Our financial lives can get complicated quickly. It’s easy to lose track of spending and savings. But if you take the time to nurture good financial habits and follow the FDIC website suggestions from their award-winning Money Smart program, these and other important aspects of your financial health will be “built-in.”

Here are the 5 good money habits everyone should work to develop:

1. Keeping a Budget. Making even a simple budget doesn’t have to be difficult when you have access to past bank statements as a guide.  Monthly expenses are easy but don’t forget those surprise, once-a-year expenses like insurance payments that draft annually or every six months.  You’ll find a budget is one of the most effective money management tools, and it’s free!
2. Automate Savings.  You’re more likely to do something if it’s easy.  That’s just human nature. So automate your savings. First, if your employer offers a ...

First Reliance Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Michael Edens to Market President of Columbia; the relocation of Brent Mackie, Regional Executive, to the Lexington market; and the hiring of Casey Goodrich as Senior Vice President, Relationship Banker for the Columbia market.

Michael Edens, an industry veteran with more than two decades of experience, most recently as a Commercial Banker, will serve as Market President. He will be responsible for the expansion of the Columbia market as well as oversee sales management and community development.   He earned a B.A. in Finance from Wofford College and completed Louisiana State University’s Graduate School of Banking program in 2006. Michael received the Outstanding Young Banker Award in 2008, the highest award recognition from the SC Bankers Association.

Brent Mackie, Regional Executive, has moved to the Lexington market where he has established a customer base and is well known ...

Zach Brown has been promoted to Vice President, Director of Customer Solutions and Asset Management. He joined the bank in 2017 where he served as Vice President, Default Management and Call Center. In his new position, Zach will oversee the management of the bank’s Customer Care Call Center, Facilities, Collections, and Special Assets.

“Zach Brown continues to excel in elevating our customer interaction processes along with our asset management,” said Rick Saunders, Founder/CEO of First Reliance Bank. “He is a dependable and trustworthy leader.”

Ben Brazell, Executive Vice President of Retail Banking said, “Zach is a great leader who mentors his team for professional growth and who strives to continuously improve his knowledge and skills. He doesn’t hesitate to take on more challenging work that provides value and supports our bank’s purpose.”

Zach brings more than 16 years of financial institution experience to his management role. He received a degree ...