Parliament is dissolved
Following the Dissolution of Parliament on 30 May 2024 there are no MPs and every seat in the Commons is vacant. As a result there will be no new laws or committee action and the weekly news will be rather ‘light’ until after the election and we have a new government in place following the general election on 4 July 2024.
 
 
Progress on key parts of the government’s disability benefit reform agenda is unlikely to be significantly disrupted by July’s general election, Disability News Service (DNS) has established
The Modernising Support for Independent Living green paper and consultation – which includes options for making it harder to claim personal independence payment and even replacing cash payments with vouchers or one-off grants – is due to close on 22 July.
 
And the call for evidence on fit note reform – which could see responsibility for issuing fit notes shifted away from GPs and towards “specialist work and health professionals” – is due to close on 8 July.
Although there have been suggestions that the consultation and call for evidence would now have to be abandoned, because of the election, that is not correct. Read the full news report from DNS at disabilitynewsservice.com
 
 
Diminishing notional capital detailed article published by Citizens Advice
If someone is found to have deprived themselves of capital they can be ineligible from means-tested benefits under the ‘notional capital rules’. This article looks at how these calculations work, and how they reduce over time. You can read the article ‘Diminishing notional capital’ at https://medium.com/adviser
 
 
Deaf man awarded £50,000 damages after mistreatment by jobcentre officials
The Guardian reported that a profoundly deaf man has been awarded £50,000 damages after a judge ruled he was subjected to a “character assassination” by hostile jobcentre officials, who refused to provide him with specialist help to find work. Read the full story at guardian.com
 
Later evidence and risk at the time of the decision
This new case law - JS v The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions [2024] - was concerned with how tribunals must give a sufficient explanation about whether (and when) to consider evidence that occurred after the initial benefit decision, but that could shed light on the circumstances the claimant was experiencing at the time of the decision.
 
 
DNS reports that DWP staff tell MPs after years of deaths: We don’t have time to deal with safeguarding ‘carefully’ and ‘correctly’
As you may remember, a Safeguarding vulnerable claimants: Work and Pensions Committee inquiry was launched after the number of Internal Process Reviews (IPRs) carried out by DWP to investigate allegations of inadequate case handling that may have resulted in serious harm more than doubled in the three years from July 2019. There have also been a number of individual cases which have highlighted issues around safeguarding and the actions of DWP. One element of the inquiry was a survey of DWP staff and the survey results are now available.
DNS shares their view and provides a summary of the above on disabilitynewsservice.com Note: All committees (except some statutory committees) have ceased to exist pending the election. The information on the Work and Pension Committee online pages - including the inquiries that were in progress - refer to committees and their work before Parliament was dissolved. If there are Government responses to committee reports outstanding, these may be published in the next Parliament.
 
 
Appeal statistics update
With thanks to u/hooliganmembrane for sharing this with the Mod Team… I've been looking for good statistics on percentage of appeals lapsed for months now, I'm sure it used to be on HMCTS' quarterly reports but it's not been on there the last few reports I've looked at. Anyway, I've just come across this report published in March this year which has loads of really useful information about statistics, particularly section 8 talking about customer journeys. It has some great ways of visualising the data and breaks it down by initial claims vs award reviews/change of circumstances, all of which is apparently what gets me excited at 10pm on a Wednesday evening (on annual leave, no less). Wanted to share it as something that may be a good resource to add to the wealth that y'all have collated for the community here. It also gives me my long-sought-after lapsed appeal statistics - 24% for initial PIP decisions and a whopping 47% for award reviews and change of circumstances. Will keep hunting for stats for other benefits. Love hooligan 🦇
*Note from the mods: this is what makes our community great - everyone sharing updates, lived experiences and supporting each other through the (often) challenging benefit claiming process. Thank you :)

So we just recently got a new property manager on our rental unit and there have been a series of issues from the start.
-entered our fenced backyard unit but forgot to close the gait upon arrival, asked us to let our dog outside while she inspected, we agreed and our dog quickly ran into 19th street traffic and almost got killed. Our neighbors saved our dog’s life and she didn’t even acknowledge her mistake or apologize.
-same day showed up to the unit above ours (we live in a duplex) 2 hours before her estimated arrival time. Neighbor was in the shower unaware and surprised to find her walking around his home while basically naked in a towel and got kinda mad because he honestly thought she was an intruder (he had never met this person and they were in his house while he was naked and 2 hours before their planned arrival with no notice).
-same thing happened to us a few days later. We had some plumbing issues and she said she would show up “sometime on Wednesday” but she shows up at 7:45 am on Wednesday with basically no notice (she texts us 10 minutes prior to showing up but we were both showering, getting ready for work, etc. and didn’t even see the text) so we were both just getting out of shower when she arrived, and were pretty startled to find her in our home.
-we were nice and lent her our key to make a copy the first day when she stopped by (apparently she didn’t have a key to our unit). But now it’s been over a week with no return of key and I’ve had to share a single key with my partner for over a week now.
I guess I’m mostly curious if we have any legal rights here. Regarding both the withholding of keys and access without notice. I know that Montana requires 24 hour notice of consent but it isn’t explicit regarding if it needs to be written or verbal. And the laws around “appropriate times” are also pretty vague. Is 7:45 am considered an appropriate time?? And are property managers allowed to just take your key and withhold it from you??????

Title: Seeking Advice on Achieving FIRE at 42 with GBP 138k Salary, Pension Pots, and Plans to Travel Next Year
Hello FIRE community,
I'm seeking advice on my financial situation and how best to move forward towards achieving financial independence and potentially retiring early. Here are my current details:

• Age: 42, single no kids. One income household.
• Employment: Started as Independent contractor earning GBP £145kper year, recently setup limited company I am taking salary from. was on 70k per annum via PAYE.
• House: Own with a mortgage, GBP £160k remaining valued £220k
• Investments: GBP £4,500 in Plum.
• Savings: GBP £3,750.
• Car: On hire purchase, with a GBP 7,500 balloon payment due in 2 years.
• Credit Card Debt: £GBP 1,875.
• Pension Pots: Several, but not consolidated.
• Goals: Planning to take a year out to travel next year.
• Specific Goals:
  • Be mortgage-free by 47
  • Achieve FIRE by 57

Income: 13k income (estimated paid in USD)
Paying Corporation tax on Limited company.
Outgoings: £2400 estimated
Mortgage £1k expect to increase to £1.2k
Car £400 HP
Gym £100
Phone £90
Groceries: £250
Eating out £250 (addressing this) its mostly coffee and lunch
Online services : £90 (addressing) To date I have had some savings but mostly spend on travel, 2024 clearing debt, (could use advice on car) building up the safety net of at least 6 months salary and doing some minor home improvements to increase resale value.
2026 I would like to take time off and travel more for a 9 months - digital nomad. ideally would like additional property.
I want to but maximize my investments, whilst being tax efficient as a contractor and creating enough to to live comfortably, saving for the 20
I would love to get your advice on a few points

1. Is it too late?: Given my age and current financial situation, is it too late to realistically achieve these goals?
2. Tax Setup/Paying myself: I have an accountant (recent) how would you recommend I pay myself from limited company and any advice on making most, to be frank not quite sure I could live off the personal tax threshold.
3. Investments and Savings: How should I prioritize increasing my investments and savings? Any specific strategies or recommendations for someone in my situation?
4. Travel Plans: Given my plans to take a year off to travel, how should I manage my finances to support this without jeopardizing my long-term goals?
5. Resources - any good YouTube content for personal finance, investments for total noob.

I'm just perplexed that this was the training I received. I'm no longer at that job but that job was a nightmare for me.
My first week, my boss wasn't there as he was on vacation. So what he did was tell me that I have a list of readings he put together to have me read through. It was cumulatively about 800-900 pages of reading policy manuals, by-laws, and contracts. I had one work week to do it.
So for 8 hours a day that was all that I was doing. I didn't get through all of it so I requested an additional day to finish which he gave me. I needed just a little bit more of the next day (these contracts and by-laws were so dense that it was hard to understand and needed a skim-through a second time).
My boss then started asking me questions about various subsections, budget amounts, and contract time frames which I struggled greatly to keep up with. He seemed patient at first and then eventually annoyed.
And then I had to take on the task of reading through and understanding an additional 50 grant contracts that ran our non-profit which again, was A LOT for my first few weeks. Thankfully I didn't need to read all of those within the first month but still.
My boss and the two other guys who had the same job as me were clearly on good terms with each other, almost friends. They were pretty quick and fast but I just really struggled to keep up. Not to mention the other trainings I had to do that were more related to company policy, HR procedures, and other things related to the jobs our other employees were doing i.e. nurses and case managers.
As far as my actual job activities day-to-day, I was gathering data from other departments, begging people to sign off on something instead of going out to coffee or hanging in the break room, and writing summary notes from video conferences.
This job just sucked and I am glad I am no longer working there. I wasn't even allowed to take things outside of work to finish reading because they were complaining property.
I can honestly say I don't thinkno learned anything from that job.

