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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

Girl managing finances with online device5 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.

Cars in Lot - Tips for Buying New CarBuying 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 - First BankHow 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.

Exterior of a traditional college campus.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.

Umbrellas - Life Hacks to Save Money10 “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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High-Interest Savings Accounts in South Carolina Why should I settle for a regular savings account when I can take advantage of a high-interest savings account? If I’m going to store my money away, I may as well get the highest interest on it that I can. While the above statement is true, it’s important to understand the difference between a traditional savings account and a high-interest savings account. In South Carolina for example, First Bank offers a Money Market account with interest rates that are higher than the basic savings account options offered. However, there are some further requirements for high-interest savings accounts as a trade-off for the better interest. Money Market Account vs. Basic Savings Account Let’s break down some of the differences of a high-interest money market savings account when compared to First Bank’s most basic savings account so you can be sure you’re selecting the savings account that is right for you. Initial Deposit Basic account: Only a $50 minimum deposit is required to open the account. Money Market: You’ll need an initial deposit of $1,000 to open. How to Avoid Monthly Maintenance Fees* Basic account: You can avoid First Bank’s monthly maintenance fees just by keeping a $300 minimum daily balance. Money Market: In order to steer clear of monthly maintenance fees, you’ll need a $2,500 minimum balance or an average collected balance of $5,000 or more. ATM Withdrawals** Basic account: Enjoy two free withdrawals per month within the approved network. Money Market: You have the luxury of 6 free monthly withdrawals within the approved network. High-Interest Savings Accounts in South Carolina There are 6 First Bank locations in South Carolina offering high-interest savings accounts and basic savings accounts alike. And there are many similarities between the two as well. Each offer such amenities as online and mobile banking, monthly electronic statements, account activity alerts, mobile check deposit and more. Use our account comparison chart to see the two savings accounts side-by-side and visit your nearest South Carolina First Bank to open the one that’s right for you. *Account holders may avoid the Monthly Maintenance Fee by meeting any of the requirements listed in the Keep if Fee Free™ section of the account summary table for their account type. Other account service 3 min read
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
Image for tile. How to Avoid a Scam: 5 Essential Steps to Protect Yourself 1. Block Unwanted Calls and Text Messages One of the most common tactics scammers use is impersonation. They may claim to represent government agencies like the IRS, Social Security Administration, or Medicare, or pose as trusted businesses, charities, or utilities. These fraudsters often manipulate caller ID to display fake names and numbers, making it seem legitimate. To minimize risk: Use tools provided by your phone carrier or third-party apps to block unwanted calls and messages. Be cautious of unsolicited communication, even if it seems familiar. 2. Protect Personal and Financial Information Scammers thrive on obtaining sensitive information through deception. Whether they claim you owe money, have won a prize, or face an urgent issue, their goal is the same: to access your details. Here’s how to avoid their traps: Never share personal or financial information in response to an unexpected request. Verify the legitimacy of any claims by contacting the organization directly using official channels. 3. Resist the Pressure to Act Immediately Scammers rely on urgency to cloud your judgment. They might demand immediate action, threaten legal consequences, or warn of impending disaster. This pressure is designed to prevent you from thinking critically. Stay safe by: Taking a moment to breathe and assess the situation. Refusing to make hasty decisions, no matter how alarming their claims may seem. 4. Recognize Suspicious Payment Requests Fraudsters often demand payment through unconventional and hard-to-trace methods like cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers. These requests are major red flags. Protect yourself by: Questioning any payment request that feels unusual or overly complicated. Refusing to share gift card numbers or send money through untraceable means. 5. Talk to Someone You Trust Scammers count on their victims feeling isolated and uncertain. Breaking their spell is often as simple as confiding in someone you trust. Here’s why it helps: Explaining the situation out loud can help you see inconsistencies in their story. Friends, family, or neighbors can provide valuable advice or reassurance. Empower Yourself Against Scams Scammers prey on fear and confusion, but with the right knowledge and habits, you can protect yourself and your finances. By blocking unwanted calls, safeguarding your personal information, resisting high-pressure tactics, recognizing suspicious payment methods, and seeking trusted advice, you can stay one step ahead. Your security matters, and we’re here to help. If you ever suspect fraudulent activity, don’t hesitate to reach out to the First Bank customer support center at 1-866-792-4357. Together, we can ensure your financial safety. 3 min read
What Is the Best Savings Account for Kids The success of child savings accounts has been well documented. We can probably all agree that a savings account for kids is a good decision, but what is the best savings account for kids? First Bank offers a savings account called MyFirst Savings and it’s not hard to argue that it might just be the best savings account for kids. Here’s why: It’s just for kids. MyFirst Savings is exclusively for children under the age of 18. It’s easy and affordable to open. There’s only a $10 initial deposit required to open the account and it can be done simply by visiting one of First Bank’s 100+ locations throughout the Carolinas. The money will grow. There’s no minimum balance to earn interest so your child’s money will start growing from the day the account is opened. You’ll have access to the money. You can make two withdrawals per month with no First Bank fees and with our online and mobile banking you’ll be able to always keep an eye on your money.* You’ll be kept in the know. Free monthly paper or electronic statements provide you a record of the account history and our email, phone call or text message activity alerts notify you of each transaction that happens in the account. Opening a savings account for children is one of the best things a parent can do. And in order to open the very best savings account for kids, simply visit your nearest First Bank today. Or to simply learn more about the account, visit the MyFirst Savings page and download a free coloring book for your child featuring Troy the Plott Hound! While First Bank does not charge for mobile banking, your mobile carrier’s message and data rates may apply. 2. Withdrawal fee of $2 each after the first two during the month. Federal regulations limit withdrawals of preauthorized transfers to two (2) per month, including checks, drafts, online transfers, telephone transfers and debit card purchases. You may conduct an unlimited number of withdrawals at the ATM, in person at a branch, or by mail when the check is mailed to you. 2 min read
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