• Coronavirus Cleaning Products: Things You Should Be Buying Online Right Now

    2 Min Read

    With so much  anxiety over the coronavirus pandemic, you may be wondering what to buy from the stores. The thing is, don’t panic: That’s not going to help anything or anyone.

    What you do want to do is take a measured approach to getting what you need. This article is going to show you some things you can pick up right now.

    Coronavirus Cleaning Products: Buy These Things Online Right Now

    The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently released a list of products that can help fight coronavirus (COVID-19). 

    Here’s what the agency says: “An individual pesticide product may be marketed and sold under a variety of names. If you are seeking additional information about a pesticide product, refer to the EPA Registration Number (EPA Reg. No.), found on the product label, not the brand name. When purchasing a product for use against a specific pathogen, check the EPA Reg. No. versus the products included on this list.”

    Here are some of the disinfectants the EPA recommends: 

    Find the complete list of products HERE.

    Beware Of Scams

    The FTC and FDA recently issued warning letters to seven sellers of unapproved and misbranded products that claim to be able to treat or cure the coronavirus.

    The companies’ products include teas, essential oils, and colloidal silver, the FTC says.

    Final Word

    No matter what you do, the key is to take practical precautions and not to panic. As you’ve been hearing about, you can stay safe by following the following good hygiene:

    • Wash your hands frequently
    • Avoid touching your face
    • Cough into your elbow

    Above all, stay safe out there.

    Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest on the coronavirus pandemic. Here are some helpful links:

    Comments Off on Coronavirus Cleaning Products: Things You Should Be Buying Online Right Now
  • What Is A 401(k)? & How Does It Work?

    What Is A 401(k)? & How Does It Work?

    3 Min Read

    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:

    1. 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.
    2. You can “roll” your money to an IRA, (called a rollover IRA), which can be done by a banking institution of your choice.
    3. 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:

    Comments Off on What Is A 401(k)? & How Does It Work?
  • Atlanta funkfest 2020

    Atlanta Funkfest 2020: Times, Dates, Info

    2 Min Read

    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

    Get Tickets Here

    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!

    Read more AtlantaFi.com stories:
    Comments Off on Atlanta Funkfest 2020: Times, Dates, Info
  • Casi Cielo brunch: What's on the menu

    Casi Cielo Opening For Brunch

    2 Min Read

    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

    Here Are The Best Brunch Restaurants In Atlanta Right Now

     

    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?

    Comments Off on Casi Cielo Opening For Brunch
  • Atlanta tops for small businesses

    New Report Ranks Atlanta Among Best For Small Businesses

    2 Min Read

    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
    Employees

    Index

    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:

    Comments Off on New Report Ranks Atlanta Among Best For Small Businesses
  • Biscoff cookies - how to make

    Delta: Our Most Tasty Snack Is Here To Stay

    2 Min Read
    Delta Air Lines recently reassured travelers that its most consistent delicacy — Biscoff cookies — aren’t going anywhere.

    “Yep, still got ’em,” the airline recently posted on Twitter.

    The tweet was in response to United Airlines, which announced that it was removing Biscoff cookies for a while and replacing them with Oreo thin mints.
     
    The reaction was swift from United’s fans though, with many travelers saying that NO ONE wants Oreo thin mints over Biscoffs.
     
    United said it will bring Biscoff cookies back in the spring though. Responding to the tweetstorm, United tweeted:
    “Internet, we won’t go baking your heart. We have an ongoing rotation of snacks… so here’s how the cookie crumbles for this round:
    • OREO Thins = on board March 1
    • Biscoff = comes back May 1
    • Stroopwafel = here always
       

    Airlines That Serve Biscoff Cookies

    As it stands, the number of airlines that serve Biscoff cookies are down to a handful. Including United’s seasoning offerings, they are:
    • American Airlines
    • Alaska Airlines
    • American Airlines
    • Delta Air LInes
    • WestJet
    Biscoff cookies are gluten-free ginger spice treats made from cookie butter. The main ingredient is comprised of speculoos cookie crumbs, fat, flour, and sugar.
     
    Many a baker has tried to make Biscoff cookies, but one of the simplest recipes is HERE.
    Comments Off on Delta: Our Most Tasty Snack Is Here To Stay
  • New Restaurant Alert: Lazy Llama Cantina

    What To Order At Lazy Llama Cantina In Atlanta

    2 Min Read

    Midtown Atlanta just got another fun restaurant in the heart of Ansley Park. Lazy Llama recently opened for business and is serving margaritas and tacos, among other things.

    If you want some good Tex-Mex and strong drinks in Midtown Atlanta, the Lazy Llama is the place to go.

    Adjusting for the coronavirus pandemic, the eatery is open for seated dining Monday through Friday from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday & Sunday 10:30 a.m.- 9 p.m.(weekend brunch).

    If you want takeout, Lazy Llama offers customer pickup and delivery via various delivery partners.

