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A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a great way to put your money away for medical bills and other health-related expenses.
In this article, I will show you how an HSA can help you save money.
What Is an HSA?
An HSA is a savings account that you can fund through tax-deductible contributions. These contributions reduce your taxable income.
Another good thing about an HSA is that anu withdrawals used for qualified medical expenses are tax-free.
How Can an HSA Help You To Save Money
The money in an HSA can be invested, allowing it to grow over time. This growth is tax-free as long as the funds are used for qualified medical expenses.
Another way an HSA allows you to save money is that unlike flexible spending accounts (FSAs), funds in an HSA roll over from year to year, so you don’t lose any unused money at the end of the year.
Portability
HSAs are portable, meaning you can keep the account and use the funds even if you change jobs or health insurance plans.
Covering Medical Expenses
Using an HSA to pay for medical expenses can help you avoid using high-interest credit cards or dipping into your emergency savings.
Retirement Savings
Once you turn 65, you can withdraw funds from an HSA for non-medical expenses without penalty (though you’ll pay income tax on the withdrawal). This can make an HSA a useful retirement savings tool.
Final Word
An HSA is a type of savings account that can help you ward off medical expenses.
Your contributions are tax-free and if you wait until retirement age, your withdrawals are too. What’s not to love?
Read more in our Money Section.
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From the Boot to the Big Apple. Former Louisiana State University (LSU) star and WNBA draftee, Alexis Morris has signed with the Harlem Globetrotters, the team recently announced.
Morris becomes the seventh woman to join the Globetrotters, the most in the organization’s storied history, as they will prepare to celebrate their centennial in 2026.
Morris, a dynamic point guard and a top scorer on LSU’s 2023 National Championship team, brings a stellar blend of skill, athleticism, and showmanship to the iconic Harlem Globetrotters.
“I’m excited to join the Harlem Globetrotters and want to thank the leadership team for giving me an opportunity to grow my personal and professional career while playing the game I love,” said Morris. “There is a lot to learn from my coaches and teammates and I’m excited to highlight the level of basketball and entertainment of the organization. ‘The Show’ is now a part of the growing legacy of Harlem Globetrotters basketball.”
Morris, who has begun her Harlem Globetrotters training and will be joining the domestic arm of the 2024 Tour, will take to the court for the first time as a Harlem Globetrotter on Friday, February 9, 2024 at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Massachusetts, the birthplace of basketball and The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Her extensive and rigorous schedule will also include stops at Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY, on Sunday, February 18 and Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, NY, on Saturday, February 24.
“The Harlem Globetrotters have a storied history of signing some of the world’s most accomplished and coveted talent; Wilt Chamberlain, Connie Hawkins, ‘Curley’ Neal, Lou Dunbar, Lynette Woodard and now, Alexis Morris,” said Keith Dawkins, President of Harlem Globetrotters. “As the global basketball landscape continues to evolve, the Globetrotters are well positioned to offer unparalleled opportunities for professional basketball players looking to develop, and showcase, their amazing skills, make a positive impact in the community, while also benefitting from the plethora of business opportunities that our brand has to offer them. It’s an opportunity unlike any in sports. Signing Alexis reflects our commitment to pursuing the best ballers from around the world.”
Morris, known for her exceptional ball-handling and court vision, will take the court with her self-titled moniker, Alexis “The Show” Morris alongside her elite teammates. The Texas native was selected in the second round of the 2023 WNBA Draft by the Connecticut Sun and is currently a free agent. She returned to North America after starting the current season in Turkey with Ilkem Yapi Tarsus of the Turkish women’s Super League. Alexis is believed to be the first athlete to join the Harlem Globetrotters while also entertaining elite professional offers since Connie Hawkins, who played for the team and went on to a Hall of Fame Career with the Phoenix Suns.
Shewill join the six women athletes who make up the Harlem Globetrotters and the Washington Generals this winter, including Fatima, ‘TNT’ Lister, Cherelle ‘Torch’ George, Arysia ‘Ace’ Porter, Kaylin ‘Sunshine’ West, Eryka ‘Spice’ Sidney, and Kayla Gabor. She joins nine other rookies who joined the 2024 World Tour this season. Fans can expect exclusive content of her time with the team through “My Rookie Season” on Harlem Globetrotters Youtube channel.
Final Word
Morris no doubt still has plans to join the WNBA, but the Globetrotters is a great way to increase her brand and continue to play ball, which she enjoys doing. We wish her much success.
Sports is a part of New Orleans’ culture as well, but so is being active, from going to jazz clubs to the city’s diverse bar scene, from historic cocktail bars to trendy craft beer spots. listening to lie music is a popular nighttime activity, especially in areas like the French Quarter and the Warehouse District.
