• Greenwood Bank: Everything you need to know about the online bank geared toward people of color

    Greenwood Bank Launch Date And More: What To Know

    5 Min Read

    Greenwood Bank, the digital banking platform targeting black and Latino users, recently announced the hire of Dylani Herath, as Vice President of Engineering.

    The news comes as the the digital banking platform once again pushed back its launch date. 

    What is Greenwood Bank?

    Greenwood is an online bank that allows customers to control their money via app or website. The bank, which is geared toward black and Latinx customers, describes itself as “modern banking for the culture.”

    For those that don’t know, the name “Greenwood” is derived from the historic free district in Tulsa, Oklahoma known for its thriving businesses owned by black Americans. The area was so prosperous it became known as “Black Wall Street.”

    Greenwood was destroyed in a 1921 race massacre spurred by false reports in the newspaper.

    When Will Greenback Bank Launch?

    Greenwood Bank was supposed to launch in early 2021, but the new company has experienced some growing pains. With Herath responsible for scaling the banking platform, Greenwood aims to have accounts ready for those who have signed up in late 2021.

    Greenwood Bank is expecting to be ready for general public’s access in early 2022.

    Herath will be over key component’s of the bank’s operations, including the platform’s security, growth, and product pipeline. She will also be responsible for bringing Greenwood’s online banking services to market.

    The bank also announced that it has raised another $40 million in Series A funding from six of the seven largest banks in the United States. Those banking institutions include:

    • Truist
    • Bank of America
    • PNC
    • JPMorgan Chase
    • Wells Fargo
    • Mastercard
    • Visa

    Greenwood Bank Raises $40 Million As Big U.S. Banks Seek Role

    The group of entrepreneurs that has launched Greenwood describe it as a new banking initiative targeting the underbanked, especially African-Americans and people of color. This article is going to tell you everything you need to know about Greenwood and its website BankGreenwood.com.

    While many of the details have yet to be disclosed or worked out, what has been announced by Greenwood is enough to raise particular interest among the disenfranchised.

    America’s poor neighborhoods and impoverished cities are among the most under- and un-banked across the country. So, a startup like Greenwood, which specifically targets them, is an idea long in the making.

    Greenwood Bank is riding a lot of momentum. It recently announced MasterCard debit cards. Let’s look at some of the things we know about Greenwood Bank and what it will offer.

    What Will Greenwood Bank Offer?

    Greenwood bank app

    Like other online banks, you can expect Greenwood Bank to offer contact-free financial amenities such as:

    • Checking accounts
    • Savings accounts
    • Mobile deposits
    • Bank Transfers
    • Paycheck Advances

    Greenwood Bank will also offer digital payment methods through Apple and Google Pay services. Customers will also be able to withdraw and deposit cash at a network of ATMs around the country.

    “We plan on creating, between the summer of this year and the end of 2022, a whole suite of financial services, utilizing all of our partners to provide a robust mosaic of banking services for our community — a one-stop shop, if you will,” co-founder Ryan Glover told BankingDrive.com.

    Who Are The Founders Of Greenwood Bank?

    The proprietors behind Greenwood Bank include a who’s who of prominent entrepreneurs in Atlanta and other areas. They include:

    Andrew Young: Greenwood Co-Founder and Board Member

    Andrew Young opens Greenwood Bank

    Andrew Young is a popular elder statesman of the civil rights movement who has a long history of fighting for equality. Young is a former mayor of Atlanta as well as U.S. Ambassador.

    Michael ‘Killer Mike’ Render: Greenwood Co-Founder

    Killer Mike opens Greenwood Bank

    Rapper and businessman Killer Mike has become a major proponent of economic empowerment in the black community. Along his accomplishments include his efforts to talk up land ownership, homeownership, a thriving barbershop business and revival of Atlanta’s storied Bankhead Seafood.

    Ryan Glover: Greenwood Founder and Chairman

    Ryan Glover opens Greenwood Bank

    Ryan Glover, the founder of Bounce TV, is also a Greenwood founder. The Atlanta TV executive created the nation’s first majority black-owned streaming service and has a strong background in media and tech.

    What Is The Greenwood Give Back Program?

    Greenwood Bank has also launched the Greenwood Give Back program, which provides:

    • five meals to a needy family when you open an account.
    • Every month a $10,000 gift to a Black or Latinx business
    • Support for HBCUs, the NAACP or anti-hunger initiative with Goodr by rounding up loose change from all in-store or online purchases you make with Greenwood Bank.

