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How Will the Coronavirus Stimulus Package Help Your Family

Odds are you’ve heard about the Coronavirus Stimulus Package, but what does it mean for you and your family? We have you covered, and in this post we’ll take a look at what was passed and how it will affect you.

What is the Coronvirus Stimulus Package?

With so many people out of work because of businesses closing, and others unable to work due to illness, thousands of people are trying to navigate life without a steady income. Last week, the federal government voted to pass a bill that would allow the government to send checks or direct deposits to every eligible American citizen. There are also other benefits listed in the bill.

How much money do I get?

If you have a social security number, you are likely eligible to receive this payment. However, the amount you get will depend on the income reported on your 2018 taxes, or your 2019 taxes if you have already filed.

For those making up to $75,000 per year, which is the majority of Americans, you will receive $1200 per adult in the household, and an additional $500 per child that you claimed as a dependent. For those who make more than $75,000 annually, your amount will be adjusted – to determine just how much money you can expect, go to this calculator and fill out the information requested.

When will I receive the money?

The government is already working on processing and sending out the funds. If you are receiving a refund on your taxes and have chosen the direct deposit option, you will receive your stimulus funds the same way. Otherwise, you will receive a check in the mail. Either way, you can expect to see the money arrive within three weeks, and likely sooner if you are receiving it via direct deposit.

What if I work part-time, as a contracted employee, or as a gig worker?

Good news – you are still eligible. It’s important to remember that the goal of this stimulus plan is to boost the economy. That means that the more people who receive the checks, the more opportunities to increase the tax base, support local stores, and get the financial atmosphere back on track.

It’s important to note that college students will not receive any funds if they are claimed as a dependent by their parents. Veterans, those who receive Social Security and disability benefits, and Americans living abroad are all eligible.

What if I just lost my job or am unemployed for other reasons?

If you receive unemployment, or plan to apply for it as the result of a lost job, the bill passed by Congress allows you to not only receive a stimulus check, but you will also receive an additional $600 per week to help you replace the income you lost.

The additional $600 is slated to be paid weekly over four months, ending July 31st. The amount of funds provided by your individual state for unemployment will vary from state to state, so contact your local unemployment office for information about those funds.

What else should I know?

This information may seem overwhelming, but it is a good thing – the bill also provides for emergency aid for businesses, additional funds for healthcare and welfare, and provides aid for education and transportation systems. In short, this is not an ideal situation for anyone, but help is on the way.

In the meantime, we encourage everyone to take time to educate themselves on what the bill means for them and how it can change their future for the good. As always, we are here for you.

15 ways to save at the grocery store

It’s natural to waltz down grocery store aisles and add everything you see to your shopping cart. Strategically placed products catch your eye and make you think you need them immediately. Overspending at the grocery store is a habit that’s difficult to break—but, it can be done. Here are 15 ways you can save during your next trip to the supermarket:

Check your pantry

Before you head to the store, check to see what you already have. There are websites and apps, like Supercook or Cookpad, that allow you to find recipes based on ingredients. Depending on what’s in your pantry or fridge, you could make meals with what you have and avoid going to the grocery store altogether.

Make a grocery list

Compile a list to be sure you’re purchasing the essentials, and stick with it. Don’t stray from your list—you’ll spend more money than you intended.

Compare stores

While you’re determining your list, create a grocery store comparison chart. Pick your essential items, choose your stores, obtain the prices, and compare. It’s an invaluable tool that will ultimately save you money.

Use coupons

This seems obvious, but using coupons can help tremendously. There are dozens of websites, like coupons.com, that have free, printable coupons. Also, be sure to read your local store’s circular—it promotes items that are on sale. In addition to circulars, look for digital coupons that are store-specific.

Don’t shop hungry

The golden rule of grocery shopping: don’t shop hungry. According to Psychology Today, when you’re hungry, you overload your shopping cart with items you don’t need. Your brain focuses on finding its next food source, so you grab everything appealing within sight. To combat this, be sure you’ve eaten before you go. You’ll avoid the temptation of grabbing unnecessary items, and your wallet will thank you.

Leave the big spenders at home

Whether it’s your kids or your spouse, there’s always someone adding more than you need to your cart. It’s not always easy to say no, so avoid the situation entirely by leaving your big spenders at home, if you can.

Keep a running tally of your cart’s cost

Steer clear of the dreaded, “I spent how much?!” when you make it through the check-out line. As you add items to your cart, keep track of the running cost. It doesn’t need to be exact—just a rough estimate.

