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The COVID-19 pandemic has changed much about our daily lives in very different ways. One way t has impacted many of us is that the global health crisis has allowed us to reconsider our personal finances.
The frivolous spending that we have become accustomed to may be a thing of the past. But what else has it taught us?
Money Lessons From The Pandemic
In this article, we’ll explore some things that the pandemic has taught us about our finances.
1. Save Money Now
It’s easy to say “save money,” but as we all know, you have to get out of debt first.
Some ways to climb out of debt include:
- Paying your credit card bill every month
- Lower the bills that you pay every month
- Not overspending when you shop
- Never borrowing money that you can’t pay back
- Cut out or trim some daily expenses
2. Cut Back On The Things You Don’t Need
A huge part of staying out of debt involves cutting back on spending. This is especially true when it comes to buying things you don’t need.
Do you really need that new air fryer? Take an inventory of the things you already have before you buy new stuff.
If you’ve already bought things you seldom or never use, consider selling those items.
3. Create An Emergency Fund
If you don’t have an emergency fund, you should consider starting one. An emergency fund doesn’t have to be a huge amount of money
What it needs to do is cover a certain amount of months for when times get rough. Target two to three months for now and see how it goes.
4. Generate Income From A Side Gig Or Hobby
First of all, a side hustle is a job that is usually done in your spare time and outside of the traditional 9 to 5 working hours of corporate America.
When you think of all the ways you can make money, you should be able to find something you’re passionate about.
Check out these hobbies you can turn into cash right now.
5. Count Your Blessings
No matter what, live your life appreciatively. That means that you’ll want to count your blessings for the things you do have.
You only get one life. Make it count by living intentionally.
If you want to learn more, here’s how to live your best life now.
Are you trying to become more financially literate? Check out Money Mondays at AtlantaFi.com, where we’ll share strategies to save and make cash.
If saving money is something you’re serious about, AtlantaFi.com has a lot of resources to help you.Read more: -
Chef Jonathan Waxman has opened Baffi, a new eatery in Atlanta’s West Midtown District, AtlantaFi.com has learned.
Baffi (pronounced BAH-FEE) serves casual, Italian-inspired fare that is locally sourced and seasonal.
Baffi Opens On Atlanta’s West Side
The eatery’s name Baffi comes from a translation of “mustache,” which is a wink toward Waxman’s New York City restaurant Barbuto, the Italian word for “bearded.”
Executive Chef Andrew Cacioppo helms the kitchen, meshing Waxman’s Italian-Californian flavors and cooking style with his own deep culinary expertise.
Baffi is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday in Atlanta’s West Midtown neighborhood at Stockyards.
What Is On Baffi’s Menu?
Baffi’s menu serves approachable dishes such as:
- Wood-Seared Shrimp Salad with winter greens, spicy aioli and focaccia
- Cast Iron Sunburst Trout with braised greens and meyer lemon salsa
- And don’t sleep on Waxman’s famed JW Roasted Chicken
You’ll also love the JW Gnocchi and Kale Salad; fresh and dried pastas, seasonal pizzas and a variety of shareable dishes, including Braised Meatball – pork & veal, mascarpone grits; Roasted Oysters – brown butter, black pepper, parmesan; Bruschetta – ricotta, wild mushrooms, focaccia, herbs; and JW Rosemary Potatoes.
Where Is Baffi Located In Atlanta?
Baffi is located in the office, restaurant and retail space at 976 Brady Avenue NW Atlanta, Ga. 30318. Here is a map to help you find it.
If you want to check out some other food spots in the area, here are the best restaurants in Buckhead. Or you might like to read our Buckhead Steak Guide to find all the best eateries offering mouth-watering prime cuts.
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Several Atlanta eateries feature Louisiana-inspired fare, but a new restaurant with authentic New Orleans roots is bringing new flavor to the city.
Neyow’s Creole Cafe is coming to Atlanta’s Castleberry Hill neighborhood in the spring, according to the Atlanta Business Chronicle.
Neyow’s Creole Cafe Opening An Atlanta Location
Neyow’s is owned by New Orleans natives Tamla Pierre-Taylor and Tim Dublecet, according to the Chronicle. And given Atlanta’s thriving dining scene, the entrepreneurs wanted to add its brand to the restaurant gumbo.
In addition to Atlanta, Neyow’s has two other locations in New Orleans and Houston. In those locations, Neyow’s offers online ordering as well as curbside pickup.
“Our menu comes straight from our grandmother’s recipes, rich in our Creole heritage,” it says on the eatery’s website.
What’s On The Menu At Neyow’s?
