With the extreme temperatures and sweltering heat we've been having, you may have been spending a lot more time indoors the past few weeks with the A/C cranked up. Although this is a great way to beat the heat, it's a surefire way to break the bank. 

Below are ten helpful tips to help you reduce electricity costs, even in the hot summer months:

Tips for Scoring Cheap Summer Getaways

Everybody likes a summer vacation, but travel can be expensive. If you’re looking to squeeze a getaway into your budget this summer, here are some tips for traveling on the cheap and getting the best deals.

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.

You've just graduated high school; what a major life accomplishment! Before you do anything else, pat yourself on the back. 

After the initial excitement of finishing up a chapter of your life ends, it's time to start planning for your next big adventure, college for most. One of the biggest things that people worry about when starting college is how they'll pay for it, which is why it's so important to understand the different options that are out there. In part one we talked about understanding student loans and in part two we're discussing other options that can help deal with the student loan crunch. 

You've just graduated high school; what a major life accomplishment! Before you do anything else, pat yourself on the back. 

After the initial excitement of finishing up a chapter of your life ends, it's time to start planning for your next big adventure, college for most. One of the biggest things that people worry about when starting college is how they'll pay for it, which is why it's so important to understand the different types of student loan options that are out there. 

As an Alumna of Coastal Carolina University, it's only natural for me to cheer for the Chanticleers. Luckily, I joined an employer who loves Coastal athletics as much as I do. However, cheering on my favorite team wouldn't be possible without the Chanticleer Athletic Foundation (CAF), otherwise known as the Team Behind the Team.

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. 

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: