Selecting a Credit Card
October 27, 2023
By Carman M. Young, CFP® Credit card companies can be aggressive in marketing their cards and their perks. Who doesn’t want a free trip to Europe? With so many options…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: advice, banking-and-finance, financial-advisors, on-the-move
Southern First opens Dream Mortgage Center
October 26, 2023
Southern First Bancshares, Inc., holding company for Southern First Bank, announces the opening of its new Dream Mortgage Center in Columbia, South Carolina. Southern First’s mission is to impact lives…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
George Smythe joins First Reliance Bank as Senior Vice President Residential Lending Specialist
October 19, 2023
George Smythe has joined First Reliance Bank as Senior Vice President Residential Lending Specialist. In his role, George is responsible for establishing and maintaining mortgage banking relationships with referral partners…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
Abacus Planning Group’s founder, Cheryl R. Holland, CFP ®, inducted into Barron’s Advisor Hall of Fame
October 19, 2023
For the last 10 years, Cheryl Holland has been ranked as a Top 100 Advisor by Barron’s. This impressive feat has earned Ms. Holland a spot in the Barron’s Advisor…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, financial-advisors, on-the-move
South Carolina Federal wins three “Best Place to Work” awards
October 18, 2023
South Carolina Federal Credit Union recently won three awards from local and industry news media for being a Best Place to Work. The credit union’s achievements include: • SC Biz…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
SCDOR named 2023 PEBA Partners Award overall award winner
October 17, 2023
The South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) has been named the 2023 overall winner of the PEBA Partners Award, an honor bestowed by the South Carolina Public Employee Benefit Authority…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: banking-and-finance, education, on-the-move
SC Launch Inc. invests in SiteLabs
October 10, 2023
Daniel Gambrell, investment associate, SCRA, Darren Schaupp, co-founder and CEO, SiteLabs South Carolina Research Authority’s investment affiliate, SC Launch Inc., has invested in SiteLabs. The $250,000 investment will help the Seneca-based startup scale…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, hi-tech-information-tech, on-the-move
United Community employees recognize World Animal Day through acts of service across its footprint
October 5, 2023
United Community’s employees are coming together for the third consecutive year to support the welfare of the voiceless for World Animal Day. Throughout the first half of October, teams across…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
South Carolina Community Loan Fund awarded $50M in New Market Tax Credits, one of three awardees in the state
October 3, 2023
The South Carolina Community Loan Fund (SCCLF) announced its award of $50 million in New Market Tax Credit (NMTC) allocations from the U.S. Department of Treasury CDFI Fund. SCCLF was…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
Jesse Smith named as new Executive Director of JEDA
September 27, 2023
Jesse A. Smith has been elected the new Executive Director of the South Carolina Jobs-Economic Development Authority (JEDA), with his appointment effective October 1. Smith is succeeding Harry A. Huntley,…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
Four Governance Questions for Endowment Management
September 27, 2023
By Anne Marie Ashworth To create an environment for good governance, endowments should assess whether they have the appropriate models for optimal long-term portfolio management, oversight and management, fiduciary responsibility,…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: banking-and-finance, business-services, churches, financial-advisors, non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy
Abacus Planning Group Advisor earns IRS Enrolled Agent designation
September 21, 2023
Abacus Planning Group proudly announces that Stephen Maggard, CFP® has met all requirements to become an Enrolled Agent. An Enrolled Agent has earned the privilege of representing taxpayers before the…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, financial-advisors, on-the-move, veterans
CCSD announces that it has received a high bond rating for last five years
August 31, 2023
Charleston County School District (CCSD) announced at the Board Meeting on Monday, August 28, 2023, that it has maintained a high bond rating for the last five years. The rating…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc Category: banking-and-finance, government, on-the-move
Financial Wellness for your Employees
August 24, 2023
Charles B. Flowers, CFA Employers want highly engaged employees who are focused on their work during business hours. Hopefully, the employees also want to be “all in” while they are…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: advice, banking-and-finance, business-services, financial-advisors, on-the-move
Forbes names South Carolina Federal the Best Credit Union in South Carolina
