In this episode, Blake Ginther of The Ginther Group shares the latest on the fall real estate market in the triad and takes a deep dive into the recent interest rate hike and its implications for homebuyers and sellers. Blake shares insights on how rising rates have affected contracts and the overall market, highlighting a shift in buyer behavior amidst increasing costs of living, including gas and groceries. The emphasis is on the need for patience in a market that requires more work and strategy than in recent years.

Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on the realities of buying and selling in a competitive landscape, including the necessity of being honest about property value and market positioning. Blake discusses the importance of understanding the long-term commitment of homeownership and the financial implications of selling too soon.

To reach Blake and his team about your own situation, visit theginthergroup.com or call 336-283-8689

The Triad Podcast Network is proudly sponsored by The Ginther Group Real Estate, Dewey's Bakery, and Three Magnolias Financial Advisors.

In this certified financial planner Jennifer Johnson and returning guest Austin Childress from Three Magnolias Financial Advisors in Winston Salem. As families settle back into the school routine, the conversation dives deep into the financial implications of education planning, focusing on the importance of investing in your children's future.

Jennifer and Austin provide a comprehensive overview of 529 plans, discussing recent changes that expand their use beyond traditional college savings. Listeners will learn about the new Trump Accounts, a groundbreaking savings option that offers federal funding for children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, and how they compare to 529 plans. The episode emphasizes the significance of starting early and the various educational pathways that families can consider.

With insights into the evolving landscape of education savings accounts, we explore how these financial tools can be leveraged to support a child's education, whether it be through college, trade schools, or other educational endeavors. The discussion also touches on the importance of maintaining financial health as a parent while preparing for your child's future, ensuring that the right balance is struck between saving for education and personal financial stability.

Join us for this informative episode packed with practical advice for parents navigating the complexities of education savings. Don't miss the opportunity to gain valuable insights into how to best prepare for your child's educational journey!

Reach Jennifer at Three Magnolias Financial Advisors:

jennifer@3-magnolias.com

336-701-1600

The Triad Podcast Network is proudly sponsored by The Ginther Group Real Estate, Dewey's Bakery, and Three Magnolias Financial Advisors.

On this episode of Locked In with Algenon Cash, Algenon sits down with Savannah Thorne of the NC Folk Festival to explore the NC Folk Festival economic impact and the larger relationship between culture, tourism, private investment and economic development in North Carolina.

The NC Folk Festival brings more than 135,000 people to downtown Greensboro for three days of music, food, art and cultural experiences. But while admission is free, producing a festival of this scale is not. The nonprofit must raise more than $1.5 million annually, making corporate sponsorships, individual donors and community support essential to keeping the experience accessible to everyone.

The conversation examines an often-overlooked side of North Carolina’s economy: the economic value created by experiences.

Ultimately, the NC Folk Festival economic impact raises a larger question for communities across the state: What happens when thousands of visitors arrive in a city and spend money at restaurants, hotels, shops and local businesses? Can festivals strengthen downtowns and support small businesses? Can music, food, arts and culture help North Carolina communities attract visitors, retain talent and become more desirable places to live?

Algenon and Savannah also discuss the important role private companies play in supporting community institutions. Businesses are often criticized for generating profits, but those profits also give companies the ability to voluntarily reinvest capital into cultural organizations, nonprofits and community experiences like the NC Folk Festival.

And, of course, they explore the festival itself — including what “folk” means today, the diversity of musical genres represented, North Carolina artists, food trucks, local makers, family activities and what visitors can expect when the NC Folk Festival returns to downtown Greensboro.

It’s a conversation about much more than music. It’s about tourism, private investment, quality of life and whether festivals should be considered part of North Carolina’s broader economic-development strategy.

The Triad Podcast Network is proudly sponsored by The Ginther Group Real Estate, Dewey's Bakery, and Three Magnolias Financial Advisors.