Charlotte Residents Spending $231/month on utility bills, and $2,115/month on all household bills

A new report has been released that examines how much Americans spend on utility bills (including electric, gas, water & sewer, and waste & recycling) each month. The report, which looks at utility bills from both a local and national perspective, found the following:

  • Utility bills in Charlotte: $231 spent per month.
  • Utility bills in North Carolina: $271 spent per month.
  • National Average Monthly/Annual Cost: $328 spent per month; $3,936 spent per year
  • Percent of U.S. Households: 78% of U.S. households pay Utility bills
  • Average Annual Cost per U.S. Household: $3,070 per year*
  • Total Utilities Market Size: $399 billion spent per year
  • Percent of Annual Income: Utility bills amount to 6% of consumers’ income per year

In addition to the above, the report noted specific household bill pay data for Charlotte that looks at total amount spent per month, and breaks down bill payments into ten different categories, including utilities, auto loans, cable bills, and more. For example:

  • Monthly bill amount in Charlotte: The average household pays $2,115 a month for the 10 most common household bills.
  • Rank in North Carolina: Charlotte is the #18 most expensive city in North Carolina for household expenses.
  • Charlotte’s monthly bills compared to North Carolina and national averages: The household expenses in Charlotte, on average, are 5.6% higher than the national average of $2,003, and 15.6% higher than the state average of $1,829.

What are the Top-Rated “Paint My Life” Companies?

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The question might arise as to why in our modern times when there are so many digital ways to capture memories, people still are using “paint-my-life” companies to create custom portraits for themselves. The main reason why it is still popular is that an art portrait painting is much more than a digital image. An art portrait is also more than just a painted “photo-shop” picture.

With an art portrait painting, the artist not only depicts the physical likeness of the person or group of people but also captures the expression and emotions of the people.

In this article, we’ll advise you on how to find top-rated Paint My Life companies and provide you with more detail regarding one of the top companies. But first, we’ll discuss what could be on your personalized painting and then look at what a Paint My Life company should be able to offer you.

What can “Paint my Life” Painting Include?

Literally, anything, including all your favorite memories, can be converted into a Paint My Life portrait. If you can recall your feelings and circumstances of a special occasion and you have one or more photos of the occasion, a skilled artist will be able to create an original My Painted Life work of art. An exciting aspect is that you can add anything to the painting or combine different photos.

If, for instance, your favorite photo of you and your bride on your wedding day has been taken against a terrible background, the artist can use the photo and perhaps a photo with the flower arrangement on the day and create an original beautiful painting.

Your precious paintings for life can include portraits of yourself, your special friends and family members, and memorable moments such as your graduation day, to only name a few possibilities. The portraits can also include your pets as either the only subject of the painting or with you.

Find the Right Top-Rated Company

Many art studios and independent artists nowadays advertise online that they can produce My Painted Life portraits. Unfortunately, not all of them deliver top-quality work. We recommend you use an online company that uses skilled and qualified artists and guarantee quality by offering a reasonable return policy and a money-back option.  

If you search online for “Paint My Life Companies” or “Paint My Life Artist”, you will find lists of possible companies. To decide which company to use, look carefully at their website to see what they offer and what guarantees are given.

A top-rated Paint, My Life company should be able to assist you regarding the composition and other details of the painting and offer you certain services. The company’s artist must understand what the “feeling” is you want to convey with the portrait and, with that in mind, assist you in deciding on the composition of the painting. The company or artist should also advise you regarding the canvas that will be used.  

Usually, companies provide oil My Painted Life paintings, if you’re looking for different types of painting art, such as watercolor or pencil, a reputable company should be able to provide them in addition to oil, and if you have a particular style in mind, the company should assign an artist proficient in that specific style to create your painting.

What Top-Rated Paint My Life Companies Usually Offer and Guarantee

  • The gallery should offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Many companies offer their customers a 365-day money guarantee and a 365-day return policy if the artwork encounters “technical” problems like color changing.
  • The gallery should also be able to refer you to previous and current customers, which you can contact. 1st Art Gallery, HandmadePiece, and Paintyourlife, for instance, have thousands of happy customers.

A Reputable Company that is the Top-Rated Paint My Life Company

In principle, all three offer the service that we’ve discussed above and have hundreds of satisfied customers, but the first one that comes to mind is 1st Art Gallery.

