the ongoing offers highlighted below — it's important to note, however, that these deals might not linger. Thus, if something catches your eye, seize the opportunity apple black Friday deals without delay! CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme — $850, was $1,100 Let's delve into one of the initial Black Friday gaming PC offers, which showcases an RTX 3050 – a graphics card not commonly found in desktops, given its usual association with laptops. However, it boasts additional commendable attributes such as a 12th-gen Intel Core 5-12600KF, a robust mid-tier CPU, along with 16GB of RAM. Collectively, these components contribute to a relatively seamless operating system experience. The package also entails 500GB of storage, albeit on the lower end, prompting consideration for an additional HDD or SSD to complement it. If you're a novice seeking to avoid the complexities of building a PC from scratch, the Gamer Xtreme presents an exceptional choice, especially since CyberPowerPC sweetens the deal with a quality mouse and keyboard inclusion. Legion Tower 5i Gen 6 — $1,100, was $1,540 We hold the Legion Tower 5i in such high regard that we've granted it a place within our compilation of the finest gaming desktop PCs. Beneath its exterior, it houses an RTX 3060 – a significantly more potent graphics card in comparison to an RTX 3050. Opting for at least an RTX 3060 is advisable when transitioning to a desktop, making it a worthwhile upgrade if within your means. The presence of an 11th-gen Intel i5-11400 further enhances its performance, offering a robust mid-range CPU capable of smoothly handling CPU-intensive games such as simulations and strategy titles. The configuration of 16GB RAM in a dual-channel setup bolsters performance, while the inclusion of a 650W PSU leaves room for future expansions. Conversely, the 500GB SSD capacity, although functional, falls on the lower side for a gaming desktop. To address this, considering one of the ongoing external hard drive deals could be prudent. Lenovo sweetens the deals best black friday by bundling in three months of Xbox Game Pass, providing an appealing extra perk. Alienware Aurora R13 — $1,300, was $1,872 Elevating the GPU a level higher, here's a best black Friday deals gaming PC deal that not only catches the eye but is also a testament to Alienware's knack for aesthetics. Sporting an RTX 3060 Ti, this offer promises a performance boost, translating to those coveted extra frames. Accompanied by the 12th-gen Intel i7-12700F, the system boasts ample power for streaming on platforms like Twitch or YouTube. Moreover, this enhanced CPU prowess introduces versatility, enabling tasks such as music and video editing to complement your gaming experience. Marking a notable addition, this entry boasts 16GB of DDR5 RAM, the fastest variant available in the market – an unexpected delight within this price bracket. Regrettably, storage stands at a modest 500GB SSD, likely necessitating a future upgrade due to the expanding size of modern games. Legion Tower 7i — $1,630, was $2,240 The Legion Tower 7i emerges as a noteworthy contender among the Black Friday gaming PC deals, presenting a harmonious fusion of performance and affordability, particularly evident with its inclusion of an RTX 3070. This equips it to effortlessly handle 2K at 144Hz – a resolution and refresh rate commonly found in the gaming monitor deals available. With the applied discount, the possibility of securing an outstanding monitor to complement the setup without surpassing a $2,000 budget seems quite feasible. Even though the 11th-gen Intel i7-11700K isn't the latest iteration, its prowess remains substantial for gaming, editing, and streaming tasks. Regrettably, DDR5 RAM isn't part of the package, yet the dual-channel configuration of the 16GB DDR4 RAM contributes to a marginal performance enhancement. The 650W power supply serves as a promising foundation for potential upgrades, although they might not be necessary given the generous storage setup – a 1TB HDD and 500GB SSD combo – providing ample space to last a year or more, if not longer. Alienware R14 Aurora Ryzen Edition — $2,100, was $2,780 Presenting our final offer, an absolute powerhouse housing an RTX 3080 Ti beneath its exterior, enabling seamless 4K gaming at comfortably smooth frame rates. While surpassing the 100 mark might be a challenge, particularly on the latest titles, the visual splendor at this level can easily overshadow such concerns. The presence of the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X CPU further contributes to its might, a processor that, in typical AMD fashion, excels in multi-threading tasks such as audio editing and streaming. Once more, the absence of DDR5 RAM is notable; however, the provided 16GB of DDR4 proves to be more than adequate, leaving room for future upgrades or replacements. The substantial 1TB SSD enhances the deal, offering ample storage that should remain sufficient, even considering the growing size of contemporary games. On the whole, the R14 emerges as a prime contender for one of the finest Black Friday deals for a premium gaming desktop, particularly one boasting an RTX 3080 Ti.       Read the full article

[digital-trends-unleased]

