Budgeting and Goals Articles

Learn how to set and stick to a budget to achieve your financial goals.

Learn About Budgeting and Goals

Check out these articles to get tips and tools for creating and maintaining your budget so you can get where you want to be.

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Your Top 5 Tips for Effective Online Money Management Information on the Internet moves quickly. That’s why First Bank* offers streamlined online money management for individuals and small businesses throughout North Carolina and South Carolina. Accounts can easily be linked in our app, which is free to download in the Apple and Android stores.** Download our app today, or contact us to learn how you can benefit from our digital banking services. 5 Online Money Management Tips First Bank’s digital banking services provide tools for you manage your personal money, or your business finances, online. Whether you are already with First Bank, or you’re looking for an online money management solution, consider these tips to make online money management easier and more productive. Enroll in automatic bill pay. Most banks have this feature for online banking customers. Link your bills directly to your checking account to prevent late payments. Set up account alerts. Stay on top of financial issues that matter to you the most with the alert system. You can set up alerts to occur when a withdrawal happens, when you are close to an overdraft, or when a credit card payment is due. Alerts are deliverable via text or email. View statements online. Before digital banking, bank statements were mailed. For a busy account, a single month could amount to pages upon pages of transactions. Online money management allows you to access your statements without wasting paper. Also, you can use the search feature to easily find specific charges. Track spending patterns. With online money management, it’s easy to access your withdrawal history. Use that data to produce a graph or table that tracks your spending habits. By tracking your spending history, you can pinpoint ways to stay on budget. Quick, easy access to money. Easily transfer funds between accounts and view budgets and cash flow. Contact First Bank today and learn more about our digital banking suite of services, including mobile, text, and tablet banking, mobile check deposit, alerts, eStatements, and bill pay. **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. Customers must enroll in First Bank Online Banking and download the First Bank Digital Banking App from 2 min read

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

Learn How Much You Should Be Saving Each Year Wondering how much you should be saving each year? Many specialists believe in the 50/20/30 budget: 50% is spent on necessary expenses (e.g. credit card bills, rent), 20% of your income is put into savings, and 30% is left for your luxury expenses (e.g. a new TV, restaurants). By following this rule, you can comfortably begin saving for retirement or an emergency fund while having enough to make ends meet. How Much Should I Be Saving? While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how much you should have saved, there are some goals you should focus on during your 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond. Here’s a recommended savings road map to guide you at any age: 20s: Focus on building your credit, paying off loans and save something each month. Even if you’re not able to save quite up to 20% of your income, try starting at 10%. 30s: Allocate more money into savings, especially if you’re thinking about starting a family, buying a new home, or taking on a few home repairs soon. You should be putting at least 15% of your income into savings, if not more. Additionally, you should continue to pay off all non-mortgage debt. 40s: Get your credit card debt under control and up the amount you’re putting away into savings again. By this time, you should aim to have more than your current salary put away in savings. 50s: Max out your retirement contributions and pay off your mortgage. You should aim to have as much of your income and investments working towards your retirement goals as possible. Ideally, you have more than two times your current salary set aside in savings. Start Saving for Your Future Today Changing the way you spend can feel overwhelming at first and requires discipline. However, in time, you’ll get used to what is necessary and how much of your luxury expenses can be cut or limited. Take charge of your finances and invest in your future. For more questions about how much you should be saving each year, or how to get started, contact your local First Bank branch today! ——— Sources: Experian: https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/how-much-should-you-save-each-month/ Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/simple-thrifty-living/in-your-20s-40s-60s-the-b_b_5686551.html Money Under 30: http://www.moneyunder30.com/how-much-do-you-need-to-have-saved-for-retirement 2 min read

Find the Best Savings Account Rates at First Bank in North Carolina Finding the best savings account rates in North Carolina can be beneficial for many reasons. Whether you want to save money in the case of an emergency or start a fund for your child’s education, having the right savings account can help you reach your goals. At First Bank, we are confident you can find what you need with one of our many savings account options. Compare NC Savings Account Rates at First Bank When you’re looking to compare rates, it’s important to know what you’re getting from a savings account. At First Bank, we have six types of savings accounts at competitive rates that can fit your financial goals: Everywhere Savings The Everywhere Savings is First Bank’s signature savings account that can be tailored to meet your financial needs. With a minimum of $50 to open, our savings benefits include: 2 free withdrawals per month* No minimum balance to earn interest Free online and mobile banking* Free online bill pay Free eStatements or paper statements MyFirst Savings If you’re under 18 years old and you’re ready to start saving, the MyFirst Savings account is a great way to teach your kids the value of money at an early age. With only a $10 deposit to open, our savings benefits include: 2 free withdrawals per month* No minimum balance to earn interest Free online and mobile banking* Free online bill pay Free eStatements or paper statements Money Market For higher rates and access to your funds when you need it, the Money Market savings account can help you stretch your dollar. A $1,000 minimum is required to open this account to access benefits, including: 6 free withdrawals per month* Free online and mobile banking* Free online bill pay Free eStatements or paper statements More Savings Account Options If you do not need immediate access to your funds, Certificates of Deposit (CDs) typically offer higher rates than other savings accounts. A First Bank CD is a safe, FDIC-insured investment, and requires minimum deposit of $1,000 is required to open.* In addition to these accounts, we also offer Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) to accommodate your specific savings needs.* How Savings Account Rates in North Carolina are Calculated 6 min read

