Columbus, Mississippi is on the rise, carving out a reputation as a dynamic hub for economic development. The city, steeped in rich heritage, marries tradition with a forward-thinking approach, driving significant growth and opportunity for residents and newcomers alike.
Central to this transformation is the city's commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship. The Columbus-Lowndes Development Link plays a pivotal role, working tirelessly to attract and support businesses that generate jobs and enhance quality of life. From tech start-ups to established manufacturing firms, Columbus offers incentives and resources that empower enterprises to thrive.
Education and collaboration have been key to Columbus's success. The presence of well-regarded institutions like Mississippi University for Women provides a steady stream of talent, while partnerships with local businesses ensure that the workforce remains skilled and adaptable to the changing economic landscape.
Moreover, Columbus takes pride in its community spirit. The city’s residents—welcoming, creative, and hardworking—are the driving force behind the vibrant, robust economy that continues to flourish. With a perfect...
Columbus, Mississippi
4 | HelloColumbus, Mississippi • Fall Issue
Columbus, Mississippi: A Beacon of Economic Growth and Innovation
Columbus, Mississippi is on the rise, carving out a reputation as a dynamic hub for economic development. The city, steeped in rich heritage, marries tradition with a forward-thinking approach, driving significant growth and opportunity for residents and newcomers alike.
Central to this transformation is the city's commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship. The Columbus-Lowndes Development Link plays a pivotal role, working tirelessly to attract and support businesses that generate jobs and enhance quality of life. From tech start-ups to established manufacturing firms, Columbus offers incentives and resources that empower enterprises to thrive.
Education and collaboration have been key to Columbus's success. The presence of well-regarded institutions like Mississippi University for Women provides a steady stream of talent, while partnerships with local businesses ensure that the workforce remains skilled and adaptable to the changing economic landscape.
Moreover, Columbus takes pride in its community spirit. The city’s residents—welcoming, creative, and hardworking—are the driving force behind the vibrant, robust economy that continues to flourish. With a perfect blend of Southern charm and modern innovation, Columbus, Mississippi is truly a shining example of how a city can embrace its past while building a prosperous future.
Hello Columbus, Mississippi • Fall Issue |5
Columbus, Mississippi
FEATURED STORY
Basic Retirement Saving Strategies for Everyday Investors
by Scott Ferguson
Saving for retirement can feel intimidating, especially if you are starting later than you hoped or juggling other financial responsibilities. The good news is that retirement saving does not have to be complicated. By focusing on a few straightforward strategies and applying them consistently, everyday investors can build a strong foundation for the future.One of the best starting points is an employer-sponsored retirement plan, such as a 401(k) or 403(b). If your employer offers to match your contributions, take advantage of it. That match is
6 | HelloColumbus, Mississippi • Fall Issue
Scott Ferguson
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Scott Ferguson is a financial planner who helps people retire with confidence. Raised in his family’s financial planning firm, he blends decades of experience with a talent for making money matters simple. Scott works with clients in Columbus, Mississippi, and the Golden Triangle, creating plans that turn retirement into a time of freedom, not worry. Through Financial Concepts, he specializes in retirement planning, investments, and IRA rollovers.
essentially free money added to your savings, and it can make a significant difference over time. Even if you are only able to contribute enough to get the full match at first, you are still taking an important step toward long-term security.If you do not have access to a retirement plan at work, consider opening an Individual Retirement Account, or IRA. Both traditional and Roth IRAs offer tax advantages, and the right choice for you will depend on your current income, expected tax rate in retirement, and personal goals. An IRA allows you to save independently of your employer, so
Hello Columbus, Mississippi • Fall Issue |7
Basic Retirement Saving Strategies for Everyday Investors
Saving for retirement can feel intimidating, especially if you are starting later than you hoped or juggling other financial responsibilities. The good news is that retirement saving does not have to be complicated. By focusing on a few straightforward strategies and applying them consistently, everyday investors can build a strong foundation for the future. One of the best starting points is an employer-sponsored retirement plan, such as a 401(k) or 403(b). If your employer offers to match your contributions, take advantage of it. That match is essentially free money added to your savings, and it can make a significant difference over time. Even if you are only able to contribute enough to get the full match at first, you are still taking an important step toward long-term security. If you do not have access to a retirement plan at work, consider opening an Individual Retirement Account, or IRA. Both traditional and Roth IRAs offer tax advantages, and the right choice for you will depend on your current income, expected tax rate in retirement, and personal goals. An IRA allows you to save independently of your employer, so you can start building your nest egg no matter where you work. Automation is another key to successful retirement saving. When contributions are deducted automatically from your paycheck or bank account, you remove the temptation to spend the money elsewhere. Saving becomes a habit that happens without the need for constant decision-making. Over time, you may find that you hardly notice the money being set aside, but the balance will continue to grow in the background. Once you have started saving, aim to gradually increase your contribution rate. Even small percentage increases—such as going from 5% of your income to 6%—can make a big difference when compounded over decades. A good approach is to review your savings rate annually, perhaps after a raise or bonus, and commit to putting part of that increase toward retirement. This way, you boost your future security without feeling a significant pinch in your current budget. Even modest amounts, saved consistently, can grow into substantial retirement funds thanks to the power of compounding. Compounding means your investment returns earn returns of their own. For example, if you invest $1,000 and it earns 7% in a year, you will have $1,070. The next year, if you earn another 7%, the gain is based on $1,070, not just your original $1,000. Over time, this snowball effect can turn small, regular contributions into a significant nest egg. It is also important to invest in a way that matches your time horizon and comfort with risk. If retirement is decades away, you may be able to invest more heavily in stocks, which tend to offer higher growth potential over the long term but can be more volatile in the short term. As you get closer to retirement, you may choose to shift some of your portfolio into bonds or other investments that offer more stability. Diversification is another essential principle. Rather than putting all your money into a single stock or asset type, spread it across different investments. This helps reduce the impact of any one investment performing poorly. Mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can provide built-in diversification, making it easier for everyday investors to spread risk without having to pick individual investments. If you are unsure how much you need to save for retirement, consider working with a financial planner who can run projections based on your current savings, expected expenses, and desired retirement lifestyle. Even a simple calculation can give you a clearer picture of your target and help you set realistic goals. The key is to start now, no matter your age or financial situation. Delaying retirement savings can cost you valuable compounding time. A person who begins saving $200 a month at age 25 will end up with far more at retirement than someone who starts at 35 and contributes the same amount. The earlier you begin, the less you have to save each month to reach the same goal. If you have debt, you may wonder whether to focus on paying it off first or saving for retirement. In many cases, the answer is to do both. You can contribute enough to get your employer match while also making steady progress on debt repayment. Once high-interest debt is under control, you can shift more money toward retirement savings. Saving for retirement is not about perfection. It is about consistency. By using employer plans, opening an IRA when needed, automating contributions, and gradually increasing your savings rate, you create momentum that can carry you toward financial security. Combine that with a thoughtful investment approach, and you give yourself the best chance to retire on your own terms.
