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5 common used car buying mistakes to avoid

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Used cars are more popular than ever and for many drivers it can be easy to see why! Brand new cars are still facing huge manufacturer delays and many drivers are opting for a second-hand car when they need a vehicle. Not only that but there are a huge choice and availability of used cars to take advantage of! If you’re buying your first car or haven’t had much experience with buying a second-hand car, these common used car mistakes can help you get the best deal possible. 

Why should you get a second-hand car? 

When you’re shopping for your next car, you may be debating whether to get a brand new or used car next. Here are the top reasons why used cars reign supreme for many drivers: 

  • Huge amount of choice and availability. 
  • You suffer less financial depreciation when buying used.
  • Lower purchase price than brand new cars. 
  • Options to finance used cars with affordable monthly payments.
  • Usually cheaper insurance rates are available for second-hand cars. 
  • Long new car warranties can be transferred with ownership which can benefit used car buyers. 
  • Some dealers can also offer servicing plans on used cars to help you budget better. 

Used car buying mistakes to avoid: 

1. Not doing your homework first. 

Car buying is one of the biggest purchases you will make in your life so it’s important it’s a good choice for you. Before you jump into buying a used car, you should firstly check out the market price of cars you like. This can help you to shop for cars within your budget and get an idea of how much your car will cost. Knowing the market is also key when it comes to negotiating with car dealers on the price of the vehicle. If you’re already aware of a similar car at a rival dealer with a lower price, it can help you to get a better price when negotiating. 

2. Solely focusing on the price. 

It’s no secret that UK drivers love a bargain! However, when it comes to buying a used car, cheaper may not always be better. You should stick to an affordable budget which you are comfortable with and if you’re looking to get finance for a used car, you will need to be able to meet the monthly payments on time and in full until the end of the term. Purchasing a used car is one thing but don’t forget to also consider the cost of insuring and running a car. It can be worth checking insurance rates for a car within your budget before you sign on the dotted line as you could end up with a car that is very costly. 

3. Only shopping for your car locally. 

Whilst getting your car locally from a trusted dealer is a time saving and easy way to get a vehicle, it isn’t your only option. The emergence of online car buying is growing in popularity and the knock-on effect of Covid-19 meant more drivers were looking at contact free buying. It can be worth shopping for cars online or using an online car finance broker to help sort your finance first and then shop for a car from a reputable dealer. Casting your net further afield could get you a better deal and many cars also come with free delivery across the UK! 

4. Not checking the history of a used car. 

The main drawback of buying a used car is that you aren’t the first owner of the vehicle and are in the dark about its previous history. When you buy a car from a private seller, you are having to take the sellers word for it and have to take the car at face value. Buying from a dealer can be safe as they will have their own checks in place to verify the condition of the car. You can also do your own history checks on a used car by entering the details on the Gov.uk website to find out it’s MOT status and also get access to the MOT history report to see if there are any previous faults you should be aware of. 

5. Feeling pressure to rush a decision. 

The availability of used cars means buyers have an endless amount of choice and don’t need to be rushed into the first car they see. Don’t give into any pushy salesmen and feel the need to decide on the spot. If the car doesn’t fit your lifestyle, isn’t fit for purpose, you can’t afford it or you simply don’t want it, you have the right to cancel the sale at any point before you buy it. If you’ve bought a car with a fault, you are covered under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 to return the car and get a full refund within 30 days of purchase.  

Michelle has been a part of the journey ever since Bigtime Daily started. As a strong learner and passionate writer, she contributes her editing skills for the news agency. She also jots down intellectual pieces from categories such as science and health.

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Lifestyle

How To Combine Astrology With Self-Care Rituals To Enhance Daily Living

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Self-care looks different for everyone. And it could look different day by day. Sometimes you just need meditation or journaling or a grounding ritual. Sometimes you need movement. Sometimes you need more rest. Have you ever wondered why it’s different day-by-day and why you can’t seem to “stick” to something?

Most of us know something about Western astrology, but have you ever heard of Vedic astrology (Jyotish)? Vedic astrology focuses on your moon sign (which may differ from your Western astrological chart), planetary transits, and Dasha period. These three areas shape how you feel, act, and process emotions every day. 

The time management app align27 doesn’t just focus on your typical horoscope. It gives you a personalized Vedic birth chart and a daily favorability forecast based on planetary influences. It uses a simple yet powerful stoplight system — green for favorable times, yellow for neutral, and red for moments when it’s best to slow down — to help you navigate each day with intention.

