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In a city like New Orleans, where innovation meets tradition, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is opening doors to new career paths in tech, healthcare, creative industries, and beyond.
As we get into the year, local experts predict a surge in AI-related jobs, with Louisiana’s tech sector growing by over 15% in the past year alone.
How To Get Free AI Certs
For youths exploring their options and adults looking to upskill or pivot careers, free AI certifications offer an accessible way to gain valuable knowledge without breaking the bank.
These programs not only build technical skills but also foster critical thinking about AI’s ethical implications, making them ideal for everyone from high school students to seasoned professionals.
Whether you’re a teenager curious about chatbots or an adult aiming to AI-proof your resume, here’s a roundup of top free certifications available now. We’ve highlighted local opportunities in the Crescent City first, followed by national and global options that anyone can access online.
Local AI Training Opportunities in New Orleans
New Orleans is stepping up its game in AI education, with universities and events making free resources available to residents. These programs emphasize practical skills tailored to our community’s needs, such as using AI for disaster resilience or cultural preservation.
- University of New Orleans (UNO) Empowering AI Literacy Micro-Credential: Launched in early 2025, this self-paced program is free for all currently enrolled UNO students, including youths and adults pursuing degrees or continuing education. It covers AI basics, ethical use, and real-world applications, culminating in a shareable digital badge for LinkedIn or resumes. Open to those 18 and older, it’s perfect for building foundational literacy in an AI-driven world. uno.edu
- Tulane School of Professional Advancement AI Bootcamp: While the 2024 edition was a hit, Tulane continues to offer similar free or low-cost introductory AI sessions. This flexible, self-paced bootcamp introduces machine learning, neural networks, and ethical AI concerns. Check Tulane’s website for 2026 sessions, which often include in-person meetings for NOLA locals. studynola.com
- Upcoming Events: Black Tech NOLA AI Hackathon (March 26-27, 2026): Hosted by Southern University at Baton Rouge but with strong NOLA ties, this free hackathon empowers Black and Brown innovators to build AI solutions. While not a formal certification, participants gain hands-on experience and networking opportunities that can lead to credentials. blacktechnola.com For financial pros, the T3 AI University on March 9 offers free entry with conference registration, focusing on AI in wealth management. t3conferences.com
These local initiatives reflect New Orleans’ commitment to inclusive tech education, helping bridge the digital divide in our diverse city.
Top Free AI Certifications for Youths
For younger learners (teens and young adults), beginner-friendly programs focus on fun, interactive intros to AI without heavy prerequisites. These can spark interest in STEM fields and provide badges to showcase on college applications.
Certification/Program Provider Duration Key Topics Why It’s Great for Youths Introduction to Generative AI Google Cloud Skills Boost 1-2 hours Basics of generative AI, tools like Gemini Short, engaging, and includes a free skill badge; no coding required. nucamp.co AI for Everyone DeepLearning.AI on Coursera 6 hours AI concepts, myths, and real-world uses Audit for free with certificate option; taught by AI expert Andrew Ng, accessible for non-techies. facebook.com Elements of AI University of Helsinki (via Reaktor) 30 hours AI fundamentals, machine learning ethics Free certificate upon completion; global program with no age restrictions, ideal for curious teens. Google AI for Students Google Grow Varies (up to 1 year free access) Study tools, writing with AI, career prep Free Google AI Pro for college students until Jan. 31, 2026; includes NotebookLM for exam help. grow.google Fundamentals of Machine Learning and AI AWS 1-2 hours Intro to ML algorithms and AI basics Quick and free, with a focus on practical AWS tools; great for youths interested in cloud tech. eweek.com These options are designed to be low-pressure, helping youths explore AI’s creative side—like generating art or stories—while building confidence.
Top Free AI Certifications for Adults
Adults seeking career advancement will find value in programs that offer verifiable credentials for resumes. These often include hands-on projects and focus on job-relevant skills like problem-solving with AI.
