Led by Jennifer Mangum, Mangum Benefits isn’t just any insurance broker, as the work put forth is one of the best in the market today. Mangum Benefits recognizes that your insurance needs are very important– they put much care and effort into assisting with your needs.

Are you interested in guaranteed protection, income replacement, tax-free benefit, guaranteed cash value growth, dividend potential or optional riders? Then you might find their Life Insurance policy extremely useful.

Unfortunately, life is unpredictable. Disaster can strike at any moment and Jennifer Mangum will be there at every step of the way. Discover peace of mind and protection for you and your loved ones with life insurance. Our commitment lies in providing you with a comprehensive and customizable range of life insurance options that cater to your unique needs and circumstances. Whether you’re seeking financial security for your family’s future, planning for estate preservation, or aiming to leave a meaningful legacy, Mangum Benefits has you covered. With a track record of reliability and a team of dedicated experts, we ensure that you make informed decisions to safeguard what matters most.

Are you interested in regular payments, tax difference, fixed annuities, saving money, death benefits, or retirement planning? Then their annuity options are your final destination.

Elevate your financial strategy with annuities and unlock a future of stability and growth. Our range of annuity options offers a reliable path towards building and preserving your wealth, ensuring a steady stream of income during your retirement years. Jennifer Mangum, who is the broker, understand that everyone’s financial journey is unique, which is why our expert advisors work closely with you to tailor an annuity solution that aligns with your specific goals and aspirations. Whether you’re seeking guaranteed income, tax advantages, or a combination of both, our annuity products are designed to offer flexibility and peace of mind. 

Are you interested in high quality disability insurance? Mangum Benefits is your answer! Safeguard your greatest asset, which is your ability to earn a living with disability insurance. Life is full of uncertainties, and in the face of unexpected illness or injury, protecting your financial stability becomes paramount. Our disability insurance plans are meticulously crafted to provide a reliable source of income if you’re unable to work due to medical reasons. Working with Jennifer Mangum of Mangum Benefits, you can take control of your future by ensuring that you and your loved ones are shielded from the potential financial hardships that can arise from disability. 

Visit Mangum Benefits today! Click this link to be redirected to their website.

Amanda M. Lloyd 

Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer 

ALloyd@NorthStateBank.com 

919.855.9925 

RALEIGH, N.C. . . . North State Bank (the “Bank”) named Brittany Moore a commercial loan portfolio manager for the Bank’s Downtown Raleigh office, announced Amanda Lloyd, North State Bank executive vice president and chief people officer. Moore will help businesses access the funding they need to start or grow their company. 

“Brittany is a welcomed addition to our Downtown Raleigh team,” shared Lloyd. “With a combination of underwriting and lending experience, she has a holistic understanding of the lending process, which is a plus for customers and her teammates.” 

A native of Oxford, North Carolina, Moore began her banking career over a decade ago with Union Bank & Trust (now First National Bank), and in the course of her time there, advanced to the position of portfolio manager. She most recently served as a portfolio underwriter at M&F Bank. She earned a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in finance from East Carolina University as well as a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University. 

“Behind every business, there’s a story,” shared Moore. “Those stories fuel my passion for banking.” 

Founded in 2000, North State Bank is an independent, full-service community bank serving Wake and New Hanover counties through seven offices and serves the community management association industry through its division, CommunityPLUS. 

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NorthStateBank.com 

This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Actual results might differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements for various reasons, including our ability to manage growth, changes in real estate values and the real estate market, regulatory changes and increased deposit insurance assessments, economic conditions, changes in interest rates, substantial chan 

Understanding Insurance:

Insurance is the bedrock of financial security, serving as a safety net against unforeseen events that can potentially devastate lives and businesses. Individuals can purchase various types of insurance policies, such as auto insurance, life insurance, health insurance, home insurance, and more, to protect themselves and their loved ones from financial hardship in times of crisis. Businesses, on the other hand, can opt for commercial insurance, covering assets, liabilities, and even key personnel to mitigate potential risks.

Insurance companies act as financial intermediaries, pooling premiums from policyholders to create a risk pool that can compensate those who suffer losses. By spreading the risk across a large number of policyholders, insurance companies provide a sense of security that allows people to pursue their aspirations with greater confidence.

