Indeed, you may now even be one of those men, with an interest in modifying or ‘tuning’ your vehicle – perhaps for improved performance, or even just to make it look better. But in much the same way as you had to work hard in those videogames to earn the money or ‘credits’ to be able to afford to modify your car, you also probably don’t have infinite funds in real life with which to make changes to your real-life vehicle.

So, what are the key financial aspects that any man should be thinking about when it comes to car modifications in 2020?

There can be very real knock-on impacts

Unfortunately, a lot of the conversation about the money implications of car modifications revolves around the idea that your insurance premiums could soar if you do modify your car.

And sadly, this isn’t a mere myth. As the specialists in modified car insurance at MoneyBeach explain, insurers often increase what they charge for cover when the applicant has a modified car.

One reason for this is the simple fact that it brings uncertainty to the insurer, which has no way of guaranteeing that a particular modification the driver has undertaken won’t compromise the vehicle’s integrity. Plus, in the UK, a modified vehicle doesn’t fit into any of the 50 ABI groups that insurers use to determine how much to quote for insurance.

In the UK, a modified vehicle doesn’t fit into any of the 50 ABI groups that insurers use to determine how much to quote for insurance.

Combine this with the greater statistical probability of performance-modified vehicles being involved in an accident, and the possibly higher likelihood of a vehicle with cosmetic modifications being stolen, and you can probably begin to understand why insurance for a modified car could be seriously bruising to your finances.

But all is not lost for cost-conscious car modifiers!

So far, then, the picture’s looking a little gloomy for men who aspire to live their childhood Gran Turismo car-tuning adventures for real, while still keeping their bank manager happy. However, believe it or not, there are some car modifications that might actually help your finances in the long run, instead of harming them.

Writing for the Investopedia website last year, for example, Jean Folger observed that there were certain changes one could make to a car that could be instrumental in reducing fuel costs, such as real-time engine monitoring, a vacuum gauge and grounding cables.

Meanwhile, the website of the Daily Express newspaper reported a few months ago that simply remapping a vehicle – the process of altering the engine’s computer that is used to control important road functions like fuel use and airflow – could save the owner money, due to improved fuel economy.

And the grand conclusion is…

In a nutshell, then, modifying your car doesn’t necessarily automatically spell disaster for your finances. As with so many other things, it’s important to carefully weigh up the costs and benefits that could arise from whatever specific modifications you may have in mind.

When you add to such a considerate approach a competitive insurance deal, perhaps obtained through a company that actually understands and empathises with the needs of owners of modified cars, you might well find that those dreams of car-tuning bliss aren’t out of your financial reach after all.

The post How car modifications affect men’s finances appeared first on Be Stylish!.

With rates of home ownership among millennial historically low, it’s possible that they’re the first generation that will find themselves bewildered when faced with your own property. Everything needs thought – from appliances, to decor, to what sort of floor you want. Unlike rented accommodation, your own home is a blank canvas – here’s how to paint the perfect picture.

Understanding cost

The first thing to note is that decoration can be expensive. According to housing advisers ForRent, the average person spends $8,176 on their first round of furnishings – and that’s just for an apartment. For a fully fitted house, the price can rise even further. For many, taking on a larger mortgage is the way forward, in order to protect savings. Or, further down the line, they will relinquish equity to receive a lump sum.

Plan your financing carefully 

However, try your utmost to be frugal when the money is in your pocket. Don’t feel your house needs to be all new; incredibly stylish and unique decorations can be gathered on the cheap, from thrift sales, or you can try your hand at woodwork and metalwork to create new creations from recycled materials.

Running the home

The key difference between owning a home or renting one is equity. With a house, you own every last bit that your mortgage allows, unless you bought outright, whereas renting does not gain you any equity. On the flip side, repairs are entirely your responsibility in an owned property as opposed to a rental. There are also associated bills that come with certain properties that are often subsumed in rent payments; things like grounds maintenance and leasehold.

With a house, you own every last bit that your mortgage allows, unless you bought outright, whereas renting does not gain you any equity.