    Final Words

    While it’s clear that Greenwood Bank won’t have physical branches when it launches, the goal of the proprietors is to eventually have at least some brick-and-mortar locations. But that remains to be seen.

    Saving money has historically been a pain point for lower-income Americans and specifically, people of color. Here are three easy ways to make your finances work.

    With so many initial signups, they may decide that Greenwood Bank may be best operated as a digital bank.

    If you’re interested in saving money or making money, here are some other options to consider.

    More AtlantaFi.com Articles:

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  • Things that didn't exist years ago

    6 Expenses That Didn’t Exist 20 Years Ago

    4 Min Read

    Do you ever wonder where your money is going? It seems like every month, expenses eat away at our budget. But the truth is that Americans today are paying for things that simply didn’t exist a short time ago.

    Of course, we need the lights on and utilities to work, and even the car note. But it’s those “other” bills that seem to be sapping our paychecks. Where did they come from?

    These Expenses Didn’t Exist 20 Years Ago

    Let’s look at some of the bills that have popped up out of thin air in the last 20 years.

    1. Baggage Fees

    In 2008, American Airlines introduced a $30 fee for your first checked bag. That set off a chain reaction among the airline industry and baggage fees that has been with us ever since. Not only that, but snacks, pillows and the like were free years ago — but not anymore.

    2. Your Streaming Bill

    Related to your data plan is your streaming bill. Back in the day, Netflix used to mail you DVDs. Now, the streaming service — and a host of others — are selling subscriptions for anywhere from $5.99 to $50 a month.

    For context, you may be trading your cable or satellite bill for two or three streaming services, but as we’re about to see, those subscriptions extend far beyond TV…

    3. Music Subscriptions

    Sad to say, it costs money to listen to good music now. Of course, you could tune in to the radio all day, but to get the highly curated audio experience we’ve all come to know and love comes with a price tag. Your monthly Spotify or Apple Music account costs you anywhere from $4.99 to $9.99.

    4. Coffee

    Yes, having a morning coffee has been a ritual for years and years, but with the rise of Starbucks and other artisan coffee establishments, a freshly brewed cup has become a recurring bill for many of us.

    According to an Acorn Money Matters report, the average American spends approximately $1,100 annually ($3 each day) on coffee. No wonder Starbucks is reported to make $61 million a day.

    5. Ridesharing

    Ridesharing has become a common expense for people in big cities, especially millennials who want to bar hop or avoid parking fees downtown. But Americans who use Uber and Lyft spend $22 on an average trip, according to one report. If you rideshare twice times a week, we’re talking more than $240 a month.

    of course, that money could be offset by the amount you save on a new car note or taxicab, but the fact remains, ridesharing is an expense we didn’t have years ago.

    6. Bottled Water

    It’s true people have been drinking bottled water for a long time, but its status at the top of the food chain has only taken hold in recent years.

    In 2017, the Beverage Marketing Corp., an industry consulting firm, announced that bottled water had overtaken milk and beer to become America’s favorite beverage. And as more people swear off tap water, many opt to exclusively drink bottled water.

    That means that each year, U.S. consumers spend an average of $100 per person on bottled water. Add other members of the household and this figure goes way up.

    Takeaway

    So what’s the point in listing these recurring expenses? It’s so you can see that you may be able to save some of your hard-earned money if you took steps now to invest what you spend on some of these items. Need help? The first thing you need to do is create a budget.

    Need some help? You can save money with these tips.

    Know of any other expenses that have arisen in the last 15 years? Let us know in the comments!

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

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  • Greenwood Bank: Everything you need to know about the online bank geared toward people of color

    Here’s How Greenwood Bank’s Debit Card Will Look

    2 Min Read

    Greenwood Bank, the black and Latino-centered banking initiative originating from Atlanta entrepreneurs, will launch a debit card with the MasterCard logo, the company announced.

    The Greenwood Bank digital platform is expected to launch later in the year.

    Greenwood And Mastercard Partner For Greenwood Debit Card

    The bank will offer an upgraded Greenwood Premium membership that comes with the following perks:

    • An exclusive metal Greenwood World Debit Mastercard
    • Identity Fraud Expense Reimbursement insurance
    • Enhanced luxury travel services
    • 90 days of Purchase Assurance on damaged or stolen goods
    • Discounted access to private golf courses, free lessons and more

    How Will Greenwood Bank’s Debit Card Look?