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Grocery prices are sky-high right now and there’s not much we can do about them. However, when it comes to our spending habits, there are quite a few things we can do to tighten our financial belts while grocery shopping.
Overall, food prices have jumped nearly 10% over the past year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How To Save On Your Groceries
Here are some of ways you can cut down on your grocery bill.
Eat Inside More
Along with your groceries going up, restaurants are raising their prices as well. Instead of going out to eat as much, see if you can cut down and eat at home more often.
My girlfriend who is a graduate student at Xavier University in New Orleans actually cut down on dining out by relegating one weekend night for restaurant food. Over a two-month span, she saved $300! It can change your life!
Learn some recipes so that you can save more of your cash. Follow this delicious gumbo recipe.
Sign Up For Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime costs $139 a year, but it can save you money on food items that you love. If you have a Whole Foods in your area, you can get a discount on quality items if you’re a Prime member.
You can also save on bulk items that can be shipped to you in two days or less in some cases.
Have you tried it? If not, you can sign up for Amazon Prime at Amazon.com/Prime.
Clip Coupons
I know what you’re thinking: Clipping coupons is so 1990s, but they continue to be a way you can save on foods you love.
Grab the weekly ads from your favorite grocery store and cut out all the food items that you like that are on sale. You can also use online coupons from Coupons.com.
Shop At Discount Stores
Stay away from the Whole Foods grocery aisles if you’re not an Amazon Prime member! Shop instead at discount grocery stores like Save-A-Lot, Aldi and Lidl, where you can find cheaper items.
Buy Generic Brands
One way you can keep more money in your pocket is to buy generic brands rather than the big name brands that are well known.
Make a list of the name-brand items you love then do a Google search for “[name-brand item] alternatives” and see what comes up. You might find a new favorite brand!
Final Word
Although we see the increases in certain foods, we know that our paychecks aren’t increasing at the same rate. That’s why it makes sense to see how we can cut down on our grocery bills.
Not only will our budgets be healthier, but we could actually lose some pounds.
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Serving seafood both raw and cooked, Porgy’s Seafood Market recently opened its doors in New Orleans.
The fresh fish is straight off the boat and the staff all know about the seafood being served, so if you’re in the mood for some delicious food from the sea, Porgy’s is best.
Porgy’s Seafood Market Opens Its Doors
Porgy’s specializes in wild seafood, which you can get cooked to order or raw directly from the sea. Customers can order an assortment of:
- Fish sandwiches
- po-boys (oyster, shrimp, catfish)
- soups and salads
- raw bar (swordfish ceviche, clam ceviche)
Here’s what one customer said about Porgy’s Seafood Market. “Amazing produce and really great cooking. Everything is local and cooked very well. We had a blackened pampano (highly recommended), fried fish collars and fresh oysters (huge!), out of this world! So down to earth and well worth a drive to visit.”
Where Is Porgy’s Seafood Market Located?
Porgy’s is located at 235 Corrollton Ave., New Orleans, La. 70119. Here’s a map to help you find it.
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.
More From NolaFi.com:
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The next Super Bowl is scheduled to take place in New Orleans, Louisiana, home of the Saints. It’s also the childhood home of Dwayne Carter, aka Lil Wayne.
While it will be several months before the halftime performer is announced, Lil Wayne wants it known that he’ll be ready should his name be called.
“I have not gotten a call,” he said recently on camera. Wayne said that he and his team are gearing up for the honor if the opportunity presents itself. “We’re all praying.”
When is Super Bowl LIX?
Super Bowl LIX will be played on February 9, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Here’s Lil Wayne’s comments about performing at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans.
Who Has Performed At The Super Bowl Halftime Show?
Here is a list of those who have performed at the halftime show of the Super Bowl in recent years:
- 2024: Usher.
- 2023: Rihanna.
- 2022: Eminem, Dr. Dre, 50 Cent
- 2021: The Weeknd
- 2020: Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny, J Balvin, Emme Muniz
- 2019: Maroon 5, Travis Scott, Big Boi
- 2018: Justin Timberlake, The Tennessee Kids
- 2017: Lady Gaga
- 2016: Coldplay, Beyonce, Bruno Mars
- 2015: Katy Perry, Lenny Kravitz and Missy Elliott
- 2014: Bruno Mars, Red Hot Chili Peppers
- 2013: Beyonce
- 2012: Madonna
- 2011: The Black Eyed Peas, Usher, Slash
- 2010: The Who
- 2009: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
- 2008: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
- 2007: Prince and the Florida A&M marching band
- 2006: The Rolling Stones
- 2005: Paul McCartney
- 2004: Janet Jackson, Kid Rock, P. Diddy, Nelly and Justin Timberlake
- 2003: Shania Twain, No Doubt and Sting
- 2002: U2
- 2001: “The Kings of Rock and Pop” featuring Aerosmith, ‘N’Sync, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige and Nelly
He said that he’s making a new album that he’s working hard on to make a “killer” album. “I want to just make it hard for them to not holla at the boy.”