Making the home your own

Once you’ve got a handle on the running of a home, look to make it your own. A house should be lived in, and reflect your own style. What do you want to go for? Modern looks benefit from clean lines, monochromatic colors, and the use of reflective, glossy surfaces; conversely, the classic cigar-and-whiskey look of old school social clubs requires dark work, brass and opulent red fabric. There’s no limits on what you can do, and as long as you’re comfortable – that’s all that matters.

Forbes have produced a comprehensive guide on Christmas stylings that can act as a foundation for your home. Think closely about what colors work together, what fabrics and textures you want around the home. Most importantly, think about how it relates to your personality.

For the typically house-less millennial, the first home can be a daunting experience. Grab the bull by the horns. Take control of your financial situation, draw up budgets and contingencies; and then get creative. Let your inner you control your home.

Take control of your financial situation, draw up budgets and contingencies; and then get creative.

The post You’re A Millennial With Your First Home…Now What?  appeared first on Be Stylish!.

Bitcoin is winning over new converts every day.

For those who like the appeal of playing online bingo games or other types of virtual casino fun, Bitcoin casinos offer a great way for players to start dipping their toes into the world of cryptocurrency and you may make a bit more profit in the exchange rates by using Bitcoin instead of cash.

The Growth of Bitcoin in Casino Gambling

Bitcoin was created following the currency market crash of 2007 and 2008 as a decentralized currency. In spite of a few hurdles it has encountered from some currency regulating bodies such as the Federal Reserve over the past few years, it is becoming increasingly accepted by businesses and governments as a viable means of exchange. Because Bitcoin allows users to pay each other without going through a bank, it has become a very popular mode of payment for online casinos, too. As of this writing, there are well over 100 online casinos that feature payments and deposits using Bitcoin.

Casinos Hedging Their Bets by Accepting Bitcoin

Because Bitcoin is being accepted around the world, it can overcome some of the problems that come when exchanging types of currency between countries. For online casinos that offer gambling in several different countries, Bitcoin affords them the means to ensure that their visitors can gamble easily and conveniently. All transactions are made privately and because there are a number of safeguards in place to protect Bitcoin funds, there is a higher amount of security and safety to both the user and the casino. Industry experts feel that from 2018 onward more online casinos will be accepting Bitcoin than those that which don’t.

Bitcoin transaction fees are also much lower than what many banks charge. Many Bitcoin enthusiasts appreciate the fact that their funds cannot be frozen, they do not need to be converted into other currencies and are able to be used in any country in the world, Bitcoins are kept in a digital wallet on your computer or smartphone. That means that if you love to play money bingo, for example, you may well end up being ahead when you deposit funds and when you win because any fees will be all but eliminated.

Casinos are especially enthusiastic about offering Bitcoin because the costs of transactions are significantly lowered. Some, however, may hesitate to offer it based on Bitcoin’s short term volatility and how this may affect how they maintain their casino accounts. In the long run, however, Bitcoin has been increasing in value giving casino owners long-term stability.

Casinos are especially enthusiastic about offering Bitcoin because the costs of transactions are significantly lowered.

Because the Internet reaches every country on the globe, laws within the United States, the UK, and elsewhere in the world are changing to embrace the promise of Bitcoin and still be able to ensure that proper taxes are collected, especially since it is projected that online gambling operations are expected to increase by at least 10% annually. Casinos that offer the option to play and be paid with Bitcoin may see even higher rates of return and growth. Even if you are new to the world of Bitcoin, that’s the kind of success you can bet on!

The post Bitcoin Casinos – The Latest Gaming Trend? appeared first on Be Stylish!.

While there’s nothing wrong with marketing, I advise you to order clonazepam you’re buying off the Internet.

Most of these guys do dress a little above average at best. This is by far not enough to make lasting impressions with women. It’s not even close the the outfits that I recommend, which are edgy yet not too far-fetched.

So here’s how to spot these bloggers. Take a look on their websites. Can you see clear photos of them and their outfits?

If the photos are small or blurry, you’re about to fall into a trap.

