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When it comes to investing in yourself, one of the most easiest and convenient ways is by contributing to a 401(k).
If you’re familiar with it, this article is going to be a wonderful refresher. If not, then we’ll educate you on what you need to know about a 401(k) and why it’s a smart investment.
What Is A 401(k)? And How Does It Work?
A 401(k) is a retirement plan that allows you to contribute pre-tax dollars. It is typically sponsored by your employer.
With most money transactions, the government adds a tax to whatever you do. But that’s not the case with a 401(k).
The plan allows employees to save and invest a portion of their paycheck. A 401(k) is a way for you to get more bang for buck because the contribution is untaxed.
However, when you make a withdrawal, you will then be taxed! But more on that later…
When Did 401(k) Plans Start?
The 401(k) originated in the late 1970s. That’s when the U.S. Congress enacted the Revenue Act of 1978, which included Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Section 401(k) stipulated that workers could defer taxes on compensation.
If You Leave Your Job, What Happens To Your 401(K)?
One of the most-asked questions is, “What happens to my 401(k) when I leave my job?” When this happens, you have some options:
- You may be permitted to keep the money with your old company, although you’re allowed to move it without being penalized by paying income taxes.
- You can “roll” your money to an IRA, (called a rollover IRA), which can be done by a banking institution of your choice.
- You could take a “lump sum distribution,” which means you can cash out. If you do this, you will be hit with steep “early withdrawal fee,” perhaps as high as 10% (those age 59.5 and up are exempt).
Where Does Your Money Go In A 401(K) Plan?
A 401(k) can be viewed as a savings account, but it is more or less an investment account. There are three entities that operate your investment account. They are either:
- A brokerage firm
- A bank
- An investment firm
Which ever one you choose, your money will usually get invested in mutual funds, stocks and bonds.
he money will be invested for your retirement, usually in your choice of a variety of mutual funds.
What Is A Traditional IRA vs. Roth IRA?
The primary difference between a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA is that a Roth IRA allows you to pay taxes immediately on your contributions.
This has several benefits, including the fact that you won’t be saddled with them when you retire on a fixed income.
Should You Open A 401(K)?
You should definitely open a 401(K) and the earlier the better. By some estimates, if you open a 401(k) with your employer when you’re 22 years old, you’ll have a $1 million in it by the time you retire.
If your employer matches your contribution (not all companies do), you’re in even better shape to fund your future retirement.
I hope this has been helpful so that you can see the benefits of a 401(k). If you have questions, let me know in the comments.
Interested in other ways to save or make money? Check out our Money Section:
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Funkfest 2020 is happening in Atlanta on Friday, May 29 and Saturday, May 30 at The Home Depot Backyard located in the shadow of Mercedez-Benz Stadium.
Funkfest is a U.S. tour that brings some of the music scene’s best acts from the 1990s and early 2000s to the stage.
Funkfest 2020: Atlanta Music Lineup
Here is some of the music lineup we know about so far:
- Bobby V.
- Ludacris
- Lil Kim
- Missy Elliot
- Rapsody
- T.I.
- The Dream
- Trina
- Tweet
- Young Bloodz
- Xscape
No outside food and beverages (including alcohol) are permitted inside the venue.
The following items are NOT permitted inside the venue and will be confiscated at the gate:
- Outside food and beverages
- Tents
- Grills
- Video recorders
- Coolers
- Pets (except as aids to persons with disabilities)
- Motor homes or RV’s and golf umbrellas
- No purses or book-bags will be allowed (except women’s wristlets)
There are so many Atlanta events popping off every week it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest gatherings, Atlanta happenings, parties and more delivered to your inbox.
Things to do in Atlanta on a weekly basis can range from going golfing mid-week to checking out the latest restaurant openings. At AtlantaFi.com, we curate the city for you!
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Of course, you’re familiar with Making the Band, the reality TV show that has developed a cult following 20+ years since it last aired on MTV.
Now, Viacom is rebooting Making the Band, and they’re casting in Atlanta. The idea behind the show is that Sean “Diddy” Combs and his team are once again trying to come up with the “ultimate new musical group.”