The Role of Tax Planning:

Tax planning is an indispensable aspect of financial management for individuals and businesses alike. It involves optimizing financial decisions to minimize tax liabilities while remaining compliant with tax laws and regulations. Skilled tax planning helps individuals retain more of their hard-earned money, invest strategically, and plan for retirement efficiently.

For businesses, tax planning ensures that they can maximize profits, reinvest in growth, and remain competitive in their industries. This may involve utilizing various tax incentives, deductions, and credits that governments provide to foster economic growth and incentivize certain behaviors.

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Synergy between Insurance and Tax Planning:

The insurance and tax planning industries are intricately linked, and their collaboration can significantly benefit clients. For example, certain insurance products, like retirement annuities and life insurance policies, offer tax advantages, making them attractive tools for tax planning. Additionally, insurance solutions, such as long-term care insurance, can help individuals plan for potential healthcare costs and minimize the financial burden on their families in later years.

Businesses can also benefit from incorporating insurance and tax planning strategies. Key person insurance, for instance, can protect a company from financial losses resulting from the death of a vital employee while also offering potential tax advantages. Additionally, tax planning can help businesses make informed decisions regarding employee benefits, compensation structures, and investments to maximize tax efficiency.

The Role of Insurance and Tax Professionals:

Navigating the complexities of insurance policies and tax regulations can be challenging for individuals and businesses alike. That’s where insurance agents, brokers, and tax professionals come into play. These experts possess in-depth knowledge of the industry, keeping themselves updated with the latest trends and changes in regulations. They offer personalized advice, tailoring insurance and tax planning strategies to suit individual needs and business goals.

The insurance and tax planning industry is an essential pillar of financial stability and growth, providing individuals and businesses with the tools and knowledge to secure their futures. Through a seamless integration of insurance products and tax planning strategies, this industry empowers clients to protect their assets, optimize their financial decisions, and build a robust foundation for achieving their aspirations. As the world continues to evolve, the insurance and tax planning industry will remain a steadfast partner, safeguarding prosperity and fostering economic well-being.

NEWS RELEASE April 19, 2023

For more information, contact:

Heather Sirgany

Senior Vice President | Chief Mortgage Sales Officer

HSirgany@NorthStateBank.com

919.645.3199

RALEIGH, N.C. . . . North State Bank welcomes Alexandria A. Tindall as a community mortgage loan officer, announced Heather Sirgany, senior vice president and chief mortgage sales officer. Tindall will help customers access the tools, resources and loans they need to become homeowners. “For most people, buying a home is not a frequent occurrence, making the process unfamiliar and intimidating,” said Sirgany. “Alexandria’s expertise and approach helps borrowers bridge knowledge gaps, empowering them to confidently navigate the mortgage process.”

Originally from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Tindall began her banking career as a personal banker at Wells Fargo. She went on to join Fifth Third Bank, initially as a personal banker, and then transitioning into mortgage lending. In that role, she focused on working with borrowers interested in improving their financial literacy and understanding of down payment assistance programs. She is pursuing a degree from N.C. State University in communications with a concentration in public relations. Tindall is a member of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB).

“There’s a well-known quote, ‘When you know better, you do better,’” shared Tindall. “My years in banking have shown me the truth in that statement. Once borrowers understand what the mortgage loan process includes and the key factors that impact their ability to become successful homeowners, they can adjust their financial habits to better meet their goals. With climbing housing prices, it’s even more critical for hopeful homebuyers to understand the process and available programs.”

Founded in 2000, North State Bank is an independent, full-service community bank serving Wake and New Hanover counties through seven offices and serves the community management association industry through its division, CommunityPLUS. North State Bank has held a “Preferred Lender” designation from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Preferred Lenders Program since 2017.

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NorthStateBank.com

This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Actual results might differ materially from those projected in the forward looking statements for various reasons, including our ability to manage growth, changes in real estate values and the real estate market, regulatory changes and increased deposit insurance assessments, economic conditions, changes in interest rates, substantial changes in financial markets, loss of deposits and loan demand to other savings and financial institutions and our limited operating history.