Neyow’s offers some great Louisiana Creole and Cajun dishes in addition to Southern standards like fried chicken and ribs. Some other menu standouts include:
- Crawfish balls
- Shrimp on the Avenue: Grilled shrimp over angel hair pasta in a creamy white sauce
- Fried gulf oysers
- Seafood platters
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Where Will Neyow’s Creole Cafe Be Located In Atlanta?
Neyow’s is going to part of the Walker Street redevelopment of Castleberry Hill. Atlanta-based H.J. Russell and Co. are overseeing the project. The address is 131 Walker St. SW. Atlanta, GA. 30313.
Here’s a map to help you find it.
Neyow’s joins scores of other black restaurants in Atlanta, and there are plenty others on the way. If you like barbecue, see our list of the Best Atlanta BBQ Restaurants.
As for eateries below I-20, these Southside Atlanta restaurants have developed quite a following.The craze hasn’t escaped metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene, which has seen a fast-caz explosion in recent years.
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.
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After years of splurging and the promotion of unchecked consumerism, saving money is the thing to do now. One way you can keep your cash is to look into lowering your energy costs.
In the winter, your heating bill becomes your highest home expense other than the mortgage. Conversely, in the summer, your air conditioner usually is the culprit that runs up your energy bill.
But it doesn’t have to be that way!
This article will show you some great ways to lower your energy costs in your home to save money.
1. Cut Your Ceiling Fans On
One of the main and best ways to save energy is by using your ceiling fans rather than your heating or cooling unit.
When it comes to ceiling fans, make sure that you turn them the right way depending on the season.
- In the summer, turn your fan to run counter-clockwise.
- Your fan should run clockwise in the winter.
2. Open The Curtains And Blinders
You can use natural sunlight to heat up your home if you’re intentional about it.
On a cold day, open your curtains to get additional sunlight into your living space. Not only will this brighten up your home, but it will warm it as well.
3. Invest In A Cheap Fan
You can also save money by buying a $20 fan that circulates air in the room you’re in.
Here are some great cheap fans to consider.
- Honeywell TurboForce Circulator Fan
- Comfort Zone 3-Speed Floor Fan
- Lasko Premium Box Fan
- Hurricane Classic Clip Fan
- High Velocity Personal Fan
4. Make Sure Your Appliances Are Working Properly
Sooner or later, your appliances are going to need some attention. They don’t last forever, so at some point, they’ll malfunction or stop working as they did.
What you want to do is maintain your appliances, especially the big ones like your washer or dryer. Those cost big money.
5. Apply For Utility Discounts
Depending on your age or other qualifications, you may be able to get a discount on your utility bills.
Many cities, states and municipalities give older residents or military veterans a break on their heating bills.
Final Words
Finally, keep a tab on what you’re spending on energy. Once you see that number in print, figure out how to cut it in half.
Remember, here are the steps you can take to lower your energy costs.
- Cut your ceiling fans on
- Take advantage of sunlight
- Buy a cheap floor fan
- Keep your appliances in working order
- Get a discount (if you qualify)
Keep the ideas coming. If you think of some other ways to save, let us know!
Are you trying to become more financially literate? Check out Money Mondays at AtlantaFi.com, where we’ll share strategies to save and make cash.
If saving money is something you’re serious about, AtlantaFi.com has a lot of resources to help you.Read more: -
One of the best accessories you need when you’re shopping is an app that allows you to save money. There are several good apps in the app store that can save you cash when you shop.
Whipping out your phone at the cash register may seem a bit odd to you, but the money you save won’t be. In fact, you’ll love it.
Most shopping apps allow you to save money in the following ways:
- Cash back on purchases
- Discounts applied at checkout
- Rebates applied for future purchase
What Is The #1 Shopping App?
When you’re talking about shopping apps, it really depends on what you’re trying to buy. For groceries, you may put one app on your phone, but for clothes or electronics, you may download another.
Another app may be best for showing you the cheapest price. That’s why you may choose to have more than one shopping app on your phone.
Here Are The Best Shopping Apps To Save Money
Let’s look at some apps you can use to save money.
Last Words
If you love to save money (who doesn’t?) you can put these lessons to good use to keep more of your cash.
Want to save money on groceries and cut your bill in half? Of course, you do.
Are you trying to become more financially literate? Check out Money Mondays at AtlantaFi.com, where we’ll share strategies to save and make cash.
If saving money is something you’re serious about, AtlantaFi.com has a lot of resources to help you.Read more: -
Can you play the chords or at least look the part? A major TV movie filming in Atlanta is looking for two “church musicians” for some crucial scenes.
