It's hard to believe we're already talking about the end of summer. It feels like Memorial Day was just a few weeks ago, and now school supplies are filling the aisles and everyone's already counting down to fall. While I love a good pumpkin spice latte as much as the next person, I think August deserves a little more credit. There are still plenty of warm evenings, beautiful beach days, and local events to enjoy before summer officially comes to an end.

If you know me personally or follow me on Instagram at @successinthebag, you probably already know that I love a good thrift find. Some of my favorite reels to make are my thrifting videos, and there’s just something about finding exactly what you were looking for—or something you didn’t even know you needed—for a fraction of the original price.

I know... it's only July. The kids are still out of school, it's 95 degrees outside, and the last thing most of us are thinking about is Christmas. But between "Christmas in July" sales popping up everywhere and retailers already advertising holiday deals, it got me thinking about something else—the holidays have a funny way of arriving much faster than we expect.

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.