Certification/Program Provider Duration Key Topics Why It’s Great for Adults Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals IBM SkillsBuild 10-15 hours Generative AI, machine learning, ethics Free digital credential from IBM; part of their goal to train 2 million by 2026. skillsbuild.org Generative AI for Everyone DeepLearning.AI on Coursera 6-8 hours Building AI projects, business applications Free audit with optional paid cert; emphasizes career empowerment. coursera.org AI and Career Empowerment Certificate University of Maryland (Robert H. Smith School) Varies (self-paced) AI for job transitions, business focus Completely free certificate for mid-career pros; aids in private sector shifts. rhsmith.umd.edu Microsoft AI Fundamentals Series Microsoft Learn 4+ hours Gen AI concepts, fine-tuning models, Python/TypeScript projects 18 free courses covering basics to advanced; real-world focus for tech careers. reddit.com HP LIFE: AI for Business Professionals HP 2-4 hours AI for productivity, decision-making Free certificate; practical for marketers, designers, and entrepreneurs. life-global.org NVIDIA Free AI Courses NVIDIA Varies Accelerated computing, data science Free training with cert options; ideal for those in hardware or advanced AI. resources.nvidia.com Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Great Learning also offer dozens of free AI courses with certificates, covering topics from neural networks to ethical AI. mashable.com +1 For a massive list, check Class Central’s compilation of thousands of free badges.
Why Pursue AI Certifications?
With AI transforming industries—from jazz-inspired algorithms in music tech to predictive models for hurricane preparedness—gaining these skills can lead to higher-paying jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities.
In New Orleans, where the average tech salary tops $85,000, free certifications democratize access to this booming field. Plus, many programs are flexible, fitting around school, work, or family life.
Final Word
Ready to dive in? Start with a local program like UNO’s or Google’s quick intro, and watch your opportunities expand. For more details, visit the providers’ websites or contact NOLA’s tech hubs like the New Orleans BioInnovation Center. Stay tuned to NOLAFI.COM for updates on emerging AI trends in our city.
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Finding the perfect apartment in today’s rental market can feel overwhelming — record-high rents, fierce competition, and new digital tools have changed the game.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned renter, here’s the most up-to-date playbook to secure your next place without losing your mind (or your savings).
In this article, I’m going to go over what you need to know to rent in New Orleans.
Here’s How To Rent An Apartment In New Orleans
If you want to rent an apartment in New Orleans and don’t know where to start, here are the steps:
The average rent in New Orleans, Louisiana is $1,401, according to a RentCafe report. But price is not the only thing you should consider when you begin shopping for a place to rent.
First thing you need to do before you rent an apartment in New Orleans is find one that fits your needs. To do that, you can use a number of online services to help find a place:
If you don’t already know the specific areas of town like Uptown, the Garden District or Elysian Fields. Join NextDoor or Facebook Groups to get a feel for the areas that you want to live in.
Midtown New Orleans apartments have gone up 6% over the past year, according to the report mentioned above. The average square footage for a place? 893 feet.
Once you make a list of New Orleans apartments you want to check out from one of the services above, you can begin to make appointments to visit.
You’ll want to pay special attention to the amenities that each apartment offers. You may put a big emphasis on on-site laundry facilities, a pool, a courtyard, lounge and other things.
1. Get Your Finances Together
Before you begin to schedule visits, you need to have your financials in order. Landlords don’t just let you move in, you’ll need a credit check. The idea behind this is that you have to show income stability.
Get a free credit report at annualcreditreport.com, the only authorized website for free credit reports from the three major credit bureaus Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
When you get the credit reports, go over them with a finetooth comb to make sure they’re accurate.
If you see a discrepancy on your credit report, here’s how to dispute it:
Not only will you need to have your first and last month’s rent in your account (as we’ll get into), but you’ll need to have more money on hand for some incidentals.
Landlords and property managers now look at your total monthly housing cost, not just base rent.Do the math:
- Rent + utilities + renter’s insurance + parking + pet fees + internet should be no more than 30–35% of your gross monthly income.
