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From mountaintops to sand dunes, the Carolinas' backroads and byroads hold legends and lore behind every hill and around every curve. From cryptids to cursed earth to people whose passions will surprise you, North and South Carolina are chock full of surprises. Join Charlie and Michael as they discuss them all!
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Financial and retirement planning guidance with Mark Howard of the Howard Financial Group in Savannah. Mark has almost three decades of experience in the financial industry, has been published in the Wall Street Journal, Barron's, South Magazine and several other publications. He has also been featured on the Savannah Morning News. In addition to clients in Savannah, Mark also serves Hilton Head, Bluffton, Statesboro, and the rest of the Low Country. To get your own Financial Game Plan, cont ...
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Welcome to the Life in the Carolinas Podcast. Our show features a blending of stories that are primarily based on the syndicated TV show, Carl White's Life in the Carolinas and newspaper columns written by Carl White. Like Carl often says, "It's never a bad time for a good story!" The podcast is hosted by Carl and features specials guests as they share the stories behind the stories. All too often we simply do not have enough time to share everything we would like during broadcast. This podc ...
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When it comes to financial planning and saving for retirement, there’s a lot to know! For instance, what scares people the most about the idea of retiring? Not knowing if they have enough money to last them! Mark explains that this fear, known as longevity risk, can be mitigated through proper planning. By building a mathematical plan, you can ensu…
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Did you hear the story of that video game that drove that kid mad? It happened just one town over! My cousin's friend told me he heard about it at summer camp! Join Charlie and Michael for a deep-dive into the history of an urban legend straight out of the arcade age: Polybius, the original killer app! But is there any truth behind this story? Ther…
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This episode is the second half of our history deep dive into the Heroes of America, an anti-Confederate secret society that started in the "Quaker Belt" region of NC. If you're looking for a way to help people affected by Hurricane Helene in the Carolinas and beyond, consider donating to the American Red Cross' Hurricane Helene efforts. If you see…
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Did you know a sprawling network of anti-Confederate organizers formed in the Piedmont of NC at the outset of the US Civil War? Join Michael and Charlie for a history deep-dive into a little-discussed corner of the reality of political organizing in the south during that era! Note: the sound is different on this one because we got to use an awesome…
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We all make mistakes, but when it comes to investing, these errors can feel particularly daunting. Today, we delve into practical strategies to not only recover from investment mistakes but also to build a robust financial plan for the future. Tune in to see what you can learn from Mark today! Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Identif…
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From the Devil's Tramping Ground to ghost chickens in the US Capitol, what are our paranormal bucket list items? And what makes any given paranormal hotspot such a focal point for the strange in the first place? Join Michael and special guest co-hosts Gary Mitchel and Tally Johnson for the rest of our ConGregate 2024 conversation! And don't forget,…
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Colby Denton, Marketing Director, Cindi Day, Clinical Exercise Program Coordinator and Kevin Smuniewski, Student Wellness and Sports/Recreation Director with MUSC Wellness Center chat with host DJ Thatcher in this episode. They discuss the many programs, services and facilities of the MUSC Wellness Center for students and the people of Charleston.…
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We've all heard of Route 66, but have you heard of Route 666? Did you know a phantom hotrod terrorizes a two-lane highway through South Carolina and North Carolina by night? Or have you seen the ghostly merchant in downtown Winston-Salem? Join Michael at ConGregate 2024 with special guest co-hosts Tally Johnson and Gary Mitchel to discuss these and…
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As the episode title says, and as we say in the episode, DO NOT GO TO THIS PLACE. IT IS ILLEGAL AND IT IS VERY EASY TO DIE THERE. PLEASE DO NOT DO THAT. Goat-human hybrids: science gone wrong? Or magic gone wrong? Join Charlie and Michael for a lively and hilarious discussion of a unique (or perhaps not so unique!) legend from Kentucky of a deadly …
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On a spring-like December morning in 1954, dozens of school children, their teacher, and one exceptionally brave janitor had an encounter with what came to be known as The Monkey-Dog. Join Charlie and Michael for a discussion of one of the more obscure and fascinating stories out of Robeson County, NC, and a larger conversation about the distinctio…
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Shay Young, Administrator, Care For Life Charleston, chats with host DJ Thatcher about their services aimed at preventing hospitalization and nursing home placement in the elderly population, keeping Charleston's senior population safe, independent, and in their homes as long as possible.By Roger Gaither
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When it comes to retirement planning, financial advisors can be a huge asset as you work towards the next chapter of life. But that doesn’t mean every relationship with an advisor is perfect. In this episode, dive into the most common complaints people have about their financial advisors. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Making sure …