How to turn a Live Photo into a video on your iPhone

Introduced by Apple many years ago with the iPhone 6s, Live Photos is an entertaining feature that transforms static images into three-second snippets. It accomplishes this by capturing the 1.5 seconds preceding and following the moment you tap the shutter button. This innovation has become a constant across all subsequent iPhone models, and even if you're new to the iPhone realm, you've likely engaged with it unknowingly, as it is enabled by default. Disabling it requires specific actions if you wish to return to capturing standard still shots. Leaving Live Photos activated doesn't entail any major drawbacks. Sharing them as conventional, unmoving photos is as simple as sharing any other image. Additionally, while they do occupy a tad more space on your iPhone, this isn't as significant as it used to be, thanks to Apple's adoption of the more efficient HEIC format in 2017. In the past, Live Photos could inflate in size to almost double that of an equivalent static JPEG, but today, the contrast is typically around 25%. Nonetheless, while you can effortlessly share a static rendition of the photo across various platforms where standard images can be posted or sent, the animated segment presents a slightly more intricate challenge. Naturally, Live Photos function seamlessly within the Apple ecosystem; thus, sharing them via iMessage or a Shared Photo Album to friends with iPhones, iPads, or Macs poses no difficulty whatsoever. Moreover, Apple has extended its Live Photos technology to third-party websites, and popular social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have embraced its integration. Even Google Photos has supported Live Photos for an extended period and offers enhancements for them. However, if your intention is to ensure that the Live Photo plays flawlessly for all viewers, the optimal approach involves converting it into a video or an animated GIF. This approach also proves advantageous if you aim to preserve your Live Photos in a more conventional and future-proof format. While Live Photos are anticipated to remain functional on Apple devices for the foreseeable future, the outlook becomes less certain when considering their compatibility with Windows PCs or Android phones and tablets. The positive aspect is that Apple simplifies the process of saving a Live Photo as a standard video. Remarkably, this feature is seamlessly integrated into the Photos app. How to save a Live Photo as video The procedure for creating a video from a Live Photo varies slightly depending on which version of iOS you're operating. The most recent iteration, iOS 16, is compatible with any iPhone released within the past six years, encompassing devices like the latest iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro, as well as the 2017 iPhone 8. However, if you're still using an iPhone 6s or iPhone 7, both of which support Live Photos, you'll remain on iOS 15. Fortunately, the steps are almost identical for both versions, with just one option positioned slightly differently on those older models. Here's how to go about it: Step 1: Launch the Photos app on your iPhone. Step 2: Tap the Album icon located at the bottom. Step 3: Scroll downwards and opt for Live Photos from the collection listed under "Media Types." This action will present you with a gallery display exclusively showcasing the Live Photos housed within your photo library. Navigation within this section mirrors the approach employed in the primary Library view, allowing for actions like using pinch gestures to zoom in and out on the grid. Step 4: Select a Live Photo from the gallery to access it. Step 5: Once your selected Live Photo is open, tap the three-dot More button situated at the upper right corner of the screen. This action will unveil a dropdown menu featuring additional choices. For those utilizing iOS 15, you'll need to opt for the Share button instead, triggering the standard iOS share sheet to appear. Step 6: Choose the Save as Video option from the pop-up menu (iOS 16) or the share sheet (iOS 15). Your iPhone will create a copy of the Live Photo as a standard video clip. Step 7: In the event that the "Save as Video" option does not appear within the menu or share sheet while you have a Live Photo selected, it's likely due to either having deactivated the Live Photo feature or activated an effect mode such as Loop or Bounce (which will be discussed in the final section). Live Photos equipped with effects cannot be transformed into videos. To address this, you'll need to revert the photo to its original Live Photo state. To achieve this, simply choose the Live button situated in the top left corner of the photo (which might also display Loop, Bounce, or Long Exposure) and adjust it back to Live from the ensuing dropdown menu. Step 8: The resulting video clip will retain the identical metadata as the original Live Photo, encompassing the precise date, time, and location details. Consequently, it will be categorized alongside the initial Live Photo in your library. However, this doesn't imply that it will invariably find its place at the bottom of your Library timeline, unless you're transforming a Live Photo captured in close succession. Step 9: The swiftest method to locate your newly saved video involves returning to the Albums view and directing your attention to the Recents album. This particular album arranges your photos based on their actual addition date to your library, as opposed to their internal timestamps. How to combine multiple Live Photos into a single video clip Utilizing iOS 16, you have the added capability to merge multiple Live Photos into a singular video clip, crafting a montage of your Live Photo moments. Follow these steps: Step 1: Launch the Photos app on your iPhone. Step 2: Tap the Album icon located at the bottom. Step 3: Scroll down and choose Live Photos from the list situated beneath "Media Types." This will display exclusively the Live Photos contained within your photo library. Step 4: Select the "Select" option found at the upper right corner. Step 5: Choose the Live Photos that you intend to merge into a single video. Step 6: Once your selected Live Photo is open, tap the three-dot More button positioned at the bottom right of the screen, which will prompt the options menu to appear. Step 7: Opt for the "Save as Video" choice. The duration of this process varies based on the number of photos you've chosen, ranging from a few seconds to several minutes. During this time, a "Saving..." dialogue will appear as your Live Photos are being transformed into a video. After the video is successfully generated, you'll find yourself back in the Live Photos view. It's possible that you'll need to access the Recents album, as mentioned in the previous section, to locate your video. It will carry the timestamp of the oldest Live Photo you included in your montage. It's worth noting that there doesn't seem to be a practical upper limit to the quantity of Live Photos you can compile into a single video. However, just like when converting an individual Live Photo to a video, you won't be able to include Live Photos where the Live Photo feature is disabled or ones with added Loop, Bounce, or Long Exposure effects. The "Save as Video" option won't appear in the menu if any of these are part of your selection. How to use Loop, Bounce, or Long Exposure with Live Photos You also have the option to incorporate special effects into your Live Photos to infuse a touch of fun. Apple presently offers three distinct effects: Loop, Bounce, and Long Exposure. Loop transforms your Live Photo into a brief, continuous loop devoid of pauses, while Bounce imparts a continuous back-and-forth motion to the Live Photo. As the name implies, Long Exposure transforms your Live Photo into a still image that amalgamates the three seconds of video, simulating the effect of a photograph captured with an exceptionally slow shutter speed. Live Photos featuring these activated effects cannot be converted into videos using the built-in tools within the Photos app. Nonetheless, you can still view them on your iPhone and other Apple devices, and share them with friends and social media platforms capable of accommodating Live Photos. Here's how to proceed: Step 1: Launch the Photos app and select a Live Photo. Step 2: With the chosen image open, tap the Live button located at the top left corner. From the ensuing dropdown menu, choose either Loop, Bounce, or Long Exposure. Alternatively, you can opt for "Off" if you prefer the Live Photo to appear as a conventional, static image. How to convert Live Photos to animated GIFs On certain occasions, you might find it more preferable to share your Live Photo in the form of a GIF rather than a video. This approach could be particularly advantageous on specific social media platforms, especially those that autoplay GIFs or lack support for uploading video clips. Regrettably, iOS 16 does not include a built-in method to convert a Live Photo into an animated GIF. However, as is often the case, the App Store presents an array of solutions to fill this gap. Unsurprisingly, one of the most popular options is Giphy, which has the capability to convert any Live Photo into an animated GIF — even if it includes Loop or Bounce effects. Furthermore, Giphy enables you to trim the GIF, customize it with your own effects, and directly share it on social media. Additionally, Giphy allows you to save Live Photos as video clips with the same editing capabilities, accommodating Live Photos containing Bounce and Loop effects. It's worth noting that the only drawback with Giphy is the necessity to create an account for its usage. However, it does support "Sign in with Apple" for a convenient sign-up process. If you prefer to bypass this step, there are alternative apps available on the App Store that can achieve the same task, although they might not be as feature-rich as Giphy. Here's what to do: Step 1: Download Giphy from the App Store, open the app, and either sign in or register for an account. Step 2: Click on the "Create" option situated at the upper right corner. Step 3: Upon receiving a prompt, provide permission for Camera access, and subsequently, tap on the photo thumbnail located at the lower left corner to open your photo library. Once again, grant access if prompted. Step 4: Opt for "Live Photos" located at the bottom to exclusively view your collection of Live Photos. Step 5: Select a Live Photo that you intend to transform into a GIF, and tap on it to open. Step 6: You'll be presented with an array of editing tools designed to allow customization of your Live Photo before converting it into a GIF. These tools encompass options like cropping, trimming, and the inclusion of stickers and text effects. Utilize these tools to make the desired edits, and once you're satisfied, click on the Right Arrow located at the lower right corner to move on to the subsequent step. Step 7: On the following screen, a preview of the finalized GIF will be displayed. Opt for "Share GIF" to progress to the subsequent screen. Alternatively, you can select the smaller "Tap to Copy GIF" option if you wish to swiftly copy it to your clipboard for pasting into another application. Step 8: Within the "Share Video" interface, decide between "Save GIF" to preserve a copy of the GIF in your photo library or "Save Video" to store it as a standard video clip. Additionally, you have the option to employ the alternative choices available here for direct sharing to platforms like Messages, Facebook Messenger, Snapchat, or Instagram.   Read the full article