    Greenwood Bank debit card Mastercard

    Here’s a glimpse of how Greenwood Bank’s debit card will look. Notice the metallic design. It is expected to also include a MasterCard logo.

    Greenwood Bank comes from the minds of three Atlanta businessmen who have walked different paths to get to the top.

    Former Mayor and U.S. Ambassador Andrew Young, rapper and real estate czar Michael ‘Killer Mike’ Render and local media executive Ryan Glover, are the proprietors of Greenwood Bank.

    “As Greenwood works toward bringing practical products to market this summer, it’s encouraging to know that Mastercard is aligned with our mission of economic empowerment for people of color,” said Glover, Chairman and Co-Founder of Greenwood. “Mastercard’s desire to partner with us to produce content that will speak directly to our community while also providing access to the exclusive World Debit program means Greenwood customers will get a best-in-class product and the tools to grow wealth.  Both of these benefits map directly to our mission.”

    Greenwood Bank aims to solve one of the main problems hindering economic interests in America’s underserved communities: Lack of capital.

    See how Greenwood Bank plans to reshape the financial landscape in the community.

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

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  • How to track your stimulus check money

    Where’s My Stimulus Check? Here’s How To Track It

    3 Min Read

    The stimulus checks are in the mail for millions of Americans. So you may be wondering where’s yours, right?

    You don’t have to worry about your check getting lost in the mail or your direct deposit being screwed up. Although all those things can and have happened, the IRS and Treasury Department has put some steps in place for you to find out what’s happening with your money.

    What Date Will I Get My Stimulus Check?

    If you haven’t gotten hour stimulus check yet, don’t fret. The IRS an online portal that will actually track your stimulus check.

    As you know most American consumers started getting a $1,200 stimulus check in April 2020. After that, a $600 relief payment went out in early 2021. After that, athird stimulus payment for $1,400 was administered by the Biden Administration.

    But what if you need to track your money down? Here’s where to get information on your stimulus payment:

    IRS ‘Get My Payment’ Tool

    The IRS Get My Payment Tool is available for you to see the status of your money. If you click on the link, you’ll see that is has different options for your situation, including:

    • Ability to track your stimulus money
    • Ability to share information with the IRS so that you can get paid
    • Option to choose between paper stimulus check or direct deposit into your account

    No matter what you do, don’t let anyone swindle you out of your 2020 stimulus money.

    Don’t Fall For Stimulus Scams

    There have already been some stimulus scams to pop up. The FBI is warning people to be on the lookout for criminals who are looking to pounce on the uninformed.

    Here’s what you can be sure of:

    • You won’t have to pay a fee to get a stimulus check
    • No entity can “rush” your stimulus check, so don’t fall for it
    • The government won’t ever call you and ask you for your personal information over the phone

    Next: Stimulus Check Money: Everything You Need To Know

    Prepaid Debit Cards And More: What To Know About Your Stimulus Payments

     

    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:
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  • Stimulus check money: Everything you need to know

    Prepaid Debit Cards And More: What To Know About Your Stimulus Payments

    4 Min Read

    The U.S. government has been sending stimulus checks to millions of Americans as part of trillion-dollar economic packages to deal with the disruption that the coronavirus pandemic has caused.

    To get your stimulus money, you won’t have to fill out any forms or submit anything. They have tried to make it easy.

    Stimulus Checks: Everything You Need To Know

    In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about stimulus payments.

    If the IRS doesn’t have any banking information on you, they will mail out debit cards, called Economic Impact Payment (EIP) Cards. Scroll down to learn more about these stimulus debit cards.

    The only way you won’t get a stimulus check if if you don’t have a Social Security number or you can be claimed as a dependent by someone else. Also, if you make more than $75,000, the check will begin to phase out.

    In This Article:

    How To Get Your Stimulus Check

    Many people have lost their jobs and others have lost their health because of the deadly virus, so the money is very much needed. Here is everything you need to know about the stimulus check.

    What Is A Stimulus Check?

    A stimulus check is a government payment sent to taxpayers to stimulate the economy.

    The idea behind stimulus checks is for consumerism to spark consumption and for dollars to make their way to businesses and companies.

    Stimulus checks have been used before by the U.S. government to fuel economic growth. 

    How Much Is The Stimulus Check?

    Each eligible American is generally set to receive $1,200 and $500 for each child under age 17. The money will be sent by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

    Because it’s based on your IRS filing status, most Americans will get a $1,400 stimulus payment.