The Atlanta casting call is one of many currently accepting applicants in metro Atlanta. Casting company Destination Casting has put out the casting call in hopes of snapping the right person for the paid role.
Atlanta Casting Call: Church Musicians Wanted For TV Movie
Here are the casting call details, according to Destination Casting.
WORK Dates: TUESDAY 1/5/2021
(subject to change)
SHOOT Location: ATLANTA/HIRAM GA
*This is the 2nd day of the 2 day booking from before the Holiday. If you were already booked with us please keep an eye on your email. We will be sending emails today!!
MUST TAKE COVID-19 TEST ON MONDAY 1/4 in Hiram GA
1. CONGREGATION
All ethnicities Male or Female
MUST HAVE : Sunday best attire!
Ages: 18+
Rate: $72/8+ot
Use Subject: CONGREGATION
2. CHURCH MUSICIANS
Piano / Drums / Guitar…
All ethnicities Male or Female
MUST HAVE : Sunday best attire!
Ages: 18+
Rate: $100/10+ot
Will only have to simulate playing bit MUST be able to actually play!
Use Subject: MUSICIAN
Must have…
Professional attitude and demeanor
Open availability
Reliable transportation
COVID-19 NOTE:
-Will be tested on set for Covid-19 within 72 HOURS of the work date
-Will receive temperature checks on set
-May have daily/weekly Covid-19 testing administered on set
-Must adhere to all Covid-19 rules required on set: MASKS, SOCIAL DISTANCING…
To be considered YOU MUST send
1. Name
2. Age
3. Height & Weight
4. All sizes
5. Phone
6. 2-3 CURRENT filter free photos…
-All must depict CURRENT look
-NO professional photos / no mirror selfies
-1 waist up
-1 or 2 full body
7. Have you had or will you have a NEGATIVE Covid-19 test TAKEN within 72 hours of the work dates above? If so, date?
*MUST TAKE COVID-19 TEST ON 12/16 on set in order to secure booking!!
SEND ALL ABOVE INFO TO
SonExtrasCasting@gmail.com
FEEL FREE TO SHARE!!
Serious inquiries with full open availability only!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 latter part of the year and the foreseeable future.
Because of the steady flow of movie and TV productions, Atlanta has been called the Hollywood of the South and it’s not just a label.. If you want to be an actor, the city has classes you can take as well as places that provide headshots and more. You can also audition at numerous casting calls to build your movie and TV reel.Coming 2 America is just one of many films filmed in Atlanta. See our Movies Page for more.With more than 900 movie and TV projects just in the last few years, the film industry has generated more than $9 billion for the state of Georgia.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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Congress painstakingly approved a more than $900 billion stimulus package to keep Americans afloat during the coronavirus pandemic. Aside from a $600 one-time payment (will it be $2,000), there are other things in the bill you may want to know about.
We’re going to show you what’s in ihe stimulus package for you.
Although a first wave of payments in April 2020 came and went, millions of Americans are still hurting financially and need monetary aid.
Here Are The Stimulus Package Details
A co-author of the $908 billion package, Sen. Joe Manchin, D-West Virginia, told the media in early December that lawmakers were close to approving a $600 stimulus to Americans in need. But there was much debate over certain add-ons that President Trump wanted inside the bill, including spending for a border wall.
Many critics have slammed the $600 stimulus as a slap in the face, but others are grateful for any paltry sum.
Here is what the stimulus package includes:
- $600 direct payment to most Americans
- $300 additional pay for unemployment benefits
- Reopening of the Small Business Loan Program
- Moratorium extension of eviction protection
- Aid for nutrition assistance
- Aid for child care and schools
“We made major headway toward hammering out a bipartisan relief package,” said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, told reporters.
With many workers still preparing for layoffs, lawmakers are poised to approve more stimulus money down the road in 2021.
Up Next: How To Track Your Stimulus Money
Interested in other ways to save or make money? Check out our Money Section:
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Looking for a place in Midtown Atlanta to eat at and enjoy a movie? IPIC, a premium dine-in cinema concept to Colony Square, recently opened in Midtown Atlanta.
IPIC features a luxury restaurant-and-movie theater brand including seven restaurants and 14 theaters. Here’s what customers and movie fans can expect at IPIC.
What To Expect At Colony Square’s IPIC Theater
Atlanta has other food-and-movie establishments, but IPIC’s stable of boutique theaters include a full dining, pod seating and bar menu.
“Our mission is to provide elevated entertainment escapes that engage multiple senses, transcending the traditional moving-going experience,” it says on IPIC’s website. “Get acquainted with our chef-driven theater and restaurant menus offering thoughtfully prepared and seasonally inspired dishes. Or, head over to our bar and lounge to enjoy conversation with friends over handcrafted cocktails invented by a master mixologist.”