1st Art Gallery

The first Paint My Life company I want to highlight is the 1st Art Gallery. This is an established and very reputable company producing My Painted Life work of art. For nearly 20 years already, 1st Art Gallery has been making it possible for people around the globe to acquire museum-quality Paint My Life portraits. It offers free worldwide shipping and has online customer service that is available 24/7.

1st Art Gallery believes that its artists offer more to clients than just the best quality. Its artists turn any photograph – or combination of photographs – into original My Life Paintings and succeed in conveying the “feeling” you require. You can also ask for a specific style in which the Paint My Life painting should be done. The Gallery offers a 100% money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with your portrait painting. If you are satisfied, the Gallery provides a lifetime warranty.

Although all its artists are classically trained artists and exceptional artists in their own right, 1st Art Gallery’s prices for the works of art are often lower than most of its competitors. While 1st Art Gallery has several competitors, the online gallery has its very own approach to creating artwork by incorporating artists’ innate skills and the latest technological advancements. 

Conclusion

If you use a reputable Paint My Life company to create personalized portraits of your memorable times, beloved family, friends, and pets, you are preserving the memories for generations to come. The bottom line is that you have to use a top-rated company such as 1st Art Gallery.

South Carolina Ranked Among 2023’s Least Federally Dependent States in America

With the tax filing deadline drawing near but some states receiving far more in federal aid than they pay in taxes, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released updated rankings for 2023’s Most & Least Federally Dependent States.

This report illustrates the extent to which states are independent economically. In order to identify which states most and least depend on federal support, WalletHub compared the 50 states across three key metrics: return on taxes paid to the federal government; federal funding as a share of state revenue; and share of federal jobs.

South Carolina came in as the 7th least federally dependent state in America and North Carolina was ranked as the 37th.

Most Federally Dependent States

Rank  State Total Score  State Residents’ Dependency  State Government’s Dependency 
1 Alaska 83.18 3 2
2 West Virginia 76.02 1 9
3 Mississippi 71.31 7 5
4 Kentucky 70.95 5 10
5 New Mexico 69.73 2 17
6 Wyoming 64.23 24 1
7 South Carolina 59.86 6 27
8 Arizona 58.86 13 6
9 Montana 57.77 14 7
10 Louisiana 57.46 22 3
11 North Dakota 55.91 4 35
12 Indiana 55.34 9 19
13 Maine 54.25 11 12
14 Alabama 53.48 10 16
15 South Dakota 52.22 29 4
16 Vermont 50.13 19 11
17 Missouri 44.13 28 8
18 Oklahoma 41.60 15 31
19 Pennsylvania 41.10 20 22
20 Idaho 40.57 23 15
21 Rhode Island 39.65 31 13
22 Tennessee 37.94 26 18
23 New Hampshire 37.39 41 14
24 Maryland 36.36 16 36
25 Michigan 34.67 27 24
26 Hawaii 33.25 8 50
27 Oregon 33.23 25 30
28 Arkansas 33.18 40 20
29 Texas 32.71 39 21
30 Minnesota 32.29 17 42
31 Connecticut 30.45 18 44
32 Virginia 30.38 12 46
33 Georgia 30.30 35 28
34 Florida 30.20 30 32
35 Ohio 29.12 46 23
36 Nebraska 29.05 42 26
37 North Carolina 28.43 37 33
38 Wisconsin 27.89 21 40
39 New York 27.27 44 29
40 Colorado 25.18 36 34
41 Nevada 23.45 38 37
42 Delaware 22.23 50 25
43 Iowa 19.28 32 43
44 Massachusetts 17.32 48 38
45 California 17.27 45 41
46 Illinois 17.05 47 39
47 Kansas 15.70 34 47
48 Utah 14.96 33 48
49 Washington 14.63 43 45
50 New Jersey 8.41 49 49

Notes: *No. 1 = Most Dependent
With the exception of “Total Score,” all of the columns in the table above depict the relative rank of that state, where a rank of 1 represents the most dependent for that metric category.

Charlotte Lighting ‘Controlled Burn’ This Morning

The Mecklenburg County Natural Resources staff has just announced that they will be setting another fire in Northwest Charlotte at the Latta Nature Preserve as part of a fire-preventing controlled burn.

The county sent out an alert noting that residents may see smoke around North Charlotte today between 11am and 2pm this afternoon:

“Mecklenburg County Natural Resources staff are conducting a controlled burn today beginning around 11 am at Latta Nature Preserve. Smoke will affect air quality in the downwind area for 2-3 hours. To reduce your exposure to smoke, stay indoors or avoid areas of heavy smoke.”

