Did you know that May is mental health awareness month? According to Mental Health America, approximately 20% of adults in the United States are experiencing a mental illness, with South Carolina ranked 8th in prevalence, according to Forbes Advisor.
Topics: Personal Finance, Home, Life & School
When you think of things that make your life easier, what comes to mind? Smartphones? Other electronic devices? Household appliances? When you think about it, one of the biggest boosts to easier living in the last decade has been immediate access to your cash via online banking technology. It’s easy. It’s convenient. And it has a lot to offer.
Topics: Personal Finance
Unless you majored in economics or finance in college, you probably didn’t learn much about the stock market growing up. And, if you’re like many people, your eyes glaze over when you hear stock market news. Nonetheless, despite the economic turmoil of recent years, the stock market remains among the most important option for Americans to build their wealth and secure a comfortable retirement. So, while you may still choose to work with a financial advisor to guide your investment strategy, here are some investment basics you should know.
Topics: Personal Finance
Artfields is officially back! During ArtFields, the town of Lake City, once one of South Carolina's most prosperous agricultural communities, becomes a living art gallery as we recognize, celebrate, and share the artistic talent of the Southeast.
ArtFields started in 2013 with a simple goal: honor the artists of the Southeast with a week's worth of celebration and competition in the heart of a traditional Southern small town. The competition and exhibition offer over $145,000 in cash prizes. The votes of people visiting ArtFields determine the winners of two People's Choice Awards; a panel of art professionals selects all the other awards, including the $50,000 Grand Prize and $25,000 Second Place award.
With Carolina Trust having a branch in the heart of Lake City, I'd been through the town several times before, but after attending Artfields a few years ago it's become a can't-miss annual event for Adam and I. Saying that Lake City completely transforms for Artfields would be an understatement. The amount of fine arts culture and community closeness that Artfields creates left such a lasting impact that this event will find a spot on my calendar year after year.
If you're planning to attend Artfields this year, here are all the things you need to know:
Topics: Home, Life & School, Seasonal
Carrying consumer debt can weigh heavily on our minds, reduce our freedom of choice, and cost us a ton of money in interest. Assuming you’ve got more than one debt to pay off, which method of debt repayment should you use?
Topics: Debt Consolidation
When I think of Spring, I think airy, bright, warm, and fresh. It's the perfect time to give your home a little sprucing up. But if you're not careful, Spring sprucing and cleaning can quickly become expensive.
Topics: Personal Finance
Buy new, buy used, or lease? These are just a few of the many decisions you’ll need to make before happily driving away with a vehicle. While shopping for a car or truck is exciting, it’s also no simple matter. You can avoid buyer’s remorse by making important financial and practical decisions before signing on the dotted line.
Topics: Seasonal
It's that time of year again; W2s are rolling in, tax professionals are gearing up, and your mind is already swirling with ways to spend your tax refund check. Before getting too excited and seeing dollar signs, check out this BALANCE blog post for common tax blunders you should try to avoid.
Topics: Seasonal
The freshness of spring motivates a lot of people to throw open the windows and doors, and do a thorough spring cleaning. It’s a great way to take stock of what you have, organize it so everything’s more accessible, and ditch the clutter that’s keeping you from enjoying your space. While you’re at it, why not dive into a bit of spring cleaning for your finances, too?
Topics: Personal Finance, Seasonal
It's that time of year again; W2s are rolling in, tax professionals are gearing up, and your mind is already swirling with ways to spend your tax refund check. Before getting too excited and seeing dollar signs, check out this BALANCE blog post.
Topics: Personal Finance
Check out recent blog posts by our Brand Ambassador, August, for tips on achieving financial success in the bag.
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