- Average U.S. rent for a 1-bedroom in major cities (Dec 2025): $1,750–$2,100 (Zillow Rental Index).
- Many landlords now require your gross income to be 3× the rent (some 3.5× in hot markets like Austin, Miami, or Denver).
Pro tip: Get a free “rental résumé” from services like Rhino or TheGuarantors if your income is slightly below the threshold — they act as co-signers for a small fee.
2. Check Your Credit (Early)
- Pull your free credit report (annualcreditreport.com) and freeze it if your score is below 650 — many big management companies use automated denials.
- Most landlords now use online screening tools (TransUnion SmartMove, Experian Connect, or Avail).
- Fix errors now; it can take 30–60 days to update.
New in 2025–2026: Some states (California, New York, Colorado, Illinois) cap application fees at $20–$35 and require landlords to accept reusable screening reports. Use services like Rental Kharma or Self to turn on-time rent payments into credit boosts.
3. Visit The Apartment
When you visit the apartment, make sure you the age of the building and style is to your liking. Feel the walls so that you can gauge whether they’re thin and well built.
Look out for loud neighbors and other things that may affect your ability to have a good night’s rest.
If you like what you see, make an offer.
4. Negotiate Your Rent
You don’t have to accept what the landlord offers. See if you can negotiate. If you sign a two-year lease rather than one year, you may be able to get a better deal. You won’t know what’s capable until you ask.
If the leasing agent can’t make any concessions, see if you can get the hookup on parking or a one-month discount in lieu of a move-in special.
5. Sign The Lease Contract
When you sign the lease, you may need to have a list of references. These should be people you’ve contacted ahead of time who will have only good things to say about you.
Their input will be what decides your worthiness.
Before you sign your lease, you need to know what to expect as far as charges and fees. Here are some of the charges you may be asked to pay:
- Rental application fee
- Security deposit
- Last month’s rent
- Move-in fee or finders fee
Depending on where you rent your place and your specific circumstances, you may also be asked to pay a pet fee or even parking space fee.
Once you pay what you owe, your landlord or leasing agent will hand over the keys to your new apartment. Remember to keep it down and always be considerate of your neighbors.
What if you have bad credit?
How To Rent An Apartment With Bad Credit
The first thing you need to do is look for apartments that don’t do credit checks on potential tenants.
You’re also going to want to entice the landlord by offering to pay more upfront or even every month.
So, to recap, if you have bad credit, the way to rent an apartment is:
- Find apartments with no credit checks
- Offer to pay more upfront
- Negotiate for other amenities you want
You might also want to offer to fix small things so that you build up a good relationship with the landlord. This can be very valuable when it’s time to renew your lease, if you choose to do so.
Final Word
Renting an apartment takes some time and effort on your part, but it can be done. Look at the bright side: Once you get a comfortable and safe place, you will never regret it.
New Orleans is one of those cities that you can get lost in once you take the time to explore it. As the former capital of Louisiana, New Orleans is one of the most eclectic and eccentric cities in the world.
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Financial freedom isn’t about being rich — it’s about never having to work for money again. In 2026, with inflation still sticky, wages growing slowly, and AI automating millions of jobs, the old “save 10 % and hope” plan is dead.
Here are the five levers that actually move the needle today, backed by real numbers and what the wealthiest 10 % are quietly doing right now.
Price comparison apps may not include all retailers or products, limiting the scope of the search and potentially leading you to miss out on better deals.
As you know, personal financial success is something they don’t teach in grammar school, high school or even college. But you can get your personal finances in order.
In this article, we’re going to show you how to gain financial freedom.
How You Can Achieve Financial Freedom
You may think using the word “freedom” with finances is an overstatement. But the truth is that the economy reality of today’s world is that if you don’t have control of your finances, you are in a lot of ways shackled.
1. Own Your Time: Build a 6-Month Cash Runway First
Nothing accelerates wealth like the ability to say “no” to a bad job or take a calculated risk.