We all have our own ways of grocery shopping but ever since the pandemic hit, our lives, our ways of shopping, especially grocery shopping, have changed. Previously, grocery shopping over the weekends would mean a small family outing which probably ended with ice cream or chocolate shake, but now people in most families prefer to leave their children at home to limit their exposure to unwanted germs. People mostly opt for online grocery delivery which seems to be more convenient and time saving.

You may or may not like grocery shopping, but here are a few survival tips which can help you to shop with ease.

1. Planning

Nobody has the time to shop for hours at a grocery store. Make a list of the items you need to purchase. Keep a notebook in one of the kitchen drawers and every time you realize you need an item, write it down. Okay, you find writing it down is old school, never mind. Use your phone to make your list. There are lots of apps which make it super simple as long as you know how to find that list. Many people still find writing it down to be more useful. This of course, is your choice.

2. Avoid buying in bulk

Unless you have a big family or you are running a community kitchen, try not to make bulk purchases. There could be some items in your grocery cart which you might get bored of eating after a day or two, or perhaps a week. If you buy in small quantities, and you like any dish or item, chances are greater you will head back to the store to buy it again.

3. Coupons

Coupons are a great way to get discounts on the items in your cart. Look for a weekly deal or any deal of the day to save on items. You may not get big discounts, but coupons will still be useful to trim down the final bill.

4.Meal planning

This helps a lot when you buy your vegetables or meat. A meal planner gives you a better idea to buy the required ingredients for the daily lunch and dinner menu. That way you know exactly what to buy and it stops you from buying unnecessary items.

5. Eat

Exactly! If possible, eat your meal before you go grocery shopping. Walking through the store makes you feel hungry, and you may end up buying too many snacks. A full tummy will be less tempting to buy those snacks and occupy your pantry space. Instead, buy a banana or a fruit bar which will be pocket friendly and satiate your hunger.

Grocery shopping will be less time-consuming and more efficient if you can use these tips.

Happy shopping folks!

To understand NFTs, it is important to understand the system they exist in. NFTs are part of a blockchain, which is a large, decentralized set of highly protected data. These blockchains protect data and make it available to only those authorized to view it.[1]

Blockchains can be used for many different purposes, but the two most well-known applications are cryptocurrency and NFTs. A cryptocurrency is essentially a digital currency protected by the blockchain and not created by a central authority.[2] This makes the cryptocurrency extremely difficult to counterfeit, as well as relatively free of governmental influence.

Likewise, an NFT is a piece of digital content which has been embedded in the blockchain for Ethereum, a cryptocurrency. Being embedded in the blockchain makes NFTs, be they pieces of art, documents, or any other information, completely unique and identifiable. This makes the owner of the NFT verifiable, making the actual ‘ownership’ of digital content possible [3]. Many, such as Mitchell Clark from The Verge, liken it to owning the original of a famous painting. Despite the numerous copies available of almost any famous painting ever created, there will always only be the one original. NFTs work on the same concept of ownership. Anyone can download the image of an NFT, but it still won’t be the NFT, as the copy lacks the verification from the blockchain.

So, now that we know a little bit more about NFTs, one may ask what the implications are for such items? It seems that much of the focus on NFTs is around the sale of digital art. As mentioned above, the draw of some to NFTs is the ability to be a verified owner of a digital piece of content. This has seen digital artwork explode in price, with some NFT art pieces going for well over $50 million. This, though, carries many of the hallmarks of an economic and cultural bubble, such as the rapidly inflating price of many NFTs, and a staggering number of scams being conducted.

However, NFTs are not just art and inflated prices. As stated before, any form of digital content can be an NFT, and having the ability to verify the authenticity and ownership of a document digitally, without the need of paper copies, authentication numbers and the like. These types of NFTs could work to counteract the counterfeiting or forging of documents such as contracts or deeds to property. 

In the end, we will just have to wait and see if these more useful forms of NFTs manage to gain a larger foothold in everyday life, or if their poor reputation and nebulous existence proves too much to overcome.

[1] https://www.ibm.com/topics/what-is-blockchain

[2] https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/cryptocurrency.asp

[3] https://www.theverge.com/22310188/nft-explainer-what-is-blockchain-crypto-art-faq

So let’s look at cryptocurrency, what it is and how it works. This may help you know everything you need to know and then invest, if you are up to it.

