Personal Finances Articles

From personal finance to paying off debt, credit score insights, and more — you’ll find everyday financing basics here.

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Understanding how to manage your money is the first step to financial health. To help our communities, we’ve compiled articles with helpful tips for stretching your hard-earned dollars further. For a deeper dive on financial topics below, you can also check out our financial wellness courses.

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Five Reasons to Refinance Your Mortgage Banking professionals suggest mortgage refinancing when homeowners want to replace their current loan with a new one, often to reduce monthly payments or lower interest rates. With a mortgage refinance, your current loan is paid off and replaced with a new one. This can be a great option for borrowers with good credit who want to alter their current loan. But refinancing could be risky for borrowers with less than perfect credit. Check out our list of reasons to refinance and see if you could benefit from refinancing your current mortgage. 5 Reasons to Refinance Lower interest rates—If mortgage rates have dropped since you first took out your loan, you could secure a lower rate by refinancing. Lower monthly payment—Lowering your interest rate could have a dramatic impact on your monthly payment. If you intend on staying in your home for several years, lowering your payment could help you save. Shorten loan term—When interest rates fall, homeowners can often significantly shorten their loan term by refinancing without much increase in their monthly payment. Convert between adjustable-rate and fixed-rate—With adjustable-rate mortgages, your initial interest rate may be low and and then increase over a period of time. Refinancing to a fixed-rate mortgage could allow you to avoid an increase in rate. Cash out to make a large purchase—If you have equity in your home, refinancing enables you to cash out on that equity without taking out a loan, such as a home equity loan. A lot of people will use this cash to pay for home repairs, college tuition, or make a large purchase, such as a car. These types of refinances are typically easy to complete and may even be tax deductible. If you still aren’t sure if a mortgage refinance is right for you, visit our online refinance calculator to see how much you could save, or visit your local First Bank branch to speak with a mortgage specialist. Loans subject to credit approval. ——— Sources: https://www.investopedia.com/mortgage/refinance/when-and-when-not-to-refinance-mortgage/ 2 min read

NC Bank If you are looking for one of the best North Carolina banks, consider a visit to your local First Bank. First Bank is an NC bank that is small enough to know you by name, but large enough to meet all of your banking needs. We have more than 100 convenient locations throughout the state of North Carolina. Plus, First Bank was recently recognized as one of the by Forbes. Banking Services First Bank offers a variety of banking services for families, individuals, and business owners in North Carolina. Some of our services include: Personal banking: Checking accounts, savings accounts, debit cards, personal loans, and more. Business banking: Checking accounts, savings accounts, loans and credit, merchant services, and more. Mortgages: Conventional loans, jumbo loans, government loans, VA loans, and one-time close construction-to-permanent loans. We also have a Financial Education Center where you can find articles about buying a home, starting a business, our activities in the community, and more! Click here to explore more banking options. First Bank‘s Mission At the beginning of the Great Depression, a small town in North Carolina lost its only bank. That town was Troy, NC, and in 1935 First Bank opened its first branch to help with the loss. At that time, we were called Bank of Montgomery, and we were known for helping farmers and local businesses manage their money for 3 whole decades. In 1985, we changed our name to First Bank, and a lot has changed since then. The manufacturing, industrial, and technology industries have grown, and we’ve continued to evolve to meet the needs of our customers. Our mission is to show that we care about our customers, and to provide them with safe and convenient banking. If you are looking for a North Carolina bank that strives to meet your needs, visit a First Bank branch near you. Loans subject to credit approval. Member FDIC. Sources: NCpedia: http://www.ncpedia.org/history/20th-Century/great-depression 2 min read

Savings Account Interest Rates in South Carolina Whether you’re searching for savings account interest rates in South Carolina, looking for an account with a higher rate of return, in the market for a long-term savings strategy with tax advantages, or looking to open your very first savings account, First Bank in South Carolina can help. With First Bank’s savings accounts, you can grow your money the smart way. We offer various levels of interest rates on a number of both personal and business savings accounts, some of which accrue interest on any amount of money. Save conservatively in a basic savings account or water your money more aggressively in a Money Market account. The choice is up to you. First Bank offers a number of savings account options: Everywhere Savings MyFirst Savings Money Market CDs IRAs Health Savings Accounts Interested in More Than Just Rates? Our savings account interest rates aren’t the only benefit of trusting First Bank with your money. Our savings accounts also offer perks, such as: Withdrawal capabilities* Online and mobile banking so you can watch your money grow from home or on the go* Monthly statements that provide a detailed history of growth and transactions Account activity alerts to notify you of any action in your account Opportunities to avoid First Bank monthly maintenance fees* Reach out to First Bank or visit a local First Bank branch to learn more about savings account interest rates in South Carolina. We’re happy to answer all of your financial questions and help you find the best type of savings account for you. Plant your money at one of South Carolina’s First Bank locations and use our savings account interest rates. While First Bank does not charge for mobile banking, your mobile carrier’s message and data rates may apply. 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 fees may apply as described in the Account Services Fee Schedule, which is also available at your local branch. 2 min read

