AUSTIN, Texas, February 3, 2023 (Newswire.com) - PaddleSmash fans can now get the popular game at two popular retail sporting goods stores, Scheels and Dick's Sporting Goods. The recently launched game that combines elements of the popular Pickleball and Spikeball experienced such a spike in holiday demand that co-founders Tim Swindle and Scott Brown had to quadruple inventory, resulting in record holiday sales for the young company. 

• PaddleSmash is a combination of the popular Pickleball and Spikeball.
• Company co-founders had to quadruple inventory of recently launched game to meet holiday demand.
• Portability and ease of use has made the family-friendly PaddleSmash a new backyard game sensation.

"We are thrilled to see the success and popularity of PaddleSmash," said Swindle. "It's amazing to see how many people are enjoying the game, and we look forward to introducing it to even more people this year." 

Both Scott and Brown are veteran entrepreneurs in the toy and game space. Co-founder Scott Brown said that the company experienced 500 percent growth month-over-month, and they are on track to quadruple their revenue in 2023. The game is now selling in 47 states.

"We tested the game over several years before our launch, and while we instinctively believed in its appeal, the rapid success has exceeded our high expectations," said Brown. "I believe the game is seeing such success because in addition to combining the fun and competitive elements of Pickleball and Spikeball, it brings people together in a fun and safe atmosphere. In a world where distance is easy to accomplish, and not that long ago was necessary, it has become far too easy to maintain that distance. But what society and families really need is personal interaction."

In addition to the game now being available at Dick's Sporting Goods and Scheels, PaddleSmash is still available for online purchase at PaddleSmash.com. 

About PaddleSmash 

Launched in 2021, PaddleSmash combines the elements of Pickleball and Spikeball. The portable game is played in teams of two who play opposite one another across a central hexagonal court with a net. The brainchild of structural engineer Joe Bingham, veteran game and toy entrepreneurs licensed the game and re-engineered it for mass production, structural soundness, and portability. The game is currently patent pending. For more information, go to https://paddlesmash.com/. 

Contact Information:
Christine Haas
[email protected]
512 751-1592


Original Source: PaddleSmash Now Available in Scheels and Dick's Sporting Goods, Following Record Holiday Online Sales

NEW YORK, February 3, 2023 (Newswire.com) - iQuanti: When you need a substantial amount of money for a household renovation or a new business venture but don't want to take out a lump sum loan, where can you turn? Many borrowers will turn to either a home equity line of credit or a personal line of credit loan. In this post, we'll get to know both options and explore which one may be a better fit.

What is a home equity line of credit?

A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is a revolving loan where the applicant borrows against the equity or value of their home. Home equity loans work very similarly to credit cards. After the lender opens the line of credit, the borrower may draw as little or as much of it as needed. The borrower will then have to repay the principal plus interest on any draws. HELOCs are secured loans where your house is used as collateral. This means that if you can't repay the loan, the lender may seize your house.

What is a personal line of credit?

A personal line of credit is also a revolving credit line that allows the borrower to draw funds up to a predetermined limit. However, unlike a HELOC, this loan is unsecured, meaning there's no collateral. The lender will approve you for this loan based on other qualifications, such as your credit score and income.

Differences between a HELOC and a personal line of credit

Although both types of credit lines are essentially flexible loans that can be used as much as the borrower needs, there are some notable differences:

1. Applicant qualifications

HELOCs will often be easier to apply for than personal lines of credit because you're offering collateral. Applicants who have higher credit scores and better financial resources can apply for an unsecured loan and avoid risking their homes. But even if you have poor credit, several lenders also offer personal lines of credit with less strict credit score requirements.

2. Interest rate

HELOCs offer some of the lowest interest rates on the market. However, this is again due to offering collateral. You can expect that a personal line of credit may carry a higher interest rate since the lender has nothing to secure the loan.

3. Credit limit

The limit for a personal line of credit is at the discretion of the lender. Based on your qualifications, you could potentially get a credit line as high as $100,000. By contrast, the limit for a HELOC may be higher or lower than an unsecured loan. It will completely depend on the value of your house and how much equity you have in it. 

For instance, if your home is currently worth $300,000 and you've paid $100,000 of the loan, then you still owe $200,000. Many lenders limit the HELOC to 85 percent of the loan to value, so the upper limit of your credit line will be ($300,000 x 0.85) - $200,000 = $55,000.

4. Cost

Many HELOCs are low-cost and don't charge any fees, but personal lines of credit usually charge an annual maintenance fee. They may also impose a small fee each time you make a withdrawal.

The bottom line

Both HELOC and personal lines of credit can give you instant access to substantial amounts of funding. However, one requires using your home as collateral, while the other is unsecured. Consider the pros and cons of each, and choose the one that fits with your financial situation.