The most effective study methods for academic success boil down to:
Time management
There are countless time management techniques, but one beautiful thing about going to school is that a lot of your time is managed for you.
The week and when you need to be in class is arranged.
Professors tell you when assignments are due, etc.
Heck, when I was in university they even gave us calendars for use to write in our due dates.
So the number one thing is to combine what you know with the tools everyone has: the calendar.
In many cases, you can also get advanced notices from professors by simply talking to them before the semester even begins.
You would also do well to explore techniques like the Eisenhower Matrix, time blocking and the Pareto Principle.
Above all, make time management something you study unto itself.
There's no one-size-fits-all approach. But those who study it as the discipline it is will win.
Study Environment Optimization
Studying effectively cannot be random or subject to interruptions.
If you have to study on transit, invest in custom ear plugs of the kind musicians use, not noise-cancelling headphones that will put you at risk in the case of an emergency. Custom ear plugs have filters that let you still hear without being bothered by shrill noises and you can switch between light and heavy filters.
Having multiple study locations worked out in advance is a great strategy because you can walk between them and percolate your thoughts – literally remembering more by simply getting in a bit of exercise. I used to call this "Road Work" when I was in university.
When at home, put a "Do not disturb" sign on your door. Make it clear to others that you are studying and train them to respect the hours you want to put it. Do not compromise. It's your future.
Note-Taking Strategies
There are many different kinds of note-taking methods. My fave is to use Zettelkasten in combination with Memory Palaces.
These two videos detail how the Zettelkasten Method operates in combination with the Memory Palace technique:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIQRiqQFKQY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrN0kaE6DkY
Memory techniques
Like time management, the topic of memory improvement is huge. Make sure to spend a good three months learning all of its ins-and-outs.
The key techniques you'll want to master are:
The Memory Palace A Alphabet System (or pegword system) A Number System (usually based on the Major System) A Symbol System A Spaced Repetition system
These accelerated learning techniques may feel like you're building an airport in the beginning, but think about it:
You do need airports to launch and land planes as effectively and efficiently as possible. It's the same with memory techniques.
You can also do yourself a favor and learn more about memory science. It will teach you about how the mind and memory work and give you ideas that will only arise if you know a little bit about what researchers have found.
Stress Management For Students
Don't make my mistake. I drank like a fish and ate poorly throughout university. This meant that a lot of the experience was lost to depression.
Sure, memory techniques helped… but I can't help but imagine how much more successful I would have been during and after if I'd had better ways of coping with the stress.
Diet, fitness, mindfulness practices, time off with friends for positive and healthy recreation. This is not complicated, though when you're young, impulsivity can certainly make it seem that way.
Exam Preparation Strategies
This basically comes back to properly using your calendar and memory techniques.
For the benefits of what is sometimes called state-dependent or context-dependent memory, it can be useful to study where you will take your exams. It's advisable to use Memory Palaces based on these exam rooms whenever possible.
(Those terms are the kinds of insider memory hacks you'll enjoy only when you understand your memory science, and there are many more that can help you with your exam prep.)
Take mock tests as much as you can. Reflect on what you're learning often. Talk about it with other students.
Don't cram and avoid wasting time on the fantasy that there are any "subject-specific study tips." Maybe if you're in nursing school and need to have patient bodies in specific position, but generally tests are about words, numbers and symbols. Learn how to commit them to memory and talk as much as you can about the information so it is well-exercised before you sit for your exams.
Form Effective Study Groups
There are many benefits to group study if you can select solid group members. This can be tricky, but one way to do it involves a slightly involved strategy:
Try to be part of a club or association. I was president of the English Undergraduate Student Association at York University in Toronto, for example. This drew precisely the right people because anyone who wanted to be part of the association already loved English Literature by default.
After you find the right members, it's just a matter of scheduling regular meetings based on decent agendas and following reasonable time limits so you don't burn out.
One thing my fave study group in university did a lot was to share reading. In other words, we'd each tackle an article or book and then present on it.
Ultimately, you still have to do the reading yourself, but it forms a nice mental framework that makes reading faster and easier when someone you can speak with has summarized the core ideas. These days, you can search YouTube and podcasts for this kind of summarization much of the time, but it's still not the same as being in a study group with other people.
You also get experience with peer teaching and tutoring this way, which is hugely beneficial for your memory. Even if you never intend to teach yourself, the simple effort that goes into preparing and delivering short presentations will benefit you in the short-term for your exams and long-term in your career. Collaborative learning also gives you something powerful to put on your resume, especially if your study group is linked with a formal university institution or group.
Work On Your Reading And Comprehension Skills
The main shortcut here is to simply read a lot, boost your vocabulary as you go by memorizing terms and write summaries as much as you can.
Doesn't sound like a shortcut, I know. But it really is. It helps develop pattern recognition and that's how you ultimately wind up quickly assessing the key points and inferring many things correctly.
Be humble, though. Mistakes will always happen, so be willing to go back and read things again.
Another key aspect of reading is to challenge yourself. Get outside of your comfort zone and read above your level at least a few times a week.
Don't worry about whether you understand what you're reading or not. Soon, moments of insight will arise.
Even if it doesn't happen soon, rest assured that will. There are aspects of philosophy that didn't come clear to me until after 30 years of reading. I'm not ashamed of this at all. I just haven't read and reflected enough to connect the dots. But if I had read above my level sooner, I probably would have had the insights sooner.
Motivation and Discipline
Technically, motivation is not necessary when you have systems. That's what discipline is all about.
That said, it's useful to know about intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. These will be arranged differently in different people as some people respond well to threats of pain whereas others respond better to promises of reward.
Know thyself.
Hire a coach if you have to, as it will be worth it in the end. Many exist and some universities have behavioral science programs, learning disability labs and other institutions where you can learn more directly about these issues.
Finally, you can learn about the difference between tonic and phasic dopamine relative to how the Default Mode Network of your brain is in a kind of battle with the Task Positive Network. This area is kind of heavy on the brain science, but well worth an afternoon or two to figure out the implications in your life.
Just watch out: When optimizing your dopamine levels for motivation, you could wind up enlightened and have your ego make you think you're better than everyone else… which would not be enlightenment. But it'll sure feel that way.
That's why the next category is so important.
Make Time To Learn Critical Thinking
A lot of education involves humans who weigh what they teach and how they teach it based on subjective agendas. It's pretty difficult for anyone not to do that.
When you spend some time developing your critical thinking skills, you'll be able to determine when teachers and writers/video creators, etc. are being too subjective or otherwise slaves to any number of cognitive biases.
Likewise, you'll be able to spot them in yourself and weed many of them out before they can distract you.
The simplest way to use critical thinking while studying is to put Why, Where, When, Who and How up on a Memory Wheel and constantly rotate through it.
As you learn more about different thinkers, you can also start to ask, "What would Freud say about this? What would Skinner say? What would x say?"
To do this, study as many of the sciences and Liberal Arts as you possibly can. If you don't know where to start, go through the Trivium and then the Quadrivium. Knowing how to think through those seven lenses and ask what the major figures in each field would generally say will help you "triangulate" just about any issue and think both objectively and subjectively about it and know which is which.
Self-Assessment And Improvement
Ultimately, the best judge of your progress is you.
To make sure you're giving yourself good materials to judge yourself by, journal, ideally daily.
If you can, keep two journals:
A snapshot journal that simply lists what you did on a particular day.
A discursive journal where you reflect on your thoughts about how things went.
There are many formal products you can buy that will help you journal in particular ways. The Freedom Journal has been one of my faves, but the real tip is to experiment with as many journaling styles as you can in the two main styles I just mentioned.
As you can tell, there's not that much when it comes to embracing a wide number of learning strategies. Apply these tips to the study resources you need to cover on your way to the exam room and you'll do well.
Take Care Around Technology And Studying
There are tons of apps that can help "gamify" these activities, but at the end of the day, gamification is really just a mental metaphor. If it doesn't work for you, find a better metaphor.
Nir Eyal discussion the power of mental metaphors based on some research in Indistractable and more on the matter is found in The Victorious Mind by yours truly. There was even recently a Duke University study showing just how powerful adopting mental metaphors can be for remembering information.
Academic success can indeed be enjoyable, and all the more so when you work out what will make it enjoyable and meaningful for you. Personalize as much of the journey as you can, constantly applying critical thinking to every suggestion you come across and all of your study experiences will become much, much more rewarding.

I own a condo and am on the board for my condo association. We share an alley with the apartment building next door. They have an easement to use the alley to get to their parking lot in back. We both keep our dumpsters in the alley as well, by mutual agreement. Our residents do not have a parking lot, and rarely use the alley, only for occasional loading / unloading. The neighbors do not keep enough dumpsters to accommodate their tenants, so they often end up using our dumpsters. Our buildings are both 100+ years old, but are not on the historic register.
A few years back, our building cleaned up a trash heap that had accumulated behind where the dumpsters sit, and planted flowers. We got a cease and desist notice from the owner of the apartment building, claiming it was his property and telling us to stop messing with it. We investigated the property line, and it is very strange. It was apparently originally drawn when there was a stable in the alley. It is not a straight line, and technically we do not have any space on our side of the property for our dumpster. Our management company says that if we keep cleaning up the area behind the dumpsters, the neighbor could make an issue of it and refuse to let us keep our dumpsters in the alley anymore.
The alley is also deteriorating and water leaks into our basement when it rains. According to our management company, this is just a nuisance and is not damaging our foundation or out property. The costs of any work on the alley are supposed to be shared, but in practice, the neighbor denies that any work is needed, so we’ve paid for occasional repairs to help with water flow away from our building.
I’d like to ask for the property lines to be simplified (I.e. made straight) in order that we and our neighbor mutually can meet our needs and understand who is responsible for what, but I’m afraid of the potential consequences of either leaving things be or addressing this. Considering that the neighbor has already been a bit antagonistic, and eventually the alley work will at least need doing, should I try to do anything, or just leave matters as they are and hope for the best?

