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Americans are looking into new and innovative ways to save money during this current economic crunch. One option that you need to consider is the concept of “soft savings.”
What Are Soft Savings?
Soft savings refers to a way to passively put money away as you go about your normal, everyday life. With “indirect savings” or “non-tangible savings,” you implement cost reductions or financial benefits that allow you to save money over time.
Soft Savings Vs. Hard Savings
The difference between soft savings and hard savings is that the former is not as easily quantified or measured in monetary terms. Unlike hard savings, which are concrete and directly impact the bottom line, soft savings are more qualitative and are often related to improved efficiency, productivity, or customer satisfaction. Here are some examples of soft savings:
Soft savings are important for individuals and businesses. While they may not have the same immediate impact on the bottom line as hard savings, soft savings can lead to long-term benefits such as a nest egg.
What Are Some Examples Of Soft Savings?
Here are some ways to “save softly” in your life:
Eat Cheap During the Week
Instead of going out to eat during the week, save that for the weekend. For example, if you’re spending $20 every other day on restaurants or lunch, save that money. In one month, you will have stashed $100.
If you’re traveling out of town, skip the restaurants during the weekdays. When you arrive at your destination, save money by asking for the restaurants that the locals prefer. Not only will you be sure to avoid the tourist spots, but it’ll be a lot cheaper.
As a bonus, eating where the local community eats will give you a chance to experience the authentic dining scene on its term.
Read how to save on groceries.
Use Digital Or Print Coupons
The next time you see the crazy coupon lady on aisle 7, ask if she’ll teach you a thing or two. Coupons are the easiest way to save money at the grocery store.
You can clip coupons from sales flyers in the store or go online; either way you save money.
Buy Items In Bulk
Believe it or not if you buy in bulk, you’ll get a better price than if you bought food wrapped individually.
That means places like Sam’s and Costco will get your grocery dollars, but it’ll be worth it.
Be Flexible With Your Travel Dates
When it comes to saving money on travel, knowing when and the best time to book your trip is half the battle.
Travel experts say that if you book a flight between 21 and 30 days out, you should be able to get a deal.
But no matter what, it pays to be flexible with your travel dates. Use Google Flights to find wiggle room in the days you plan to travel. You’ll be thankful for the money you save.
Read our Travel Savings Guide to save money on your next trip.
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The unemployment rate in Louisiana is 3.3%, according to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which tracks the nation’s top economic indicators.
The numbers come as the Biden Administration released its October Jobs report, which indicates that U.S. hiring slowed to 150,000 jobs for the last month. The unemployment rate rose to 3.9%.
U.S. Jobs Report Just Released
For October, the United States saw nonfarm payrolls jump by 150,000 — less than was expected.
“We just learned our economy created 150,000 jobs in October – bringing the total since I took office to 14 million,” President Biden said in a statement online. “That’s on top of an unemployment rate that has stayed under 4% for 21 months straight, the longest stretch in over 50 years. Bidenomics is working.”
Others see the October jobs report numbers as a clear sign that of “stagflation,” where both unemployment and prices are on the rise – a not-so-fun twist in the game. There seems to be an odd “yolo” vibe about equities this week while our economy is signaling darkness.
While it’s easy to harp on the unemployment numbers, for perspective, we must remember that on average, the current administration has the highest real hourly wage and second-lowest unemployment rate among presidents back to Lyndon B. Johnson.
What Jobs Are In Demand In Louisiana?
In Louisiana, the state’s oil, fisheries and hospitality sectors account for plenty of jobs that are needed. As for those in demand, LinkedIn has a list of such employment opportunities that are hot in Louisiana. Here are some job titles:
- Manager, Unit Forecasting
- VP/GM
- Director of Advanced Manufacturing
- Dynamic Presenter – Virtual and In-Person Test Prep Instructor..
- Materials Specialist
- Vice President of Supply Chain – Construction / Energy Solutions
- Logistics Coordinator
Final Word
Jobs are hard to come by no matter if you’re seeking full-time work, part-time or looking to land gigs as a contract freelancer.
