Protect Your Home from Mother Nature [INFOGRAPHIC]

Mother Nature can do some major damage to your home (and your bank account) if you don’t take the necessary precautions. You can protect your home and save money by keeping the elements at bay.

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How to Get a Home Equity Line of Credit If you are thinking about taking out a loan to finance a major expense, such as home repairs or college tuition, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or loan could be a good option. With a home equity line of credit, you borrow money from your home’s equity — the difference between the value of your home and what you owe on the mortgage. First Bank is here to help you obtain a HELOC. HELOCs are different from home equity loans. With a HELOC, you are borrowing money on a revolving basis, similar to a credit card, and you can request cash any time you need it by writing a check. HELOCs also typically have variable interest rates, which differ from the fixed interest rate of a home equity loan. The amount you are allowed to borrow depends on the amount of equity you have in your home. It can also be dependent on your income, credit history, and market value of your home. Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) from First Bank* Home equity lines of credit from First Bank: Revolving sum of money, available as needed over period of time Have low interest rates Can be secured by the equity in your primary or secondary home Can be accessed with specially designed checks that are free of charge May allow interest to be up to 100% tax deductible** If you have more questions about home equity loans or lines of credit, or are ready to apply, visit your local First Bank branch to speak with one of our loan experts. *Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS #474504. Loans subject to credit approval. **First Bank and its representatives do not provide tax advice. Each individual’s tax and financial situation is unique. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for advice and information concerning their particular situation. ———- Sources: Consumer: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0227-home-equity-loans-and-credit-lines Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/interest.asp?ad=dirN&qo=investopediaSiteSearch&qsrc=0&o=40186 2 min read

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

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First Bank is One of the Top 100 Fastest-Growing Companies in the World First Bank is one of Fortune’s Top 100 Fastest-Growing Companies for 2019! 2 min read

Learn Where to Get Short-Term Personal Loans Today Wondering where to get a short-term personal loan? At First Bank, we offer a selection of loan products that can help you conveniently pay off unexpected expenses or large investments in a shorter period of time. Visit your nearest First Bank branch today to get started. Personal Lending Options at First Bank First Bank offers several personal lending options and lines of credit to help customers pay off big expenses, such as car repairs, doctor’s bills, or unexpected expenses. There are loan officers available at all our branch locations to help you find the right option for your financing needs. In addition, the First Bank Platinum Credit Card with Rewards not only helps you finance your large expenses, but you can also earn rewards.* Benefits include: Every $1 spent on qualified purchases earns 1 point towards your rewards. 24-hour convenient access to your account. Online tools to help you manage your account. Credit card statements are available to download. Easily pay your bills online. Customer service available online. Zero liability for unauthorized purchases. Protection from fraudulent use with MasterCard SecureCode. 26-day grace period for no interest fee. Apply for a Short-Term Personal Loan at First Bank Since 1935, First Bank has worked with communities in North Carolina and South Carolina to lend a helping hand when it comes to financing. With our wide selection of personal and business products, we work to meet the needs of our neighbors with the selection of products you expect from a national bank at the convenience of your local community. For more information on where to get short-term personal loans, visit your nearest First Bank branch today. *Loans subject to credit approval. See our Terms and Conditions for complete details on our One Rewards Program. MasterCard, Debit MasterCard and the MasterCard brand marks are trademarks of MasterCard International Incorporated. ——— Source: About: http://credit.about.com/od/avoidingdebt/a/basics-of-personal-loans.htm 2 min read

Protect Your Home from Mother Nature [INFOGRAPHIC]

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