Southern Blog
New Pandemic Relief Bill to Help CDFIs Serve the Underserved
On Dec. 21, Congress passed a pandemic relief and economic stimulus bill that includes $12 billion for Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and Minority Deposit Institutions (MDIs) to help ensure funding reaches very small businesses and communities...
Take Advantage of Tax-Time Savings Opportunities
By Janie Ginocchio In April 2019, we announced that Gov. Asa Hutchinson signed Act 774 of 2019, which required two direct deposit lines on the state income tax form so you could split your state refund into two bank accounts. This year, we facilitated the passage...
What to Do Once You Enter a Covid-19 Forbearance Agreement
By Charlestien Harris I have been getting numerous inquiries about next steps when it comes to the pandemic and mortgage solutions available to homeowners as they navigate this difficult time. Therefore, I have provided the five steps that should be taken below. This...
10 Ways to Safely Shop Online this Holiday Season
By Charlestien Harris During this time of year, everyone is gearing up for a busy online shopping season, especially scammers. Risks of getting scammed are higher during the holidays, but you can keep your money safe by following these simple online shopping tips....
Have You Included the Cost of a Will in Your Budget?
By Charlestien Harris Covid-19 has forced many of us to take a closer look at our finances and estate planning. Often overlooked, finances are a big part of the survival of family members after the death of a loved one. It is a subject that most people don’t like to...
Know Your Rights: Fair Debt Collection, It’s the Law.
By Charlestien Harris Since the pandemic, more people are having to deal with debt collectors. Therefore, I thought it would be helpful to know what rights you have as a consumer and the law that was created to protect you from abusive debt practices. In...
How the 1970 Fair Credit Reporting Act Benefits the Consumer
By Charlestien Harris The average consumer knows very little about this law enacted by congress in 1970. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) was enacted to promote accuracy, fairness, and the privacy of personal information assembled by credit reporting agencies. ...
How to Stop Playing Hide and Go Seek with Your Money
By Charlestien Harris Does it ever feel like your money is hiding from you and that you’re always looking for it? If this is the case, you are not alone. Maintaining your financial health isn’t a game, but it can certainly feel that way at times. ...
10 Questions First-time Homebuyers Need to Ask Before Signing
By Charlestien Harris Right now the housing market is booming and a lot of people are shopping for a mortgage. Low interest rates and more options for refinancing are driving the market. This process can be stressful and time-consuming, especially if it’s your first...
Rules to Keep Your Debit Card Safe Anytime
By Charlestien Harris This pandemic has forced us to change the way we conduct business and everyday tasks such as eating out, receiving healthcare and paying our bills. One of the main ways consumers meet their financial obligations is through the use of a debit...