Protect Your Home from Mother Nature [INFOGRAPHIC]

Mother Nature can do some major damage to your home (and your bank account) if you don’t take the necessary precautions. You can protect your home and save money by keeping the elements at bay.

Share:

Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to know about new tips, insights, and products from First Bank.

First Bank may use this email address to contact you about products, services, and promotions.

You may be interested in...

5 Money Saving Tips for Young Adults When you’re young, saving money can seem like an impossible task. It’s easy to see your paycheck as a way to get by month to month and not a way to prepare for the future and save for financial difficulties. But putting just a little money aside each month can make a world of difference. These five money saving tips for young adults can help you get started on the path to future financial success. Five Ways to Save Money as a Young Adult 1. Make a budget. You’ve heard it before. Creating and sticking to a budget is one of the best ways you can save money. Making a budget doesn’t mean you have to give up fun for the rest of your life. By creating a budget, you’ll be able to see where your money is going each month and allocate funds to saving, bills and entertainment. Try using MyMoney within online and mobile banking to get started. 2. Don’t wait to save and invest. Saving and investing may seem like a challenge right now, but putting away just a few dollars a week can have a big impact. Use your budget to see how much money you can put into your savings account each month. And as for investing, if your employer offers a 401(k) account, U.S. News recommends deciding how much of your salary to contribute and increasing it as time goes on. 3. Save one-third of your income. If you aren’t sure how much you should save, U.S. News also recommends saving one-third of your income if you can. By saving $1 out of every $3 you earn, you are making it easier on yourself to survive future financial difficulties, such as layoffs, car repairs, home repairs, and other surprise expenses. 4. Start an emergency fund. Another good way to save for financial hardship is to start an emergency fund. Investopedia recommends putting some money into a high-interest savings account, CD or money market account. 5. Pay off your debt. While putting money into savings is a good way to prepare for your future, you should also be concerned about paying off your debt. You should be aggressive about paying off your debt and careful not to let your credit cards spiral out of control. For 3 min read

What is Phone Spoofing? False Caller ID Information What is Phone Spoofing? Phone spoofing is when scammers manipulate caller ID to make it appear as though they are calling from a local number, a trusted business, or even a government agency. This deception is used to trick you into answering the call and engaging with them, often leading to financial fraud or identity theft. How to Spot a Spoofing Scam Scammers use various techniques to gain your trust or create panic. Here are some red flags to watch out for: Unexpected calls or texts from familiar-looking numbers – Just because a number appears local doesn’t mean it is. Requests for personal or financial information – No legitimate organization will call or text and ask for your Social Security number, account details, or passwords. Pressure to make immediate payments – Scammers often try to create urgency, threatening legal action or service disconnection if you don’t pay immediately. Automated messages asking you to press a button – This is often a tactic to confirm your number is active, leading to more scam calls. How to Protect Yourself The good news is there are steps you can take to avoid becoming a victim of spoofing scams: Don’t answer calls or texts from unknown numbers – If the call is important, the caller will leave a message. Hang up immediately – If you answer and realize it’s a scam, don’t engage. Just hang up. Verify the caller’s identity – If a caller claims to be from a trusted organization, hang up and call the company directly using a verified number from their official website or a recent bill. Make sure you manually enter the correct phone number, don’t trust your caller ID incase the number was spoofed. Be skeptical of unexpected requests – Whether it’s an offer that sounds too good to be true or a demand for urgent payment, always be cautious. Avoid sharing personal information – Never provide sensitive details over the phone unless you are 100% sure of the caller’s legitimacy. Use call-blocking tools – Many phone carriers offer services to help block suspected spam and scam calls. Report suspicious calls – You can report spoofing scams to law enforcement, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) at fcc.gov/spoofing, or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Report suspicious texts – You can report spam text messages to your wireless provider by forwarding it to 7726 (SPAM). This helps your wireless provider spot and block similar messages in the future. Use these links for instructions on how to forward a text message: iPhone instructions or Android instructions Stay Aware, Stay Safe At First Bank, we prioritize your security and want to help you stay informed about potential scams. By staying aware and taking preventive measures, you can protect yourself from fraudsters and keep your personal information secure. 3 min read