Need some help? Read up on websites that help you find high-paying remote jobs.
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Researchers at Stanford University say they have created a “super melanin” cream that repairs skin tissue.
The groundbreaking discovery is published in Nature, a scientific publication on the latest research. According to the science, the man-made melanin rejuvenates the skin and even accelerates wound healing.
There’s no word on whether the cosmetic industry will co-opt the research, but you can bet that it will be available on Amazon soon enough. In the meantime, these skin-care products have been tried and tested by millions of happy customers. These skin care products are pretty super if you ask me.
6. Light Face Moisturizer with SPF 25 by Olay Regenerist Whip – $28.36
7. L’Oreal Paris Pure Glycolic Acid Face Serum Skin Care I Revitalift Derm Intensives – $21.93
Here’s what one reviewer says about this L’Oreal product: “I’m a fair skinned young at heart woman in my early 50s. You know those unisightly, definitely in-freckle blotches can come up? This product erases them. I have found my new holy Grail and couldn’t be happier – after just a week. I’m already ordering a new bottle to have on hand. I do use it on my décolletage and hands as well. Thank you, L’Oréal!”
8. Reform Skincare Retinol 1% Crème – $59.99
9. Resurface by Shani Darden Retinol Reform Peel,1 oz (30ml) – $74.97
Here’s what one reviewer says about Shani Darden Retinol: “I started using this product mid-February and have significantly reduced my scarring in 10-weeks. During this time I used one full bottle and have just purchased my second. The price is steep, but I can’t find an alternative. The hope is to fade the remaining dark spots.”
10. Sublimage La Creme Yeux Ultimate Regeneration Eye Cream – Travel Size – $60
Here’s what one reviewer says about Sublimage La Crème Ultimate Skin: “This a.m., after 3 months of fighting puffiness and fine lines on my left eye, it now matches my right eye. I am quite amazed. Given I never tried Chanel & did not know the active ingredient of vanilla extract but recognized Squalane, which is at the top off the List, I am very pleased! Will buy after deluxe sample is gone. Costly, but works which is a lot better than trying hundreds of dollars of products that don’t work.”
Final Word
These products have got a lot of people that care about their skin care routine excited. So that’s why we’ve listed these particular products.
We pride ourselves on finding items that you can use at a cost that works. Hopefully, the price points are affordable for your budget.
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For the new year, you need to have some new streaming devices that cater to your needs.
This article will show you some of the best streaming devices you can buy online. No matter what TV you choose to go with, these devices should be compatible.
What Are The Best TV Streaming Services?
- Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max
- Roku Express 4K Plus
- Chromecast with Google TV
- Nvidia Shield TV
- Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max
- Roku Streaming Stick 4K Plus
- TiVo Stream 4K
- Apple TV 4K
- Roku Ultra
- Amazon Fire TV Cube
- Xbox Series S
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max
Roku Express 4K Plus
Chromecast with Google TV
Here’s what one reviewer says about Chromecast: “Pairing the remote is simple enough, put the chromecast and remote into pairing mode, and if it sees it, it’ll simply pair with the device after 10 seconds That is, unless there is any other bluetooth device in the area. Even if you time it perfectly so the first thing it sees is the remote, it will begin the 10 second countdown, but permanently stop it if it sees ANYTHING else. Simple enough, reason would have it so you would either tap or hold the one button on the chromecast to get it to pair with the remote.”
Nvidia Shield TV
Here’s what one reviewer says about the Nvidia streamer: “Finally. I’ve waited for this device for years. Every time Apple or Amazon or Roku release a new device I cross my fingers it checks all the boxes, and they never have, not even past Nvidia devices – until now. There is always one feature missing, at least.
The new Nvidia Shield finally solves the problems that kept them, In my opinion, from making it the perfect streaming box until now.The primary issues I always had with the previous versions have finally been fixed. I’m not going to review the software… you either like Android TV or not.”