Final Word
While performers don’t get paid for the Super Bowl, the gig is very lucrative as artists typically see a major boost in streaming sales and bookings.
Time will tell if Lil Wayne will be selected, but as a native son, it sure makes sense.
Looking to visit the Crescent City? Here’s the cheapest time to travel to New Orleans.
- 10 Cheap Flights From New Orleans Right Now
- These Airlines Have Hubs In New Orleans
- What Are The Cheapest Airlines To Fly?
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Branford Marsalis, a musician born in New Orleans, will come back to his hometown to take on the role of artistic director at the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music.
The homecoming is a long time coming for the New Orleans native and son of the city. Marsalis has been seen as a cultural ambassador for jazz music, helping to popularize the genre and bring it to new audiences around the world.
As a member of the Marsalis family, which includes several prominent musicians, Branford has contributed to a musical legacy that has had a significant impact on the world of music.
Branford Marsalis Heads Home To New Orleans
Marsalis takes the reins of a center named after his late father, who served as the artistic director ther from 2012 to April 2020.
Marsalis is a renowned saxophonist, composer, and bandleader who has achieved success in both jazz and classical music. He has released numerous albums both as a solo artist and with his band.
Marsalis has collaborated with a wide range of musicians across various genres, showcasing his versatility and musical adaptability. His collaborations include work with artists such as Sting, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, and the Grateful Dead, among others.
He has won multiple Grammy Awards over the course of his career, both for his solo work and collaborations. These accolades highlight his skill and artistry as a musician.
Marsalis has been involved in music education and advocacy, promoting the importance of music in education and society. His work in this area includes teaching, workshops, and supporting music education programs.
Final Word
Live music is a part of New Orleans’ culture for sure. from jazz clubs to the city’s diverse bar scene, from historic cocktail bars to trendy craft beer spots. listening to lie music is a popular nighttime activity, especially in areas like the French Quarter and the Warehouse District.
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On February 1st, a new Smalls Sliders location at 4580 Veterans Memorial Boulevard in Metairie will hold its grand opening. This quick-service cheeseburger restaurant housed in shipping containers is co-owned by former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, Jason Loezel, and Ben Smith.
Smalls Sliders, founded by Brandon Landry, debuted its first location in 2019 and has since expanded to encompass 160 operational or forthcoming restaurants.
Brees-Backed Smalls Sliders Opening In Metairie
“We’ve seen the excitement surrounding the Smalls brand, and it has only heightened around our grand opening,” Melissa Kernaghan, director of operations at Boilermaker Ventures and local operator of the Smalls Sliders in Metairie, told Biz New Orleans. “Smalls has become a staple within Louisiana communities, and people truly feel connected to the brand.”
Smalls Sliders has ambitious expansion plans this year with plans to open about 40 locations across the Southeast, according to the publication.
Brees, a savvy entrepreneur even during his playing days, is a key investor in the franchise.
“Drew has been an integral part of Smalls Sliders since its inception, and we are thrilled to celebrate his first can opening,” said Maria Rivera, CEO of Smalls Sliders. “His passion and commitment to our vision and values have been a driving force of our growth and brand culture, and we are proud to partner with him in Metairie and beyond.”
What’s On the Menu at Smalls Sliders?
The menu at Smalls Sliders has several delightful items you’re sure to like, including:
- Sliders with Beef Pattie, Toasted Buttered Bun, Melted Cheese, Pickle and Sauce
- Fries: Large Russet Potatoes with Special Seasoning
- Biggie Smalls: Double Meat, Double Cheese per slider and more
Where is the Smalls Sliders On Veterans Memorial Boulevard?
The Smalls Sliders eatery is located at 4580 Veterans Memorial Boulevard. Here is a map to help you find it.
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.
More From NolaFi.com:
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New Orleans is a musical oasis at nearly every quadrant: From its street corners to its restaurants, speakeasys and bars and more. But where are the live music venues in New Orleans this weekend?
There are several New Orleans music venues that offer live bands, vocalists performing across several genres. And of course, you can check out all the Mardi Gras festivities. There are seedy joints, upscale big band-type options as well as restaurants, taverns and banquet halls that offer jazz and R&B standards.
Live Music in New Orleans Tonight: Friday, Feb. 2, 2024
- Preservation Hall Jazz Band
- Vivacious Burlesque Experience
- Mardi Gras Parade: Pontchartrain, Choctaw, Mars, Freret
Live Music in New Orleans: Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024
Live Music in New Orleans: Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024
Tipitina’s
501 Napoleon Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115 | (504) 895-8477
This iconic music venue hosts a variety of live performances, including blues, funk, and rock, featuring both local and touring artists.