Making The Band Atlanta: Here’s How To Apply
Despite his name recognition, Diddy is not as involved as he was previously, but his three sons are up to the task.
Eligibility Requirements
Among other rules, here are some of the main requirements:
- You must be at least 18 years of age
- You must be a U.S. citizen, a legal permanent U.S. resident, or possess the appropriate U.S. employment authorization
- You are not currently a candidate for public office
- If chosen to move on, you will be required to reside for a while in Los Angeles (although the city may change)
- You are currently not a party to a music publishing contract or any obligation that would hinder endorsement, merchandising or promotion.
How To Audition For Making the Band 2
To audition for Making the Band, you’ll need the following:
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- Submit an online “audition” to MakingTheBandCasting.com
- Pick a Song: Select from the list of songs on the Site that are permitted as audition songs (the “Approved Songs”). Only performances of Approved Songs will be considered and failure to comply may result in your submission being disregarded.
- Record and Upload your Performance: Record yourself singing one (1) of the Approved Songs (your “Video Audition”), with backing track, or beats and follow the submission instructions to upload your video.
Final Words
Auditions will remain open until March 22, 2020 (the “Submission Deadline”). The Submission Deadline may be changed in Producer’s sole discretion, so you should continue to check the Site for any updates.
Atlanta has become a movie mecca in recent years and Georgia has been a favorite location for TV productions since the state instituted generous tax breaks for film companies that agree to shoot locally. Projects from CBS, NBC, HBO, BET and more are slated to shoot in the metro area in 2018-19 and the foreseeable future.
There are so many movies filmed in Atlanta these days that it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest movie casting calls, celeb sightings and Atlanta happenings delivered to your inbox.Want to work in Georgia film & TV? Here are the latest Atlanta casting calls
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Casi Cielo, the Sandy Springs restaurant inspired by Oaxacan roots, will now be open for brunch on Sundays.
The eatery will search brunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. starting on March 15, 2020.
Casi Cielo Opening For Brunch Starting In March 2020
Casi Cielo brunch will continue with Chef Juan Ruiz’s elevated dishes paired with seasonal cocktails.
During the week, the restaurant will continue to serve such hits as sous-vide and charcoal baked octopus and lobster, charcoal rice, Mexican foie-gras meatballs with tenderloin tartar.
Where Is Casi Cielo Located?
Casi Cielo is located at 6125 Roswell Rd #200, Atlanta, GA 30328. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Is brunch your thing? Here are some of the best brunches restaurants in Atlanta.
Up Next: Best Brunch Restaurants In Atlanta
Only in Atlanta can the casual observer find specialty food shops, off-the-beaten-path restaurants, farmers’ markets and farm stands all at an affordable price point.
But Atlanta also has trendy restaurants, pop-ups and time-tested landmarks that continue to draw big crowds.
Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?
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Slim and Husky’s pizza is opening its second metro Atlanta restaurant, this time in Adair Park, Atlantafi.com has learned. The Nashville-based chain is having a grand opening celebration on March 21 from 12 to 4 p.m., the eatery announced.
The eatery opened its first Atlanta location (Howell Mill Road) in 2019.
What’s On The Menu At Slim & Husky’s Pizza Beeria?
Where is Slim & Husky’s In Adair Park?
The Adair Park location of Slim & Husky’s is at 581 Metropolitan Pkwy SW Atlanta, GA 30310. Here’s a map to help you find it.
The best restaurants on the Beltline all have excellent customer service and food. What separates them from many of the other spots is that they’re on the urban playground called the Beltline.
The ATL has other cool eateries as well. If you’re gluten-free, there’s plenty of options. Same goes for keto-friendly restaurants or Asian fare in Atlanta.
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The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival is set to return to the city on May 28-31. This year the event will be celebrating its 10th anniversary.On tap will be a smorgasbord of activities paying homage to the very best of the Southern palette.
Atlanta Food & Wine Festival 2020: Everything You Want To Know
If you’re a foodie or are just a person interested in the culinary arts, this is a must-attend event! Attendees will be able to enjoy immersive Learning Experiences, Tasting Tents, curated dinners and more.