- Goal: 6–12 months of essential expenses in liquid cash (high-yield savings now paying 4.6–5.1 %).
- Why it matters: Vanguard’s 2025 study showed people with 6+ months cash were 3.7× more likely to negotiate a raise or start a side business.
- 2026 hack: Use Treasury money-market funds (VMFXX, SPAXX) or locked 6-month T-bills yielding 4.9 % instead of traditional savings.
Once the runway is built, every extra dollar can go on offense instead of defense.
2. Turn Your Income Into an Automated Machine
The average millionaire has 7 income streams. You only need 3 great ones.
2026 winners are stacking:
- Primary job (with maxed 401(k) + mega backdoor Roth if available)
- Side business or digital asset (e-commerce, content, consulting) averaging $2k–$10k/mo
- Dividend/REIT portfolio throwing off 3–5 % yield
Real example: A software engineer earning $140k who added $4,800/mo from a no-code SaaS tool and $1,200/mo in dividends now lives on 40 % of salary and invests the rest.
He’s “retired” at 38 even though he still codes for fun.
3. Master the 50/20/30 Wealth Rule (Not the outdated 50/30/20)
Top 1 % households quietly follow a different split in 2025–2026:
- 50 % or less on lifestyle (housing + transport + food)
- 20 % minimum into investments (tax-advantaged first)
- 30 %+ into accelerated wealth vehicles (real estate, business, index funds)
Track it for one month in an app like Monarch or Copilot — most people are shocked to see they’re actually running 70/10/20 and wonder why they’re broke.
4. Buy Assets That Pay You Every Month
Stocks are fine. Cash-flow assets are freedom.The 2026 shortlist:
- Dividend aristocrats + SCHD ETF (4–5 % yield growing 8–12 % annually)
- Short-term rental arbitrage or mid-term rentals (Airbnb for traveling nurses — 15–30 % cash-on-cash returns still possible in secondary cities)
- Private credit funds for retail investors (Yieldstreet, Percent) paying 9–14 % secured by real estate
Rule: Never buy an asset unless it pays you at least 5 % pre-tax while you sleep.
5. Ruthlessly Cut the ‘Silent Wealth Killers‘
These four expenses quietly destroy more wealth than market crashes:
- Housing over 25 % of net income
- New cars (average payment hit $738/mo in Q4 2025 — buy 3-year-old models instead)
- 401(k) loans or early withdrawals (10 % penalty + lost compound = millions gone)
- Lifestyle creep every time you get a raise
Fix: Implement a “72-hour rule” for any purchase over $100 and an annual “wealth audit” where you cancel every subscription and renegotiate every bill.The 2026 Financial Freedom Timeline (Realistic)
Year Milestone Net Worth Multiple of Income 0 6-month runway built 0.5× 3 $100k invested, side income $3k/mo 1–2× 7 Investments throw off full living expenses 25× annual expenses (4 % rule) 10 Optional retirement / location freedom 30–40× Bottom line: Financial freedom in 2026 isn’t about earning $500k or winning the lottery. It’s about stacking these five levers relentlessly for 5–10 years.
Start with Key #1 this week: calculate your true monthly expenses and open a high-yield account. One decision snowballs into the rest.
Invest Your Money
Investing your cash is one of the easiest ways you can grow your bank account. Before you do, educate yourself about the stock market and mutual funds.
Having a good grasp on your finances is a major way to live your best life. While money isn’t everything, it can be a large part of your happiness.
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In an era where cash feels like a relic of the past, digital wallets have become the lifeblood of modern finance. By 2026, experts predict over 60% of the global population—more than 5.2 billion people—will rely on these apps for everything from splitting dinner tabs to funding international travel.As mobile payments eclipse $17 trillion in transactions worldwide, the fusion of electronics innovation and financial savvy is reshaping how we spend, save, and invest.This guide spotlights the top digital wallets for 2026, blending seamless usability, ironclad security, and forward-thinking features like AI-driven fraud detection and buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) integrations. Whether you’re an iOS loyalist or an Android adventurer, these picks prioritize speed, rewards, and global reach—perfect for navigating the electronics-fueled boom in contactless commerce.But with super apps bundling payments, loans, and even crypto trading, which wallets will dominate the landscape next year?You might have heard of the term “digital wallet,” and be unclear about what we’re talking about. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about a digital wallet, including what are some great options.
