Personal Finance Articles & Advice

Personal Finances 2 min read

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Looking for advice on how to better manage your finances? First Bank’s* collection of personal finance articles can help you with every aspect of managing your funds, from saving money to investing or buying a house.

Personal Finance Advice Articles

5 Tips for Safely Managing Your Finances Online

Keeping track of your finances is easy when you create an online account with your bank. And while managing personal financial information online may seem dangerous, there are ways to do it safely. These 5 tips will help you safely manage your finances online.

Buying Your First New Car: What to Know

Buying your first car should be a fun and exciting experience, not a stressful one. Before you take a test drive, consider these tips on buying your first new car.

How to Avoid Paying Too Much for a House

You’ve finally found your dream home, but it seems a little overpriced. You don’t want to give it up, but you can’t pay that much. So what do you do? This article features tips from real estate agents that can help you avoid paying too much for the house of your dreams.

How to Get Help Paying for College

College is expensive, and it is only getting more expensive each year. But that doesn’t mean getting a college education is unattainable. This article highlights just a few of the many organizations that are stepping up and offering to help students pay for college.

10 “Life Hacks” That Will Save You Money

Sometimes saving money can seem like an impossible task. When creating a budget, you might be tempted to cut the big things first, but it’s actually the little expenses that can save you the most money in the long run. Use these 10 “life hacks” to start saving today.

For more articles on personal finance, visit First Bank’s Financial Education Center.

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Source:

CNBC: http://www.cnbc.com/2015/06/16/why-college-costs-are-so-high-and-rising.html

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Earn More with Interest-Bearing Checking Accounts An interest-bearing checking account offers the interest accumulation of savings accounts with the withdrawal and check-writing ease of checking accounts. This best-of-both-worlds combination allows bank customers to accrue some interest on their balance while only needing to meet some minimum requirements. First Bank’s Interest-Bearing Checking Accounts The money in your checking account is yours and earning interest on it matters. At First Bank, we offer three types of checking accounts (two personal and one business) that accrue interest when the minimum balance is maintained. Each is uniquely designed to meet the needs of our many different customers. Interest-Bearing Personal Checking Accounts Everywhere Plus. Our Everywhere Plus account comes with free online and mobile banking, free online bill pay, and free paper or electronic statements. Everywhere Plus customers also have a credit card rewards program for eligible card. Everywhere Premium. The Everywhere Premium account includes all the basics of the Everywhere Plus level while also granting unlimited out-of-network ATM transactions with no First Bank fees, free member checks or 50% off other check designs, and four free official checks per statement cycle. Interest-Bearing Checking Account for Businesses With our Business Interest account, business owners enjoy: 250 free transactions per month Cash or coin deposits of up to $10,000 every month at no charge Rewards benefits with an eligible credit card Free 24-hour telephone banking Online and mobile banking Contact your local branch and get started with an interest-bearing checking account today. Is an Interest-Bearing Account Right for Me? According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, interest-earning checking accounts are typically good for people who: Carry large account balances Spend less than they earn Keep a stockpile of cash or funds Are retired and want a higher-interest product than most of today’s investment accounts Pay attention to their finances and can meet the criteria needed to open an interest-earning checking account For a related article, visit: High Interest Checking Accounts – North Carolina While First Bank does not charge for mobile banking, your mobile carrier’s message and data rates may apply. The First Bank Digital Banking Apps are available for select mobile and tablet devices. There is no charge from First Bank, but message and data rates may apply. Must enroll in First Bank Online Banking and download the First 3 min read

Banks That Offer Personal Loans There are hundreds of banks that offer personal loans, but sometimes choosing a bank that is the right fit you can be difficult. That’s where First Bank comes in. At First Bank, we want to make finding a personal loan as easy as possible, which is why we offer some of the best personal loans in North Carolina and South Carolina. First Bank Offers Personal Loans to Meet a Variety Of Needs Now that you’ve found First Bank, you don’t have to choose between banks that offer personal loans any more. Our personal loan options can be customized to meet your needs, and each is offered with flexible terms and highly competitive rates. Our personal loan options* include: Personal Line of Credit — This line of credit allows you to borrow money as soon as you need. You can even write a check to request cash. You may be required to provide qualified collateral to secure your personal or commercial line. Credit Card with Rewards — Enjoy the freedom to make everyday and monthly purchases in a convenient and secure way with a First Bank credit card*. Plus, earn rewards points on purchases when you use your eligible card. Home equity lines of credit — Take out a loan using your accrued home equity as collateral and fund a large project like a kitchen renovation or major expenses like medical bills. Auto loans — Purchase your ideal car with the help of an auto loan from First Bank, offering competitive rates, a fast, secure application, and approval rates that last 30 days. Boat loans — We provide competitive rates and flexible terms with no prepayment penalty for our boat so you can take the plunge on your next adventure. Visit Your Local First Bank Today If a personal loan isn’t what you need, don’t worry. First Bank offers other loan options such as credit cards and business loans. To begin an application or to learn more about our loan options, visit your local branch. *Loans subject to credit approval. See our Terms and Conditions for complete details on our One Rewards Program. MasterCard, Debit MasterCard and the MasterCard brand marks are trademarks of MasterCard International Incorporated. ——— Sources: Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/o/overdraft.asp 2 min read