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Top 10 Most Common Financial Mistakes To Avoid

Avoid these Top 10 Most Common Financial Mistakes to secure your financial future. Learn how to steer clear of costly errors and make informed decisions for a stronger financial foundation. Financial mistakes to avoid and mistakes you may be making: 1. Excessive and Frivolous Spending From Finance Vast fortunes frequently slip away dollar by dollar. Though it might appear inconsequential when indulging in a double-mocha cappuccino, dining out, or treating yourself to a pay-per-view movie, these seemingly small expenses accumulate significantly. Merely spending $25 each week on dining out translates to $1,300 annually. This sum could be allocated to an additional credit card payment, your auto installment, or even multiple extra payments. For those facing financial challenges, steering clear of this error holds immense significance. Particularly when standing on the brink of foreclosure or bankruptcy, every single dollar assumes an even greater importance. 2. Never-Ending Payments Reflect on whether you truly require possessions that demand recurring payments month after month, year after year. Subscriptions such as cable television, music services, or upscale gym memberships might lead you into a cycle of perpetual payments without yielding actual ownership. During periods of financial constraint or when aiming to increase your savings, adopting a more streamlined lifestyle can significantly contribute to boosting your savings and providing a buffer against economic difficulties. 3. Living on Borrowed Money Worst money mistakes in the practice of using credit cards for essential purchases has become fairly widespread. However, while a growing portion of consumers are accepting double-digit interest rates for expenses like fuel, groceries, and various goods that vanish well before the bill is settled, it's not prudent financial counsel to follow suit. The presence of credit card interest rates substantially inflates the cost of the items charged. Moreover, there are instances where relying on credit can lead to outspending your earnings. Avoid living on borrowed money. 4. Buying a New Car Every year, millions of new cars are purchased, although only a minority of buyers are financially equipped to make a cash payment. Nonetheless, not being able to make an outright cash payment for a new car can also signify an underlying inability to truly afford the vehicle. It's essential to grasp that being able to manage the monthly payment doesn't equate to having the financial capacity to truly afford the entire car. Moreover, when resorting to borrowing money for a car purchase, the consumer becomes subject to paying interest on an asset that consistently loses value, thereby accentuating the gap between the car's worth and its purchase price. To compound matters, a significant number of individuals engage in trading their cars every two or three years, resulting in financial losses with each trade. While there are instances where an individual's circumstances necessitate taking out a loan for a car purchase, the question arises: how many consumers genuinely require a large SUV? These vehicles come with considerable costs, spanning purchase expenses, insurance premiums, and fuel consumption. Unless there's a legitimate requirement for towing a boat or trailer or if the SUV serves as an income source, opting for such a vehicle might not be financially prudent. In the event that purchasing a car and potentially borrowing funds are on the horizon, it's advisable to consider a vehicle that touts better fuel efficiency and entails lower insurance and maintenance costs. Acquiring a car comes with a substantial financial commitment, and investing in a vehicle that exceeds your actual needs could result in wasteful spending that might otherwise have been directed towards savings or debt settlement. 5. Spending Too Much on Your House In the realm of home buying, larger doesn't always equate to better. Unless you have an extensive family to accommodate, selecting a 6,000-square-foot residence will inevitably result in higher taxes, maintenance costs, and utility expenses. It's crucial to weigh whether you truly desire to impose such a substantial and enduring impact on your monthly budget.   6. Using Home Equity Like a Piggy Bank Opting for refinancing and extracting funds from your home entails relinquishing a portion of ownership to another party. There are instances where refinancing holds merit, such as when you can secure a reduced interest rate or when refinancing facilitates the settlement of higher-interest debts. Alternatively, you can explore the option of initiating a home equity line of credit (HELOC). This enables you to harness the equity within your home akin to utilizing a credit card. However, this might lead to incurring needless interest payments solely for the purpose of accessing your home equity line of credit. 7. Living Paycheck to Paycheck As of June 2021, the personal savings rate for U.S. households stood at 9.4%. Many households often live from one paycheck to the next, making any unexpected issue a potential disaster if you're not adequately prepared. The culmination of overspending can place individuals in a precarious situation—where they rely on every penny earned, and a single missed paycheck could result in catastrophe. This is certainly not the circumstance you'd want to be in when facing an economic downturn. Should such a situation arise, your choices would become severely limited. Financial advisors commonly recommend maintaining a savings equivalent to three months' worth of expenses in an easily accessible account. The loss of a job or shifts in the economic landscape might deplete your savings, forcing you into a cycle of incurring debt to repay debts. Having a buffer equivalent to three months' expenses could potentially determine whether you retain ownership of your home or face its loss. 8. Not Investing in Retirement Failing to put your money to work in the markets or in other income-generating investments could potentially prevent you from achieving financial independence. Regularly contributing to designated retirement accounts is a vital step towards securing a comfortable retirement. Maximize the benefits of tax-deferred retirement accounts and/or your employer-provided plan. Gain a clear understanding of the duration your investments will have to mature and your risk tolerance. If feasible, seek guidance from a certified financial advisor to align these factors with your objectives. 9. Paying Off Debt With Savings You might be considering that if your debt carries a 19% interest rate while your retirement account is yielding 7%, substituting retirement savings for debt could seem like a way to pocket the difference. However, the situation isn't as straightforward as it seems. Apart from forfeiting the benefits of compounding, repaying those borrowed retirement funds can be extremely challenging, and you might incur substantial penalties. Although borrowing from your retirement account can be a reasonable option with the right mindset, even the most disciplined financial planners often struggle to set aside money to replenish these accounts. Once the debt is cleared, the urgency to reimburse it typically diminishes. It becomes tempting to maintain the same spending habits, which could lead to falling back into debt. If you intend to use savings to eliminate debt, you must adopt the mindset of living as if you still have a debt to honor—to your retirement fund.   10. Not Having a Plan The trajectory of your financial future hinges on your current actions. Despite spending numerous hours watching television or scrolling through social media, allocating just two hours per week for financial matters seems implausible. However, it's crucial to recognize your financial direction. Prioritize dedicating some time to financial planning. The Bottom Line To veer clear of the pitfalls of excessive spending, commence by scrutinizing the minor expenses that accumulate rapidly. Gradually progress to overseeing the substantial expenditures. Exercise caution before incurring new debts, understanding that the ability to make a payment doesn't equate to being financially equipped for the purchase. Ultimately, make it a monthly imperative to save a portion of your earnings, alongside investing time in crafting a robust financial blueprint. Trade on the Go. Anywhere, Anytime Prepare to engage with one of the planet's major cryptocurrency exchanges. Benefit from competitive fees and personalized customer assistance as you trade with confidence. Additionally, access Binance's suite of tools that simplifies reviewing your trade history, overseeing auto-investments, analyzing price charts, and executing conversions without incurring fees. Sign up for a complimentary account and become part of the worldwide community of traders and investors in the cryptocurrency market.   Read the full article