The festival this year will feature some of the best chefs, sommeliers and mixologists in the South, including Atlanta restaurateurs Chris Wilkins (Root Baking Co.) and Ron Hsu (Lazy Betty) and other James Beard Foundation Semifinalists.
Also on hand will be:- Sara Bradley (Kentucky)
- Brad Deboy (DC)
- Paul Taylor (DC)
- Matt Tunstall (SC)
- Brian Noyes (VA)
- Neal Bodenheimer (LA)
- Todd Thrasher (DC)
- Eric Crane, CWE (GA)
- Kevin Ouzts (GA)
- Chris Lilly (AL)
- Matt Lee and Ted Lee (SC)
- Mark Abernathy (AR)
- Todd Richards (GA)
- Miles Macquarrie (GA)
- Steven Satterfield (GA)
- David Guas (VA)
When Is The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival 2020?
The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival is Thursday, May 28 to Sunday, 31, 2020.
The festival is being produced by co-founder Elizabeth Feichter along with Agency 21 Consulting.
“Ten years is quite a landmark year for us. We want to honor and include themes from previous years while also looking forward to the culinary trends of the future. As always, we love to explore new flavors, dishes, and ingredients from unexpected places across the region, and this year will be no different,” says Feichter. “This year’s celebration offers a refreshed structure for the Festival itself, shifting away from an Advisory Council and offering even more ways for all talent to contribute and be celebrated than ever before.”
How To Get Tickets
Tickets can be purchased at atlantafoodandwinefestival.com.
At this point, Atlanta cuisine has become indispensable to the South. The largest city in Georgia’s food festivals and culinary events set the tone for the entire Southeast.
Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?
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R&B singer Usher Raymond was back to form recently at a performance at Crickets in Atlanta. The OMG singer gave a small group of fans a sneak peek of a verse from Confessions 3, a new song he’s worked with Jermaine Dupri on.
Usher’s Confessions album sold over 10.3 million copies in the US and over 15 million copies across the world.
Watch: Usher Sings Confessions 3 In Atlanta Restaurant
The new Confessions 3 verse caused widespread speculation online, with people tweeting whether Usher was talking about a new flame, giving a woman an STD or something else.
But Dupri, who largely wrote the original Confessions song based on his own love life, went to Twitter to set the matter straight.
“I see y’all trippin,” JD posted. “CONFESSIONS PART 3 is from a females perspective The song is about a girl cheatin’ on him and gettin’ pregnant by another man. She is then being stuck with the decision to keep or abort it. Now that he knows, Should he stay or Leave ???
In 2020, it’s hard to believe just how huge the Confessions album was in 2004.
- The record was the top-selling album in 2004
- The album was credited with reviving album sales across the U.S.
- The New York Times dubbed 2004 “The Year of Usher”
Listen to Usher sing (WARNING: Language) a controversial verse of Confessions 3:
Usher debuts a brand new record live with his first performance of Confessions part lll. pic.twitter.com/lA2pWSfs8B
— TheRnBHub (@TheRnBHub) February 25, 2020
There are so many Atlanta events popping off every week it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest gatherings, Atlanta happenings, parties and more delivered to your inbox.
Things to do in Atlanta on a weekly basis can range from going golfing mid-week to checking out the latest restaurant openings. At AtlantaFi.com, we curate the city for you!
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Cremalosa, a gelato shop, recently opened in Decatur. The shop comes to us from acclaimed Atlanta food writer Meridith Ford.
Cremalosa offers made-from-scratch gelato curated from locally sourced ingredients honed in age-old Italian techniques.
Cremalosa Gelato Opens In Decatur
Customers can expect a dozen flavors of gelato made from a Cattabriga gelato machine imported from Italy.
They’ll also serve layer cakes and popsicles, Cremalosa will also serve boozy shakes (like “The Elvis,” with banana pudding gelato, peanut butter, bourbon whiskey, vanilla wafers, whipped cream and bacon), adult affogatos, canned beer and wine by the glass or bottle.