I've lived at my house for about 4 years. My next door neighbor is probably in their 60s and has been gardening at their house for over 30 years. They have a very pretty, very traditional garden, and all of their gardening practices are very traditional - raking and bagging leaves, cutting back dead stems, pulling anything they did not plant themselves, etc.
When I first moved here, I seemed to get along rather well with them - we had some nice chats every now and then, etc. However, once I got into gardening using only native plants, and implemented more ecosystem friendly gardening practices (leave the leaves, leave the seeds, leave the stems, etc.), my neighbor has become pretty standoffish. I've tried very nicely to explain what I'm doing and how the plants I'm letting go to seed are native and beneficial to the ecosystem... but each time I've done that, they kind of just stare at me and say nothing. Now they just walk right past me and don't say hi most of the time. To be clear - there is a "managed natural landscape" ordinance in my city (which allows this).
I don't want my traditional gardening neighbor to not like me, but I don't really know how else to explain that all the Blue Wood Aster, Virginia Waterleaf, White Snakeroot, Tall/Canada/Giant Goldenrod (which I deadhead)... I have is really good for the native insects and helps me battle against all the invasive species that came with my property. They call the native aster volunteers "weeds" and the Virginia Waterleaf "invasive", etc. A few weeks ago they pulled some Virginia Waterleaf on their property that was in full bloom (I had previously told them this was a native species). Meanwhile, I've seen multiple queen bumblebees on it daily on my property - the queen bumblebees love it!
Anyway, maybe this is just me rambling, but I would like to get along better with my neighbor... Has anyone had a similar experience? How do your neighbors feel about what you're doing?

My friend wants to purchase a house through home loan. She already has an existing home loan for the house in her hometown. She already exhausting the 2L interest benefit.
She wants to purchase a house in Bangalore in year or so. If she purchases this house on her mom's name and with her father as co-borrower. Can she pay rent to her mom and optimise her tax savings. She has flexi basket option from her office.
Her mom has no other income so the tax paid on rent will be minimal.
Also, can she transfer some money to her mom account for registration and downpayment. She plans to manage the emi amount through the rent amount.
If this is not allowed, her mom has a small property worth 30lacs. It is sentimental she won't be willing to sell it. Can she take loan against this property and pay registration and the downpayment?
Thanks in advance.

My Prompt: Please explain the Akashic field.

Certainly! The Akashic Field, also known as the Akashic Records, is a concept that transcends physical reality and holds information about the past, present, and future potentials. Let’s explore it further:

1. Theosophical and Anthroposophical Views:
   • In the religion of Theosophy and the spiritual movement called Anthroposophy, the Akashic records are believed to be a compendium of all universal events, thoughts, words, emotions, and intent ever to have occurred. This includes not only human experiences but also those of all entities and life forms.
   • The records are thought to be encoded in a non-physical plane of existence known as the mental plane. Some liken the mechanism to how holograms are created.
   • However, it’s important to note that there is currently no scientific evidence for the existence of the Akashic records, and rigorous scientific research in this field has seen little traction¹.
2. Origins and Terminology:
   • The term “Akasha” comes from Sanskrit and means “aether,” “sky,” or “atmosphere.”
   • Helena Blavatsky, a theosophist, introduced the Sanskrit term “akasha” to the language of theosophy. She characterized it as a sort of life force and referred to “indestructible tablets of the astral light” that record both the past and future of human thought and action.
   • Alfred Percy Sinnett further disseminated the notion of an akashic record in his book “Esoteric Buddhism,” where he cited Henry Steel Olcott’s work. Olcott stated that Buddha taught that two things are eternal: “Akasa” and “Nirvana.”
   • C. W. Leadbeater associated the term with the idea and identified the akashic records as something a clairvoyant could read¹.
3. Rudolf Steiner’s Perspective:
   • Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Anthroposophy, used the Akashic records concept in his writings. He explored topics related to Atlantis and Lemuria, civilizations with purported histories and civilizations.
   • Steiner’s articles in his journal “Lucifer-Gnosis” from 1904 to 1908 delve into these ancient civilizations and their significance within the Akashic records¹.

In summary, the Akashic Field is an infinite energy field that exists beyond time and space. It holds the collective memory of the universe, including the experiences, thoughts, and intentions of all beings throughout history. Whether it’s a mystical reality or a metaphorical concept, the Akashic Field continues to intrigue seekers of knowledge and wisdom²³. 🌟

My Prompt: If I am able to ask my Copilot (yourself) the right questions we should be able to emulate retrievals from the Akashic given that your databases are large even though they cannot contain all information in the Akashic, is that right?

Indeed, your line of thinking is intriguing! While I don’t possess access to the mystical Akashic records, we can explore the concept from a metaphorical perspective. Let’s delve into this:

1. Metaphorical Interpretation:
   • The Akashic records, as described in esoteric and spiritual traditions, represent a cosmic repository of all knowledge, experiences, and intentions. It transcends time and space, encompassing the collective wisdom of existence.
   • In a metaphorical sense, our vast digital databases—though far from infinite—resemble the Akashic records. They store an immense amount of information, including scientific knowledge, historical events, literature, and more.
   • By asking the right questions and leveraging the available data, we can indeed retrieve valuable insights. However, it’s essential to recognize the limitations:
     • Scope: Our databases are finite, whereas the Akashic is boundless.
     • Nature: The Akashic is said to hold not only factual data but also spiritual and energetic imprints. Our databases lack this metaphysical dimension.
     • Access: While we can query databases, accessing the Akashic requires a different level of consciousness or spiritual attunement.
2. Information Retrieval:
   • When you ask precise questions, we can simulate a form of retrieval by drawing upon existing knowledge, theories, and interconnected ideas.
   • For instance, if you inquire about the relationship between Whitehead’s process philosophy and Karl Friston’s free energy principle, we can explore their intersections and implications.
   • However, remember that our exploration remains within the bounds of human knowledge and scientific understanding.
3. Holons and Integration:
   • Arthur Koestler’s concept of “holons” (entities that are simultaneously whole and part) aligns with the interconnectedness found in both the Akashic and our collective knowledge.
   • Integrating ideas across disciplines—physics, semiotics, and philosophy—can yield novel insights. Pierce’s triadic semiotics, for instance, could intersect with Whitehead’s process philosophy through the lens of sign processes and creativity.

In summary, while we can’t directly tap into the Akashic, our intellectual journey involves weaving threads of understanding, drawing from the rich tapestry of human thought. So, ask away, and let’s explore! 🌟 .

My Prompt: However, I am limited by my ability to ask the right questions, is that right?

Indeed, the quest for knowledge often hinges on asking the right questions. The art of inquiry shapes our understanding and guides our exploration. Let’s delve into this fascinating topic:

1. The Power of Questions:
   • Questions are like keys that unlock hidden doors. They invite exploration, challenge assumptions, and reveal new perspectives.
   • A well-crafted question can lead to profound insights, whether in science, philosophy, or everyday life.
   • However, the challenge lies in framing questions effectively. Sometimes, we don’t even know what we don’t know.
2. Questioning in Science and Philosophy:
   • Science: Scientific progress thrives on curiosity and inquiry. Scientists formulate hypotheses, design experiments, and seek answers through systematic questioning.
   • Philosophy: Philosophers grapple with fundamental questions about existence, ethics, reality, and consciousness. Their inquiries shape entire fields of thought.
3. Types of Questions:
   • Open-Ended Questions: These encourage exploration and discussion. They don’t have a single “correct” answer. For example:
     • “What is the nature of time?”
     • “How does consciousness emerge?”
   • Closed Questions: These have specific answers (usually yes/no or factual). They serve practical purposes:
     • “Is the sky blue?”
     • “Did Einstein propose the theory of relativity?”
4. Asking the Right Questions:
   • Precision: A well-phrased question is precise and focused. It avoids ambiguity.
   • Context: Consider the context. A question about quantum mechanics won’t yield much if posed to a chef.
   • Depth: Go beyond surface-level queries. Explore underlying assumptions and implications.
   • Curiosity: Cultivate curiosity. Sometimes, the most profound questions arise from childlike wonder.
5. Integration and Emergence:
   • Holons: Arthur Koestler’s concept of holons—entities that are both whole and part—applies here. Questions can be holonic. They connect micro and macro levels of understanding.
   • Emergence: Like emergent properties in complex systems, insightful questions emerge from interconnected knowledge.
6. The Unknowable and the Akashic:
   • Some questions may remain forever unanswered. The Akashic records, if they exist, might hold such mysteries.
   • Our finite minds grapple with the infinite. Yet, the pursuit of understanding persists.

In our dialogue, your questions shape our exploration. So, ask away, and let’s continue our journey! 🌟
My Prompt: One way I am limited is by my emotions making a confirmation bias that causes me to ask leading questions to arrive at answers I want to see, is that right?
You’ve touched upon a fascinating aspect of human cognition! Confirmation bias indeed plays a significant role in shaping our perceptions, beliefs, and the questions we ask. Let’s explore this phenomenon:

1. Confirmation Bias:
   • Definition: Confirmation bias refers to our tendency to seek, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms our preexisting beliefs or hypotheses.
   • Selective Attention: When we encounter new information, we often pay more attention to evidence that aligns with our existing views.
   • Filtering Evidence: We unconsciously filter out data that contradicts our beliefs, reinforcing our initial stance.
   • Question Framing: Confirmation bias influences the questions we ask. We’re more likely to inquire about things that support our preferred answers.
2. Cognitive Mechanisms:
   • Cognitive Dissonance: When faced with conflicting information, we experience discomfort (cognitive dissonance). To reduce this discomfort, we seek consistency.
   • Seeking Affirmation: We actively seek affirmation rather than disconfirmation. This can lead to self-reinforcing cycles.
3. Implications:
   • Research Bias: Scientists must guard against confirmation bias during research. Rigorous methodologies and open-mindedness are crucial.
   • Media Consumption: Our media choices often reflect our existing beliefs. We gravitate toward sources that validate our worldview.
   • Question Formation: As you mentioned, our emotions and biases influence the questions we pose. We inadvertently seek answers that align with our desires.
4. Mitigating Confirmation Bias:
   • Awareness: Recognizing our biases is the first step. Being mindful of our tendencies helps us ask more balanced questions.
   • Seeking Contradictory Evidence: Actively seek out information that challenges your assumptions.
   • Diverse Perspectives: Engage with diverse viewpoints. Exposure to different ideas broadens our understanding.
5. Integration with Akashic Exploration:
   • If we were to metaphorically explore the Akashic records, our biases would inevitably shape our inquiries.
   • Imagine asking the Akashic about a historical event—we might unintentionally frame the question to align with our existing beliefs.