    Here is what your finances need to be to get the third round of stimulus checks:

    • Married couples who make less than $150,000 qualify.
    • Head of households who make under $112,500 qualify.
    • Single individuals who make less than $75,000 qualify.

    When Is Your Stimulus Check Coming?

    Stimulus checks started to be mailed in mid-March 2021 based on a schedule conceived by the Biden Administration. Here’s how to track it.

    If your direct deposit information is not on file with the IRS and you’re waiting on a paper check, it could take up to five months, according to one report.

    Will You Get A Stimulus Check Debit Card?

    EIP card - stimulus debit card

    As many as 4 million Americans will get stimulus check debit cards, called Economic Impact Payment (EIP) Cards. These people are the ones who don’t have banking information on file with the IRS.

    That means the agency is unable to send your stimulus via direct deposit or check. Here are some things to know about your EIP card.

    • You can use your EIP card anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted, including online and in-store. 
    • You can also get cash back at the register with PIN debit purchases at participating merchants
    • If you have problems, you can call Customer Service at 1.800.240.8100 (TTY: 1.800.241.9100)

    See the EIPcard.com website created by the Treasury for more information.

    How To Avoid Stimulus Scams

    There have already been some stimulus scams to pop up. The FBI is warning people to be on the lookout for criminals who are looking to pounce on the uninformed.

    Here’s what you can be sure of:

    • You won’t have to pay a fee to get a stimulus check
    • No entity can “rush” your stimulus check, so don’t fall for it
    • The government won’t ever call you and ask you for your personal information over the phone

    Last Words

    For people looking to bounce back after losing significant income, you may have some ideas on how to spend your stimulus check. Here are some great ways to put your stimulus check to good use.

    Next: How To Track The Status Of Your Stimulus Check Money

    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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  • who qualifies for second stimulus payment

    Where Is My Third Stimulus Check? 5 Things To Know

    3 Min Read

    After months of uncertainty, the Biden Administration has approved a third stimulus check for Americans hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.

    With unemployment set to expire for millions of people, it’s clear that Americans still need additional coronavirus relief. But you may be wondering if you qualify for stimulus payments.

    Stimulus Check 101: 5 Things You Need To Know

    This article is going to tell you who is eligible for the second stimulus check, which is expected to be rolled out later this year.

    1. What’s Included In Second Stimulus Check?

    Here is what Senate Republicans have included in the second stimulus check, which is part of the Cares Act 2. The following benefits have been finalized:

    The new legislation gives $600 to most eligible Americans. Congress is specifically looking to help lower-income Americans who make less than $40,000 a year.

    2. When Will I Get My $1.400 Stimulus Check?

    The Treasury Department and IRS started sending stimulus money to Americans on December 29, 2020. In the best circumstances, it could have taken a day or two or up to two weeks to get your payments.

    The IRS says there’s been a delay due to them sending the checks out to old account numbers and other technical problems. The agency says it should all be fixed now.

    3. Who Qualifies For Third Stimulus Check?

    Here’s who is eligible for the third stimulus check

    • A third $1,400 payment would go to each eligible U.S. citizen who earns less than $75,000 a year ($150,000 for couples who file taxes jointly).
    • Dependents could qualify for a second $1,400 stimulus payment, which doubles what they could receive in the first stimulus package.

    4. How Will My Stimulus Check Come?

    Your stimulus check will come in either of three forms: a paper check, via direct deposit or on a prepaid Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) card.

    The IRS says EIP cards are being sent to Americans via mail.

    5. Can I Track My Stimulus Check?

    Like the last stimulus, you can track our stimulus. pretty easily. Although, the IRS has stated that they’ve had some technical issues on their website, it should work if you keep checking.

    Here are two ways to track your stimulus money:

    Last Words

    It may take some time, but you should do all you can to get your money. After all, as a hard-working taxpayer, you’re entitled to get what’s yours.

    And don’t forget to check for other avenues that may have hidden money and property for you. At AtlantaFi.com, we make it easy for you.

    Here are some forgiveable loans and grants your small business can apply for.

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

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  • What to know about the third stimulus check

    Third Stimulus Check: Everything You Need To Know

    3 Min Read

    Did you get your last stimulus check? Because another one is on the way.

    The Biden Administration’s nearly $2 trillion coronavirus relief plan has been approved. That means a third stimulus check is coming for most Americans.

