Southern Blog
Graduation Gifts That Make $ense!
By Charlestien Harris Graduation season has arrived, which means it’s time to think about that special gift you would like to give to that extra special graduate in your life! While this time of year can be full of excitement and splendor, it can also be stressful...
Budget-Friendly Home Maintenance Projects in May
By Charlestien Harris May is a great time to find deep discounts on materials for home maintenance or home improvement projects you plan to tackle this summer. I know that June is when we will celebrate National Homeownership Month, but having a plan can help reduce...
Did You Know… Social Security Can Be Taxed
By Charlestien Harris I know it is past the tax filing deadline of April 15, but very few taxpayers realize that Social Security benefits can be taxable under certain conditions. One question many people ask me is, “At what age is Social Security no longer taxable?”...
Avoiding Student Loan Forgiveness Scammers
By Charlestien Harris Student loan forgiveness is a hot topic these days, not just for consumers looking to take advantage of the opportunity but also for scammers who keep up with the news on student loan forgiveness. Scams are among the leading financial crimes, and...
Why is Financial Literacy Important?
By Charlestien Harris April is Financial Literacy Month! This has long been a nationally recognized holiday, representing our collective dedication as a country to the importance of being financially literate. I guess the question that I want to ask most is – with...
April is National Fair Housing Month
By Charlestien Harris Every month, there seems to be something to celebrate or recognize, and April is no different! April is also known as National Fair Housing Month. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) defines fair housing as the right to...
The Pros and Cons of Filing a Tax Extension
By Charlestien Harris We are nearing the tax deadline of April 15! Some of you have already filed and received your refund, while others have delayed filing, perhaps because you anticipate owing taxes to the IRS. You are not alone. According to a polling survey...
Avoiding the Medicare Advantage Plan March Madness
By Charlestien Harris Spring fever is in full swing this month! The infamous March Madness brackets have been announced, and the competition has begun. While this can be a time of renewal and fierce competition, this month is also when you should take care of some...
Celebrating National Credit Education Month
By Charlestien Harris Credit is always a subject of interest to most consumers. When I teach my financial education classes, it is the topic that garners the most questions and takes quite a bit of classroom time to cover. Credit affects everyone in some way, whether...
Going Green in March: Taking Advantage of Energy Tax Credits
By Charlestien Harris In celebration of St. Patrick's Day and the "wearing of the green" this March, I've chosen to focus on the theme of "going green." But what does it mean to go green? In essence, it involves adopting methods and processes that safeguard the...