NEW YORK, March 10, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Aflac: 2022 was a rough year for a lot of people financially, especially with inflation and rising interest rates. However, the new year is all about change, and by taking the right steps, you could change the trajectory of your net worth. To help get you started, here are five great ways to significantly improve your financial security in 2023. 

Boost your retirement contributions 

Retirement accounts like your 401(k) or IRA are great ways to build long-term sustainable wealth. These types of accounts enable you to invest for tax-deferred growth, which can cause your portfolio to multiply several times over. Plus, if you work for a company that makes employer-matching contributions, that can make your account balance even bigger. Every opportunity that you can, increase the amount that you're contributing to your retirement accounts. Higher contributions help you accumulate more savings over time.  

Diversify your investments 

Diversification is the key to financial security when it comes to investing. No one should ever leave the future of their nest egg in the hands of just a few companies. Instead, a better approach is to invest across multiple assets so that you'll have exposure to the broader market. 

A good way to do this is through what's called asset allocation. Asset allocation is an investment strategy where you assemble a portfolio made up of cash, bonds, stocks, and alternative assets (such as real estate or gold). This will help to hedge your portfolio from losses while also optimizing it for the best growth potential. 

Build other income streams 

Having a job is a great way to produce income, but it's certainly not the only way. Many people have improved their financial well-being by building more than one stream of income outside of their regular employment. A few common examples include: 

Dividend payments from stocks 

Rent income from investment properties 

Revenue from small business interests 

Adding other income streams can significantly increase your wealth while also providing you with protection, especially if you were ever faced with a financial emergency or potential job loss. 

Explore your life insurance options 

Having a good life insurance policy is an absolute must for the financial security of your family. If you pass away, life insurance could provide your family with multiple years' worth of income as if you were still living. Talk with a licensed insurance agent about what life insurance options they have to offer, and choose the one that strikes the right balance between fitting your needs and affordability. 

Raise your credit score 

You never know when you might need to utilize a line of credit or apply for a loan. That's why it's always a good idea to have the highest credit score possible. A great way to do this is by practicing good financial management. Use tips like: 

Putting your bills on auto-pay 

Never using more than 30 percent of your total available credit 

Keeping the number of credit inquiries to a minimum 

The more you maintain these good habits, the higher your score will climb. 

The bottom line 

Make 2023 the year to improve your financial security. Start by increasing your retirement contributions, diversifying your portfolio, and boosting your income with other streams of income. Also, protect yourself by exploring your life insurance options and maintaining a great credit score just in case you ever need financing. 

Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent.  

Aflac insurance coverage is underwritten by Aflac. In New York, coverage is underwritten by Aflac New York.  

God's Got This Stainless Steel Necklace
The \"God's Got This\" necklace has become a symbol of peace, comfort and strength to all who wear it.

BRADENTON, Fla., March 10, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Joy & Country is proud to offer its own unique version of the "God's Got This" necklace as a symbol of hope, peace, and comfort. Worn by the recipient or given as a gift, its simple yet powerful message penetrates the heart and reminds all who wear it that someone greater than themselves is watching over them and involved in their personal lives. 

This beautiful necklace is handcrafted with high-quality surgical steel in a choice of stainless steel or 18k gold finish. The necklace's face is available in a silver or black background or a military dog tag-style, and it comes with a complimentary gift box and optional engraving. 

Joy & Country Founder Jenna Scaglione says this necklace is one of their most-loved items, in addition to all other merchandise that includes the saying, "God's Got This."

Jenna states, "The message 'God's got this' is comforting and powerful, especially during uncertain times, as it helps people relinquish their worry to a loving God whose presence brings solace and strength.

"Our customers love the necklace for its high-quality finish and materials, and often tell us they consider it a work of art. When they get it home, they are even more pleased as they say its superb quality and beauty outshines the images!" 

While customers love buying the necklace to inspire and remind them of God's love and peace, they also gift it to their loved ones to help them through difficult times.

