David Slade

Like taxes, death and recessions are a certainty, and that's reason enough to prepare for those eventualities. Getting life insurance and drawing up a will won't prevent death, but will help the living. Building savings won't prevent a recession, but will help weather one.

The number of electric vehicles registered in SC has more than doubling every two years. That puts SC ahead of 20 other states, in terms of EV registrations.

In South Carolina and six other states hit by Hurricane Helene, the federal government has approved tax-relief measures, low-interest loans with no payments for a year, and financial aid that's tax-free and doesn't have to be repaid.

Some of the largest hotel chains have been offering free night awards as an incentive to sign up for their co-branded credit cards. Financial columnist David Slade concluded they aren't always the best deal.

Traffic is bad, Johns Island's population is growing, and Charleston County wants to fund a road across the sea island with a $5.4 billion sales tax referendum.

The troubled Charleston County housing authority is selling off 30 houses to pay its bills, but could face claims for failing to complete a $6.5 million deal.

Charleston County voted Nov. 5 on a sales tax referendum meant to fund I-526 Mark Clark Extension, connecting West Ashley to Johns Island and James Island.

Baby Boomers, 60 to 78 years old, are swelling the ranks of retirees and many are moving to South Carolina. At least one county will have 65+ majority by 2040.

On Election Day, voters in Charleston County defeated a sale tax plan that would have funded an extension of Interstate 526, but supporters insist the road plan is popular.

Insulation, duct-sealing and air-gap sealing can slash electric bills, and now homeowners who are Dominion Energy SC customers can get up to $3,200 of those money-saving improvements at no cost.