Avoid eye-level items

It may be easier to grab the first option you see, but scanning the shelves is critical. Stores use the motto “eye level is buy level” for a reason. We look at items that are eye level, so that’s where grocery stores place the most expensive items. Look for cheaper items on higher and lower shelves.

Don’t purchase pre-cut food

It’s often simpler to purchase ready-to-eat salad and fruit, but that’ll cost you more in the long run. You won’t receive as much, either, and pre-cut food doesn’t stay fresh for long. Trust me—just buy the head of lettuce and make your salad. It’ll take less than ten minutes, and you’ll save money.

Ask for a rain check

Did someone get too greedy during the BOGO sale? You can ask your store for a rain check on items that sold out during a promotion. If your grocer allows it, you can snag the item once the store restocks.

Don’t always buy in bulk

It appears cheaper, but buying in bulk isn’t always the best choice. Sometimes, depending on the unit price, it can wind up being more expensive. If you’re debating whether you should purchase items in bulk, it’s crucial to check the unit prices and compare them to see if you’re saving or spending more.

Try generic brands

Don’t be afraid to try the store brand. It’s often just as good as the national brand but a fraction of the cost. If you don’t like it, most grocery stores will allow you to return it and get your money back or swap for the national brand.

Shop in season

If you’re purchasing produce, be sure to buy items that are in season. Not only is it fresher and tastier, but it also costs less. It’s all about supply and demand. When produce is in season, there is an abundance—therefore, it costs less per pound. Compare that with something out of season—there is less of the product in-store, so it’s more expensive.

Pay with cash

When budgeting, cash is king. Paying for items with cash allows you to set a budget and stick with it—once your cash for an item runs out, that’s it. Finance expert Dave Ramsey swears by this method. Bring enough money to cover your groceries for one trip. If your total runs over, take items in your cart out. It’s hard but better than ruining your monthly budget.

Changing how you grocery shop can have a notable impact on your financial well-being. By shopping sensibly, you can stick to your monthly budget, as well as reach other money-related goals you may have. Try one, or some, of these tactics next time you’re at the grocery store—you’ll be amazed at how much you save!

What to do if you’re in real financial trouble

It’s a problem that no one likes to admit, but that happens to nearly every person at some point in their lives: a serious lack of funds. The current crisis has left many unsure if they will be able to make their next mortgage payment, or even get groceries for the week.

If you are in financial trouble and are looking for your next steps, read on for some of our ideas and tips on the best way to turn your struggles into success stories. Some of the best resources for help are right here in Atlanta:

United Way of Greater Atlanta: This organization is all about making connections to get you and your family everything they need, from a hot meal to polishing your resume.

The Salvation Army: There are several local locations of this group, which strives to help those struggling with homelessness, at-risk youth, financial issues, and the fight against human trafficking.

Downtown Atlanta: Don’t let the name fool you; this group serves all of Atlanta through their community service initiatives. Along with raising awareness for important global projects, Downtown Atlanta also has resources for those who need to get off the streets and into a stable residence.

CAPS: CAPS, or Childcare And Parent Services, is a program designed to help parents with low income find affordable, quality childcare so the parents can work or attend school. Their goal is to ensure that no child is denied education due to a financial strain.

National Foundation for Credit Counseling: The NFCC has long established a reputation of helping people across the United States figure out the next steps to manage their debt. Their website also offers a variety of tools and resources to aid you at any time.

You know where to go – now let’s talk about what you can do when you’re in real financial trouble.

Don’t ignore financial trouble

As we said above, no one likes to admit when they are in financial trouble. It may embarrass you, or perhaps you just aren’t comfortable with that level of vulnerability. Whatever the reason, the result is the same: Your money problems will not disappear, no matter how long you refuse to acknowledge them. In fact, they may just get worse.

You need a budget

You know how we feel about budgets – everyone needs one, and we mean everyone. Even if you know that there is no way your income covers your expenses, you need to make a budget to see where you stand financially. How can you plan to recover from a money crisis if you aren’t even sure how much you spend on gas every week?

See what you can trim or cut

We know that you have probably already started to cut back on the non-essential items. But have you looked at ways to save on some of the more necessary parts of your budget?

For instance, you can look for coupons at your local grocery store to see if you can save a few cents on your dinners for the week. Try consignment stores first when your kids need clothes for the spring. Saving a few cents and dollars here and there can add up a lot over time.

