Money market accounts were introduced during the 1970s as a type of mutual fund that brokerage houses sold. At the time, the federal government also capped how much interest local lending institutions could offer customers on the savings account, leaving them at a competitive disadvantage. A few Baby Boomers may recall how banks and credit unions offered incentives such as kitchen appliances and new gadgets to encourage people to open accounts.

But the Garn-St. Germain Depository Institutions Act in 1982 changed everything. The Act allowed local lenders to provide savings options with higher interest rates under the money market account umbrella. Now, working families can choose between a variety of money market products with competitive rates.

If you've followed along with my blogs for a while, you know I occasionally like to sprinkle in a little bit of my own life. So, I'm excited to finally share that my husband and I are expecting our first baby!

There's just something about the Fourth of July on the Grand Strand. Whether you're spending the day on the beach, grilling with family, or out on the boat, it always seems to end the same way—looking up at a fireworks show. One of my favorite things about living here is that you don't have to travel far to find one. From North Myrtle Beach all the way down to Georgetown, there are plenty of places to celebrate Independence Day, and many of the events are completely free.

If you've opened your email, scrolled social media, or turned on the TV lately, you've probably noticed one thing: everything is on sale. Between Prime Day, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, Fourth of July promotions, and countless "Christmas in July" deals, it's easy to feel like you should be shopping. Retailers know this is one of the biggest shopping seasons of the year, and they're very good at creating a sense of urgency with countdown clocks, flash sales, and "today only" pricing.

Summer has officially arrived on the Grand Strand, which means beach days, boat rides, and long evenings outside. Unfortunately, it also means the start of hurricane season.

One of the best things about living on the Grand Strand is that people spend all year saving money to vacation where we live every day. As summer gets underway, it's easy to feel like every weekend needs to involve a trip, a ticket, or a big expense. Between vacations, concerts, dining out, and activities for the kids, summer can start to feel expensive before it even officially begins. But the truth is, some of the best parts of summer around here cost very little at all.

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.

Whether you're a die-hard country music fan or just enjoy the energy that comes with a major event, Carolina Country Music Fest has become one of the signature weekends of the year here on the Grand Strand. Every June, thousands of visitors make their way to Myrtle Beach for four days of live music, oceanfront views, and a whole lot of cowboy boots. It's one of those events that brings a different kind of excitement to the area, and even if you're not attending every day, you'll definitely feel the buzz around town.

It's graduation season, and whether it's high school, college, graduate school, or a specialized program, graduation is a huge accomplishment worth celebrating. This year feels especially exciting in my family because my sister is graduating from physical therapy school. As her graduation got closer, I found myself asking the same question many of us do this time of year: What do you get someone to celebrate such a major milestone?

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.