Buying your first home doesn't have to be a terrifying experience. Surprisingly, however, that's how many perspective homeowners view the process. According to Nerdwallet, millennials, especially, are hesitant to enter into the home-buying arena, even though they'd like to become homeowners and see the value of buying over renting. Most feel they don't yet make enough money to foot a monthly mortgage.

Art Alexakis once said, "Living isn't a simple thing... no one said it's supposed to be."

We can all probably agree that life isn't simple; it's filled with ups and downs, stressors, problems, and situations that make it complicated. However, if we know that life isn't simple, why do we constantly try to simplify it? We come up with one size fits all solutions and expect them to simplify our issues.

Whether you plan to one day purchase your home or are already shopping around your local housing market, buying a home is a monumental step. It's a decision you want to get right because making the wrong choice when buying a home can cost you big time. Make the best decisions with your first or next mortgage loan by putting these home-buying myths to rest before you sign loan documents. 

Do you know what a credit union is and how it differs from a bank? If not, hopefully, by the end of this blog post, you'll have a little more insight into what a credit union is and why it may be the right financial choice for you.

If nobody could see the things you have, would you still want them?

Everyone loves a good showdown; It's why we're all so plugged into football season right now. But what about a financial showdown, credit cards vs. debit cards.

Most Americans carry several different payment cards in their wallets; some debit, some credit. Maybe you have a system in place for which card to use when, or perhaps you use one type all the time. But do you really know the difference and when it is more beneficial to use one over the other?

Check out the BALANCE blog below, where they put debit cards and credit cards in a one-on-one showdown to see where and when using them may be best for your finances.

Have you grabbed your copy of the October Grand Strand Magazine? You'll definitely want to grab one and check out the Women in Business Edition, featuring profiles of some of our area's most prominent businesswomen.

One of my favorite things about being a homeowner is decorating my house for each season. With the first day of fall being next week, I figured it was about time to get started on my fall décor. Unfortunately, the décor had been picked over everywhere I looked or was super expensive, so I decided to make my own.

Preparation is key when you live in an area that experiences hurricane season for six months out of the year. You may already have a plan for home preparation and evacuation, but do you have a plan for your finances in the event of a natural disaster?

So, you've worked hard to get to a good place financially; you're paying your bills on time, you're able to buy a few extra things that you want, and if an emergency happens, you always find a way to cover the expense.

Financial security is a major accomplishment, especially after the financial toll that the last year has taken on all of us. However, once you've gotten to a secure place, evaluate your spending habits and make sure you're exercising preparation spending instead of reaction spending.