When you sign up for updates on IPIC’s website, you get a free IPIC ACCESS Silver Membership.
On site is also an Italian restaurant and bar called Serena Pastificio, which is set to open in the coming year.
What’s On The Menu At IPIC?
The IPIC menu features such dishes as:
- Buttermilk Fried Chicken
- Spicy Tuna on Crispy Rice
- Chicken & Red Velvet Waffle
- Lamb Chops With Seasonal Veggies and more.
You can also reserve IPIC for family, friends and co-workers for a private event if you wish.
Where Is IPIC Theaters Located?
IPIC Theaters is located at 1197 Peachtree St NE Suite 350, Atlanta, GA 30361. Here is 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.
More From AtlantaFi.com:
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Are you looking for information on where you can get the COVID-19 vaccine in Atlanta? We’re going to tell you everything you need to know.
The COVID-19 vaccine is being distributed to all 50 states. Hospitals and medical facilities are the first priority of the 3 million initial doses that are rolling out.
By year’s end, the U.S. government plans to have 300 million doses distributed across the country. They hope that by springtime 2021, the majority of Americans will have access to the vaccine.
This article will be updated with the latest information as we learn of it.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp updated the public on the vaccine rollout in Georgia, saying, “[The Georgia Department of Public Health] and our team are ready to assist in getting the vaccine out to our most vulnerable Georgians and those fighting this virus on the front lines.”
Have COVID-19 Vaccine Vials Arrived In Atlanta?
COVID-19 vaccine vials were shipped into Atlanta and arrived the morning of Monday, Dec. 15. FedEx is handling the shipments to Georgia’s capital city. The shipments come from a Michigan facility, which is the origin point to handle shipping logistics of distributing the vials throughout the nation.
The vaccine vials are all freezer-packed because of their delicate nature and capacity to destabilize at room temperature.
According to the Georgia Department of Health, the handling requirements for each vaccine product will vary from refrigerated (2° to 8° C) to frozen (-20°C) to ultra-cold (-60° to -80°C) temperatures.
Who Will Get The Vaccine?
You may be wondering who is eligible for the vaccine in Georgia and how it will be rolled out. This is the plan, according to the federal government’s COVID-19 immunization program, Operation Warp Speed.
Phase One:
- People over age 60 with health problems
- Health care workers
- Firefighters, EMTs and other first responders
Phase Two:
- Essential workers (grocery associates, jail staff, truck drivers, etc.)
- School and child care workers
- Anyone age 60 and older with underlying conditions
Phase Three
- Those aged 21 to 30
- Moderately Exposed Industries (Hairstylists, tattoo artists, etc.)
Phase Four
Anyone else for whom the vaccine is recommended.
The CDC says that the list of groups listed in each phase is by no means all-inclusive and will be revised based on developments that arise.
What Kind Of Vaccine Has Been Shipped To Atlanta?
Atlanta may be getting different types of vaccines, but as of this writing, the city is getting the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine, which is the first to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 is for use in people 16 years of age and older. The vaccine is only authorized for emergency use for as long as the pandemic lasts.
Last Words
Some vaccinations will require two doses for the patient to be inoculated. This will require that you more than likely place a reminder for the second dose due date in your smartphone calendar or a similar place.
The Department of Public Health will use the Georgia Registry of Immunization Transactions and Services (GRITS) to collect data on COVID-19 vaccine doses administered rom health providers.
Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta under a state of emergency. More definitive advice on health, please visit CDC.gov. Here are some helpful links:
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There’s more to the Atlanta area than what’s inside the perimeter. If you’re looking for a place to live in Georgia, you might want to consider somewhere in metro Atlanta.
The metro Atlanta area consists mainly of five counties that make up the bulk of where nearly 6 million people live.
If you’re thinking about moving to Georgia and looking for an affordable apartment, this article is a resource. But what are some of the best places?
Apartment Therapy recently listed some of the top spots to reside in the Atlanta area.