[digital-trends-unleased]

The Basics of Financial Responsibility

What does it entail to exhibit the basics of financial responsibility? While the answer is intricate, its essence lies in a straightforward reality: To be financially responsible, you must abide by your financial capabilities. In order to do so, your expenditures should be less than your earnings. Credit Cards and Debt in Financial Responsibility If your aim is to truly embrace financial responsibility, simply managing the minimum monthly credit card payment won't suffice. In fact, not being able to settle your entire balance highlights that your expenses already surpass your income. Employing credit responsibly entails clearing your account's balance in full each month. Furthermore, credit cards should primarily serve as a convenience tool, not a means to bridge financial gaps. They offer the convenience of a cashless transaction and the potential to accumulate reward points. Credit cards can prove invaluable during emergencies. Nonetheless, if a crisis compels you to maintain a balance on your card, practicing financial responsibility entails reigning in your spending until that balance is fully repaid. Consider the Interest in Financial Responsibility The identical reasoning holds true for all recurrent payments that involve interest charges. Reflect on this: Settling interest on any expense implies that you're disbursing more for that item than its actual price. Does this align with the most responsible decision, or is it simply the most convenient one? When the interest payments are integrated into the purchase cost, you end up spending more to acquire the item than the very value attributed to it by its manufacturer. Consequently, the primary goal should be to evade interest payments on any front. Naturally, when considering housing and personal transportation expenses, evading interest is a luxury not feasible for most individuals. In such scenarios, the responsible course of action involves minimizing the monthly interest outlay to the greatest extent possible. Acting in Your Own Best Interest For numerous individuals, reducing interest and borrowing might be easier said than done, yet it essentially boils down to discerning between necessities and indulgences. For instance, while a car might be a necessity, going for a top-of-the-line model isn't essential, and unless you can settle the payment upfront, it's not advisable to drive one. Similarly, while securing a place to live is a necessity, owning a mansion isn't. While most of us need a mortgage to acquire a home, making a financially prudent home purchase involves opting for one that won't strain your finances. In financial terms, this translates to a cost that doesn't exceed two to 2.5 times your annual income. Another reasonable benchmark is ensuring your monthly mortgage payment doesn't surpass 30% of your monthly take-home pay. Beyond avoiding overspending on your home acquisition, it's advisable to make a substantial down payment to eliminate the need for private mortgage insurance (PMI). If you're unable to meet these purchasing criteria, it's better to rent until you're financially prepared to buy. Paying Yourself First—Saving Spending every cent of your earnings is inherently imprudent, unless you possess an exceedingly generous trust fund overflowing with resources that will sustain your lifestyle indefinitely. For the majority of individuals, particularly those aspiring to retire someday, saving demands serious attention. A highly effective approach is to prioritize yourself by setting aside a portion of your paycheck before tending to your bills – this is often referred to as paying yourself first. A reasonable goal to aim for is saving around 10%. In the realm of savings, directing your investments towards the stock market can be a lucrative choice. While investing carries inherent risks, embracing calculated risks becomes necessary at times. The responsible path involves formulating a comprehensive plan. Initiate by exploring asset allocation strategies to grasp the art of selecting the optimal blend of securities for your investment strategy. Subsequently, if your workplace offers an employer-sponsored savings plan, contribute to it. Many employers match your contributions up to a specified percentage, providing a guaranteed return on your investment by contributing at least enough to secure the match. When your financial situation allows, maximize your tax-deferred savings opportunities by contributing the full allowable amount within the plan. After delving into investing, track your progress toward your objectives and adjust your portfolio as needed to stay aligned with your goals. Emergency Fund Being financially responsible involves anticipating the unforeseen. The consensus among experts is that you should possess the capacity to sustain yourself financially for a minimum of six months without any income. In the case of a married couple accustomed to relying on dual paychecks, this entails having the capability to cover essential expenses like the mortgage, groceries, and utilities using only one income, or possibly no income at all. If the prospect of a missed paycheck would have dire financial consequences, it's imperative to establish a financial safety net to avert such a scenario. Don't Keep Up with the Joneses Being financially responsible entails fulfilling your obligations to meet your own and your family's necessities. Achieving this goal requires an inward-directed approach. Your neighbors aren't responsible for covering your expenses, which implies that their spending patterns shouldn't influence your choices or determine the level of your lifestyle. Budgeting Possessing a budget stands as a fundamental pillar of financial responsibility. It's imperative to have a clear comprehension of where your money is being allocated. Just as business proprietors recognize the significance of comprehending their cash flow and balance sheets, leading to the absence of any thriving business without a budget, the same principle applies to your personal finances. A Very Personal Definition Does practicing financial responsibility entail a strict regimen of cutting corners and pinching pennies? It could, but solely if it's necessary to evade debt. Conversely, if you find yourself in a position comparable to the Sultan of Brunei, affording a private jet, a mega-yacht, a villa in the South of France, and several palaces might not pose a challenge. While those with more modest resources might view such extravagance skeptically, it shouldn't be conflated with a dearth of financial responsibility. After all, there's nothing imprudent about purchasing items that you can readily afford to pay for. Arriving at "Responsible" In essence, financial responsibility entails adhering to a lifestyle that aligns with your available resources, irrespective of their extent. Thus, carefully examine your financial circumstances, assess your patterns of income and expenditure, and implement the required changes to establish a foundation of responsible financial management.   Read the full article

