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.

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.

Experienced lenders exercise caution when reviewing commercial real estate loans. The lending team reviews wide-reaching documents and financial disclosures before determining whether a business can effectively repay the revenue. The strict scrutiny employed by loan professionals tasks applicants with collecting and submitting a substantial amount of information. By reviewing this commercial real estate loan application checklist, borrowers can be better prepared and receive a faster loan approval.

Commercial real estate loans provide entrepreneurs, investors, and other industry leaders with revenue to improve profitability and advance business goals. But selecting the best loan product can prove challenging. Lenders offer commercial real estate loans with varying interest rates, repayment terms, and qualification thresholds. If you require an influx of revenue to purchase or refinance a property, make renovations, or expand your business it’s crucial to find the best financing solution for your needs.

Purchasing commercial real estate to construct a new building, renovate an existing one, or use the property as a revenue-generating asset requires financing. Few small, mid-sized companies or investors possess the cash on hand to complete a transaction and pay for next steps out-of-pocket. That’s why commercial real estate loans are a necessary resource for building a strong economy, creating jobs, and growing personal wealth.

Lt./ Col. James B. Kendrick would have celebrated his 103rd birthday this Wednesday, May 18th. In celebration of his first heavenly birthday, we wanted to share his Community Focus article from our May 2019 member newsletter, The Caroliner.