Ne[x]t Magazine | Winter 2023

MULTI-PLATINUM SELLING ARTIST

PHILLIP PHILLIPS

Also Inside: Tips to Vacation During Inflation

20 Women-Owned Businesses in Georgia

The Safest Way to Pay

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FROM THE EDITOR

Let me introduce you to my friend and multi-platinum selling artist, Phillip Phillips. Born and raised in Albany, Georgia, Phillips and his family still reside here. I had the opportunity to interview him over a friendly pickleball match—one of his favorite pastimes. Flip to page 4 to find out What’s Ne[x]t for Phillip Phillips

Spring break is on our minds! While taking a "Vacation During Inflation" may seem nearly impossible financially, we have tips to help you plan a vacation this spring or summer. While it may take more planning, these tips can make a getaway possible when inflation is high.

We recognized and celebrated International Women’s Day in March. From boutiques

and markets to restaurants and more, we compiled a list of 20 of our favorite women-owned businesses across Georgia. Supporting women-owned businesses has never been easier. On page 13, learn about two of Georgia’s Own women who trailblazed for the credit union industry.

There are many ways to pay for things today, but "What is the Safest Way to Pay?" We compare writing a check versus swiping a debit card on pages 1415. Decide which option is best for you!

Want to stay connected? Be sure to follow Georgia’s Own on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Don't forget to subscribe to georgiasown.org/blog for more financial tips and education.

FROM THE COVER Phillip Phillips

PHILLIP PHILLIPS

Get to know multi-platinum artist, Albany native, and one of Georgia’s Own, Phillip Phillips. Phillips rose to fame in 2011 with his harmonious hit, “Home.” You may remember his performance, as it is the most successful coronation hit of any American Idol winner to date. Since then, Phillips has released four albums and ten singles, including his most recent singles, “Love Come Back to Me” and "Dancing With Your Shadows." What’s Ne[x]t for Phillip Phillips? Let’s find out.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY FOR YOU LOOK LIKE?

It depends on where I am. If I am home, it is craziness with my three-year-old son, Patch, and my wife, Hannah. I may take work calls or work on an idea, but I try to focus on my family when I am home. If I am on tour, I get a little more sleep and spend most of the day rehearsing before the show.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL LIFE.

I am a proud husband and father. My family and I live in Albany, Georgia, where I was born and raised. My wife inspires me. I am a pretty private person. I keep my circle small. I have kept the same friends since I was a kid. Enjoying a good meal with friends and family is one of my favorite ways to spend time.

GROWING UP, WERE YOU ALWAYS INTERESTED IN MUSIC?

My brother-in-law played the biggest role in my musical interest—he encouraged me to pursue music. But yes, I have always found joy in music.

WHEN DID YOU START PERFORMING?

My senior year of high school.

WHAT WAS THE FIRST SONG YOU WROTE?

The first song I wrote will likely never see the light of day. The first song I wrote that I released was “Hazel.”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SONG YOU’VE EVER WRITTEN?

That’s not a fair question. My favorite song I write will always be the next one.

HOW DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION FOR WRITING?

Everyday life and lived experiences inspire me.

YOU HAVE RECENTLY RELEASED TWO NEW SINGLES. CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT "DANCING WITH YOUR SHADOWS"? WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION WRITING THIS SONG?

“Dancing with Your Shadows” is about knowing someone so well and being able to see them fall or struggle before they do. I wrote this song during a particularly difficult time with someone in my life. They were going through a lot and in a really dark place. Sometimes, when someone is in that place, they don’t need you to fix it—they just need you to be in it with them. [They need someone] To dance in the shadows with them.

My wife is a therapist. She always talks about how she will climb into the trenches with her people, until they realize they have the tools to climb out themselves. We’ve all danced with our shadows once or twice.

WHEN DID YOU DECIDE TO PURSUE A CAREER IN MUSIC?

When I was 14, I knew my career would be in music. There was nothing else for me.

ASIDE FROM THE GUITAR, WHAT OTHER INSTRUMENTS DO YOU PLAY?