For more information on Mecklenburg County prescribed burns visit: meck.co/RXfire

This Week’s Massive Nor’easter Produced Eerie ‘Sparking Cyclone’ And Destroyed Outer Banks Homes

A recent satellite view of a massive nor’easter storm off the North Carolina coast gave us a stunning display of a rare ‘sparking storm’. NASA detected the phenomenon using their Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) on the GOES-East Satellite, which detects and records lightning over the Americas through near-infrared wavelengths. They were able to compress six hours of the storm’s development into a 12 second video.

You can see the “sparks” from the massive storm in this 12 second clip (6-hr time-lapse of the storm):

The storm was predicted to bring damaging winds, 8-12 feet breaking waves, and coastal flooding to the Outer Banks. Unfortunately, its waves caused an 1,100-square-foot house in Rodanthe to collapse into the ocean, where it was broken apart by the heavy surf.

The debris trail it left spread across 21 miles of beaches in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Additionally, dunes near the Pea Island Visitor Center were breached, affecting traffic on the highway.

Charlotte Among the Top 10 Up and Coming Cities for Women in Business

With International Women’s Day coming up, TFF released a study to predict which major US cities will offer more to women in business over the next decade, based on a study of recent key business trends.

The study analyzed the data based on six criteria, including; women in executive positions, gender pay gap, female owned business, future job growth, population growth, and economic growth.

North Carolina proved really strong, securing two of the highest spots in the report, including Raleigh at #2 and Charlotte at #8:

Do you think Charlotte is a top city for women in business? 

Best Online Casino Games People Can Learn Fast

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Are you looking for a way to unwind and have some fun without the hassle of strategizing or thinking too much? Look no further than online casinos! With a plethora of games to choose from, there’s something for everyone. But if you’re someone who prefers simple gameplay over complex rules, we’ve got you covered with our top picks of the best online casino games for people who don’t like to think. Get ready for some mindless entertainment that will keep you hooked for hours on end!

Solitaire
Solitaire is the perfect game for people who don’t like to think too much. All you need to do is match the cards in the right order and you’re good to go. The best part about playing solitaire online is that there are no rules to follow, so you can relax and enjoy the game without having to worry about making any mistakes.

Blackjack
Blackjack is one of the oldest and most popular casino games. The objective of blackjack is to beat the dealer’s hand by having a higher total than the dealer without going over 21. Blackjack is a simple game to understand, but it can take a lifetime to master. The basic strategy for blackjack is to always hit if your hand totals less than 17, always stand if your hand totals 18 or more, and to always split aces and 8s.

There are many different variations, but the basic rules remain the same. Online blackjack is a great game for people who don’t like to ponder too much because it is easy to learn and doesn’t require a lot of thinking. However, it does require some strategizing and decision-making, so it is still a challenging game for those who want to be challenged.

Roulette
If you’re looking for an online casino game that doesn’t require much thinking, roulette is a great option. The rules are simple: place your bets on where you think the ball will land on the spinning wheel. You can bet on a single number, a range of numbers, or even whether the ball will land on a black or red number. Then just sit back and watch the wheel spin! If the ball lands on the number you chose, you’ll win your bet.

Roulette is a great game for people who want to relax and have some fun without having to think too much. And with so many different ways to bet, there’s plenty of room for strategy if you’re feeling competitive. So why not give it a try today?

Slots
Slots are often seen as the domain of people who don’t like to think too much while they’re gambling. That’s because slots require very little strategy or thought on the part of the player. You simply spin the reels and hope that you hit a winning combination.

However, there are some people who enjoy playing slots because they find the simplicity refreshing. If you’re one of those people, then you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of great online casino games for you to choose from. 

How to find the best online casino games for you

There are a few things to consider when looking for the best online casino games for you. First, what type of casino games do you like? Do you prefer slots or table games? There are a variety of different casino games available online, so you should be able to find something that you like.

Second, what is your skill level? Are you a beginner or an experienced player? If you’re a beginner, it’s probably best to start with some of the simpler games such as slots. If you’re more experienced, then you might want to try some of the more challenging table games.

Third, how much money are you willing to spend? Casino games can be expensive, so it’s important to set a budget before you start playing. Once you’ve determined how much money you’re comfortable spending, then you can start looking for casinos that offer the types of games that you’re interested in and that fall within your budget.

Fourth, read reviews of online casinos before playing. There are a number of websites that offer reviews of different online casinos. Reading these reviews can help you get an idea of which casinos offer the best experience and which ones to avoid.

