Making the Most of Your Gas Money on Your Next Road Trip

With Spring Break just a few weeks away, a road trip is the perfect way to escape those winter blues and have some fun in the sun. The good thing is, a road trip doesn’t have to break the bank – there are several ways you can make the most of your gas money on your next road trip.

GET A TUNE UP
No matter if you are traveling or not, making sure that you car is properly maintained is very important. But having a faulty oxygen sensor diagnosed and repaired or even things as simply inflating your tires to the correct pressure can greatly improve your gas mileage.

WATCH YOUR SPEED
Cars usually get better mileage on highways than regular city roads of course – since more braking and speeding up can use more gas; however, faster isn’t always better. Many cars actually get fewer miles per gallon if they are traveling say more than 50 or 60 mph. Using cruise control when traveling can definitely help you get better mileage.

                This post is sponsored by Grogan’s Towne Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram

CHECK GAS PRICES- GET THE GASBUDDY APP
Knowing when to stop – and where to stop – can save you a lot of gas money on a road trip. You don’t want to wait until the last minute, and only have 1 station for the next 30 miles, and end up paying more. I use the  GasBuddy app that not only will help you locate gas stations near you -with prices – but if you connect your bank account or credit card, they will give you up to 5 cents off per gallon -which is just extra money in the bank!

PLAN YOUR ROUTE
Mapping out your trip not only saves you money – but keeps you safe as well. You can map out exactly how many miles you’ll be traveling, and roughly how many miles you typically get per gallon (GasBuddy will help you calculate how many miles your specific vehicle gets per gallon) so that way you can estimate your total gas costs for your trip. Be sure to include additional miles you’ll be driving (in city usually) once you get to your destination.

Also – be sure to use an app that can help let you know about traffic delays. Idling and being stuck in traffic can definitely lead to wasted gas; so an app like WAZE can give you an alternate route and help you avoid sitting in traffic waiting precious gas (and time!)

If you take these simple steps, you could get a bit further on your tank of gas and give you more time and money to enjoy your road trip!

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Secrets of Criminal Defense Lawyers

A tough job – but somebody’s gotta’ do it. That’s the life of a criminal defense attorney.  Their jobs are to make sure that the scales of justice are balanced.  There’s a lot of pressure and responsibility being a potential criminal defendants only support, and protector of rights. But it can be a challenge – even for the best of the best. But there are some secrets on how they do their job, and do it well.

Good Criminal Defense Attorneys Don’t Let Their Feelings Get in the Way
Of course some defendants have done some horrible, terrible crimes – but they still have constitutional rights. It’s not as if they are approving or condoning these crimes or behaviors, but it’s their job to stand up and make sure that they honor the constitution and their rights as citizens.

They Help Pick a Unbiased Jury
Ever watch the show Bull? If so, you know reading and picking a jury is a skilled art. Defense attorneys know that most jurors come in expecting to convict someone  – so they need to read the jurors and try to determine which ones may be able to keep an open mind: and also know which ones will be bias.   They will often look up backgrounds of jurors to see who might be a better choice for their client.

Innocent Defendants Make their Jobs Harder 
Imagine knowing that a defendant who is up for life in prison, is actually innocent? It’s one thing to put a person in prison who we know 100% without a doubt committed a crime, and they deserve a punishment. But having a client who you know is innocent and you are unable to convince a jury of it – it’s hard to live with. There have been lawyers that have worked tirelessly for years trying to free an innocent person, and eventually was able to (which is amazing in itself!)

True Crime Shows Have Changed Their Approach 
Lawyers have to keep in mind that when they address jurors they have to factor in that a lot of these ‘true crime shows’ have skewed their minds regarding the criminal justice system. A lot of times an average person who watches true crime shows on regular basis considers themselves to be a bit of an ‘expert’. So when jurors see expert witnesses, police officers and other evidence, sometimes they think they know better; or they know that in some cases those witnesses have been ‘wrong’. A lot of lawyers though, instead of trying to fight the stigma, they embrace it. They play on the juries skepticism into their defense. Exploit facts that seem impossible to believe, and use their ‘wisdom’ as prime time true crime show watchers, to their advantage.