1. Sandy Springs
Population: 108,797
Median home listing price: $491,008
Median monthly rent: $2,0882. Roswell
Population: 94,650
Median home listing price: $411,516
Median monthly rent: $1,9953. Johns Creek
Population: 84,310
Median home listing price: $430,525
Median monthly rent: $2,0004. Alpharetta
Population: 66,255
Median home listing price: $410,134
Median monthly rent: $1,8955. Marietta
Population: 60,806
Median home listing price: $301,631
Median monthly rent: $1,6476. Dunwoody
Population: 49,459
Median home listing price: $460,077
Median monthly rent: $2,2007. Milton
Population: 39,217
Median home listing price: $558,765
Median monthly rent: $2,0958. Peachtree City
Population: 35,766
Median home listing price: $346,716
Median monthly rent: $1,9009. Kennesaw
Population: 34,172
Median home listing price: $254,303
Median monthly rent: $1,58510. Woodstock
Population: 32,234
Median home listing price: $276,799
Median monthly rent: $1,600Atlanta has so much to do that you need a curated guide to help you sort through it all. Make sure you subscribe to our #ATLHaps newsletter that gives you a weekly tab of Atlanta events you don’t want to miss.
Where Do Black Professionals Hang Out In Atlanta?
Atlanta has been called the black mecca due to its large African-American population. If you’re wondering where many black people in Atlanta hang out, here are some of the nightlife establishments they frequent.
Revel
1778 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, (404) 355-6800
Revel is one of Atlanta’s hottest clubs, catering to the young millennials looking for a respite from the professional world on the weekends. Every Friday and Saturday, it’s ladies free til 12 am with open bar til midnight as well. Come and see Big Tigger x V103 Dj Pnut on the ones and twos.
One Google reviewer says: “This is a world-class first-class venue with an excellent light show and definitely an upscale feel I love the fact that you can run into any and everybody from celebrities athletes to your neighbor.”
Here’s what it’s like inside Club Revel in Atlanta.
Truth Lounge
1100 Crescent Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, (404) 262-7112
Photo credit: Youtube Truth Lounge is another club on the well-known party strip Crescent Avenue in Midtown. Known for “Krave Saturdays,” Truth Lounge is also a great happy hour option afterwork.
One Google reviewer says: “Cool spot. Really loud music, maybe too loud. Cool place to bring your friends to dance & smoke a few hookahs(if you’re into that kinda stuff). It can also be a bit crowded.”
Whiskey Blue located in the W Hotel in Buckhead is a cool, hip place for young professionals to gather for an afterwork drink. The rooftop lounge allows you to enjoy a cocktail looking out on the Buckhead skyline.One Google reviewer says: “The staff is always nice. Really good drinks. Beautiful views. It’s a very small lounge so it gets crowded fast. They recently redesigned the interior. This is a great place to visit for a weekend cocktail or beer after work.”The Gold Room is a favorite spot for visitors looking to experience some authentic Atlanta nightlife. The place can be a bit smokey at times, but the music is on point.One Google reviewer says: “he DJ was freaking awesome! I wouldn’t go again without a section. You could barely even make way to the bar. Hookah was great. That “body to body” stuff is not the wave anymore. Other than that, two thumbs up!”Club LaCura ATL
1919 Metropolitan Pkwy SW A, Atlanta, GA 30315, (404) 749-7898
Club LaCura is a vibrant “neighborhood” club catering to Zone 3 on Metropolitan Parkway. The club that brings a lot of med-level rappers and entertainers to rock the crowd. If you’re a fan of underground rappers, LaCura often books those types of artists.
One Google reviewer says: “I am from Jacksonville FL was visiting for my Birthday July 7. This place was the Best they showed so much love to a sister in there. I will definitely recommend anyone to celebrate their whatever in Lacura. Thank you to the Beautifull bar tenders, The DJ you sir who had on the black pants and black n white shirt you yeah you with the dreads omg I can’t stop thinking of you and More importantly thank you Mr. Peewee… Love from DUVALLL Baby.”Mansion Elan
3595 Clairmont Rd, Atlanta, GA 30319, (404) 997-6901
Photo credit: Youtube Mansion Elan is a relatively new addition to Atlanta’s nightlife, but you should definitely add it to your things to do in Atlanta list. Although they advertise a “free with text” option, it may make you wait in line, but that’s OK. Once inside, you’ll enjoy the vibe.One Google reviewer says: “Music Great !!!!! A mix of sounds Grade equipment you can breathe not a smoke-filled environment….. yeah. The renovations are spectacularly beautiful to any clubs from Vegas to Miami recommend this spots.”Interested in more places to party in Atlanta? Check out these Atlanta clubs.Explore Atlanta At Your Own Pace
First, to find all the good things happening in the city this week, all you have to do is take a look at downtown Atlanta. That’s where some of the best restaurants are as well as where the visitors, namely tourists, are. Downtown Atlanta or Midtown often has something cool going on!
Are you a beer drinker? You also may want to visit to a craft brewery in the city.
Check out these events in Atlanta today and this week and this weekend:
- For a month’s view: The Official Atlanta Events Calendar
- For a more immediate look, check Things to do in Atlanta This Week
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com:
