Aljada Skatepark
Designed and built by California Skateparks, Aljada Skatepark is hosting the World Skate 2022 World Championships, January 29 - February 12, 2023.

VISTA, Calif., February 3, 2023 (Newswire.com) - The world's best skateboarders are performing their newest tricks this week at the massive Aljada Skatepark in Sharjah, UAE. Designed and built by California Skateparks, Aljada is hosting the World Skate 2022 World Championships for both Street and Park disciplines. After the new Champions are named next week, Aljada will remain as a permanent skatepark serving local youth.

"The facility is unique and has beginner, intermediate, and elite competition-level Street and Park courses and covers almost 90,000 square feet (8,360 square meters)," said California Skateparks VP Bill Minadeo. "This is an amazing opportunity for local youth to interact with the world's best skaters and host incredible events, like the World Championships."

The World Skate 2022 World Championships is a key qualifying event for the Paris 2024 Olympics. While the Street skaters have already competed in one qualifier in Rome last Summer, Sharjah will be the first chance for the Park skaters to earn important points to qualify for Paris.

This weekend the Street skaters have their chance to earn the World title, with the Finals in the Men's and Women's competition taking place. The Street course at Aljada features a mirrored core section, with identical elements such as stairs and rails providing equal opportunity for both goofy- and regular-stance skaters to perform. The outer perimeter of the course includes more free-form features, allowing skaters to explore opportunities for unique tricks and combinations.

Next week, the Park competitors have their turn and attention will shift to the massive bowl, which differs from recent competition bowl designs. The traditional single deep end is replaced by two nearly 10-foot (3-meter) deep ends on opposite sides of the bowl. To take full advantage of that, a long, sloping channel flows into the bowl from the deck, allowing skaters to begin their routines with maximum speed. The volcano flyover feature included in the Olympic Park course has been replaced by a hip/transfer section extending into the bowl from the side, instead of being the bowl's centerpiece.

Both the street course and competition bowl are the result of the California Skateparks design team's nearly two-decades experience creating elite competition courses. In consultation with many athletes competing in Sharjah, the designers modified traditional contest elements and complemented them with new features that match the skaters' growing level of competitiveness and evolving style of tricks. From early practice footage seen from Sharjah, evidence suggests that the California Skateparks design team got it right, including social-media posts showing how much fun visiting pros are having at Aljada. Which is great news for Sharjah's local skaters.

For more information about the World Skate 2022 World Championships, visit www.worldskate.org/skateboarding.

To learn more about California Skateparks, visit www.californiaskateparks.com or contact Bill Minadeo: [email protected]

NEW YORK, February 2, 2023 (Newswire.com) - iQuanti: Cashier's checks and money orders are certified funds — payment guaranteed to clear when you use it. You can pay for the cashier's check or money order ahead of time and get a piece of paper representing the payment. You then pay with the cashier's check or money order. Then, the company that sold you the cashier's check or money order transfers the money. Doing this prevents bounced checks and insufficient funds since you already paid.

All that said, cashier's checks and money orders differ in several ways. These differences make each one suitable for distinct situations. This article will compare a cashier's check vs. money order by defining each and looking at their benefits and drawbacks.

How do cashier's checks work?

Cashier's checks are a type of official check issued by banks and credit unions. When you buy a cashier's check, the institution draws funds from your savings or checking account to cover the amount plus the issuing fee and then signs and issues you a check. You can then use the cashier's check for your purchase.

Pro: Available in large amounts

Policies differ between banks, but cashier's checks generally don't have a limit on the amount you can get one for. As a result, cashier's checks can often be used for larger purchases.

Pro: More secure

In general, cashier's checks are considered to be more secure than money orders. They are offered only by banks and are used for large purchases, so they come with additional security features to guard against fraud.

Con: Only available at banks and credit unions

You can get cashier's checks at banks and credit unions, but you also must have an account with that bank or credit union to do so. You can visit a bank branch to get a cashier's check or go on their online website to order one.