Their jobs might not be as glamorous as on T.V. or in the movies, but criminal defense attorneys play a vital role in our countries judicial system. Remember, you are innocent until proven guilty in the court of law – and your lawyer will do everything in his power, to make sure that you get that chance.

 

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Captain Marvel – in Theaters on Friday

I have been watching the Captain Marvel countdown for well, a long time. My daughter literally has been counting down the days for over a year for the super all-powerful, bad arse super hero Captain Marvel movie to be released. (Seriously. We have Captain Marvel magazines, Funko Pops, t-shirts, hoodies, you name it, all over my house right now!)

I know there was a lot of speculation about this movie – about a female being cast as Captain Marvel – but I say more power to Marvel for going with a female lead. There were several Captain Marvel’s in the comic books, including a woman, so why not??

We have Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Black Panther, Hawkeye, The Hulk, Ant Man, Spiderman, Loki, Jarvis (am I missing anyone? ) and then we have Black Widow the only female. So adding Captain Marvel as a female lead character was a smart move in my book.

NOW about the movie itself –

Captain Marvel’s character is a little bit more scifi than your average Super Hero movie. Does that sound odd? I mean we have Thor a god with his magic hammer,  a man who gets mad and turns into a green monster – but the power and abilities that Captain Marvel have are far beyond the realm of super hero-ness that we are used to. Is it bad? no. Just different.

We get glimpses into Captain Marvel’s past – and how she came to be (which I personally could of used more of – but seems pretty typical for a Marvel movie) all while she’s trying to save the world. I feel there’s a lot more to her character than meets the eye, and I have a feeling we will see a lot more of that (and maybe some more history on Carol Danvers) in Avengers: Endgame.

Overall? I definitely give this movie 4 1/2 stars –  I LOVE that it was set in the 90’s before SHIELD really got its start; before any Avenger was discovered. We get the story behind Furry’s eye patch, and how Agent Coulson whom we all know and love, came to join the team.  Not to mention our favorite cat , Goose.

It’s action packed and definitely Avenger quality thrills – a movie you will definitely want to see on the big screen vs waiting for it to come out on DVD.

Check Captain Marvel out on Friday , March 8th at a theater near you!

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How to Manage Your Finances and Get Out of Debt with Lance Advisors

Did you know that the average American has over $6,000 in credit card debt? This doesn’t include mortgage, car, or personal loans! This can easily sink your financial future if you are consistently increasing your debt – and not your income. There are a few things you can do to manage your finances and get out of debt.

Create a Budget
Creating and sticking to a budget can be tough – but it pays off in the end (in more ways than one!) Budgeting will help give you clarity and transparency in your finances and help you manage your money.
This will help you pay off debt, and save for future expenses – it will help bring balance and peace of mind.

Cut Down Your Expenses
You would be surprised at the amount of money that just flies out of your account before you even touch it. Subscriptions to make-up, or book boxes, multiple music apps, a gym membership for a gym you haven’t been to in 9 months – there is a lot of ways you can save. Don’t forget to check with some of your monthly bill companies too – from your cell phone company, to your internet provider, and even your home and car insurance – you can find some ways to save without compromising service. Make a call! And remember, you get more bees with honey than vinegar!

Create an Emergency Fund
I know everyone says it , but its super important to have an emergency fund! One sickness, one lost job – can financially ruin someone living paycheck to paycheck. You have to be prepared for the worst (and hope for the best).

Consult a Professional 
Sometimes even if you have the best of intentions , you can make a mess of your finances and sometimes you need the help of a professional, like Lance Advisors, to help get you back on track.

