Living in an area that experiences hurricane season for six months out of the year, we need to be prepared. A great way to do a bit of pre-planning so that you're not panicking when a hurricane is on its way is to put together a Hurricane Preparedness Kit. 

Tips for Scoring Cheap Summer Getaways

Everybody likes a summer vacation, but travel can be expensive. If you’re looking to squeeze a getaway into your budget this summer, here are some tips for traveling on the cheap and getting the best deals.

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:

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.

It's that time of year again; W2s are rolling in, tax professionals are gearing up, and your mind is already swirling with ways to spend your tax refund check. Before getting too excited and seeing dollar signs, check out this BALANCE blog post for common tax blunders you should try to avoid. 

With the big game this weekend, there's one big question on everyone's mind; what snacks are you making? If you're like me, you're probably on the hunt for a delicious treat that's also budget-friendly. 

If you've been looking to make positive changes in your life or just looking for a fresh start, there's no better time than the beginning of a new year. Starting now, you have 365 days to make changes in your life and work towards new goals. I encourage you to reflect this week about areas of your life that you want to improve and set attainable goals to make positive changes.

If you're looking to improve your physical or financial health in 2023, check out the Financial Friday Community Panel segment below, where I was joined by special guests Dr. Kevin M. Satelle MD, Physician at Rapid Weight Loss and Esthetics Center and Christina Naylor, Chief Operation Officer at Carolina Trust Federal Credit Union to talk about creating healthy lifestyle habits for the upcoming year.

Can you believe it's almost Christmas? I feel like there are still so many things left to do. Luckily, I was able to cross baking cookies for Santa off of my to-do list last night. Growing up, we'd make a big batch of Christmas cookies a day or two before Christmas to take to different Christmas gatherings, and we would always save a few to set out for Santa. Santa wasn't the only one who got a treat; we always made sure to leave carrots for the reindeer too! We may have even left carrots for Santa instead of cookies a few years because my mom insisted that Santa was dieting.

This year, I took home a few recipes from the Carolina Trust Employee Cookie Exchange, so that Santa could have a new variety. I'm not going to lie this close to Christmas, I may have snuck a few cookies, but they were specifically for taste testing purposing. I wouldn't want to give Santa a nasty cookie. He would put me on the naughty list for sure!

Giving gifts to the ones I love is one of my favorite things about the holiday season. However, as someone who sticks to a strict monthly budget, forking out additional money for gifts during December always makes me a bit anxious. It's hard enough deciding what to get everyone, but then trying to stay within my budget while doing it adds a whole other layer to the cake.

Below are a few tips I've been using this holiday season while shopping for gifts for others, which have helped me stay within my budget and less anxious about spending.

With the holiday season right around the corner, you'll be asked to give more than ever.. giving to charity, giving of your time, giving gifts to love ones, etc.