Meet Travis Reid —the first-round winner of our Student Loan Payoff contest. Reid moved to Georgia when he was 13 years old and still lives here with his wife, Lashera. Reid unexpectedly lost his father two years ago. To help his mother, he moved in and took over his parents’ mortgage. Newlywed Reid was stretched financially with student loan debt, housing expenses, and a mortgage. When Reid heard about the Student Loan Payoff contest, he sought financial relief and submitted his video application. The $10,000 student loan payment made by Georgia's Own alleviates a huge financial burden for Travis and Lashera. Reid hopes this loan payoff will set himself up for financial freedom and allow him the opportunity to focus on other areas of his life.

Steps You Should Take To Back Up Your Data

Our digital devices contain vast treasure troves of data, from family photos and music collections to financial data, health records, and personal contacts. Storing all this information on a computer, tablet, or phone comes with the risk of loss if all that data is contained in one digital location.

Data can be wiped out in many ways. Maybe your computer gets wet, or a software update malfunctions. A fire or natural disaster can destroy your device. A virus could steal all your data and erase your machine. Or, a bad actor might target you with ransomware, which is when they hold the data on a device hostage unless you pay a fee.

To prevent losing precious data, documents, and files, back up your files regularly and often. You might want to back up your files daily or more frequently.

Create copies of your data

It’s likely that your computer already has backup software installed, which means you may have an option available. With most backup software programs, you can copy all files and programs on your computer or only the files you’ve changed since your last backup.

Where to back up your data

Nowadays, it’s common to back up your data to the cloud (i.e., online servers outside of your device). However, you should also back up to a physical device. These devices include external hard drives, USB flash drives, CDs, or DVDs. It’s recommended to back up your data both on the cloud and on a separate device.

Safely store backup devices

Keep your physical backup devices secure—it’s best to keep them in a separate location from your main device, especially if the data is sensitive. You could ask a trusted neighbor or place them in a fireproof safe, but even putting the backup device in another room adds security. Remember that you should back up your files regularly, so ensure your devices are easily retrievable.

A data backup is a three-step process:

1. Create copies of your data.

2. Set up automatic cloud backup, select the hardware for storing your data, or both.

3. Safely store your copied files on a backup device or service.

How to maintain your car without breaking the bank

When you purchase a car, new or pre-owned, you don't necessarily factor in the cost of maintenance or repairs. Ensuring your car is in good, working condition helps keep you safe and extends the life of your ride. Routine maintenance keeps it running every time you step on the gas. So why do most people stall when caring for their vehicle?

Car maintenance isn't cheap, and it's somewhat inconvenient —especially in our hectic lives. Think about it, though. If your car breaks down on the side of the road, it'll likely be more expensive and ill-timed than the alternative.

It's smart to add a line item to your monthly budget and start planning your car's recommended maintenance schedule. All maintenance doesn't need to be done at the dealership, unless you have a new car with warranty—those services must be completed by your dealership at the required intervals to maintain coverage. If you've purchased a used vehicle, or your car is no longer under warranty, it's time to make friends with your local mechanic or even test out your own skills. Here's how you can maintain your car without breaking the bank:

Change your oil

Changing your oil is one of the easiest care requirements to follow. Check your owner's manual to see the manufacturer's recommendation, but the majority suggest an oil and oil filter change every 3,000 to 7,000 miles.

Replace your air filter

Your air filter keeps dirt and debris out of your engine and should be changed every 15,000 miles. A technician will almost always ask you if you want it done while changing your oil, but it's much less expensive to do it yourself. YouTube offers quick tutorials, and it's an easy 15-minute DIY project that'll save you some cash.

Change your brake pads

Now, changing your brake pads sounds a lot harder than it is. It requires an initial investment to buy the necessary tools, plus the cost for replacement pads. It might take a few extra hours to determine the process, but after the first time, you'll be an expert. In the future, one afternoon is all it will take. You'll also save hundreds of dollars over the life of your car, and you can put the money you would save into a high-yield savings account, like a CD or Money Market.

Replace your windshield wipers

Worn-out windshield wipers are not only frustrating, but they're also dangerous. The cost to replace your wipers will vary depending on the type, length, and number of blades— don't forget your rear wiper blade if your car has one. If you prefer, you can replace them yourself or visit an auto parts store and a technician will install them for free rather than having them professionally replaced.

For additional tips to maintaining your vehicle without breaking the bank, visit georgiasown.org/blog

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