Keep in mind that cryptocurrencies are based on a significant real investment opportunity. Please make sure to not invest in any platform before understanding it enough.

So, keep reading to understand a little bit more on cryptocurrency.

Now let’s dive into it.

What is cryptocurrency?

A cryptocurrency is a payment form with an online exchange for goods and services. Many online companies have issues with their currencies, so they prefer tokens. These tokens trade for the goods or services that the company also provides, and you can exchange real money for cryptocurrency to get goods and services.

The working of cryptocurrency is as the blockchain, which is a technology that is spread across many computers to manage transactions. However, the primary purpose of cryptocurrency is to fix your traditional currency issues so that you have the power and responsibility in your hand. Keep in mind that all the cryptocurrencies of blockchain have properties and functionalities.

How many cryptocurrencies are there?

Now there are many cryptocurrencies in blockchain that have public trade, and you can research the market and find them. Determine which currencies continue to increase and have different values. Bitcoin is one of the famous digital cryptocurrencies. There are also others such as Ethereum, Litecoin, Binance Coin, and Polkadot, to name a few, which are on the rise. So you can choose any currency according to your research and investment knowledge.

How does cryptocurrency work?

The primary idea of cryptocurrency is to operate on software networks with myriad computers. These systems run separate copies of the same program.

All the computer systems link, but no one controls the network. The bitcoin parlance decentralized the network. The cryptocurrency computers have two functions in which one works for the transactions, and the other is to maintain the database. So both have different marketing and database blocks. Now it is famous as a blockchain.

Who controls the computers?

One of the biggest things that we need to understand is who controls the computers behind blockchain or cryptocurrencies?

These computers have open-source programs, of which the database records the transactions and is called a ledger. Nobody at the network is counterfeiting the currency and double-spending the same bitcoins. Moreover, the complete transaction history is at every computer in the network. Keep in mind that transactions are permanent.

The people are running the programs that have incentives. It has direct competition with monetary rewards, so it is a race against each other to batch together for the block of transactions.

However, keep in mind that the reward of every block is not the same. The bitcoins are the miners with nicknames as they are mining the gold. The miner competition does two things: it provides an incentive for maintaining the network, and the second is a mechanism to create new bitcoins.

Make sure to do your research on cryptocurrency to learn how to invest and potentially make profits. 

RALEIGH, N.C. . . . As 2021 came to a close, North State Bank broke ground for a new office building to serve West Raleigh announced President and CEO Larry D. Barbour. The building, now under construction, is located at 2413 Blue Ridge Road, the site of the Bank’s current office which opened in 2004. Barbour said, “With the growth of Raleigh and the support and vision of the Blue Ridge Corridor Alliance, this area has experienced a great deal of change and expansion. Plans call for continued development and North State Bank will be part of the area’s success. Under the leadership of West Raleigh Market President Casey Atwater and with a stellar team of experienced bankers, the new building will enhance our presence as a thriving relationship banking center for businesses and individuals.” Vendor/partners for the project include New City Design (architect), JAECO (consulting engineer), J.D. Beam (contractor), Scalene Design (structural engineer), Bristow Landscaping (landscape design & implementation), Gallivan Site Contractor (excavating & grading), and WACO (plumbing & electrical).

During construction, with completion anticipated in Fall 2023, customers will be served from a mobile office located at the property and are able to use any other North State banking office. Founded in 2000, North State Bank is an independent, full-service community bank serving Wake and New Hanover counties through seven offices and through areas focused on government lending, including SBA; leasing; and mortgage, and serves the community management association industry through CommunityPLUS.

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NorthStateBank.com This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Actual results might differ materially from those projected in the forwardlooking statements for various reasons, including our ability to manage growth, changes in real estate values and the real estate market, regulatory changes and increased deposit insurance assessments, economic conditions, changes in interest rates, substantial changes in financial markets, loss of deposits and loan demand to other savings and financial institutions and our limited operating history.

Evaluating your business helps you predict how it will perform in the future.

Revisiting a business plan at the right time and adjusting the strategy can save or destroy a business.

