Skip to main content
_FB_2018-Icons-finalized-cleaned-up_new_FB_2018-Icons-finalized-cleaned-up_newGroup 9
Back
Scroll to top

How to Save for Periods Without a Paycheck

Personal Finances 1 min read

Ready to talk to an expert?

Did you know that two out of five wage and salary earners over the age of 15 know their schedule less than one month in advance?

If that sounds like you, or if you’re a teacher on a 10-month pay cycle, a freelance contractor picking up gigs without regular frequency, or going on short-term leave without pay, we know it can be hard to budget when you’re not sure how much or when the next pay check might come in.

How to Save

To help you figure out the best approach to savings during those periods without pay, try the calculator below.

$
$

Now that you know how much to save, you can choose the best account to help support your goal.

How to Budget

Ready to get started with budgeting? We have a number of resources you can try out.

  1. If you’re a First Bank customer, you have free access to MyMoney within digital banking. MyMoney allows you to set a budget, track expenses by category, monitor your accounts from any financial institution, and more.
  2. Not sure where to start with a budget or what you can do with one? That’s okay, we’ve got you covered. Try this free online course: Creating a Budget.
  3. For those ready to take a broader look at their finances and plan accordingly, we also have Financial Basics, which covers everything from checking accounts and smart credit usage to retirement and family financial planning.

Another great tool at your disposal are the alerts you can set on transactions over a certain amount, when you receive deposits, when a transfer is made, and more. This is handy both to keep a closer eye on your finances but also to help stay mindful of each expense and the funds going in or out of your account.

Hands-On Help

If you’re ready to talk options, would like some feedback on your finances and plan, or are just curious about next steps, stop by your local First Bank branch. Our experts can help walk you through it all and create the best path to your goals.

Ready to talk to an expert?

Share:
First Bank’s Good To Know Logo
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...