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Y'all, this story has it all: country music, 19th century sightings, the Brown Mountain Lights, electoral politics, multiple varieties of entrepreneurship, UFOs, aliens, illegal construction on federal land, trailbreaking, John Keel, curiosity shops, and traffic jams. We don't even know what else to say! Join Michael and special guest co-host Miche…
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Lake Norman is sometimes referred to as North Carolina's only inland sea, and a review of its size and dimensions definitely back that up. But it's also a place where strange things are seen in, around, and sometimes over the water! Join Charlie and Michael for a chat about the upcoming spooky season and a discussion of Lake Norman as a locus of th…
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Do you love spooky tales such as the Boo Hag or the classic legend of The Rattlesnake Honeymoon? Do you love comic books and sequential art produced by folks right here in the Carolinas? Then check out this Arcane Carolinas Case Files episode where Michael interviews Fiona W. Dunn, co-creator and illustrator of Tarheel Tales of Terror! And, don't f…
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Retirement is often compared to a marathon, and for good reason. Just like marathon training, retirement planning requires meticulous preparation, a diversified strategy, and a clear understanding of your goals. In today’s episode, we’ll explore the parallels between these two long-term endeavors and offer valuable insights on how to ensure a succe…
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Join Mark as he draws the parallels between popular quotes you might have heard your grandmother say and the financial decisions that need to be made during the planning process. This episode offers valuable insights into how age-old wisdom can apply to modern financial planning. By understanding and applying these timeless sayings, you can navigat…
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The timeless wisdom of Mark Twain is always worth a listen. Join us as we analyze some of Twain’s most famous quotes through the lens of a financial advisor! We’ll have a laugh at Twain’s quick wit and shed light on the complexities of retirement planning in today's unpredictable world. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Having a stead…
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Are you making rookie mistakes when it comes to planning for your retirement? Even those with strong experience in investing can make silly mistakes from time to time. Join Mark as he discusses some common things that can trip people up. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Making sure that your investments have a defined purpose. Unders…
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Michael here! I have no idea how to introduce this episode, honestly, because every time we say anything even remotely snarky about this episode's subject some piece of technology fails us: we had microphones go out in the middle of recording, our hosting provider ate the episode when it was supposed to go out, and even so small a thing as trying t…
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How can you walk off a winner into retirement? Listen in as Mark dives into the key areas of retirement planning through the lens of America’s pastime. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: How having a solid retirement plan is a little bit like playing “small ball.” The “Moneyball” approach, avoiding emotional decisions and focusing on t…
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Saving in your 401K can be an easy and painless way to build your retirement savings. But are you making the most of yours? Listen in as Mark breaks down the common pitfalls many people fall into with their 401(k) plans in today’s episode. Here are some 401K mistakes we’ll discuss in this episode… Leaving money invested in a former employer’s 401k …
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Hitch up your waders and fetch your log-pokin' stick, as ride along as Charlie and Michael talk about Alabama's Bear Creek Swamp! Do you like ghosts? Do you like creepy dolls? Do you like finding horrible things? Then this is the place for you! Bear Creek Swamp has anything you could want, and plenty you might not! Tally Johnson's Books: Ghosts of …
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When it comes to retirement planning, one critical aspect that’s often overlooked is the designation of beneficiaries. It's not just about who you want to inherit your assets; it's about making sure that your wishes are carried out smoothly and without legal complications. Let’s talk about some of the common mistakes we see people make when it come…
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Conventional wisdom says you can’t put toothpaste back in the tube. That is to say, once the deed is done, there’s no taking it back. There are many decisions in retirement planning that can’t be undone, and in today’s episode, we’re going to explore some of them. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Choosing the right time to take Socia…
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Grab your stakes and garlic necklaces and come along as Michael and Charlie dig into the history and lore of a Charlotte neighborhood where it was said for many years a particular place only came alive at night! Upcoming Live Appearances: Black Mountain Public Library - Michael solo (May 8th - Black Mountain, NC) Carolina Fear Fest - Michael solo (…
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Have you ever faced the daunting task of moving to a new home? The careful packing, the labeling of boxes, and the strategic loading of the moving truck are all important parts of a smooth transition. What if we told you similar principles apply to planning for your retirement? Listen in as Mark and Ron share some of the unexpected similarities bet…
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Join Michael and Charlie as they take a deep dive into a pivotal battle of the Revolutionary War and the restless riding spirit who lingers from it still! Upcoming Live Appearances: Black Mountain Public Library - Michael solo (May 8th - Black Mountain, NC) Carolina Fear Fest - Michael solo (May 24th-26th - Raleigh, NC) ConGregate 10 - Michael solo…
