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With the Super Bowl coming up, it’s a great time to snag a big-screen TV for less. Yes, you can buy a nice TV and save money.
In this article, we’ll show you some of the best smart TVs on the market for streaming.
What Kind Of TV Is Best For Streaming?
Smart TVs typically provide a better experience when it comes to streaming. The reason is because the video resolution is top quality.
Because smart TVs come equipped with internet-ready connections and apps, you can stream on them with relatively few problems.
Don’t make the mistake of buying a nice TV that doesn’t come with a media streamer built in. That means it should be a Chromecast, Roku, Amazon Fire TV or something like that.
Amazon Fire TV 55″ Omni Series 4K UHD smart TV With Alexa
Samsung UN65TU7000 65″ 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV
Sony 75 Inch 4K Ultra HD TV X80K Series
SAMSUNG M5 Series 27-Inch FHD 1080p Smart Monitor & Streaming TV
TCL 65-inch 6-Series 4K UHD
Hisense ULED Premium 65-Inch U7G Quantum Dot QLED
Amazon Fire TV 65″ Omni Series 4K UHD smart TV with Dolby Vision & Alexa
Final Word
With the right TV, you can stream some great content from the Internet or local network to your TV.
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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The New Orleans home market is starting to show promise when it comes to affordability. That’s good news for homeowners looking to buy a home in the city.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about buying a home in New Orleans.
Should You Buy A Home In New Orleans?
New Orleans is one of the most popular cities in America for many reasons. Not only is the cuisine second to none, but the communities and culture that make up the city is one of the most unique in the world.
If you’re considering buying a home in New Orleans, you should know that safety concerns are something every major city grapples with, some more than others. Most of all, your decision should be one based on what you want in a city and how well you’re financially prepared to be a homeowner. This article will help you with the latter.
Table of Contents:
- Get Your Credit Right
- Save Up for a Down Payment
- Get Pre-Approved
- Find Affordable Homes
Get Your Credit Right
Unless you have tens of thousands of dollars just laying around the house or in a bank, your credit score is the single most important thing you need to get a home.
A high credit score will improve your chances exponentially when it comes to borrowing enough money for a 30-year mortgage.
If your credit score is not over 500, then you’re going to need to raise it before you qualify for a home.
Read how to improve your credit score.
Save Up For A Down Payment
One of the biggest obstacles to owning a home is coming up with the down payment.
No matter what you think, the typical lender wants you to have about 20% set aside for a down payment. If you want a home that costs about $250,000, you’ll need around $50,000.
Once you get the money, the lender will look favorably upon letting you borrow the cash you need for a home.
Get Pre-Approved
The first thing you need to do is get pre-approved for a mortgage.
Once you’re pre-approved, you can shop for cheap homes that fit your budget based on the location.
Find Affordable Homes
Once you’re pre-approved, it’s time to start shopping for a home. No matter if you find a licensed real estate professional or not, you should have an idea of what home values are around the city.
Here are some sites that have homes for sale:
Can You Afford A Home In New Orleans?
New Orleans received a failing grade when it comes to the number of affordable houses, according to HousingNOLA, a coalition of organizations focused on affordability in the city.
But with that said, affording a home in New Orleans is doable, but you’ll need to make sure you’re saving enough money for a down payment.
Once the down payment is taken care of, think of the expenses you’ll need to pay for including:
- Property Taxes
- HOA Fees
- Mortgage Insurance
- Homeowners Insurance
What Are The Average Homes Values Near You?
According to Zillow, New Orleans home values average about $267,805 for the latest figures. Here are home values across the United States.
Metropolitan Area* November Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) (Raw) November ZHVI Decline from Peak Monthly Mortgage Cost (at 20% Down) Monthly Mortgage Cost Change, Month over Month Total Inventory Change, Year over Year (YoY) Median Days on Market Change (YoY) Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI) United States $357,733 -0.5 % $1,809 -4.8 % 7.0 % 11 $2,008 New York, NY $619,212 -0.3 % $3,125 -4.8 % -14.5 % -6 $3,130 Los Angeles, CA $890,637 -7.2 % $4,541 -5.4 % 9.2 % 13 $2,950 Chicago, IL $309,755 -1.4 % $1,568 -4.8 % -18.9 % 5 $1,851 Dallas–Fort Worth, TX $387,308 -3.0 % $1,965 -5.0 % 4.0 % 6 $1,833 Philadelphia, PA $343,687 0.0 % $1,727 -4.3 % -10.4 % 4 $1,780 Houston, TX $314,507 -0.4 % $1,589 -4.8 % 12.2 % 16 $1,651 Washington, DC $551,159 -0.7 % $2,784 -4.7 % -11.0 % 10 $2,223 Miami–Fort Lauderdale, FL $482,142 0.0 % $2,418 -4.3 % 11.4 % 12 $2,788 Atlanta, GA $381,824 -0.8 % $1,929 -5.0 % 14.2 % 18 $1,980 Boston, MA $643,642 -2.8 % $3,264 -5.1 % -1.1 % 4 $2,827 Make An Offer
Once you find an affordable home, it’s time to get a home inspection and if everything checks out, make an offer. Once the offer, the owner will have a specified time, typically up to 30 days to reject the offer or approve it.