High Interest Checking Accounts – North Carolina A high interest checking account in North Carolina can offer a safe, steady solution for those who want to grow their money without much risk. At First Bank, we have several branches conveniently located across the state to help make high-interest checking accounts more accessible. Our Everywhere Plus account allows you to build interest on a minimal balance requirement and comes complete with: Free online and mobile banking. Free automated online bill payments. Free monthly statements delivered by paper or electronically. Free email, phone call or text message alerts to notify you of any account activity. The ability to avoid monthly maintenance fees by keeping a minimum or average collected balance. Looking for a High Interest Account with Benefits in North Carolina? If you’re looking for a high-interest checking account that offers even a little bit more, our Everywhere Premium account might be for you. With Everywhere Premium you’ll earn interest with a minimum balance requirement and benefit from all the perks of Everywhere Plus in addition to: No First Bank transaction fees at non-First Bank ATMs. Free member checks or 50% off of alternate designs and four free official checks per month. The ability to avoid monthly maintenance fees by maintaining certain monthly requirements. If you run a North Carolina business and you’re looking to build interest on your business funds, First Bank also has an interest-bearing business checking account. The account comes with all the features of Everywhere Plus and includes such business-friendly benefits as 250 free transactions per month and up to $10,000 in cash or coin deposits per month at no charge. High Interest Checking Accounts for NC Businesses First Bank also offers high-interest checking accounts for businesses. With our Business Interest account, you can make 250 transactions per month, earn rewards benefits with a First Bank credit card and enjoy free 24-hour telephone banking. With our Business Advantage Plus account, you get all of the benefits of Business Interest, as well as 500 free transactions per month and cash or coin deposits of up to $25,000 every month at no charge. Open a First Bank Checking Account Today To open a high interest checking account at First Bank, all you have to do is visit your nearest North 3 min read
Image for tile. Hurricane Helene Recovery: Financial Assistance Options 1. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans The SBA offers a range of disaster loans to individuals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to cover losses not covered by insurance or FEMA. These loans help cover both personal and business expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred. October 15, 2024 Update: The SBA announced that it has exhausted funds for its disaster loan program. Until Congress appropriates additional funds, the SBA is pausing new loan offers. The SBA is encouraging individuals and small businesses to continue to apply for loans given assurances from congressional leaders that additional funding will be provided upon Congress’s return in November. Click here to read the press release. Home Disaster Loans: Available to homeowners and renters to repair or replace damaged real estate and personal property, including vehicles. Business Physical Disaster Loans: These loans are designed for businesses of all sizes to repair or replace damaged property owned by the business, such as real estate, machinery, equipment, and supplies. Private non-profit organizations like charities and churches are also eligible. Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL): These are working capital loans designed to help small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, aquaculture businesses, and private nonprofits meet financial obligations they can’t cover due to the disaster. These loans are meant to support recovery during the disaster recovery period. For more information, visit the SBA Disaster Assistance website or contact them directly. 2. FEMA Disaster Assistance FEMA offers a wide range of financial assistance programs for those impacted by natural disasters. If you have insurance, file a claim immediately, as FEMA cannot cover losses that are already insured. FEMA provides grants for: Temporary housing Home repairs Other disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance You can apply for FEMA assistance online or by calling 800-621-3362. 3. Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) Individuals who have lost their jobs or had their employment interrupted due to Hurricane Helene may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). This program extends unemployment benefits to those who may not be eligible for state unemployment, such as the self-employed or small business owners. To qualify, you must: Live, work, or were scheduled to work in a federally declared disaster area. Have lost employment or had employment interrupted due to the disaster. Have exhausted regular state unemployment benefits. Eligibility is determined weekly, so you must continue to be out of work as a direct result of the disaster to maintain benefits. Visit the Disaster Unemployment Assistance page of the NC Department of Commerce website for more information about this program.  4. Freddie Mac, HUD, and FHA Mortgage Assistance If your home has been affected by Hurricane Helene and you are struggling to make mortgage payments, Freddie Mac, HUD, and the FHA offer mortgage relief options. These include: Forbearance plans to temporarily suspend or reduce your mortgage payments. Loan modifications to make your mortgage more affordable over the long term. Mortgage assistance programs designed specifically for disaster recovery. Contact your mortgage provider to inquire about disaster relief programs available through these organizations. 5. NC Bankers Association Disaster Relief The NC Bankers Association provides resources and guidance for individuals and businesses impacted by disasters. Through their network, they can help you access financial institutions offering relief, including special loan programs and deferral options for existing debts. It’s worth reaching out to your local bank or lender to inquire about specific programs that may be available to you. Visit the Hurricane Helene page of the NC Bankers Association website for a comprehensive list of resources. 6. WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund – Mountain BizWorks In response to Hurricane Helene, the WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund, led by Mountain BizWorks, is providing financial relief for businesses across Western North Carolina. This fund is designed to support local businesses that were impacted by the hurricane, offering critical recovery resources, including: Low-interest loans to help businesses rebuild. Emergency financial support to address urgent needs like working capital, repairs, and more. Mountain BizWorks is a community-focused lender that helps small businesses in the region thrive, even in the face of disaster. They are committed to supporting business owners through the recovery process with accessible financing options. Visit their website for more details on how to apply. 7. SBA Microlenders for Business Recovery The SBA also partners with microlenders across the country to provide small loans, typically up to $50,000, to businesses in need of capital. These loans can help cover immediate business needs such as payroll, inventory, and repairs. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, these microlenders are valuable resources for small businesses that may not qualify for traditional financing options. To find an SBA microlender in your area, visit the SBA Microlender List. 8. Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative Appalachian Community Capital has partnered with Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to provide relief grants to small businesses harmed by Hurricane Helene. The grant program is called the Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative. Small businesses can apply for grants up to $25,000 to cover expenses related to recovery and reopening including repair and replacement of physical damage, environmental cleanup, payment of business-related rents or mortgages, employee retention and hiring, and more. The application window for this grant is from October 30 through November 27, 2024. For more information and to apply, visit their website here. First Bank is Here to Help If you have any questions about these resources, our bankers are more than happy to help you navigate the questions you may have. Recovering from Hurricane Helene is a challenging process, but these resources are designed to provide financial relief when it’s needed most. If you’ve been affected, be proactive in exploring the options available to you, from disaster loans to mortgage forbearance.  While the road to recovery may be long, these programs can ease some of the financial burdens and help you rebuild your life or business. 5 min read
First Bank logo
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognizing you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website are the most popular and useful.