Nothing expert level, but I can pick around on the piano, bass, and other synths.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUNG MUSICIANS?

Commit your time and practice all day. Eat, sleep, and breathe your craft!

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE TO DATE?

Rock in Rio, a recurring music festival in Brazil.

WHEN YOU ARE NOT WRITING MUSIC, ON TOUR, OR PERFORMING, WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?

I enjoy playing pickleball, photography, and anything appreciating the outdoors.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT GEORGIA?

The outdoor opportunities. I love the outdoors.

@PHILLPHILL ON INSTAGRAM

@PHILLIPHILLIPS ON TIKTOK

@PHILLIPS ON TWITTER

LOOK FOR PHILLIP FROM JUNENOVEMBER FOR VARIOUS STOPS THIS YEAR IN SUPPORT OF HIS NEW RECORD "DRIFT BACK" OUT AT THE END OF SUMMER!

TELL US A FUN FACT THAT MOST PEOPLE DO NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU.

I actually cannot read music—I play by ear.

I KNOW YOU ARE A BIG FOODIE, SO WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL?

That is too hard. I love Asian food. Izakaya by Katsuya in Los Angeles always tops my list.

IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ANY THREE PEOPLE, DEAD OR ALIVE, WHO WOULD IT BE?

Saul Leiter, Martin Scorsese, and Jimi Hendrix.

IF YOU COULD PERFORM WITH ANYONE IN THE WORLD, WHO WOULD IT BE?

I am superstitious—so I’m keeping this one private.

WHAT IS THE GREATEST FINANCIAL LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN LIFE?

A home is the investment of a lifetime—invest well. Get trusted financial advisors; I have the best.

tips to Vacation during Inflation

Plan ahead & do your research set realistic budgets consider a credit card with rewards

As we head into warmer months, dreams of sandy beaches or European adventures are starting to fill many of our heads. Spring break is on the horizon, and summer will be here before we know it. But with inflation at a high, you may be wondering if a vacation is even possible. The good news—YES! While it may take a little more planning, your (welldeserved) vacation can still go off without a hitch. Visit georgiasown.org/vacationing-with-inflation to keep reading for our tips on how to have your best vacation while battling inflation.

WOMEN-OWNED SUPPORTING WOMEN-OWNED

by Ariel Fink

March 8, 2023 marked the 112th International Women's Day (IWD), which is about women's equality in all its forms. IWD encompasses so much—for some, IWD is about fighting for women's rights, and for others, it is about reinforching key commitments. For some, IWD is about celebrating success. Small businesses are a major engine of growth in the U.S. economy, and women are playing an increasingly large role in the country's entrepreneurial ecosystem. According to recent datafrom the U.S. Census Bureau, women-owned firms now represent more than one in five businesses with employees in the U.S.—out of all 50 states, Georgia has the 8th most female buisness owners. Overall, these enterprises report over $1.8 trillion in annual revenue and employ nearly 11 million workers. Below is a list of some of our favorite women-owned businesses across Georgia. From home goods and trendy apparel to baked goods and more, we've got you covered. Check out these 20 women-owned shops and restaurants across Georgia that you can start supporting today.

BOUTIQUES + MARKETS

the beehive – Atlanta

This beautiful boutique is fully stocked with local, independent designers offering apparel, housewares, accessories, baby goods, food goods, and jewelry. Visit them in store or shop online at the beehiveatl.com!

Berry Trap Boutique – Waycross

If you're looking for the latest trends, head to Berry Trap Boutique—a one-stop shop for all kinds of women's clothing and accessories. With a variety of styles, you're sure to find something you love when you visit them in-store or online!

The Culturist Union – Savannah

Not just a coffeehouse, The Culturist Union is a community gathering spot, and inclusive marketplace that empowers creatives, entrepreneurs, and professionals to be seen, heard, and celebrated.