What Is A Digital Wallet?
A digital wallet is an electronic platform that allows you to send, receive and spend money digitally rather than in person. That means you don’t have to visit a physical store to purchase an item.
Having a digital wallet also means that you don’t have to be in the physical presence of someone to pay them or receive payment from them.
I personally use Apple Pay as my go-to Digital Wallet. I even pay one of my utility bills with Apple Pay because it’s convenient.
Perhaps you’ve heard of G Pay (Google Pay) or Apple Pay. Those are some of the more popular digital wallets, but there are more out there. All of the ones we will discuss offer secure transactions that are protected by high-tech encryption.
Here Are Some Of The Best Digital Wallet Options
If you’re interested in moving beyond some of the most well-known digital wallets, there are both payment apps and digital wallets that offer a lot more robust capabilities.
We’ll list some popular digital wallets, first then go into some payment apps.
Digital Wallets
- Amazon Pay
- G Pay (Google Pay)
- Samsung Pay
Is Amazon Pay Good To Use?
Amazon Pay is a viable option for customers who frequently buy from retailers and resellers who specialize in e-commerce. With Amazon Pay, you can easily access a payment portal that allows you to checkout in a matter of seconds.
How Safe Is G Pay?
Backed by Google, G Pay is a secure payment method that uses several layers of security infrastructures to help keep your account safe. Google Support says this about G Pay’s safety: “When you pay in stores, Google Pay doesn’t share your actual card number, so your information stays secure.”
Samsung Pay
Of all the digital wallets we’ve discussed Samsung Pay is the only one that doesn’t facilitate a way for you to pay your friends. Although that may change, the lack of this feature is a major lapse as of this writing.
With Samsung Pay, you don’t have to worry about paying any fees, but you will have to keep your phone up to date for maximum compatibility.
Payment Apps
When it comes to payment apps, some other digital wallet alternatives are:
Final Thoughts
Accessing your money has never been as easy as it is right now. All you need is a bank account and a smartphone and you can make any transaction just about anywhere. Why is this the case? Because of the digital wallet.
If you need a digital wallet that allows you to take care of all your money needs, I’d suggest Apple Pay, which is what I used. I give it the edge because of Apple Pay, which can be used to collect or pay money in your iMessages app.
For more money-saving content, stay with Nolafi.com, a New Orleans-based news and entertainment channel.
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IIn a move that underscores the volatile nature of the tech industry’s post-pandemic recovery, Amazon cut 14,000 corporate jobs early Tuesday, Oct. 28 as part of a broader restructuring effort aimed at reallocating resources toward artificial intelligence initiatives.
The layoffs, set to begin immediately, represent about 4% of the e-commerce giant’s corporate workforce and could eventually reach up to 30,000 positions nationwide, according to company insiders and reports.
Amazon Begins Massive Layoffs
While the cuts primarily target white-collar roles in areas like human resources, product management, and corporate operations—far removed from Amazon’s sprawling warehouse floors—the news has sent ripples through Louisiana’s burgeoning logistics and tech sectors.
The state, home to several Amazon fulfillment centers and a recently opened same-day delivery hub in Jefferson Parish, is left grappling with questions about long-term job security in an economy increasingly tethered to Big Tech.
How Louisiana’s Workforce Will Be Affected
Amazon’s footprint in Louisiana has expanded rapidly in recent years, employing thousands in roles that blend manual labor with emerging automation technologies.
The company’s newest facility in Shreveport, a state-of-the-art fulfillment center powered by AI and robotics, opened its doors just last year and is designed to handle 10 times more automated processes than traditional sites.
