The Startling Cost of College

There’s a startling financial truth for those enrolled in college and recent graduates: a higher education almost always comes with a significant price tag — and debt.

Below, we take a look at the numbers. But don’t worry! We’re here to help you whether you’re planning for school, in the middle of your education, or a freshly minted graduate. While First Bank doesn’t offer student loans, we do provide student-focused accounts that come loaded with perks to help you manage your money more easily. Come see us today.

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What is an Unsecured Personal Loan? If you need help covering unexpected expenses, you may be asking the question, “What is an unsecured personal loan?” An unsecured personal loan is a loan given out without the involvement of any collateral. It is based solely on the trust that the borrower will pay back the money under the terms of the loan. Unsecured vs. Secured Personal Loans According to Investopedia: “A loan that is issued and supported only by the borrower’s creditworthiness, rather than by a type of collateral. An unsecured loan is one that is obtained without the use of property as collateral for the loan. Borrowers generally must have high credit ratings to be approved for an unsecured loan.” This is different from a secured loan, where an item of collateral such as a vehicle or piece of property is put down to secure the loan. If you fail to repay the loan, the lender takes the item of collateral. What do Unsecured Personal Loans Cover? Most personal loans are taken out for things like costly medical procedures, home renovations, and vehicle purchases. First Bank offers a personal credit line* that may or may not require any collateral. Typically, the better your credit history, the better your chances of qualifying for an unsecured personal loan. Because you’re not risking the loss of any collateral, unsecured personal loans typically come with higher interest rates than secured loans. Contact First Bank Today If you need an unsecured personal loan, seek out a First Bank location and speak to one of our friendly associates about getting the money you need. *Loans subject to credit approval. ——— Sources: Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/u/unsecuredloan.asp#ixzz3sGyigwlj 2 min read

Refinance Your Mortgage with These 5 Tips Over time, the mortgage market fluctuates and creates new opportunities for homeowners to revise the terms of their mortgage. This is known as refinancing. When refinanced, a mortgage can include lower interest rates, home equity credit, and a restructured loan duration. Homeowners will refinance for many reasons: to get a cash out, to buy out someone on the title, to consolidate their debt, for a low-rate bridge loan, and more. Test out this Refinance Mortgage Calculator, and then see if the following tips can save you time and money in your search for the perfect home loan. 5 Tips to Refinance Your Mortgage Lock in a Cost-Efficient Rate. Ultimately, it is a good idea to lower your monthly payment and re-structure the length of time it will take to pay off your loan. If you are purely looking for a lower rate, according to the Federal Reserve Board, the interest on the mortgage needs to be 1-2% lower than their current mortgage loan rate. Keep in mind that a lower rate isn’t always possible during a refinance, depending on your reason for doing the new loan. Evaluate the Terms. When it comes to mortgage refinancing, you should always read the fine print. Some lenders may offer lower rates, but with much longer terms. To determine if a loan is worthwhile compared to your current mortgage, multiply what you are currently paying (principle with interest, but not escrow) by the number of months left. Do the same for the refinance option and compare to determine if it is a good fit. Consider the Benefits of a New Type of Mortgage. If you are looking to refinance your mortgage, a great tip is to check out the variety of loan types lenders offer. Each may have advantages and disadvantages, and one may be a better fit for your situation. For example, if your financial assets have grown or changed, you may benefit from switching to an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) or a fixed-rate mortgage (FRM), depending on your unique needs. Don’t forget about property taxes and escrow accounts, which can also significantly impact your monthly payment amount. Shop Around. The financially savvy homeowner is aware of the many options available for mortgage refinancing. Ask a lot of questions. 3 min read

First Bank One Rewards Program: Learn More There are a lot of advantages to being a First Bank credit card holder, but the First Bank One Rewards Program is the most beneficial to you. By simply using your Platinum Rewards Mastercard® or Mastercard® Business Card with Rewards, you’ll earn rewards for qualified everyday purchases like groceries, gas, utilities, tuition, and more. 2 min read

8 Ways to Save at Your Summer BBQ In the South, we take barbecues seriously—whether it’s smoking a whole hog or grilling franks with the family. And with the warm weather, it’s even harder to resist firing up the grill for a feast, but you’ll get more out of each party if you find ways to save a few bucks each time. 4 min read

The Startling Cost of College

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