[digital-trends-unleased]

With its moon lander, India hopes to succeed where Russia just failed

Merely a few days remain before India endeavors to achieve a groundbreaking soft moon landing, a triumph that, if accomplished, will position it within an esteemed cohort comprising the U.S., China, and the erstwhile Soviet Union. This week's pursuit of a successful lunar touchdown arrives shortly after Russia's Luna-25 mission encountered misfortune, culminating in the spacecraft's crash onto the lunar terrain. This setback unfolded as Russia embarked on its initial moon mission since 1976. India's objective revolves around guiding its Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft to a landing site in close proximity to the moon's South Pole, a region teeming with scientific intrigue and awaiting thorough exploration. Triumph in this endeavor would offer researchers the opportunity to delve into the moon's composition and the surrounding milieu. In light of Russia's recent mission setback and India's own challenges in past lunar endeavors, there is a clear understanding of the substantial difficulty inherent in achieving a prosperous lunar landing. The Chandrayaan-2 mission of 2019, while unsuccessful in its lander's touchdown, continues to have its orbiter encircle the lunar body. Prior to that, the Chandrayaan-1 mission of 2008 involved a controlled, swift descent of a probe onto the moon's surface. This probe's data confirmed the presence of frozen water deposits within the lunar soil. The presence of water deposits holds a significant allure for scientists across the prominent space agencies, owing to their potential for being harnessed in the creation of drinking water and oxygen essential for extended crewed lunar missions. Additionally, these deposits could serve as fuel for launching rockets from the moon's surface to distant destinations like Mars. Both Israel and Japan have faced challenges in their endeavors to safely land spacecraft on the lunar terrain. A notable instance occurred earlier this year, with a Japanese startup named ispace striving to become the pioneer in privately funded lunar landing achievements. However, in the crucial moments, technical difficulties plagued the spacecraft, resulting in a crash landing on the moon's surface. India's ongoing Chandrayaan-3 mission received a recent boost as the spacecraft transmitted its initial images of the lunar landscape shortly after entering into orbit around our nearest cosmic companion. Read the full article

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How to watch India attempt to join exclusive moon-landing club

  India is on the brink of embarking on a daring endeavor to achieve a lunar module landing. The upcoming Chandrayaan-3 mission marks India's initial lunar landing undertaking following an unsuccessful endeavor in 2019. This effort coincides closely with Russia's recent setback in its bid to effectively place a lander on the moon's surface. The anticipated moment when India's Vikram landing module touches down on the lunar surface is scheduled for Wednesday morning ET. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) will be providing a live stream of the event. Continue reading for comprehensive information on how to tune in and watch. Should India achieve its goal, it will join an exclusive group of countries—comprising the U.S., China, and the former Soviet Union—that have successfully executed a gentle moon landing. Additionally, India would mark a significant milestone by being the first nation to accomplish a successful landing near the moon's South Pole. This area is believed to contain valuable water ice, a crucial resource that could facilitate forthcoming crewed lunar missions. Moreover, the region holds the potential for groundbreaking deep space scientific revelations that could contribute to our understanding of our place in the cosmos, as noted by NASA. Upon its secure descent, the Vikram landing module will release a compact rover named Pragyan. This rover will employ an assortment of scientific tools to explore its immediate environment. Reflecting on the situation, Pallava Bagla, the science editor for India's NDTV network, characterized the atmosphere in his country as "electric." He went on to express that a staggering 1.4 billion Indians are holding their breath in anticipation of witnessing the triumphant and gentle touchdown of the Vikram lander, as he shared in an interview with BBC Radio on Tuesday. How to Watch: The Vikram landing module of Chandrayaan-3 is slated to make its way to the moon's surface on Wednesday, August 23, at 8:34 a.m. ET (6:04 p.m. local time). ISRO will provide a live stream of the landing endeavor, allowing you to witness the unfolding events through the embedded player at the head of this page. Alternatively, you can tune in by visiting ISRO's YouTube channel, where the same footage will be available. The live stream is scheduled to commence at 7:50 a.m. ET.   Read the full article

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How to watch the XRISM X-ray mission launch this weekend

