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Personal Finances Articles

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

Learn About Everyday Finances

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.

All Budgeting and Goals Credit: Score and More Family Finances Fending Off Fraud Paying Off Debt Personal Finance 101 Homeownership Retirement
How Much Should a 40-Year-Old Have Saved for Retirement? Are you 40 years old and concerned about your savings? Just how much should you have saved for your retirement by now? There’s no precise answer to give you, but there are some savings recommendations based on income. If you don’t meet these suggestions just yet, don’t panic. The key is to get on the right track right away, and these guidelines can help you do exactly that. Income-Based Savings for a 40 Year Old While some financial advisors suggest having your savings match your annual income, others suggest a more ambitious goal of having three times your salary in savings. That means an estimated savings range of: Income Estimated Range in Savings $50,000 $50,000 — $150,000 $75,000 $75,000 — $225,000 $100,000 $100,000 — $300,000 $150,000 $150,000 — $450,000 $200,000 $200,000 — $600,000 Financial Goals for Your 40s By your 40s, you should focus on these three financial goals if you don’t already have them in order: Pay off as much of your credit card and consumer debt as possible Ensure your emergency fund is ready and available if and when you need it Grow your retirement account, even on its own Are you struggling to make these things happen? You might consider the tips below to help you get on the right track. Create a budget. By knowing how much you spend each month, whether on eating out, fixing home repairs or car problems, or paying phone bills, you can more easily visualize how much you need to save. Take advantage of employer-matched retirement. Whether it’s a 401(k) or an IRA plan, or something entirely different, make the most of what your employer is offering you. It’s the easiest and least painful way to save money for retirement. Learn what counts as a true emergency. Differentiate between what should require you to dip into your savings and what isn’t a true necessity. If you need assistance planning for your future and creating a solid savings, First Bank* can help. First Bank is a community bank and has been helping residents of North Carolina and South Carolina reach their financial goals since 1935. Find a branch near you to speak with a financial advisor today. ——— Sources: Time: http://business.time.com/2012/09/21/what-you-should-save-by-35-45-and-55-to-be-on-target/ Forbes: http://www.forbes.com/sites/learnvest/2013/10/24/40-money-things-you-need-to-know-by-40/#4c620e126cb4 Investment and insurance products and services are offered through Osaic Institutions, 3 min read
Get Stress-Free Banking in NC with a Savings Account at First Bank We can likely agree that complicated savings accounts aren’t fun to deal with. Hidden costs and technicalities can cause unwanted anxiety and stress. That’s why First Bank has a number of stress-free savings accounts in North Carolina. Open a Stress-Free Savings Account with First Bank While other banks cause headaches for their customers, here’s how First Bank provides a breath of fresh air with Everywhere Savings, our most basic and stress-free savings account: Ability to avoid monthly maintenance fees. By simply maintaining at least a $300 daily balance you can avoid any monthly maintenance fees.* No minimum balance to earn interest. Accumulate interest so if your balance takes a dip, your future doesn’t have to. Free online and mobile banking. You won’t accrue any First Bank fees for accessing your account from a smartphone or tablet.** Free monthly statements. Receive paper or emailed statements each month free of charge. Free account alerts. First Bank won’t charge you for phone call, text message or email notifications alerting you of your account activity. Free withdrawals. Utilize two free withdrawals per month from your Everywhere Savings account.*** The Convenience of a Stress-Free Savings Account Charges and fees are just one way of depositing stress into a savings account. At First Bank, we eliminate stress through our convenience. With over 100 locations in North Carolina and South Carolina, we provide the knowledge and resources you need to make big financial decisions. Open a savings account today by visiting one of our North Carolina locations. *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. **While First Bank does not charge for mobile banking, your mobile carrier’s message and data rates may apply. ——— Sources: Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/interest.asp?ad=dirN&qo=investopediaSiteSearch&qsrc=0&o=40186 ***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 withdrawals at the ATM, in person at a branch, or by mail when the check 3 min read
Calculate Your Monthly Mortgage Loan Payment (with Taxes and Insurance) A mortgage loan calculator with taxes and insurance can help prospective homeowners prepare for the financial responsibility of owning a home. Purchasing a home may be one of the biggest decisions you ever make, so it is important to know how much your mortgage payment will be each month after taxes and insurance are added, so you can know how much house you can afford. How Much House Can I Afford? First Bank* provides a mortgage loan calculator with taxes and insurance for potential homebuyers who want to estimate their monthly payments before applying for a loan. Before you use the calculator, you will need to gather the following information: Loan term in years Purchase price Percentage down Interest rate Annual tax Annual insurance Once you have all of the necessary information, you can click here to calculate your potential monthly mortgage payment.