• How to hire a contractor in Atlanta.

    How To Hire a Contractor In Atlanta

    5 Min Read

    Hiring a contractor is a crucial part of any building or remodeling project you plan to start at your home. When I remodeled my bathroom, I had to make sure I hired the right person because I was trying to save money.

    This article will show you how to hire a contractor in Atlanta.

    Hiring a contractor for a home improvement or construction project is an important decision.  It’s also essential to set a budget and stick to it, while allowing for a contingency fund to cover any unexpected expenses that may arise during the renovation process. 

    Define Your Project

    Before you can hire someone to come to your home, you need to have a clearly defined idea of what you want accomplished.

    Clearly define the scope of your project. Understand what work you want to be done, the materials you prefer, and any specific design or functionality requirements. This will be essential when communicating with potential contractors.

    Do Your Research

    Don’t just hire the first contractor you find online. Interview multiple contractors to find the best one that is available and works for you.

    • Contact several contractors to discuss your project. Ask about their experience, previous projects, and whether they have worked on similar projects.
    • Request references and follow up with those references to gauge the contractor’s reliability and work quality.

    Get Recommendations From People You Know

    Some associate of yours has likely gotten some renovation work done before. You just have to solicit them for advice and recommendations.

    • Seek recommendations from friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers who have had similar work done. Personal recommendations are valuable.
    • Online Searches: Use online resources, such as review websites like Yelp, Angie’s List, or the Better Business Bureau to find contractors in your area.
    • Trade Associations and Unions: Check with local trade associations, such as the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) or the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), for reputable contractors.

    Here are some sites you need to check to find contractors:

    Before You Hire a Contractor

    Always take the extra time it takes to check for licensing and insurance.

    Verify that the contractor is licensed and insured to work in your area. Contact your local licensing board to confirm their credentials.

    Request a copy of their insurance certificates to ensure they have liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. This protects you in case of accidents or damage on your property.

    • Get Detailed Quotes:
      • Ask for written estimates from the contractors you are considering. Make sure the estimates are detailed, including labor, materials, and a timeline for the project.
      • Beware of significantly low bids, as they may indicate subpar materials or work quality.
    • Check for Permits and Contracts:
      • Ensure the contractor will obtain any necessary permits for the project. It’s essential that they comply with local building codes.
      • Sign a detailed contract that includes project specifics, payment schedule, start and completion dates, and warranties. Read and understand the contract before signing.

    Agree On a Payment Schedule

    Everyone likes to know when they’re getting paid, so it would be a mutual benefit to discuss a payment schedule. 

    You’ll want to avoid paying the full cost upfront. A common practice is to make an initial down payment, with the remaining payments scheduled based on project milestones.

    Also, never make the final payment until you are satisfied with the completed work.

    Continually Give Your Opinion

    To stay on the same page, always strive to maintain open and clear communication with the contractor throughout the project. Regular updates and addressing any concerns promptly are crucial.

    • Document Everything:
      • Keep records of all documents, including contracts, receipts, and communications with the contractor. These can be important in case of disputes or issues.

    Make a Final Inspection

    The contractor expects you to give the final go-ahead on the project, so don’t be shy about having an opinion on even the smallest things.

    Once the work is completed, do a final inspection to ensure that everything is up to your satisfaction. Address any issues promptly.

    • Review and Feedback: Consider leaving a review or providing feedback on the contractor’s performance, as this can help others in the future.

    No matter if you have an expensive home or an average home, remember that choosing the right contractor is essential for the success of your project. 

    Final Word

    You’re spending your own money, so make sure your contractor and yourself are on the same page at all times.

    Remember to get a more accurate estimate for your specific bathroom remodel, it’s a good idea to consult with local contractors and obtain multiple quotes. The complexity of the project and your location will have a significant impact on the final cost.

    Take your time, do your due diligence, and don’t rush into a decision. Hiring a reputable and qualified contractor can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.

    Check out the best real estate companies in Atlanta.