Ordinary Magic – Savannah

Ordinary Magic is an online and brick + mortar shop in Historic Downtown Savannah. With a wide selection of crystals, minerals, and magical lifestyle products. Ordinary Magic provides a welcoming atmosphere for all, plus the tools and resources to dive deeper within, and bring more happiness and magic into your life.

U-Neeks – Savannah

Find all kinds of little hidden treasures and wonderful furniture at this unique shop! They specialize in vintage and refurbished furniture.

BUSINESSES

BUSINESSES IN GEORGIA

RESTAURANTS

Cheesecaked – Norcross

It's time for your taste buds to branch out. Cheese caked Creamery & Café is known for its showstopping cheesecakes—serving up the absolute best in America— and the result is as surprising as it is delicious. Step into any Cheesecaked Creamery & Café, and you'll find yourself in a whimsical world filled with treats including cheesecake cannoli, red velvet milkshakes, and "Unicorn" grilled cheese sandwiches.

The Little Tart Bake Shop – Atlanta

Founded by Ohio-native Sarah O'Brien in 2010, Little Tart is made up of passionate bakers, baristas, and counter staff who work diligently every day to make and serve delicious, thoughtfully produced pastries and coffee. Offering handmade eats & treats, Little Tart works with local farmers, jam makers, beekeepers, cheese makers, and butchers for local, quality ingredients.

Jardi Chocolates – Chamblee

Decadent cocoa bombs, chocolate bars filled with strawberry jam, macadamia nuts covered in white chocolate and raspberry—your sweet tooth is begging to stop by!

Seoul Food – Kennesaw

Meet your new and favorite, fast-casual Korean restaurant, serving up Korean street comfort foods with a modern twist. All made with fresh ingredients, this food is ready to leave a Seoul-ful impression.

Sisters of the New South – Savannah

Sisters of the New South is serving up authentic Southern cooking from their locations in Atlanta and Savannah. Not local? Check out their online store!

Star Provisions Market & Café – Atlanta

A culinary dream. Just a fraction of chef Anne Quatrano's Atlanta empire, this market and café serves up baked goods, cheese, meats, seafood, locally roasted coffee, and other gourmet food items. Quatrano is known for running Bacchanalia and Floataway Café, as well as mentoring other women in the Atlanta restaurant industry.

Super Sweet Bakeshop – Kingsland

While working at Nana Teresa's, Amanda Ramos let her imagination run wild, having the opportunity to craft beautiful, edible works of art. With the start of Super Sweet Bake Shop, Amanda is ready to take all those creative techniques and put them to work, bringing joy and sweetness into the world. Visit her website to start an order!

Continued on page 13.

APPLICATIONS DUE MARCH 31ST!

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS*

ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP

Need extra cash for school? Our Jump Start Scholarship could help!

We’re giving away a total of $20,000 to 20 deserving students who demonstrate good financial habits, a commitment to their community, and a commendable academic record.

To enter, submit your transcript, a letter of recommendation, and a short essay telling us about your career goals—what you’re doing now and what you plan to achieve in the future!

Graduating high school senior

Enrolled or anticipate enrollment at an accredited institution for the 2023-2024 academic calendar

A Georgia’s Own member or child of a Georgia’s Own member

Resident of a Southwest Georgia county

SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

Scan the QR code below to submit your application!

SCAN OR VISIT

georgiasown.org/scholarship/jump-start-application

Tropical Taste Restaurant – Albany

Where Southern cooking meets African cuisine. Tropical Taste serves up traditional dishes like jollof rice, plus Southern classics like black-eyed peas.

Wandaful Things – Kingsland

Every day isn't perfect, but it may come pretty close if it's filled with Wandaful Things! Fresh bread, delicious food and desserts can all be found at this awesome bistro.

OTHER

A Pot to Plant In – Smyrna

Your green thumb's new favorite store. A Pot to Plant In is your community plant shop, offering various indoor plants and accessories to help create your own living oasis. Plus, they'll help with plant maintenance, plant sitting, educational workshops & events, and on-site design.