Consider talking it out

DJ Tanner of Full House said it best: You might not solve anything, but just talking about it helps. You don’t have to wait for the sappy violins to play, but if you are experiencing significant financial distress, it’s a good idea to talk to someone. They don’t have to be a professional – a good friend will work, too. Shouldering an emotional burden is an unnecessary stress you don’t need to add to your full plate.

Find good resources

There are organizations around Atlanta who want to help with everyday needs – but they can’t unless you tell them what you need. Places like United Way of Greater Atlanta, HOPE Atlanta, and the Atlanta Center For Self Sufficiency are just a few of the local resources that can assist you with housing and other basic needs. Reach out to them to learn what you need to do to take advantage of their resources.

Consult an expert

Once you get the help you need for the basics, it’s time to take charge of your finances. Check out free resources like the ones Dave Ramsey offers, or head to Udemy to take a class on creating and maintaining a budget.

If you want local referrals to an accountant who can help, dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code and need to 898-211, and the United Way of Greater Atlanta will reach out to you with the information you need. No matter what path you take, don’t try to go it alone – find the right people to help you succeed.

Get some credit counseling

Speaking of experts, have you considered seeking credit counseling to help you build your credit back up? Places like MoneyManagement International offer their expertise both in person and over the phone, for everything from managing debt to working through student loans. Getting this type of counseling will go a long way in shaping your future as you recover from this financial crisis.

Stick to your plan

You have the information you need from your financial advisor and other experts. Now it’s time to buckle down and follow the plan you made with them. Will it be difficult? Probably. But anything worthwhile is.

Take the steps outlined by your professional consultant, and do not vary from them, even a little bit. If you’re not sure how to proceed in a particular circumstance, give your advisor a call to see what they would recommend.

Let others know how to help

Asking for help, or even just accepting it, can be hard. We know that. But the truth is that everyone needs help sometimes. This can even be something as small as letting someone know what your financial limitations are so they can help keep you accountable. Or see if anyone you trust can give you more ideas for resources in your area.

Financial problems can be overwhelming, but they don’t have to dictate the rest of your life. Find the right help, take the right steps, and watch as you take control of your financial future.

What the Coronavirus Could Mean for Your Money

Among the many concerns that COVID-19, or coronavirus, has brought to Americans and people worldwide is that of finances.

With school systems shutting down and some states even enacting a state-wide policy that allows only certain businesses to operate during certain hours, those who are still able to go to work may be wondering what they should expect as far as their paychecks – while those who have already been called out of work are wondering how to stretch their paychecks as far as they can. Read on for information on what the biggest concerns are, and how you can combat them.

Overall financial concerns

There is good and bad news here. You’ve seen the stock market took a hit. Bad news. But as a result, the Federal Reserve is taking extra steps to keep the economy afloat as everyone tries to predict how long this crisis will change our daily lives, such as lowering interest rates for student loans and home loans. Good news.

Financial experts are all saying the same thing: Don’t panic-sell anything! Now is not the time to throw years of investments and planning away because things seem so dire right now. Eventually, this crisis will pass – and you will need your investments when it does.

Adapt to change

When changes like this occur, it’s smart to evaluate and take a fresh look at your budget. For instance, you may be working from home right now – but that means you are using way less gas than usual. Your grocery fund will go up, but your school activities will be at a standstill. Reallocate your funds as needed to get you through the next few weeks.

Stretch it out

This isn’t a comment on your time at the gym (please don’t go to the gym). You can find creative ways to stretch your dollars even beyond their usual point. Turn the week’s leftovers into a meal all its own. Buy off-brands instead of your usual store brand for groceries. If you can work from home outside of your typical job description (i.e., help the front desk send emails, do some digital filing, etc.), take the hours that you can so you can keep some cash flow coming.

Cut it out

How many digital streaming services do you have? Probably more than one – so why not stop subscribing to some of them for now? We know that having your kids home with no Netflix may sound like the worst idea ever, but split the difference and keep the one service your family uses most. Also consider reducing the level of service you purchase to save a few bucks.

Refinance student loans

Remember what we said about interest loans being reduced? Since you have a lot of extra time at home right now, why not look into refinancing your student loans to see if you qualify for a lower interest rate? That may not change your immediate situations, but it will certainly be useful down the line when we all return to our usual routines.