    The relief package being floated in government circles — the American Rescue Plan — includes stimulus money that can help needy Americans. The plan passed with zero Republican support, but because the Democrats were able to get a simple majority, we have a package.

    But let’s get to the good stuff: When is your stimulus coming? We’re going to tell you that and more.

    Third Round Of Stimulus Checks: Everything You Need To Know

    Government cash has been distributed to Americans in waves since the coronavirus pandemic began last March. Not only is the money needed to shore up the economy, but regular Americans are struggling to find work as unemployment numbers start to creep up again.

    It’s understandable that you’d have some questions about the new stimulus checks and we’re going to answer them. Here is everything we know about the third stimulus checks.

    1. How Much Will The Third Stimulus Check Be?

    Because the IRS and Treasury Department facilitated sending out the $600 at the beginning of the year, the third round of stimulus checks is for $1,400.

    For those keeping score, that’s a total of $2,000 in government help, which many nations across the globe have committed to on a monthly basis.

    2. When Will The Stimulus Checks Arrive?

    While the political wrangling often takes days in Congress, the actual process of getting that money into the hands of Americans will be swift.

    Hours after the relief package was approved by President Biden, the White House said it would be making its way to American bank accounts in days.

    Of course, that won’t be the case with everybody. If may be months before the payments arrive, analysts say.

    3. What’s Taking So Long?

    The IRS has gone on record to say that their online systems have been overwhelmed when stimulus checks are involved. The truth is that for all Americans to get paid, it’s going to take some time.

    Congress painstakingly approved a relief package in April 2020 that took weeks to go out. In the last week of the year, U.S. lawmakers freed up more than $900 billion for a stimulus package that gave each Americans $600, and that also took time for some U.S. citizens.

    Final Thoughts

    If you need help finding out what’s up with your money, go to IRS.gov, the official site of the Internal Revenue Service, and see if they can help you.

    With many workers still preparing for layoffs, lawmakers are poised to approve more stimulus money down the road.

    Up Next: How To Track Your Stimulus Money

    Here’s How To Track Your Stimulus Check Money

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

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  • smart ways to spend your stimulus money

    5 Smart Ways To Spend Your Stimulus Money

    3 Min Read

    After a lot of infighting, Congress has finally approved a second stimulus payment for $600 to most Americans.

    Now, $600 is not really a lot of money. We could waste it really fast if we’re not careful. So, that’s why we need to use it wisely. Here are some ways to spend your stimulus money.

    Smart Ways To Spend Your Stimulus Money

    Hopefully, we can get $2,000 in stimulus payments, which President Biden is in favor of. Because this proposal has yet to gain steam in Congress, the thing to do right now is to save as much money as you can. Here are some ways to do that:

    1. Start 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.

    2. Pay Off Your Debts

    If one thing is certain in all this, it’s that you need to have as much capital as you can. If you’re in debt from credit cards or late payments, you can put the stimulus money to good use.

    Pay off your debts from the largest bill to the smallest. This way, you’ll escape those large interest payments that cost way more than the original balance.

    3. Open A Savings Account

    When great way to save money is by opening a savings account. Here’s how to go about it: Look for banks that have savings accounts with attractive APR, annual percentage rate, or interest rate stated in yearly terms. 

    The better your APR, the more money your savings account can generate.

    4. Invest It In Your 401(K)

    If you don’t know, a 401(K) is an employer-supplied retirement account. Typically, your job will match your contributions.

    If you have some extra money hanging around (like a stimulus check) you could choose to add this money into your 401(K). This is an attractive option because your 401(k) is TAX FREE!

    So all the money you put there won’t be taxed until, hopefully, it has multiplied through the years and you can live on it. Learn more about a 401(k) here.

    5. Donate It

    There are many charities that are looking for money right now. If you’re a foodie, you could choose to give to restaurant workers who are having a hard time.

    The local hair salon industry is another segment that is accepting donations.

    You also could simply give some of the money to people you know personally, whether they be friends or family. The point is to just give!

    Up Next: When Is The Second Stimulus Check Coming?

    Second Stimulus Check Is Passed: Here’s What You Get


    If you’re looking for more ways to save money, here are some resources you should know about.

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  • Money lessons to save cash

    5 Things The Pandemic Taught Us About Money

    3 Min Read

    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:

    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:
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  • How to save energy costs at home

    5 Steps To Save Money By Lowering Your Energy Costs At Home

    3 Min Read

    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.

    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:
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