Five pros and cons of 401k rollovers

Have recent events resulted in job loss? You might be faced with a decision about what to do with your retirement account from a previous employer. Here are 5 pros and cons of 401k rollovers.

For more info on the Georgia’s Own Investment and Retirement Services, visit georgiasown.org/investment-and-retirement-services.org.

Five smart ways to use your stimulus check

A second round of stimulus relief has passed providing some much-needed relief to Americans. Here are five ways you can leverage the funds.

For more info on the Georgia’s Own Investment and Retirement Services, visit georgiasown.org/investment-and-retirement-services.org.

Online jobs: legitimate online jobs that really pay

Many people have found themselves going through unexpected circumstances in their professional life. Maybe you were working full-time and now have fewer hours; maybe your job even disappeared altogether. Or perhaps you have found yourself with additional family responsibilities as you work to juggle your home life and work-life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whatever your situation, many have turned to remote or online jobs as a way of making money on their own schedule—but are these jobs legit? Read on for some online options that may fit your needs.

What to know about online jobs before you get started:

If you’ve never worked from home before, or if you have never had to set your own schedule, you will want to do some planning. It may sound relaxing to stay in your jammies all day—and it is—but you will need to manage your time wisely to make sure all your tasks are completed. Think through some basic needs, like office equipment, childcare, other responsibilities (i.e. doctor’s appointments, ballet recitals, family vacations, etc.), and other details to ensure you are prepared before you start to apply.

Blogger

Ten years ago you may have laughed if someone suggested you become a full-time blogger. But, thanks to the power of the Internet, this online job actually ranks first on Clark.com’s list of online jobs that are a) legit and b) pay a decent amount. If you have writing talent and feel like you can dedicate the time to building a blog, this option offers a lot of flexibility. Be warned that making money on your own blog can take some time, so this option is best for those who are not in immediate need of more cash in their bank account.

Tutor

Are you an algebra phenom? Does teaching kids to play the trumpet sound like the most amazing gig ever? You should consider becoming a tutor for students in your area, or even those around the world. Once again, the Internet has done you a solid and brought you a vast array of options–you could teach a local neighbor over a video-chatting service, or you could apply to a place like www.vipkid.com to teach kids from different countries. Either way, this is another opportunity to make a schedule that works for you (though it is important to remember that most kids will need a tutor outside of typical school hours).

Grocery/Food delivery

If you can drive and shop, the perfect job might be waiting for you through a service like Instacart, which allows customers to order their groceries and have a personal shopper—that would be you—drive to the store, do their shopping, and deliver their groceries to their house for an additional fee. You choose the jobs you do and don’t want to take, so, again, there is a high chance you can customize your schedule as needed. Be sure to note that those drivers with more experience will have the first shot at the higher-paying deliveries, so this is a job you need to stick with for a while to make the most out of it, financially speaking. Bonus: you can get your own grocery shopping done while you shop for others.

Translator

Are you bilingual? Your unique skills are exactly what many companies are looking for to assist them in either working directly (online) with customers or helping them translate website pages and other written information into the language(s) you speak. You can even look at places like Rosetta Stone to assist them in teaching other people a new language, or sign up as a subtitle translator through services like Rev.com. Put those languages to work for you and help others become as lingo-savvy as you are.

Coach or Consultant

If you have a passion for helping people find their way, consider starting your own online business as a coach or consultant. While this option may require you to obtain some certification first, crossing that hurdle opens you up to a whole new world of possibilities. You can work with people online to help them organize, get healthy, find their dream job, plan a vacation, or anything in between. If this sounds like it’s right up your alley, do a little digging to figure out which certification seems to fit you best and get to work.

Custom Art

There is nothing quite as cool as knowing you are the only person to own a special piece of art—or, in your case, to be the one who provides the art. If you can paint, sew, draw, sculpt, crochet, or even bake, put those skills to work for you with some custom offerings like blankets, party treats and favors, funny t-shirts, and the like. You can set up shop at a place like Etsy.com and showcase your best work. The best part is you can share your online shop for free on most social media platforms, giving you an even bigger audience to work with.