Here is what one visitor says about Tipitina’s. “The drinks are to die for and the space is so open. I come here to see New Orleans greats in the hopes that one day I can perform along side them or have my own spot in this piece of heaven section. This night I saw the great Erica Falls she always gives me great advice on singing and performing and this is one of my fav places to see her shine. Keep up the great work and keep booking amazing talent you guys.”
House of Blues
225 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 310-4999
A well-known chain of music venues, the New Orleans House of Blues features a mix of local and national acts, covering genres like blues, rock, and gospel.
Here’s what one visitor says about the House of Blues. “Restaurant: Very savory jambalya with a healthy portion of shrimp and sausage, gumbo seemed a little salty, and everything had a good kick.
Venue: always opt for VIP. However, the smaller, intimate venue provides a great experience regardless. Two bars downstairs and one upstairs with food options (which is nice). I would watch any artist in this venue.”Preservation Hall
726 St Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116
A historic venue dedicated to preserving traditional New Orleans jazz, Preservation Hall offers intimate performances by talented local musicians.
Here’s what one visitor says about Preservation Hall. “Loved it. Definitely recommend the seats vs standing. It was warm in there and the standing crowd didn’t look overly comfortable. Music was great, exactly what I was hoping it would be. Only thing that would have made it better would be an encore at the end.”
Palm Court Jazz Cafe
1204 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116 | (504) 525-0200
Here’s what one reviewer says about Palm Court Jazz Cafe. “This place is wonderful. The music 1st, owned by the darlingest woman on the planet, staff warm and welcoming, food is Delicious. We had crabcake, and steak pie, fried crawfish for app…. in love completely. Dinner and phenomenal Jazz. Like I felt a warm musical hug from NOLA “
Fritzel’s European Jazz Club
733 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116 | (504) 586-4800
Here’s what one visitor says about Fritzel’s. “Live music all day and eve starting at 12:30pm. Middle of the day piano man, takes requests and does traditional Nola jazz.”
Final Word
Live music is a part of New Orleans’ culture for sure. from jazz clubs to the city’s diverse bar scene, from historic cocktail bars to trendy craft beer spots. listening to lie music is a popular nighttime activity, especially in areas like the French Quarter and the Warehouse District.
Want more fun things to do? Check out the best things to do in New Orleans at night.
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Who will make it to the Super Bowl? The NFL playoffs kick off with the San Francisco 49ers against the Green Bay Packers.
No cable needed! 49ers vs. Lions is a game you can watch — for free. Keep reading.
How To Watch the Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers Game On TV/Streaming
You can also steam the game for free on FuboTV, which offers a 7-day trial at no charge.
If you live in Green Bay or San Francisco, you can watch the game on your local TV affiliate via cable TV or TV antenna.
- Game Date: Jan. 28, 2023
- Game Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: FOX
- Streaming: FuboTV. or Paramount+
Watching the game for free on Fubo’s sports-centric live TV streaming service will give you practically every game during the NFL regular season and playoffs. This includes streaming every game broadcast nationally or on the NFL Network. Fubo also offers 1,000 hours of cloud storage as well.
The way to watch TV is by using the best streaming services for your particular device.
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What type of hairstyle will you rock tomorrow? This is your time to let your natural hair shine by giving it the loving care it needs. Want to know how?
It’s all about showing our gorgeous mane in all its natural beauty. No matter if you have short hair or textured long curls, it’s all good and easy to do.
This article is going to show you some breathtaking natural hairstyles you’ll love to emulate.
DIY Hairstyles
Quick & Easy Hairstyles
Why not take in some lessons on how to really make your hair stand out from the crowd. Watch this:
How To Style 4C & 4B Hair
Does the 4C have you not being able to foresee a future for your natural hair? Girl, relax. You got this!
Curly Natural Hairstyles You’ll Love
People think the world of girls with curls, and the rest of us are not mad. Here’s what to do with those locs.
Natural Hairstyles With Edges Laid
Tired of those edges sticking up and out? Let’s do something about them right now.
Final Word
Your hair is one of the best ways to express yourself wherever you go. Do you want to rock some different hairstyles? It’s time for some hair inspiration.
Your hair is one of the most unique expressions of your personality that people immediately see. Make it count. Take care of your hair by adding some treatments that are proven to work.
If you’re serious about saving money, doing your own hair is the way to go. It’s not too difficult either. It has everything to do with the way you wear your hair.
The Louisiana hair industry is one of the largest in the Southeast, with more than 4 million people getting groomed each month.
