Finding Financial Freedom in July
By Charlestien Harris In the month of July, the nation celebrates its freedom. Also called Independence Day, the Fourth of July is a public holiday in the United States of America that commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, which...
Homeownership: Down Payment Assistance and Closing Costs
By Charlestien Harris Throughout the month of June, I have been writing about National Homeownership Month. As I wrap up talking about homeownership, I would like to close out this month by discussing two very important topics that are vital to the process of...
Understanding Homeownership Terminology, Part 2
By Charlestien Harris I hope that last week’s article helped you understand the home buying process terms a little better. It is my desire to educate my audience and to make a difference in their lives. Going into the process armed with knowledge can make the...
Understanding Homeownership Terminology, Part 1
By Charlestien Harris Buying a home can be a very exciting experience, but like most industries, the housing industry has its own language or jargon used to describe certain transactions when purchasing a home. Usually, the consumer is so excited about the process...
Credit Utilization and Homeownership
By Charlestien Harris June is celebrated as National Homeownership Month! It can be an exciting time for a first-time home buyer or a more pleasant experience for a family looking to upgrade to a larger home. Several factors can affect your ability to purchase a home,...
Southern Bancorp Featured by CardRates.com
Southern Bancorp’s unique mission and the vital role we play in helping underserved people and places was recently featured by CardRates.com in an article titled “Southern Bancorp Balances Profits with Purpose to Elevate Underserved Families and...
Getting Ready for College and Beyond
By: Charlestien Harris May is the season for graduations! I just returned from my grandson’s celebration this past week in Alabama, as a matter of fact. But May can also be a time of reflection and preparation. Finances are a big part of why many students don’t choose...
Preparing for Homeownership in May
By Charlestien Harris June is known as Homeownership Month, and if you plan to become a homeowner, now is the time to start preparing to make your homeownership dream come true. It has long been said that owning a home is part of the American Dream, and if that is one...