Provident Business Financial Services named top SBA 504 Lender by the Small Business Administration (SBA) for the seventh consecutive year

  April 11, 2024

Provident Business Financial Services, Inc. (Provident), a statewide Certified Development Company and SBA commercial real estate lender, has been named #1 SBA 504 Lender in South Carolina by the U.S.…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc   Category: accounting, banking-and-finance, business-services, commercial-real-estate, construction, economic-development, financial-advisors, on-the-move

Abacus Planning Group welcomes Lucy James to its Client Service Team

  January 29, 2024

Abacus Planning Group welcomes Lucy James to its team as a Client Service Administrator. As a Client Service Administrator, Mrs. James supports the firm’s clients in performing back-office operations. She…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc   Category: banking-and-finance, financial-advisors, on-the-move

Abacus Planning Group welcomes Allison Jones to its Client Service Team

  January 19, 2024

Abacus Planning Group welcomes Allison Jones to its team as a Client Service Administrator. Allison previously worked in the banking and property management industries and is now responsible for back-office…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc   Category: banking-and-finance, financial-advisors, on-the-move

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…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz   Category: advice, banking-and-finance, financial-advisors, 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,…

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Posted 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…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc   Category: banking-and-finance, financial-advisors, on-the-move, veterans

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…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz   Category: advice, banking-and-finance, business-services, financial-advisors, 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…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz   Category: banking-and-finance, financial-advisors, insurance, marketing-and-communications, 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…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz   Category: banking-and-finance, education, financial-advisors, 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…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz   Category: advice, banking-and-finance, financial-advisors, 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…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz   Category: banking-and-finance, education, financial-advisors, non-profit, on-the-move, the-arts

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…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz   Category: banking-and-finance, financial-advisors, 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,…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz   Category: accounting, advice, banking-and-finance, financial-advisors, on-the-move

The Role of Trustee in Family Governance

  April 2, 2023

By Jonathan J. Robertson, CFP® One of the most important decisions when you create an estate plan is selecting a trustee to manage your assets. You have many options when…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc   Category: advice, banking-and-finance, financial-advisors, on-the-move

A Guide to Bunching Charitable Contributions

  February 27, 2023

by Stephen E. Maggard, CFP® Giving generously to charity is often a topic near and dear to our clients’ hearts; close behind on the priority list is limiting the amount…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz   Category: accounting, advice, banking-and-finance, financial-advisors, non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy

Where Do You Want To Be Five Years From Today?

  January 30, 2023

by Ann J. Beckwith, CFP® In goal setting, it’s important to step back and look at where we wish to be and how we spend our time today in the…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz   Category: accounting, banking-and-finance, financial-advisors, on-the-move

Saving for the Future: 529 Plans

  September 1, 2022

By Laird W. Green, CFP® Opening a 529 plan is a fantastic way to save for education from public or private colleges and graduate schools (as well as private elementary…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc   Category: advice, banking-and-finance, education, financial-advisors, on-the-move

The Tale of Two Savers

  July 13, 2022

Albert Einstein is reputed to have said, “Compound interest is the eighth Wonder of the World. He who understands it earns it; he who doesn’t, pays for it.” What is…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc   Category: advice, financial-advisors

Financial Advisor

  May 31, 2022

20 years strong and still growing, there has never been a better time to become a part of the progression at Commonwealth. At Commonwealth the value we provide our clients…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc   Category: financial-advisors

Utilizing the 0% Tax Rate on Long-Term Capital Gains

  May 1, 2022

By Carolyn Stewart Even if the holidays have passed, it’s never too early or too late to start thinking about what gifts you can give to your loved ones. While…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz   Category: accounting, advice, banking-and-finance, financial-advisors, on-the-move

Charitable Gifting with Appreciated Securities

  March 31, 2022

By Anne Marie E. Ashworth, CFP® A charitable gift can be in the form of time, money, or in-kind donation. Whichever the case, the goal is to have the most…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc   Category: accounting, advice, banking-and-finance, financial-advisors, on-the-move, philanthropy

Does Medicare cover Home Health Care? The answer is “it depends.”