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  • Connect404 digital program in Atlanta

    Comcast Announces $110,000 Grant for Creating Digital Equity in Atlanta

    3 Min Read

    Comcast recently announced that it will provide $110,000 in grants to two Atlanta nonprofits – Raising Expectations and Inspiredu – to support the launch of Connect 404, a Digital Navigator program.

    Through Connect 404, the organizations are partnering to hire trusted community members (known as digital navigators) to help residents get connected to the internet and access digital skills training programs to advance digital equity for Georgians.

    A recent research report by the National Skills Coalition, titled Closing the Digital Skills Divide, analyzed 43 million online job ads and found virtually all of today’s jobs require digital skills including those roles seeking limited education or work experience.

    The report showed that those who qualify for jobs that require even one digital skill can earn an average of 23 percent more than those working in jobs requiring no digital skills — an increase of $8,000 per year for an individual full-time worker.

    The findings also pointed to four key industries in Georgia that are seeking employees with the following digital skills:

    • Finance and insurance: Mobile banking; information security; structured query language; nationwide mortgage licensing system
    • Healthcare: Electronic medical records; radiologic technology
    • Manufacturing: Enterprise resource planning software; robotics; computer numerical control; programmable logic controller
    • Retail: Sales after service retail analytics and consumer goods software; robotics; credit card applications

    “We are incredibly grateful to Comcast for their generous donation to our Connect 404 Digital Navigators program,” said Richard Hicks, CEO of Inspiredu. “Comcast has been a great partner in helping to bridge the digital divide here in Atlanta, and we are proud to support their mission.”

    In addition to receiving digital navigation services, Atlanta residents who qualify may apply for the federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides families with a $30 per month benefit ($75 per month on Tribal lands) toward their Internet bill. Comcast is making ACP credits available for all of the company’s Xfinity Internet speed tiers, including Internet Essentials.

    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.

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  • Best passive income ideas

    How To Make Passive Income: 10 Easy Strategies For Quick Money

    6 Min Read

    Making money doesn’t have to take up all your time and energy. You can actually generate a decent amount of cash with passive income.

    Passive income is the type of positive cash flow that works out front  because you’ve done so behind the scenes.

    How Can I Make Quick Money In Atlanta?

    If you’re trying to make some quick cash in Atlanta, the way to do is to put together a plan that works. The issue is that you may not have the time to devote to the project or task that generates cash flow for you.

    In that case, passive income is exactly what you need. It can actually generate quick cash for you on a continual basis.

    10 Best Passive Income Ideas To Make Extra Money

    In this article, we’ll explore ways to make passive income so that you can generate a positive cash flow each month.

    For this passive income ideas we’ll discuss, you won’t have to know or learn a specialized skill, although it never hurts to already know one. But first, let’s answer a key question…

    What Is Passive Income?

    When you say “passive income” a lot of people get the wrong idea. They think that you’re doing a side hustle, which often takes up just about time and energy as a real hustle.

    An idea that generates passive income means that its churning in the background while you’re focused on something else, or better yet, resting.

    1. Rent Out A Room In Your Home

    You may not realize how many people are looking for a room to rent right now. All you have to do is go to places like:

    By renting out your room, you can charge whatever the going rate for a one-bedroom apartment goes for, especially if you’re providing amenities like free cable / streaming and use of appliances and utilities.

    Don’t know where to start? Here’s how to rent your a room in your home.

    2. Flip A Home

    If you’ve ever had the opportunity to get into real estate, you know that many homes are wads of money. The key is to get a home that needs minimal repair and flip.

    The process of flipping a house does not have to take a long time. In fact, some people can’t do it in as little as two months.

    The key to making money from a home flip is to buy it at wholesale prices. How go do that, you ask? Buy the home in foreclosure.