Art Bash Studio – Savannah

Whether you're alone or with your friends, Art Bash is an unforgettable evening of fun, music, and art. Get ready to be inspired by our local artists who will guide you stepby-step through a featured painting—canvas, brushes, paint, and apron provided! Book your next night out here.

Brave + Kind Bookshop – Atlanta

A neighborhood kids and family bookshop, Brave + Kind Bookshop carries a carefully curated selection of literature, from activity books and pre-school, to fiction favorites and graphic novels. They also have a monthly book subscription service for all ages. Shop online, or browse in-store.

Chémin – Atlanta

Chémin is a luxury lifestyle brand that operates at the intersection of beauty and wellness, experience and service, artistry and life. At Chémin, they believe that selfcare isn't selfish, it's vital! Specializing in custom fragrance, they also offer a curated collection of luxury wellness essentials, products, and experiences. Book an experience and joy their legacy of living well.

Pinker Times – Buckhead

This floral design studio was created by artist Skye Lin, a SCAD Atlanta graduate who designs ethereal arrangements highlighting peonies, Amaranthus, dahlias, and more. Her studio features floral art installations, bouquets, and a choose-your-own flower bar!

Unexpected Atlanta – Atlanta

Founded by Akila McConnell, a former lawyer who turned her love of history and Atlanta into a business, Unexpected Atlanta. You think you know the city? Take one of their tours, like the Grant Park Past and Future Food Walk or the King Historic District Tour, and you'll see it in a whole new way.

International Women's Day

—a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. We’re recognizing two of our very own former presidents and CEOs, Eloise Woods and Charlotte Ayers.

Eloise Woods served as the Credit Union’s president and CEO during her 52 years of service. Eloise was decades ahead of her time as the first woman CEO of a credit union in Georgia. Under her leadership, the Credit Union (known then as Georgia Telco Credit Union) grew to nearly $700 million in assets and was the third-largest credit union in the state by the time she retired in 1999. One of her most noteworthy achievements was in 1977 when she was appointed the chairperson of the National Credit Union Administration by Jimmy Carter.

After Eloise’s retirement, Charlotte Ayers was named president and CEO. During her tenure, the Credit Union underwent a rebrand, changing our name from Georgia Telco to Georgia’s Own, and reached $1.5 billion in assets. The Credit Union also doubled its membership before her retirement after 41 years of service, 11 of which she served as president.

Eloise and Charlotte were trailblazers in the financial services industry during their administrations, and their legacies will remain an integral part of Georgia’s Own history.

Eloise Woods

Charlotte Ayers

WHAT IS THE SAFEST WAY TO PAY: WRITING A CHECK VS. SWIPING A DEBIT CARD?

By: Ariel Fink

If you’ve signed up for a checking account in the last five years, chances are you were offered a checkbook and a debit card. For some people, writing checks is the best way for them to pay their bills—nearly $26 trillion in checks were written in 2018, according to the Federal Reserve’s most recent payments study. In some cases, a check is the only method of payment accepted. Yet many others rely almost entirely on their debit card for transactions.

In an age where hacking is increasingly common, we are always looking for ways to secure our information, especially as it relates to finances. So, when it comes to payment methods, what’s the safest way to pay?

IS PAYING WITH A DEBIT CARD SAFE?

Overall, paying with a debit card is safe and there are measures in place to prevent fraud. When swiping your debit card to purchase things like groceries and gas, you are often required to enter your unique personal identification number, or PIN. Additionally, financial institutions are constantly watching for signs of potentially fraudulent transactions. Some even offer mobile alerts as soon as they notice suspicious charges or unusual activity on your account. If your debit card is backed by Visa® or MasterCard, you’re also protected by a Zero Liability policy.

Of course, there are risks of using your debit card. Scammers can steal your information through public wireless internet access as well as through “skimming” devices attached to machines.

Even with potential risks, debit cards can be extremely useful. When picking up your weekly groceries, it is much easier and more efficient to swipe your debit

card than to write a check. And, because of their direct connection to your checking account, you are effectively making your purchases in cash but with a record of your purchase on your monthly statement. Debit cards are also great for those who are looking to avoid debt.