The upcoming weekend holds great excitement for space enthusiasts, with two significant launches set to take place within close proximity. On Friday, August 25, a Crew Dragon spacecraft propelled by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will carry four crew members as part of the Crew-7 mission to the International Space Station. Just a day later, on Saturday, August 26, another launch will occur – the collaborative European and Japanese X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM). You can catch both launches via live stream, so if you're interested in a weekend of rocket-watching, we've got you covered. We've already provided information on how to watch the Crew-7 launch. Keep reading for further instructions on tuning in to the XRISM launch.   What to expect from the XRISM launch XRISM stands as a collaborative venture between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japanese space agency, known as JAXA. The primary objective involves launching a space-based mission equipped with two instruments: Resolve, designed for measuring the X-ray-emitting object temperatures, and Xtend, intended for X-ray object imaging. X-ray observations play a vital role in comprehending extraordinary phenomena like supernovas and the collision of black holes, events that emit substantial radiation, particularly at high energy levels. XRISM will join the ranks of missions such as NASA's Chandra and ESA's XMM-Newton in exploring this specific segment of the electromagnetic spectrum. Matteo Guainazzi, the ESA project scientist for XRISM, emphasized, "X-ray astronomy empowers us to scrutinize the most energetically charged occurrences in the universe. It holds the answers to pivotal questions in modern astrophysics: the evolution of the universe's grandest structures, the distribution of the fundamental matter across the cosmos, and the influence of massive black holes at the cores of galaxies." This statement was made in reference to the project's significance. How to watch the XRISM launch XRISM is set to embark on its journey to a low-Earth orbit via an H-IIA rocket, launching from the Tanegashima Space Center in Japan. The scheduled launch time is 8:34 p.m. ET (5:34 p.m. PT) on August 26. The launch proceedings will be broadcast live by JAXA in both Japanese and English. The coverage will commence at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT). You can partake in the viewing experience either by visiting YouTube or by utilizing the video player conveniently located near the top of this page.   Read the full article

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The Basics of Financial Responsibility

What does it entail to exhibit financial responsibility? While the answer is intricate, its essence lies in a straightforward reality: To be financially responsible, you must abide by your financial capabilities. In order to do so, your expenditures should be less than your earnings. Credit Cards and Debt If your aim is to truly embrace financial responsibility, simply managing the minimum monthly credit card payment won't suffice. In fact, not being able to settle your entire balance highlights that your expenses already surpass your income. Employing credit responsibly entails clearing your account's balance in full each month. Furthermore, credit cards should primarily serve as a convenience tool, not a means to bridge financial gaps. They offer the convenience of a cashless transaction and the potential to accumulate reward points. Credit cards can prove invaluable during emergencies. Nonetheless, if a crisis compels you to maintain a balance on your card, practicing financial responsibility entails reigning in your spending until that balance is fully repaid. Consider the Interest The identical reasoning holds true for all recurrent payments that involve interest charges. Reflect on this: Settling interest on any expense implies that you're disbursing more for that item than its actual price. Does this align with the most responsible decision, or is it simply the most convenient one? When the interest payments are integrated into the purchase cost, you end up spending more to acquire the item than the very value attributed to it by its manufacturer. Consequently, the primary goal should be to evade interest payments on any front. Naturally, when considering housing and personal transportation expenses, evading interest is a luxury not feasible for most individuals. In such scenarios, the responsible course of action involves minimizing the monthly interest outlay to the greatest extent possible. Acting in Your Own Best Interest For numerous individuals, reducing interest and borrowing might be easier said than done, yet it essentially boils down to discerning between necessities and indulgences. For instance, while a car might be a necessity, going for a top-of-the-line model isn't essential, and unless you can settle the payment upfront, it's not advisable to drive one. Similarly, while securing a place to live is a necessity, owning a mansion isn't. While most of us need a mortgage to acquire a home, making a financially prudent home purchase involves opting for one that won't strain your finances. In financial terms, this translates to a cost that doesn't exceed two to 2.5 times your annual income. Another reasonable benchmark is ensuring your monthly mortgage payment doesn't surpass 30% of your monthly take-home pay. Beyond avoiding overspending on your home acquisition, it's advisable to make a substantial down payment to eliminate the need for private mortgage insurance (PMI). If you're unable to meet these purchasing criteria, it's better to rent until you're financially prepared to buy. Paying Yourself First—Saving Spending every cent of your earnings is inherently imprudent, unless you possess an exceedingly generous trust fund overflowing with resources that will sustain your lifestyle indefinitely. For the majority of individuals, particularly those aspiring to retire someday, saving demands serious attention. A highly effective approach is to prioritize yourself by setting aside a portion of your paycheck before tending to your bills – this is often referred to as paying yourself first. A reasonable goal to aim for is saving around 10%. In the realm of savings, directing your investments towards the stock market can be a lucrative choice. While investing carries inherent risks, embracing calculated risks becomes necessary at times. The responsible path involves formulating a comprehensive plan. Initiate by exploring asset allocation strategies to grasp the art of selecting the optimal blend of securities for your investment strategy. Subsequently, if your workplace offers an employer-sponsored savings plan, contribute to it. Many employers match your contributions up to a specified percentage, providing a guaranteed return on your investment by contributing at least enough to secure the match. When your financial situation allows, maximize your tax-deferred savings opportunities by contributing the full allowable amount within the plan. After delving into investing, track your progress toward your objectives and adjust your portfolio as needed to stay aligned with your goals. Emergency Fund Being financially responsible involves anticipating the unforeseen. The consensus among experts is that you should possess the capacity to sustain yourself financially for a minimum of six months without any income. In the case of a married couple accustomed to relying on dual paychecks, this entails having the capability to cover essential expenses like the mortgage, groceries, and utilities using only one income, or possibly no income at all. If the prospect of a missed paycheck would have dire financial consequences, it's imperative to establish a financial safety net to avert such a scenario. Don't Keep Up with the Joneses Being financially responsible entails fulfilling your obligations to meet your own and your family's necessities. Achieving this goal requires an inward-directed approach. Your neighbors aren't responsible for covering your expenses, which implies that their spending patterns shouldn't influence your choices or determine the level of your lifestyle. Budgeting Possessing a budget stands as a fundamental pillar of financial responsibility. It's imperative to have a clear comprehension of where your money is being allocated. Just as business proprietors recognize the significance of comprehending their cash flow and balance sheets, leading to the absence of any thriving business without a budget, the same principle applies to your personal finances. A Very Personal Definition Does practicing financial responsibility entail a strict regimen of cutting corners and pinching pennies? It could, but solely if it's necessary to evade debt. Conversely, if you find yourself in a position comparable to the Sultan of Brunei, affording a private jet, a mega-yacht, a villa in the South of France, and several palaces might not pose a challenge. While those with more modest resources might view such extravagance skeptically, it shouldn't be conflated with a dearth of financial responsibility. After all, there's nothing imprudent about purchasing items that you can readily afford to pay for. Arriving at "Responsible" In essence, financial responsibility entails adhering to a lifestyle that aligns with your available resources, irrespective of their extent. Thus, carefully examine your financial circumstances, assess your patterns of income and expenditure, and implement the required changes to establish a foundation of responsible financial management.   Read the full article