    Currently, they’re offering this:

    Lazy Llama To-Go Only Special – $69

    • 12 tacos (chicken or pork )+ Queso + Chips + salsa + guacamole
    • 4 beers of our choice.
    • Feeds 6-8 people

    The new Atlanta restaurant, which opened on Feb. 26, joins a stable of new food concepts opening in 2020. 

    Lazy Llama is housed in the space formerly occupied by Hobnob Neighborhood Tavern. The restaurant is actually owned by the same people.

    What’s On The Menu At Lazy Llama Cantina?

    Consulting in the kitchen is veteran Atlanta chef Jeffrey Gardner, who has spiced up the menu with top-notch tacos and other Mexican specialties.

    Foodies can also order brunch dishes like huevos divorciados and horchata French toast.

    Drinkers can look forward to a premium beverage program stocked with Grade A tequilas, plus a variety of weekly food and drink specials.

    Where Is Lazy Llama Located In Atlanta?

    Lazy Llama is located near the corner of Piedmont and Monroe avenues in Midtown Atlanta. The address is 1551 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30324. Here is a map to help you find it.

    Read more: 15+ essential soul food spots in Atlanta

    The city has some good restaurants in each quadrant of the city: East, West, North, South. All you need to do is think about what you have a taste for. Italian? Soul food? Tex-Mex? Atlanta has it all.

    For the latest in metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene, stay with Atlantafi.com.

    Comments Off on What To Order At Lazy Llama Cantina In Atlanta
  • Gerber baby contest 2020

    Gerber Looking For 2020 Spokesbaby — Could It Be Yours?

    2 Min Read

    Baby products company Gerber is looking for photogenic infants to be in the running for the 2020 spokesbaby. Here’s what to know about the Gerber baby contest.

    Not just babies are eligible. The internationally known company is looking for newborns to 4-year-old toddlers.

    Gerber Baby Contest: How To Apply

    Here are the rules the company has in place: You have up until Feb. 21 at 11:59:59 PM ET to submit your child as a Gerber “spokesbaby.”

    Gerber announced its 2018 photo search Monday — for the 2019 spokesbaby. If chosen, your baby will be seen by millions of people on TV, national print campaigns as well as social media.

    Your tot could also serve as an adorable ambassador for the brand. There’s also money involved. The family of the baby chosen will receive a grand prize of $25,000. That’s a LOT of diapers.

    You could submit your child’s photo on Instagram and other social media by using the hashtag #GerberPhotoSearch2020.


    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.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BoZDPdGnNEb/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Comments Off on Gerber Looking For 2020 Spokesbaby — Could It Be Yours?
  • Carson Kitchen Opens This Week in Alpharetta

    Carson Kitchen Opens This Week in Alpharetta

    1 Min Read

    Yet another new Atlanta restaurant is set to expand the area’s dining options. Carson Kitchen is opening Thursday, February 13 in Alpharetta City Center.

    The new restaurant concept comes to Georgia thanks to Woodstock-born chef/restaurateur Cory Harwell, partner in the Simon Hospitality Group.

    Carson Kitchen To Open In Alpharetta City Center

    With an extensive culinary background, Harwell first opened a Carson Kitchen in Las Vegas in 2014 with chef Kerry Simon.

    Now it’s metro Atlanta’s turn to taste the goodness.

    What’s On The Carson Kitchen Menu?

    Patrons can expect Harwell’s reimagined comfort food classics. The menu is heavily inspired by the dishes Harwell’s grandmother made when he was a child.

    You can expect such favorites as black rice and oxtail risotto with Parmesan cream and glazed donut bread pudding with triple rum caramel and a vanilla crème anglaise.

    For the latest in metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene, stay with Atlantafi.com.

     
    Comments Off on Carson Kitchen Opens This Week in Alpharetta
  • Atlanta Makes List Of Cities With Most Women Entrepreneurs

    Atlanta Makes List Of Cities With Most Women Entrepreneurs

    2 Min Read

    If you’re privileged to be in business circles or even the coffee shop, you can quickly surmise that Atlanta is a top city when it comes to women entrepreneurs.

    A new study from MagnifyMoney backs that up, making Atlanta #31 out of the 50 largest cities for women entrepreneurs in 2020.

    But first, here are some helpful links about entrepreneurship that you might like:

    What City Has The Most Women Entrepreneurs In 2020?

    MagnifyMoney researchers analyzed U.S. cities to see where women business owners are most successful. Here is the top 10:

    1. San Francisco
    2. San Jose
    3. Hartford Conn.
    4. Nashville, Tenn.
    5. Raleigh, NC
    6. Los Angeles
    7. Seattle
    8. Sacramento, CA
    9. Boston
    10. Riverside CA

    The site rated cities by four categories associated with income, company earnings and entrepreneurial parity between the sexes.

    Perhaps because of Silicon Valley, the West Coast was found to have more women who have gone into business for themselves.

    Here is the complete list from MagnifyMoney :

    Atlanta has a lot of inspirational people and AtlantaFi.com is going to introduce you to many of them as well as cool places to go, great restaurants and other ATL happenings.

    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.

    Comments Off on Atlanta Makes List Of Cities With Most Women Entrepreneurs