** Applying for a Home Loan Now that you’ve calculated how much house you can afford, you may be ready to apply for a mortgage loan. You can get the homebuying process started by visiting First Bank’s online Mortgage Center. Our Mortgage Center provides you with tools, tips, and tricks to help you find a loan that meets all of your needs. Whether you are a first-time home buyer or ready to build your vacation home, we can structure a loan to meet your needs. First Bank offers a variety of home loan options*** with competitive interest rates, including : Conventional loans Government loans Professional loans Jumbo loans Construction loans Dream It, Own It loans The path to quickly finding an affordable home loan starts at First Bank. When you’re ready to apply, all you have to do is start an online application or visit your local branch to speak with one of  our home loan experts. *Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS #474504. **Determining exact rates and payments can be a complex process. Your exact rates and payment amounts will depend on a number of factors including geographical location and personal financial information. This tool provides you with an estimate of payments based on the information you put in but does not guarantee them. Loans are subject to credit and collateral approval. ***Loans subject to credit approval. 2 min read
Shot of an attractive young couple moving house Budgeting Tips for Newlyweds Work together to spend less, save more, and secure your financial future. 2 min read
How to Open a Checking Account – South Carolina If you are wondering how to open a checking account in South Carolina, your local First Bank can help. The first step is deciding what type of checking account is best for you. After choosing an account that fits your needs, you will need to visit one of our branches to fill out an application. Open a Checking Account at First Bank in South Carolina With several convenient locations in South Carolina, it is easy to choose a plan that works best for you. First Bank offers three comprehensive checking accounts, each with unique benefits. Everywhere Checking Free online and mobile banking, free online bill pay, and free eStatements or paper statements.* Open an account. Everywhere Plus Interest at a minimal balance requirement. Free online and mobile banking, free online bill pay, and free eStatements or paper statements.* Everywhere Premium No First Bank transaction fees on out-of-network ATM withdrawals. Free member checks or 50% off other check designs, plus 4 free official checks per statement cycle. Interest at a minimal balance requirement. Free online and mobile banking, free online bill pay, and free eStatements or paper statements.* Students and seniors (55+) can also enjoy the benefits of checking accounts designed to meet their specific needs with Campus Checking and Senior Checking, respectively. First Bank also has options for South Carolina businesses looking to open a checking account. Business owners can choose from three accounts that range from basic to premium. We also offer a Commercial Analysis account that is designed for large business that want a custom checking service. Open a First Bank Checking Account Today If you’re ready to open a personal checking account in one of our South Carolina branches, you can either click here to open an Everywhere Checking account online, or visit a local branch to learn more. Our established team of professionals in South Carolina are ready to help you choose the best account for you. For more information about First Bank, check out our related articles: Best Bank for Checking Account – South Carolina, Checking Account Comparison, or What Do I Need to Open a Checking Account. *While First Bank does not charge for mobile banking, your mobile carrier’s message and data rates may apply. The First Bank Digital Banking 3 min read
Open a Free Student Checking Account with First Bank If you are thinking about opening a checking account while in college, you may be wondering what a no fee student checking account is, and where you can get one. Unexpected expenses can put stress on you financially and mentally, and the last thing you should have to worry about in college is paying extra fees to have a checking account. It probably doesn’t come as a surprise that the costs of college have risen substantially in the past few years. But you may be surprised to find out just how many more unexpected costs there are once you get there. Most colleges provide you with a list of expenses based on their tuition fees, cost of room and board, and loose estimates on other essentials such as transportation and textbooks. Often these estimates are way off, and you get stuck coming up with extra money for things you didn’t realize you would need. Avoid Surprise Fees With A Student Checking Account at First Bank A no fee student checking account is a checking account designed specifically for college students that doesn’t charge monthly maintenance fees as long as you meet certain monthly requirements. First Bank’s no fee student checking account is called Campus Checking, and it is specifically designed for students between ages of 16 and 25. Campus Checking features: No monthly maintenance fees Free online and mobile banking* Free online bill pay Free eStatements or paper statements No First Bank transaction fees on 8 out-of-network ATM withdrawals per month Earn cash back at hundreds of online retailers when you use your First Bank credit card with One Rewards Opening a no fee student checking account at First Bank is quick and easy. You can visit a branch near you, or open an account online safely and securely in just 10 minutes. If you have questions about our student checking account, or want to learn more about our other banking services, call or visit us today. To learn even more about First Bank, see our articles on different types of banking services, personal budget categories, community banks near me, banks headquartered in North Carolina, mortgage basics, and mobile merchant services. While First Bank does not charge for mobile banking, your mobile carrier’s 2 min read
