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The “Treat Yourself” Spending Mindset — Let’s Talk About It When “Just This Once” Becomes a Habit

Posted by Carolina Trust Federal Credit Union on May 14, 2026 1:23:10 PM

We’ve all done it. A long week turns into a little online shopping, an expensive coffee run, or adding something extra to the cart because, honestly, you deserve it. And sometimes, you absolutely do. Small treats and enjoyable purchases are part of life, and not every financial decision needs to be overly restrictive.

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Topics: Personal Finance

The Real Cost of a "Busy" May (And How to Stay Ahead of It)

Posted by August on Apr 30, 2026 3:34:55 PM

May has a way of filling up quickly. One minute your calendar feels manageable, and the next it’s packed with events, travel, and celebrations. This year alone, I’ve got a Kentucky Derby party, the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic, my sister’s physical therapy school graduation, travel for Mother’s Day, and the CAF Gala—all things I’m genuinely excited about, but all things that come with a cost. And that’s the part we don’t always talk about: how quickly a “fun” month can also become an expensive one.

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Topics: Personal Finance

5 Real-Life Lessons for First Time Home Buyers

Posted by Carolina Trust Federal Credit Union on Apr 29, 2026 9:45:00 AM

Buying a home in the Carolinas for the first time can be an overwhelming experience. If you are a first time home buyer, remember that knowledge is power. Below, we present 5 key lessons to remember as you start shopping for your first house in the Carolinas.

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Topics: Personal Finance, Real Estate & Home Buying, Home Loans

ArtFields 2026: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Posted by August on Apr 23, 2026 1:22:09 PM

ArtFields is officially back for 2026, and if you’ve been before, you already know it’s one of those events you look forward to all year. If you haven’t, this is your sign to go ahead and plan a visit. This year’s festival is bigger than ever, running from April 10 through May 2, 2026, giving you even more time to experience everything Lake City has to offer.

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Topics: Personal Finance

Farmers Market Season is Back (And its Worth the Stop)

Posted by August on Apr 17, 2026 11:39:22 AM

Farmers markets are starting to open back up for the season, and there’s something about that first weekend they return that feels like a true start to spring. Stands fill up with fresh produce, flowers, baked goods, and local products, and suddenly a simple Saturday morning errand turns into something you actually look forward to. It’s not just about what you’re buying—it’s the experience of being there.

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Topics: Personal Finance

Why Saving Money Can Feel Hard Even When You're Doing Everything Right

Posted by August on Apr 10, 2026 10:27:52 AM

If saving money still feels difficult, even when you’re budgeting, being mindful, and trying to make smart decisions, you’re not alone. A lot of people feel this way right now. You can be doing all the “right” things and still feel like you’re not getting ahead as quickly as you expected, which can be frustrating and, at times, discouraging.

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Topics: Personal Finance

Local Nursery vs. Big Box Store: Where Should You Buy Your Plants?

Posted by August on Apr 2, 2026 12:21:11 PM

 If you’ve ever picked up plants while running errands at a big box store like Lowe’s, you’re not alone. It’s convenient, quick, and often feels budget-friendly. But if you’ve also spent time at a local nursery, you know it’s a very different experience. Where you buy your plants can impact not just how they look the day you bring them home, but how well they actually grow. 

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Topics: Personal Finance, Seasonal

Top 10 Financial Planning Tips For Millennials

Posted by Carolina Trust Federal Credit Union on Apr 2, 2026 10:00:00 AM

As a millennial, you're part of a unique and special generation. You're probably at the exciting stage in life where you're just starting out or you're beginning that career climb. Undoubtedly you want to avoid some of the financial pitfalls that have befallen previous generations, but how can you do so? Read below to learn the top 10 financial tips for millennials today. 

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Topics: Personal Finance, Credit Cards, Home, Life & School

Refreshing Your Home for Spring Without Overspending

Posted by August on Mar 26, 2026 3:03:58 PM

There’s something about spring that makes everything feel new again. The weather warms up, the days get longer, and suddenly you start noticing all the little things around your home that could use some attention. The good news is, refreshing your space doesn’t have to mean a big renovation or a large budget. A few simple, affordable updates can make your home feel clean, cared for, and ready for the season.

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Topics: Personal Finance, Seasonal

Finding Your “Pot of Gold” (Without Relying on Luck)

Posted by August on Mar 19, 2026 1:50:07 PM

With St. Patrick’s Day this week, it’s hard not to think about the idea of a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. It’s fun to imagine—something lucky, unexpected, and effortless. But when it comes to your finances, most of us would prefer something a little more dependable than luck. The good news is that building your own “pot of gold” doesn’t require perfect timing or luck. It just takes a plan and a little consistency.

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Topics: Personal Finance

Carolina Trust Federal Credit Union Blog 

Welcome to the Carolina Trust Federal Credit Union Blog! We're excited to share financial tips and information for a variety of different topics.

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Check out recent blog posts by our Brand Ambassador, August, for tips on achieving financial success in the bag. 

 

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