The Decatur shop also sells to restaurants, grocers and other vendors around the state.
Where Is Cremalosa Located?
Cremalosa has opened shop at 2657 E. College Avenue in Decatur. Here’s a map to help you find it.
You can find the shop on the plaza level of Cortland Decatur East, a new mixed-use development on East College Avenue.
“Cremalosa is the culmination of many years of big dreams, gelato-making research, practice and lots of love,” says Ford. “I’m thrilled to share a new take on gelato with our neighbors in Decatur.”
Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?
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You already know Atlanta is a haven for businesswomen, but the news gets even better. According to a new report from loan site LendingTree, Atlanta is among the top cities for small businesses.
The site commissioned an online survey of 1,281 Americans from Jan. 2-10, 2020 to come up with the findings, which show that Atlanta ranks #6 among top cities for small businesses.
Top 10 Places for New Small Businesses
Here are the top 10 cities, according to LendingTree.Rank
Metro
% of Businesses 5
Yrs Old or
Younger% of
Businesses
Profitable% of Businesses
with Revenue Less
than $1M% of Firms with
Less than 250
EmployeesIndex
1
Seattle
34.4%
70.9%
70.3%
95.6%
100
2
Denver
35.7%
69.4%
70.8%
94.9%
97.46
3
Tampa, Fla.
35.4%
64.9%
74.1%
95.8%
95.76
4
Miami
39.2%
61.0%
76.7%
97.9%
92.37
5
Portland, Ore.
33.1%
69.8%
69.2%
95.5%
88.98
6
Atlanta
35.5%
66.6%
70.2%
95.2%
88.14
7
Orlando, Fla.
38.6%
64.7%
74.0%
94.6%
86.44
8
Los Angeles
36.3%
62.9%
69.6%
98.0%
83.9
9
New York
35.7%
57.4%
72.1%
98.6%
81.36
10
Minneapolis
27.9%
69.1%
69.6%
95.9%
79.66
See the full report HERE.
Is Atlanta A Good Place To Start A Business?
With a diverse economy, strong population growth and higher than average cost of living, Atlanta is a very good place to start a business.
When it comes to doing business, Atlanta has one of the lowest costs of doing business in the country, considering its size.The state of Georgia also provides a bevy of incentives to high-profile sectors such as the film industry and more.
Interested in other ways to save or make money? Check out our Money Section:
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As a sports fan that enjoys good grub, you can’t stop your appetite. You can only hope to contain it. That being the case, Atlanta United games are guaranteed to be the hottest sports ticket in town for 2019. And that was even before they won the MLS Championship.
But not everyone can get inside Merc-Benz. That’s where Atlanta’s sports bars and restaurants come in.
Here Are The Best Atlanta Bars To Watch Atlanta United Games
For those who still want to enjoy the game, there are some Atlanta restaurants with big screens to watch the matches on. Not only are the TVs on point, but the food is magnique!
Here is a list of restaurants where you can catch some good food and watch the Atlanta United FC on the screen:
Sweetwater Brewing Company
195 Ottley Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30324 | (404) 691-2537
Sweetwater Brewing Company is a craft brewery with a taproom made for enjoying a beer while watching an Atlanta sports team. Sweetwater is one of the most popular spots in Midtown Atlanta to grab a cold one. Large TVs in the Taproom make it a must-visit bar for watch parties and more.
UTD Watch Party: Friday, August 23 at Sweetwater Brewery. Begins at 7 p.m. More here.
STATS
300 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 | (404) 885-1472
STATS, the centrally located downtown Atlanta establishment, routinely draws big crowds on game days. And no wonder, it’s a huge sports bar with high-def TVs, built-in beer taps at in positioned right in the middle of a tourist trap. Anytime the Red Stripes are on the scene, STATS will have ’em on the screens! 300 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313.
HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern
804 Town Blvd, A1010, Atlanta, GA 30319 | (404) 464-8971
HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern has three metro Atlanta locations, but the Brookhaven tavern has been named an official Atlanta United Pub Partner. That means the watch parties du jour will be there all season. Expect delicious HOBNOB food and drinks, giveaways and red and black everything.
