May has a way of filling up quickly. One minute your calendar feels manageable, and the next it’s packed with events, travel, and celebrations. This year alone, I’ve got a Kentucky Derby party, the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic, my sister’s physical therapy school graduation, travel for Mother’s Day, and the CAF Gala—all things I’m genuinely excited about, but all things that come with a cost. And that’s the part we don’t always talk about: how quickly a “fun” month can also become an expensive one.

Buying a home in the Carolinas for the first time can be an overwhelming experience. If you are a first time home buyer, remember that knowledge is power. Below, we present 5 key lessons to remember as you start shopping for your first house in the Carolinas.

ArtFields is officially back for 2026, and if you’ve been before, you already know it’s one of those events you look forward to all year. If you haven’t, this is your sign to go ahead and plan a visit. This year’s festival is bigger than ever, running from April 10 through May 2, 2026, giving you even more time to experience everything Lake City has to offer.

Farmers markets are starting to open back up for the season, and there’s something about that first weekend they return that feels like a true start to spring. Stands fill up with fresh produce, flowers, baked goods, and local products, and suddenly a simple Saturday morning errand turns into something you actually look forward to. It’s not just about what you’re buying—it’s the experience of being there.

If saving money still feels difficult, even when you’re budgeting, being mindful, and trying to make smart decisions, you’re not alone. A lot of people feel this way right now. You can be doing all the “right” things and still feel like you’re not getting ahead as quickly as you expected, which can be frustrating and, at times, discouraging.

Buying a home is a huge milestone and perhaps the largest purchase most of us will ever make. It's important for those who are interested in homeownership in the Carolinas to understand the benefits of buying a home versus renting and what a smart investment this decision is for your future. It's also important to understand that homeownership is a lifestyle choice and one that will impact your financial status.

 If you’ve ever picked up plants while running errands at a big box store like Lowe’s, you’re not alone. It’s convenient, quick, and often feels budget-friendly. But if you’ve also spent time at a local nursery, you know it’s a very different experience. Where you buy your plants can impact not just how they look the day you bring them home, but how well they actually grow. 

There’s something about spring that makes everything feel new again. The weather warms up, the days get longer, and suddenly you start noticing all the little things around your home that could use some attention. The good news is, refreshing your space doesn’t have to mean a big renovation or a large budget. A few simple, affordable updates can make your home feel clean, cared for, and ready for the season.

With St. Patrick’s Day this week, it’s hard not to think about the idea of a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. It’s fun to imagine—something lucky, unexpected, and effortless. But when it comes to your finances, most of us would prefer something a little more dependable than luck. The good news is that building your own “pot of gold” doesn’t require perfect timing or luck. It just takes a plan and a little consistency.

When daylight saving time rolls around, most of us remember the usual checklist: change the clocks, check the batteries in the smoke detectors, and adjust to losing an hour of sleep. It’s a small seasonal reset that happens almost automatically. But it can also be a helpful reminder to check in on something else that benefits from occasional maintenance—your finances.