Memorial Day Weekend always feels like the real beginning of summer around the Grand Strand. The beaches get busier, restaurants start filling up, live music pops up everywhere, and suddenly everyone is ready to be outside again. One of my favorite things about this weekend is that there’s actually so much to do that doesn’t require spending a fortune. Between community events, local concerts, markets, and simply enjoying where we live, it’s pretty easy to have a fun weekend without turning it into an expensive one.

We’ve all done it. A long week turns into a little online shopping, an expensive coffee run, or adding something extra to the cart because, honestly, you deserve it. And sometimes, you absolutely do. Small treats and enjoyable purchases are part of life, and not every financial decision needs to be overly restrictive.

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.

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.

As a millennial, you're part of a unique and special generation. You're probably at the exciting stage in life where you're just starting out or you're beginning that career climb. Undoubtedly you want to avoid some of the financial pitfalls that have befallen previous generations, but how can you do so? Read below to learn the top 10 financial tips for millennials today. 

With the Federal Reserve reporting that Americans owe $1.021 trillion in outstanding credit card debt, having the facts about how to get out of debt has become more important than ever before. The good news is getting out of debt does not have to be as stressful, painful, or hard as you might think. Mostly, paying off debt requires focus, a changed perspective on spending, and the ability to separate the myths from the facts.

Commonly called a CD, a Certificate of Deposit is a savings-based investment that produces a higher return on investment than many others in its class. Considered a sound, reliable investment, CDs are generally part of a well-balanced portfolio. By understanding how they work, as well as their benefits and disadvantages, community members can make informed decisions about adding CDs to their mix of financial holdings.  

Maintaining a diverse financial portfolio helps reduce investment risk and generate greater returns. Part of that balanced approach involves including assets that can be quickly leveraged. Basically, things such as money market accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs) are akin to having cash on hand. The major difference is they generate better interest rates than passbook savings accounts.

If you are considering adding a money market or CD as part of your portfolio strategy, it’s essential to understand the choice is not necessarily either-or. Money markets and CDs are both valuable assets with slight differences. Those CD vs money market distinctions could be simplified by just saying one provides steady returns while the other offers flexibility. But a deeper understanding could help you better prepare to build an actionable portfolio that achieves your financial and quality of life goals. 

If you want to save money and make some progress paying off the bills and other debt you owe, you should consider accessing the equity in your home for a debt consolidation loan to achieve your goal of being debt free.

The two main ways to access the equity in your home for a debt consolidation loan from your credit union include a home equity loan and a home equity line of credit, better known as a HELOC. Below are some of the details of a home equity loan vs HELOC so you can see the pros and cons of each.

Here's How to Make Sure You Don't Overpay for Your Car and Car Loan

Everyone wants to get the best price on their next car purchase. Finding a car with the right price is the first step, but you'll also need to carefully consider your loan. An auto loan calculator is a helpful tool to use as you analyze car loans. This tool allows you to input the vehicle's price, loan term, and interest rate, as well as other fees and costs, to see both the monthly payment and total cost of the loan over its lifetime. By using it well, you can avoid overpaying not only for the car itself, but also for the loan. If you've never used an auto loan calculator before, these tips will help you make the most out of this tool.