Some issues that could delay the acceptance of an offer are the appraisals or comparable home values in the neighborhood. Sometimes, offering prices may need to be adjusted to fall in line with what other homes in the area have recently sold for.
In other cases, there may be some fixes that need to be done, before the sale proceeds.
Once the offer is accepted, you’ve got yourself a home!
Final Word
Buying a home is one of the most expensive things you can purchase, but also one of the most rewarding. Remember to take your time and do your due diligence to make sure the home meets your standards in every way.
Looking for something to do in the city? What To See And Do In New Orleans.
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New Orleans, one of the oldest and most inviting cities in America, is a great place to live. If you’re looking to rent an apartment, you should know some things about the costs associated with that.
No matter where you live in the city, who doesn’t want an affordable apartment?
How Much Does The Average Apartment Cost In New Orleans?
The average apartment rent in New Orleans is $1,336, according to RentCafe. The average size apartment in the Crescent City is about 900 square feet, the site says.
Of course, different neighborhoods cost more or less depending on their locations. Let’s look at the neighborhoods around the city based on average rents. This data is from RentCafe.
Average Rent in New Orleans, LA By Neighborhood
Neighborhood Average Rent Iberville $2,266 Bywater $2,173 Florida $2,173 Holy Cross $2,173 Lower Ninth Ward $2,173 Marigny $2,173 St. Claude $2,173 New Orleans Central Business District $2,077 French Quarter $1,986 Treme – Lafitte $1,928 How To Afford A Bigger Apartment
If you’re trying to rent an apartment or home, you know that a lot of hard work goes into it, but you most especially need money.
If you’re thinking about renting an apartment, get all the rent totals from the prospective landlords and use the calculator above to tally the total. To save money on rent, consider bargaining by using trade-offs such as utilities or parking space fees.
New Orleans has one of the best real estate markets in the country, with affordable housing in every quadrant of the city. Large backyards, manicured parcels and strong neighborhoods with ample dining amenities make it one of the top places for transplants.
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Netflix is cracking down on password sharing as a way to boost their subscriber count. The streaming service has estimated that more than 100 million Netflix viewers are watching with borrowed passwords from friends and family members.
When it comes to popular streaming services, they all work well with Netflix, which leads the industry in sign-ups and audience.
Netflix To End Password Sharing In 2023
As the year goes on, Netflix will soon ask people who share accounts to start paying for a subscription, the company said.
If you want to enjoy your streaming without corporate analytics spying on your viewing habits, you might be interested in some alternatives to Netflix.
Here Are The Best Netflix Alternatives For Streaming
Streaming Service Monthly Price Channels Offered Plans Disney+ $13.99 85+ See Channels YouTube TV $64.99 85 See Plans FuboTV $32.99–$79.99 166 See Plans See Channels $25 65+ See Channels See Plans $6.99–$12.99 75+ See Plans See Plans $35–$50 50 See Plans See Channels Free 190 See Channels Free 55+ Amazon Prime Video $12.99 100+ See Channels Final Word
Streaming has become a complicated game over the past few years as several big-name companies have entered the industry in an attempt to dethrone Netflix.
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Louisiana has some of the cheapest gas in America, but it’s far from the lowest price you’ll find.This State Has The Cheapest Gas In America
According to AAA, Texas has the cheapest gas prices in the United States. The national average for a gallon of gas is $3, according to the latest gas price data. In Louisiana, the AAA data shows the average price for regular is about $2.76 a gallon. [table “37” not found /]
3 Ways To Save Money On Gas
If you’re wondering what it takes to save money on gas, here are three suggestions you can put to good use.Use a Gas App
There are several apps on Android and in the Apple Store. Here are the best apps to use:Pay With Cash
You might not know it, but it’s cheaper to buy gasoline when you pay with cash. When you use a credit card, you will be hit with a credit surcharge. Many gas station operators tack on a fee to process your credit card, which is why the fuel costs will be higher. To get a gas station’s advertised price, pay for gas with cash money!Join A Rewards Program
Another say to save on gas money is to join the rewards program of a gas station near you. Some of the top gas station reward programs include BP, RaceTrac and Shell, which gives you points you can redeem for things like food and gas.Last Words
Some people are convinced that they have to spend more money on premium fuel because their car runs better on it, but that’s not the case for most vehicles! How can you find out for sure? Pull out the owner’s manual. If it says that premium gasoline is recommended, then by all means please use that. The truth is that cheap gas may work find for your vehicle. The type of gas you use will affect your engine’s performance and fuel economy, so always follow what’s written in your car’s manual. Interested in other ways to save or make money? Check out our Money Section:More Articles Like This From NolaFi.com: -
The federal government is once again making it possible for millions of Americans to test themselves for COVID-19 at no cost.