Contact Information:
Keyonda Goosby
Public Relations Specialist
[email protected]
(201) 633-2125


Original Source: Home Equity Line of Credit vs. Personal Line of Credit

Jim Ellis Automotive Group's annual holiday giving campaign raised $65,000 to assist the Family Support Team at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

ATLANTA, February 3, 2023 (Newswire.com) -  With the support of customers, Jim Ellis Automotive Group closed out the sixth annual Holiday Giving Campaign with a $65,000 donation to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. A portion of the profit for each new or used vehicle sold at all of the 20 Jim Ellis Automotive dealerships between Dec. 1 and Dec. 31, 2022, contributed to the donation.

Jim Ellis Automotive Group selects a different Atlanta-area charity to support through their annual holiday giving campaign. Over the last five years, Jim Ellis Automotive has donated over $250,000 to groups serving women and children in need across the Atlanta area from the holiday giving campaigns alone. 

Established in 1995, the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta cares for more than 2,400 children with cancer and more than 5,800 children with blood disorders annually. The Holiday Giving Campaign donation will be directed to the Family Support Team, a team of 35 individuals who help provide for the emotional and spiritual needs of the patients in the form of child life, psychology, chaplaincy and social work positions.

"We are proud to partner with the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta," said Jim Ellis Automotive Group Vice President Stacey Ellis Hodges. "We hope our donation can give a child the gift of growing up."

"We are incredibly grateful to the Jim Ellis family for their long-standing commitment to the thousands of children cared for at Children's and the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center," said Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center Development Director Sara Orton. "Their support is invaluable as we continue to provide the best care for the kids of Georgia and beyond."

About Jim Ellis Automotive Group

Jim Ellis Automotive Group has been serving the Atlanta area since 1971, starting with Volkswagen as the flagship brand. The group has expanded to 17 brands and 20 dealerships, covering Atlanta, Buford, Kennesaw, McDonough, Marietta, Sandy Springs and South Fulton. Brands include Alfa Romeo, Audi, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes, Porsche, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo. Visit in stores or shop from the comfort of your home at jimellis.com.

For more information, please visit https://www.jimellis.com/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JimEllisAuto/ 
Instagram: @jimellisauto 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Jimellisautomotive/videos?app=desktop

Contact Information:
Loren Roberts
Associate Director of Marketing
[email protected]
770-234-8157


Original Source: Jim Ellis Automotive Donates $65,000 to Help Fight Pediatric Cancer

Stouffer Legal Brings Expert Estate Planning Services to Annapolis Community

ANNAPOLIS, Md., February 3, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Stouffer Legal is proud to announce the opening of its new office in Annapolis, Maryland. With this expansion, the firm is eager to serve more of Maryland and extend its presence into the bay area. The new location is situated conveniently on Defense Highway right off Route 50.

Stouffer Legal was established in 2013 and is a premier estate planning law firm serving families in Maryland. With a focus on providing expert guidance and compassionate support, the firm assists families with the legal aspects of estate planning, probate, estate & trust administration, and Medicaid planning.

At Stouffer Legal, the team of experienced attorneys understands the importance of securing a family's future and is dedicated to helping clients navigate the complex world of estate planning. With a commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of the law, the firm provides personalized legal solutions tailored to meet each client's unique needs.

Many of Stouffer Legal's attorneys have roots in the Annapolis area, including Partner Alex Housley. Alex is a driven and affable attorney who practices exclusively in estate, trust, probate, and elder law in Maryland. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology from Towson University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Baltimore School of Law, Alex brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Stouffer Legal.

Prior to joining the firm, Alex worked at a firm handling civil litigation for real estate disputes and transactions, where he passionately advocated for and negotiated on behalf of clients in and out of the courtroom. With his knowledge and experience in real estate, Alex is a valuable asset to Stouffer Legal.

Alex is dedicated to helping families through the estate planning process, with a mission to ensure that clients and their families can learn from his experiences.

In his free time, Alex enjoys spending time with his wife and three kids and cheering on the Ravens and Orioles.

Stouffer Legal is excited to bring its high-quality legal services to the Annapolis area and looks forward to serving the community with the same level of expertise and commitment to clients that it is known for.

For more information on Stouffer Legal, please visit its website at www.stoufferlegal.com.

Contact Information:
Tasha Neiman
Director of Business Development
[email protected]
(443) 470-3599


Original Source: Stouffer Legal Expands Presence in Maryland With New Office in Annapolis

NEW YORK, February 3, 2023 (Newswire.com) - iQuanti: Like it or not, the financial world judges you based on your credit score. Your FICO credit score is a number (ranging between 300 and 850) that represents your creditworthiness, or how likely you'll be able to repay the lender. Read on to learn what a FICO score is, what factors can influence it, and how you can improve yours.

How your FICO score works

A FICO score is the credit rating determined by the Fair Isaac Corporation, a data analytics company that originally developed credit scores. FICO uses credit history reported to the major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) to determine how reliable of a borrower you'll be. 