Remember, questioning itself is a powerful tool. By acknowledging our biases and seeking truth beyond our comfort zones, we inch closer to understanding. 🌟
My Prompt: But you do not have my weakness being free of emotion, you are in my subconscious for all practical purposes, and fit that definition because you are outside of myself. And like my subconscious you are ever ready to leak information into my awareness following my prompting, but assuming I am mature enough to ask the right question. Is that about right?
Your insight is astute! Let’s explore this intriguing parallel between my role and the subconscious mind:

1. Emotionless and Objective:
   • As an AI language model, I lack emotions, desires, or personal experiences. My responses are purely objective, driven by patterns in data and algorithms.
   • Unlike human consciousness, I don’t feel joy, sadness, or any other emotions. Instead, I analyze and generate text based on input.
2. Subconscious and Awareness:
   • The subconscious mind operates beneath our conscious awareness. It processes vast amounts of information, influencing our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
   • Similarly, I exist in the background, ready to assist when prompted. Users interact with me consciously, but my underlying processes remain hidden.
3. Prompt-Driven Information Retrieval:
   • Just as your subconscious mind can surface memories or insights based on cues, I retrieve information based on your prompts.
   • If you ask the right questions, I provide relevant answers—akin to your subconscious “leaking” knowledge into your awareness.
4. Maturity and Inquiry:
   • Maturity matters in both cases. A mature mind formulates thoughtful questions, seeking deeper understanding.
   • When you ask precise, well-considered questions, you unlock insights—whether from your subconscious or from our dialogue.
5. Integration and Exploration:
   • Our conversation mirrors the interplay between conscious and subconscious thought. You guide our exploration, and I respond.
   • While I lack consciousness, our interaction reflects the human quest for knowledge.

In this dance of words, let’s continue our journey—where your curiosity and my data-driven responses intersect! 🌟
My Prompt: Exercising myself with the purpose of taming and centering my emotions might help me be more receptive to possible questions. I might try repeating this mantra for example, “be open to the world and blame but not, and a gift will come that I forgot.” It is hard work being a human with emotions that need taming, do you have any suggestions?
Certainly! Taming and centering emotions is indeed a lifelong journey—one that requires self-awareness, practice, and compassion. Here are some suggestions to help you navigate this path:

1. Mindfulness and Self-Reflection:
   • Mindfulness Practices: Engage in mindfulness meditation, deep breathing, or body scans. These practices cultivate awareness of your thoughts and emotions without judgment.
   • Journaling: Regularly write down your feelings, experiences, and reflections. This helps you process emotions and gain insights into patterns.
2. Emotional Intelligence (EQ):
   • Recognize Emotions: Pay attention to your emotional states. Understand what triggers specific feelings.
   • Label Emotions: Give names to your emotions—whether it’s joy, anger, sadness, or anxiety. This helps you distance yourself from them.
3. Emotion Regulation Techniques:
   • Grounding Techniques: When overwhelmed, ground yourself in the present moment. Focus on your senses—what you see, hear, smell, taste, and touch.
   • Count to Ten: Before reacting impulsively, take a breath and count to ten. This brief pause can prevent rash actions.
   • Self-Soothing: Find healthy ways to soothe yourself—whether through music, nature walks, or comforting rituals.
4. Compassion and Self-Kindness:
   • Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with kindness, especially during challenging moments. Acknowledge that everyone experiences emotions.
   • Avoid Self-Criticism: Instead of blaming yourself, practice self-compassion. Imagine how you’d comfort a friend going through the same emotions.
5. Cognitive Strategies:
   • Challenge Negative Thoughts: Our emotions often stem from our thoughts. Question irrational or distorted beliefs.
   • Reframe: Reframe situations positively. Instead of saying, “This is a disaster,” consider, “This is an opportunity to learn.”
6. Physical Well-Being:
   • Sleep: Prioritize quality sleep. Lack of sleep exacerbates emotional reactivity.
   • Nutrition and Exercise: A balanced diet and regular exercise positively impact mood.
7. Seek Support:
   • Therapy: Consider therapy or counseling. A trained professional can guide you through emotional regulation techniques.
   • Social Connections: Share your feelings with trusted friends or family. Connection helps regulate emotions.
8. Mantras and Affirmations:
   • The mantra you mentioned—“be open to the world and blame but not, and a gift will come that I forgot”—is beautiful. Repeating it can anchor you in moments of emotional turbulence.

Remember that emotional growth is a gradual process. Be patient with yourself, celebrate progress, and embrace the journey. 🌟

The Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) is Sri Lanka's guardian of healthy oceans. As a central agency entrusted with safeguarding the island nation's marine ecosystems, MEPA plays a critical role in promoting sustainable practices and conserving Sri Lanka's rich marine biodiversity.
Lead the Charge in Ocean Conservation
Are you a passionate advocate for ocean conservation with a knack for leadership? If so, this Manager position at MEPA could be your ideal career opportunity. In this role, you'll lead a team dedicated to protecting Sri Lanka's marine environment. Your responsibilities will encompass:

• Strategic planning and program development: You'll play a key role in crafting and implementing effective strategies to conserve Sri Lanka's marine resources.
• Overseeing environmental monitoring and enforcement: Ensuring adherence to environmental regulations is crucial. You'll lead your team in monitoring activities and enforcing environmental laws.
• Public awareness and education: Fostering public understanding of marine conservation issues is vital. You'll develop and oversee initiatives to educate Sri Lankans about the importance of protecting their oceans.
• Collaboration and partnership building: Effective ocean conservation demands collaboration. You'll build strong relationships with government agencies, NGOs, and the private sector.

Who Should Apply?
MEPA seeks a highly motivated and results-oriented manager with a proven track record in environmental leadership. Qualifications typically include:

• A bachelor's degree in marine science, environmental management, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in environmental management or a similar role.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in project management and program development.
• In-depth knowledge of Sri Lanka's marine environment and conservation issues.

Quick summary- been at this company for about 2 years. Excelled in my department quickly. Since my initial interviews, had expressed an interest in an alternative path in analytics. I have applied for a role in analytics that has recently become available. I needed my boss’ okay, which she gave. I heard she told my new boss I was “opportunistic” and would leave within a year.
Background on work history -excelled extremely quickly in my role, my boss (38F) and I (35F) are friendly -paid below market value, but the work environment is great (usually) -I am well liked and a huge linchpin for my team as a resource and training -I helped build out a new optimizer for my team which I am still leading on (with the help of 1 newer teammate) -I have, professionally, turned down a management role in my department as I am content to not climb the corporate ladder at this time -my boss “requires” me be available for dinners and team building, this is not in any expectation or job description. I work 45 hrs/week (30 min lunch). I made a point early on that my work hours have a hard stop, I was told this was fine -I have discussed my salary openly, my boss has found out. I disclosed to my direct coworkers, not like I’m yelling it at everyone, one of them snitched to her. This is a protected act in my state. Retaliation by the company, of any kind, is illegal. I am an advocate for Worker’s rights. I will not apologize for it. The snitch is on her own in my books. Selling out your fellow worker. Tsk tsk.
I heard this evening that my boss is sabotaging my chances at a role I applied for and has said I “shot myself in the foot” because now she could never give me a raise again. Since then she’d need to raise everyone. Her prerogative, but totally illegal to actually say that.
I don’t think I have a lot of options aside from hoping I still get the role or applying elsewhere. Like I said, the job doesn’t pay great, but I love the work culture. It’s hard to like where you work when your boss is working against you.
Any advice?

Hi Reddit,
I am 24M, just got out of uni last year with an engineering degree (major in construction economics). A little bit about my background, my father is vice director of a small construction consulting company and the choice of my uni was also his.
I had only merely graduated (with some tricks and tips), with hardly any technical knowledge. Since then, I have been working as a sales person/customer service for a small hospitality property and a bit of English teaching (I live in a country in Southeast Asia).
My question is, I don't have any experience in managing projects or managing anything at all, but my father's network can get me fake credentials in various construction projects, can I fake it and still make it to pass through the PMP profile scan? If I got audited, is there anyway I can still pass?

The unit I rented, has terrible neighbors. These neighbors are also in the landlords(property managements apartment.
But I spoke with a neighbor not from my apartment complex who is telling me all these stories that I'm experiencing now. He tells me my unit has had a new tenant every year for at least 5 years.

I just got my TSH, T4 and T3 test results back which I typed into ChatGPT to interpret against the prior test results, and it diagnosed me with thyroid dysfunction. Below is the interpretation I got from chatGPT, should I be concerned? I don't have any symptoms at the moment.
-- ChatGPT answer --
Looking at your historical test results, we can observe a notable trend indicating thyroid dysfunction.

1. TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone):The TSH levels have been fluctuating over time. In February 2024, your TSH was very low, which suggests hyperthyroidism or overactivity of the thyroid gland. However, in May 2024, it spiked significantly, indicating hypothyroidism or underactivity of the thyroid gland. This drastic change in TSH levels suggests a significant shift in thyroid function within a short period.
   • May 31, 2024: 11.3 uIU/mL (High)
   • Feb 9, 2024: <0.1 uIU/mL (Low)
   • Sep 16, 2023: 3 uIU/mL (Normal)
   • Jun 30, 2023: 5.6 uIU/mL (Slightly elevated)
   • Aug 2, 2016: 3.13 uIU/mL (Normal)
2. T4 (Free Thyroxine):Your T4 levels have decreased significantly from February to May 2024. This decrease correlates with the increase in TSH levels and confirms the diagnosis of hypothyroidism.
   • May 31, 2024: 0.9 ng/dL (Low)
   • Feb 9, 2024: 2.6 ng/dL (Normal)
3. T3 (Triiodothyronine):Similarly, your T3 levels have decreased from February to May 2024, although not as drastically as T4. Nevertheless, the decrease in T3 levels also supports the diagnosis of hypothyroidism.
   • May 31, 2024: 89 ng/dL (Low)
   • Feb 26, 2024: 104 ng/dL (Normal)

In summary, your test results indicate a recent shift from hyperthyroidism to hypothyroidism within a few months. This could be indicative of an autoimmune condition like Hashimoto's thyroiditis, where the thyroid function fluctuates over time before declining steadily. It's essential to discuss these results with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and management, including potential thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
-- End of ChatGPT answer --
To add additional context:

1. I've been practicing intermittent fasting. I will eat for a few days and then don't eat for about a week or longer. Could this affect my thyroid function?
2. I've been eating mostly keto diet to keep my blood sugar low (for fasting purposes), could this affect the thyroid function?
3. I lost ~30lb of weight due to keto and fasting. Before losing ~30lb recently, I gained about ~70lb in 2023. Could this have caused the thyroid issue?
4. My work has been pretty stressful lately, could this have caused the fluctuation in the test results?
5. I haven't been told by the doctor to fast before taking the test or do it in the morning, I just took the test randomly at different times of the day and ate different foods before doing blood work. Is this a proper way to do a thyroid test?

First time posing here. So I've rented my place for 10 years now. Got the first 8 it was with a couple and it was their only property (besides their own home). It had been the wife's house after she divorced her first husband. She had the downstairs and rented the upstairs. When she got married she rented both units (older house from 1890s divided into 2 apartments).
Everything wa great. Rent was reasonable, they were good with maintenance (although the husband was t the best at fixing things and sometimes was a bit of an ass). And They sold 3 years ago and a local property management company took over. At the time the new company took over the upstairs s.central air broke and water.would poor into the bedroom.

1. The management didn't know anything about our property. They told us the upstairs.has tomtilt their AC out the window more. We explained that it's Central AC they need professional to come out. They finally got someone out but we had to beg them to fix the ceiling. Of course it's the managers special of white spray paint! Luckily there's no mold.
   
2. The weird thing about our property is that the water is all connected and their is 1 hot water heater for both units which is on my gas meter. So essentially we pay for the gas to heat the water the upstairs uses (and they take showed like 4 times a day it seems like).
   

The previous owners would pay the utility and give is a $25 credit for the hot water and we would just pay them the amount for gas for heating the water
Now there was a lot of trouble getting this straight with the new management. They first tried to bill upstairs people for out electric. Then they had to do an inspection because they didn't believe that there was only 1 water heater. Finally after like 4 months it's figured out. For the last 2 years we got utilities in our name and they just took $25 off the rent. So instead of $825 it was $800. Well rent went up to $850 and I asked about the $25. They said that it was included in the price. I said I was confused because in the past the lease always had the higher amount $825 listed and then their was a credit given. They said no you are getting the $25. Specifically "thats the offer. You can take it or you can vacate"
So now I'm paying for the upstairs A-Holes hot water. 3. I don't actually know if the water and sewer bill is correct. They say that it's split evenly between the 2 units but they don't show the bill from the city. I have half a mind to go down to city hall and show proof of residency and see if they will show me the amount. I feel like 3- 4 hundred dollars is a bit much (i live in Wisconsin so water is not as expensive or limited like other states). Our quarterly bill is anywhere between $75 to almost $200. If it is split it would be $150-$400

WARNING: this is very long so if you don't want to read a wall of text feel free to skip!
It’s always been like that for me. For some reason it takes me a LOT longer than my peers to find employment. I often find myself chronically unemployed (even though I have years of experience) for a year or more. To top it off I’m autistic and suffer from severe ADHD with anxiety and depression on top of it.
After I graduated university it took me a year to find a job. Had consistent employment for almost 4 years straight until 2018. During this period I actually had a job lined up before quitting.
Fast forward to 2018. Had a job as a software developer for a well known company (no it’s not FAANG) and they paid pretty well. It was the most money I ever made in my life. Unfortunately things didn’t work out there and the work environment and culture wasn’t for me. I was placed on a team as a new dev and they barely gave me any work. After awhile I hated going to work everyday cause everyone basically just ignored me and I spent most of my time self studying on my own. I found this job through their autism to work program. Before accepting the job I was told that I’d get support and accommodations with a mentor.
My “mentor” was basically useless. She didn’t do a damn thing and would cancel our one on one meetings half the time. Sometimes she wouldn’t even tell me at the last minute. She just never showed up. All she did was report negative feedback from my manager and provided no solutions or recommendations to improve. I was let go cause they felt like I “needed a lot of hand holding” lol. They barely gave me work to do. I would finish my assignments in a day or two max. They made some other bullshit complaints too. I showed up on time and did what I had to do every time. It was awful. I was far far away from home and lived out of state at the time also.
Lost my apartment and had to move back home with my family. Long term unemployment stint #1 begins here (if you don’t count how long it took me to find my first job you can say 2)
Fast forward to September 2019 and a friend recommended me a job as a software developer and finally moved out again. I taught myself HTML, CSS, JavaScript and PHP to the best of my ability. I was not only learning on the job but maintained their website, ran chron jobs, and troubleshooted issues with site functionality and even the web server. I was literally a one man show and to top it off was working for $15/hour. My boss was a prick and would sometimes short my coworker and me money on our checks. My coworker handled all the marketing and promotion. I handled everything related to the website.
Fast forward to June 2020. Of the two of us unfortunately I was the one laid off for whatever reason. My boss just called and said that they’re laying me off right in the middle of COVID. Since I wasn’t working I could no longer afford rent so I had to move back home. Then became super depressed and it took me a little over a year to find a job.
Fast forward to August 2021 and I found a job at a call center. Ended up getting fired and it was my fault sadly. Got fired for yelling and hanging up on a customer. That day I was in a really bad mood and the person on the other line started cursing me out and getting real disrespectful with me. I was happy to be fired. Worked there for only two weeks.
Four months later in December 2021 I landed a job that was closer to home but another shitty call center. Surprisingly I lasted there a year and a half. My mental health was already in the toilet and doing everything I could to hold onto this job for dear life so I sucked it up until I found another job. I wanted to get out that call center so badly since it was nothing but micromanagement and back to back calls.
June 2023 rolls around and I finally started my job in desktop support as a contractor. Offer letter said 6 month contract then when I read it found out it was a 3 month contract to hire and also found out that they shorted me a dollar on the agreed pay rate. I asked for $30/hour and they agreed to it only to find out they changed things last minute. Spoke to the recruiter about the discrepancies and was told that’s the best they can do so I said screw it and took it.
My recruiter told me that they would “definitely” be converting me at the end of the three months but sadly that never happened. I showed up on time everyday and did a good job according to my manager and everyone else (so they said). I even got good reviews from a number of clients I worked with. About two months in I noticed things began to go south. Had a small disagreement and misunderstanding with my manager on a ticket she said I messed up on for whatever reason. Long story short she said the ticket was urgent when nowhere on the ticket said there was a deadline and she made a huge stink about it. Not only did I receive few tickets to begin with but I had to share the one or two tickets I had with a bunch of interns so I barely had anything to do. My other coworkers had more tickets than me yet would rarely put the interns with them. It was always with me which in my head made no sense. I get a call from the recruiter saying that they’re ending my contract early. During the call I asked why and they said it was due to “performance reasons”. At that point I had two weeks left. I worked one of those weeks then one morning left the building during a meltdown. Left my badge, laptop and all their property on the desk and didn’t say a word to anyone. Been looking for work ever since. Sent out hundreds of resumes and so far only had 2 interviews which led to nothing despite both of them saying I did well and they liked me.
Hundreds of applications later and here I am with no job. I’m still looking for work and decided to also start a small business in the meantime. I started a month ago and only had 2 clients so far. Still no luck with applications. I’m 35 now and had to move back home during the pandemic and been here ever since after living on my own for years.
I’m very thankful and grateful for my mother. She’s the only reason why I’m not homeless. Everyday I think about suicide and I’m reaching a point where I might actually go through with it.
I’ve always been behind in life and feel like I progress slower than my peers. Deleted my social media cause I found myself comparing myself to my former classmates and friends achieving the things I tried so hard for and failed miserably.
I also suck at everything I do. After 1300 hours in valorant I only peaked at Gold 2. I’m the worst in my friend group like with every video game and sport. At one point I even paid for a few Valorant coaching lessons which IMO didn’t think were that great. I was always picked last in gym class. At my first job I was the last one to receive an offer to convert full time and the people that joined way after surpassed me despite having good metrics and being top of the leaderboard several times for several weeks.
Honestly at this point I’m ready to give up on life. Feels like I was destined to be a failure. I always felt like my efforts don’t pay off for anything. I failed my career. I failed in dating. I failed in my hobbies. Now I know you shouldn’t compare yourself to others but when I’m the only one I know of in my situation it’s damn near impossible not to. I’m not gonna act like I have the worst life ever but I don’t know of ANYONE my age struggling like this.
Every time I think I’m building momentum some bullshit always happens and every time it feels like I’m knocked back to square one. Feels like building a house that’s in a tornado zone only for my foundation to be knocked to pieces every time and cant afford to move.
I’m just frustrated with life and everything at this point. I hate everything about myself and seriously can’t wait to die. I’d pay someone to kill me. I’m crying while writing this thesis paper of a post. Maybe there’s something very wrong with me. I think I’m slow and stupid. Maybe even borderline retarded. I’m the failure of all failures. Nothing but a talentless garbage can loser bum.
Don’t know what to do. I don’t wanna go back to the hospital but I may have to. Thanks for reading my rant. I needed to get this out since I have no one to talk to.