No matter if you live in a large city like New Orleans, Louisiana, or a smaller place, you can get several free COVID tests to use at your convenience.
How To Get A Free COVID Test At Home
Most at-home COVID tests are of the antigen variety, according to the FDA. Although the at-home tests are not flawless, they are expedient and convenient for millions of Americans who want to know if they have been exposed to the virus.
Currently, U.S. households can receive a set of four free at-home tests sent by the Postal Service. Here’s what to know about the tests:
- Limit of one order per address
- Includes 4 individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests.
- Shipping started the week of December 19, 2022
- Order at covidtests.gov.
FDA-authorized over-the-counter (OTC) at-home COVID-19 tests for self-testing at home or other locations are a fast and convenient COVID-19 testing option.
The City of New Orleans has approved at-home COVID-19 tests for residents in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The city health department and fire departments have partnered to give out free COVID testing kits.
The tests are available while supplies last.
Home COVID Tests: What You Need To Know
Due to the enormous interest from the public for home COVID-19 test kits, New Orleans Health Department (NOHD) has distributed home COVID tests at select New Orleans Public Libraries (NOPL) branches.
Final Word
Home COVID tests are just one part of a multi-pronged strategy to combat the coronavirus raging in the city.
U.S. health officials have recommended that all Americans already vaccinated from either the Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson shot get booster shots.
Here’s where to get a COVID booster shot.
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If you’re missing some money, there’s a good chance the state you reside in has it and is just sitting on it.
Unclaimed money that the state has for you is one of the largest areas that people forget to check when they are in need. The fact is that state treasuries have millions of dollars in unclaimed money and people are unaware.
What Types Of Unclaimed Money Could Be Out There?
If you’re curious about what types of unclaimed money could be out there, here are some categories you need to know about.
- Missing Tax Refunds
- Old Checks From Defunct Businesses
- Old Accounts From Shuttered Banks And Other Financial Entities
- Retirement Accounts From Former Employers
How Do I Find Out If I Have Unclaimed Money In Louisiana?
An unclaimed money search is something that you have to figure out. There’s no central federal government agency that keeps track of the unclaimed money it has for you or funds that you may be owed.
There are however some websites that allow you to check to see if you have unclaimed money.
The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) facilitates Unclaimed.org, a multistate database for unclaimed money. Here’s the link for Louisiana.
- Start your search for unclaimed money with your state’s unclaimed property office.
- Use the missingmoney.com is another site that has a multistate database that lets you do a free search for your name for bank accounts, safe deposit box contents, uncashed checks, insurance policies, CDs, trust funds, utility deposits, stocks and bonds, wages and escrow accounts in Georgia or any state you’ve moved from. (You do have to register).
Another way to get money is by means of an unclaimed check. Let’s talk about that.
What Is An Unclaimed Check?
An unclaimed check can take many forms, but it may most likely be an uncashed payroll check. Think back to all the jobs you formerly had. They may have some unclaimed money for you!
Make sure you check your old employers as well as your maiden name to see if any residual checks are there for you.
Check Your Old Pensions
If you’ve worked a job in the past, you may have some unclaimed money out there in the form of a pension.
The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. keeps a database on all unclaimed pensions across the United States.
Go to the PBGC’s website to see if you have an old pension with money in it.
Beware Of Scams
The most important thing about unclaimed money is that crooks are trying to get ahold of it just like you.
There are a lot of sites out there that will ask you to pay a fee to do an unclaimed money search, but that’s a racket. Don’t pay anyone to search for your money. Do it at the sites above FOR FREE.
Final Words
Who among us couldn’t use some money right now? There’s a good chance the state of Louisiana may have some money for you. Yes, we’re talking about unclaimed money.
Getting your unclaimed money is a great way to generate much-needed capital in these days and times. The key is that you have to be persistent and leave no rock unturned, as they say.