    3. Write A Book

    You may not consider yourself an author, but who are you to judge? Many successful authors didn’t know they could write a bestselling book until they did it. Today you can write a book online and sell i. Here are some online platforms that allow you to write a book and sell it:

    4. Invest In The Stock Market

    A lot of people don’t play the stock market, because they don’t understand it. But it’s pretty easy.

    The basic idea of buying stocks involves buying shares in companies that are publicly traded in the stock exchange.

    You can make passive income by investing in companies for a set amount and letting them make money for you! Some companies pay dividends, which are checks that are sent to you periodically.

    5. Advertise On Your Vehicle

    If you put a lot of miles on your vehicle to and from work, you could make even more money by advertising on your car.

    There are companies out there that pay good money to wrap your car in their logo or branding. All you have to do is drive around town displaying their name on your car.

    How It Works: The companies all have mile requirements that will determine how much you get paid. Some of the top car-advertising companies are:

    6. Sell Your Old Photos

    If you’ve got a lot of pictures in an old photo album or phone, you could be sitting on a gold mine.

    There are a lot of companies that will buy your old images, especially if they’re of wildlife or nature. Here are some platforms that allow you to sell your photos online:

    1. Getty Images
    2. Image Vortex
    3. Crestock
    4. Foap

    7. Sell Your Music Online

    Are you musically inclined? If you then if you aren’t making money from your music you’re missing out on some good passive income.

    The truth is that music is one of the easiest ways to make money today. You can upload your music to sites like:

    Here’s how you can sell your old photos.

    8. Offer Online Courses

    If you’re a good teacher with a highly sought skill, you can make money by putting together a course.

    There are websites that allow you to sell courses online. All it takes is some legwork to put the course together and you can sell it.

    Here are some of the best sites to offer a course online:

    9. Sell Your Art

    Do you have portraits, sketches or paintings just sitting around the house gathering dust? You can earn passive income by selling art.

    Some websites that pay handsomely for your sketches are:

    10. Create YouTube Videos

    If you’ve got a knack for talking about things, you can make money online by making Youtube videos.

    YouTube, which is a part of Google, pays you through its Adsense program. The internet is filled with people who say they’ve made $10,000 on Youtube in a short period.

    The truth is that you’ll have to go viral or have a huge following to make a lot of money, but you won’t know until you try.

    Final Thoughts

    There’s no doubt that you want to make some extra money. But do you have the time to devote to a full-on business? If not, you need to consider passive income.

    After reading this list, you may say to yourself, “I’ve thought about doing some of those passive income ideas, but I just haven’t.” That’s the thing. You have to give it a try.

    Successful people don’t work hard, but they have a plan that does. When it comes to making passive income, you may have to put some effort into the idea before you see some lasting results.

    If you’re interested in making extra income, don’t miss How To Make Money At Home and How To Quarantine And Make Cash.

    Interested in other ways to save or make money? Check out our Money Section:

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  • How to find a job on LInkedIn

    How To Use LinkedIn To Find A Job

    6 Min Read

    You might not believe it, but Linkedin.com can definitely help you get a job. The professional jobs website has some cool features that jobseekers should be taking advantage of.

    In this article, I’ll show you how to use LinkedIn to help you find that job you want.

    Here’s How To Use LinkedIn To Find A Job

    Linkedin has more than 260 million members in its online community. The social networking site is free, although there is a paid subscription it offers as part of a Premium membership.

    The things we’ll go over in this article will be applicable to the free site. No need to pay to find a job on LinkedIn.

    In This Article:

    Add A Profile Photo

    Linkedin profile photo

    One of the most underrated factors in getting interest on LinkedIn is the profile photo. When uploading an profile photo make sure you:

    • Use a quality photo.
    • Smile in your photo.
    • Look professional in your photo

    Here’s how to add a photo on LinkedIn:

    1. Tap your profile photo, then tap View Profile.
    2. On your profile, tap the Camera icon at the upper left. 
    3. Tap Photo to take a photo or select a photo from your phone or computer.