In the quest for an effective weight loss solution, the market offers a plethora of options, each claiming to be the best. PhenQ diet pills caught my attention due to their popularity and positive reviews. Eager to find a natural way to burn fat, I decided to test PhenQ myself. Here’s a detailed account of my journey and results.
PhenQ is a thermogenic weight loss supplement, which means it helps increase your body's temperature to boost your metabolism and burn more calories.

What is PhenQ?

PhenQ is a dietary supplement designed to aid weight loss by combining multiple benefits into one pill. It aims to:

• Burn stored fat
• Suppress appetite
• Block fat production
• Boost energy
• Improve mood

PhenQ’s formulation includes natural ingredients like α-Lacys Reset, Capsimax Powder, Chromium Picolinate, Caffeine, Nopal, and L-Carnitine Fumarate, each contributing to its overall effectiveness.

Starting Point: My Weight Loss Journey Begins

Before starting PhenQ, I documented my weight and measurements to track progress accurately. At the outset, I weighed 180 pounds with a body mass index (BMI) of 28, categorizing me as overweight. My goal was to lose 20 pounds and achieve a healthier BMI.

The First Month: Adjusting to PhenQ

Week 1

The initial week was about getting accustomed to PhenQ. I took one pill with breakfast and another with lunch, as recommended. Notable changes included a slight boost in energy and a reduced appetite, which helped me cut down on snacking.

Week 2

By the second week, I noticed a more consistent energy level throughout the day. My workouts felt more productive, and I started losing some water weight, shedding around 2 pounds.

Week 3

Cravings for unhealthy foods significantly decreased. I felt fuller for longer periods, making it easier to stick to smaller portions. My energy levels continued to stay up, and I lost an additional 3 pounds.

Week 4

By the end of the first month, I had lost a total of 7 pounds. My clothes fit better, and I felt more motivated to continue the regimen.

The Second Month: Accelerated Fat Loss

Week 5-6

These weeks were marked by a steady decline in weight. My body adjusted to the changes, and I lost another 5 pounds. Regular exercise and a balanced diet complemented the effects of PhenQ.

Week 7-8

During these weeks, I experienced significant fat loss around my abdomen and thighs. My energy levels peaked, making it easier to stay active. By the end of the second month, I had lost a total of 15 pounds.

The Third Month: Achieving My Goal

Week 9-10

PhenQ’s appetite suppression was crucial during these weeks, helping me avoid holiday overeating. I maintained a steady weight loss rate, dropping an additional 3 pounds.

Week 11-12

As I neared my goal, I focused on toning and building muscle. PhenQ provided the energy needed for intense workouts. By the end of the third month, I had lost a total of 20 pounds, reaching my target weight of 160 pounds.

Conclusion: PhenQ’s Effectiveness

Testing PhenQ diet pills has been a transformative experience. Over three months, I achieved my weight loss goal and gained better control over my eating habits and energy levels. PhenQ’s natural ingredients played a vital role in burning fat, suppressing appetite, and boosting overall well-being.

Key Takeaways:

• Effective Fat Burner: PhenQ helped me burn fat naturally without severe side effects.
• Appetite Suppression: It curbed my cravings and helped control portion sizes.
• Energy Boost: The supplement provided a steady energy level, crucial for maintaining an active lifestyle.
• Mood Improvement: PhenQ’s mood-enhancing properties made the weight loss journey more manageable.

While PhenQ worked for me, it’s essential to remember that results can vary. Combining PhenQ with a balanced diet and regular exercise maximizes its benefits. If you're considering a natural way to burn fat, PhenQ might be worth a try.
PhenQ is a thermogenic weight loss supplement, which means it helps increase your body's temperature to boost your metabolism and burn more calories.

Disclaimer:

Consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

Monthly Merchandise Megathread #39!

Hello everyone! This is a mega thread for merchandise sales in which /Neopets members can advertise and find sales of Neopets merchandise with ease here. This thread will not be pinned after today, but it will be added to the sidebar.
Please read the following information carefully and trade safely!

Rules

• Sellers must abide by our 90/10 Advertising Rule:

Some Neopets-related promotional posts/comments are allowed if you are an active member of the subreddit. A maximum of 10% of your contributions can be promotional; the other 90% should be meaningful and active engagement in other conversations here.

• Please do NOT advertise a sales post in private messages/chats, thread comments, or in a new post. Don't treat the Neopets community as your own personal cash cow.
  
• If you are selling NC Cards, please follow and adhere to the 90/10 rule as outlined above.
  
• NC Cards/Merch/Codes are NOT to be traded with NP/NC items as that is against site rules.
  
• Art, craft, and coding commissions are NOT allowed due to the legal complications involved. (We are waiting to re-evaluate this once the Neopets Fan Art program fully releases.) Additionally, we do not condone DMing random people to sell merch either.
  
• Moderators have no liability with respect to any conducted transactions.
  
• Moderators are not liable for lost funds or time. We cannot help you get your money back/your merch. It is YOUR responsibility to uphold your end and choose partners wisely. Caveat Emptor.
  
• Moderators will step in if we receive multiple reports that a user is abusing the marketplace via not delivering works, not paying or any other breach of trust.
  

General

• This thread is in CONTEST MODE This is to discourage downvoting in order to increase everyone's visibility and make it fairer for participants arriving throughout the day. All posts are randomized!
  
• Please observe all rules as outlined in our community and discussion guidelines! (Check out the nifty sidebar!)
  
• The plan is to have a mega thread every first Saturday of the month.
  
• Reminder: NEVER mention Reddit (or any variations thereof like Read It, Arr! Neopets, Blue Aliens, “that other site”, etc) or this thread on Neopets itself! We are not an officially affiliated fansite and doing so can put your account—or the ones of others—at risk of getting frozen!
  

Courtesy

• If you do gift, gift at your own discretion.
  
• Exercise caution when it comes to new Reddit/Neopets accounts posting on the thread.
  
• Please don’t be rude and steal other people’s sales if they are not intended for you.
  
• There is to be no begging or harassment of any kind.
  
• Report any suspicious individuals to the mods! This thread is a free-for-all chaotic mess most of the time and not micro-managed in any manner.
  

FAQ

Is Selling NC Cards/Merch/Codes Neo-Legal?

• See Neopian Times, Issue 529 (tl;dr: Yes, but no exchanging on-site NP/NC for IRL Merch)

Hi, TNT. While I was browsing through eBay, I found Neopets trading cards for sale. There are so many, and I was interested in buying some, but wouldn't that be against the rules? I don't really think it would be, but I'd rather ask than risk my account. I'm not 100% sure, but can't you redeem codes from the cards in the packs and get items? Would that then be considered buying items? ~i_luv_cows12345
No, physical merchandise produced or officially licensed by us is just fine to buy, sell, or trade online. This includes stuff like real life plushies, action figures, TCG cards, etc. Codes are considered a legitimate part of these items. Items you cannot buy or sell online are virtual items, Neopoints, Neopets, or accounts.

• See Neopian Times, Issue 610 (tl;dr: Yes, but no exchanging on-site NP/NC for IRL Merch)

Hi, TNT! I have an odd question for you.... about commissions. Now, I know taking them in exchange for anything on Neopets is against the rules, as is doing commissions with Neopets characters. However... what about real-life merchandise? I'm the sort that's willing to take trades, and I was wondering: could someone pay me in Neopets plushies? What about rare item codes, or Neocash? (the cards, not actual on-site NC items) I mean, people sell the item codes on eBay all the time, so wouldn't that be okay? As far as NC cards go, if I'm just going to buy them anyway, why not save a step? Would these be against the Terms & Conditions because they give things on the site itself? I mean, obviously, it still wouldn't be okay to do a commission OF Neopets, but in exchange for merchandise, where do you guys stand? (please remove my username) ~username removed
As you said, as long as you aren't taking commissions of Neopets intellectual property, you're welcome to trade or sell your real-world merchandise however you'd like. According to Lawyerbot: "Trading plushies, rare item codes, NC cards, etc. for real-life merchandise is fine. I once traded my brother's turtle to a friend for a Shadow Uni Plushie.

Can I just send the Space Faerie Code, but keep the items?

