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529 plans offer benefits in all markets
A new school year has begun. And if you have young children, that means it’s one year closer to the day when they head off to college or some other post-secondary education or training. You might be preparing for that day with a 529 education savings plan — but should...
Statement read by Town Manager Dylan Haman to the Town Board on Sept. 5, 2023:
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Field Notes: Gardening after Labor Day
John B. Marek is a writer, farmer, outdoorsman and recovering economic developer. You can find his books at johnbmarek.com. By Labor Day, many gardens (and gardeners) have lost steam. The optimism of Memorial Day and the bounty of the Fourth of July have been replaced...
Planting for the Future: Trees
"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now." This age-old Chinese proverb resonates deeply, especially when considering the lush, biodiverse landscapes of the North Carolina Piedmont. Whether you're a novice gardener or a seasoned...
How will you exit your business?
If you own a business, you’ve always got a lot on your mind. But no matter how busy you are today, you need to think about tomorrow. Specifically, you’ll want to create an exit strategy for the day you want to move on from your business to a new phase in your...
Letter to the editor: ‘Everyone thinks COVID is over. It’s not’
Here’s a letter to the editor written by Sylvia Robine of Mt. Gilead. I know, everyone thinks COVID is over. It’s not. What’s ended is the government’s support of mitigation (or attempting to control, rather than eliminate, the disease). Tracking cases so we can be...
Field Notes: It’s a long way to go
The author, John Marek, is a writer and CEO of the Anson Economic Development Partnership. It's a long way to Tipperary. You've probably heard that phrase; maybe you're even singing the tune in your head right this minute. But what does it mean, and...
What is a “Master Gardener”?
I am an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, but what does that mean? It’s not just a title I made up, though that would make a good story. A “Master Gardener,” (or EMGV for short) at its core, is a volunteer trained and certified by university horticulture experts...
Smart ways to invest in bonds
Most investors are aware of the different types of stocks: big-company, small-company, technology, international and so on. And it may be a good idea to own a mix of these stocks as part of your overall investment portfolio. But the importance of diversification...
Field Notes: Where were you when the lights went out?
The author, John Marek, is a writer and CEO of the Anson Economic Development Partnership. Twenty years ago this week, a historic event unfolded across the eastern United States, leaving millions of people in darkness and revealing the vulnerabilities of an...
Roses Love Company
Roses are beautiful on their own, but imagine them being surrounded by a community of vibrant, supportive plants. That's the magic of companion planting. When roses are paired with their ideal plant partners, the garden becomes a symphony of colors, and there's an...
Help get your teen started with a Roth IRA
To be successful in most endeavors, it’s important to develop good habits — and that’s certainly the case for investors. And the earlier one develops these habits, the better. So, if you have teenagers who may be starting to work at part-time jobs, now may be a great...