Southern Blog
A 5-Step Financial Plan for National Financial Planning Month
By: Charlestien Harris It seems like every month we are celebrating some holiday or making an observance of some kind, and October is no different – it’s National Financial Planning Month. Financial planning is the process of taking a comprehensive look at your...
Student Loans: Prepare Your Budget to Resume Payments
By: Charlestien Harris Nothing can destroy a well-planned budget more than an unexpected expense or an unplanned event. But, in this case, the expense can be predicted because the U.S. Department of Education has announced a final extension of the pause on student...
6 Financial Tips to Survive a Recession
By: Charlestien Harris Maintaining your finances can be overwhelming and stressful even when the economy is in favorable condition. Everyday expenses, work, and family obligations can demand our immediate attention, but it is just as important to also spend time on a...
Student Loans: Other Types of Forgiveness, Cancellation, and Discharge
By: Charlestien Harris Student loan forgiveness is a very hot topic these days. The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Waiver program deadline of Oct. 31, 2022 is fast approaching, so get your application in as soon as possible. If you don’t qualify for the...
Health Insurance: Review Your Coverage Before October
By: Charlestien Harris If the pandemic has taught us one thing, it is to make sure we have adequate health insurance for ourselves and our family members. Having health coverage is an essential part of being financially responsible; not having adequate health coverage...
Student Loans: Are Parent PLUS Loans Eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness?
By: Charlestien Harris When the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Waiver program was publicized, I wanted to know how the loans some parents took out would be affected by this opportunity. After all, eliminating as much debt as possible is a key part of being...
Student Loan Debt: Facts About the Limited Public Service Loan Forgiveness Waiver
By: Charlestien Harris Student loan debt is one of the reasons some potential homebuyers can’t afford a mortgage. It is among the factors lenders look at when they consider you for a home loan, because your student loan debt can influence your debt-to-income ratio....
Six Money Moves to Teach Your Children for Life
By: Charlestien Harris Personal finance is not a subject most of us like to talk about, but it is one that needs to be discussed with our children – because when they grow up to be adults, they will have to manage money on their own. In most families, the subject of...
How to Make Back-to-School Shopping Less Stressful
By: Charlestien Harris The back-to-school season has already begun for some students, and many stores are already selling backpacks, notebooks, and other school supplies. According to the National Retail Federation, families with school-age children are expected to...
How to Create a Spending Plan for College
By: Charlestien Harris So, you have graduated from high school. Congratulations! Many of you are now college bound, which means leaving the family nest for the first time and becoming responsible for your financial well-being. College means paying for tuition and...