Secondly, look at the quality of the articles. Do they seem like they know what they’re saying or is their advice too general?

Make a thorough analysis of their blog before purchasing some of these ebooks and make sure they stand behind their products.

Thirdly, look at proof that they interact with their readers. Once you purchase you might need help from them. The “ask a question” section on my website is a sign that the style expert knows his stuff.

Also, look at social signals. If the articles have no Facebook likes ad no comments, you should probably put a comment yourself to see the kind of engagement the website owner has with his readers.

One last thing you want to look for on these blogs and on the presentation pages of their products is the level of the outfits.

Dressing with a white shirt and blue jeans, even if they fit well, just won’t cut it anymore. A style expert needs to know more than that and he or she has to prove it by showing and talking about more complex outfits. This way you won’t be limited to simple outfits and you’ll know for sure that he or she can guide you to finding your own sense of style

The post Warning: Beware of Dubious Style Websites appeared first on Be Stylish!.

A lot of men neglect this iconic piece of menswear because it’s not something that’s visible all the time. You only get to see it for a few seconds while you take it out to pay for something.

But here’s the thing: you do need one, it does show, so why not chose a good one?

Before we continue, a word of advice. If you don’t yet have a solid basic wardrobe, it’s probably not the best time for you to consider a new wallet. Shoes and clothes come first, accessories come later. Taking care of the details is something you do only after you have at least 4-5 shirts, 4-5 pairs of shoes and the critical accessories, such as socks, belts and scarves.

If you already have all those clothing items, picture this:

What impression would a man (or a woman) make if they showed up really well dressed then, at some point, they took out an old, deteriorated wallet?

Not a particularly good one, right?

So here’s the first rule when it comes to wallets: never wear one that’s not in top shape. Any wallet will deteriorate in time, some sooner than others. So do me a favor. Take a look at your wallet right now and tell me (honestly) whether it deserves to be replaced or not.

And if there’s a little voice in your head that’s telling you it’s okay, it’s still wearable, I recommend that you throw your wallet away and go shopping for a new one ASAP.

So which wallets are best?

One word (for now): leather.

And how can you tell a good leather wallet from a bad one: just by looking at it and feeling it.

This is actually no different than buying shoes. A quality shoe is obvious to spot. Cheap ones have a cheap feel, with less shine and a thinner, even cardboard-like feel.

It’s the same with wallets. Take your time, go through more than one store and avoid really cheap stores that may have them such as supermarkets. You don’t buy a quality wallet from the same place where you buy your groceries.

Got your first wallet? Great, how about a second one?

It’s no secret that the more your rotate your clothes and accessories, the more you increase their life span.

Now think about your wallet for a minute. If you keep it in your back pocket all day long, you can imagine what you do to it every time you sit down. Wearing one every other day will give it some breathing time. Plus, there’s another reason to rotate…

Matching your wallets to your outfits

A few of my readers were surprised when I told them, a while back, that I actually have to wallets, one black and one brown. When I wear a black-based outfit, I wear the black one. When I wear a brown-based outfit, I wear the other one.

This means, of course, that I have to constantly move my IDs and money from one to the other. But it’s not that painful, once you get used to it. It’s just a habit and, in time, you’ll get used to it.

It takes me less than 10 seconds now to do the switch. Another thing that I do is to make sure I keep small amounts of money in each of them, just in case I run out. But that’s not really a problem, anyway.

So how DO you match your wallet?

The first and easiest match is with the shoes and belt. This rule, derived from the formal style, is a must-know for anyone serious about the way he dresses.

You can take things one step further, of course, by buying a matching umbrella, messenger bag, phone case or even a tablet case.

Here’s how you would match a black belt at a basic level. black shoes, gray

Now, when you’re dealing with brown shoes and a brown belt, you absolutely need a brown wallet. Don’t even think about getting a black one.

I know it can be hard to find the exact shade of brown to do the match so if you find a shade that’s close enough, it’s ok to go with it.

When it comes to casual outfits, things are a little different. The shades of black or brown can be different and still work. Heck, you don’t even have to match your wallet with your shoes. You might as well match them with your tie, for instance.