The Mercury
675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE N215, Atlanta, GA 30308 | (404) 500-5253
The Mercury on the second floor of Ponce City Market in Midtown is a great spot to watch AU games on the weekends. There are several big-screen TVs situated around the venue. During the week, you can score a good deal on Mercury Mondays, where the bar serves cocktail specials starting in the evening. along with tailgate bites featuring such classic game-day eats as chicken wings with Alabama white sauce, subs and brownies. Ponce City Market, 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA.
City Tap
848 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 | (678) 515-3820
City Tap, the American gastropub that just opened in Midtown Atlanta, has launched lunch service and is ready to welcome patrons to the bar. Ah, the bar. That’s where you can watch ATLUD games on the weekends.
LongHorn Steakhouse
2892 N Druid Hills Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329 | (404) 982-9703
LongHorn Steakhouse, which has several metro Atlanta locations, is one of the best and most proven steak joints in ATL. Because everyone is at the sports bars, Longhorns is a dark horse when it comes to watching games, especially Atlanta United matches. Pick a Longhorns and you just might have the bar to yourself — except at the Camp Creek location, which is one of the franchise’s busiest (and most profitable) in the nation, we’re told. More information on specific metro locations, check out LongHorn Steakhouse online. 3480 Camp Creek Pkwy, East Point, GA 30344.
Other LongHorn Steakhouse locations around Atlanta:
3480 Camp Creek Pkwy, East Point, GA 30344 | (404) 346-4110
2955 Cobb Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30339 | (770) 952-1112
2430 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324 | (404) 816-6338
Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours
1133 Huff Rd NW #D, Atlanta, GA 30318 | (404) 350-5500
Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours on Huff Road in Atlanta is a West Midtown favorite and one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Chef Deborah Vantreece has lured faithful patrons with a mix of creative dishes, ambience — and on some nights, live performances for panache. If you’re in West Midtown, cozy on up to the bar and enjoy Atlanta United front and center. You won’t regret it. 1133 Huff Rd NW #D, Atlanta, GA 30318.
Fox Bros BBQ
1238 DeKalb Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 | (404) 577-4030
Fox Bros. BBQ has built up a loyal following on football Sunday, and it’s no different on AUFC Saturdays. Enjoy the Five Stripes in between some smoked wings or brisket. While the interior may not exactly be Mercedes-Benz Stadium, you’ll take a liking to the downhome-ness of it all. If you want to go to sleep after it all, order some of the greens and macaroni and cheese. For more information visit their website. 1238 DeKalb Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307.
Hampton + Hudson
299 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30307 | (404) 948-2123
As an official Pub Partner of Atlanta United FC, Hampton + Hudson plays every game of the FC season on various TVs throughout the restaurant. As always, their house beer is offered for $4 alongside delicious bites from Executive Chef Craig Richards.Holmes Restaurant
50 S Main St, Alpharetta, GA 30009
Holmes Restaurant in North Fulton is a sophisticated restaurant with ambiance to boot, but don’t get it twisted: When it comes to the Five Stripes, Holmes is down for the home team. Watch Atlanta United games in comfort at Holmes while you munch on a fried chicken sandwich, patty melt on some other menu item.
Second Self
1317 Logan Cir NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 | (678) 916-8035
Last year, Second Self challenged Portland’s Widmer Brothers Brewing to a bet over the outcome of the 2018 MLS Cup, and after Atlanta United FC defeated the Portland Timbers, Widmer brewed a peach IPA called “United, They Conquered.”
This season, Second Self is hoping for the same kind of outcome. Come to Second Self for watch parties for Atlanta United FC and enjoy the beer at their taproom.
How to watch Atlanta soccer | Atlanta United 2019 TV schedule
Atlanta United matches are broadcast on Fox Sports South in the metro area. See the Atlanta United 2019 TV schedule below:
Courtesy of Fox Sports South Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Read more: Ready for the Five Stripes? Here is Atlanta United’s 2020 schedule
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