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Fraud Protection Best Practices: When to use a Credit Card vs. a Debit Card Key Fraud-Related Differences Between Credit Cards and Debit Cards A credit card allows you to borrow money from a lender up to a set limit, with the expectation of paying it back later, often with interest if not paid in full. A debit card, on the other hand, directly withdraws funds from your bank account when you make a purchase, limiting spending to the amount in your account. Balancing credit and debit card use can enhance both security and financial stability. If someone steals your credit card information, they are effectively stealing the credit card issuer’s money, not directly accessing your bank account. This separation provides a crucial security buffer, giving you time to dispute charges without risking essential funds like rent or grocery money. In contrast, debit card fraud affects your checking account immediately, which can cause financial disruptions until the issue is resolved. First Bank Cardholders: Did you know that First Bank credit and debit cards offer Mastercard’s zero-liability protection? Whether you are using your First Bank credit or debit card, you’ll only pay for purchases that you have authorized on your Mastercard® card. Unauthorized purchases are not your responsibility. Instances Where a Credit Card can Offer Increased Fraud Protection Online Purchases Credit cards are generally safer for online transactions. They offer robust fraud protection, and most credit card companies monitor for suspicious activity, often reimbursing fraudulent charges quickly. Travel and International Transactions When traveling, especially abroad, use a credit card. Credit cards typically offer better fraud monitoring and reduced liability if your card information is compromised. Big-Ticket Purchases Use a credit card for expensive items like electronics or home appliances. Many credit cards come with purchase protection, extended warranties, and easier dispute resolution if something goes wrong. Recurring Payments or Subscriptions Credit cards provide better protection if you need to dispute unauthorized subscription charges, helping avoid interruptions to your service while the issue is resolved. Best Practices for Card Security Monitor Transactions: Regularly check both credit and debit accounts for unauthorized activity. Use Secure Websites: Look for “https://” in website URLs when shopping online. Enable Alerts: Sign up for transaction alerts for immediate fraud detection. Report Issues Promptly: The sooner you report suspicious activity, the better your chances of minimizing loss. Responsible Credit Card Use To maximize fraud protection while maintaining financial health, use credit cards responsibly by: Paying the Balance in Full: Avoid interest charges by clearing the balance each month. Staying Within Limits: Use only a portion of your credit limit to maintain a healthy credit score. Making Timely Payments: Pay on time to avoid late fees and credit score damage. 3 min read

How Much Savings Should I Have At Age 30? Do you know how much savings you should have at age 30? Unfortunately, there is no exact answer. Expert advice conflicts between encouraging 30-year-olds to save more and investing their already saved money into assets. However, if you’ve been saving the recommended 10-25% of your income in your 20s, then you’re already off to a great start! Estimated Amount of Savings by Age 30 How much savings you have, or should have, depends on your income. CNN Money provides the following estimates for people in their 30s to use as a guide to retirement savings. Income Estimated Savings Amount $40,000 $60,000 $65,000 $97,500 $90,000 $135,000 $115,000 $172,500 If these aren’t the numbers reflected in your savings account balance, don’t panic! This can easily be an over- or under-estimation for many, especially depending on when in your 20s you began saving. Focus on Investing Over Saving Rather than focusing on the number you should or should not have by the time you’re 30, you should instead focus on investing and paying off your debt. You have plenty of time to save up for that trip to Bermuda, but that shouldn’t be done while you’re carrying credit card debt. Money Under 30 recommends three financial goals that you should hit by the age of 30: Pay off consumer debt as soon as you can, including credit card debt and auto loans. Save an emergency fund of at least three months’ (or more!) worth of living expenses in case you are suddenly unemployed or have to foot a pricey car repair bill. Begin investing, as that adds to your net worth more than how much you’ve set aside in savings thus far. Consult with an investment advisor before making any investments. For more advice and guidance on savings, investing and retirement, contact your local First Bank* branch today. ——— Sources: Financial Samurai: http://www.financialsamurai.com/how-much-savings-should-i-have-accumulated-by-age/ CNN Money: http://money.cnn.com/gallery/retirement/2015/09/01/how-much-do-i-need-for-retirement/2.html Money Under 30: http://www.moneyunder30.com/how-much-money-saved-30 Investment and insurance products and services are offered through Osaic Institutions, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Osaic Institutions and FB Wealth Management, a division of First Bank, are not affiliated. We do not provide tax advice. Consult your tax advisor. Investment and Insurance Products are: Not Guaranteed by the Bank Not FDIC Insured Not a Deposit Not Insured by Any Federal Government Agency May Lose Value including Loss of 2 min read

