April is CUNA Youth Month, a time when credit unions around the country join together to promote youth financial literacy. When looking for literacy material for kids, there tends to be a lot of material for younger kids, including activities and stories similar to what we've shared on our CUNA Youth Month page. However, there's not a lot of material for older kids, who are reaching the age where they're starting to manage their own money and have to consider things like bills, credit, and taxes. 

Below is a BALANCE blog post with things your teen should know about their first job (but they probably don't). If you're looking for additional literacy resources for your teen/young adult, BALANCE offers entire tool kits for teens and those just starting out. 

Every April, credit unions around the globe join us in celebrating CUNA Youth Month. Youth Month is a great annual opportunity to engage with our young members and show them that Carolina Trust is here to help them throughout their financial journey.

The official theme for this year's National Credit Union Youth Month is "Unleash the Power of Saving at your credit union™." This theme makes saving for the future fun and encourages younger members to create financial dreams and work hard to see them through.

We know that talking to children about financial concepts can be challenging, as it's not always the most exciting topic, and they don't yet have money of their own to truly understand how to manage it. Here are a few tips that you can try to start the conversation about finances with your children at an early age and help prepare them to be financially literate adults. 

It may come as something of a surprise, but a reported 90 percent of homeowners plan some form of upgrade. Most anticipate making home improvements within the next 24 months, and that often requires borrowing from a lender.

The home equity line of credit, also known as HELOC, has emerged as a go-to option for homeowners wanting everything from expansive kitchens to a new roof. But deciding which line of credit or loan product makes sense for your home improvement project can be complicated. By understanding what a HELOC is, as well as the pros and cons of using it to finance your home improvement project, you can rest easy knowing you will make an informed financial decision. 

With school spring breaks in the next few weeks and summer right around the corner, you may be planning upcoming travel with your kids. 

Lending institutions offer such a wide range of home improvement financing products that deciding which best serves your purposes can be dizzying. Friends and family members who have secured home improvement loans or leveraged some form of credit often offer their perspectives and advice. But everyday homeowners or prospective home buyers come to the table with unique financial situations and goals. Credit scores, equity, cash-on-hand, and long-term family plans all play a role in the decision-making process. That’s why it’s essential to understand these home improvement financing options before signing on the dotted line.

In honor of Women's Month, I was joined on the March Financial Friday Community Panel by special guest, Henrietta Golding. 

Whether it is updating a kitchen, covering medical expenses, consolidating debt or refinancing your mortgage, there are times in life when you need access to cash. One possible way to get the money you need is through a home equity loan which relies on the equity you have available in your home.

What is equity? Good question! Equity is the difference between what you owe on your mortgage and what your home is currently worth. Every month that you pay your mortgage you gain a little more equity which can be taken out in the form of a home equity loan. There is a lot to learn about this type of loan but it’s well worth your time to understand the benefits as well as what to expect when you decide to apply.

This weekend is the 2nd Annual Waccamaw Sportsmen's Expo in Downtown Conway. The Expo focuses on the outdoor lifestyle along the banks of the Waccamaw River. 

The event kicks off on Friday, March 24, as DockDogs bring their high-flying competition to Conway's Town Green at 200 Laurel Street. On Saturday, March 25, the DockDogs events continue all day, and the full Expo opens at the Conway Marina at 4 Elm Street. Saturday's busy schedule of activities includes vendors, music, cooking demonstrations, a reptile program, an outdoor quick draw event, a wildlife rehabilitation session, and much more.

As a self-proclaimed "SportsWOMAN," I'm super excited about the event and wanted to give you all tips to navigate it if you decide to attend.

Families sometimes struggle to find the perfect home with enough space and amenities in the perfect neighborhood. The financial constraints of growing families can limit your real estate options to undersized homes in less-than-ideal locations.

That’s why everyday people are turning to a home renovation loan that allows them to consider larger, lower-priced homes in need of repair. A renovation loan could prove invaluable in terms of purchasing a home in a favorable area at a fraction of the cost. If you rank among the many people on a budget, understanding how a renovation loan works can help you make informed decisions on which home to buy and how to finance home improvements.

Eating out is a budget killer, especially if you do it constantly. The best alternative, of course, is to eat at home. However, while this will save you money, cooking every meal can be daunting for some people—unless you make a meal plan.