Building Financial Resilience

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Major Life Events Big life events don’t have to mean big financial headaches. 13 Topics

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Starting Out Take smarter first steps into personal banking. 5 Topics

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The Benefits of Checking Accounts with Online Access Out of all the factors that tend to influence our decisions regarding financial management, levels of convenience tend to play a heavier role than others. For that reason, online tools, such as access to checking accounts online, have increased in popularity since they were first introduced. First Bank offers online personal banking, including access to checking accounts* to fit your wants and needs. How Do Access My Checking Account Online? In the past, checking accounts didn’t come with many extra benefits or features. They were simply used to deposit and withdraw your money. However, that is now changing thanks to online banking. Access to your checking account online can come in two forms: Through an established bank with a physical presence Through online-only banks with no physical branches Benefits of Checking Accounts with Online Access Flexible access — Convenient banking services can’t be emphasized enough. Online banking means access to services 24/7 from any location and on any web-enabled device. First Bank checking accounts offer online and mobile app** access with all checking accounts. Tracking and monitoring — Keep track of how much you’re spending and saving easily. Set alerts to stay on top of all activities related to your account. Streamlined financial management — View your account transactions online Transfer funds between accounts Monitor your budget Pay bills online Deposit checks remotely from any web-enabled device While online banks usually have fewer fees, they also tend to have more basic account offerings. If you do decide to open an account with an online bank, it’s also important to consider these two questions. How good is their customer service? Is a call-center your only option? Or can you speak with someone in-person? Having the option of speaking with a representative in-person can be a real advantage, especially if an issue is particularly complex. Is your account really secure? Security issues in online banking aren’t generally from the secure bank sites, but from the clients themselves. Clients have to be extra cautious when it comes to their web browsers or phone apps. If they aren’t properly password-protected or encrypted, they could potentially be hacked or infected by malware. Still, check the bank’s online privacy and fraud policy for your own peace 3 min read

Financial Institution: Definition and What to Look For The definition of a financial institution typically describes an establishment that completes and facilitates monetary transactions, such as loans, mortgages, and deposits. Financial institutions are a place where consumers can effectively manage earnings and develop financial footing. Consumers can make an informed choice when choosing a bank to keep their money by knowing the core features of financial institutions. What to Look for in a Financial Institution Financial institutions facilitate some of life’s biggest events. When choosing a place to keep your money, it is important to make sure the bank meets certain criteria. Here are some key features to look for when you select a bank: Online Banking — The convenience of being able to access your bank accounts from anywhere isn’t something you should overlook. Look for a bank that offers online banking, as well as mobile banking and tablet banking. High Yield Accounts — High yield checking and savings accounts are a great way to get more for your money. If earning interest is important to you, choose a bank that offers high yield options and competitive rates. Accessible ATMs — When you’re on the go you need to have access to cash as you need it. That is why choosing a bank with accessible ATMs and reasonable ATM fees is important. Great Customer Service — When you have a question about your account, you want to speak with a bank representative that is friendly and helpful. A great bank will have friendly representatives ready to help you in any way possible. Reasonable Fees — Some banks charge multiple fees — such as ATM fees, withdrawal fees, and monthly maintenance fees — just for using their services. Check to see if the fees your bank charges sound reasonable, or if they provide ways to avoid fees altogether. FDIC Insurance — You work hard to earn your money, so you want to make sure it is safe at the bank you choose. Look for banks that are members of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). The FDIC will insure the money in your deposit accounts up to a certain amount. These Features and More From First Bank* First Bank strives to provide you with these key features and 3 min read

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Rent to Own: What the Buyer Should Consider If you're interested in buying a home but are unable to qualify for a mortgage, you might consider a rent-to-own situation. 3 min read

Where to Get 15-Year Mortgage Rates If you’re ready to buy a home, you’re probably wondering where to get 15-year mortgage rates, or you may just be wondering what a mortgage is. First Bank will go over your options with you and help you determine what type of home loan is best, whether that be a 15-year mortgage, or a 3/3 adjustable rate mortgage. Types of Loans at First Bank Before we tell you how and where to get 15-year mortgage rates, we’ll go over some of First Bank’s mortgage options. We offer: Conventional loans Jumbo loans Government loans VA loans Construction loans Dream It, Own It If you are a first time home buyer, you’re probably looking for a conventional loan. We offer two types of conventional loans: fixed-rate and adjustable-rate. Adjustable-Rate Mortgages vs. Fixed-Rate Mortgages Conventional adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) have interest rates that will change periodically depending on shifts in a corresponding financial index that’s associated with the loan. This basically means that your rate will change, causing your monthly payment to increase or decrease. ARMs can be beneficial for some home buyers because they typically have lower initial interest rates than fixed-mortgages, and they provide homeowners flexibility. Conventional fixed-rate mortgages offer a more straightforward approach to home buying. With a fixed-rate mortgage, your monthly interest rate never changes, making it easier for you to set a monthly budget. A lot of people prefer fixed-rate mortgages because they offer protection from rising interest rates for the life of the loan. Secure a Mortgage with First Bank We hope you feel a little more prepared to take on a mortgage and buy the house of your dreams. If you’re ready to apply for a mortgage loan*, visit your local First Bank, or contact our mortgage loan experts. *Loans subject to credit approval. ———— Sources: Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/arm.asp 2 min read

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