First Bank Card With a First Bank card, you can feel confident that you are obtaining a bank card that is secure and convenient. Are you one of the 194 million people who already have a debit card? Get the most out of your card today with First Bank. Many Benefits of a First Bank Debit Card When you open a First Bank checking account, you can receive our First Bank MasterCard® personal debit card. It is accepted at millions of locations worldwide and thousands of ATMs across the country, and comes with free online banking, making it easy to view and track your purchases whenever you want. In addition, you get: Credit card access benefits — Enjoy 24-hour access to your account and the ability to manage your account online, download credit statements, and pay your bill online**. Security Benefits — Enjoy security benefits such as: Zero liability: Pay only for authorized purchases. MasterCard SecureCode: Enjoy protection from fraudulent use of your card information online. ID theft alerts: Reduce your risk of identity theft with this service that constantly monitors websites and chatrooms. You’ll be alerted immediately should we detect any evidence of your information being traded or sold online. Convenience Benefits — Enjoy convenience benefits such as: MasterCard Global Service®: This benefit provides you with 24-hour service for lost or stolen cards, account information, emergency cash advances, and more 365 days a year. Mobile Wallet: A quick and easy way to use your First Bank debit card on the go with most smartphones. Shopping Benefits — Enjoy shopping benefits like: Price protection: If you find an item that was recently purchased with your eligible MasterCard® for a lower price, you may be reimbursed for the price difference. Extended warranty: Most manufacturer’s warranties are doubled up to one year when you pay with your eligible MasterCard®. First Bank has over 100 locations in NC and SC so head to a location near you and open an account today. *Loans subject to credit approval. MasterCard, Debit MasterCard and the MasterCard brand marks are trademarks of MasterCard International Incorporated.  **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. There 3 min read
Get a Hassle-Free Checking Account with First Bank Figuring out where to get a hassle-free checking account doesn’t have to be hard. First Bank offers five different types of hassle-free checking accounts that don’t have monthly maintenance fees as long as minimum requirements are met. Types of Hassle-Free Checking Accounts at First Bank All of our personal checking accounts feature free online and mobile banking, free online bill pay, and free eStatements or paper statements. Everywhere Checking: Rewards benefits when you use your eligible First Bank credit card. How to Keep It Fee Free™ Maintain a $600 minimum balance, or Maintain an average collected balance of $1,200, or Receive a direct deposit of any amount during the monthly statement cycle Everywhere Plus: All the benefits of Everywhere Checking, plus the chance to earn interest at a minimal balance requirement. How to Keep It Fee Free™ Maintain a $1,200 minimum balance, or Maintain an average collected balance of $2,400 Everywhere Premium: All the benefits of Everywhere Plus, plus no First Bank transaction fees on out-of-network ATM withdrawals, rewards benefits with eligible credit cards, and free member checks. How to Keep It Fee Free™ Maintain a $5,000 minimum balance, or Maintain an average collected balance of $10,000, or Maintain $20,000 in personal deposits (Checking, Savings, Money Market, CD, IRA), or $20,000 in outstanding personal loan or HELOC balances Campus Checking: No monthly maintenance fees and no First Bank transaction fees on eight out-of-network ATM withdrawals per month. Earn cash back at hundreds of online retailers. Available to students ages 16-25. How to Keep It Fee Free™ Typically free for enrolled college or graduate students under the age of 25 Senior Checking: For seniors 55 and older. Rewards benefits when you use your eligible First Bank credit card. Free basic checks or 50% off other check designs. How to Keep It Fee Free™ Maintain a $600 minimum or $1,200 average balance, or Make a monthly direct deposit of $250 or more* Contact a First Bank Specialist Today Now that you know where to get a hassle-free checking account, Visit a First Bank branch to speak with one of our experts today and start saving. *Account holders may avoid the Monthly Maintenance Fee by meeting any of the requirements listed in the Keep it Fee 3 min read
Earn More with Interest-Bearing Checking Accounts An interest-bearing checking account offers the interest accumulation of savings accounts with the withdrawal and check-writing ease of checking accounts. This best-of-both-worlds combination allows bank customers to accrue some interest on their balance while only needing to meet some minimum requirements. First Bank’s Interest-Bearing Checking Accounts The money in your checking account is yours and earning interest on it matters. At First Bank, we offer three types of checking accounts (two personal and one business) that accrue interest when the minimum balance is maintained. Each is uniquely designed to meet the needs of our many different customers. Interest-Bearing Personal Checking Accounts Everywhere Plus. Our Everywhere Plus account comes with free online and mobile banking, free online bill pay, and free paper or electronic statements. Everywhere Plus customers also have a credit card