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.

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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

Banks Near Me When you are trying to find banks near you, there are many options. With so many choices, it can be hard to be sure you’re choosing the right bank for you. At First Bank, we care about the needs of our customers. That is why our banking options are designed to meet the unique needs of our customers. First Bank’s first branch opened in Troy, North Carolina, where we were known for helping local businesses and farmers manage their finances throughout the 40s, 50s, and 60s. Today, we’re still known for our community values, and we serve businesses, families, and customers in North Carolina and South Carolina. There’s a First Bank Near You Chances are if you’re in one of the states we service, there’s a First Bank near you. And it offers a range of services from personal banking to wealth management. Some services we offer include: Personal checking accounts, savings accounts, and credit cards with benefits* Personal loans and lines of credit* Business checking accounts, savings accounts, debit cards, and group banking Business loans and credit cards* Merchant services like payment processing, reconciliation and reporting, and check collection Treasury services, such as payroll direct deposit and deposit services Wealth management services* Insurance for individuals and businesses We want to make the needs of our customers are met. Whether you need a savings account, a business loan, or auto insurance. We strive to be a bank near you that is worth more to you. The Best Banks Nearby Visit our website to discover more about First Bank. Our team of banking experts are ready to answer any questions you have about First Bank and the services we offer. *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. Loans subject to credit approval. See our Terms and Conditions for complete details on our MasterCard® programs. ©2013 MasterCard. MasterCard, Debit MasterCard and the MasterCard brand marks are trademarks of MasterCard International Incorporated. ——— Sources: Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/h/homeequityloan.asp Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/l/lineofcredit.asp Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/r/reconciliation.asp 2 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

Your Community Bank If you live in North Carolina or South Carolina, you have a ton of banking options right outside your door. Large financial institutions may seem like your best option for banking services at first, but community banks typically offer more consumer-friendly services and fewer fees. Choose the Right Community Bank First Bank is your community bank that cares about local roots. Since 1935, we have been providing our customers with community-centric banking services, including: Personal banking options, such as checking accounts, savings accounts, debit and credit cards, personal loans, and more. Business banking options, like checking and savings accounts, business loans, merchant services, and treasury services. Wealth management services, like asset managements, mutual funds, and estate services. Insurance products, such as life and health insurance for individuals and commercial insurance for businesses. Mortgage loan options, including conventional, government, jumbo, first-time home buyer, and more. The Benefits of a Community Bank According to Bankrate.com there are many other advantages to choosing a community bank over a big bank. For example: Community banks are relationship-based, and the employees typically know you and your whole family on a personal level. Community banks are also smaller and can therefore offer personalized service. Community banks also typically offer lower fees and lower balance requirements than big banks. Being smaller allows community banks to have more lending flexibility than bigger banks Community banks tend to stick to their local roots, which means they strive to offer great services with low fees and give back to the community. First Bank is small enough to know you like a neighbor, large enough to handle all of your banking needs, and dedicated to supporting our local communities. To learn more about us and our banking services, visit your local First Bank branch today. ——— Sources: Bankrate: http://www.bankrate.com/banking/community-banks-vs-big-banks/ 2 min read

Best Banking Rates and Services: First Bank, NC There are many factors to consider when assessing a checking account comparison. You’ll want to weigh interest rates, maintenance fees, ATM options, online features and more. First Bank has nearly 100 locations across North Carolina to house your money under a variety of checking options. Use the chart below to compare three of First Bank’s personal checking accounts. Compare Checking Accounts at our First Bank Locations Everywhere Checking Free online and mobile banking, free online bill pay, and free eStatements or paper statements Learn More Everywhere Plus Interest at a minimal balance requirement Free online and mobile banking, free online bill pay, and free eStatements or paper statements Learn More Everywhere Premium No First Bank 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 Learn More Learn More at First Bank As you can see, there’s something for everyone at First Bank. We even have accounts catered specifically for college students and senior citizens along with a wide selection of business checking accounts. Learn more about First Bank’s accounts and perform your own checking account comparison to find the one that’s right for you. Come by your local branch today. 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. Eligible personal deposits include checking, savings, Money Market, CD, or IRA. Eligible personal loans do not include residential mortgage loans. Direct deposit defined as external ACH credit. Transfers from other First Bank accounts or deposits made at a branch do not apply. ——— Sources: Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/interest.asp?ad=dirN&qo=investopediaSiteSearch&qsrc=0&o=40186 Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/minimum-balance.asp 2 min read

