How to Avoid Financial Scammers

Jul 11, 2024 | Blog, Financial Fitness

By Charlestien Harris One of the hottest months of the year is July, and the heat can be unbearable! Similarly, one of the hottest topics in the news is how often unsuspecting consumers are getting scammed, and the financial consequences can also be unbearable. If...

Finding Financial Freedom in July

Jul 3, 2024 | Blog, Financial Fitness

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

Jun 28, 2024 | Blog, Financial Fitness

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

Jun 21, 2024 | Blog, Financial Fitness

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

Jun 14, 2024 | Blog, Financial Fitness

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

Jun 7, 2024 | Blog, Financial Fitness

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

Jun 3, 2024 | Blog

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

May 30, 2024 | Blog, Financial Fitness

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

May 24, 2024 | Blog, Financial Fitness

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...

Budget-Friendly Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas

May 17, 2024 | Blog, Financial Fitness

By Charlestien Harris May is the month that recognizes the hard work and dedication that a teacher has poured into your child all year long. Why not show your appreciation by sharing a budget-friendly gift with that special educator in your child’s life? Teacher...