During a recent challenging time with her daughter's hospitalization, the co-anchor of the NBC News morning show Today Hoda Kotb was grateful to receive a "God's Got This" necklace from her friend who loved it so much it was already worn out when she gave it to her. The necklace reminded Hoda to be grateful, and offered her comfort and support. 

About Joy & Country

Joy & Country exists to inspire, bring hope and faith, and make the world a better place, one tee and necklace at a time. The faith-based, family-run company offers apparel, jewelry, and gifts focused on faith, family, and freedom, and hopes to spread a little joy with every hope-inspired creation.

GAST Clearwater + Surf Park Management

AUSTIN, Texas, March 10, 2023 (Newswire.com) - GAST Clearwater, a US-based next-generation water treatment company, artificial beach, and property developer, announced today in conjunction with Surf Park Management a team of experts from resort, marketing, hospitality, and wave park industries as a service provider to developers and investment groups that they have signed a MOU to work together on a non-exclusive basis.

As the wave pool or surf park market is poised to reach a multibillion-dollar growth over the next few years, various key players in the market are collaborating to manage the sheer demand and explosive growth globally, with numerous new projects being brought online, especially here in the USA. As mixed-use developments or residential developments anchored by an artificial beach, urban lagoon, or surf parks see a much higher growth rate than conventional developments.

"It is honestly a breath of fresh air to partner with people like Skip Taylor & Cate Thero of Surf Park Management. They are top-class specialists in the field and have decades of experience. As a customer-centric organization, we live and die for our customer needs and by combining forces with Surf Park Management, we can provide our and their customers the latest technologies, management, analytics, and development guidance at a fraction of the cost," said Mr. Kevin Gast, Co-Founder & CEO of GAST Clearwater.

Numerous projects in the US and across the globe are currently in various stages of development, negotiations, and design phases, using a wide variety of wave-generating technologies,  including GAST Clearwater's ALTEP water treatment system and the industries only 10-year backed guarantee waterproofing system from GAST Clearwater, more so Surf Park Management is actively involved providing extensive consulting, asset management, operational management, business planning & investment strategies to these developers.

"We are excited to work with the technology forward GAST Clearwater team to help deliver alternative water treatment options to minimize water and chemical usage and to provide a more sustainable solution to the emerging surf park industry," said Skip Taylor, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Surf Park Management.

About GAST Clearwater:

GAST Clearwater is a US-based, next-generation water treatment company with a mission to provide Water for Mankind one drop at a time. Operating in various industries and markets from Real Estate, Wastewater Treatment, Municipal Potable Water, and various others in particular focusing on the recovering and recycling of different waters in a centralized or decentralized way. The company also does artificial beaches, urban lagoons, wave pools, surf parks, aquatics to sewerage treatment, wastewater, and drinking water.

About Surf Park Management: 

Surf Park Management, Inc., based in San Diego, CA, is a proven and professional management team focused on delivering successful business results in the emerging surf park arena. SPM provides consulting and management services to developers and investors to surf parks and their related recreational and hospitality operations. SPM is technology-agnostic and works with the surf technology that works best for the specific venues and its operating parameters. Our team is also a group of surf and sports enthusiasts with deep expertise in complex resort operations and event management. SPM is currently managing the surf, waterfront, food & beverage, retail, and administrative operations of The LineUp at Wai Kai in Hawaii which opens in March 2023.

NEW YORK, March 9, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Advance America: People who are short on cash have lots of options for getting the immediate funding they need in 2023. An instant payday loan can give borrowers same-day funds, and may not require good credit. Here's where to get instant payday loans and what applicants need to qualify.

Where to get an instant payday loan

Payday loans can be acquired from several different places:

Online

Many payday lenders now have online platforms where users can fill out a short application and get approved instantly. This option can not only be done from the comfort of their home, but it also conveniently takes care of connecting with the applicant's bank account so that funds can be transferred right away.

Through an app

Many lenders with an online presence also offer payday loan apps that are convenient for smartphone users. Similar to filling out an application on the lender's website, an app allows borrowers to apply on a mobile device from the comfort of home.

In store

There are still many brick-and-mortar retailers offering payday loans. Applicants who don't feel comfortable with technology or who prefer working with someone in person can lean on payday loan store locations for support.