August 23, 2023South Carolina Federal Credit Union was named one of America’s Best In-State Credit Unions in 2023 by Forbes, ranking #1 in South Carolina. This prestigious award is presented by Forbes…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
How to file the final tax return for a deceased taxpayer
August 15, 2023
What you need to know: When someone dies, their surviving spouse, an executor, or an administrator normally files the deceased taxpayer’s final Income Tax return. On the South Carolina Individual…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, government, on-the-move
Gary T. Pope Jr. and C.D. Rhodes selected by South Carolina Super Lawyers for 2023 “Rising Stars” list in Government Law
August 14, 2023
Gary T. Pope Jr. and C.D. Rhodes, attorneys concentrating in public finance and government law with Pope Flynn, have been named to the “Rising Stars” list in Government Law for…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, government, law, on-the-move
SCDOR’s new Teacher’s Guide to SC Individual Income Tax aims to help students learn about state taxes
August 10, 2023
What you need to know: The SCDOR’s new Teacher’s Guide to SC Individual Income Tax will help middle and high school students learn the basics of South Carolina Individual Income…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, education, government, on-the-move
Charleston County student leaders excel in Bank of America internship program
August 9, 2023
Paid Summer Internships Connects Lowcountry Teens to Career Building Opportunities Two Charleston County High School seniors are participating in Bank of America’s Student Leaders® (#BofAStudentLeaders), paid summer internship. Kendra Hollington…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc Category: banking-and-finance, education, non-profit, on-the-move
Karlyn Jones of Abacus Planning Group passes Certified Financial Planner (TM) Examination
August 4, 2023
Abacus Planning Group, Inc. proudly announces that Karlyn M. Jones has passed the CFP® examination. The CFP® Certification Examination assesses the candidate’s ability to integrate and apply a broad base…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: banking-and-finance, financial-advisors, insurance, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
Mission 46 aspires to transform South Carolina through scholarships
July 31, 2023Groundbreaking program intends to expand college access in all 46 South Carolina counties An ambitious initiative aims to eliminate the financial barrier to college for bright, under-resourced South Carolina students,…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: banking-and-finance, education, headlines, on-the-move
Breakout Capital secures $45 million credit facility led by Synovus Bank
July 27, 2023
CHARLESTON, SC – Breakout Capital, a leading fintech company simplifying access to capital for small businesses, announced the completion of a $45 million credit facility in which Synovus Bank will provide…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
Five ways to spend unused 529 plan funds
July 26, 2023
Opening a 529 plan is a fantastic way to save for education for a child. Imagine that you have been saving for your child’s college education since she was a…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: banking-and-finance, education, financial-advisors, on-the-move
Southern First reports results for second quarter 2023
July 26, 2023
Southern First Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: SFST), holding company for Southern First Bank, today announced its financial results for the three-month period ended June 30, 2023. “I am proud of our…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
Retailers must notify the SCDOR by August 14, 2023 if you sell tobacco products
July 18, 2023
What you need to know: All retailers are required to notify the SCDOR if they sell tobacco products by August 14, 2023. More information can be found in the ST-608,…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: banking-and-finance, government, on-the-move
Back to School Tip: Prepare Now for 529 Withdrawals
July 11, 2023
By State Treasurer Curtis Loftis As a firm believer in the many benefits of saving with a Future Scholar 529 plan, I commend families who consistently contribute to their accounts…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
Lima One Capital surpasses $1 billion in multifamily bridge loans
July 6, 2023
Lima One Capital, the nation’s premier business purpose lender for real estate investors, announced that it eclipsed the $1 billion mark in originations of multifamily bridge loans. “This milestone is…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, commercial-real-estate, on-the-move
South Carolina’s 2023 Tax Free Weekend kicks off on Friday, August 4
July 5, 2023
What you need to know: South Carolina’s annual Tax Free Weekend is scheduled for August 4-6, 2023. For 72 hours, tax-free items include computers, printers, school supplies, clothing and accessories,…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, government, on-the-move
Leasing vs. Buying a Car: Which one is right for you?