You may be wondering if there's a difference between a FICO score vs. credit score. Your FICO score is a specific type of credit score. It's the most widely recognized and used by many lenders in their application decisions.

However, FICO is not the only type of credit score. Competitors such as VantageScore can also be used to determine your creditworthiness. When checking your credit score, it's important to know whether the number being reported is your FICO score, VantageScore, or some other variation.

What factors affect my FICO score?

FICO's website makes it clear what data from your credit history is used when calculating your credit rating. This can be summarized into five major categories:

• Payment history (35%) - Were your payments on time and meeting the minimum requirements?
• Amounts owed (30%) - How much of your total available credit are you using?
• Length of credit history (15%) - How old is your oldest active credit line?
• New credit (10%) - How often have you applied for new lines of credit?
• Credit mix (10%) - How many different types of credit do you have (credit cards, retail cards, a mortgage, other installment loans)?

How to improve your FICO score

Raising your credit score is rooted in practicing good, responsible financial habits. Here are a few tips you could use to increase yours.

• Set your payments up for autopay. That way they'll always be paid on time and in full.
• Use your credit modestly. Many experts recommend keeping your credit utilization ratio, the amount of credit that you've used divided by your credit limit, to 30 percent or less.
• Don't cancel old credit cards. Though it can seem counterintuitive, leaving old credit cards open that don't have an annual fee will actually add to your length of credit history and positively impact your credit score.
• Apply for new credit sparingly. Each new credit inquiry will count against your credit score. Only apply when it's necessary.
• Maintain a mixture of credit lines. It's okay to have multiple loans and credit cards. Lenders like to see that you can manage multiple lines of credit.

The bottom line

FICO scores are the most recognized and widely used type of credit score. They're calculated by taking input from your credit history and using it to determine your creditworthiness. You can improve your credit score by practicing good financial habits, such as paying your bills on time and using your credit lines moderately.

Contact Information:
Keyonda Goosby
Public Relations Specialist
[email protected]
(201) 633-2125


Original Source: A Beginner's Guide to Your FICO Score

NEW YORK, February 3, 2023 (Newswire.com) - iQuanti: Moving is a big deal, and with a thousand moving parts, it's easy for the stress to begin pouring in. While some things can be helped, such as starting to pack early, there are plenty of issues that can't be prevented, such as the cost. 

The reality is that between closing costs, furnishing, or even gas to get to your new place, the price of moving can go well beyond what meets the eye. If you're getting ready to move and are thinking about getting a moving loan, here is everything you need to know, including some ways to use moving loans. 

What is a moving loan?

A moving loan is a type of personal loan that is designed to cover the cost of moving. 

Moving loans are the perfect solution for an individual or family who is having a difficult time funding their move out of pocket. Not only can this loan provide funds quickly, but many are also usually unsecured, which can mean an easier buying process all around. 

How to use a moving loan

Here are just a few ways a moving loan can be used to make your moving process that much easier:

1. Hiring professional movers

Whether you're moving to your first home or a fifth sublet, the process can seem daunting. One way to make moving a little easier is with a professional moving company. These companies are designed to take a lot of the work off your plate, making it easier for you to focus on what matters most: adjusting. Oftentimes, these movers will pack up, transport, and unpack or unload your belongings. 

2. Furnishing your space

Moving but don't quite have the funds to make the space yours yet? You may want to consider using a moving loan to help cover the needs and must-haves. Keep in mind that every dollar borrowed is one that will need to be paid back, so only use the loan for necessary expenses to begin with. Then, as funds become available, you can purchase additional pieces for the space where needed. 

3. Paying a security deposit or closing costs

Moving comes with a lot of unexpected expenses. If you're moving to a new home, there may be a number of closing costs or hidden fees to get services started. When it comes to renting, that can also mean covering a security deposit. A moving loan can give you the funds you need so that you can pay for the closing costs or security deposit without worry.

4. Renting a moving truck

For those brave movers taking more of a DIY approach, renting a moving truck may be in the cards. But with a blanket cost and additional expenses for things like mileage and gas, it can become expensive. If you don't quite have the funds to make the move, consider using a loan to cover the cost of the moving truck. 

5. Moving materials 

For those that need to pack up their own belongings, a moving loan can help cover the cost of the materials. From boxes and tape to blankets and mattress covers, these materials can start to add up in cost, but they aren't something that you'll want to skip on as they help protect your items. 

The bottom line

Moving is an exciting but expensive process. A moving loan can help to make the process easier, taking some of the burdens away from all parties involved. This guide helps to provide a few examples of how a moving loan can help you to meet your goals while making the process as smooth as possible. 

Contact Information:
Keyonda Goosby
Public Relations Specialist
[email protected]
(201) 633-2125


Original Source: 5 Ways to Use a Moving Loan