Saving for College – North Carolina Paying for college begins well before your child ever sets foot on campus. Saving for college from day one is an effective way of combating the rising costs of today’s colleges and universities. There are nearly 200 colleges in North Carolina and with our numerous branch locations, First Bank helps students from across the state afford a college education. Save for College with First Bank First Bank offers several options for college saving for children in North Carolina. MyFirst Savings is a savings account for children under the age of 18. Set up the account when your child is young and begin funding it. You can deposit birthday money from relatives, inheritances or money your child earns from working a job in high school. The account earns interest on any balance so you’ll begin growing your money from day one. Everywhere Savings is a basic savings account that begins earning interest with any balance. Campus Checking is a convenient account for students heading into or already attending college, with no monthly fees*. Secured Card allows your student to start to safely build a credit history before going or while away at school. Our HELOC leverages the equity you have in your home for large purchases and can even be used for college tuition. Getting an early start is the key to saving up for college but it’s never too late to start. If you begin contributing to a savings account now, your child could have the necessary funds to get them through college. Student loan debt can be a long-term burden for you or your new college graduate. Begin building a bridge to your child’s future today with a savings account from a North Carolina First Bank. *Account holders may avoid the Monthly Maintenance Fee by meeting any of the requirements listed in the Keep it Fee FreeTM section of the account summary table for their account type. Other account service fees may apply as described in the Account Services Fee Schedule available on our website at fees or at your local branch. Federal regulations limit withdrawals or preauthorized transfers to six (6) per month, including checks, drafts, online transfers, telephone transfers and debit card purchases. You may conduct an unlimited number of 3 min read

Compare First Bank Checking Accounts If you’ve begun the process to compare bank accounts, it’s important that you review the options that differentiate them. Fortunately, you have a local partner in First Bank — a bank that offers a variety of checking accounts, each with unique features. Compare Our Checking Accounts You can visit our website and use our checking account comparison chart** for additional information to supplement the summaries below. Everywhere Checking, our most basic checking account, comes with features such as free online and mobile banking*** and free online bill pay. It also offers the following: MyMoney: a free online budgeting and savings tool Free eStatements or paper statements Everywhere Plus includes all the great benefits of our Everywhere Checking account, plus: Earn interest on your balance Everywhere Premium includes all of the benefits of Everywhere Plus but with added features, such as: No First Bank transaction fees on out-of-network ATM withdrawals Free member checks or 50% discount on alternate check designs 4 free official checks per statement cycle First Bank also offers accounts for students and seniors. Our Campus Checking account is designed for high school and college students under the age of 25, and includes benefits such as: No monthly maintenance fees Mobile check deposit Easy money transfers between First Bank accounts Free online and mobile banking No First Bank transaction fees on 8 out-of-network ATM withdrawals per month Our Senior Checking account is for customers 55 and older and can be kept fee-free by meeting a minimum monthly direct deposit of $250.* Senior checking also includes: Free online and mobile banking Free basic checks or 50% off other designs Open an Account Today at First Bank Now that you’ve compared our bank account options, visit your local First Bank branch to open an account today. * Direct deposit defined as external ACH credit. Transfers from other First Bank accounts or deposits made at a branch do not apply.While First Bank does not charge for mobile banking, your mobile carrier’s message and data rates may apply. **Account holders may avoid the Monthly Maintenance Fee by meeting any of the requirements listed in the Keep it Fee FreeTM section of the account summary table for their account type. Other account service fees 3 min read