Colors

Unfortunately we’re a little limited when it comes to wallet color options, unless you’re willing to search beyond what malls have to offer you on the Internet.

Black and brown are easy to find, gray is a little harder, but what if you want something else?

Since the wallet you choose isn’t dependent on your body type, but rather your preferences, you can go ahead and buy them off on the Internet (contrary to my advice of never buying clothes online).

This means you can find some extremely interesting wallets, such as this one, with a leopard skin:

source: și nsutjongdro.tumblr.com/

You can, of course, find something more wearable, such as this one from Fossil:

photo: www.fossil.co.uk

And if you’re a fan of patterns, you can try this tartan wallet, made from a combination of cotton, leather and polyester:

The alternative

Although I’ve seen this accessory on many style websites, I’m not really a fan of it. I’m talking about the money clip. Here it is:

The reason I don’t really like it is simple: when you take it out, your money will show off and that’s not something a gentleman would look good doing. But if you’re, say, into bling-bling and hip-hop (I love the music, don’t get me wrong), then this accessory might be just what you need.

What do you think: money clip or wallet?

The post Attention To Detail: The Wallet appeared first on Be Stylish!.

The first reason is, of course, its quality. With Rolex, you really get what you pay for. Sure, there are lots of cheaper alternatives out there but if you’re not really sure which one to buy AND you have the money, a Rolex will never let you down.

The second reason is the history behind it. You see, it’s not just the name, Rolex. It’s also about WHO wore it.

Spotted below is captain Jacques Cousteau wearing one:

Here’s James Bond wearing it (the submariner has appeared in 11 Bond movies):

photo: thenewtraditionalists.com

And how about Che Guevarra?

photo: stylereport.ro

A Rolex is a Rolex but just what makes the Submariner so unique?

The Submariner is designed first and foremost for sea lovers. It was the first watch guaranteed to work to a depth of 330 feet (or 100 meters), which was quite an accomplishment for sea lovers and swimmers back in 1953.

The ceramic bezel on this watch is not only extremely resistant, but also very stylish, as it comes in a variety of colors. Hint: you can match these with some other color in your outfit or you can leave it as a subtle drop of color in a monochromatic one.

Bottom line

If you can afford it, the Rolex Submariner is a great way to show elegance, power and good taste in accessories. It’s preferable that you have some sort of a connection with the sea or with swimming if you’re going to get one for yourself, though… because the Submariner is all about that. If you don’t, there’s always another Rolex to fit your needs.

The post The Rolex Submariner: Not Just A Watch But A Piece of History appeared first on Be Stylish!.

That’s right. Even though I run one of the best men’s style advice blogs, this doesn’t mean that I can go into malls to get whatever I want, whenever I want,for whatever price they’re asking.

Just like my style students, I keep in mind and apply dozens of principles that allow me to save lots of money, spend less time shopping and get higher quality clothes.

In a few moments you’ll know the most important tips for shopping on a budget as well… and now you have NO excuse not to dress stylishly.

Do you ever take flyers from pretty girls? Do you pay attention to commercials that announce huge discounts? Do you notice those big billboards with special offers?

If you do, you know for sure that, when you start paying attention when companies communicate with you, you start saving. The more you’re focused on it, the more quality deals you get, and you save even more $$$.

Think about it: you can save 50% on mens Hugo Boss Orange shirts or 70% on Ralph lauren trainers. Instead of window shopping them, you could actually have them, provided that you pay attention to what follows.

Welome to the world of smart shopping. The collection of tips that I’m about to give you is worth its value in gold. Here it is.

1. Make a list of ALL the outlets in your town. Ways you can find out about them include:

– searching the web

– asking your friends (especially female friends)

– paying attention to the stores you pass by downtown. One of them could be an outlet

Don’t wait for the list to grow too big before you start visiting them. You need to know right away if an outlet is either a good resource, or if it has crappy clothes in which case you can just delete it from your list.

2. Start saving money for the big discount periods.

Twice a year, clothing retailers are emptying their stock to make room for the new collections. January, February, August and September of each year can offer you discounts of up to 75%… wherever you live in the world.