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max
Here’s what one reviewer says of the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K: “First off, delivery was quick and the driver was friendly and that is about all I can say that I enjoyed of this so far. The Firestick doesn’t seem to want me to stream movies in full screen. I have a QLED TV and now I lost part of my screen with the firestick. Previews will be full screen but once you hit play, not full screen anymore. Don’t have this problem with a Roku which is what I was replacing to get an upgrade I thought. Can’t log into AMC+ with your existing account, it will make you setup a new account and pay double the money. I already paid for a year and will use my existing one. Amazon seems to be acting like Apple and want to control the apps and where you spend the money. My next move is to return this and get the latest Roku 4k stick. I have tried all the online fixes that were suggested and problems have persisted.”
Roku Streaming Stick 4K Plus
TiVo Stream 4K
Here’s what one reviewer says of the TiVo streamer: “This product should be way more popular than it is. It’s a competitor with Amazon Fire and Roku. And honestly, it’s faster and better than both… and is more open. Which means the apps that Amazon and Roku are screwing around… like Peacock and HBO Max… well, they are on this device. You think “TiVo” and the reality is that the TiVo portion is simply an app. The device itself is actually a pretty slick, fast, easy to operate Android TV device. Freaking great. We are dumping Roku and switching to the TiVo devices. They really are that much better. Basically every app on Roku and Fire is available on TiVo Stream… and more. Meaning, for example, HBO Max and Peacock, who Amazon and Roku are screwing around with, well, available on the TiVo! And not just that, for apps like YouTube TV, they work BETTER on this device than Roku! So really, why wouldn’t you use this?”
Apple TV 4K
Here is what a reviewer says of the Apple TV 4K streaming device: “If you liked the previous generation of the AppleTV, the original 4K, then you will like this new iteration. Because, it is near as makes no difference, exactly the same. Oh, there are spec sheet differences like higher frame 4K video for uncommon content and extremely modern TVs. And the processor has been bumped a couple generations, but I can’t tell the difference; it was plenty fast before and it’s plenty fast now.”
Roku Ultra
Here’s what somebody who bought the Roku Ultra says: ” ordered my Ultra 2020 directly from Roku, as Amazon was back ordered. It arrived on Oct 16th, one day after the release date. I am using it to replace my Ultra 2018 model. I also have a second 4K TV with a Roku Streaming Stick+ as well as a Sharp Roku TV. I recently tried and returned the Fire TV Cube. So besides reviewing the 2020 Ultra, I will be making comparisons. The 2020 Ultra is advertised as being 30 percent faster than previous versions. If it is, I can barely notice. Not worth an upgrade if speed is your only motivation and you already have a 2018 or 2019 Ultra. What it does bring to the party is support for Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision. I have a 4K TV and audio system that support both so the upgrade was worth it for me. I have found that Dolby Vision (offered on many Netflix Originals) is superior to standard HDR. If you’re not as fussy as I am about getting maximum picture quality, getting Dolby Vision might not matter to you. The Fire TV Cube does support both Atmos and Dolby Vision, so that is an alternative, of course. Personally, I prefer the menu system on Roku.”
Amazon Fire TV Cube
Here’s what one reviewer says about the Amazon Fire TV Cube: ” ran out of memory for apps in my Fire 4k sticks so I got one of these to replace the stick in my main theater room and am very pleased with the results. The 16 GB of memory leaves me space to add more apps and the menu navigation is much snappier than the 4k stick’s, most likely due to the Cube’s hex-core processor. It came with an ethernet adapter so I set it up using wired ethernet out of curiosity. After using this configuration for two evenings I realized that the occasional buffering pauses that I had been seeing on my three Fire 4k sticks and Recast DVR, that are sometimes all in use at the same time, was due to a WiFi bottleneck even though I had good WiFi signal strength at all of the devices.”
