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South Carolina’s Tax Free Weekend is scheduled August 7-9, 2015. It’s that time again to start thinking about what you will need for school. Each year we look forward to the weekend where we have relief from taxes…but be careful, it is not on everything. South Carolina is offering one tax free weekend event and it applies to clothing, shoes, and school supplies and is intended to coincide with parents’ annual back-to-school shopping efforts. The tax-free savings applies to the following items: Clothing Accessories Footwear School supplies Computers Computer equipment blankets bath towels shower curtains and more items you may not think so research it first and it does not include items such as jewelry, furniture, cosmetics, eye-wear, wallets and watches. Before you go out on tax free weekend, it is best to do your homework. Be careful not to overspend just because the tax free weekend is going on in your area. Some stores may hike their prices to make it look like a great deal. Keep in mind that the regular sales tax rate in South Carolina is 6%, so that’s how much money you’d be saving – along with your local sales tax, if applicable. (In Myrtle Beach, it can be as high as 11%). Know the prices of the items you want to buy especially the big ticket items and make sure that even with the tax savings, you are getting a good deal. Also, compare prices at other stores and bring your coupons. By shopping around, and also using coupons, you might find that the items you’re looking for are less expensive either before the tax free weekend or after it takes place. So be smart and do your “homework” before spending any hard-earned money.

2016 Mazda CX-5 Features & Options When searching for a new crossover SUV there are a lot of different things that are more important to some drivers than others. While certain consumers want to get behind the wheel of a new vehicle that can deliver excellent four-wheel drive capability or one that can offer excellent fuel efficiency and a great list of high-tech features and options, the choice must be made. Well, it’s a good thing that the new Mazda CX-5 has offers it all. While the Mazda CX-5 is known for it’s incredible performance and outstanding fuel economy rating, the 2016 Mazda CX-5 features and options list is also very impressive. The 2016 Mazda CX-5 is available in three different trim levels so you can choose the one that has all of the features and options you want in your new crossover SUV without having to pay for the ones you don’t. Choose either the base Sport model, mid-level Touring, or the luxury-packed Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring. 2016 Mazda CX-5 Trim Levels The 2016 Mazda CX-5 Sport comes standard with all of the feature you need. It’s features include full power accessories, USB/iPod interface, Bluetooth connectivity, air-conditioning, cruise control, stereo with CD player and many others. Optional packages adds a 7-inch touchscreen interface, rearview camera,  HD radio, automatic crash notification and more. Moving up to the mid-level Mazda CX-5 Touring trim includes all of the Sport trim level features and adds keyless ignition/entry, a more powerful engine, blind spot and rear cross-traffic warning system and six-speaker stereo. Options include a moonroof and nine-speaker Bose audio system. The top trim level in the lineup is the 2016 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring. It receives all of the above features and adds even more high-tech features and luxury options that include a dual-zone automatic climate control, automatic headlights, 19-inch wheels, satellite radio, automatic windshield wipers, heated front seats and leather upholstery. Options for the Grand Touring model include a navigation system, Mazda’s Smart City Brake Support, LED lights, lane departure warning, automatic high beam headlights and adaptive cruise control.