    How To Add A Resume To LinkedIn

    To add a resume on LInkedIn, here are the steps you need to make:

    #1. Log into LInkedIn.com and access your profile by clicking on your picture or the Me tab in the top navigation menu.

    How to use LinkedIn to find a job

    2. Once you click on More, it will open up a dialog box that will give you an option to manage your resume.

    How to use Linkedin to find a job and upload a resume

    3. Here’s where you can either upload a resume or create one. Once you add your resume you’ll be able to manage it, including add sections to it.

    Once your resume is live on LinkedIn, you’ll be one step closer to being discoverable to recruiters and others on the site.

    Next, let’s talk about how to meet people on LinkedIn. The virtues of networking in person go without question, but it’s just as important to do in online.

    Want To Customize Your URL?

    For branding purposes, some people customize their URL, which LinkedIn allows you to do. To customize your URL, here are the steps.

    1. Tap on your profile picture.
    2. Scroll to the Contact section and tap the Edit icon.
    3. On the Edit contact info page, tap on your Profile URL.
    4. Under Edit your custom URL, tap the Edit icon next to the URL.
    5. Type in your name or whatever you want to call yourself as your new custom URL.
    6. Tap Save.

    How To Network On LinkedIn

    To network effectively on LinkedIn, you’ll need to build your network by adding connections. Once you connect with someone, you will see all their posts and other interactions on the site.

    Click on the My Network button to find people to add. Look for people who have similar positions as you do. You’ll especially need to connect with people who work at the employer you want to get a job with.

    It may pay to connect to the following people on LInkedIn:

    • Would-be employer recruiter
    • Would-be employer hiring manager
    • Would-be employer colleagues

    You’re not just connecting with people to add them to your network, you may want to reach out to them and introduce yourself to them. Tell them that you’re interested in a position there and would like to know their thoughts on the company.

    Be upfront about your aspirations and any other thing they ask you. This is how you make a real connection that may make the difference in being hired or not.

    How to get a job on Linkedin

    When reaching out to people to network on LinkedIn, try to  build a rapport with them through shared experiences or interests and goals you both have in common.

    Now let’s get to the nitty gritty: How to find a job on this employment networking site.

    How To Use LinkedIn To Find Jobs

    LinkedIn is a great resource to find a job online. There are obviously other job sites out there, but only LInkedIn has a built-in social network where your future boss and colleagues are accessible.

    Using LinkedIn to find a job used to be a lot easier when the jobs platform was separate from the main site. But in 2019, LInkedIn folded Jobs into the main site and app.

    If you click on Jobs in the LinkedIn menu, it will show you the latest available jobs based on your profile.

    Using the algorithm of jobs you’ve searched for on the site, LinkedIn jobs will appear that you may be interested in.

    How to find a job on LInkedIn

    Once you find a job and choose to apply for it, you’ll have two ways to do so:

    • Some jobs may allow you to use the Easy Apply feature: This will allow you to immediately send your resume to the employer in the LinkedIn interface
    • Other companies will forward you to their career site to go through the full process of filling out an application online

    What To Do After You Apply

    How to find a job with LInkedIn

    After you apply for a job on LinkedIn, this is where the site punches above its weight: Remember those connections you added to your network?

    Circle back to them to tell them that you applied for a position and would appreciate a reference. Linkedin makes it easy for candidates to ask for a reference and add it to their application.

    Last Words

    LinkedIn has a lot more features that can help you find a job. One of the best ways to take advantage of the site or app is to continue to build your connections.

    Your network will be the way that you get exposed to new jobs and employment opportunities that you may be interested in.

    Finally, don’t think you need to spend a large amount of time on the site. Try to check in for a few minutes every other day or a few times a week.


    Metro Atlanta’s hot economy has picked up a lot of steam after the COVID-19 pandemic. Check out our Coronavirus Resource Guide and find out how to make and save money.

    We currently have job articles that show you high-paying jobs, those close to downtown and even side hustles you might like.

    If you’re looking to get hired in Atlanta right now, there’s a very real possibility that you can land your dream job.

