Happy National Financial Literacy Month!

April, like any month of the year, is the perfect time to take a look at your spending habits and build better behaviors to hit your long-term savings goals. But what makes this month especially ideal is that it’s National Financial Literacy Month!

Below, find a handful of quick and easy-to-do tips to get on the right financial track.

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Bowl of hot delicious corn and red chilli chowder garnished with cream and fresh parsley

Recipes from Our Neighborhoods, Part 1 There’s just something about that first snap of cold air in the fall. It feels like a mixture of a visit from an old friend and an invitation for discovery of something totally new. 3 min read

Mobile Check Deposits from Anywhere Before mobile phones and tablets, checks had to be cashed in person or by mail. Now, mobile check deposits allows you to deposit your checks from anywhere, so long as your mobile device has Internet or cellular service. Most banks provide mobile apps to make the process easier, and First Bank* is no exception. First Bank provides mobile check deposits** for businesses and individuals so that you can deposit a check from anywhere, safely and securely. How Mobile Check Deposits Work Mobile check deposit use digital technology to deposit money into your account. All you need is a smartphone or tablet with a good camera. Here’s how it works: Sign Checks and Find a Flat Surface Even with digital deposits, the back of a check needs to be signed by the account holder. For added security, you can also include a restricted endorsement, such as, “For Mobile Deposit Only” underneath your signature. Next, find a flat, well-lit surface. This will help you get the best possible image. Take Photos Using the App Using the secure camera within First Bank’s mobile banking app snap a picture of the front and back of the check. You’ll see prompts on the screen that will help guide you. Make sure to wait for the camera to focus before taking the picture so that numbers and letters are clear. Deposit multiple checks per day using your mobile app. At First Bank, individuals can deposit up to $5,000 in mobile checks in one day, and business accounts can deposit up to $10,000 per month*. Deposit Your Checks When you press deposit, the pictures of your checks are sent to our databases and reviewed. At First Bank, if you deposit your checks before 6 PM on a normal business day, your funds will appear in your account the next day (if approved). Check Your Email for Verification First Bank sends an email verification for all mobile check deposit transactions for your records. Get More with Mobile Banking First Bank offers comprehensive mobile banking** options for the modern consumer. Our app is available in both the iTunes and Google Play stores, and can be used to deposit checks, transfer funds, manage accounts, stop payments, and link to external 3 min read

What is the SBA? If you have a business plan but are having trouble acquiring a bank loan, consider reaching out to the Small Business Association (SBA). The SBA is a government-affiliated organization that provides small businesses with a variety of finance programs. The SBA can help facilitate a loan for you with a third-party lender. What is the SBA? Many people opening a new business may not yet be familiar with the SBA. It’s an agency backed by the federal government that helps entrepreneurs and small business owners access starting capital, and under some conditions approval is guaranteed. In order to help people start or expand their businesses, the SBA partners with a network of lenders to help provide loans, contracts, and other forms of financial assistance. SBA Loan Basics If you’re a small business owner having trouble qualifying for a traditional loan, the SBA offers various different loan programs, each designed for a specific purpose. If you’re starting or expanding your business, consider the following loan programs: Basic 7(a) Program Certified Development Company (CDC) 504 Microloan If your business has suffered an economic loss or physical disaster, consider a: Disaster Loan Veteran and Military Community Loan In addition to those programs, there are also: Export Assistance Loans Special Purpose Loans How First Bank SBA Can Help A lot of business owners just starting out use the First Bank SBA option so they can stop worrying about money and focus on work. Here are the ways our SBA loans help you get off the ground: Acquisition There’s often less risk involved when acquiring a business than if you’re starting from scratch. First Bank gets you the financing you need while providing guidance worthy of an acquisition partner. Refinance Debt For business owners who are refinancing, First Bank will properly evaluate your loan and give you the best plan moving forward. Succession Whether you’re taking over the family business or buying into a new opportunity, First Bank provides business owners with clear guidance and thoughtful planning. Need help figuring out which loan program best fits your financing needs? Talk to the experts at First Bank to discuss loan types and SBA lenders in your area and to get the application process started right away. ———- Sources: Small Business Association: sba.gov/loans-grants/see-what-sba-offers/what-sba-offers-help-small-businesses-grow SBA.gov 7(a) program: sba.gov/loans-grants/see-what-sba-offers/sba-loan-programs/general-small-business-loans-7a/7a-loan-program-eligibility SBA.gov: sba.gov/loans-grants/see-what-sba-offers/sba-loan-programs/loan-programs Loans Subject 3 min read

How to Open a Checking Account – South Carolina If you are wondering how to open a checking account in South Carolina, your local First Bank can help. The first step is deciding what type of checking account is best for you. After choosing an account that fits your needs, you will need to visit one of our branches to fill out an application. Open a Checking Account at First Bank in South Carolina With several convenient locations in South Carolina, it is easy to choose a plan that works best for you. First Bank offers three comprehensive checking accounts, each with unique benefits. Everywhere Checking Free online and mobile banking, free online bill pay, and free eStatements or paper statements.* Open an account. Everywhere Plus Interest at a minimal balance requirement. Free online and mobile banking, free online bill pay, and free eStatements or paper statements.* Everywhere Premium No First Bank transaction fees on out-of-network ATM withdrawals. Free member checks or 50% off other check designs, plus 4 free official checks per statement cycle. Interest at a minimal balance requirement. Free online and mobile banking, free online bill pay, and free eStatements or paper statements.* Students and seniors (55+) can also enjoy the benefits of checking accounts designed to meet their specific needs with Campus Checking and Senior Checking, respectively. First Bank also has options for South Carolina businesses looking to open a checking account. Business owners can choose from three accounts that range from basic to premium. We also offer a Commercial Analysis account that is designed for large business that want a custom checking service. Open a First Bank Checking Account Today If you’re ready to open a personal checking account in one of our South Carolina branches, you can either click here to open an Everywhere Checking account online, or visit a local branch to learn more. Our established team of professionals in South Carolina are ready to help you choose the best account for you. For more information about First Bank, check out our related articles: Best Bank for Checking Account – South Carolina, Checking Account Comparison, or What Do I Need to Open a Checking Account. *While First Bank does not charge for mobile banking, your mobile carrier’s message and data rates may apply. The First Bank Digital Banking 3 min read

Happy National Financial Literacy Month!

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