Closer to home, the September launch of Louisiana’s first same-day delivery site in Jefferson Parish—a 150,000-square-foot operation—promised quicker service for New Orleans-area customers while creating hundreds of local jobs in sorting, packaging, and delivery.
Across the state, Amazon operates four fulfillment and sortation centers, six delivery stations, and seven Whole Foods locations, making it one of the largest private employers in the logistics space.
But as Amazon doubles down on AI-driven efficiencies—CEO Andy Jassy has cited “overhiring” during the COVID-19 boom as a key factor in the cuts—local economists warn that the company’s belt-tightening could foreshadow challenges for Louisiana workers.
“We’re seeing a national trend where tech giants are pruning corporate overhead to fuel innovation, but that innovation often means fewer human jobs down the line,” said Dr. Marcus Thibodeaux, an associate professor of economics at Tulane University. “In Louisiana, where Amazon’s growth has been a bright spot for blue-collar employment, this could erode confidence and slow recruitment in related fields like supply chain management and data analytics.”
The broader implications for the Bayou State’s workforce are multifaceted. Louisiana’s unemployment rate hovered around 4.2% in September 2025, buoyed by investments in ports, energy, and e-commerce infrastructure.
However, the tech sector—now employing over 50,000 statewide—has faced its own turbulence this year, with layoffs at firms like Intel and broader economic headwinds from federal policy shifts.
For New Orleans, a city rebuilding its economy post-Hurricane Ida and navigating tourism fluctuations, the loss of even indirect jobs tied to Amazon’s ecosystem could strain social services and housing markets.
Local workforce advocates are already mobilizing. “Many of our members in logistics are Amazon-dependent, and while these cuts aren’t hitting warehouses yet, the uncertainty is real,” said Tanya LeBlanc, executive director of the Louisiana Logistics Association. “We’re urging state leaders to diversify training programs—think AI literacy and renewable energy logistics—to shield workers from these shocks.”
Amazon has not specified how many Louisiana-based positions might be affected, but job listings on the company’s site show a heavy emphasis on operational roles in Shreveport and Baton Rouge, with fewer corporate openings in the state.
A spokesperson for the company emphasized in a statement that “these difficult decisions will allow us to invest in high-growth areas like AI and customer experience, ultimately creating more opportunities in the long term.”
Final Word
As Baton Rouge lawmakers convene next month for the legislative session, expect calls for incentives to attract stable tech employers and bolster workforce retraining.
For now, Louisiana workers—from Jefferson Parish sorters to Shreveport robotics technicians—are watching closely, wondering if Amazon’s efficiency drive will deliver prosperity or just more pink slips.
Amazon’s cuts, while painful, underscore a national pivot: Upskilling in machine learning and data science could be the ticket to weathering the storm.
NolaFi.com is your go-to source for employment trends, career advice, and economic insights in the Pelican State. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
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Doing your taxes can be a pain, but it shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg. In fact, wouldn’t it be great if you could file for free?
Well, yes, there are several ways to file your taxes for free in 2025, depending on your income, location, and tax situation. Here are the main options available as of March 20, 2025:
- IRS Direct File: This is a free, web-based service offered by the IRS for filing your federal tax return directly with them. It’s available in 25 states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. You’re eligible if you lived and worked in one of these states for all of 2024 and have simple income types like W-2 wages, Social Security, unemployment, or limited interest (under $1,500). It supports common credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit but doesn’t cover gig work, business income, or itemized deductions. It’s accessible via mobile or desktop at directfile.irs.gov and guides you to state filing tools afterward (state filing isn’t included).
- IRS Free File: This program partners with eight tax software companies (e.g., TaxSlayer, FreeTaxUSA, TaxAct) to offer free federal tax filing if your 2024 adjusted gross income (AGI) was $84,000 or less. It’s available nationwide through IRS.gov, starting January 10, 2025, with returns processed from January 27. Some partners offer free state filing too (e.g., FreeTaxUSA charges $15 for state), but eligibility varies—check each provider’s rules. There’s also Free File Fillable Forms, open to all income levels, which provides electronic IRS forms with no guidance, ideal if you’re comfortable doing taxes yourself.
