Blog | Southern Bancorp

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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Answering Questions About the New Student Loan Regulations

Dakota Felder — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 17:08:21 +0000

By Charlestien Harris, Retired Financial Coach at Southern Bancorp The fall semester is approaching quickly, and understanding the student loan landscape before enrolling could help you make important decisions about borrowing money for higher education. Student loans have long been one of several options for paying for college. However, with so many loan programs available, […]

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Vacation Strategies to Save Money This Summer

Dakota Felder — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 14:35:24 +0000

By Charlestien Harris, Retired Financial Coach at Southern Bancorp July is peak vacation season and a time when many families take their summer trips. Planning a vacation doesn’t have to be expensive if you take time to do your research. Here are some suggestions to help you keep a few extra dollars in your pocket […]

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Tips for Protecting Your Debit Card from Fraud

Dustin Jayroe — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 17:10:12 +0000

By Charlestien Harris, Retired Financial Coach at Southern Bancorp The days of using paper money and coins to pay for purchases are disappearing rapidly. Most consumers have transitioned to using debit cards as their preferred method of payment. Two of the most common reasons for this shift are convenience and the ability to avoid carrying […]

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Preparing Yourself to Become a Homeowner

Dakota Felder — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 14:33:47 +0000

By Charlestien Harris, Retired Financial Coach at Southern Bancorp June is celebrated as National Homeownership Month, and it is often said that owning a home is the ultimate American dream. However, there are essential components to consider when entering the homebuying process. For first-time homebuyers, the process can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation, […]

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