Don’t let the red tape of the system intimidate you from getting what’s rightfully yours: Your hard-earned money.
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New Orleans is known for its seafood, and that includes oysters served in a variety of ways. Are you hungry, read on.
This article will tell you which restaurants have the best oysters on a half shell.
Where Do Locals Go For Oysters On A Half Shell?
Bourbon Street has plenty of oyster joints, of course, you can’t go wrong with Acme, which is perhaps the most renown spot in the city. No matter how you like them — raw, chargrilled, or Rockefeller style — you can get them in New Orleans.
Now let’s get into where you can get the best oysters in the Crescent City.
Superior Seafood & Oyster Bar
4338 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115 | (504) 293-3474
Here’s what one customer says about Superior. “Just the best in every way. Oysters on the half shell were delicious. Briny and so fresh tasting. Best I’ve had in recent memory (and I’m an oyster lover). The NY strip was amazingly tender. Would have thought it was a filet, but had better flavor than a filet. Cooked just right. Service was terrific. Kudos to Mark especially, and the others.”
Creole House Restaurant & Oyster Bar
509 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 323-2109
Here’s what one diner says about Creole House. “We came in out of the rain and enjoyed this spot! We had the Mardi Garitas and decided to share Bacon Garlic Oysters. The oysters were the BEST we’ve had on this trip! Highly recommend this place!”
Basin Seafood & Spirits
3222 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115 | (504) 302-7391
Olde Nola Cookery
205 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 525-4577
Here’s what one customer says about Olde Nola Cookery: “The oysters were fresh and sweet. The batter was just right, with a touch of heat. Served with cocktail sauce, they were great with or without the sauce. For the main fair, I had Etoufee, Red Beans and Rice with a small piece of Sausage, and Gumbo.”
Here’s what a customer says about Ole Nola.
Acme Oyster House
724 Iberville St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 522-5973
Here’s what a visitor to Acme Oyster House says. “If Chargrilled oysters are your thing then this is the place for you! One of the best in town. I always overeat everytime we visit. Love the staff as well. Always so welcoming.”
Mr. Ed’s Oyster Bar & Fish House
512 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 309-4848
Here’s what one customer says about Mr. Ed’s Oyster Bar. “Without a doubt, the best baked oysters I have ever had!!! Delicious, meaty, and amazingly awesome. Please don’t change a thing. Great casual vibe. Awesome waitress!”
Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar
739 Iberville St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 522-4440
Here’s what one diner says about Felix’s. “Super busy at night when we came. Had to wait in line. That just mean the food is worth it. Grilled oysters were the best I ever had! Big props to Asante! He embodied that Nola energy and utmost hospitality. Even though it was really really busy, we felt that we were really taken care of. He is the definition of grace under pressure.”
Coterie Restaurant & Oyster Bar
135 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 529-8600
Here’s what one diner says about Coterie Restaurant & Oyster Bar. “Best freaking raw oysters Ive ever had. The chargrilled oysters had really good flavor as well. Michael was great made sure we got the best oysters.”
Gallier’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar
129 Carondelet St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 267-5672
Here’s what one customer says about Gallier’s. “Went here on a whim, so thankful we did. We love oysters rock. We make our own at home. The oysters here are the best we’ve ever had. Hand down. The creamy cheese sauce was the best ever, delicious, and the biggest oysters we have EVER seen. Juliette was refreshingly friendly, attentive, pleasant, she did not make us feel rushed at all and it was packed.”
Final Word
New Orleans has one of the best restaurant scenes in the Southeast, and with state of Southern cooking and an emphasis on the culinary arts at an all-time high, that’s saying something.
When New Orleans’ food is mentioned on a national level, it somehow always reverts back to gumbo, which is the best around, although the city’s eateries certainly represent those dishes well, there’s so much more.
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The fall weather may not be as warm as it was a few months ago, but you might be vacationing in a hot place. If so, you’d be wise to pack the sunscreen.
With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best sunscreens for your skin. Before your next trip, make sure you’re prepared.
Because we care about the environment, we’ve chosen products that are reef-safe.
What Should I Look For In Sunscreen?
Before you purchase some sunscreen, there are some ingredients you should look for.
The SPF number: The higher the SPF number, the more UVB rays it blocks, although it must be said that no sunscreen on the market blocks all of the sun’s UVB rays. Try to buy a sunscreen with at least 30 SPF, which is what dermatologists advise.
Decide what form of sunscreen you want: Sunscreens can typically come in several forms, including lotion, cream and spray. Choose whichever one you’re most comfortable applying on your body.