June 30, 2023
By Carolyn A. Stewart If you have been in the market for a new (or used) car in the last 2-3 years, you are probably aware that the cost of…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: advice, banking-and-finance, financial-advisors, on-the-move
Jones elected South Carolina Bankers Association chairman
June 26, 2023
Boyd B. Jones, Senior Director, Middle Market Corporate Banking, Synovus, has been elected chairman of The South Carolina Bankers Association (SCBA). He was elected by a vote of SCBA members…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
UnidosUS launches HOME initiative to create four million Latino homeowners by 2030
June 15, 2023
The initiative will help break down barriers to homeownership for Latinos; Wells Fargo signs on as first anchor funder UnidosUS, a nonprofit, nonpartisan Hispanic civil rights organization, has launched HOME…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move, residential-real-estate
Reminder: Your state tax refund may be lower next year due to withholding adjustments
June 8, 2023
What you need to know: With the Withholding Tax Table updates, less taxes are being withheld from paychecks in 2023, which may result in reduced refunds next year For those…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, government, on-the-move
SCRA announces new finance and administration director
June 8, 2023
The South Carolina Research Authority announced its new director of finance and administration, Laura Terry, who is responsible for leading the strategic direction of SCRA’s finance and administration function. She also serves…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, hi-tech-information-tech, on-the-move
Jon Robertson of Abacus Planning Group appointed as Trustee of Richland Library
June 5, 2023
Abacus Planning Group proudly announces the appointment of Jon Robertson, CFP® to the Richland Library Board of Trustees. Richland Library is a vibrant, contemporary organization that provides resources and information…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: banking-and-finance, education, financial-advisors, non-profit, on-the-move, the-arts
SCDOR to no longer issue debit cards for refunds after June 29
June 1, 2023
What you need to know: The SCDOR will no longer issue Individual Income Tax refunds as debit cards after June 29, 2023. Bank of America, the provider of the State’s…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: banking-and-finance, government, on-the-move
Investment Policy Guidelines: The Blueprint of your Portfolio
May 31, 2023
by Bailey O. Davis Investment Policy Guidelines (IPGs) are crucial for long-term financial success by creating a foundation of trust between you and your advisor. An IPG is an important…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: banking-and-finance, financial-advisors, on-the-move
Scurry Tharpe joins First Reliance Bank
May 31, 2023
First Reliance Bank announces that Scurry Tharpe has joined the company as Vice President, Relationship Banker and will work out of the Greenville office. He has over 12 years of…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
Charles Towne Holdings rebrands as CTH Advisors: Senior Investment Bankers & CEO Whisperers
May 24, 2023
In a strategic move aimed at redefining its identity and strengthening its market positioning, Charles Towne Holdings has recently announced a comprehensive rebranding initiative. The company will now operate under…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
Marci Williams joins First Reliance Bank
May 23, 2023
Marci Williams has joined First Reliance Bank as Vice President Account Executive / Residential Lending Specialist and will work out of the Charleston, SC, Mount Pleasant branch. She will assist…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
State Treasurer Curtis Loftis announces National 529 Day celebration with $529 college savings grants
May 18, 2023
State Treasurer Curtis Loftis today announced the return of the annual PalmettoBaby Grant Program in celebration of National 529 Day. “South Carolina’s Future Scholar 529 College Savings Plan is proud…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
How and when to amend your SC Individual Income Tax return
May 3, 2023
What you need to know: Generally, you should amend a return if an IRS audit changes your state return, or when there are changes to your income, deductions, credits, payments,…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: advice, banking-and-finance, government, on-the-move
South Carolina Federal announces 2023 Scholarship Winners
May 2, 2023
South Carolina Federal Credit Union announced the winners of its 2023 scholarship program. Nine outstanding students who are attending a technical or traditional college in South Carolina beginning fall…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
Putting Your Cash to Work
April 25, 2023
By Charles B. Flowers, CFA The creation of a cash management plan is the best way to optimize your cash. A successful cash management plan incorporates cash needs, time frames,…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: accounting, advice, banking-and-finance, financial-advisors, on-the-move
Southern First reports results for first quarter 2023
April 25, 2023
Southern First Bancshares, Inc., holding company for Southern First Bank, today announced its financial results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2023. “While the current interest rate environment continues…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
Sarah Baldwin promoted to SVP Retail Mortgage Sales
April 19, 2023
First Reliance Bank announces that Sarah Baldwin has been promoted to SVP Retail Mortgage Sales at FRB Mortgage, a division of First Reliance Bank. She is responsible for developing and…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
Rainwater named Chief Accounting Officer
April 13, 2023
First Reliance Bank announces that Keith Rainwater has been named Chief Accounting Officer. Rainwater, a Certified Public Accountant, brings more than 25 years of banking experience and an extensive accounting…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
Financial Literacy Month Tip: Automated Contributions Can Grow Your 529 Savings
April 10, 2023
It’s April! The flowers, the trees, the birds, even the seasonal allergies signal spring is here. It’s always refreshing – aside from the allergies – to welcome a new season…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
Wells Fargo Foundation awards $300,000 grant to Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation® To Support Heirs’ Property Initiative
April 7, 2023
The Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation® announced it has been awarded a $300,000 grant over two years from the Wells Fargo Foundation to support its educational outreach and legal assistance…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc Category: banking-and-finance, business-services, economic-development, non-profit, on-the-move
State Treasurer Curtis Loftis names Melissa Simmons as Deputy State Treasurer
April 5, 2023
South Carolina Treasurer Curtis Loftis has named Melissa D. Simmons, CPA, CFP, as the agency’s new Deputy State Treasurer after the recent retirement of Tonia Morris. Simmons will oversee the…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, government, on-the-move
SCRA announces new member companies and grant funding
April 4, 2023
Builder Rocket, CloseWise, and ElectroWire were accepted as South Carolina Research Authority Member Companies. Carolina Seed Systems, Pensievision, and Tandem Concepts received new grant funding. All SCRA Member Companies receive…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, entrepreneurship, on-the-move