Save for emergencies

Again, we realize that you may be scraping by while things are uncertain. But as soon as you’re able, go ahead and start an emergency fund. A good rule of thumb is to have three months of your salary stashed away. But you can start small. That change from the gas station? Drop it in a jar. The next time you find a $10 bill in your wallet, put it aside. A little here and there will mean big changes later on.

No one can predict the future – but you don’t have to let it control your finances. Spend wisely, save daily, and remember that this is temporary.

Streaming Wars: Which Service Suits You Best?

Today we have 75’’ smart-4K UHD TVs strategically mounted every five feet throughout our homes. We can be entertained 24-hours a day by tens of thousands of shows on just as many channels, and we can watch them just about anywhere–inside, outside, poolside, in the passenger side, or projected on the side of our homes.

Now that Netflix has created—and now dominates—the new world of television, other TV providers can’t continue to sit back, relax, and enjoy the latest episode of Stranger Things. They’re launching their own platforms with their own original content in hopes of recovering their fair share of the bing-watching, couch potato market.

So many choices, so much confusion

In terms of new streaming services, Apple TV+ launched on November 1, Disney+ arrived on November 12, NBC Universal’s Peacock is scheduled to debut in April 2020, and HBO Max will hit the small screen in May 2020. But don’t be blinded by those shiny new pennies. You still have the seasoned veterans who have a decade or so of streaming under their belts like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and CBS All Access.

With the exploding popularity of streaming services, viewers have access to more shows and movies than ever before. You will, however, have to pledge your allegiance to one lucky TV provider. That decision, which we suspect will be strongly influenced by finances and FOMO, won’t be easy.

Not to add fuel to the fire, but if you’re a hard-core fan of a specific series, you might also have to track it down. Several shows could potentially move from one platform to another. For example, “Friends” is saying goodbye to Netflix and hello to HBO Max, and The Office will strut on over to the Peacock in 2021.

Tell it to me straight

The rush of new streaming services has many of us wandering around in a state of confusion. What’s more, they’re all trying to win viewership, and we’re stuck in the middle. Don’t worry–we’ve got your back. Here’s a break down of the who, what, when, and how much of it all:

Netflix offers a wide variety of commercial-free, award-winning TV shows, movies, anime, and documentaries that you can watch whenever, wherever you want. They offer three different plans based on the number of devices that can stream the service at the same time. It’s available on smart TVs, Playstation, Xbox, Chromecast, Apple TV, Blu-ray players, and more. You can even download your favorite shows and watch them on the go.

The monthly cost is $12.99, but take advantage of the 30-day free trial first.

With Hulu, you can watch thousands of shows—full seasons of your favorite series, hit movies, current episodes, and premium Hulu Originals–with plans that start at $5.99/month (after a free 7-day trial, of course). If you’re looking for more, you could also bundle Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN+ for $12.99 per month.

Hulu’s newest feature is live television– sports, news, and entertainment. With access to their entire streaming library, the package is $44.99 per month.

You can stream Hulu online and on iOS, Android, Roku, Fire TV & Fire Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Xbox, Samsung, LG, and Nintendo Switch.

Amazon Prime Video is included in the Amazon Prime membership ($119 per year). It allows viewers to stream thousands of movies and TV shows, including exclusive Amazon Originals. Without a Prime membership, Prime Video can be accessed with a standalone membership at a monthly rate of $8.99.

Viewers have the option to rent or buy select movies and TV episodes. They can also bundle 100+ premium channels like HBO, SHOWTIME, MLB.TV and STARZ for an additional cost of 4.99-14.99 per month.

Some Prime Video subscriptions include the Watch Live feature, which allows viewers to live-stream programming. Watch on the Prime Video app, on a compatible Fire TV, smart TV, streaming media player, game console, mobile phone, or tablet.

CBS All Access offers streaming of more than 10,000 episodes of your favorite CBS shows, classic hits, and exclusive, critically acclaimed CBS All Access Original Series. Viewers can also watch live sports, shows, and news at home or on the go via their local CBS station, CBSN, CBS Sports HQ, and ET Live. Streaming devices include Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, Chromecast, Android TV, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Samsung Smart TV.

CBS All Access offers a Limited Commercials Plan for $5.99 per month and a Commercial-free plan for $9.99 per month. Opt for the annual plan and you can save over 15%, but take advantage of the free 7-day trial first.