3. Never Ever Miss Black Friday

Black Friday is the day following Thanksgiving Day but it recently got popular in other countries besides USA. This particular day signals the beginning of the Christmas shopping season and retailers (not just in clothing) offer huge discounts.

This is your chance to buy as much as you can. Pay attention to other details such as fabric and fit, like I taught you.

4. When You Can, Buy Online

I don’t recommend that you buy your clothes online but things change when it comes to some accessories.

You can find better deals online for cufflinks, ties, bow ties, ascot ties, belts, pendants, casual rings, leather bracelets and so on.

Furthermore, because online shops have fewer costs, many of them are willing to offer personalized clothing. That’s something you just can’t get in a brick-and-mortar store.

But there’s one other thing that you can buy online for a MUCH better price than that from retail stores. Furthermore, this one thing will be exactly what you’re looking for, you’ll never return it.

Know what it is? One word: perfumes.

Here’s how you buy the right perfume on a budget. First you go to any big perfume retail store and you try on lots and lots of perfumes.Then, you order your favorite one online.

Easy, right?

Wow, I can’t believe I gave away so much free shopping tips! But no worries, I have a lot more great tips in my Be Stylish ™ Package.

All YOU have to do is apply them. Who knows, you might even be lucky enough to get an amazing deal on mens rolex watches from David M Robinson.

And, if you have some tips on shopping on a budget, do add them through a comment below and let’s make this page the best resource for men’s shopping on a budget on the Internet.

The post How To Dress Well On A Budget appeared first on Be Stylish!.

Whatever decisions you take in your business is up to you but what I’m going to do is make sure you look sharp in those business meetings.

It’s my job as an image consultant to give you both the good and the bad news: the fashion rules of business have changed!

You need every extra edge you can get to seal the deal and make more money. That’s why I want you, I urge you to dress 5 times better than your potential partner.

This is no time to “not give a damn”: the better dressed you are, the richer you will appear. So let’s take a look at some of my best tricks that will SCREAM to others that you’re the next Donald Trump.

1. Wear a pocket square!

Wearing a suit just won’t do it anymore. Look, if you want to be perceived as the next billionaire, if you want people to KNOW that they can make money with you, you have to show you’re willing to step out of the crowd.

And what better way to do than than to wear a pocket square?

Think about it: you’ll still wear your suits and, at the same time, you get to show “you’ve got it”.

Pocket squares have been worn with suits ever since the beginning of the 20th century and they’re STILL fashionable. Even more, men have started wearing them with casual outfits.

I see absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t get one or ever a set of 3.

2. Try a pair of brown shoes!

Black leather shoes are great but brown is the new black. You’re not like most men – you want to dress to stand out. A pair of brown shoes will make the world of difference. Just make sure you match them with a brown belt.

3. Wear cufflinks!

One accessory that’s less visible than the pocket square (but can make an even greater impact!) are cufflinks. For this you’ll need a shirt with a french cuff but trust me, it’s well worth the money.

Match the buttons with your eyes if you have them blue or green – the effect is amazing.

4. Get a stylish messenger bag

Don’t be like the next businessman with your black leather suit case that screams “I’m a geek outside the office too!” Get a nice messenger men’s bag with a stylish shape. Make sure it’s big enough, though, to be able to contain all your papers.

5. Go for a gray suit

If you don’t want to switch black shoes for brown, how about your black suit for gray? Even better, wear your new gray suit WITH your brown shoes.

Gray is versatile and communicates class. It can also be matched with both black shoes and brown shoes.

6. Wear a trench coat

Trench coats are THE #1 solution for your suit on rainy days. They’re fashionable, they’re versatile and they look good.

7. Get a pair of tortoise shell sunglasses

If you’re tired of your RayBan or Wayfarer sunglasses, how about a tortoise shell? You’ll definitely make an impression.

The post The New Rules Of Business Clothing appeared first on Be Stylish!.

I’ve tried many times to explain my friends what these steps are but they usually don’t listen. On the other hand I have people who pay me to hear these precious info. Strange, huh?