Conventional Mortgage Loans Applying for a home loan can be a strenuous process, especially if you’re unsure which type of loan is the best fit for your financial situation. Before you apply, it is important to understand the two types of loans available to you: conventional mortgage loans and a government-backed loans. In this article, we’ll break down the basics of conventional loans. What are Conventional Mortgages? Conventional loans can have fixed or variable interest rates, which can be impacted by your credit score. Qualifications for conventional loans are usually stricter than government-backed loans because they carry a higher risk for banks and private lenders. If the borrower defaults on the loan, the banks and private lenders are not protected. These kinds of loans are not insured by the federal government, but they are still required to follow guidelines set by the Federal National Mortgage Association—a.k.a. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. A Conventional Loan to Meet Your Needs If you live in North Carolina or South Carolina and are looking for a flexible and affordable conventional loan,* look no further than your local First Bank. We offer both adjustable-rate and fixed-rate mortgages with a range of features and benefits that are sure to fit your specific financial needs. Conventional Adjustable-Rate Mortgages This kind of mortgage loan changes periodically depending on shifts in the corresponding financial index associated with the loan. ARMs generally have a lower initial interest rate than fixed-rate mortgages. Both your interest rate and your P&I (monthly principal and interest) payments will stay the same for an initial period of 3, 5 or 7 years. After that it will adjust periodically. Interest rate caps set a limit on how high your interest rate can go for your P&I payment for each adjustment and over the life of the loan. Loans are available for 30-year amortization schedules. Conventional Fixed-Rate Mortgages Your interest rate and P&I payments stay the same for the life of your loan. That predictability for your monthly P&I payments enables you to budget more easily. This kind of loan is available in a variety of loan term options, and it protects you from rising interest rates no matter how high they fluctuate. This option is good for individuals or 3 min read

Budgeting 101: Personal Budget Categories When it comes to creating a personal budget, it can feel like there are a million financial categories to consider. In order to create a successful budget, everything should be accounted for, from large expenses like your mortgage and car payment to smaller expenses like your gym membership and Netflix subscription. A list of recommended personal budget categories is a great place to start when creating a budget. Here are two ways you can get the most out of the list: Go through the list and check off each category that applies to you, then add those categories/items to your personal budget spreadsheet. Create a comprehensive list of everything you spend each month, then go through the categories list to see if there is anything you might have forgotten and need to add to you personal budget spreadsheet. Recommended Budgeting Categories Consider including these categories when you create your own budget: Housing Mortgage or rent Property taxes Household repairs HOA fees Transportation Car payment Car warranty Gas Tires Maintenance and oil changes Parking fees Repairs Registration and DMV Fees Food Groceries Restaurants Pet food Utilities Electricity Water Garbage Phones Cable Internet Clothing Adults’ clothing Adults’ shoes Children’s clothing Children’s shoes Medical/Healthcare Primary care Dental care Specialty care (dermatologists, orthodontics, optometrists, etc.) Urgent care Medications Medical devices Insurance Health insurance Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance Home warranty or protection plan Auto insurance Life insurance Disability insurance Household Items/Supplies Toiletries Laundry detergent Dishwasher detergent Cleaning supplies Tools Personal Gym memberships Haircuts Salon services Cosmetics (like makeup or services like laser hair removal) Babysitter Subscriptions Debt Personal loans Student loans Credit cards Retirement Financial planning Investing Education Children’s college Your college School supplies Books Savings Emergency fund Big purchases like a new mattress or laptop Other savings Gifts/Donations Birthday Anniversary Wedding Christmas Special occasion Charities Entertainment Alcohol and/or bars Games Movies Concerts Vacations Subscriptions (Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, etc.) Get Professional Personal Finance Advice Give First Bank’s free MyMoney tool in online and mobile banking a try to get started on your budget or to calculate your net worth. If you need guidance from a professional when creating your budget, find a First Bank near you. You can also learn more about different types of banking services, personal budgeting, saving money, investing and more using First Bank’s online Financial 2 min read