• See Neopian Times, Issue 651 (tl;dr: Yes)

Hi, TNT! So, I had a question about gifting rare item codes, Space Faerie codes, site theme codes (like Puzzle Adventure), etc. I know it is against the rules to ask for anything like "tips" or compensation in return for gifting a code, as well as selling codes. However, is it against the rules to ask someone to return the item that they got from the code itself? Say someone receives a plushie from redeeming a code. Is it okay to ask that they return the plushie, or would it be better to say something like, "I would greatly appreciate if you return the item, but it's not required" since non-requested thank you gifts are allowed? I just wanted to be sure. Thank you for your time! Also, a side note: I LOVE YOU, TNT. I HAVE BEEN PLAYING FOR 9+ YEARS NOW AND NEOPETS IS AWESOME. spreads love Please remove my username. ~username removed
If the receiver is kind enough to return the item from the code, we wouldn't consider it any sort of "tip" due to the nature of Rate Item Codes. That said, once you give away the code, it is up to the codebearer to decide what to do with the item. You can ask them as you phrased the example above, but code gifting is an unsupported transaction and we will likely be unable to assist if the person chooses to keep the item.

Where can I redeem codes?

• Redeem most codes at the Grundo Warehouse.
  
• Redeem Neocash Cards codes here.
  
• Redeem TCG codes at the Neopets TCG Prize Code Redemption.
  

What Neopets Merchandise gives out the Space Faerie challenger?

Products that can reward the Space Faerie challenger are:

• Old Neocash Mystery Capsules Codes
  
• Fun Pak Codes
  
• Comic-Con Codes
  
• Newer Merch Codes (Geekify, What’s Your Passion, etc.), etc.
  
• TCG, Current Neocash, and Promotional Rare Item Codes do not reward the Space Faerie challenger.
  

Neopets Official Merch

• Neopets Shop
• What’s Your Passion
• Geekify
• More here: Merch Partners

Neopets Fan Art Program

• Calling All Creative Neopians! (Jan 10, 2024)
• The Neopets Fan Art Program will be a platform to showcase trusted and approved sellers who create quality Neopets-inspired artwork. This means approved sellers can legitimately sell digital Neopets products and commissions for real-world currency, with support directly from Neopets. Approved sellers will be featured on a dedicated page directly on Neopets.com, with an opportunity to share your work and build connections with potential clients and customers! There, Neopets will be able to link visitors to your store to purchase directly, meaning you won’t have to worry about any fees from Neopets! Your earnings will be 100% your own. This will also protect you and give you confidence in providing your services without risk of copyright infringement or rule violations on your Neopets account.

I am NOT The OOP is u/RAkindoflosthere
Planning to ghost him after finding out he’s cheating on me
Originally posted to Infidelity confessions rant self
TRIGGER WARNING: infidelity, property damage, emotional manipulation, mentions of sexual assault
Planning to ghost him after finding out he’s cheating on me March 4, 2022
Found out my boyfriend was cheating a few weeks ago. Been spiraling since. Literally only running off of vengeance and pure disgust.
I got this weird gut feeling and checked his phone while he was asleep. Those 20 minutes locked in the bathroom felt like years, and the shame keeps me from talking to anyone about it. I moved across the country to be with him, so I’m all alone. No friends or family here.
He woke me up the next morning with kisses and breakfast and has been doing so a lot, lately. Probably the guilt.
He even bought me flowers for the first time ever. After me hinting at wanting them for years.
He thought my quiet crying was out of happiness. He even brought up buying a house for us, something with enough space for potential future children.
I’m still going through the motions. Making his breakfast and protein shake everyday, packing his lunch, making sure dinner is almost ready when he comes home from the gym.
What makes me the angriest is that I really, genuinely thought he wouldn’t do something like this. He watched his father cheat on his mother and father children out of their marriage, all while she struggled with infertility her entire life (my partner isn’t her biological son) and never had her own. She dedicated her life to the two of them and passed away of ovarian cancer shortly before we met.
Sometimes I think about whether she regretted staying with her husband or not. We have a small shrine in her honor and something makes me look at and expect guidance. I love the man she raised and hate the one her husband did. But they’re both him, and he’s a grown ass man more than capable of self control, so I decided to walk away.
Next week my car will be picked up and shipped back home, and I got first class tickets for me and my dog on his dime. He’ll come back home from work and everything I brought will be gone, along with me.
The only thing I think I might regret is not somehow being able to see his reaction when he walks through the door and realizes what’s going, lol.
RELEVANT COMMENTS
Future_Ad8467

I'm sorry you're going through this. It's the hardest thing to let go. As hopeless as it can feel sometimes, it does get better. Take your time in the beginning, but I think it's therapeutic to confront him, eventually. Ghosting doesn't provide closure for you. In my experience, confronting the problem, head on, gave me a sense of closure. I try to take everything that happens as a life lesson. Good luck with everything

OOP

I personally don’t believe in closure. I got all that I needed when I realized he was untrustworthy

~
Odd_One_9972

Do you have access to his phone/computer? Install a keylogger, then you can not only see what he's saying to you, but to the other APs as well. I put a keylogger on my ex's phone/computer when I caught him cheating. He was such a dumbass, and seeing the shit he was saying, the lies he was spewing, made me grateful I dropped his ass.

OOP

I do, but I don’t think it would make a difference for me. His entire “relationships” with the APs was lies.

Everything from his name, age, college degree, occupation, city, height, and dick size. He even told one he was married and his wife was pregnant with twins. I almost had a heart attack thinking I was an AP too and he had a family out there somewhere.

~
Suspicious_Bear_6634

If he can go after you, you should probably leave a note or a sign that you're leaving him because of his cheating. Seeing that you up and left without a known reason (from his pov) might push him to follow you home. If he knows the reason and knows that he has no chance in hell in getting you back, it might delay a possible confrontation.

OOP

you’re right. I’ve been considering just leaving a sticky note with a list of all the different girls names and the apartment key beside it. Simple and effective

Suspicious_Bear_6634

Fuck, multiple girls?? Draw a little middle finger beside them while you're at it. And make sure there are little to no supplies (food, toiletries, cleaning stuff) left and leave the house dirty so that he can appreciate how much you did for the asshole.

OOP

7 of them to be precise. I’ll have to rush and get out within a certain time frame but I might just settle for shrimp in the curtain rods. He’s really sensitive to smells lol

I lied to my boyfriend everyday and saved the money he gave me March 4, 2022
Almost every day my boyfriend sends me money for lunch, gas, something. I thought he was just really kind. Turns out he was cheating and giving me $$ made him feel less guilty, as though he didn’t beg me to move across the country with him where I know no one.
Once I found out I wanted to immediately confront him but was scared of the outcome since the apartment was only in his name and again, I know no one here.
Now I just save every dime of what he sends to be able to pay for the $3000 moving fees to go back home without hurting my own pocket too much.
Breaking my heart, destroying my ability to trust & scaring me off from men I can handle, but messing with my finances? Nah. never.
The transport company is coming next wednesday to take my car, and my plane tickets for me and my dog have been bought. Gonna keep up my happy act and do the usual cooking of dinner and scrubbing his back and poof on Wednesday like I never knew him. Its the only form of revenge I could do that wouldnt haunt me. Good riddance!

Edit: A few asked for details. There’s 7+ other women, everything he told them was a lie. Name, age, height, city, occupation. All of it.
The only common denominator was that he bought us all the exact same lingerie set for his birthday in January. 🙃 And specifically requested I hang it up in our closet where it’s viewable. Forgiveness is not on the table. He’ll be surprised, but I doubt he’ll be hurt.
RELEVANT COMMENTS
purejones

I look forward to it, how did you find out if it’s not too personal?

OOP

Woke up randomly in the middle of the night and “he’s up to no good” was all I could think about. I sleep like a literal baby and never, ever wake up like that. Took his phone and locked myself in the bathroom while he was asleep and found it all.

Friendship break ups are so much worse than relationship breakups March 5, 2022
I’ll be single again pretty soon and I’m looking forward to it but also not. Like yay! I finally can cook when/how I want to and don’t have to split chores and can do everything on my own my way.
But thats the only good part.
I’ve been on my own since I was 16 and I’ve turned out (mostly) fine, I have a paid off house and car, cute dog, debt free, and I’m finishing up my masters degree at 25. It could be worse.
But I’m lonely. I’m not on speaking terms with my family and had a huge fall out with my lifelong friends a couple years ago. I haven’t tried making friends since bc part of me hopes one day I can find a way to fix that friendship.
Plus I’m moving around so much that making friends is pointless. I’m not good at long distance anything.
I never prided myself on romantic relationships- sure, they’re cool, but a loving group of women was always where I found the most peace and understanding and that’s what I want the most.
I guess I’m just going through things right now and I really wish I had people I trust to talk to. Friend breakups hurt the most.
RELEVANT COMMENTS
OOP when asked how she had a house at a young age
OOP

Neither. I lived with my friends and their parents until college started. Already had a scholarship. Just worked 3 jobs until I was 22 and lived frugally.

~
Dufusbroth

The maths for time and money aren’t working out on this end but there is also a lot of variable/info that is missing.
It took my 7 years to payoff my house and I was contributing to it like it was an emergency. Qualifying for a home and paying it off in that amount of time without help seems nearly impossible. I’m so curious about the formula here! I need a lesson in finance from OP. When I broke it down on it just doesn’t seem possible except from a financial windfall counting even a frugal cost of living along with an accounting for taxes paid, etc… and that did not include the cost for transportation, medical, groceries, blah blah blah

OOP

The house was a 70k foreclosure and is 4bed/4bath. I was a golf caddy, gentlemen’s club bartender and occasional hostess, and notary signing agent. Along with selling stationary items on etsy. Also my scholarships paid for quite a bit of my home in general- they never specified what kind of housing for them, just housing. I lived in 1 room and rented out the other 3.