    Read more:  Best work from home jobs in Atlanta, Georgia

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  • How to make money selling photos online

    How To Sell Photos Online To Make Money

    4 Min Read

    When you run across some of your old photos, do you hear a “Cha-Ching?” Yes, you may be sitting on a gold mine if you have some nice old photos.

    This can work wonders for your bank account if you have a lot of pictures from an old photo album. In fact, you just might be sitting on a gold mine.

    In this article, we’re going to show you how to make money selling your photos online.

    Here’s How To Sell Your Photos Online

    One of the biggest misconceptions about selling your photos online is that some people think you have to be a professional photographer and that you can’t be an amateur.

    Nothing could be further from the truth. Quality photos sell. There are a lot of companies that will buy your old images, especially if they’re of wildlife or nature.

    Here are some platforms that allow you to sell your photos online:

    1. Getty Images

    Getty Images is one of the largest online photo platforms in the world. The company boasts more than 1.5 million customers, making it a major way for photographers to make money.

    To sell photos to Getty Images must apply and be accepted into their Contributor program. The only way to apply is through the Contributor by Getty Images app for iOS or Android.

    Inside the app, the requirements are that you three to six sample images, illustrations, or videos (via YouTube links).

    Once they review your samples, they will let you know if you’re accepted to either Getty Images or iStock by Getty Images.

    How Much Does Getty Images Pay For Photos?

    Getty Images pays 15% for photos and 20% for videos. However, exclusive contributors can earn from 25% to 45%.

    2. PhotoDune

    PhotoDune is another photo website that is popular among creators. To begin selling images on PhotoDune, just create an account and log in. There, you can upload photos to add to their collection.

    How Much Does PhotoDune Pay For Images?

    Images that you upload to sell at PhotoDune are priced based on the size/megapixels of the file. If you plan to upload more than five pictures, PhotoDune recommends that you use their FTP portal.

    There is also a buyer’s fee tacked onto each photo that is sold.

    3. Crestock

    Crestock, A Canadian company, also lets you sell photos on their website. You keep complete copyright control of your images on Crestock.

    Just fill in our simple sign-up form. Your registration will be activated instantly. IOne thing to note about selling on Crestock, if it’s an image with a model in it, the images must be accompanied by a signed model release.

    How Much Does Crestock Pay For Images?

    Crestock pays photographers between 20% to 40% for single images and 25 cents to 40 cents based on subscription images. Your royalty rate is calculated based on your total number of images sold since joining Crestock. Once your balance hits $50, Crestock will pay you via PayPal.

    4. Foap

    The Foap app is very popular for IPhone and Android users. The site allows you to upload photos straight from your phone to their platform.

    How Much Does Foap Pay For Images?

    You can earn $10 for every images sold on Foap, although your earnings get cut in half after the company takes its 50% cut.

    5. 500px

    500px is one of the easiest sites to sell your stock photos. The site pays more for exclusivity than other sites that sell images.

    How Much Does 500px Pay For Images?

    500px says you will earn 60% of your net sales if you license your photos exclusively through them alone.

    Final Thoughts

    Generating cashflow has become easier than ever thanks to the internet. One way that you may not have thought of is by selling your photos.

    If you want to make money by selling your photos online, remember to always find out if you get to keep your copyright before you upload your images.

    If you’re interested in making extra income, don’t miss How To Make Money At Home and How To Quarantine And Make Cash.

    Interested in other ways to save or make money? Check out our Money Section:

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  • Money strategies for your tax refund

    5 Smart Things To Do With Your Tax Refund

    4 Min Read

    No matter if you’ve already gotten your tax refund or waiting on it, you should have plans for your money. If you haven’t made any preparations, you could lose what you have real quick.

    This article will cover some smart strategies to stretch your tax money and make it work for you.

