THE NEXT WAVE OF ROBOTIC TECH IS HERE!
Since the ‘70s, household robots have been an American fantasy. Engineers have been tirelessly working and building machines to automate everyday tasks with limited success — until recently. The success of the Roomba kicked off an explosion in consumer robotics, while developments in AI make them brighter than ever. Here are four new robots built to make life that much easier. AMAZON ASTRO: The Astro is Amazon’s first foray into consumer robotics. Designed to work with the Ring system, its primary directive is defending the home. It has a powerful scanner to detect any threats, whether burglars or gas leaks, and it alerts you while recording it on the Ring app. And it’s capable of much more than just that: It can check your blood pressure, charge phones, and more. Unfortunately, the Astro is expensive, coming in at around $1,599. ORO: Ever wish you could play with your dog anytime, anywhere? The ORo might be just what you’re looking for. It plays fetch and records anything unusual with your dog’s behavior. While you’re away, you can also video chat with your pups in an interactive setting. The ORo hasn’t been released yet, but it’s projected to cost around $800.
MOXIE: This friendly blue robot is built to teach young children from ages 5–10. It has an expressive human-like face, ensuring children feel comfortable. Moxie teaches all sorts of skills, from problem-solving to regulating emotion. It also has plenty of game options to keep kids entertained. Moxie costs $799, but it can be purchased refurbished.
MATIC: The floor-cleaning Matic takes the old Roomba to the next level. It not only vacuums; it mops and cleans spills, too. The Matic has intelligent pathfinding, allowing it to avoid obstacles, including toys and feet. Once the bag fills up, it automatically parks next to the trashcan. This premium robot comes at a premium price of around $1,795. Companies are working hard to create the newest wave of advanced robotics. So, if you’re interested in awe-inspiring automatons, you have plenty to be thrilled about.
Maximize Your Tax Refund Top 5 Smart Financial Moves
to the meager $17 from a typical savings account at 0.57% yield. Over five years, the difference in earnings can be huge! INVEST IN AN IRA Although the deadline for the previous year has passed, you can still invest your refund in an IRA for the current tax year. This enhances your retirement savings and may reduce your taxable income. It’s a great way to prepare for the future if you’re already managing debts and have an emergency fund. PAY DOWN DEBT With the average credit card APR at 20.75%, using your refund to reduce high-interest debt is a financially sound decision. For example, making minimum payments on credit card bills could extend your payoff period and cost thousands in interest. Allocating your refund toward this debt can save money and shorten the debt cycle. SAVE FOR FUTURE GOALS If your emergency fund is adequate and you’ve managed your debt, consider using your refund to save for future goals. Whether
a down payment on a home, funding a wedding, or planning a vacation, placing money in a high-yield savings account can help you achieve these goals. Over time, without the pressure of immediate financial needs, this can significantly help you reach your long-term dreams.
BEGIN OR ENHANCE YOUR INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
Investing your tax refund can be a smart way to build wealth, especially for long-term goals like retirement. Starting with mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) is an effective way to gain diversified exposure without needing to select individual stocks or bonds. Remember, the right choice depends on your personal financial situation and goals. Prioritize according to your most pressing financial needs, whether securing a safety net, reducing debt, or investing in your future. This strategic approach ensures your tax refund effectively improves your financial health. Contact us at 904-232-8760 if you have specific questions.
Receiving a tax refund offers a prime opportunity to improve and fortify your financial health. Here are five savvy strategies to make the most of this significant windfall. ENHANCE YOUR EMERGENCY FUND The importance of starting or boosting an emergency fund cannot be overstated. Despite fewer than 40% of Americans being able to cover an unexpected $1,000 expense from savings, setting aside your refund can provide a much-needed safety net. For example, placing $3,000 in a high-yield savings account at a 4% annual yield nets approximately $120 after one year, compared
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