How Your Healthy-Eating Resolution Saves Calories and Money To get tips on mindful eating and spending, we talked with Jessica Thiefels, a full-time blogger and ACE Certified Personal Trainer, as well as an NASM Certified Fitness Nutrition specialist and the owner of her own personal training business, Honest Body Fitness in San Diego. If you made a resolution to eat healthier this year and need a boost to keep going, get excited because it turns out you’ll save a lot more than a few extra calories. You Eat Out Less Often The top expense for most people is eating out. In fact, 2014 data reveals the average American spends $232 per month eating food prepared outside the house. When eating healthy, however, a restaurant is the worst place to be. With no idea of how much salt, butter, dairy, and oil goes into a dish, you could be eating double or triple the amount of fat you should have in one day. You soon come to realize that eating in is not only less stressful because you control the ingredients and portions, but that it’s saving you hundreds of dollars a month. Planned Eating Cuts Down on Food Expenses When eating healthy, it’s important to plan your meals and snacks in advance so that when your 3 pm craving rolls around, you can reach into your trusty stash of almonds nearby to avoid hunting for sweets instead. This healthy eating strategy helps you save at the grocery store. When you know what you need, you can buy just that. All too often we buy more than is necessary and end up tossing it. This is a nationwide problem, with 40% of food in the United States going uneaten. This means we throw away the equivalent of $165 billion dollars each year, according to the National Resources Defense Council. By planning your healthy meals for the week, you waste less and save more. Vegetables Are Versatile Vegetables are not only some of the cheapest items in the grocery store, but they can be used in so many ways. Save money and time by buying them when they’re fresh and freezing some for future meals, or by simply buying them frozen to begin with. “Frozen vegetables are a lifesaver and can 4 min read

Best Business Checking Account – Jacksonville NC Running the best business in Jacksonville, North Carolina starts with having the best business checking account in Jacksonville, NC. And, opening the best business checking account in Jacksonville starts with a trip to one of our First Bank locations in Jacksonville. First Bank actually offers not just one, but five, of the best business checking accounts in town. Here’s a breakdown of them all: Business Essentials Perfect for small businesses, this account was named one of 2019’s “Best Bank Accounts for Small Businesses – Rewards” by Wallet Hub. Business Interest Accumulate interest on your earnings to get more bang for your buck. Business Advantage Make up to 500 transactions and $25,000 per month and up to $25,000 of cash deposits each month* Community Checking Best for small nonprofits and community organizations, this account is flexible and has minimal requirements. Commercial Analysis A more customized account for large businesses with big needs. Earn credits to offset fees and gain comprehensive treasury management services. Simply the Best The best business checking accounts in Jacksonville, NC don’t come without perks. Business Essentials, Business Interest, Business Advantage and Business Advantage Plus all come complete with online and mobile banking, online bill pay, 24-hour telephone banking, account alerts via phone, text or email and paper or electronic statements. First Bank’s business services don’t end with checking accounts either. We offer business savings accounts, loans, commercial mortgages, merchant services, business insurance and more. Use our business account comparison chart to find the appropriate account or stop by your nearest Jacksonville First Bank today. A transaction is defined as any checks paid, deposits, each deposited item, ATM withdrawals, debit card transactions, online and telephone funds transfers, and ACH debits and credits. There is a fee of $0.35 per item for each item in excess of 250 per statement cycle (or month). A fee of $0.15 per $100 on all additional cash deposits. ——— Sources: Wallethub: http://wallethub.com/best-business-bank-accounts/ Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/interest.asp?ad=dirN&qo=investopediaSiteSearch&qsrc=0&o=40186 2 min read

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