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Top 10 Most Common Financial Mistakes

1. Excessive and Frivolous Spending Vast fortunes frequently slip away dollar by dollar. Though it might appear inconsequential when indulging in a double-mocha cappuccino, dining out, or treating yourself to a pay-per-view movie, these seemingly small expenses accumulate significantly. Merely spending $25 each week on dining out translates to $1,300 annually. This sum could be allocated to an additional credit card payment, your auto installment, or even multiple extra payments. For those facing financial challenges, steering clear of this error holds immense significance. Particularly when standing on the brink of foreclosure or bankruptcy, every single dollar assumes an even greater importance. 2. Never-Ending Payments Reflect on whether you truly require possessions that demand recurring payments month after month, year after year. Subscriptions such as cable television, music services, or upscale gym memberships might lead you into a cycle of perpetual payments without yielding actual ownership. During periods of financial constraint or when aiming to increase your savings, adopting a more streamlined lifestyle can significantly contribute to boosting your savings and providing a buffer against economic difficulties. 3. Living on Borrowed Money The practice of using credit cards for essential purchases has become fairly widespread. However, while a growing portion of consumers are accepting double-digit interest rates for expenses like fuel, groceries, and various goods that vanish well before the bill is settled, it's not prudent financial counsel to follow suit. The presence of credit card interest rates substantially inflates the cost of the items charged. Moreover, there are instances where relying on credit can lead to outspending your earnings. 4. Buying a New Car Every year, millions of new cars are purchased, although only a minority of buyers are financially equipped to make a cash payment. Nonetheless, not being able to make an outright cash payment for a new car can also signify an underlying inability to truly afford the vehicle. It's essential to grasp that being able to manage the monthly payment doesn't equate to having the financial capacity to truly afford the entire car. Moreover, when resorting to borrowing money for a car purchase, the consumer becomes subject to paying interest on an asset that consistently loses value, thereby accentuating the gap between the car's worth and its purchase price. To compound matters, a significant number of individuals engage in trading their cars every two or three years, resulting in financial losses with each trade. While there are instances where an individual's circumstances necessitate taking out a loan for a car purchase, the question arises: how many consumers genuinely require a large SUV? These vehicles come with considerable costs, spanning purchase expenses, insurance premiums, and fuel consumption. Unless there's a legitimate requirement for towing a boat or trailer or if the SUV serves as an income source, opting for such a vehicle might not be financially prudent. In the event that purchasing a car and potentially borrowing funds are on the horizon, it's advisable to consider a vehicle that touts better fuel efficiency and entails lower insurance and maintenance costs. Acquiring a car comes with a substantial financial commitment, and investing in a vehicle that exceeds your actual needs could result in wasteful spending that might otherwise have been directed towards savings or debt settlement. 5. Spending Too Much on Your House In the realm of home buying, larger doesn't always equate to better. Unless you have an extensive family to accommodate, selecting a 6,000-square-foot residence will inevitably result in higher taxes, maintenance costs, and utility expenses. It's crucial to weigh whether you truly desire to impose such a substantial and enduring impact on your monthly budget.   6. Using Home Equity Like a Piggy Bank Opting for refinancing and extracting funds from your home entails relinquishing a portion of ownership to another party. There are instances where refinancing holds merit, such as when you can secure a reduced interest rate or when refinancing facilitates the settlement of higher-interest debts. Alternatively, you can explore the option of initiating a home equity line of credit (HELOC). This enables you to harness the equity within your home akin to utilizing a credit card. However, this might lead to incurring needless interest payments solely for the purpose of accessing your home equity line of credit. 7. Living Paycheck to Paycheck As of June 2021, the personal savings rate for U.S. households stood at 9.4%. Many households often live from one paycheck to the next, making any unexpected issue a potential disaster if you're not adequately prepared. The culmination of overspending can place individuals in a precarious situation—where they rely on every penny earned, and a single missed paycheck could result in catastrophe. This is certainly not the circumstance you'd want to be in when facing an economic downturn. Should such a situation arise, your choices would become severely limited. Financial advisors commonly recommend maintaining a savings equivalent to three months' worth of expenses in an easily accessible account. The loss of a job or shifts in the economic landscape might deplete your savings, forcing you into a cycle of incurring debt to repay debts. Having a buffer equivalent to three months' expenses could potentially determine whether you retain ownership of your home or face its loss. 8. Not Investing in Retirement Failing to put your money to work in the markets or in other income-generating investments could potentially prevent you from achieving financial independence. Regularly contributing to designated retirement accounts is a vital step towards securing a comfortable retirement. Maximize the benefits of tax-deferred retirement accounts and/or your employer-provided plan. Gain a clear understanding of the duration your investments will have to mature and your risk tolerance. If feasible, seek guidance from a certified financial advisor to align these factors with your objectives. 9. Paying Off Debt With Savings You might be considering that if your debt carries a 19% interest rate while your retirement account is yielding 7%, substituting retirement savings for debt could seem like a way to pocket the difference. However, the situation isn't as straightforward as it seems. Apart from forfeiting the benefits of compounding, repaying those borrowed retirement funds can be extremely challenging, and you might incur substantial penalties. Although borrowing from your retirement account can be a reasonable option with the right mindset, even the most disciplined financial planners often struggle to set aside money to replenish these accounts. Once the debt is cleared, the urgency to reimburse it typically diminishes. It becomes tempting to maintain the same spending habits, which could lead to falling back into debt. If you intend to use savings to eliminate debt, you must adopt the mindset of living as if you still have a debt to honor—to your retirement fund.   10. Not Having a Plan The trajectory of your financial future hinges on your current actions. Despite spending numerous hours watching television or scrolling through social media, allocating just two hours per week for financial matters seems implausible. However, it's crucial to recognize your financial direction. Prioritize dedicating some time to financial planning. The Bottom Line To veer clear of the pitfalls of excessive spending, commence by scrutinizing the minor expenses that accumulate rapidly. Gradually progress to overseeing the substantial expenditures. Exercise caution before incurring new debts, understanding that the ability to make a payment doesn't equate to being financially equipped for the purchase. Ultimately, make it a monthly imperative to save a portion of your earnings, alongside investing time in crafting a robust financial blueprint. Trade on the Go. Anywhere, Anytime Prepare to engage with one of the planet's major cryptocurrency exchanges. Benefit from competitive fees and personalized customer assistance as you trade with confidence. Additionally, access Binance's suite of tools that simplifies reviewing your trade history, overseeing auto-investments, analyzing price charts, and executing conversions without incurring fees. Sign up for a complimentary account and become part of the worldwide community of traders and investors in the cryptocurrency market.     Read the full article

