Online Money Hacks – First Bank

If you are active on social media, you’ve probably tried a “life hack” at some point. Life hacks are little things you can do to make your life easier. For example, tying a small piece of bright colored fabric to your luggage makes it easier to tell which bag at the airport. Life hacks are great, but do you know what’s even better? Money hacks! Money hacks not only make your life easier, they help you save your hard earned cash.

Money Hacks Worth Trying

Money hacks can be anything from saving your spare change in a piggy bank to skipping your morning Starbucks run and making coffee at home. Small money hacks will help you save a little bit of money, but if you’re looking to save in a big way, try these money hacks from Forbes and from your very own First Bank.

Borrow against your home’s equity. This money hack is specifically for homeowners, but it’s useful to know if you are ever planning on buying a home. If you find yourself needing a personal loan for a large amount of money, it might be better to borrow money against your home’s equity. Since you already have been approved for a mortgage the loan application process will typically be easier. Another benefit is that interest payments on home equity lines of credit are typically tax-deductible, unlike interest paid on personal loans. Consult your tax advisor for details on the deductibility of interest.
Pay insurance premiums once a year. You’re probably currently making monthly payments for policies like life insurance and auto insurance, but it isn’t required that you make your payments that way. You can opt to pay your insurance policy in one lump sum, which can save you money in the long run. Paying by the month may be convenient, but insurance companies typically charge a courtesy fee.

Fun Tips to Save More Money

Try a service contract. Instead of shelling out hundreds of dollars for a car or home repair, offset the costs by considering monthly payments for an auto warranty or home protection plan.
Stay cool. Preserve the longevity of your batteries, hosiery, and candles by storing them in your freezer.
Raise a glass to energy savings. Cooking for two? Save energy by microwaving both bowls at once. Just place a glass underneath one to cook both dishes evenly.
Go bananas. Don’t let those extra bananas you dutifully planned to eat for breakfast for the week rot and go to waste. Repair minor scratches on CDs and DVDs by rubbing a banana on your disks.

Whether you’re crowding your freezer with stockings or changing the way you pay insurance premiums, it saves to plan ahead and get resourceful. Want to learn more about how you can save money? Contact or visit a First Bank branch near you.

To learn even more about First Bank, check out our financial education and wellness resources, or browse the First Bank website to get a sense of the many products and services it offers.
———

Sources:

LifeHack: http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/100-life-hacks-that-make-life-easier.html

Forbes: http://www.forbes.com

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...

Banks Near Me When you are trying to find banks near you, there are many options. With so many choices, it can be hard to be sure you’re choosing the right bank for you. At First Bank, we care about the needs of our customers. That is why our banking options are designed to meet the unique needs of our customers. First Bank’s first branch opened in Troy, North Carolina, where we were known for helping local businesses and farmers manage their finances throughout the 40s, 50s, and 60s. Today, we’re still known for our community values, and we serve businesses, families, and customers in North Carolina and South Carolina. There’s a First Bank Near You Chances are if you’re in one of the states we service, there’s a First Bank near you. And it offers a range of services from personal banking to wealth management. Some services we offer include: Personal checking accounts, savings accounts, and credit cards with benefits* Personal loans and lines of credit* Business checking accounts, savings accounts, debit cards, and group banking Business loans and credit cards* Merchant services like payment processing, reconciliation and reporting, and check collection Treasury services, such as payroll direct deposit and deposit services Wealth management services* Insurance for individuals and businesses We want to make the needs of our customers are met. Whether you need a savings account, a business loan, or auto insurance. We strive to be a bank near you that is worth more to you. The Best Banks Nearby Visit our website to discover more about First Bank. Our team of banking experts are ready to answer any questions you have about First Bank and the services we offer. *Investment and Insurance Products are NOT Bank Deposits, NOT FDIC-Insured, HAVE NO Bank Guarantee, NOT Insured by any Federal Government Agency, May Go Down in Value. Loans subject to credit approval. See our Terms and Conditions for complete details on our MasterCard® programs. ©2013 MasterCard. MasterCard, Debit MasterCard and the MasterCard brand marks are trademarks of MasterCard International Incorporated. ——— Sources: Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/h/homeequityloan.asp Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/l/lineofcredit.asp Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/r/reconciliation.asp 2 min read

Which Renovations Give You the Most Bang for Your Buck? A home renovation can make your house more comfortable and efficient. Despite what you might see on HGTV, though, renovating isn’t easy, and you won’t always make big bucks when it’s time to sell your home. 1 min read

Checking Account Offers in South Carolina If you live in South Carolina and you’re looking for some of the best checking account offers, your local First Bank can help. We offer a variety of checking account options—from basic accounts to accounts with tons of features to premium accounts that earn interest. Checking Accounts at First Bank First Bank is one of the best banks for checking accounts in South Carolina. Each of our checking accounts comes with free online and mobile banking,* online bill pay, and free eStatements or paper statements. Our checking account offers include: Everywhere Checking — our most basic account. Everywhere Plus — an account that has all the benefits of Everywhere Checking, plus the chance to earn interest on your balance. Everywhere Premium — an account that has all the basics of Everywhere Plus, plus additional complimentary services. Campus Checking — an account designed for students between ages of 16 and 25. Senior Checking — an account designed specifically for seniors over 55. Compare our checking account offers to see which one is the right fit for you. Find a First Bank Near You Find a South Carolina First Bank location near you to learn more about our account offers or click here to open an account online today. 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 Bank Digital Banking App from the App Store or Google Play. Apple, the Apple logo, and iPhone are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple, Inc. Android and Google Play are trademarks of Google Inc. Out of network terminal owners may charge a service fee. 2 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

Online Money Hacks – First Bank

Ready to talk to an expert?

Money Hacks Worth Trying

Fun Tips to Save More Money

Ready to talk to an expert?

You may be interested in...