Life + Culture

Investing in Home

Expanding your Home with a little Help from a Friend Article by Michelle W. Parnell | Photography by Omega Garage Solutions For many homeowners, the garage serves as extra storage, even an afterthought when, in actuality, it is one of the first spaces of the home that families enter at the beginning and end of each day. The garage entrance also often serves as the main point of entry to a home for visiting family and friends. With that in mind, remodeling a garage is more than just an...

March 2024

Finance + Legal Services

It is Never Too Late

Financial Education, an Investment in your Family's Future Article by Michelle W. Parnell | Photography by Dawning Memories Bengt Johnson’s passion for financial literacy began as a young man growing up in Annapolis, Maryland. The son of a Naval Academy professor, he learned early in life about making and managing money through books. “I remember getting a book called  Good Cents: Every Kid's Guide to Making Money ,” shared Johnson. “It was written for kids and had about 100 different ideas...

March 2024

Arts + Culture

Advice from a Local Expert

Preparing for our Golden Years with a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage Article by Rebecca Porter Q: What is a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM)? A: A HECM loan allows homeowners who are 62 years of age or older to borrow money by tapping into the equity that exists in their home. Q: Are there restrictions that dictate how a HECM borrower can use their loan proceeds? A: The proceeds are not only non-taxable but can be used for any purpose, such as supplemental retirement income, funding...

March 2024

Finance + Legal Services

Have a Dream?

4 Reasons to Invest in Small Business Article by Courtney Evans Embarking on a small business can be an exhilarating and potentially rewarding endeavor. Ensuring the stability of your business hinges on making intelligent financial decisions upfront, preventing potential challenges and steering clear of unforeseen debt. When discussing investments and finances, opening a business may not immediately come to mind. However, could it be a smart financial investment? Here are 4 reasons why you...

March 2024