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With its moon lander, India hopes to succeed where Russia just failed

Merely a few days remain before India endeavors to achieve a groundbreaking soft moon landing, a triumph that, if accomplished, will position it within an esteemed cohort comprising the U.S., China, and the erstwhile Soviet Union. This week's pursuit of a successful lunar touchdown arrives shortly after Russia's Luna-25 mission encountered misfortune, culminating in the spacecraft's crash onto the lunar terrain. This setback unfolded as Russia embarked on its initial moon mission since 1976. India's objective revolves around guiding its Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft to a landing site in close proximity to the moon's South Pole, a region teeming with scientific intrigue and awaiting thorough exploration. Triumph in this endeavor would offer researchers the opportunity to delve into the moon's composition and the surrounding milieu. In light of Russia's recent mission setback and India's own challenges in past lunar endeavors, there is a clear understanding of the substantial difficulty inherent in achieving a prosperous lunar landing. The Chandrayaan-2 mission of 2019, while unsuccessful in its lander's touchdown, continues to have its orbiter encircle the lunar body. Prior to that, the Chandrayaan-1 mission of 2008 involved a controlled, swift descent of a probe onto the moon's surface. This probe's data confirmed the presence of frozen water deposits within the lunar soil. The presence of water deposits holds a significant allure for scientists across the prominent space agencies, owing to their potential for being harnessed in the creation of drinking water and oxygen essential for extended crewed lunar missions. Additionally, these deposits could serve as fuel for launching rockets from the moon's surface to distant destinations like Mars. Both Israel and Japan have faced challenges in their endeavors to safely land spacecraft on the lunar terrain. A notable instance occurred earlier this year, with a Japanese startup named ispace striving to become the pioneer in privately funded lunar landing achievements. However, in the crucial moments, technical difficulties plagued the spacecraft, resulting in a crash landing on the moon's surface. India's ongoing Chandrayaan-3 mission received a recent boost as the spacecraft transmitted its initial images of the lunar landscape shortly after entering into orbit around our nearest cosmic companion. Read the full article

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NASA eyes weather for Friday’s Crew-7 launch. Here’s how it’s looking

NASA and SpaceX are on the brink of sending a team of four astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the upcoming Crew-7 mission. The crew is composed of Jasmin Moghbeli from NASA, Andreas Mogensen representing ESA (European Space Agency), Satoshi Furukawa hailing from JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), and Konstantin Borisov representing Russia's Roscosmos space agency. Their mission will involve a six-month stay, during which they will reside and operate on the space station, situated approximately 250 miles above the Earth's surface. NASA and SpaceX are aiming for a launch at 3:49 a.m. ET on Friday, August 25, from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. With preparations now in their final stages, the mission team is closely monitoring the weather conditions not only around the launch site but also along the planned flight path of the Falcon 9 rocket. As per the latest weather update from the 45th Weather Squadron, the likelihood of weather-related factors affecting the planned Friday launch time is estimated at a mere 15%. This suggests a high probability that the Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon spacecraft, carrying the four astronauts, will launch as scheduled. The 45th Weather Squadron has labeled the potential for rain and storms around the launch site before liftoff as "low." Wind speeds during liftoff are predicted to be at most 15 mph (24 kph). While drifting cumulus clouds are noted as a potential consideration, at this juncture, they seem unlikely to disrupt the current launch timetable. For comprehensive details on watching the mission's early hours on Friday, you can rely on Digital Trends. In case of technical issues or any unforeseen weather hindrances, backup launch opportunities are set for Saturday and Sunday. To stay up-to-date with the latest mission developments, be sure to follow SpaceX’s social media updates. Read the full article

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SpaceX calls off tonight’s Crew-7 launch to the space station

About: Roughly four hours before the scheduled launch time, SpaceX announced the cancellation of Friday morning's launch attempt. The new target for the launch is now set for early Saturday morning. NASA and SpaceX are preparing to launch four more astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS The mission was initially planned to commence from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 3:50 a.m. ET (12:50 a.m. PT) on Friday morning. However, SpaceX later announced on Thursday that the new tentative launch time was set for 3:27 a.m. ET (12:27 a.m. PT) on Saturday, August 26. An alternative launch window is also accessible on Sunday at 3:04 a.m. ET (12:04 a.m. PT). The reason behind the delay remains unclear, as SpaceX has merely stated that the adjustment allows for "additional time to complete and discuss analysis." Once the mission commences, viewers can expect a live stream of the initial flight phases, captured from multiple cameras. The broadcast will also include real-time audio feeds from Mission Control and the crew capsule. Within minutes of propelling the capsule into space, viewers will be treated to the captivating sight of the reusable first-stage booster's return to Earth. While its usual landing spot is a droneship off Florida's coast, this particular mission will showcase its touchdown at Landing Zone 1 in proximity to the launch site. For those interested in tuning in to the live stream, here's all the essential information you need. Following their arrival at the space station on Saturday, the team of astronauts—comprising NASA's Jasmin Moghbeli, Andreas Mogensen from the European Space Agency, Satoshi Furukawa of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, and Roscosmos' Konstantin Borisov—will engage in a six-month period dedicated to conducting scientific and technological demonstrations with potential benefits for humanity on Earth. Additionally, they will undertake preparations for human exploration beyond the confines of low-Earth orbit. The Crew Dragon spacecraft, which is integral to the success of the Crew-7 mission, has previously played a pivotal role in NASA's Crew-3 and Crew-5 missions to and from the International Space Station. Stay updated on the launch schedule by checking SpaceX's social media channels for the latest updates. For insights into daily life on the orbital outpost situated 250 miles above Earth, explore the informative videos created by visiting astronauts throughout the years. Read the full article