    5 Smart Money Strategies For Your Tax Refund

    But first, here are some money mistakes you don’t want to make with your tax refund:

    • Spend It At The Club
    • Buy Their Relatives Things
    • Invest In Get Rich Quick Schemes

    If you can help it, stay out of the nightclubs so you don’t overpay for those high-priced drinks and other things.

    Now let’s get into what you should do: Here are some smart things to do with your tax refund:

    1. Open A Savings Account

    Make sure you put away some money by opening a savings account. You can go to one of the major banks or even try some of the online banks. Here are some good ones with the best interest rates:

    2. Pay Off Some Bills

    The #1 way to save money is to pay your outstanding bills. If you can stay out of debt, then you can enjoy your money. it’s just that simple.

    • Prioritize your bills: Determine which bills are most important to pay first, such as rent or mortgage payments, utilities, and credit card bills.
    • Create a budget: Create a monthly budget to help you track your income and expenses. This will help you identify areas where you can cut back on spending and allocate more money toward paying off your bills.
    • Negotiate with creditors: If you’re having trouble paying your bills, contact your creditors to see if you can negotiate a payment plan or lower interest rates.

    3. Start A Business

    They say it takes money to make money, and starting a business is the best way to do that. You should try something small so you can handle the operating costs without going into debt. 

    One of the first steps you should take when considering starting a business is to conduct some market research. The way to do that is to identify a need in the market and determine whether there is demand for your product or service.

    Here are some ideas on small businesses you can start:

    1. Dating Consultant
    2. Life Coach
    3. Personal Trainer
    4. Clothes Reseller
    5. Blogger
    6. Lawn Care
    7. Handyman

    Read how to start a business in Atlanta.

    4. Fix Up Your Home

    With a little extra money, you can make some big improvements around the house. You’d be surprised how easy it is to add thousands of dollars of value to your home just by doing simple renovations and upgrades.

    Here are a few you can do:

    • Paint Your Home’s Exterior
    • Install New Bathroom Fixtures
    • Hang Some New Blinds
    • Hang A New Front Door

    Read up on how to give your home curb appeal.

    5. Invest In The Stock Market

    Nothing intimidates people like the stock market. You should really think about investing in the stock market if you want your money to work for you.

    Learn the strategies and techniques that have made other people successful. Research trading individual stocks, focus as well as stock mutual funds.

    Here are five books to check out if you want to learn stock market investing:

    Final Word

    Tax time is here and people are going to start getting those refunds in the mail and direct deposited into their accounts. You know what they say about new money .. but here’s what you don’t need to do with yours: Waste it.
     
    Metro Atlanta has a hot economy and that means employers are hiring at a rapid pace. We currently have job articles that show you high-paying jobs, those close to downtown and even side hustles you might like.
     
    If you’re looking to get hired in Atlanta right now, there’s a very real possibility that you can land your dream job.
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  • Here's The New Tax Deadline For 2020

    Here’s The Tax Deadline For 2023

    2 Min Read

    Have you filed your taxes yet? Because the traditional day to file your taxes fell on a weekend, U.S. taxpayers were given a few more days to get it done.

    When Is Tax Day 2023?

    If you need a tax extension, hopefully you’ve do it because Americans have up until the last hours of Tuesday, April 18 to file their taxes.

    How To File Your Taxes For Free

    If you want to file your taxes for free, the IRS provides free tax file software.

    If your 2019 adjusted gross income was $69,000 or less, you may quality for free file.

    The programs you need to know are these two:

    When you file your taxes, one thing you’re going to have look out for are scams, especially the email variety.

    The easiest way for criminals to steal sensitive data is simply to ask for it. IRS urges people to learn to recognize phishing emails, calls or texts that pose as familiar organizations such as banks, credit card companies or even the IRS. Keep sensitive data safe.

    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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  • Why you shouldn't shop online with your debit card

    Why You Shouldn’t Use Your Debit Card In 2023

    4 Min Read

    One thing you can bet on is that you’re going to run across a lot of things to buy this year, from food to smart TVs and other devices. How you pay for those things will be very important.

