Southern Blog
The Emergency Fund: A Financial Lifeline
By Charlestien Harris How many times have you thought about what you could have done if you only had the money to do it? One of the most challenging things for many consumers is to establish an emergency fund. Somehow, it has been long thought that it is...
Simple Steps to Reduce Your Debt
By Charlestien Harris We have all been through a lot financially, since the pandemic hit in 2020. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. The immediate concern most of us have is how much more debt we are accumulating and how we can reduce our debt...
Insurance: Actual Cost vs Replacement Cost
By Charlestien Harris Insurance plays a huge part in your financial wellbeing. Accidents will happen and storms will come, but one way you can avoid financial ruin is to have insurance. Insurance is a contract, represented by a policy, in which an individual or entity...
Important COVID-19 Extensions for Homeowners, Renters & Student Loan Borrowers
By Charlestien Harris The average consumer has been hit hard by the effects of the Covid19 virus. There were several relief options offered by the enactment of the Cares Act. With the pandemic still looming and heavily affecting so many across this country,...
How to Manage Student Loan Debt During the Pandemic
By Charlestien Harris This pandemic has caused a lot of uncertainty when it comes to finances. One question that has been coming to the forefront is what is going to happen with student loans? If you are a current or past student, you will want to know how to handle...
Consumer Alert: Scammers Posing as Utility Companies
The recent winter weather caused millions of people to have issues with their water and heat. Sadly, but not surprisingly, scam artists are using this unfortunate situation to steal money and personal financial information. The Federal Trade Commission is warning...
The Effect of a Loan Modification on Your Credit
By Charlestien Harris This has been a very difficult year for many people when it comes to finances, especially for homeowners. Foreclosures and bankruptcies are two financial events that can have a really adverse effect on your credit. Trying to avoid both of those...
What You Need to Know About the New 2020 W-4 Form
By Charlestien Harris You may not be aware, but the IRS Form W-4 has changed. A W-4 form provides information to your employer so that they can determine how much to withhold from your paychecks. This will ensure that the IRS collects federal income tax from you in an...
What Are My Next Steps After My Forbearance Period Ends?
By Charlestien Harris Many homeowners were able to take advantage of the forbearance option available through the CARES ACT provisions enacted by congress. Forbearance is a type of temporary mortgage relief that was very instrumental in helping borrowers keep...
Financial Plans: A Roadmap to Financial Success in 2021 and Beyond
By Charlestien Harris The past year has been quite different financially for numerous reasons, and starting the new year off right is so vital to the success of your financial future. The present economic climate has in some ways forced many of us to make some major...