How to get a payday loan

Those who are interested in getting a payday loan can do so by taking the following steps:

1. Select the application method

The first step an applicant should ask themselves is how they'd prefer to apply for a payday loan: online, by app, or in person. The answer to this question may have a direct impact on which companies they can work with, since some lenders might not offer all three methods.

2. Choose a reputable lender

The next step is to find a lender with creditability and a positive user experience. Applicants should spend some time doing some research online and reading online reviews of various companies. Avoid working with lenders who have consistent negative feedback.

3. Fill out an application

Once the borrower has chosen the right lender, it's time to apply for a payday loan. Applicants will have to provide several personal and financial details and items, including:

• ID (to verify they are over 18 years old)
• Proof of income, such as a paycheck stub
• Social Security number
• Bank account number

4. Write the lender a post-dated check

As part of the process, applicants may also be asked to write the payday lender a post-dated check. This is so that if the applicant does not pay back the money borrowed by the agreed-upon date, the lender can cash it and recoup what is owed. Those people who apply online or by the app may have to agree to a similar arrangement to have money automatically debited from their bank account.

5. Pay off the balance

After receiving the loan, borrowers should devise a plan for how they'll pay back the funds before the balance is due. Although many lenders will offer the opportunity to extend the loan for an additional two to four weeks, this option will lead to additional interest charges. So, it's smart for applicants to strategize ahead of time and take steps to ensure they have a good repayment plan in place.

The bottom line

From online platforms to apps and physical stores, borrowers have many options for getting a payday loan in 2023. Those in need of fast funds can consider working with Advance America, a safe and reputable lender that offers payday loans borrowers can apply for online or in-store. These loans can get borrowers the funds they need as quickly as the same day they apply. Borrowers can visit AdvanceAmerica.net or go to a store location near them to get started on an application today.

AUSTIN, Texas, March 9, 2023 (Newswire.com) - iQuanti: Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental health conditions. A psychiatrist can address a range of issues, including depression, panic disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, substance-use disorders, and more. If you're wondering what to expect—whether you're seeing a psychiatrist in Austin, Miami, Omaha, or somewhere else—here's an overview of what psychiatrists do and what they can help patients with. 

What does a psychiatrist do? 

Psychiatry is a branch of medicine that diagnoses and treats mental health conditions. Psychiatrists assess physical as well as mental and emotional symptoms.    

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (licensed as an M.D. or D.O.). Psychiatrists work with patients to assess and diagnose mental health conditions and create an appropriate treatment plan. To diagnose a patient, a psychiatrist may use physiological and lab tests. They will also ask about the patient's symptoms, their family and medical history, and other relevant information to obtain the information they need to make a diagnosis. Psychiatrists typically consult the American Psychiatric Association's manual, called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (the DSM), when assessing symptoms and making a diagnosis.  

After making a diagnosis, a psychiatrist may prescribe medication, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, sedatives, stimulants, or mood stabilizers. They sometimes include scheduled treatments such as electroconvulsive shock treatment (ECT) in a treatment plan. While psychiatrists typically do not perform ongoing therapy themselves, they may recommend regular therapy sessions with a psychologist or other clinician. 

Psychiatrists monitor patients as they adjust to medication and other treatments. In follow-up visits, they may adjust the treatment plan by changing the medication or dosage and recommending other treatments.  

Conditions treated 

Psychiatrists can treat many mental health conditions. These can include substance-use disorders for those struggling with addiction, dementia, anxiety disorders, attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), eating disorders, body dysmorphia, bipolar disorder and other mood disorders, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), postpartum and other types of depression, schizophrenia, sleep-related disorders, and others.  

It's important to remember that everyone is different, and treatment plans are tailored to each patient. This means treating panic disorder in one patient may not look exactly like treating the same issue in another. Treatment plans can involve more than one medication.  

Speaking with a psychiatrist 

Speaking with a psychiatrist can be the first step in improving your mental health. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms or having difficulty functioning in daily life, it may be time to reach out to a psychiatrist and schedule an appointment.