The South Kilbourne Neighborhood Association held their meeting Thursday April 2. Sarah Blackwell said Historic Heathwood is holding a workshop on April 18 from 10 am to 12 pm at the Big Apple. The event is free.

Michele Huggins announced a yard sale will be held June 6 at Suber- Marshall UMC from 7:30 am to 12 pm. Locator maps will be posted in neighborhoods and grocery stores concerning the yard sale.

Investigator Bryant spoke about a suspect the Columbia Police believes is involved in some theft cases. The suspect enters schools and snatches teachers' purses. Reports of this crime have been reported at A.C. Moore Elementary School and Dreher High School. On April 1 the suspect entered South Kilbourne Elementary but didn't take anything. The suspect is a black male between 20 to 25 years old with short hair. He drives an older model dark Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Pat Mueller, a representative from First Citizens Securities Corporation, offered some suggestions to help stay afloat in the rough economy. There are three type of people: savers, borrowers, and speculators. Savers are those who are looking more toward CDs when it comes to investing. Mueller says that for those who have CDs, they are on the down side of the spectrum with the interest rate of CDs being really low. However, for borrowers the low interest rate allows borrowers to get something today for a lower rate than in the past. Speculators are the group who needs to be the most careful because if a stock they speculate bottoms out their money is lost while the company that goes bankrupt has options and keeps on going.

Mueller suggests speculators need to be careful and be sure to use common sense. He cautions against items that are "too good to be true." Mueller also offered some suggestions as to how to save money:

1) Don't follow temptations by buying the newest and latest thing, only things you need and not necessarily what you want.

2) Spend less than you make.

3) If you are transitioning from work to retirement, transition away from stocks.

4) Limit withdrawal from retirement funds for first couple of years to extend the life of your fund.

5) Mueller suggests the best way to become a good investor is to educate yourself.

6) Work with someone that is going to help you educate yourself.

7) Handle your emotions; taking emotions out of investing will help in the long run.

8) Keep expectations in line.

The next meeting will be held on May 7.