Finally, when you find an online casino that looks promising, take some time to try out the different games offered. This will help you get a feel for the site and decide if it’s the right place for you to play your favorite casino games.

Conclusion

Playing online casino games can be a great way to pass the time for those who don’t like to think too much. We hope that this article has provided you with some useful information on the best online casinos and the games they offer, as well as helpful tips on how to choose a game that is right for you. Each of these casino games have their own unique appeal and appeal to different players depending on their preferences, so make sure to take your time in selecting one that suits you best!

Best Sites to Buy Instagram Followers Likes Canada – Real & Active

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Instagram is an online photo and video sharing application developed by Instagram, Inc. The app is available on iOS and Android devices. As of May 2012, Instagram had more than 50 million active users. users can follow other users and receive updates about their posts. In addition to photos and videos, Instagram allows users to share links, quotes, and images using the “Stories” feature.

In September 2013, Instagram announced that it would be acquired by Facebook for $1 billion. On October 24, 2013, Facebook confirmed that the acquisition was complete.

Are you struggling to build your Instagram presence in Canada? Are you tired of waiting for your followers to grow organically? Look no further, as we have found the solution for you – the best site to buy Instagram followers in Canada! In this blog post, we will explore the top sites that offer high-quality and authentic followers at affordable prices. Get ready to boost your social media game and take your brand to new heights with our handpicked recommendations. Let’s dive into it!

Buy Instagram Followers Canada

If you’re looking to boost your Instagram following, there are a few reputable sites out there that offer buy followers services.

FollowersCart

FollowersCart.ca is one of the most popular instagram followers services providers in Canada. They offer a number of different packages and prices, so you can find the perfect fit for your needs. FollowersCart provides true influencer  services, which offers a variety of options such as quantity and quality. They also have a variety of package options available, so you can customise your order of followers, likes or any other services according to your needs.

InstantFollowers

If you’re looking for something more affordable, then you can check out instantfollowers.uk. They are providing a number of social media marketing SMM services at most affordable prices.

Overall, these are some of the most popular places to buy Instagram followers and if you want to make sure that your account looks good, it’s definitely worth checking them out!

Why You Should Buy Instagram Followers in Canada?

As an online business owner or marketer in Canada, buying Instagram followers can be a valuable strategy to boost your social media presence and increase brand awareness. Here are some benefits of buying Instagram followers in Canada:

  1. Increased Visibility: When you buy Instagram followers, your account will appear more popular and credible, which can attract new followers and customers. This increased visibility can also help your posts and content reach a wider audience, leading to higher engagement rates and more opportunities to grow your business.
  2. Improved Social Proof: Having a large number of followers on Instagram can help establish social proof, which is the psychological concept that people are more likely to trust and follow a popular account or brand. This can make it easier for you to attract new followers, build your reputation, and drive more sales.
  3. Cost-Effective: Buying Instagram followers in Canada can be a cost-effective way to jumpstart your social media marketing efforts, as it can be much cheaper and quicker than traditional marketing methods. Plus, you can target your followers based on demographics or interests, which can help you reach your ideal audience and maximize your return on investment.
  4. Competitive Edge: In the highly competitive social media landscape, having a large following can give you a significant advantage over your competitors. By buying Instagram followers in Canada, you can stand out from the crowd and position yourself as a leader in your industry.
  5. Time-Saving: Building a large following on Instagram can be a time-consuming process, but buying followers can help you save time and effort. Instead of spending months or years trying to attract followers, you can quickly boost your following and focus on creating great content and engaging with your audience.

Conclusion

Buy Instagram followers Canada can be a valuable investment for businesses looking to grow their social media presence and reach new customers. However, it’s important to choose a reputable provider and avoid fake or low-quality followers that can harm your reputation and engagement rates.

A Comprehensive Betting Guide to the Charlotte Hornets

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The Charlotte Hornets, a professional basketball team based in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been a part of the NBA since its establishment in 1988. Over the years, the Hornets have seen their fair share of ups and downs but have always managed to maintain a dedicated fan base. This guide aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of betting on the Charlotte Hornets. From key statistics and team dynamics to betting strategies and tips, this guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to make informed betting decisions.

Team Dynamics and Key Players

Analyzing the team’s roster and key players can provide valuable insights for your betting strategy. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each player, along with their impact on the team’s performance, can help you make more informed decisions when betting.