Apply for a Personal Loan in South Carolina | First Bank If you’re looking for a personal loan in South Carolina, stop by your local First Bank. We offer highly competitive rates and flexible terms, allowing you to customize your loan based on your financial needs. Visit your local First Bank today to compare personal loan* options and find competitive rates. Tips to Apply for Personal Loan If you need to apply for a personal loan but don’t know where to start, follow these tips to help you secure the best option. Check Your Credit Score—Most lenders will require you to have a high credit score for loan qualification purposes. If your credit score isn’t high enough, consider getting a cosigner to help you qualify for the loan. Know What You Qualify For—Since applying for loans will decrease your credit score, apply only for loans you qualify for. Gather the Necessary Paperwork—Loan applications will require you to prove your annual income, monthly house payments, and employment status. Have these items on hand to simplify your loan application process. Find a Local Bank—Most local banks will give you great deals on personal loans, walk you through the loan application process, and customize the right loan for you. Personal Loan Options at First Bank First Bank offers a number of personal loans options: Personal Line of Credit—A personal line of credit allows you to borrow money instantly. In order to secure your personal line of credit, you may need qualified collateral to apply. HELOC—A home equity line of credit can give you the flexibility to consolidate debt, make a big purchase, or fund a home improvement project using the equity you’ve built up in your home. Vehicle loans—Get a competitive rate on a car or boat loan. For more information on personal loans, visit your local First Bank branch. Additional Loan Options at First Bank For other loan options, consider the following services offered by First Bank: Platinum Rewards Mastercard—No annual fee or charge for balance transfers, this card has everything you need to cover expenses, including the option to participate in a free rewards program. Business Loans—First Bank offers long-term business loans to help you expand your business, finance new equipment, or refinance debt. Construction and Mortgage Loans—Our construction loans provide businesses with 3 min read

Banks With Stress-Free Checking Accounts By switching to a bank with stress-free checking accounts, you can worry less about your finances. At First Bank, we offer stress-free checking accounts to make your personal banking experience as easy as possible. Types of Checking Accounts at First Bank First Bank offers five different checking accounts. Take a look at our account options below: Everywhere Checking—this is our basic checking account that offers free, online and mobile banking, account alerts, and a credit card rewards program Everywhere Plus—this account offers the same benefits as our Everywhere Checking account in addition to earning interest on your balances Everywhere Premium—as our top-tier checking account, Everywhere Premium offers the same benefits as Everywhere Checking, plus free membership checks and an unlimited number of free non-First Bank ATM withdrawals Campus Checking—our stress-free student checking account has no monthly fees and offers eight free, out-of-network ATM transactions Senior Checking—seniors 55 and older can qualify for no monthly fees and earn rewards on everyday purchases with an eligible First Bank credit card Checking Account Benefits Whether you need a basic checking account or a premium checking account with rewards, First Bank can help you figure out the best option for your finances. Take a look at some of the benefits First Bank offers with our stress-free checking accounts. By meeting minimal requirements, you won’t incur any First Bank fees for things like: Online or mobile banking Account activity alerts Monthly paper or electronic statements Automated online bill paying We even offer ways of dodging monthly maintenance fees simply by meeting certain requirements. Additionally, depending on which of our five stress-free checking accounts you decide to open, you can avoid fees for things like ATM transactions and check ordering while earning interest on minimal balance requirements. Visit First Bank Today Visit your local First Bank and open up a stress-free checking account today or visit us online for other financial resources. While First Bank does not charge for mobile banking, your mobile carrier’s message and data rates may apply. While First Bank does not charge for Alerts, check with your mobile service provider for web access or text messaging fees. Account holders may avoid the Monthly Maintenance Fee by meeting any of the requirements listed in the Keep 3 min read