Personal Loan Rates in South Carolina If you live in South Carolina and are looking for competitive personal loan rates,* visit a local First Bank for highly competitive rates and flexible terms. We’re dedicated to serving our customers and providing a variety of loan options—from personal lines of credit to home equity lines of credit. Our loan experts will help determine which option is best for you. Personal Loans from First Bank Personal loans can be helpful when you have a medical emergency, home expenses, or other unexpected costs. Take a look at the personal loan options offered by First Bank: Personal Line of Credit—This personal loan grants you with instant borrowing power. Ready Reserve: Overdraft Protection—To avoid accidental account overdrafts, think about getting overdraft protection. First Bank will automatically transfer funds into your First Bank checking account from your overdraft line of credit to prevent costly fees. If you need a larger loan for bigger purchases, think about applying for a home equity line of credit. A First Bank home equity line of credit (HELOC) offers low interest rates and flexibility in funding larger expenses like debt consolidation, college tuition, medical bills, and other costs. Tips to Consider Before Getting a Personal Loan Before applying for a personal loan, consider these tips to get the best interest rate: Compare Your Options—Consider whether a personal loan would be cheaper than a low-interest credit card. The experts at First Bank can help you compare these options and determine which you could pay back faster. Find a Cosigner—If you have a low credit score, a cosigner with a high credit score could help you qualify and get you better rates. Consider a Secured Loan—Secured loans, also known as collateral loans, allow you to pledge the title to one of your assets, like a car or home, in return for a larger loan. Pay Off Credit Cards—Any balance you have on a credit card could count against you when applying for a loan. Visit Your Local First Bank Today Visit one of our fifteen South Carolina First Bank locations to start an application. ——— Sources: Bank Rate: http://www.bankrate.com/finance/topic/heloc.aspx *Loans subject to credit approval. 2 min read

Best Local Bank in North Carolina For a local bank in North Carolina that puts your financial goals first, check out your neighborhood First Bank. Named one of the Best Banks in North Carolina by Forbes, we’re small enough to know you like a neighbor, and large enough to provide financial services that fit your needs. We offer personal and business banking solutions with tons of savings options and a generous rewards program. Visit your local First Bank today for more information— more than 100 locations across the Carolinas. Financial Services Offered at First Bank At First Bank, we pride ourselves on being able to provide our customers a local, community-centric, banking experience. In fact, First Bank opened its first branch to help a local NC community that lost its only bank at the beginning of the Great Depression. We understand that the needs of the customers in various communities vary. That’s why we offer a variety of banking services at each of our locations, including: Checking accounts and savings accounts Debit and credit cards Personal loans and home equity lines of credit Business banking Treasury and merchant services Online and mobile banking, including mobile check deposit Mortgages, wealth management, and insurance Visit Your Local First Bank Today Come see why families and businesses have trusted us for years. To learn more about First Bank and why we are the best option for local banking, contact or visit us today. For more information on First Bank, see our articles on small banks near me, mortgage loan basics, and best mobile credit card processing service. ——— Securities and insurance products are offered through INFINEX INVESTMENTS INC., Member FINRA/SIPC. INFINEX INVESTMENTS INC. and FB Wealth Management, a division of First Bank, are not affiliated 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 Principal Sources: Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/mortgage.asp Troy, NC: http://troy.nc.us/ 2 min read

Hassle Free Checking Account Near Me At First Bank, we don’t believe in charging unnecessary fees and diminishing your hard earned cash. That’s why we offer five options for hassle-free checking accounts provided you meet some basic monthly requirements. Don’t get bogged down with maintenance fees, ATM transaction charges or any other hidden costs. Maintain certain requirements such as a minimum balance or regular direct deposits and enjoy the luxury of a hassle-free checking account at a First Bank near you. Hassle-Free Checking Accounts for Everyone First Bank offers five different types of hassle-free checking accounts with no monthly maintenance fees as long as minimum requirements are met: Everywhere Checking. A basic checking account with monthly fees that can be avoided with basic requirements. Everywhere Plus. This account provides all the basics of Everywhere Checking while also allowing you to earn interest on the money you save. No monthly fees as long as you meet certain requirements. Everywhere Premium. Reap all the benefits of Everywhere Plus while also getting free checks and an unlimited number of out-of-network ATM withdrawals with no First Bank fee. Avoid maintenance fees by meeting minimum guidelines. Campus Checking. This is a student checking account for enrolled college students under the age of 25. There are no minimum balance requirements. Senior Checking. Those over the age of 65 can enjoy free checks and no monthly fees by meeting basic requirements. Features of First Bank’s Hassle-Free Checking Accounts In addition to being able to avoid any monthly fees by meeting basic requirements, all five of our checking accounts include no fees for: Free online and mobile banking* Free online bill pay Free paper or electronic statements Visit a First Bank location near you to learn more about how to qualify for a hassle-free checking account with First Bank and start saving money today. While First Bank does not charge for mobile banking, your mobile carrier’s message and data rates may apply. The First Bank Digital Banking Apps are available for select mobile and tablet devices. ——— Sources: Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/directdeposit.asp Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/minimum-balance.asp 2 min read