Compare Checking Accounts at North Carolina Banks You’re likely already aware of the importance of performing a checking account comparison before making a final decision. It can be difficult to navigate the many options and select the account that offers the most benefits. You should start your comparison by looking at the features you consider most important. Comparing a Checking Account Checking account features, fees, and requirements can all be very different. When trying to decide among various account options, try looking for a few specific things, such as: Demographics—A lot of checking accounts are designed to meet the needs of certain age groups, such as teens, college students, and senior citizens. These accounts often offer special features or benefits that other account holders do not receive. Fees—Many checking accounts charge a monthly fee, but they also often provide ways to waive the monthly fee, like using direct deposit or maintaining a minimum monthly balance. Mobile banking—If you like to have access to your accounts through mobile device, you’ll want to look for a checking account that comes with a free mobile banking app. Checking Account Comparison at First Bank If you live in North Carolina and are looking for a checking account that meets all of your needs, visit your local First Bank*. We have more than 70 locations across the Tar Heel state, and we offer a variety of checking accounts that feature benefits, including: Free online and mobile banking** Ways to keep your account fee free*** Specialized accounts for college students and seniors over the age of 55 Contact a First Bank Specialist Today If you need help deciding which account is right for you, you can use our online checking account comparison tool, or contact your local branch to learn more. **While First Bank does not charge for mobile banking, your mobile carrier’s message and data rates may apply. ***Account holders may avoid the Monthly Maintenance Fee by meeting any of the requirements listed in the Keep it Fee Free™ section of the account summary table for their account type. Other account service fees may apply as described in the Account Services Fee Schedule, also available at your local branch. 2 min read

What is Financial Abuse? Key Aspects of Financial Abuse Financial abuse is a hidden but devastating form of control that often leaves victims economically trapped and vulnerable. It can happen in any type of relationship, whether it’s between partners, family members, or caregivers and their dependents. By understanding the tactics used by abusers and the steps to regain financial independence, victims and their supporters can take meaningful action to break free and rebuild their lives. Control and Restriction One of the primary tactics of financial abuse is restricting the victim’s access to financial resources. The abuser may withhold money or enforce a strict allowance, limiting the victim’s ability to spend freely. They might restrict access to bank accounts, credit cards, or cash, ensuring complete financial dependency. In many cases, victims are required to justify every expense, creating a climate of fear and uncertainty around financial decisions. Additionally, abusers may steal or control their victim’s identification documents like their driver’s license and social security card as well as important papers like marriage and divorce documents, birth certificates, and mortgage or property documents—with the goal of opening accounts in the victims name without their knowledge. By controlling their victim’s financial access and identification, the abuser reinforces their dominance, making it increasingly difficult for the victim to assert independence. This lack of financial freedom can leave victims feeling trapped, with few options to break free from the abuse. Exploitation of Resources Financial abuse often involves the direct exploitation of their victim’s financial resources for the abuser’s personal gain. This can include unauthorized use of the victim’s credit cards or assets, leading to mounting debt in their name. Some abusers force their partners to cover all household expenses while contributing little or nothing themselves. In more severe cases, victims may be coerced into accumulating debt under their own name, leaving them financially burdened long after the relationship ends. These tactics create significant financial hardship, making it even more difficult for victims to escape the abusive situation. Sabotage of Economic Independence Many abusers deliberately work to prevent their victims from achieving financial independence. They may prohibit them from working or pursuing educational opportunities, limiting career advancement and personal growth. Even when victims manage to secure employment, abusers often sabotage their job performance by causing disruptions, harassing them at work, or withholding essential resources such as transportation or childcare. In some cases, abusers also hide or misrepresent joint assets, ensuring that their victims remain unaware of their true financial standing. By keeping their victim economically dependent, the abuser strengthens their control, reducing the victim’s ability to leave the relationship and start anew. Financial Secrecy and Isolation Secrecy and economic isolation are also common tactics in financial abuse. Abusers may conceal important financial information, such as income, debts, or household expenses, leaving the victim completely in the dark about their financial situation. In addition to withholding financial knowledge, abusers often restrict interactions with family and friends who could provide financial assistance or guidance. This isolation ensures that the victim has no financial safety net, making it even harder to seek help or escape the abusive situation. Post-Separation Abuse In relationships, financial abuse does not always end when the relationship does. Many abusers continue using financial tactics to exert control over their victims even after separation. They may prolong divorce proceedings to increase legal costs and drain the victim’s resources. Refusing to pay child support or alimony is another way abusers cause financial distress, making it difficult for survivors to maintain stability. Some even manipulate shared assets or debts to create ongoing financial hardship. These post-separation struggles can make it incredibly challenging for survivors to rebuild their lives. Recognizing and Addressing Financial Abuse Financial abuse is often an invisible form of control that can have long-term effects on a victim’s financial stability and emotional well-being. Recognizing the signs and taking action is essential. Here are some steps that can help: Educate yourself and others: Awareness is the first step toward addressing financial abuse. Learning about its signs can help victims recognize when they are being manipulated. Reach out for support: Support networks, including friends, family, and domestic violence organizations, can offer critical assistance in navigating financial abuse. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is a free, confidential and 24/7 resource that offers tools and support to help survivors of domestic violence. Seek professional advice: Financial counselors, domestic violence advocates, and legal professionals can provide guidance on regaining financial control. Open a separate bank account: If possible, setting up an independent bank account can help create a financial escape plan. Document financial abuse: Keeping records of financial transactions, unauthorized debts, and hidden assets can be valuable in legal proceedings. Breaking the Cycle of Financial Abuse By understanding its various forms, recognizing its signs, and taking proactive steps, survivors of financial abuse can regain financial independence and break free from abusive relationships. 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