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE): These IRS-sponsored programs offer free in-person tax prep by certified volunteers. VITA is for people with incomes of $67,000 or less, disabilities, or limited English, while TCE targets those 60 and older. Find a site via the IRS VITA Locator Tool or call 800-906-9887. Some locations, like GetYourRefund.org, offer online assistance too.
- MilTax: A Department of Defense program for military members, veterans (within 365 days of discharge), and eligible families, MilTax provides free federal and up to three state returns with no income limit. Access it through the MilTax website, where you’ll verify eligibility via the Defense Enrollment system.
- Commercial Free Tiers: Some tax software companies offer free filing for simple returns. Cash App Taxes is free for federal and one state return if you have basic income (W-2s, unemployment) and standard deductions. TurboTax and H&R Block have free editions for simple Form 1040 returns (e.g., W-2s, basic credits), but they’re limited—TurboTax excludes unemployment income in 2025, and state filing often costs extra ($30-$40).
For the April 15, 2025, deadline, start with IRS.gov to see if Direct File or Free File fits your needs. If your taxes are straightforward (e.g., just a W-2 and standard deduction), these options can save you the $50-$250 a paid service might charge. Double-check eligibility, as complex situations like self-employment or itemizing typically require paid upgrades or a professional. Gather your W-2s, 1099s, and other documents now to file early and get any refund faster via direct deposit.
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Cell phone deals from major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and others can offer substantial benefits to consumers, making it easier to upgrade devices, save money, and access enhanced features. Here’s a breakdown of some key advantages:
T-Mobile has a phone deal that is hard to beat right now.
Metro just announced starting today, customers can get the Apple Watch SE and iPhone 12 TOGETHER for just $99.99 — the lowest price in prepaid! Simply switch to Metro, sign up for Metro Flex Plus and add a smartwatch line. And for the first time at Metro, customers can get the full lineup of Apple Watches including Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 — all with no contracts, no credit checks and no surprises.
Also today, T-Mobile unveiled a sweet slate of deals with $1,000 in savings off the latest tech from top brands like Apple, Google, Samsung, Motorola and more. Plus, a FREE a free smart TV for Home Internet customers and even more for new and existing business and Metro customers — all available now.Major carriers often provide incentives to switch, such as covering early termination fees or remaining device payments from a previous carrier. T-Mobile and Verizon sometimes offer up to $650 per line to help new customers break contracts with other carriers. This helps reduce the financial burden of switching providers while upgrading to new devices.
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If you’re trying to find low fares for upcoming air travel, you should know that it’s possible with a little strategy.
Travel experts are predicting a steep hike in airfares over the next several months. You don’t have to overpay for an airline ticket anymore. As our Travel Savings Guide brings out, those days are over with.
Yes, You Can Find Low Fares Online. Here’s How
The key is to use the many resources and tools available online to find cheap fares. Here are some travel tips to find cheap fares online.
Here are some of the best travel sites to find low fares:
Visit Kayak’s Explorer Page
Kayak is one of the most popular travel sites in the world. One of the reasons why is because the site can compare fares so that you can find the cheapest flight.
One cool travel hack with Kayak is that it’s one of the best sites for last-minute flights. Once you find a cheap fare, you can freeze it.
In the Kayak app, you can “freeze” your flight search results for up to 14 days. All you have to do is tap the Price Freeze icon. There is a small fee.
Check Out Southwest’s Low Budget Calendar
One thing I suggest is that you take advantage of the Low Fare Calendar on the Southwest Airlines website.
The Low Fare Calendar shows you the dates where fares are cheaper. But again, you have to have some travel flexibility and not be locked in to certain days of the week.
There are other ways to save on Southwest as well.