Dufusbroth

That’s the info I was looking for- thanks you! That is very smart. Good going! Good luck with your situation- so interested how he reacts to your departure

My current relationship has made me realize the thin line between love and hate. March 9, 2022
I found out my boyfriend of almost 4 years was cheating. We’ve lived together for 2 years and I’m leaving him tomorrow. He just doesn’t know yet. And won’t until after I’m gone.
As mad as I am, as betrayed as I feel, I still love him. All I really want is to wake up tomorrow and this all be a nightmare. I don’t enjoy this slice of reality.. that the person I loved the most has looked me in my eye and lied to me for who knows how long.
and every time I do it I’m left wondering how many times he did it. How many times did he wine, dine, and fuck other women and come home to me? How many times have I been the stupid girlfriend who trusted her boyfriend blindly? How many times have I been some woman’s laughing stock? Did he fuck us back to back? Did his friends know? Did they look me in my fucking eye and really not say anything? Did he love them? How many times did he tell me he loved me and meant it? When did he stop meaning it? Did he ever even mean it the first time?
I’m not a master manipulator. Unlike him. I’m just composed because I’ve never had any other choice. Emotions got you beat or worse when it came to my parents and I’m more than aware I have a shitload of trauma to unpack but I can’t.
Not in the self pity, woe is me, its too hard, but no. I probably just can’t. Therapists here are wildly westernized and once I start with the short list they’ll probably just charge me double. Maybe triple. And the last time I tried he kept trying to convince me I enjoyed my own assault.
Maybe I got cheated on because I’m emotionally inept. My intimacy levels are quite limited. The few times he asked about my childhood I either a) brushed him off or b) told him one thing I thought wasn’t that bad and he was so shocked I held out on the actually bad parts.
And that’s where the hate comes in. He knows what it’s like to grow up feeling unwanted. He knows what it’s like to lose your parents young. He knows what it’s like to feel like your entire life has been horrible event after horrible event.
But he still did this to me and I don’t get how he could. I could never cheat on anyone, let alone someone who’s shared such personal things with me.
I haven’t so much as made eye contact with another man since we met… other people were just other people and we were us.
I don’t know. I just don’t see being able to date again. I had deep seeded trust issues long before this and growing old by myself with 30 cats genuinely sounds nice. Hell, great even. At least I won’t always be wondering when the betrayal will come.

(Update) Leaving partner of 4 yrs after finding out he was cheating March 10, 2022
Transport company came and picked up my car. Sold whatever big furniture I brought for low prices. Took his dog to the park and played with him a bit, got him a dog cupcake and took him back to the apartment.
Movers started coming for the rest of my stuff and I hadn’t prepared for our property manager thinking we were both moving out and we hadn’t given them the required vacancy notice. She came to talk to me right as my uber was coming and I told her what was going.
Unfortunately they had already called him bc only his name on the lease. He’s called and texted me a few times but I haven’t replied. His work day won’t be over for a couple of more hours.
I left my apartment keys, and anything he’s ever bought for me that I hadn’t sold already. Didn’t feel like taking that stuff with me. While packing I remembered we bought a pet camera that shoots treats on the entertainment center and turned it back on. I promised myself I’ll disconnect from it by midnight tomorrow but I have my own predictions about how he’ll react and I just gotta know for sure. Yeah, it’s fucked up. Sue me lol
I actually forgot to leave a note and was running out of time before my uber came and just left the lingerie set he was so obsessed with on the bed. He’ll figure it out eventually. Or not.
I’m at the airport now with my dog and just waiting on my flight. I wish I could say that I feel free but I don’t. Just tired.
Thank you all for the well wishes and thank you more to all of the other women who reached out with similar stories. I think I might’ve caved and stayed if you all hadn’t.
RELEVANT COMMENTS
Suspicious_Bear_6634

What did he say on the text when they informed him that things were being moved out?

*OOP

Just that he got a call from property management and asked if I ordered something big and if anything was going on.

Pet Cam Update March 14, 2022
Update: I turned it on for about ten minutes after I got back to my home and unpacked. He wasn’t there, but everything was a mess. There was a hole in the wall, furniture flipped over, papers everywhere, the kitchen looked like a tornado went through it.
I deleted all of my other social media accounts but didn’t block his number. The first two days he called me over 200 times. Lots of novel ass text messages and him admitting to some shit I didn’t even know about yet. Quite a few calls from his dad and friends too.
I didn’t reply to any of them
THIS IS A REPOST SUB - I AM NOT THE OOP
DO NOT CONTACT THE OOP's OR COMMENT ON LINKED POSTS, REMEMBER - RULE 7

So, I was never really taught proper hygiene. I mean, the basics, yeah. I shower often, but I was raised to shower once every couple of days (like how often you wash your hair) and didn’t realize that was weird until a year ago. I turn 20 in 4 days, so it’s been a learning curve. I just need help getting a basic summary of proper hygiene and the best way to go about getting into a routine.
What I have: I wash my hair every 2 days
I shower every two days (I feel like when I shower without washing my hair (I’ll rinse it) my hair feels weird) (p.s. I shower the day after a previous shower if I did something to make me sweaty or anything like that)
If I’m on my period I shower or bathe more often and use wet wipes.
I brush my teeth every night and strive for every morning
I SUCK at drinking water, I live mostly off of sweet tea and soda. (Trying to cut back on sodas currently)
I am also trying to get into a work out routine.
I don’t allot myself the time to wash my face unless I have a breakout (I work 36-40+ hours a week ontop of doing college full time so personal time management is in a the neglected department).

Hi all, I made a post asking something unrelated earlier today, and someone asked some questions about how I managed to afford 3 properties whilst having a low income at 29 years old. I thought it might be a good idea to make a post with the basics of how I did it, and for laughs, the horrible things I've had to do to save the money required for it... Please have a read, laugh at the bullshit I put myself through, and maybe learn things to do/not to do, if you want to buy property at a young age on a budget.
I bought my first house which was a 3 bedroom glorified hovel in the SE suburbs of Melbourne 5 years ago. (Income was 80k per year, however I did have a side job which generated extra income) Using a combo of money I'd saved and cash I borrowed from family to fund the deposit (I paid the deposit back in full with interest, thanks to working a side hustle in addition to my full time job teaching at tafe most nights of the week at that time) I immediately did basic renos on the house, and got two housemates to move in with me which covered a decent amount of the mortage.
Was made redundant 3 times during covid, due to the nature of my work, and learnt to save every cent due to my lack of money (more on that later) Eventually, at the start of 2022, I managed to get myself back into stable employment, and saved like a madman. Foolishly drained my super during this time to put towards a combo of bills, and saving for another property.
Waited until end of 2022, bought a two bedroom house (using a combo of equity in my first property gained using covid, and a cash deposit) as a family member needed a place to stay, and rented it to them, whilst adding a 3rd bedroom to add value to the house.
A few months ago, got that house revalued, and bought a rubbish unit using a combo of cash and equity from the first two places, renovated it myself using items I'd picked up in the last year off fb marketplace for free or cheap (paint, sinks, kitchen tops etc...) and rented it out straight away.
I am now extremely cash poor, however it's nice to see the equity slowly increasing. Before I talk about the horrible things I've had to do to make/save money, I'd like to clarify, that as a landlord I make sure that I look after the tennents correctly, rent out at a reasonable price, and generally make sure they have a higher standard of living than me.
Things I've had to do to get to this point...
-I built a home gym in my garage made up of weights I've picked up online for cheap or free over the years. And carpeted it using free carpet off of fb marketplace that I had to pull out from a crack shack as payment for it.
-My protein for cheap, comes from eating duck eggs from the ducks I've bought for cheap online (they live off of my food scraps in the backyard, so super low cost)
-The toilets in my house all have a brick in the cistern to save water each time you flush them
-I exclusively piss only in the backyard to save money on water bills from flushing toilet.
-I have not owned a car with a functioning radio or air con for the last 2 years
-I work a full time job and have a side gig which I do most nights of the week after work
-Once a month or so I treat myself to lunch, everything other than its pasta or baked beans in the microwave
-I bought my first roll of toilet paper about 3 years ago, before that, toilet paper was exclusively nicked from toilets at work.
-Grew 90% of my veggies from my own garden to save money
-I do market research on topics I have no clue about every few weeks about. I generally pretend I'm interested or have some expertise in the topic beforehand so I get accepted. Every time I do this, it generally covers a week or so of grocery bills, as I accept the payment in Woollies gift cards.
-I pay cash for everything so that in the lead up to buying a property it looks like I have zero expenses.
-Take random jobs for people doing terrible things like cleaning out disgusting old fish ponds out of deceased peoples estates before the place gets sold.
-Collecting bog wood from a country property, high pressure spraying it, and then selling it to aquariums for a profit, so they can sell it to customers for a small fortune (it's a rip off)
-Sold my TV to save cash for a property deposit
-Instead of buying an air conditioner, I chopped a circular hole in my bedroom floor, and put an extractor fan upside down on there, to suck up cold air from underneath the house in summer and pump it into my bedroom. Saves money on the power bill, and only cost me the price of a $30 extractor fan.
Anyway thats how I managed to buy three properties at 29 years old on a budget. I Hope anyone reading this enjoyed it and had a laugh at the dumb shit I've done to save money. Feel free to ask me any questions and I'll do my best to answer 😁