Even modestamounts, savedconsistently, can grow intosubstantial retirement fundsthanks tothe powerof compounding.
you can start building your nest egg no matter where you work.Automation is another key to successful retirement saving. When contributions are deducted automatically from your paycheck or bank account, you remove the temptation to spend the money elsewhere. Saving becomes a habit that happens without the need for constant decision-making. Over time, you may find that you hardly notice the money being set aside, but the balance will continue to grow in the background.Once you have...
FEATURED STORY
How Liability Is Determined in Mississippi
by Lisa Davis, exec assistant
In Mississippi, fault in an accident may not rest with one person. The state applies a principle called comparative negligence, which means multiple parties may share responsibility for what occurred. Under this system, an injured party can still recover damages even when found partially at fault; the total compensation simply decreases in proportion to the level of blame assigned. For example, if a claimant is found 20 percent responsible, any award will be reduced by that same percentage.Establishing liability involves a deliberate process of gathering and interpreting
8 | HelloColumbus, Mississippi • Fall Issue
Lisa Davis, exec assistant
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Missy Wigginton is the Founding Attorney of Mama Justice Law Firm. Based in Columbus, MS, Missy focuses her practice on personal injury cases. She oversees all cases and ensures that every client stays informed and is treated as a friend and family member.
information. Police reports often provide the initial outline of what happened, but they are only one piece of the overall puzzle. Witness statements, photographs from the scene, medical records, and in some cases, accident reconstruction analyses all contribute to forming an accurate account. Each piece of evidence must be evaluated for consistency and credibility.Insurance companies conduct their own investigations to determine who bears how much fault. However, these internal reviews do not carry absolute authority. Insurers may aim to limit their payouts and interpret facts in ways that minimize their
Hello Columbus, Mississippi • Fall Issue |9
How Liability Is Determined in Mississippi
In Mississippi, fault in an accident may not rest with one person. The state applies a principle called comparative negligence, which means multiple parties may share responsibility for what occurred. Under this system, an injured party can still recover damages even when found partially at fault; the total compensation simply decreases in proportion to the level of blame assigned. For example, if a claimant is found 20 percent responsible, any award will be reduced by that same percentage.
Establishing liability involves a deliberate process of gathering and interpreting information. Police reports often provide the initial outline of what happened, but they are only one piece of the overall puzzle. Witness statements, photographs from the scene, medical records, and in some cases, accident reconstruction analyses all contribute to forming an accurate account. Each piece of evidence must be evaluated for consistency and credibility.
Insurance companies conduct their own investigations to determine who bears how much fault. However, these internal reviews do not carry absolute authority. Insurers may aim to limit their payouts and interpret facts in ways that minimize their policyholder’s liability or question the severity of injuries. For this reason, claimants can benefit greatly from having legal counsel that challenges unfair conclusions and advocates for a balanced interpretation of the evidence.
Mississippi’s comparative negligence framework demands careful attention to every fact that might shift the degree of fault assigned. Even small details, such as weather conditions or the presence of road hazards, can alter how responsibility is divided. An experienced attorney will know which factors are most persuasive and how to present them in a clear, documented manner.
Timeliness plays a significant role in any liability dispute. Statutes of limitation control how long an injured party has to bring a claim. Gathering evidence immediately helps protect a claim’s strength. Over time, witness recollections fade, physical evidence can be lost, and crucial records might become harder to obtain. Prompt legal action can preserve the integrity of the case and support a fair outcome.
Ultimately, liability determination in Mississippi blends factual investigation, legal interpretation, and negotiation with insurers. While the comparative negligence rule allows for shared fault, a strong claim rests on presenting a complete and accurate picture of events. Those navigating this process should recognize that what may appear straightforward can involve hidden complexities best managed by those familiar with state law and insurance practices.
policyholder’s liability or question the severity of injuries. For this reason, claimants can benefit greatly from having legal counsel that challenges unfair conclusions and advocates for a balanced interpretation of the evidence.Mississippi’s comparative negligence framework demands careful attention to every fact that might shift the degree of fault assigned. Even small details, such as weather conditions or the presence of road hazards, can alter how responsibility is...