Why Vedic astrology and self-care go hand in hand

Ever have days where everything flows effortlessly and others where nothing seems to go right? That’s not random — it’s the influence of the planets at play. Vedic astrology teaches that planetary transits and periods, and the Moon’s placement each day all impact your energy. 

By understanding these influences, align27 customizes your self-care rituals to work with the planetary energies rather than against them. The result? A self-care routine that feels more natural, restorative, and in harmony with your personal astrology. 

How to align self-care with align27

1. Follow your moon sign for emotional well-being

In Vedic astrology, your Moon sign reveals how you process emotions, handle stress, and recharge. The align27 app provides real-time insights into your Moon sign’s current state, helping you plan self-care that supports your well-being.

  • Fire Moons (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius): align27 will highlight action-oriented times, which are perfect for movement-based self-care like yoga, walking, or a workout.
  • Earth Moons (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn): Your best self-care moments often fall during grounding planetary periods. The align27 app helps you time activities like cooking, gardening, or Ayurvedic oil massages.
  • Air Moons (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius): Mental stimulation is key for you. Use align27’s favorable green time slots to plan journaling, reading, or creative work.
  • Water Moons (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces): Emotional balance is crucial; align27 suggests introspective yellow periods during which self-care like meditation, breathwork, or music therapy can help you reset.

By checking your daily Moon sign insights in align27, you can sync your self-care with your emotional energy instead of forcing routines that don’t feel right.

2. Sync with planetary transits for daily rituals

Planetary movements in Vedic astrology directly influence your daily energy. Instead of following the same self-care routine every day, use the align27 app to check which planets are strongest and which ones need balancing.

  • Green periods: Ideal for action — schedule workouts, deep work, or personal projects. 
  • Yellow periods: Best for reflection — meditation, light reading, or connecting with loved ones.
  • Red periods: Time to pause — prioritize self-care, avoid big decisions, and rest.

For example:

  • If align27 shows a red period under Mercury’s influence, it’s a sign to unplug from tech and practice silence (Mauna) instead.
  • A green period during a Moon transit suggests a great time for emotional processing through journaling or spiritual rituals.
  • If Saturn is active, align27 might recommend structured self-care, like a disciplined yoga practice or fasting.

The daily timing feature of align27 takes the guesswork out of self-care, helping you plan around when the universe is actually working with you, not against you.

3. Use your Venus sign for beauty and self-love rituals

In Vedic astrology, Venus (Shukra) represents luxury, pleasure, and how you experience beauty. But your Venus sign in your birth chart tells you what kind of self-care truly nourishes your soul.

  • Venus in Fire Signs: You love bold, energizing self-care. Ayurvedic herbal treatments, bright colors, and invigorating scents like sandalwood or saffron uplift your energy.
  • Venus in Earth Signs: You prefer high-quality, natural self-care. Organic skincare, silk bedding, and nourishing food rituals align with your Venus energy.
  • Venus in Air Signs: You thrive on social and intellectual beauty. Try mantra recitation, decorating your space with art, or engaging in deep conversations.
  • Venus in Water Signs: You need emotionally fulfilling self-care. Essential oil baths, soft textures, and music therapy create a calming atmosphere.

4. Strengthen your planetary weaknesses through rituals

Each planet in your birth chart has strengths and weaknesses based on its placement. You can balance planetary imbalances through specific self-care rituals:

  • Weakened moon? Drink warm milk with cardamom, wear white, and meditate under the full Moon.
  • Struggling with Rahu energy? Reduce digital distractions, light camphor, and chant “Om Rahave Namah.”
  • Mars overactivity? Avoid spicy food, practice slow yoga, and wear cool colors like blue or white.

The align27 app personalizes these remedies based on your birth chart and daily planetary shifts.

Align your self-care with the stars

When you integrate Vedic astrology into your self-care routine, you’re not just following trends but tuning into the ancient wisdom of timing and energy alignment. Instead of forcing yourself into a one-size-fits-all self-care plan, you can create rituals that genuinely support you based on the cosmic influences at play.

With tools like align27, you can easily track your best days for rest, action, and reflection — making self-care effortless and aligned with the universe. Because taking care of yourself isn’t just about doing more — it’s about doing what’s right for you, at the right time. 

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