Coral Isles Reef Friendly Sunscreen SPF 50 Continuous Spray
Safe sea SPF50+ 3.4 oz. Tube Sunscreen – Jellyfish and Sea Lice Protective Lotion
Banana Boat Sport Ultra Reef Safe
Sun Bum Original SPF 70 Sunscreen Lotion | Vegan and Reef Friendly
Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 30+ All Natural
Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen – Safe
Sun Party Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 50 6 oz Tube
Kokua Sun Care SPF 50/80 Min Water Resistance Reef Safe Natural Zinc Sunscreen
How To Apply Sunscreen
One of the most effective ways to apply sunscreen is to use the two-finger method. It involves squeezing out two lines of sunscreen down your index and middle finger. Apply the sunscreen to your face and other areas.
Final Word
Ultraviolet light can damage your skin and increase your risk of skin cancer. The good new is that by using safe and effective sunscreens, you’ll be protected. Here’s how to protect your skin.
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Amazon is at it again. One Prime Day isn’t enough anymore. The popular online retailer is offering its members a chance to get deals on holiday sales earlier than other shoppers. The sales event is called Prime Early Access and it’s basically like Amazon Prime Day Part 2.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about Prime Early Access, including how you can take advantage of the deals. We’ll also discuss how you can get Amazon Prime for free.
What is The Prime Early Access Sale?
The Prime Early Access sale is a two-day event designed to reward Amazon’s most loyal customers, Prime members.
The sale will debut Amazon’s Top 100 list, which has a curated rundown of the best deals from brands like Hasbro, iRobot, KitchenAid, and Samsung.
The sales event will allow Prime members to save up to 80% off select Fire TV smart TVs, plus get additional savings on Alexa-enabled devices and other products.
When Is The Prime Early Access Sale For 2022?
Amazon’s Prime member exclusive event — the Prime Early Access sale — starts on Tuesday, Oct. 11 and Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022.
The 48-hour sales event gives Prime members early access to exclusive deals for the holidays.
Prime Early Access: Everything You Need To Know
On the two days that the Prime Early Access Sale will take place, Amazon will have hundreds of items on sale. If you don’t want to spend the monthly fee for Amazon Prime, keep reading to see how to save.
If you want to save money on shipping, TV/ movie streaming and other things, you may want to sign up for Amazon Prime. Don’t worry, you can get Amazon Prime for free for a period of time.
Should You Get Amazon Prime?
Amazon Prime has gone up in price through the years, but if you want to take advantage of certain aspects of the modern shopping experience, you should definitely consider buying a subscription.
The service is a one-stop shop when it comes to the shopping experience.
What Are Amazon Prime’s Benefits?
Amazon Prime has several benefits that you may appreciate. Here is a summary of some of the perks Amazon Prime has to offer.
- 2 million songs available for streaming
- Amazon Prime video streaming service
- Whole Foods Market discounts
- Free shipping on designated items
Another added benefit is Amazon Prime Day, which is the annual retail shopping event that allows you dto save.
How Much Does Amazon Prime Cost?
Amazon prime used to be less than $100, but they have gone up in price. Currently, you can subscribe to Amazon Prime for $14.99/month, and $139/year.
Amazon has gone up every few years, but it hasn’t stopped the many subscribers who love taking advantage of the perks.
How Do You Sign Up For Amazon Prime?
If you want to sign up for Amazon Prime, you need to subscribe at amazon.com/prime and enter your information.
If you do, you’ll get email alerts on sales and Whole Foods items and more.
How To Get Amazon Prime For Free
If you want to try Amazon Prime for free, the service comes with a 30-day free trial. If you don’t want it, you can always cancel within the 30 days.
If you want to extend your free membership of Amazon Prime, you simply have to use another email address to sign up and get 30 more days of free trial.
Is Amazon Prime Worth It?
If you’re wondering if Amazon Prime is worth the annual fee, ask yourself these questions.
- Do you buy items online two to three times a year?
- Do you subscribe to a video streaming service?
- Do you take advantage of sales at the grocery store?
If you answered yes to two of those three questions, it’s a strong possibility that you’d love an Amazon Prime membership.
Bottom Line
If you need to buy some electronics, groceries and other purchases, you can get a deal with Amazon.
Are you afraid you’ll miss out on the deals because you don’t have Amazon Prime? There’s a way you can reap savings in spite of that.
If you like to shop at Whole Foods, then Amazon Prime could have some real benefits to your bottom line.
Another perk is that you get a free streaming service and free shipping on items you buy online at Amazon.com. And if you want to try Amazon Prime for free, remember to sign up for the 30-day trial and switch emails if you want to extend it.