Xbox Series S
Here’s what one reviewer says about the Xbox Series S streamer: “Absolutely love it! I was one of the few lucky ones to be able to order an S 2 days ago at 11:27 AM. Performance for my needs is out standing. I’m an avid PC gamer but like to play console from time to time when I come home from work, and don’t quite feel like going on PC. Console I can just boot up and be on my way. Plus I can take it places easier than my huge desktop. I plan on upgrading to the Series X when available at a more steady rate, but this is awesome for now. 2 pics, 2nd one has controller for size comparison. (I saw how small it was online, but MAN when I pulled this sucker out of the box my mind was blown at how small it REALLY IS!”
Final Word
The best streaming devices should be capable to work with the latest TVs as well as some of the older models. After all, your streaming pleasure depends on it.
Some of the best reviews for streaming devices put the Roku as the best brand overall. Depending on the particular model though, products from Google or Amazon may have the edge.
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The TV streaming services are doing their best Superman imitation by going up, up and away!
Apple TV+ is hiking its monthly subscription from $6.99 to $9.99 a month, the company said recently.
Just last year, Apple TV+ cost just $4.99 a month. Following Netflix’s lead, many streaming platforms are starting to raise their rates.
Why Are Streaming Services Getting More Expensive?
Competition from not just the movie studios, but the tech industry has made the streaming business a war of attrition.
Hollywood, which had been working with Netflix for over 20 years, has increasingly sought to gain market share in the streaming business in recent years.
Faced with actors and writers strikes, the movie studios are seeking to raise more capital by increasing their streaming rates for movies and TV series.
You may choose to stick with Apple TV+ or search for some alternatives. That’s what I would do.
Streaming Alternatives To Apple TV+, Anyone?
One way to watch TV for cheap is to invest in a streaming device that has plenty of free apps. I Depending on which app you choose, you could get access to all types of free movies, TV series and more.
Read up on the best streaming devices for your TV.
Final Word
With the right TV, it matters little what kind of streaming platform you subscribe to.
If you already have a smart TV, you may just need a streaming device. Here are the best add-on streaming devices for your TV.
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Cold weather is not a friend to us in the Deep South, but that doesn’t mean we have to shiver through the night. We can actually heat our homes and save money at the same time.
This article will show you you some money-saving ways to heat your house when it’s cold outside.
How To Heat Your Home Without Electricity
In addition to wearing warmer clothing, you can heat your home without electricity by taking advantage of several amenities you may have in your home.
Fire Up the Chimney
Many homes have a chimney, or fireplace, that can significantly heat up the immediate room and those near it.
Before you light your fireplace, make sure that your air vents are open. Once you add some logs on the bottom of the fireplace, you’re ready to light a match and start the heating process.
Replace Your Windows
Now, I know you may be thinking that replacing your windows will cost you some cash, but you’ll save a lot of money — and heat – if you do. The Department of Energy website Energy.gov, says you can save up to 30% by replacing old, drafty windows.
Use Kerosene Heater
Kerosene heaters don’t take up nearly as much space as an air conditioning unit and they put out some great heat for their size.
When using a kerosene heater, make sure you familiarize yourself with safety tips and protocols so that you don’t endanger you and your family’s lives as well as threaten the structure of your home.
Note: If you choose to use such a heater indoors, use it sparingly so as not to increase your risk of causing fires or carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
Final Word
Keeping warm in the winter can be a challenge if you don’t have a plan. But if you have one, your life can be a lot easier — and you’ll be a lot warmer.
Expect to indulge in many foods that New Orleans is known For, including Gumbo, Beignets and more.
Read about things to see and do in New Orleans.
More From NolaFi.com:
- What To See And Do In New Orleans
- Where To Buy Nice Suits In New Orleans
- Here Are The Latest Casting Calls In New Orleans
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Do you love free food? We know we do! Till the end of the year, McDonald’s is making Friday your “free fry” day.
The eatery is offering customers free Medium Fries every Friday for those who download and order from the McDonald’s app, making a minimum purchase of $1.
How Long Can I Get Free Fries At McDonald’s?