Community Banks Near Me Where can I find banks near me? When it comes to banking, customers want banks nearby that are part of the communities where they live, work and play. First Bank is rooted in a community focus that dates back to the days of the Great Depression when we helped farmers and local businesses make every dollar count. Our core values have not changed in the eight decades since we opened our doors. First Bank remains a community bank that’s committed to helping communities prosper and thrive. First Bank: Your Community Bank We began as a community bank in 1935 with only one location but now we have more than 100 branches in North Carolina and South Carolina, mountains to coast. First Bank is the best of both worlds when it comes to community banks: small enough to serve our communities on a personal level but large enough to fully manage any financial needs. Services Offered by First Bank Here are just some of the amenities offered by First Bank: 5 different types of personal checking accounts and 5 types of business accounts 6 levels of personal savings accounts and certificate deposits (CDs) and 3 options for business savings Credit cards and debit cards for both personal and business use Loans for personal, business and home equity Adjustable, fixed-rate, and non-conforming mortgage loans FHA, rural housing and VA loans Professional and construction loans Free financial wellness programs for your employees Wealth management services including mutual funds, stocks and bonds, annuities, 401(k) and IRA’s, life insurance and more Personal and business insurance First Bank utilizes modern technology to stay close to our customers at any time from any location. We offer 24-hour banking via our online and mobile banking. Our accessibility is one of the many reasons why we are one of the best community banks near you. Visit a Local Branch Near You First Bank has many locations in North Carolina and South Carolina. Use our location finder to see a branch near you. 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. ——— Sources: FDIC: https://www.fdic.gov/regulations/resources/cbi/report/cbsi-1.pdf 2 min read

Best Savings Account – North Carolina Finding some of the best savings account in North Carolina may seem like a difficult task. After all, there are hundreds of North Carolina banks offering savings accounts. How do you go about determining which account is right for you? Savings Account Options with First Bank Finding the best savings account in North Carolina that meets your unique needs is easy with First Bank. Our account options include: 1. Everywhere Savings — Our most basic account designed to meet the saving needs of anyone. It includes: 2 free withdrawals per month* No minimum balance to earn interest Free online and mobile banking** 2. MyFirst Savings — An account designed to teach children and teens under 18 the value of saving. It includes features like: 2 free withdrawals per month* No minimal balance to earn interest Free online and mobile banking** Only $10 required to open account 3. Money Market — For customers who want to earn interest at a higher rate while still having access to their funds. This account includes: 6 free withdrawals per month* Interest-earning account access $1,000 minimum to open account Free online and mobile banking** First Bank also offers: Certificates of Deposit (CDs) with a fixed rate and choice of terms. IRAs for a long-term savings. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) to help you save for current and future health expenses. To view and compare all of our savings account options, click here. Visit Your Local First Bank Today At First Bank, we are dedicated to providing our customers with the best savings account options in North Carolina. Visit a location near you to learn more about opening an account, or visit our website today. To learn more about First Bank, visit these related articles: Best Savings Account Rates in North Carolina, What is a Child Savings Account, or Stress-Free Savings Account – North Carolina. *Withdrawal fee of $2 each after the first two during the month. Federal regulations limit withdrawals of preauthorized transfers to six (6) 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. **While First Bank does 3 min read

Online Money Hacks – First Bank If you are active on social media, you’ve probably tried a “life hack” at some point. Life hacks are little things you can do to make your life easier. For example, tying a small piece of bright colored fabric to your luggage makes it easier to tell which bag at the airport. Life hacks are great, but do you know what’s even better? Money hacks! Money hacks not only make your life easier, they help you save your hard earned cash. Money Hacks Worth Trying Money hacks can be anything from saving your spare change in a piggy bank to skipping your morning Starbucks run and making coffee at home. Small money hacks will help you save a little bit of money, but if you’re looking to save in a big way, try these money hacks from Forbes and from your very own First Bank. Borrow against your home’s equity. This money hack is specifically for homeowners, but it’s useful to know if you are ever planning on buying a home. If you find yourself needing a personal loan for a large amount of money, it might be better to borrow money against your home’s equity. Since you already have been approved for a mortgage the loan application process will typically be easier. Another benefit is that interest payments on home equity lines of credit are typically tax-deductible, unlike interest paid on personal loans. Consult your tax advisor for details on the deductibility of interest. Pay insurance premiums once a year. You’re probably currently making monthly payments for policies like life insurance and auto insurance, but it isn’t required that you make your payments that way. You can opt to pay your insurance policy in one lump sum, which can save you money in the long run. Paying by the month may be convenient, but insurance companies typically charge a courtesy fee. Fun Tips to Save More Money Try a service contract. Instead of shelling out hundreds of dollars for a car or home repair, offset the costs by considering monthly payments for an auto warranty or home protection plan. Stay cool. Preserve the longevity of your batteries, hosiery, and candles by storing them in your freezer. Raise a glass to 3 min read