Con: More expensive

Many banks sell cashier's checks for no lower than $10. Some may sell them for even more. This is a substantial fee simply for accessing your money, so make sure you must use a cashier's check for the specific expense.

How do money orders work?

Money orders are another form of certified payment available at banks and credit unions, but also supermarkets, convenience stores, and several other locations. You can purchase a money order by paying the amount you want plus an issuing fee with cash, debit card, or traveler's check. You generally can't use credit cards since those are forms of debt. If you do, it may be treated as a cash advance. Upon purchase, the issuer hands you a check representing that money order. When you pay someone with the money order, the issuer transfers funds to the payee.

Pro: Widespread availability

Money orders are sold at many locations that you might visit regularly. Some places you can purchase a money order include:

• Western Union
• Banks/credit unions
• Convenience stores
• Gas stations
• Post offices
• Supermarkets

Pro: Cheaper

Money orders tend to cost no more than $2 to $3. This makes them more affordable than cashier's checks. Plus, since they're available at more locations, you have more room to compare costs and find the cheapest money order provider.

Con: Lower limits

Money orders are generally available for up to $1,000. Many money order providers won't let you purchase a money order larger than this. For larger purchases, you'll have to buy multiple money orders and pay the fee each time.

Con: Must be bought in person

Money order issuers must verify your identity, which can be hard to do over the Internet. So, keep in mind that money orders are rarely, if ever, available online. On the other hand, cashier's checks are only available at banks and credit unions, but you can often buy them online since you'll have a bank account with the bank already.

The bottom line

Both cashier's checks and money orders are certified funds. Each one's specific features suit them for different situations. Cashier's checks generally offer large amounts and higher security but cost more and are only available at banks and credit unions. So, cashier's checks can be excellent tools for putting a down payment on a home or car.

Meanwhile, money orders are cheaper and available at numerous locations. However, they're only available for up to $1,000 in most cases. As a result, money orders can be helpful for paying bills or placing a deposit on an apartment. Make sure to weigh these features against your specific expense to decide whether a cashier's check or money order fits your needs best.

NEW YORK, February 2, 2023 (Newswire.com) - iQuanti: There are certain times in life when waiting for your next payday just isn't possible. If you need extra funds to cover essential or emergency expenses right away, a same-day loan can be an easy and quick option. Read on to learn about how emergency same-day loans work and some expenses they can help cover:

How do emergency same-day loans work? 

An emergency same-day loan is a loan where the funds are transferred to your bank account the same day you apply for them. This is not as rare as you might think. Several online lenders offer same-day funding for installment loans, cash advances, and title loans, provided you submit your application early enough during the day. Better yet, you may not need good credit to get approved for an emergency same-day loan.

When do you need a same-day loan? 

Here are some financial situations where getting a same-day loan may make sense: 

1. Your bills are due

Getting a shut-off notice from the utility company classifies as an emergency need. If the date on that notice is tomorrow, you need funds in your bank account today. The same holds true for phone bills or cable and internet bills. Mobile phones and Wi-Fi can be essential services, especially if you work online or from home.

2. Your car payment is late

Falling too far behind on car payments could initiate a collection action that eventually leads to a car repossession. That's not a position anyone wants to be in. An emergency loan can help you make that overdue payment and possibly an extra payment to give you some breathing room. 

3. You have a medical emergency

Medical emergencies are always unexpected and often traumatic in ways that go beyond your financial needs. A larger same-day loan like an installment or title loan could help pay for the medical bill and other related expenses like prescriptions or co-pays. 

4. Your car needs repairs 

Paying for an unexpected car repair is not something that can wait a week until you get paid again. Auto repair shops want their money when you pick up the car. Without it, you're looking at public transportation or rideshare to get yourself back and forth to work. Thankfully, same-day loans can help you pay for this expense right away. 