You can get free fries at McDonald’s until Dec. 31, which is when the deal expires.
Along with the wonderful things to eat and do in New Orleans, there are also so awesome places to shop.
In addition to malls, many Atlanta boutiques and consignment shops have daily deals so that you can save money.
Greater New Orleans’ retail scene continues to be a bright spot for the local economy — and that means more sales for everyone!
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The LSU Tigers shut out Army 62-0 on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, at Tiger Stadium.
The homecoming game was one of the largest margins of victory ever for LSU, who moved to 5-2 on the season.
Jaden Daniels once again had a Heisman-worthy performance, throwing for three touchdowns and running for another as he amassed 382 yards in the air.
His four-touchdown total put him in rareified air as he now has 30 total touchdowns, a 73.1% completion rate and 2,573 Passing Yards.
He also has 521 Rushing Yards.
The Tigers are atop the NCAA in total offense 4,423 yards this year. No other college team has more than the 4,000-yard mark.
“Offensively this is the seventh consecutive week we had at least 500 yards of total offense,” LSU head coach Brian Kelly said after the game. “Consistency of performance on that side of the ball and continue to make that improvement necessary to have a team that can compete for an SEC Championship. That was the goal coming into this year.
Final Word
LSU’s defense still needs to improve if it’s going to beat Alabama. If you watch an LSU game, you see the same missed coverages and blown assignments in the secondary that plagued the Tigers in the first game of the season. Can they win the SEC West?
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The LSU Tigers are starting to hit their stride against their SEC schedule. One week after scoring 49 points, the Tigers put 48 on the Auburn Tigers for a 48-18 win on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023.
Once again, quarterback Jayden Daniels looked like a Heisman Trophy candidate, finishing with 418 yards and three touchdowns. On the ground, he amassed 93 yards.
“It’s just incredible offensive production — throwing it, catching it, running it and the offensive line; pretty impressive stuff,” LSU coach Brian Kelly said in postgame comments. “We need to continue to improve on the defensive side of the ball and continue the consistency from the offensive standpoint. But, I’ll put this team up against anybody in the league right now.”
Let’s look at the highlights of LSU vs. Auburn in 2023:
LSU (5-2, 4-1 Southeastern Conference) scored has put up at least 48 points three straight weeks.
As for rankings, look for LSU to advance a few spots after losses by a couple teams ranked ahead of them.
How Many Home Games Does LSU Have In 2023?
LSU has seven home games in the 2023 season. They are looking to go undefeated at home, which something they achieve 80% of the time.
Final Word
LSU’s defense still needs to improve if it’s going to beat Alabama. If you watch an LSU game, you see the same missed coverages and blown assignments in the secondary that plagued the Tigers in the first game of the season. Can they win the SEC West?
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It wasn’t pretty and was in doubt until only seconds were left, but LSU beat an undefeated Missouri on the road, 49-39, on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023.
The game was a tale of two halves for the LSU defense, who gave up 9 catches and 110 yards to receiver Luther Burden in the first half. In the second, he only snagged 2 catches for 39 yards.
Missouri led by 15 points, 22-7, midway through the second quarter and led 32-27 at the start of the fourth.
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels took some big shots, and briefly left the game due to a rib injury. When he returned, he put the Bayou Bengal offense on his back. One standout play was his electrifying 35-yard run in the fourth quarter.
“That LSU quarterback is pretty good,” LSU coach Brian Kelly said after the game. Kelly seemed to take umbrage at the fact that Missouri scheduled LSU for homecoming.
Missouri quarterback Brady Cook equaled his career high with 395 yards and two touchdowns but had two costly interceptions, with one of them being a pick six by LSU linebacker Major Burns.
Now let’s watch some LSU-Missouri highlights:
Final Play
If you watch an LSU game, you see the same mistakes and miscues by what should be a seasoned squad. We’ll see if the team can reach expectations in the tough SEC West.
LSU has another Tiger team up next: Auburn.
