Are You a Financial Wellness Wiz?

Take our quick quiz to find out!

If you got:

1-2 points: Good start! We’re here to talk you through the basics and to help you plan for the future. Also be sure to check out our free financial basics course.
3-4 points: Well done! You’ve got the basics down; but if you need help planning for a big purchase or life event, we can help. Start with our free course: Major Life Events.
5 points: Look at you go! Capitalize on all that great financial savvy with the right mix of tools and products you need for your plans.

No matter your score, we’re committed to helping you achieve your dreams (big and small!). Visit your local branch today, or give us a call. Let’s start something amazing together.

Share:

You may be interested in...

Five Reasons to Refinance Your Mortgage Banking professionals suggest mortgage refinancing when homeowners want to replace their current loan with a new one, often to reduce monthly payments or lower interest rates. With a mortgage refinance, your current loan is paid off and replaced with a new one. This can be a great option for borrowers with good credit who want to alter their current loan. But refinancing could be risky for borrowers with less than perfect credit. Check out our list of reasons to refinance and see if you could benefit from refinancing your current mortgage. 5 Reasons to Refinance Lower interest rates—If mortgage rates have dropped since you first took out your loan, you could secure a lower rate by refinancing. Lower monthly payment—Lowering your interest rate could have a dramatic impact on your monthly payment. If you intend on staying in your home for several years, lowering your payment could help you save. Shorten loan term—When interest rates fall, homeowners can often significantly shorten their loan term by refinancing without much increase in their monthly payment. Convert between adjustable-rate and fixed-rate—With adjustable-rate mortgages, your initial interest rate may be low and and then increase over a period of time. Refinancing to a fixed-rate mortgage could allow you to avoid an increase in rate. Cash out to make a large purchase—If you have equity in your home, refinancing enables you to cash out on that equity without taking out a loan, such as a home equity loan. A lot of people will use this cash to pay for home repairs, college tuition, or make a large purchase, such as a car. These types of refinances are typically easy to complete and may even be tax deductible. If you still aren’t sure if a mortgage refinance is right for you, visit our online refinance calculator to see how much you could save, or visit your local First Bank branch to speak with a mortgage specialist. Loans subject to credit approval. First Bank is not a student loan provider and does not offer or service student loans. ——— Sources: https://www.investopedia.com/mortgage/refinance/when-and-when-not-to-refinance-mortgage/ 2 min read

A college campus sidewalk with building in the background

How to Get Help Paying for College With the cost of college rising each year, it’s refreshing to hear about companies and organizations that are stepping up to help pay the way. We've highlighted a couple of options for students, whether you’re able to work your way through or heading straight to college from high school. 3 min read

How to Spot Fraud: Four Signs That it’s a Scam 1. Scammers Pretend to Be From an Organization You Know One of the most common tactics scammers use is posing as a trusted organization, such as a government agency, utility provider, or even your bank. They might claim to be from the IRS, Social Security Administration, or a local business you’re familiar with. Using technology to spoof phone numbers, they can make it look like the call is coming from a legitimate source. What You Can Do: Always verify the source independently. Look up the organization’s official contact number and call them directly. Be wary of unsolicited communications, especially if they request sensitive information. Don’t trust caller ID alone; it can be easily manipulated. First Bank Customers: NEVER share your secure access codes. If you receive a suspicious call, email, or text from someone claiming to be a First Bank representative asking for a code that was sent to your phone or email, STOP all communication. First Bank will NEVER ask for that information. Please STOP all communication with that person and call First Bank customer support at 1-866-792-4357. 2. Scammers Say There’s a Problem or a Prize Scammers often appeal to fear or excitement. They might claim you owe money to the government, that there’s an issue with one of your accounts, or that you’ve won a prize. The catch? You’ll need to provide personal information or pay a fee to resolve the issue or claim your reward. What You Can Do: Pause and think. Legitimate organizations don’t ask for immediate payments or sensitive information over the phone or via email. Be cautious of high-pressure tactics; they’re designed to make you act without thinking. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. 3. Scammers Pressure You to Act Immediately A sense of urgency is a hallmark of scam attempts. Fraudsters don’t want to give you time to think, verify their claims, or consult someone else. They might threaten legal action, suspension of accounts, or worse to coerce you into acting quickly. What You Can Do: Take your time. Legitimate organizations will not rush you or threaten you into making hasty decisions. Hang up if a caller refuses to let you disconnect or tries to intimidate you. Reach out to a trusted advisor or your bank for guidance if you’re unsure. 4. Scammers Tell You to Pay in a Specific Way Another red flag is when scammers demand payment via unconventional methods like cryptocurrency, payment apps, wire transfers, or gift cards. They might also send a fake check and ask you to deposit it before transferring money back to them. What You Can Do: Be suspicious of requests for payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency; these methods are often untraceable. Never send money or provide financial information based on a request from an unsolicited call, email, or message. If you receive a check, wait for your bank to verify its authenticity before using the funds. Final Tips for Staying Safe Educate Yourself and Others: Share these tips with family and friends to help them avoid scams. Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, it probably is. Always err on the side of caution. Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect fraud, contact your bank immediately and report the incident to local authorities or organizations like the FTC. By staying vigilant and informed, you can protect yourself from scammers and safeguard your financial well-being. Remember: Your bank is here to help. If you ever have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out. First Bank is Here to Help If you feel that you have fallen victim to a scam, what should you do next? At First Bank, we recommend calling us immediately. You may reach us at 1‑866‑792‑4357 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday or 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. Or you may submit an e‑mail message to fraud@localfirstbank.com. Our associates are trained in fraud response and will advise you on your next steps. Stop by your nearest First Bank branch to talk through any questions or concerns you might have about your account security or how our different banking policies work to keep you safe. If you can’t make it to one of our branches, call our customer support center at 1-866-792-4357. 4 min read

Long-Term Installment Loans First Bank offers long-term installment loans and other types of lending that help small businesses cover expenses. The government-backed Small Business Association (SBA) helps business owners acquire long-term loans to help them grow, expand their services, or recover from disaster. Connect with our experts at First Bank today and find out how long-term installment loans could help your business thrive and grow. Benefits of Borrowing Long Term Long-term installment loans offer several key benefits for small business owners: Predictable, Steady Payments Long-term loans are usually repaid in steady monthly installments. But weekly or bi-weekly payments may be required, depending on the loan terms and conditions. Fixed Rates Another benefit of long-term loans are the stability of fixed rates. A fixed rate gives you more time to gradually pay back what you borrowed for costly repairs, construction, equipment, or inventory. Lower Interest Rates Many long term installment loans, because of the length of commitment, have lower rates than other types of business financing. Working with our network of lenders, the experts at First Bank will work with you to find the best choice for your business needs. Other Long-Term Installment Loan Factors Before taking out a long-term installment loan, there are a few factors to consider. What’s true of any loan is that interest will accrue throughout its lifespan. This can take years to pay off and could become a debt burden in the long run if a detailed budget is not in place. If you have existing debts, taking on a long-term loan may be risky. However, First Bank’s wide network of lending partners will provide the best available loan terms to help your business succeed. Long-Term Loans with First Bank Whether you need a long-term installment loan or something for the short term, First Bank can help you find the financing you need for your business. Find a First Bank near your and start growing your business today. ———— Source: SBA.gov: www.sba.gov/starting-business/business-financials/borrowing-money-your-business Loans Subject To Approval 2 min read

Are You a Financial Wellness Wiz?

Ready to talk to an expert?

Ready to talk to an expert?

You may be interested in...