SEGMENT #1: State of South Carolina
GUEST: State Treasurer Curtis Loftis
ISSUE: Education
The issue of the expense of education is one of importance across South Carolina. Curtis Loftis is South Carolina’s State Treasurer and the administrator of Future Scholar, South Carolina’s 529 College Saving Plan, a tax advantaged way to set aside money to pay a child’s future education expenses. Treasurer Loftis talked about the challenges created when a family incurs debt and how the Future Scholar program works to alleviate that issue when it comes to education. The Treasurer explained how someone could open a Future Scholar account, how there is no minimum to start it, and the tax advantages that come with the account. Future Scholar can be used for more than just college expenses and Treasurer Loftis shared the other ways funds can be spent educationally.

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SEGMENT #2: Jean’s Angels
GUEST: Katrina Carpenter, Founder
ISSUE: Community Service
Ten years ago, Katrina Carpenter lost her mother Jean. Out of that tragedy, she was inspired, in her mother’s honor, to create Jean’s Angels. Originally the non-profit was created to assist children who lose a parent or parents. As the non-profit grew, it expanded the services they offered. Carpenter shared how she felt after losing her mom and how that emptiness was turned into helping others in the same situation. As Jean’s Angels celebrates a decade of service to the Lowcountry, their biggest area of growth has been in assisting the homeless. Carpenter is most excited by their newest addition, a trailer that brings portable showers to the homeless community. She also shared how people could help Jean’s Angels, not only monetarily but through item donation and volunteering.