Go Gastro in Greensboro Greensboro, North Carolina is changing. Known for its contributions to both manufacturing and civil rights, a new area of notoriety is emerging. Cultural diversity is changing the way the city eats, and no one’s complaining. From new concepts to old favorites, First Bank lays out an ideal day of dining. These eateries aren’t the only options, but you won’t regret any of our selections below. Breakfast No one does breakfast like Smith Street Diner. A Greensboro staple that touts being open 8 days a week, the diner offers the classics. One might speculate how they can fit such great portion sizes into such a cozy space, but somehow they manage. Pancakes, eggs, bacon, fresh coffee and hand-squeezed orange juice may sound simple, but you can taste the love in everything they create. Make sure to sample one of their signature cat head biscuits before paying the bill. Be sure to get there early, because lines can go out the door. Lunch Since 1989, Jerusalem Market has been the choice for Middle Eastern eats in Greensboro. Just walk through the door and the scents of exotic spices and savory delicacies invite you to stay. Try the “Best Hummus in the World” and their pistachio baklava. Catch them at their new downtown location for a healthy meal backed by a healthy environment. Midday Snack Looking for a midday snack? Look no further than Yum Yum Better Ice Cream, located in the heart of the UNC-Greensboro campus. This iconic establishment has been family owned and operated since 1906. Serving a selection of homemade ice cream and classic hot dogs, Yum Yum is known for flavor, not flash, and it’s long been a staple for UNCG’s student body. Get “one all the way” hot dog and a “kid’s cone” of ice cream to hold you over. Dinner If you’re looking for a dinner that is a break from the norm, look no further than Crafted Restaurants. There are two Crafted locations in Greensboro with diverse themes. Before you jump the gun and assume Crafted – The Art of the Taco is a Mexican restaurant, take a look at their menu. On it, you’ll find such tacos as the “Fedora,” which is filled with succulent 4 min read

What is the Best Bank for Small Business? If you own or plan to own a small business, you might be asking yourself, “What is the best bank for a small business?” With our history founded on the values of small business and by providing many banking options designed specifically for small businesses, First Bank has solidified its place as the best bank for your business needs. Choose a Bank for Your Business According to Inc., choosing the best bank for your small business is all about knowing your needs, comparing features, and looking for the right size bank. “From the very start, your business should be on the lookout for a supportive and reliable bank. Whether your needs are simple (a separate business checking account) or complex (a line of credit), finding the bank that fits your business’s needs is crucial. In making the decision, it is pertinent to consider not only your business’s current needs, but its potential future aspirations. That’s especially true if you’re anticipating being in the market for a loan over the next few years. Because the bulk of small business loans come these days from community banks like First Bank, it is advisable to establish a good relationship with your bank before your business needs outside capital.” Why First Bank? First Bank’s commitment to small businesses began when we first opened our doors in 1935 in the small town of Troy, NC. After the town lost its only bank during the Great Depression, First Bank stepped in to take care of the farmers and small business owners of the community. We have continued to evolve our model for serving small businesses ever since. First Bank provides a variety of services to small businesses including: Loans. First Bank offers business loans—including credit lines, commercial loans and construction loans—with flexible terms and competitive rates.* Business accounts. Choose from five business checking accounts, three business savings accounts, and free financial education for your employees. Credit cards. Earn rewards points when use your First Bank business credit card.** Business services. Easily accept and process credit and debit cards, electronic checks, and gift cards from your customers; protect yourself from fraud; processes checks remotely; and more. Treasury services. Let First Bank take care of your payroll direct deposit, deposit 4 min read

Protect Your Home from Mother Nature [INFOGRAPHIC]

Ready to talk to an expert?

Ready to talk to an expert?

You may be interested in...