5. The cupboards are bare

Everyone needs to eat, and running out of food is one of the more urgent emergencies on this list. If you're short on funds for groceries, a same-day loan to get you through to the next paycheck could solve that problem. Use an emergency loan option like a cash advance to go to the grocery store and buy what you need. 

The bottom line

Waiting until tomorrow to have funds in your bank account is not always an option. Emergency same-day loans can help when bills are due, car payments are late, if there's a medical emergency or car repair, and when you run out of food. Consider getting a cash advance, title loan, installment loan, or other emergency loan to meet your immediate financial needs today. 

NEW YORK, February 2, 2023 (Newswire.com) - iQuanti: Loan applicants with credit scores between 300 and 579 are considered poor-credit borrowers. If you have poor credit, you'll need to find a lender who has less strict credit score requirements and considers applicants with all types of scores. Although no credit check loans may be hard to come by, there are many lenders out there that approve poor-credit borrowers. Here are some financing options that poor-credit borrowers can consider in 2023:  

1. Cash advances

Cash advances are short-term loans that can give borrowers a few hundred dollars to cover expenses. You'll repay this loan the next time you receive a paycheck, in two to four weeks. Some cash advance lenders allow borrowers to stretch the loan out over a longer term, but there will be an interest payment due each time the borrower gets paid. Before applying for a cash advance, read the terms and conditions carefully so you know what to expect.

Many cash advance lenders approve poor-credit borrowers and will consider additional factors like employment and current debts when making an approval decision. Keep in mind that applicants are also required to produce valid identification, so the lender can have a current address and your personal information on file.

2. Title loans

Buying a car is an accomplishment. It also provides you with a valuable piece of collateral to use if you need a title loan. Anyone who holds a title to a car, motorcycle, RV, or boat can apply for this type of secured loan. There will be a credit check, but title lenders aren't as concerned with your credit score as other types of lenders. They mostly want to know if you pay your bills and whether you own the vehicle outright. 

Title loans can be a great option if you need funds right away and plan on paying the loan back quickly. But keep in mind that the lender can take away your car if you can't repay the loan, so it's smart to have a good repayment plan before applying. 

3. Pawn shop loans

A pawn shop loan is another type of secured loan because the borrower provides an asset as collateral. Unlike a title loan, where the lender only holds your car's title, pawn shop loans require the actual asset. Examples of this include jewelry, electronics, rare coins, or expensive clothing like leather jackets and fur coats. 

Pawn shops will hold collateral as long as you make your payments. The borrower can terminate the agreement by paying off the loan or simply stopping the payments. The latter is considered a surrender of collateral and allows the pawn shop to resell your asset to another customer. So, make sure to pay the loan back if you want to keep your item.

The bottom line

Luckily, poor credit may not prevent you from getting a loan. It may limit your options with traditional lenders like banks and credit unions, but there are often funds available from cash advance lenders, title lenders, and pawn shop lenders. It's smart to shop around and compare lenders and loan options to find the right poor-credit loan for your budget and needs. 

NEW YORK, February 2, 2023 (Newswire.com) - iQuanti: Your credit score is a vital piece of your financial picture. It impacts your ability to buy a home, purchase a car, rent an apartment, open a credit card, and much more. Unfortunately, there are many myths out there that, if fallen for, can set you back on your credit-building journey. With that in mind, this article will debunk common credit score myths and offer some tips on how to fix your credit score.

1. Checking my credit score lowers my score

Applying for credit can temporarily harm your score, an effect that wears off after several months. However, checking it yourself does not harm your score at all. You can only get one free copy of your official credit report from each credit bureau — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — per year. Getting more than one from each costs money. However, you can check your score online for free through websites like CreditKarma, although the scoring model differs slightly. Some banks offer credit monitoring tools to customers as well.

2. You need a good credit score to qualify for a loan

A higher credit score indeed offers access to more loans. But borrowers with poor or little credit still have plenty of options. Many traditional lenders run credit checks for loans but don't ask for a high score. This is especially true for secured loans — loans that require you to put down a piece of collateral. Some unsecured loans also have less strict credit score requirements and look at other factors like income and employment during the approval decision process.