    In this article, we’re going to talk about why you should stop using your debit card to pay for things online.

    But first, let’s go over the scenario: You shop online or run inside the grocery store to pick up a few things and at checkout, you pull out your debit card and proceed to swipe — but here’s why you shouldn’t.

    Why You Should Never Use A Debit Card

    For starters, hackers are actively trying to get your money, especially if you store it on websites and other places that may be high risk.

    • It’s Harder To Get Refunds: If you’re in the habit of paying for things you buy online with a debit card, it may take you much longer — if ever — to get your money back if there’s a problem.
    • Debit Cards Don’t Protect You From Fraud: Credit cards have more fraud protections than debit cards. That’s not to say that debit cards are useless, but if you’ve been defrauded, your money’s usually gone.

    To help you understand the distinctions between the two, let’s look at credit cards and debits cards for what they are and how they differ.

    What’s The Difference Between A Debit Card And Credit Card?

    Debit cards and credit cards are two entirely different forms of payment. The only similarities they have are that they’re both plastic cards.

    What Is A Credit Card?

    A credit card allows you to borrow money directly from your bank. When you swipe your credit card, you automatically create an account balance that you should pay at the end of the month.

    A credit card is backed by the bank or card issuer. That means they have many safeguards in place to protect their product, and you — the cardholder — benefit from that.

    What Is A Debit Card?

    A debit card is a card that allows you to spend money from your bank account. The amount that is deposited into your account is how much purchasing power you have at any given time.

    One convenience of a debit card is that you can access money practically from anywhere by using an ATM. 

    Is It Bad To Use A Debit Card?

    Generally, when making purchases you have more protections with a credit card rather than a debit card. For instance, if you get swindled due to buying a defective product, a credit card issuer typically will refund you the money even before it recoups it from the product seller.

    On the other hand, if you use a debit card to buy a defective product, that money is generally not refundable. The bank doesn’t have any incentive to fight for your money.

    Bottom Line

    It seems like every week there’s another data breaches or cybersecurity incident. It’s a wonder that more people aren’t afraid to pay online with a debit card. 

    It seems like every week there’s another data breaches or cybersecurity incident. It’s a wonder that more people aren’t afraid to pay online with a debit card. 

    So the next time you shop at an online store, remember to pull out your credit card, not your debit card. 

    Again, this is not to say that debit cards serve no purpose, but remember that they only have as much power as what you have in your account.

    A credit card, on the other hand, has the card issuer on the hook as well, so they have protections built in to safeguard their investment as well as yours.

    Interested in other ways to save or make money? Check out our Money Section:

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  • How to find cheap gas in Atlanta

    What State Has The Cheapest Gas Right Now?

    3 Min Read
    If you’ve been to the pump lately, you know that prices are cheaper than they’ve been in more than a year’s time. You may be interested to know which state has the cheapest gas and where to find it.

    This State Has The Cheapest Gas In America

    According to AAA, Texas has the cheapest gas prices in the United States. The national average for a gallon of gas is $3, according to the latest gas price data. In Georgia, the AAA data shows the average price for regular is about $2.77 a gallon.
    StateRegularMid-GradePremiumDiesel
    Texas$2.621$2.995$3.333$4.057
    Oklahoma$2.644$2.962$3.206$3.860
    Arkansas$2.699$3.077$3.401$4.250
    Missouri$2.714$3.012$3.343$4.261
    Mississippi$2.748$3.144$3.487$4.369
    Wisconsin$2.759$3.172$3.619$4.116
    Georgia$2.770 $3.170$3.535$4.608
    Louisiana$2.768$3.150$3.517$4.281
    Alabama$2.814$3.207$3.589$4.521

    3 Ways To Save Money On Gas

    If you’re wondering what it takes to save money on gas, here are three suggestions you can put to good use.

