Blog | Southern Bancorp

Understanding How Gap Insurance Works

Dakota Felder — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 14:28:36 +0000

By Charlestien Harris, Retired Financial Counselor at Southern Bancorp You may be asking yourself: What exactly does gap insurance cover, and do I really need it? That’s a question I get from time to time, so I thought I would share some factual information and let you make your own decision. Gap insurance covers the […]

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Healthcare Budgeting: Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account

Dakota Felder — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 14:00:43 +0000

By Charlestien Harris, Retired Financial Coach at Southern Bancorp When you sign up for health insurance, your insurance provider or employer typically gives you information to review. However, you may not always understand everything you are reading, and the information can quickly become overwhelming, especially when you are faced with decisions that will directly affect your […]

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Are You Prepared for a Disaster?

Dustin Jayroe — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 13:43:11 +0000

By Charlestien Harris, Retired Financial Coach at Southern Bancorp September is National Preparedness Month. Consumer safety becomes especially important when severe weather threatens your area. It is essential to understand your local risks, build an emergency preparedness kit, and create a family communication plan so you are ready when disaster strikes. Disaster preparedness saves lives, […]

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The Difference Between Actual Cost vs Replacement Cost

Dustin Jayroe — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 13:01:11 +0000

By Charlestien Harris, Retired Financial Coach at Southern Bancorp September is National Insurance Month. Insurance plays a vital role in your financial well-being. Accidents happen and storms come, but one way to protect yourself from financial hardship is to have the proper insurance coverage. Insurance is a contract, represented by a policy, in which an […]

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Choosing the Right Meal Plan for College

Dakota Felder — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 14:23:22 +0000

By Charlestien Harris, Retired Financial Coach at Southern Bancorp Meal plans can be an expensive part of the college experience if you are not careful. Most schools offer several meal plan options, so it is important to compare them and choose the one that best fits your needs and eating habits. There are several factors […]

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Money-Saving Tips on Buying College Textbooks

Dakota Felder — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 14:13:40 +0000

By Charlestien Harris, Retired Financial Coach at Southern Bancorp Buying textbooks for a college student can be a major expense when preparing for the academic year. As a parent, you want your child to have everything they need without breaking the bank. As a student, you want access to all the required materials for your […]

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Tips for Purchasing a Car for College

Dakota Felder — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 21:39:35 +0000

By Charlestien Harris, Retired Financial Coach at Southern Bancorp Purchasing a car for a college student can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Across the United States, approximately 56 percent of undergraduate students have a vehicle while attending school. That percentage varies based on factors such as the college’s location, campus parking regulations, […]

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Should you Tap or Not When Making a Purchase?

Dakota Felder — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 14:08:50 +0000

By Charlestien Harris, Retired Financial Coach at Southern Bancorp I always say, “Technology is wonderful when it works. But when it doesn’t, it can be a nightmare.” Many of us enjoy the convenience of tapping our debit or credit card when paying for goods and services we purchase. If you haven’t guessed why I’m talking […]

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Six Financially Fit Tips for Back-to-School Shopping

Dustin Jayroe — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 13:11:02 +0000

By Charlestien Harris, Retired Financial Coach at Southern Bancorp Whether you have children or grandchildren, back-to-school supply lists need to be filled. Preparing to send students back to school can be stressful, especially if your finances are already stretched by the current economy. Have you thought about creating a back-to-school budget? Think about it – […]

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Factors to Consider When Buying a Laptop

Dakota Felder — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 14:19:59 +0000

By Charlestien Harris, Retired Financial Coach at Southern Bancorp Back-to-school shopping is just part of the return-to-school routine. Buying a laptop is not a simple decision, and it can sometimes be confusing. As a parent, you want to be sure you’re making an informed choice and purchasing the right laptop for the right purpose. Price […]

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