Keep an Eye on Your Credit Report
Credit reports are an important factor of your life – from getting a loan, to getting a job, you need to know your creditworthiness. Be sure to review your credit report quarterly, and make sure that there aren’t any mistakes (an estimated 2-3% of reports contain errors that could effect your score). Remember, to keep a good credit score, keep your credit card balances low , work on paying off debt, and don’t be late – you can also consult the professionals at Lance Advisors to make sure you are on the right track.

Watch the Pros
As you know, knowledge is power. All the financial professionals and guru’s have started somewhere – they just learn, learn and learn, and educate themselves! Financial pros, (like those at Lance Advisors) can give you some much needed advice on how to manage your finances, and also maybe even inspire you with stories of their own (or their clients) to help keep you focused. Being able to effectively manage your money will make life flow much more smoothly, not to mention help lower your stress levels. Being well-organized will also save you time and save you

.

 

 

 

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Three Reasons Why It Is Completely Natural To Take Men’s Supplements

 

“What? You’re taking testosterone supplements? What are you, 70?”

“Protein Supplements are for dweebs. Real men grind until they drop.”

“Why take men’s supplements? Having trouble getting intimate? LOL”

I know that upon considering oral men’s supplements, your mind is filled with thoughts such as these. You keep on feeding yourself the world’s negativity; worried about whatever the heck other people will say when they find out. You even make the effort to search for supplement brands in an incognito browser – just in case someone else logs into your computer.

But come on, really? It’s 2019. It’s about time you learn how NOT to make a big deal out of other people’s opinion.

You see, people will always have an opinion. It doesn’t really matter what you do; they will always have something to say. So, as a piece of advice, you might want to live life the way you want to. They can keep clucking however they want. At the end of the day, you are making the most out of your time and they’re pretty much wasting their life on cringe-worthy gossip.

I’m telling you right here, right now: There is nothing wrong with taking men’s supplements, for whatever purpose it may be. A bit short on libido because of extreme stress and fatigue at work? Pop a tab or two. Having a hard time building those pecs because of a naturally small and thin body frame? Take some protein supplements. Becoming more forgetful even though you’re still in your twenties? Take a memory enhancing pill regularly.

You can practically do anything you want with your body as long as it’s safe and it’s not causing trouble for anybody else (Check out: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/305124.php). After all, you’re only looking out for your health. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being self-conscious. If it’s going to make you feel better and help you live happier, then do what your heart tells you to do. In fact, people who are more accepting and facilitative of their bodies’ needs accumulate less stress. They also bear fewer grudges with life!

Here are three perfectly good reasons why it’s completely natural to be taking men’s supplements:

They’re Supplements Not Magic

Taking supplements doesn’t make you any less of the man you are. They’re supplements, people. They’re not overnight miracle pills. A 6-pack gained with the help of protein supplements are still muscles gained from hard work. After all, drinking supplements doesn’t make you grow abs; going to the gym committedly, does. The work is still there; you just made the wiser choice of getting there faster. The same thing goes with intimacy. Taking testosterone supplements doesn’t mean you’re impotent or anything. Many factors contribute to erectile dysfunction. But whatever it is afflicting you; there is no need to give people the right to meddle with your business. You’re not supposed to make them happy; you’re supposed to make yourself and your partner happy.

Caring For Your Self Is A Good Thing

Men's Supplements

Self-love is a good thing, even if it manifests itself as self-consciousness. You have all the right to be conscious about how your body looks or how your manly parts function. It is your body and it is only natural for you to want to keep it in good shape. People’s scrutiny should play no part in your decision to take care of your body.

People Usually Gossip Out of Envy

One last thing: People will tell you off for doing something they couldn’t bring themselves to do for a very long time. They will tell stories; make it seem like what you’re doing is totally out of the question. But at the end of the day, they will envy you for having the guts to do that one thing they could never do. Gossipers are usually bothered with much insecurity. Badmouthing or putting other people down is probably a way for them to cope with their own cowardice nature. Like I said, don’t let these people get in your way. Live life unapologetically. Care for your body the way you want to. You’ll be sleeping soundly tonight; they won’t.

 

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