We're coming up on Memorial Day Weekend, which to most, is like the official kick-start to the summer. Schools are starting to get out for summer break, people from all over head to the beach for vacation, friends and family join together for cookouts, and everyone breaks out the fireworks and red, white, and blue. Although Memorial Day is a great time to gather with friends and family and celebrate the start of the summer, it's important that we all take time to remember the true meaning of the holiday and the individuals who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. 

Below are some of the different Memorial Day events happening in our area that you can attend with loved ones and acknowledge those fallen soldiers:

If you didn't quite get your art fix at the recent Artfields festival in Lake City and want to discover more public art, you must check out the beautiful murals in Downtown Conway. All within walking distance from each other, or a quick peel scooter ride if you want to make it a bit more interesting, Historic Downtown Conway boasts nine gorgeous murals with unique backstories.

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. 

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

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

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.

America Saves Week is an annual celebration and a call to action for Americans to commit to saving successfully. Over the past few years, America Saves has been exploring what it means to be financially confident. Financial confidence is inclusive in that it recognizes that Savers have unique circumstances. Even if you are in a scenario that makes it difficult or impossible to save at this moment — you are committed to doing the work, taking control of your finances, and becoming more financially stable. 

In honor of America Saves Week, I wanted to share this exclusive Financial Friday segment where Carolina Trust Chief Operations Officer, Christina Naylor shares some saving tips and tools with me on how to jump-start your savings and grow your wealth once you've developed healthy savings habits.

Working for a company that has been serving our local community since 1958 instilled a desire in me to strengthen my ties within the community. As someone who grew up in a small town and was extremely involved, I knew I would have to find ways to become involved here to make the Grand Strand feel like my home. 

At the start of 2022, I started researching different organizations I could get involved in that shared a mission I supported. Between networking, leadership, non-profit, and small business organizations, I have certainly found ways to fill up my plate. Below are some different ways I've rooted myself in our community and how I took the leap to get involved.

Want to plan the perfect date night without breaking the bank? Check out the BALANCE blog post below for a few great ideas.

When you and your partner are focusing on paying down debt, it’s easy to put relationship fun on hold. After all, dining out is a sure-fire way to blow the budget. Expensive vacations? Entirely out of the question!

But you can still keep the spark alive with regular date nights, even on a budget.

First, schedule the time into the calendar. Often, busy couples find that if it doesn’t get scheduled, it doesn’t happen. If you have young children, consider coordinating with another family to swap babysitting duties. This way, each set of parents gets an evening out without paying for a babysitter.

Now that you’ve got the date set and the sitter lined up, here are some frugal date night ideas so you and your partner can make great memories without spending much money.

Go on a hike

A hike (or a leisurely walk) in a beautiful location is a great way to spend some distraction-free time with your spouse. Enjoy the scenery, get some fresh air, and get your blood pumping. Websites like AllTrails and Outdoor Project are good free resources for local hikes.

Play Tourist

If a friend or family member was coming to visit your city, where would you take them? Often, the most impressive or entertaining spots get overlooked by locals. Pretend you’re just visiting the area and hit up some of the top tourist destinations and local landmarks. The local Chamber of Commerce is an excellent resource for inspiration.

Star Gazing

You don’t need a telescope to take your honey stargazing! It’s best to choose a night when you’ll have clear skies and a new moon. Pack up a blanket and some snacks and head out of town to a place with dark skies and little light pollution. Spread out the blanket, look up at the stars, and bask in the awe of a starry sky.

Eat Cake

If you miss going out to restaurants while you’re tightening the budget, you can get that restaurant enjoyment without having a full sit-down meal. Coffee and dessert at your favorite restaurant still feel like a splurge. Who said you can’t have your cake and eat it, too?

Have a Picnic

A picnic doesn’t have to be a fancy (read: expensive) affair. A lunch sack will do just fine if you don’t have a dedicated picnic basket. Cheese, crackers, fruit, and your favorite drinks require almost no prep and taste even better at a local park or wilderness area.

Visit a Farmers Market

You might be amazed at how much is happening at your local farmer’s market! Of course, you’ll find farmers selling their freshly grown produce, but there’s likely also baked goods, meat and eggs, crafts (like handmade candles and soap), and ready-to-eat food. Wandering around the farmer’s market is a great way to spend a few frugal hours. You might even come home with local produce and inspiration to try a new recipe.

Hit up the Yard Sales

If you like the thrill of the hunt, it’s worth getting up early on a Saturday morning and hitting the yard sale circuit. Decide how much money you’re willing to spend ahead of time and bring it in small bills. This helps to ensure you stay within your budget. You never know what you might find at a yard sale—and sometimes you’ll come home empty-handed! Not knowing is all part of the fun.

Gather Fruit

Nearby orchards or berry farms can make for great frugal dates. The “u-pick” fruit farms are typically less expensive and tastier than the comparable fruit at the grocery store, and you get to spend some quality time outside with your partner. Make sure to research the right time to go for ripe fruit and bring some containers from home.

Wrapping it Up

Date nights are so important in relationships. Time to talk without the day-to-day stressors and sharing new experiences help keep the romance alive. These things don’t have to be expensive. Keep your budget on track with frugal date nights and watch your relationship and savings account grow.