Online jobs get a bad rap because some of them seem too good to be true. While you have to do some research to make sure an online job is the real deal, some of them can actually turn into a career (or at least a well-paid hobby). If working online seems like the right step for you, there’s no time like the present–brush off that resume and start showing off your talents to the world.

A weekend road trip through Georgia, part two

Traveling is a remarkable way to experience new places and faces, but how often do you explore your backyard? Georgia is chock-full of alluring scenery, charming towns, and vibrant cities—and it’s possible to experience this in one weekend. Below is part two of our Georgia weekend road trip series, which you can do in three days through Southeast Georgia and the coast, starting with Albany as your home base.

Stop one: Valdosta

The first stop on our Georgia weekend road trip is a quick drive south to Valdosta. Although it’s a small town, Valdosta has plenty to offer, from a charming downtown filled with local shops and restaurants to a theme park, and everything in between. Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area is popular among both visitors and locals—there are thousands of acres filled with hiking and nature trails, fishing, canoeing, and more. A boardwalk meanders through the park, leading to a lookout tower that offers a birds-eye view of the surrounding wetlands.

Take a Civil Rights tour and visit the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, Lowndes County Historical Museum, and the Copeland African American Museum at Valdosta State University. All three sites chronicle the Civil Rights movement, important figures who impacted the movement, and African American contributions to South Georgia.

Finally, if theme parks are more your style, visit Wild Adventures—the park offers rides, a waterpark, and the ability to interact with wild animals, like giraffes and alligators. Plus, during the summer, the park hosts a concert series each Saturday that showcases award-winning artists.

Stop two: Jekyll Island

Head two hours east, and our second stop on the Georgia road trip is Jekyll Island. Jekyll Island is one of the Golden Isles along the Georgia barrier islands and is known for its unspoiled shoreline and natural beauty. Jekyll is a haven for those who love the outdoors, and there are plenty of outdoor activities for everyone. The island boasts more than 20 miles of biking paths and trails, so renting a bike is a fantastic way to explore Jekyll. Or, you can put your boots on and explore the island on horseback. There’s plenty of fishing for the avid fisherman, plus dozens of waterways for kayaking and paddleboarding.

If you want to kick your feet back and relax, there are plenty of beaches to lay out and bask in the sun. Driftwood Beach is Jekyll’s best-known beach, with driftwood lining the waterfront. Glory Beach and St. Andrew’s Beach are other popular spots—Glory Beach is a traditional beach with sea oats and dunes, and St. Andrew’s Beach faces the marsh if you’re looking for a change of scenery.

Lastly, if you’re a wildlife fanatic, Jekyll is home to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, a marine wildlife rehabilitation center. There, you can experience hands-on exhibits, view sea turtle operations, and learn about the importance of the coastal ecosystem.

Stop three: Tybee Island and Savannah

Our final stop on our Georgia road trip is a two-hour drive north to Tybee Island and Savannah. Tybee is best known for its wide beaches—but there are plenty of activities to do besides visiting the beach. A popular stop on the island is the historic lighthouse—Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse, dating back to 1736. It’s a fully functioning lighthouse, allowing visitors to climb to the top and enjoy a spectacular view of the island. If you’re a history buff, Fort Pulaski National Monument at Cockspur Island is for you. Fort Pulaski was a landmark Civil War site and was a turning point in military technology. In addition to the fort, there are various outdoor trails, wildlife viewing, and exhibits. And, for more wildlife viewing, dolphin cruises are one of the best ways to ensure you see the many bottlenose dolphins that swim just offshore of Tybee. Many dolphin cruises offer close-up views, sunset rides, and more.

Savannah is just 20 minutes away from Tybee, and it’s the perfect city for the historian and the foodie. In between the charming, historic homes and museums that line the streets, Savannah boasts phenomenal restaurants—you can’t go wrong with any of them. River Street is a popular attraction and for a good reason—there are more than 75 boutiques, restaurants, pubs, and art studios that line the street. Stroll along this historic street front and enjoy some of the best eateries Savannah has to offer, like Huey’s. If you want to explore from a different perspective, try a riverboat cruise. Besides being a historic city, Savannah is also known as one of the most haunted cities in America. Tour Savannah by candlelight and dive even deeper into its history by taking a ghost tour.