3. Paying off debt eliminates its effects

Paying off any relevant debts doesn't wipe the evidence of them off your credit report right away. Certain types of derogatory marks may stay on for a certain amount of time before falling off.

For example, Chapter 13 bankruptcies can remain on one's credit report for up to seven years. Meanwhile, Chapter 7 bankruptcies can take up to 10 years to fall off. Many other derogatory marks, such as account charge-offs and collections, stay on your report for around seven years.

Sometimes, marks are erroneously left on your report after they were supposed to fall off. In this case, you'll need a copy of your credit report to find the mark, then file your dispute with the corresponding credit bureau.

4. Closing a credit card helps your score

Closing a credit card can actually hurt your score because this can affect three of the five factors credit bureaus use to calculate your score: credit history length, credit mix, and utilization.

Here is how each works:

• Credit history length measures the average age of your accounts, along with your oldest and newest account ages. Closing an account reduces your average account age, hurting your score.
• Credit mix measures the diversity of loans and credit cards you have. Closing a credit card could reduce your credit mix, hurting your score.
• Credit utilization measures total credit balances against total credit limits across all cards. Closing a card reduces your total credit limit and doesn't erase that card's balance. This could increase your utilization, harming your score.

Ideally, you keep the card open and use it once in a while to prevent the company from closing it for inactivity.

Ignore these credit score myths

Misinformation about credit scores can hamper your credit-building efforts, so it's important to stay informed about how credit works. Remember: you can check your credit as often as needed without worrying about credit damage, and you can still get a loan without a good credit score. In fact, getting a poor-credit loan can be a great way to build up your score if you pay the loan in a timely manner and the lender reports it to credit bureaus.

Additionally, paying off debt doesn't erase it from your credit report immediately. You might have to wait or take more action. Meanwhile, closing credit cards can actually hurt your score instead of helping it. Ignore these common credit card myths to stay on the right path toward building your score and reaping the benefits.

Crypto Lists Logo with flying markers
Flying markers and Crypto Lists logotype

EAST HAMPTON, N.Y., February 2, 2023 (Newswire.com) - CryptoLists.com continues to add value to their readers, as they start following a new direction, one which features online casino as an additional cornerstone of the site.

The overview page presents snippets of the individual casino-related toplists, making the site easy to navigate for readers who are searching for something specific. While there are some more crypto-specific toplists, such as decentralized casinos, others include real money casinos and those with instant payouts after winnings. Interested parties may view the page here: https://www.cryptolists.com/casino/

Shaping up nicely
The co-founder Markus Jalmerot is enthused with the new and dedicated casino section, explaining: "The company's other co-founder and I come from the casino space, so it was always an intention of ours to explore crypto casinos once it was established as a flourishing niche."

He continues: "We perhaps didn't imagine it getting off the ground so quickly, but we're really happy at how the casino section of Crypto Lists Ltd. is shaping up. And, of course, we're not forgetting about the coins and exchanges that our visitors know us for. We're simply adding another string to the bow, so to speak."

A plethora of lists
Linked to the overview page are a variety of different toplists to help readers make the most informed choice. Both new crypto and real money casino sites can be found at https://www.cryptolists.com/casino/new/. Crypto Lists aims to have visitors covered whether they're looking for casino sites specializing in Bitcoin and Ethereum deposits, as well as no-wager and decentralized casinos. Additionally, there are plans on the near horizon to create a toplist featuring casinos that have sportsbooks.

Room for traditional online casinos
Although crypto is the central theme of the website, Crypto Lists also has listings of real-money-only casinos, since a considerable number of people prefer to use traditional currencies when playing. Many crypto casinos in the toplist accept fiat as an alternative funding method, and these brands are clearly reviewed, classified and listed as such. Branching out into 'traditional' casinos will help the toplist site to venture further into the online gambling space, adding more value for its visitors.