What most men do is the go in to one or two stores and then buy something quickly just get it over with. In some cases they end up getting something that’s identical to what they’re already wearing. HAAH. I’ve stopped making fun of them.

I remember I once read something VERY interesting about Albert Einstein (I don’t know if it’s a myth or not). They say he used to wear the exact same outfits each time. He had the same shirts (in the exact same color), same trousers, same shoes, same socks.

Obviously I have nothing but respect for the man, I used to love maths when I was a kid. But I can’t say I’m a fan of his attitude towards style. The lack of interest towards style and your social life go hand in hand don’t they?

What I’m trying to say is this: each time you buy a piece of clothing, I want to make sure you’re making a great investment.
Instead of choosing clothes that don’t fit you, I want you to choose clothes that flatter you and your body type.
Instead of buying clothes that are expensive I want you to buy clothes that match each other to form outstanding outfits.

So what are the actual steps?

1. First of all you need to look into your closet and see what you already have. Since your goal is to have as many great combinations of clothes as possible, you need to check what items you already have.

2. Choose one or two of your BEST clothes. You will wear them on your next shopping trip because you will have to find new clothes that match the ones you already have. Pick an almost complete outfit. In fact, you can choose your best combination you can make with what you already have MINUS one item. This missing item is the one you will eventually buy.

For instance, you may have a great pair of jeans, some nice shoes, a great shirt and you’re missing a vest. To make sure you get the right vest that would go with this outfit, you have to wear the outfit when you’re going through the store to try different vests. Easy, right?

3. When you go shopping, try on as many clothes as possible. I’m talking about the “missing item type” of course (could be the vest or something else). Resist the temptation to purchase something quickly.

4. If you don’t find anything good you don’t have to buy something that you’re not 100% convinced it’s what you want. Go back to the mall next week or go to other malls or stores. If you do find what you’re looking for, get it.

5. In the meantime, make mental notes of other clothes you notice and like but don’t waste time trying them on. You’re busy finding your “missing item” which takes a lot of time as it is. This way you’ll make mental notes of where to find clothes that you like, which can save you time in the future.

SImple, no? I hope you put my method to use and come back with some good results.

The post How to Buy The Right Clothes appeared first on Be Stylish!.

What brand is it?

How much did it cost?

Quality didn’t matter for these guys, just the price. They automatically associate expensive clothes with quality clothes, and they end up spending gazillion dollars on some fancy polo shirt that took $2 to make by some poor Chinese kid.

Next thing you know, you end up spending lots of money just so you win the approval of your peers. It’s only natural, when all you have is your peers’ opinions to learn from…

News flash: you can look GREAT in less expensive clothes.

Why? Three reasons:

1. The way clothes fit you can make an impact over those around you. If something is too big or too small for you, people will notice and you will feel very uncomfortable.
2. An outfit that matches is worth more than each individual piece of clothing. Even if you’re wearing a designer label, if the rest of your outfit is not at the same standard.. you WILL look ridiculous.
3. The quality of the material and the stitching DO matter. You just know when a blouse is good quality. There are plenty of non-designer clothes that look great. Don’t buy the label, buy the product.

I bet you would have liked to know about this a few years back, eh? Just think about the amount of money you could have saved..

So what can YOU do to make sure you pick the right clothes?

For starters, get over this thing about buying expensive designer clothes to impress people. Instead, impress them by choosing clothes that flatter your skin complexion and that match each other.

Choose accessories to show your personality. Belts, ties, rings, scarves, buttons, hats, pendants, pocket squares – you have plenty of choices. (I talk a lot about each and every one of them in my e-book www.bestylish.org/ebook.)

Lastly, do you know what separates a quality item of clothing from an inferior one? Take a wild guess…

It’s the fabric.

Fabrics like silk, linen and cotton are great, while polyester and synthetic fibers, while they are cheaper, will probably not last longer. The higher the percentage of quality fabric in a piece of clothing, the longer it will last.

Don’t delay. Start building your wardrobe NOW.

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