Apple TV+ features Apple’s original ad-free and on-demand series and movies. Viewers will also find hit movies and shows available for rent or purchase, and access to other video subscriptions like Showtime, Starz and HBO. Watch it on your favorite Apple devices, on streaming platforms, smart TVs, and AirPlay‑enabled TVs. You can also access it on the web at tv.apple.com.

Most Apple TV+ series will release three episodes and then one new episode per week, so binge-racers take note. Apple TV+ doesn’t have a library of licensed shows or movies, and won’t release full seasons of your favorite shows all at once. Their current nine programs are soon to be expanded by another five in the coming months.

After a 7-day free trial, the service costs $4.99 per month, and subscribers can divvy up viewing privileges among six family members. Apple is also bundling Apple TV+ with its Apple Music student-discount plan at no extra cost. One cool perk–viewers who purchased an iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, iPod Touch, or Mac as far back as September 10, 2019, qualify for a free 1-year subscription.

Disney+ launched its highly anticipated streaming service on November 12. Now viewers can get the best of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic all in one place—and it’s always ad-free. The entire family can watch new releases, classics, and exclusive originals on the go or at home on up to four different devices at one time.

After a 7-day free trial, you can start streaming for $6.99 per month. Want more? Bundle Disney+ with Hulu and ESPN+ for $12.99 per month.

HBO Max is a new, soon-to-be-released streaming platform. It will bundle HBO with classic shows, documentaries, specials, and blockbuster movies from WarnerMedia’s expansive library, a selection of acquired series and movies, like Friends, for example, plus an exclusive collection of new programming under the Max Originals banner.

The new service is scheduled to launch in May 2020 and will be available on tablets, phones, PC and Mac browsers, game consoles, and streaming media players.

HBO Max will be available for $14.99 per month. Viewers who currently subscribe to HBO NOW through HBONOW.com and are billed through HBO, or subscribe to AT&T TV or U-Verse TV will have access to HBO Max at no additional cost. Subscribers of premium AT&T mobile and broadband services will also gain access to an HBO Max bundle at no extra charge.

Want more information about HBO Max before it launches? Sign up for updates at HBOMax.com.

With so many new streaming services, multiple viewing options, different pricing plans, bundles, and promotions, watching TV can be more stressful than ever. Your best bet is to make your best guess and go!

6 ways to make the most of your tax refund

You’ve finally received your tax refund! While it’s exciting to have some extra cash, it can be tempting to spend it on whatever, whenever—after all, it does seem like free money. However, it’s crucial you use your refund wisely, rather than spending it on frivolous things. Here are some ways you can make the most of your tax refund:

Pay off existing debt

It sounds obvious, but if you have student loan or credit card debt, use your refund to help pay it off. It might not sound fun, but putting money towards paying your debt gets you closer to financial freedom. Interest rates can snowball and make payments seem overwhelming, so any amount you put forward helps. Start by paying off debts with the highest interest, and then trickle down from there. Later on, once you’ve finally eliminated your debt, you’ll be thankful you were responsible and used that refund. 

Save it for emergencies

Again, another obvious choice—save your refund! According to CNBC, 30% of households have less than $1,000 saved. That isn’t nearly enough to cover your costs if you were to have an emergency like your car breaking down or any unexpected medical bills. Ideally, you should have three to six months’ worth of living expenses saved. Open a savings account if you don’t have one already, and save your refund. Even if you can’t put away that much, use a portion of your refund—just a little is better than none.

Start home improvements

Have you been dying to give your home some much-needed improvements but had to put your funds elsewhere? Well, now that you have your tax refund, you can start your home renovation plans now! There are dozens of projects you can do for under $1,000—from painting to landscaping, those little improvements can all help your home drastically. Not only will it make you happier, but it will also add value to your home.

Use towards big purchases

Does your child need braces, or are you looking to buy a new car? Maybe even a home? Your tax refund is perfect for offsetting those costs. Use it to save for a down payment on a car or house. Every little bit helps when it comes to these purchases, so make your refund count where it should. Open a high-yield savings account, like a money market savings account, so you can earn the most from your money.

Donate to charity

Earn some good karma—donate part of your refund to charity. It feels nice to give back to the community, and using part of your refund to help your favorite organization is the perfect way to do so. Be sure to save your receipts, too, so you can write off the donation on your taxes next year.

Help yourself

Lastly, if you’ve done all of these things, help yourself! We all need self-care sometimes. Go on the trip of your dreams, or simply treat yourself to a new wardrobe—either way, don’t forget about making sure the most important thing is taken care of: you!