They're all around us. We don't think much about them day to day. But, when we need them, they are there. Sometimes they're on duty and dispatched to provide aid. At other times, like so many of us, they have a day off and are enjoying an outing with family and friends. Yet, even when off-duty, they're ready and willing to spring into action if their skills are needed. This was the case with two firefighters out for a day of racing fun at the Daytona 500 on February 23. Neither could have anticipated that just a few hours after arriving at the track, he would be in the middle of a horrifying event. That Saturday, a race car traveling 175 miles per hour crashed against a protective fence in front of the stands, sparking an explosion of car motor parts, wheels and fire raining down on spectators. More than ...

Gen Y. The Millennial Generation. Echo Boomers. If you were born between 1980 and 2000, you're one of them.

Each of you is a unique individual, but your generation has one big thing in common. You see things differently than any other generation before you.

Yours is truly a generation that is changing the way the world functions. From banking to the 2013 Oscars, you're making your mark and blazing new trails.

We want you to know that First Reliance Bank is listening to what you have to say.

We understand that you grew up with sophisticated communication, media and digital technologies. They're just part of your daily life, as is social media.

We've learned that you're comfortable with credit. You're aware that how you manage your money is crucial to reaching your life goals.

You've told us that you want more from your bank. You want to be heard ...

It's tax time again. For many of us, that means a tax refund. What do you do with your tax refund each year?

Frankly, a lot of us go right out and spend it. It's gone almost as soon as it comes in.

There is a better way. Why not take this year's refund and put it to work for you?

Consider using your tax fund to make an investment in your future.

Whether you're just starting out or finishing up your career, you've probably been following all the public discussions about Americans and retirement. If you haven't begun to invest enough to have a secure retirement, it's time to consider an IRA (Individual Retirement Account).

It's simple to set up a regular IRA with your tax refund. Open a savings account or arrange to invest in a certificate of deposit (CD) that you will designate as an IRA. ...

Thank you for your generosity!

From early December 2012 through January 21, 2013, First Reliance Bank hosted a campaign to help feed the hungry in the communities we serve.

We asked you to help by coming by our branch locations and dropping off nonperishable food items or purchasing a “Feeding Neighbors In Need” paper plate for $1. We also told you that if you were to “Like” First Reliance Bank on our Facebook page, we would promise to donate $1 on your behalf.

The results are in!

Together, we raised $1,337 in cash donations. Since every dollar funds 5 meals, that means 6,685 meals! In addition, over 140 pounds of non-perishable food was dropped off!

Looking for an affordable and unique way to entertain family and guests on your child's birthday? Thought about holding a theme party, but felt it would bust your budget?

With a little creativity and tips from First Reliance Bank associate Rick Reynolds' wife, Kim, you can stage an affordable theme birthday party and make memories that will last a lifetime.

This year, this full-time teacher and creative Mom came up with another engaging idea: a Western theme birthday party. For ...

Running a successful business can be challenging. Today's customers have so many sources for meeting their needs that it's not only tough to attract them, it's hard work to keep them.

Retail options are everywhere from small shops and boutiques to big box stores, to online shopping malls. When a doctor or dentist is needed, it seems like the options are endless. Does your pet need a vet? No problem – there are plenty to choose from.

So how do you keep your customers coming back to your business?

Survey after survey shows that customers value convenience. They're busy. They want to be able to get what they need fast — and move on to the next errand on their list.

A lot of business people focus on customer service. But, they don't give as much thought to the final step in a customer interaction — collecting the payment. The ...

As part of our drive to provide 500 meals to those in communities served by our bank and its branches, we're hosting lunchtime events at the Palmetto Branch and the 2nd Loop Branch on Friday, January 18.

Won't you join us for lunch and make a donation to help feed neighbors in need?

We'll be serving a delicious soup and hearty chili, accompanied by some scrumptious cornbread.

Stop in either branch through January 17 and make a donation of $4 per person and you'll receive a ticket for lunch on the 18th. You can also get a ticket on the day of the event, but then we'll be asking you to donate $5 per person.

Every $1 you donate will fund five meals for those in need.

Please mark your calendar:

• Friday, January 18th
• 11a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Palmetto Branch and the 2nd Loop Branch

If you want ...

Happy New Year! We want to wish you a year filled with good health, happiness and prosperity.

Prosperity? Yes. It's a goal that's within the grasp of all of us, no matter our income level. But to reach prosperity, we need to do some honest analysis of our spending, set goals and put our money to work for us. After all, we work for our money, so why shouldn't it work for us?

Right now some of us are feeling the aftershock of the holidays. It's not hard to be surprised when you count up the dollars you've spent on gifts, decorations, parties and other holiday treats.

That's why so many Americans spend January and February with a case of the post-holiday financial blues. It can take a long time to get back to financial health — especially if a lot of the holidays were funded with your credit card. ...