Together With

Tax season shouldn’t feel like a fire drill.

But every year, Charlotte families and business owners get hit with a wave of “urgent” emails, unexpected phone calls, and official-looking letters that create pressure fast.

When everything feels urgent, it’s easy to make rushed decisions — or worse, respond to something that isn’t legitimate.

Hayes Meeks Financial helps individuals, families, and small business owners slow the process down and focus on what actually matters.

Here’s what that looks like:

• Understanding which tax notices require action — and which are common scams

• Clarifying what the IRS will and won’t do so you can avoid costly mistakes

• Creating a proactive plan instead of reacting under pressure

Confidence beats panic every time.

With the right advisor in your corner, you can move forward calmly, protect your information, and make smarter financial decisions for the year ahead.

Schedule your financial check-in with Hayes Meeks Financial →

Before you respond to any “urgent” tax message, pause. Verify the source. Avoid clicking unknown links. Never share personal information under pressure. A few extra minutes of caution can prevent months of stress — and when something feels unclear, having a trusted advisor to call first can make all the difference.

Charlotte’s creative community welcomes the Lunar New Year with the New Moon Festival at Blume Studios this Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The event unites local artists, vendors, and performers for a lively celebration that blends traditional Lunar New Year customs with the Queen City’s modern flair.

Attendees can browse handcrafted art, enjoy small business pop-ups, and experience community-focused programming in a welcoming, family-friendly setting.

Organizers emphasize that this festival isn’t just a market—it’s a platform for spotlighting Charlotte creatives while honoring the spirit of renewal and intention that Lunar New Year represents.

For families and locals eager to support neighborhood makers, the festival offers a festive, inclusive experience that highlights the city’s growing creative economy and rich cultural traditions.

The Charlotte Hornets are teaming up with local nonprofit Thompson Child and Family Focus to improve youth mental health support throughout North Carolina.

This partnership, which also includes the Greensboro Swarm, aims to bring essential mental wellness resources directly into youth sports environments—reaching kids where they’re most engaged.

At the heart of the initiative is the Hive Mind program, designed to help coaches and young athletes grow skills for mental fitness and resilience.

Another feature, Mental Timeout, will accompany Hornets Hoops clinics, blending athletic performance with emotional wellness.

Thompson CEO Will Jones estimates that 5,000 to 10,000 children will benefit annually, with plans to eventually extend the program into regional schools.

This new initiative comes at a crucial time, offering consistent support and resources for youth mental health as families and schools seek lasting solutions.

Half Shell has officially opened its doors at 2161 Hawkins St within The Line development, delivering a new oyster bar experience to Charlotte’s vibrant South End.

The spacious 3,200-square-foot restaurant features 81 seats indoors and a 50-seat patio, setting the scene for everything from lively happy hours to cozy date nights.

Diners can expect five to six rotating oyster varieties each day, along with coastal staples like lobster rolls and other fresh seafood dishes.

The refined yet welcoming vibe fits right into the neighborhood’s rapidly evolving food scene.

For daily menu highlights and the latest news, locals are encouraged to follow @halfshellclt on Instagram.

"The only way to grow is to challenge yourself." - Ashley Tisdale

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