Another Savannah tradition is dinner at The Olde Pink House. This Southern landmark was home to key events—it hosted meetings that helped secure the 13 colonies’ independence and later became the Planter’s Bank, the first bank in Georgia. It also housed military generals during Sherman’s March to the Sea. Eventually, it was restored in 1992 and became the restaurant it is today. If you’re looking for classic, Southern comfort food, all while experiencing Savannah’s history, this is it.

This is a fun, effortless Georgia road trip itinerary that promises visits to bounding landscapes, lively cities, and more. Drive safe, and make unforgettable memories!

A weekend road trip through Georgia

Traveling is a remarkable way to experience new places and faces, but how often do you explore your backyard? Georgia is chock-full of alluring scenery, charming towns, and vibrant cities—and it’s possible to experience this in one weekend. Below, we have the perfect Georgia road trip that you can do in three days, starting with Atlanta as your home base.

Stop one: Augusta

To start your Georgia road trip, head two hours east, and you’ll find a city filled with history and culture: Augusta. It’s where musician James Brown started his career, and it’s the birthplace of the world’s most prestigious golf tournament. Even President Woodrow Wilson once called Augusta home. Augusta offers various attractions that are sure to entertain everyone, no matter what piques their interest.

Located in a former textile mill, the Augusta Canal Discovery Center informs visitors on the Industrial Revolution’s impact on the South and how Augusta used its waterways to its advantage. Then, take a walk along the banks of the Savannah River on the Augusta Riverwalk. You can enjoy museums, like the Augusta Museum of History, restaurants, and more—all while getting some fresh air. If you want to venture into nature, visit Phinizy Swamp Nature Park. Stroll through the wetlands and woodlands and take in some of Georgia’s most breathtaking scenery—wildlife included.

Stop two: Savannah

Our next destination on the Georgia weekend road trip is a short drive south to Savannah—Georgia’s oldest city. Savannah is the perfect city for the history buff and the foodie. In between the charming, historic homes and museums that line the streets, Savannah boasts phenomenal restaurants—you can’t go wrong with any of them.

River Street is a popular attraction and for a good reason—there are more than 75 boutiques, restaurants, pubs, and art studios that line the street. Stroll along this historic street front and enjoy some of the best eateries Savannah has to offer, like Huey’s. If you want to explore from a different perspective, try a riverboat cruise. Besides being a historic city, Savannah is also known as one of the most haunted cities in America. Tour Savannah by candlelight and dive even deeper into its history by taking a ghost tour.

Another Savannah tradition is dinner at The Olde Pink House. This Southern landmark was home to key historical events—it hosted meetings that helped secure the 13 colonies’ independence and later became the Planter’s Bank, the first bank in Georgia. It also housed military generals during Sherman’s March to the Sea. Eventually, it was restored in 1992 and became the restaurant it is today. If you’re looking for classic, Southern comfort food, all while experiencing Savannah’s history, this is it.

Stop three: Macon

The final stop on our Georgia weekend road trip is Macon—known as the hometown of the Allman Brothers Band, Little Richard, Otis Redding, and other noteworthy musicians. It’s only appropriate that your first excursion in Macon is a visit to the Allman Brothers Band Museum at The Big House. The Big House is where the band, their families, roadies, and friends lived until 1973 and transformed Macon into the city it is today. The museum is home to the largest collection of Allman Brothers Band memorabilia. After visiting the Big House, venture to the Rose Hill Cemetery, where you can view the final resting place of Gregg and Duane Allman, plus other notable Georgia figures.

The Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park is also a hallowed ground where the American Indians who first occupied present-day Macon built burial mounds for elite tribal members. The park has eight miles of trails, a museum with artifacts dating back to 10,000 B.C., and more. Finally, step back in time and visit the Hay House, an Italian Renaissance Revival-style home. This stately, 18,000 square foot manor was completed in 1859, with construction beginning in 1855, and was occupied by three prominent families before becoming a museum.

This is a fun, effortless Georgia road trip itinerary that promises visits to bounding landscapes, lively cities, and more. Drive safe, and make unforgettable memories!

Money advice for kids: What you need to be sharing and why

How do you decide if and when your kids are ready to talk about money? While there is no timeline that will look exactly the same for every family, you can still use some general guidance to help know when it’s time to have the money talk, and what you should say. Read on for some ideas on ways to start financial conversations with your kids.

Get everyone on board

If you and your spouse or partner are raising your kids together, you need to talk to each other first to make sure you both agree on what type of information to share and when. You might even want to write out a game plan or schedule to help you hit the points you want to emphasize to your kids. Having your thoughts written down will help you steer the conversation in the direction you want to go.

How young do I start?

For those with younger kids, you’re probably wondering if this even applies to you. Talking about finances can be useful for most ages, but it’s reasonable to wait until you feel your child has a better concept of supply and demand. This doesn’t mean they need a full understanding of global economics; rather, they just need to realize that there is a cost associated with things they want (i.e., if you want a snack at school, you have to sit down at the table first). As your child grows more familiar with these concepts, you can begin explaining that most things cost something, whether it’s money or time or something else.

What do I say?

Each family is different, but you can still work through some basic concepts that should apply across the board. Work on age-appropriate ways of introducing finances to your children when you feel they are ready. Here are some ideas on how to get started:

Young children: Begin the conversation by using an example they are familiar with, like the grocery store. They may have to choose between two items they want because you are only budgeted for one, or you might show them how you count out the money you use to pay for your grocery order. They don’t need to be able to add up the total, but seeing that money is exchanged for goods or services is a great first step to understanding a budget.

Older children: If your kids receive an allowance or earn screen time and other privileges through chores, this is an opportunity to help them understand the idea of budgeting and saving. You can show them how they have to think ahead – their allowance is only given at certain intervals and they need to make the money last until the next allowance payment if they want to continue to use their funds. That may mean waiting to buy a favorite toy or new item of clothing, or looking for less expensive alternatives. Either way, you can begin to show them how they have to use their money to pay for each item they wish to purchase.

Teenagers: Typically, even young teenagers have all of the cognitive resources to understand the concept of money only lasting so long and for certain items or services. Talk to them openly about why budgeting matters so much, and how they can create a budget that is specific to their needs. This is also a great time to shift some financial responsibility to them – they don’t need to take over your mortgage, but they can begin to fund small purchases, like their cell phone bill or going out for meals with friends. If your teenager has a job, it’s also a good idea to show them how saving now can make a big difference later.

Adult children: Every parent knows that just because the kids are out of the house doesn’t mean their job as parents is done. As your child leaves home for college or a job, offer to sit with them and help them budget for this new phase of their life. They may need to cover rent, utilities, groceries, and many other things they have not tackled alone before. Prepping them early will help, but it’s still a good idea to review their budget with them if they’re not confident in their spending habits.

Why does it matter?

Some of us had to learn about budgeting the hard way, because no one sat down and gave us the basics outside of a class at school. But budgeting is crucial for everyone, even if you are not currently worried about having the funds you need. Between emergency situations, market fluctuations, and the changing cost of living, the budget you make today may need a major overhaul in five years. Being prepared will make a big difference.

Since you’re responsible for covering the financial needs of your children until they are grown, it may seem silly to start these conversations so early. But getting your kids used to the idea of being smart with their money is a skill they will use for the rest of their life. Showing your young child why budgeting matters so much will mean they already have a firm grasp of important financial concepts when they are responsible for maintaining their own budget.

Money conversations can feel uncomfortable, but it’s true that practice makes perfect. Use the opportunities life gives you to help your children understand why it’s critical to learn about using their money well, and watch as they take those lessons with them to the next phase of their life.