5 Money Saving Tips for Young Adults When you’re young, saving money can seem like an impossible task. It’s easy to see your paycheck as a way to get by month to month and not a way to prepare for the future and save for financial difficulties. But putting just a little money aside each month can make a world of difference. These five money saving tips for young adults can help you get started on the path to future financial success. Five Ways to Save Money as a Young Adult 1. Make a budget. You’ve heard it before. Creating and sticking to a budget is one of the best ways you can save money. Making a budget doesn’t mean you have to give up fun for the rest of your life. By creating a budget, you’ll be able to see where your money is going each month and allocate funds to saving, bills and entertainment. Try using MyMoney within online and mobile banking to get started. 2. Don’t wait to save and invest. Saving and investing may seem like a challenge right now, but putting away just a few dollars a week can have a big impact. Use your budget to see how much money you can put into your savings account each month. And as for investing, if your employer offers a 401(k) account, U.S. News recommends deciding how much of your salary to contribute and increasing it as time goes on. 3. Save one-third of your income. If you aren’t sure how much you should save, U.S. News also recommends saving one-third of your income if you can. By saving $1 out of every $3 you earn, you are making it easier on yourself to survive future financial difficulties, such as layoffs, car repairs, home repairs, and other surprise expenses. 4. Start an emergency fund. Another good way to save for financial hardship is to start an emergency fund. Investopedia recommends putting some money into a high-interest savings account, CD or money market account. 5. Pay off your debt. While putting money into savings is a good way to prepare for your future, you should also be concerned about paying off your debt. You should be aggressive about paying off your debt and careful not to let your credit cards spiral out of control. For 3 min read

How To Make A Budget The best way to save money and gain control over your finances is to make a budget. Follow these simple steps to make a budget that will save you money and bring you peace of mind about your spending. Making a Budget People often set their budgets according to a monthly schedule because most living expenses are based on monthly billing cycles. As such, it won’t hurt to spend one full month making your budget. That way you’ll come up with the most accurate data possible. Record All Your Expenses Keep track of everything you pay each month. This includes: Rent/mortgage Car payments Car warranty Utility bills Student loans Cell phone bill Gas Groceries Insurance (car, health, or any other type) Home warranty Memberships to gyms or clubs Charitable donations Many of your monthly expenses are fixed amounts. But others, such as gas and groceries, will fluctuate from one month to the next. Round slightly up for these as it’s better to come up a little short of the intended number than to go over it. Also, some payments such as car insurance might be quarterly or yearly. Figure out how much it equates to per month and factor the payment in that way. Record Your Income The next step is to tally up how much money you’re bringing in each month. If you have a job that pays hourly or by commission and each paycheck varies a little, round slightly down. It’s better to bring in a little more money than what you intended as opposed to coming up short. Do the Math Now that you know what’s going out and what’s coming in, do the math to determine how much is left over. If the difference is positive (you’re making more than you spend): Great! You have extra money that can be put in a savings account, vacation account, or to be used for fun spending money. Or, use it to chip away at those student loans or car payments. Remember, the faster you pay those off, the less you’ll spend in interest in the long run. If the difference is negative (you’re spending more than you make): You’re operating in debt and the sooner you can curb the momentum, 4 min read

How Much Savings Should I Have At Age 30? Do you know how much savings you should have at age 30? Unfortunately, there is no exact answer. Expert advice conflicts between encouraging 30-year-olds to save more and investing their already saved money into assets. However, if you’ve been saving the recommended 10-25% of your income in your 20s, then you’re already off to a great start! Estimated Amount of Savings by Age 30 How much savings you have, or should have, depends on your income. CNN Money provides the following estimates for people in their 30s to use as a guide to retirement savings. Income Estimated Savings Amount $40,000 $60,000 $65,000 $97,500 $90,000 $135,000 $115,000 $172,500 If these aren’t the numbers reflected in your savings account balance, don’t panic! This can easily be an over- or under-estimation for many, especially depending on when in your 20s you began saving. Focus on Investing Over Saving Rather than focusing on the number you should or should not have by the time you’re 30, you should instead focus on investing and paying off your debt. You have plenty of time to save up for that trip to Bermuda, but that shouldn’t be done while you’re carrying credit card debt. Money Under 30 recommends three financial goals that you should hit by the age of 30: Pay off consumer debt as soon as you can, including credit card debt and auto loans. Save an emergency fund of at least three months’ (or more!) worth of living expenses in case you are suddenly unemployed or have to foot a pricey car repair bill. Begin investing, as that adds to your net worth more than how much you’ve set aside in savings thus far. Consult with an investment advisor before making any investments. For more advice and guidance on savings, investing and retirement, contact your local First Bank* branch today. ——— Sources: Financial Samurai: http://www.financialsamurai.com/how-much-savings-should-i-have-accumulated-by-age/ CNN Money: http://money.cnn.com/gallery/retirement/2015/09/01/how-much-do-i-need-for-retirement/2.html Money Under 30: http://www.moneyunder30.com/how-much-money-saved-30 Investment and insurance products and services are offered through Osaic Institutions, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Osaic Institutions and FB Wealth Management, a division of First Bank, are not affiliated. We do not provide tax advice. Consult your tax advisor. Investment and Insurance Products are: Not Guaranteed by the Bank Not FDIC Insured Not a Deposit Not Insured by Any Federal Government Agency May Lose Value including Loss of 2 min read

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