rewards program for eligible card. Everywhere Premium. The Everywhere Premium account includes all the basics of the Everywhere Plus level while also granting unlimited out-of-network ATM transactions with no First Bank fees, free member checks or 50% off other check designs, and four free official checks per statement cycle. Interest-Bearing Checking Account for Businesses With our Business Interest account, business owners enjoy: 250 free transactions per month Cash or coin deposits of up to $10,000 every month at no charge Rewards benefits with an eligible credit card Free 24-hour telephone banking Online and mobile banking Contact your local branch and get started with an interest-bearing checking account today. Is an Interest-Bearing Account Right for Me? According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, interest-earning checking accounts are typically good for people who: Carry large account balances Spend less than they earn Keep a stockpile of cash or funds Are retired and want a higher-interest product than most of today’s investment accounts Pay attention to their finances and can meet the criteria needed to open an interest-earning checking account For a related article, visit: High Interest Checking Accounts – North Carolina 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. There is no charge from First Bank, but message and data rates may apply. Must enroll in First Bank Online Banking and download the First 3 min read
First Bank is One of the Top Banks in the U.S.A. When searching for the top banks in the U.S., it is often smarter to work with a small community bank over a national bank. Small banks often have deeper connections to the community and are invested in the success of individuals and businesses. First Bank* is a community bank that provides a wide range of banking services to people living in North Carolina and South Carolina. Make First Bank Your Top Choice Recent data shows that community banking institutions make up 94% of all banks in the United States. This is largely due to the fact that local banks continue to serve an important role for small businesses, agricultural lending and the nation’s overall economic sector. According to Forbes, “Small banks serve the economy well: they provide reasonably safe places for savings and are a source of essential finance for households and businesses.” Since opening our first branch in 1935, First Bank has had a longstanding commitment to providing the right solutions for financial success. Today, First Bank has grown into a progressive bank network that serves people throughout North Carolina and South Carolina. More than 80 years after opening, First Bank’s focus remains the same: to be the best community bank in every community we serve and through every delivery channel we offer. Our Core Values Becoming one of the top banks in the U.S. does not come without creating a distinct mission, vision and set of core values. At First Bank, the following core values are also what differentiate us in a competitive market: Be committed to safety and soundness. Provide accurate, prompt, courteous service. Make it easy for our associates to deliver the best value to our clients, and easy for our clients to do business with us whenever, wherever, and however they choose. Help our clients and associates build and achieve goals. Our Services First Bank offers a wide variety of banking services, including: Personal checking and savings accounts Personal loans and credit  Business checking and savings accounts Business loans and credit Mortgages Digital banking Find a First Bank Near You With over 100 locations across NC and SC finding a First Bank near you is simple. Visit our Location Finder and type in your city and state or zip code. Or, 3 min read
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
Compare Checking Accounts at North Carolina Banks You’re likely already aware of the importance of performing a checking account comparison before making a final decision. It can be difficult to navigate the many options and select the account that offers the most benefits. You should start your comparison by looking at the features you consider most important. Comparing a Checking Account Checking account features, fees, and requirements can all be very different. When trying to decide among various account options, try looking for a few specific things, such as: Demographics—A lot of checking accounts are designed to meet the needs of certain age groups, such as teens, college students, and senior citizens. These accounts often offer special features or benefits that other account holders do not receive. Fees—Many checking accounts charge a monthly fee, but they also often provide ways to waive the monthly fee, like using direct deposit or maintaining a minimum monthly balance. Mobile banking—If you like to have access to your accounts through mobile device, you’ll want to look for a checking account that comes with a free mobile banking app. Checking Account Comparison at First Bank If you live in North Carolina and are looking for a checking account that meets all of your needs, visit your local First Bank*. We have more than 70 locations across the Tar Heel state, and we offer a variety of checking accounts that feature benefits, including: Free online and mobile banking** Ways to keep your account fee free*** Specialized accounts for college students and seniors over the age of 55 Contact a First Bank Specialist Today If you need help deciding which account is right for you, you can use our online checking account comparison tool, or contact your local branch to learn more. **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 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, also available at your local branch. 2 min read

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