Injuries and roster changes can significantly impact a team’s performance. It is essential to stay updated on the latest news to ensure you have the most accurate information when placing your bets.

Regular Season Performance

The Charlotte Hornets’ regular-season performance can vary from year to year. Keep track of their win-loss record, home vs. away game performance, and their standing in the Eastern Conference. This information can help you make educated decisions on moneyline bets, point spreads, and over/under bets throughout the season.

Betting Markets

Moneyline: Moneyline bets involve predicting the outright winner of a game. The Charlotte Hornets odds to win will fluctuate based on their performance, opponent, and other factors. Be sure to consider the team’s recent form and head-to-head matchups when placing moneyline bets.

Point Spread: Point spread bets require you to predict whether the Hornets will win or lose by a specific margin of points. This type of bet can be more challenging, as you must not only predict the winner but also the margin of victory or defeat. Analyzing the Hornets’ offensive and defensive capabilities, along with their opponents’, can help you make more accurate point spread bets.

Over/Under: Over/under bets involve predicting the total combined points scored by both teams in a game. The sportsbook will set a projected total, and bettors must decide whether they believe the actual total will be higher (over) or lower (under) than that number. To make accurate over/under bets, evaluate the scoring potential of both the Hornets and their opponents, and consider factors such as pace of play, offensive efficiency, and defensive prowess.

Prop Bets: Prop bets are focused on specific events or outcomes within a game, such as individual player performance or team statistics. Examples include predicting whether LaMelo Ball will score more than 20 points or if the Hornets will have more than ten three-pointers in a game. These bets can be fun and add variety to your betting strategy.

Futures: Futures bets involve predicting the outcome of a future event, such as the Hornets’ final win-loss record, playoff success, or even winning the NBA Championship. These bets typically have longer odds and require a thorough understanding of the team’s potential over an entire season or postseason. By analyzing roster strength, team dynamics, and potential matchups, you can make more accurate predictions for future bets.

Betting Strategies

Line Shopping: One of the best ways to ensure the most value from your bets is by line shopping. Different sportsbooks may offer slightly different odds on the same bet. By comparing odds across various sportsbooks, you can increase your potential winnings and minimize risk.

Stay Informed: Staying up-to-date on the latest team news, injuries, and roster changes is essential for successful betting. This information can have a significant impact on a team’s performance, and being aware of these changes allows you to adjust your bets accordingly.

Bankroll Management: Properly managing your bankroll is crucial for long-term betting success. Set a budget for your betting activities and stick to it. This will help you avoid chasing losses and making impulsive bets based on emotions.

Use Advanced Statistics: Delving into advanced statistics can provide a deeper understanding of a team’s performance and potential. Metrics like offensive efficiency, defensive efficiency, and pace of play can offer valuable insights and help you make more informed decisions when placing bets.

Evaluate Matchups: Analyzing specific matchups between the Hornets and their opponents can be beneficial when placing bets. Some teams may match up well against the Hornets, while others may struggle. Evaluate each team’s style of play, strengths, and weaknesses to determine potential outcomes.

Betting on the Charlotte Hornets can be both enjoyable and potentially profitable if you approach it with the right knowledge and strategies. By understanding the team’s historical performance, key players, and team dynamics, you can make more informed betting decisions. Additionally, staying updated on the latest news and utilizing advanced statistics can provide a competitive edge.

Remember, successful betting is about more than just luck. It requires research, discipline, and proper bankroll management. By applying the strategies outlined in this guide and consistently evaluating your betting approach, you can increase your chances of success and make the most of your Charlotte Hornets betting experience.

Charlotte Ranks #6 for New Housing Units Permitted

As renters face a growing affordability crisis, it is critical that cities plan for new home construction that keep pace with population growth and housing demand.
In the latest report from Apartment List, our team reviews housing permit data from the census to identify when and where housing growth was strongest, and which markets today continue to underbuild despite the current shortage.
Highlights include:
  • Today’s high interest rate environment has slowed single-family home construction, but apartment construction remains strong. Today there are nearly 1 million apartments under construction across the nation, more than at any point since 1970. An additional 679,000 were permitted for construction in 2022, an increase of 9% compared to 2021.
  • In Charlotte metro specifically, 8,181 new apartments and 18,932 new single-family homes were permitted last year. On a per-capita basis, this ranks #6 out of the nation’s 50 largest metros.
  • 48% of these newly-permitted homes are set to be built in Charlotte proper, while the remainder will be located in outer-lying suburbs.

National commentary and detailed local data are both available in the full report here.