    Use a Gas App

    There are several apps on Android and in the Apple Store. Here are the best apps to use:

    Pay With Cash

    You might not know it, but it’s cheaper to buy gasoline when you pay with cash. When you use a credit card, you will be hit with a credit surcharge. Many gas station operators tack on a fee to process your credit card, which is why the fuel costs will be higher. To get a gas station’s advertised price, pay for gas with cash money!

    Join A Rewards Program

    Another say to save on gas money is to join the rewards program of a gas station near you. Some of the top gas station reward programs include BP, RaceTrac and Shell, which gives you points you can redeem for things like food and gas.

    Last Words

    Some people are convinced that they have to spend more money on premium fuel because their car runs better on it, but that’s not the case for most vehicles! How can you find out for sure? Pull out the owner’s manual. If it says that premium gasoline is recommended, then by all means please use that. The truth is that cheap gas may work find for your vehicle. The type of gas you use will affect your engine’s performance and fuel economy, so always follow what’s written in your car’s manual. Interested in other ways to save or make money? Check out our Money Section:
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  • Georgia guaranteed income program

    How To Apply For This $800 A Month Guaranteed Income Program

    3 Min Read

    An additional round of funds for the In Her Hands initiative, the largest guaranteed income program in the South, is expected to open. This time around, the community site is Southwest Georgia’s Clay-Randolph-Terrell county cluster, Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward and College Park, Georgia.

    The site will open in early 2024. Read on to see the exact deadline for applications.

    Program Offers Black Women $850 A Month, No Strings Attached

    This article will tell you how to qualify and apply for the In Her Hands initiative.

    What Is The In Her Hands Initiative?

    In Her Hands is a $13 billion initiative to help solve financial insecurities facing America’s most vulnerable group: women of color. The program is backed by partnership the Georgia Resilience & Opportunity Fund (GRO Fund) and GiveDirectly and promises to provide unconditional cash transfers averaging $850 per month for two years to 650+ Black women in Georgia.

    According to the GroFund’s website, the program is a bold move to reverse the economic fortunes of those who have fallen behind and been ignored by America’s policymakers and wealth-builders.

    We are disrupting ‘business as usual’ by promoting assistance that is direct, flexible, dignified, and specifically focused on improving the financial health of Black women,” it says on the website.

    What Are The Requirements For The In Her Hands Fund?

    Eligible applicants must be women 18 years or older (inclusive of transgender women and non-binary individuals) living in one of the three project sites chosen by the initiative. So far, the three project sites are:

    • Old Fourth Ward (currently accepting applications)
    • Southwest Georgia (Clay, Randolph, and Terrell County). (Application opened on June 6).

    • College Park, Georgia

    To qualify, you also must have been impacted by COVID-19 and make less than or equal to two times the federal poverty line. 

    How To Apply For the In Her Hands Initiative

    To apply for the In Her Hands initiative, you need to be a black woman, a resident of the Old Fourth Ward and, as mentioned, earn less than or equal to two times the federal poverty line. 

    The final application period is set to open in 2024.

    You will need to give some personal information such as:

    • Your full name, date of birth, and home address
    • A mobile phone number
    • A picture of your photo ID (if you have one; if you do not have one, we will ask you to take a photo of yourself instead)

    Here’s How Participants Will Be Selected

    Participants will be chosen from a randomized lottery from the pool of eligible applicants. Half of the recipients will receive $850 a month for 24 months. The other half will receive a first, lump sum up payment for $4,300 followed by 23 months of $700 payments. 

    To submit, fill out this online application.

    Final Word

    If you are selected for the initiative, you will be notified via email or text message within four weeks of submitting your application.

    Miriam Laker, research director at GiveDirectly, said, “This project is limited to 650 households in three communities in Georgia, but will deepen our understanding of how guaranteed income impacts a specific demographic: Black women. We expect the research findings will inform more inclusive policy design in the future.”
    Who couldn’t use an extra $850 a month in their budget? if you’re a Georgia woman of color, you could qualify for this money. The funds are possible due to the In Her Hands initiative, the largest guaranteed income program in the South.
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