Here are 5 ways to evaluate your business and your future:

1: Revisit Your Goals

As an entrepreneur, you’re trying to achieve your goals and a good strategy is what will get you there. So if your goals change, then change the path to get you there. When you achieve your goals, you’ll probably establish new ones. As a result, you need to change resource allocation to keep moving forward.

Sometimes goals change to accommodate market changes, the competitive landscape, or changing customer needs. Hence, it’s important to reflect on the strategy as these changes happen.

2: Analyze Customer Needs

The main goal of every business is to serve customers’ needs in a more profitable way than its competitors. But customer needs evolve. So in order to become a successful entrepreneur, you need to be able to think strategically and continually generate new insights into the emerging needs of your audience. You should be able to shape your current or future products to best meet the evolving needs.

3: Review Innovation Changes Regularly

Innovation is creating new value for customers. The new value could be technological, but it can also be generated in marketing, service, experience or process. It could be earth-shattering or it could be minor.

To keep your business moving forward, pay attention to your customers, market, and competitors to know when the new value or innovation is being offered and by whom. Then, assess your goals and strategies to know if you can change them to accommodate the new value in the market.

4: Review Your Business Efficiency

Most new businesses work in a short-term and reactive manner. This offers flexibility, but it’s time-consuming and expensive as you move from launching your business to concentrating on developing and growing it.

Balance your ability to respond quickly with a clear strategy. This will help you decide if your actions are appropriate.

As you try to move your business forward, determine if there are internal factors holding it back and solve them.

5: Assess Your Financial Position

Many businesses fail because of poor financial management or poor planning. Sometimes entrepreneurs forget their business plan.

For your business’s success, develop and implement sound financial and management systems. Updating the original business plan is a good place to begin. When assessing your finances, consider your cash flow, working capital, cost base, borrowing, and growth.

Every successful business owner has made mistakes in their business at some time or another. It’s all part of the learning process. Although mistakes are going to happen, you can avoid a number of common business mistakes. Download my free checklist, The 10 Most Common Business Mistakes at https://jonallo.com/mistakes

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Jon_Allo/1079948

“How can I save money on my wedding venue?’

“Why is this so expensive?”

“HOW MUCH do I have to pay for alcohol?!”

There are a million other questions you’re hit with during the process of wedding planning but I’m here to let you in on a little secret – you’re not alone! Every bride has some sort of question or dilemma when they are planning their wedding! In fact, some of them go through the entire wedding planning process and miss ways they can save a TON of money. But, that won’t be you, so let’s jump into my tips on how you can book a budget-friendly wedding and still look like a million bucks walking down the aisle!

Alcohol

Do you want an open bar? Do you want to have a per-person drink limit? Will your guests have to pay for their own alcohol? When you’re negotiating the inevitable alcohol pricing, try to find a venue that will allow you to bring your own alcohol. If you can purchase booze over the time of your engagement (i.e. buying a bottle a week / month), you can save yourself a ton of money by controlling your costs and how much your guests drink. I have been to weddings where the bride and groom purchased enough alcohol to have an open bar! When the wedding was over, they were able to return the unopened bottles and get a refund. You’ll need to check with your state to see what restrictions there may be. You can click this link to view some major retailer regulations along with an overview of each state.

Friday Wedding, Anyone?

Another great way to save a pile of cash is to choose a non-traditional day or month to get married at your venue. Find out the “off season” times at your venue and pick a day of the week, like Friday, to say your vows. Another option is to have an earlier wedding, a bride I know had a brunch wedding on a Saturday morning which saved her over $1,000!

If you do decide to plan your wedding on a non-traditional day/month, don’t be afraid to ask or extras! A lot of the time, venues are eager to add in some value add-ons that you won’t have to pay for! One bride I worked with was able to get a beautiful ceiling package at no additional cost to her, which she was ecstatic about. You never know what you can receive from your venue! When they do go above and beyond, a great way to say thank you is by reviewing and referring friends to their venue as well.

I hope these tips help you manage your budget a little better so that you can have the wedding you’ve always wanted without going broke! Don’t be afraid to ask for other things, the worst they can say is no! This is your day and you should never walk away from a meeting feeling like you aren’t getting the most out of what you’re paying for.

Until next time!

Jen

Owner, Weddings Made to Order
weddingsmto.com