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There are certain rules of thumb in the financial industry, many of which you might’ve heard of. For example, the “Rule of 100” or the “4% Rule” might sound familiar to you. But how helpful are these rules of thumb in real-life planning? In this episode, Mark walks through 5 common financial rules and shares his thoughts as a financial advisor. Her…
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Welcome back to the Retirement Huddle podcast! In today’s episode, we’re exploring the timeless wisdom of Oscar Wilde. Celebrated as one of the English language's most quotable figures, he offers us a unique lens to explore financial wisdom. Here are the quotes we discuss in this episode: “I have the simplest tastes. I am always satisfied with the …
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Join Charlie and two very special guests to hear tales of Bigfoot encounters in the Piedmont and learn about the Museum of the Bizarre in Wilmington, NC, from Eric Odditorium! Upcoming Live Appearances: HWA NC Book Reading - Quail Ridge Books (March 26th - Raleigh, NC) Black Mountain Public Library (May 8th - Black Mountain, NC) Carolina Fear Fest …
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Charleston, SC, has a reputation as a haunted city with a long and complex past. But what about newer, more contemporary sites? Can't they have ghosts, too? Pull a chair up to the table and join Charlie, Michael, and friend of the show Kevin as we dig in to the history and lore around one of the city's most famous restaurants! Don't forget to pick …
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One of the topics we discuss pretty frequently here on the show is life insurance. While it may not be the most exciting subject, there are several reasons why life insurance might be useful as part of your retirement plan. Stay tuned as we explore the diverse benefits of life insurance in this episode. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episod…
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Today we’re diving into the world of retirement planning through the lens of one of history’s most iconic figures, Winston Churchill. While many of us know Churchill for his leadership during World War II, you might be surprised at how much his quotes resonate in the world of retirement strategy. Stay tuned as Mark shares his insights on some of Ch…
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Kendal Cook Bittner, the Chief Operating Office for Coastal Vascular & Vein Center chats with our host DJ Thatcher about their new location in Nexton, the types of patients they see, common surgeries & treatments they provide in the Lowcountry.By Roger Gaither
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The Bell Witch of Adams, Tennessee, is one of the most adapted, sprawling, and elaborated upon legends in the entire catalogue of paranormal events in United States history. But which parts of it are verifiably real, and which parts of it are simply too much to believe? Go spelunking with Charlie and Michael as they argue with the disembodied voice…
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Far too often, people aren’t receiving the advice they truly need from their financial advisors. It's not uncommon for financial professionals to focus solely on managing investments, overlooking the broader context of clients' aspirations, dreams, and lifestyle goals. Tune in to discover what your advisor might be missing… Here’s some of what we d…
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In today’s conversation, we’re going to focus on six key reasons why a Roth conversion might be a game-changer for your financial future. As the dreaded April 15 tax deadline approaches, Mark is here to share why this strategic tax approach makes sense for just about everyone and is a great retirement vehicle to consider. Here’s some of what we dis…
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Have you ever wondered what happens when you decide to give us a call? In this episode, we're pulling back the curtain to give you an inside look at how we guide our listeners through the preliminary process at Howard Financial Group. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: What does the discovery phone call process look like? Some of the c…
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Join Michael and Charlie for a discussion of everything from dowsing for water to plugging a tree as they dive into Appalachian folk magic and traditional remedies! Don't forget to pick up Arcane Carolinas: Volume 1, out now! Upcoming Live Appearances: Ret-Con 2024 (March 1-3, 2024 - Cary, NC) Links: The Lumberton Report (arcanecarolinas.com) Ameri…
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It’s that time of the year when Christmas music is playing everywhere you go. We all have our favorites, and we also have songs we start getting tired of hearing. But for the most part, the music adds a wonderful soundtrack for one of the best times of the year and helps puts people in good spirits. But what can we learn from all of these holiday c…
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Dr. Meridith Womick, MD/Medical Director, Metabolic Medical Centers chats with host DJ Thatcher about the diverse ways that Metabolic Medical Centers can help you improve your health by losing weight and developing a lifelong plan to keep it off.By Roger Gaither
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Join Charlie, Michael, and a bunch of awesome people at Arcana in Durham, NC, for three tales: a ghost taunting the living on a stormy night; a rail project unearthing ancient history; and the death and resurrection of a rural community's resident witch! Published early by request, this live recording was the 2023 Spooky Season Kickoff from Septemb…
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Welcome back to The Retirement Huddle podcast! In today’s episode, Mark is going to tackle some of the unanswerable questions that often pop up when planning for retirement. From predicting market crashes to navigating the uncertain landscape of future taxes, stay tuned for insights on building a robust retirement plan that stands the test of time.…
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