  February 28, 2022

By Molly Thomas, FPQP® The answer to this question is truly “it depends.” Medicare draws a line in the important distinction between medically necessary home health care and personal care…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz   Category: advice, banking-and-finance, financial-advisors, health-care, insurance, on-the-move

Upcoming Origin SC’s workshops in February 2022

  February 2, 2022

FREE Workshops focusing on Homeownership, Credit, and Budgeting Origin SC will host free financial education & homeownership workshops in February and is offering a brand new open forum series of…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc   Category: financial-advisors, non-profit, on-the-move

Fighting for the Truth: Investor Misinformation

  January 29, 2022

By Stephen J. Scott, CFP® Within the past decade, the term “fake news” has entered into our lexicon. While most people associate the term with politics, the idea of misleading…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz   Category: accounting, banking-and-finance, financial-advisors, on-the-move

Northwestern Mutual expands east coast footprint

  November 17, 2021

Zach Walker, a financial advisor for Northwestern Mutual, has relocated from Colorado Springs, CO to Myrtle Beach, SC to serve the Grand Strand of South Carolina. Northwestern Mutual, a leading…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc   Category: financial-advisors, on-the-move

Choosing a Guardian for Your Minor Child

  October 29, 2021

By Laird W. Green, CFP® While no one wants to think about the possibility of not being there to raise a child, naming a guardian for your child is of…

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Discussing a prenuptial agreement with your adult children

  September 30, 2021

By Edward W. Kramer, CFP®, EA Should you require your children to have a prenuptial agreement? This question can be very important if you have a family business, financial wealth,…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz   Category: advice, banking-and-finance, financial-advisors, on-the-move

Aligning Your Values with Your Investments

  August 30, 2021

by Bailey O. Davis There are so many ways to help people, organizations, and causes that are special to you. You may donate your time by volunteering in your community.…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz   Category: banking-and-finance, environmental, financial-advisors, on-the-move

FPA of South Carolina collaborating with North Carolina chapters to host annual symposium

  August 19, 2021

In an effort to bring high-quality educational content to more financial planners, the Financial Planning Association (FPA) of South Carolina announced today they plan to collaborate with the Financial Planning…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc   Category: accounting, banking-and-finance, education, entrepreneurship, financial-advisors, insurance, on-the-move, philanthropy

Northwestern Mutual receives Top Workplaces award in South Carolina

  August 11, 2021

Northwestern Mutual, a leading financial security company, recently received recognition as one of the Top Workplaces in South Carolina for the fourth consecutive year. Northwestern Mutual’s South Carolina offices were…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc   Category: financial-advisors, on-the-move

How Hard is Your Cash Working?

  July 27, 2021

Managing cash in a low interest rate environment by Stephen E. Maggard With current treasury yields hovering slightly above zero, individuals are experiencing angst over the lack of returns from…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz   Category: advice, banking-and-finance, financial-advisors, on-the-move

Protecting Your Children’s Credit

  June 16, 2021

By Brittany M. Midgette As you sort through your mail, you may notice that some mail has arrived that is addressed to your child. For example, your ten-year-old child may…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz   Category: advice, banking-and-finance, financial-advisors, on-the-move

Understanding Your Portfolio and Fees

  May 29, 2021

By Charles B. Flowers, CFA At the end of every month, quarter, and year, the investment world tallies returns and produces reports. Frequently the results are delivered in chart-filled reports…

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Charles Towne Holdings launches new advisory division

  May 19, 2021

Charles Towne Holdings has launched a new division to service middle market companies that require solutions to complex business problems. Charles Towne Advisory Services is a team of former CEOs…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc   Category: financial-advisors, on-the-move

FPA of South Carolina to offer scholarships to South Carolina-based high school students for the summer 2021 Financial Planning Academy

  May 6, 2021

In an effort to introduce high school students to the financial planning profession, the Financial Planning Association (FPA) of South Carolina announced today they plan to offer a limited number…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz   Category: banking-and-finance, education, financial-advisors, non-profit, on-the-move

Order of Contributions

  April 30, 2021

By Corinne Hanna, CFP® Whether you are an employee deciding about your annual benefits at election time or an employer deciding which benefits to offer, make your workplace benefits work…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz   Category: accounting, advice, banking-and-finance, financial-advisors, on-the-move

How to Think About Insuring that Second Home

  March 30, 2021

By Molly A. Thomas, FPQP™ Many people dream of a second home—a place to go for some rest and relaxation, a place to call your own, a place for family…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz   Category: advice, banking-and-finance, financial-advisors, insurance, on-the-move, residential-real-estate