Southwest Airlines is known as a low-cost airline, but it’s not the cheapest. Their are other airlines with lower fares, but you won’t get the same customer service that you get with Southwest.
Fly Budget Airlines
JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines both have competitive flights along with Southwest, but neither of them give you two free bags.
Visit the websites of some cheap budget airlines and check out their fares. Here are some top low-fare airlines:
Browse Fares In Incognito Mode
This is an old hack you may have forgotten about: If you’re searching for flights online, be sure to do so in incognito mode, so that the site won’t be able to factor in your past activities when it comes to pricing.
Those are just some travel tips to remember when looking to travel for cheap.
Final Word
One thing you’ll want to be cognizant of when searching for low fares is the day you book. If you buy on the wrong day, you’ll pay more. The industry used to have a tried-and-true formula for when it would raise fares, but now it’s all over the place.
With that being said, some travel experts say that Monday nights and Tuesdays are the best times for lower-than-normal fares.
Looking to visit the Crescent City? Here’s the cheapest time to travel to New Orleans.
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South Louisiana restaurant prices are getting out of hand, and that’s saying a lot when you consider the food haven that is the Pelican state.
In this article, we’re going to show you how to eat out and save money. This tips will cover ways you can keep more of your money from what you order on the menu as well as how you tip.
How To Save Money When Eating Out In Restaurants
Lets get into some ways you can save while eat9ng at restaurants.
1. Order The Special
Don’t roam across the menu for the exotic dishes you’ve never had. Stick with the daily special. That’s how you save money.
Most restaurants will have a dish or two that they’re offering for a lower cost. Keep it simple and save.
2. Tip Before The Food Comes
Contrary to popular belief, tipping can save you money. If you want to motivate your server and get more food (and drink) than you pay for, try giving your help a tip before they bring you your food.
If you tip beforehand, it can signal to your waiter or waitress that you’re serious about taking care of them. The early money will also inspire them to go the extra mile for you, including throwing in some extras.
3. Skip The Alcohol
Another way you can save is to forgo the wine and spirits while eating out. Restaurants make most of their margin on alcohol, especially if you order multiple drinks.
Do your wallet a favor and skip the hard drinks for soda…
4. Order Water
To save even more money, why don’t you just order water with your meal. Water is one of the most healthy drinks you can have.
Not only is water good for you, but it’s good for your wallet.
5. Skip The Dessert
One of the ways restaurants pad your food bill is to offer you a decadent dessert that is hard to resist. They know you’re probably full, so that’s why they rely on the server to physically show you the dessert so that your eyes can entice you to order it.
Skip the dessert so that you can keep the bill down. Your waist line will be glad you did.
Final Word
Restaurants are experts at getting you to spend more money than you intended. After all, the food is so food!
New Orleans is one of those cities that you can get lost in once you take the time to explore it. As the former capital of Louisiana, New Orleans is one of the most eclectic and eccentric cities in the world.
One of the things that makes the place special is the people, which are eager to show you a good time via parties and authentic New Orleans cuisine.
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You need a new car. It’s not that you’re a rich person, but it’s just that you’re tired of throwing money into repairs for an old vehicle that will never be what it was. It’s time to see what you can save up.
In this article, I’m going to show you how to save up for a car.
The first thing you need to do is come up with an idea of how much money you need for the vehicle you want to buy.
Set a Goal
Determine how much you need to save for the car you want, including taxes, registration, and other fees.
Your goal should be a realistic one, not something that is out of your reach and unattainable.
Create a Budget
Track your income and expenses to identify areas where you can cut back and save more.
Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to a savings account dedicated to your car fund.
Reduce Unnecessary Expenses
Cut back on non-essential spending such as dining out, entertainment, or subscription services.
Once you see how much you can save just by skipping a night out on the town here and there, you’ll realize how you can be successful saving money.
Final Word
A new car is the perfect reward for yourself, but to save up, you’ll need to focus: Look for ways to increase your income, such as taking on a part-time job or freelancing.
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.
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