With the start of a new school year right around the corner, it's time to start filling the cart with back-to-school items. If the rows and rows of school supplies at Walmart and Target haven't already sucked you in, then Tax-Free Weekend is the perfect time to grab some of the key items on your list.

Living in an area that experiences hurricane season for six months out of the year, we need to be prepared. A great way to do a bit of pre-planning so that you're not panicking when a hurricane is on its way is to put together a Hurricane Preparedness Kit. 

I don't know about you, but I feel like summer is easily my biggest spending season of the year. I've finally re-saved money that I spent during the holidays and get the urge to spend it, and boy do I. I spend on new summer clothes, fun outdoor events, travel, and vacation; I'm just a spending machine during the summer months.

If you're like me and are looking to boost your summer stash of cash, check out the BALANCE blog below for a few helpful tips.

Are you heading to college in the fall? If so, I bet you're super excited! I remember how much anticipation I had the summer before heading off to Coastal Carolina University. I couldn't wait to arrive on campus, meet my roommates, get my new dorm room set up, and officially start my classes.

As exciting as starting college can be, it can also be nerve-wracking. I was moving away from home for the first time, where I'd be away from my family and have to make all new friends. On top of the social stress, I was worried about juggling college coursework and getting good grades to maintain my scholarships.

Luckily, I received a few scholarships to help with the expense of college tuition. However, scholarships don't always cover the entire cost. Luckily, you can apply for several federal financial aid programs through FAFSA, such as loans, work-study, and grants. Check out the BALANCE blog post below for 5 things you need to start your FAFSA application.

As we're still coming off the excitement of Independence Day, I thought, what better time to discuss the importance of financial independence and how to achieve it. 

Cue Born in the USA, Proud to be an American, and Independence Day by Martina McBride (I had to add a little twang for my country heart.) Believe it or not, the Fourth of July is my favorite holiday, and just like Christmas has its carols, Independence Day has its melodies. Something about those proud tunes, warm weather, cookout food, and fireworks speaks to my soul. 

With the growth of technology at an all-time high, there has never been a more opportune time for cybercriminals to take advantage of vulnerable people. Protecting yourself and your private information can be difficult when there are so many different types of fraud.

Carolina Trust wants to make sure you have all the tools you need to protect yourself from scammers and know what to do if you've been scammed, which is why this month's Financial Friday Community Panel was all about fraud. Check it out below:

It seems that emergencies always strike when you least expect them.

I went out of town this past weekend on a girls' trip, where I probably spent a little more money than I should have, and wouldn't you know it; my car broke down on the way home from the airport. My first thought was, "please don't let this be expensive," and my second was, " all that money I just spent on my trip would come in handy right now."

Unfortunately, wishing my worries away isn't going to pay for the auto repairs. Luckily, I have an emergency savings account. Although I hate depleting it, times like this are precisely what that safety net is for.

I couldn't help but think of the trouble and panic I'd feel if I didn't have my emergency savings account to fall back on, so I wanted to share the tips below from BALANCE on how to jump-start your emergency fund.

There is no better time of year to live at the beach than the summer. I love spending time outside by the ocean or the river and soaking up the UV rays, with sunscreen, of course. 

Summertime has finally arrived at the grand strand, and unfortunately, hurricane season came right along with it. Living near the coast, we are in hurricane season from June 1st to November 30th. Thinking about a potential hurricane can be somewhat stressful. However, being educated and prepared can help relieve a bit of that anxiety. Check out the BALANCE blog post below for tips on how to financially prepare before a natural disaster.