HOW TO KEEP DEBIT CARD TRANSACTIONS SAFE

Debit cards are linked directly with your checking account and if stolen or hacked, a thief can gain access to all of the funds in your account. Whether you’re making payments online or in-person, there are several ways to combat fraud.

You should check your bank statements often and review transactions. If you notice anything amiss, report any unauthorized transactions immediately to your financial institution. You may also consider filing a police report, which can provide extra support against fraudulent charges.

Your PIN is your primary method of accessing your debit card, so be sure to keep this to yourself. Do not use this number for other things, like your phone passcode, and don’t write it down anywhere. If you need cash, be sure to use ATMs at financial institutions instead of public spaces, like a convenience store. These machines are less likely to be tampered with or have “skimming” devices attached.

When shopping online, check your browser for a security symbol, such as an unbroken key or a padlock, on each website to ensure encryption. Lastly, make sure you are using a password-protected wireless signal to check your bank account balance, pay bills, and shop, so hackers have less chance to capture your password and account information.

IS PAYING WITH A CHECK SAFE?

Generally speaking, paying with checks is still fairly safe thanks to security measures like watermarking and specialized gradient backgrounds. But, a check is still a piece of paper with all of your personal and financial information openly displayed. In cases like mail theft or a home invasion, there is nothing stopping someone from accessing your money—or worse.

Your risk is amplified if you don’t specify a recipient on the check—writing a check to “cash” is able to be cashed by essentially anyone. Moreover, older generations are more likely to still write paper checks. As they are often the targets of financial fraud, check writing can compound their risk.

That said, there are definitely times when a check is preferable. If you’re making an important payment, like a down payment on a house or school tuition, a paper check might be a good option, as they offer a paper trail for your record-keeping. Additionally, you can see copies of checks you’ve written on your monthly statement while some institutions allow you to track the journey of your check via your bank. You may also prefer a check when you want to send a gift, like for a wedding or graduation.

HOW TO PREVENT CHECK FRAUD

There are many ways to reduce your risk of fraud and safeguard your information. Always fill out the payee line and full, current date on every check you write using ink. Be sure to keep your checks in a safe place—not in your purse or wallet, which could be lost or stolen.

When ordering your checks, limit the amount of information pre-printed on your check. You should only include your name and address. Any additional information required by a merchant, such as driver’s license number or date of birth, can be written onto the check in ink. And of course, you should monitor your bank account activity regularly.

One last way to reduce the chance of check fraud is reduce your use of checks. Enrolling in your credit union or bank’s online payment service, like Georgia’s Own Bill Pay, can help you manage your

expenses easily and without the clutter of paper bills.

Wildcard opponent: mobile payments & digital wallets

Nowadays, it’s almost as easy to pay using your phone instead of a check or a debit card. Many smartphones offer a digital wallet, apps like Google Pay™ or Apple Pay®, that can be used on phones and smartwatches. But can you trust your phone with your financial information?

The answer is yes! There are multiple layers of security for digital wallet transactions. Each transaction is protected by the app, retail outlet, credit card company, and the bank or credit union that issued the card. Digital wallets rely on tokenization, which encodes your information to the point that is unidentifiable.

Of course, you should always take precautions with your personal information, even on your phone. Using a separate lock codes for your phone and digital wallet app is one way to keep your information safe. And just like entering your PIN code for your debit card, be sure to watch for prying eyes when unlocking your devices.

Unfortunately, no payment method is 100% fraud-proof.

There are always going to be times where one payment method is preferable to another, and sometimes paying with a check is inevitable. That doesn’t mean you’re automatically at risk of fraud. Stay ahead of hackers or fraudulent charges by being cautious about how and where you share your information and monitoring your transactions through your monthly statements or online banking platform

FINAL THOUGHTS:

• Both checks and debit cards are safe to use thanks to different methods of fraud protection.

• Checks may be better for larger purchases that require a paper trail or for gifts.

• Debit cards are better for everyday purchases, like groceries and gas.