Savings Account – South Carolina If you live in South Carolina and are looking for a savings account, your local First Bank can help. We offer savings accounts to meet a variety of needs, and we are dedicated to helping you find the best way to save. Savings Accounts from First Bank in South Carolina First Bank offers a variety of savings accounts, including: Everywhere Savings MyFirst Savings Money Market CDs IRAs Health Savings Accounts Use our Savings Account Comparison Tool to compare accounts and see which one is right for you. Looking for a business savings account? First Bank can help with that too. Learn more about our Business Savings accounts. Tips for Growing Your Savings Savings accounts are a great way to cover unexpected costs in the future, or just have a little extra money when you need it. If you have a hard time saving, consider these money saving tips from Practicalmoneyskills.com. Make Saving a Priority – It is easy to lose track of resolutions, but if you make a plan, you can avoid falling behind. Determine what you want to save for, and be as vigilant about it as you are about paying rent or buying groceries. Find Money to Save – After paying the bills and buying what you need it might seem like you don’t have any money left to save. Chances are you can find extra money you didn’t even know you had just by keeping track of your spending and cutting back on buying things you don’t need. Get a jumpstart on saving by opening a savings account at First Bank in South Carolina. We have 6 savings account options that are designed to meet the needs of our individual customers. To open an account or learn more about our savings account options, visit one of our South Carolina branches today. 2 min read

Personal Finance Articles & Advice Looking for advice on how to better manage your finances? First Bank’s* collection of personal finance articles can help you with every aspect of managing your funds, from saving money to investing or buying a house. Personal Finance Advice Articles 5 Tips for Safely Managing Your Finances Online Keeping track of your finances is easy when you create an online account with your bank. And while managing personal financial information online may seem dangerous, there are ways to do it safely. These 5 tips will help you safely manage your finances online. Buying Your First New Car: What to Know Buying your first car should be a fun and exciting experience, not a stressful one. Before you take a test drive, consider these tips on buying your first new car. How to Avoid Paying Too Much for a House You’ve finally found your dream home, but it seems a little overpriced. You don’t want to give it up, but you can’t pay that much. So what do you do? This article features tips from real estate agents that can help you avoid paying too much for the house of your dreams. How to Get Help Paying for College College is expensive, and it is only getting more expensive each year. But that doesn’t mean getting a college education is unattainable. This article highlights just a few of the many organizations that are stepping up and offering to help students pay for college. 10 “Life Hacks” That Will Save You Money Sometimes saving money can seem like an impossible task. When creating a budget, you might be tempted to cut the big things first, but it’s actually the little expenses that can save you the most money in the long run. Use these 10 “life hacks” to start saving today. For more articles on personal finance, visit First Bank’s Financial Education Center. ——— Source: CNBC: http://www.cnbc.com/2015/06/16/why-college-costs-are-so-high-and-rising.html 2 min read

Best Personal Loan Rates in North Carolina If you live in North Carolina and are looking for a personal loan, your local First Bank can help. We have over 100 locations in North Carolina that offer highly competitive personal loan rates. We make choosing a personal loan easy with flexible terms and personalized service. Personal Loans from First Bank Just as personal loan rates can vary, so can the options associated with the loan. First Bank is proud to offer a variety of personal loan options with competitive rates, such as: Personal line of credit Home equity lines of credit (HELOC) Personal credit card with rewards Auto loan Boat loans Learn more about First Bank’s personal loan options. How are Personal Loan Rates Determined? As you shop around for the best personal loan rates in North Carolina, you might begin to wonder why the rates can vary from one place to the next. So what gives? As illustrated by Loan.com, there are four primary factors that affect personal loan rates. In North Carolina, there are scores of First Bank locations that offer personal loans so your options are plentiful. Here are three things that affect personal loan rates. Credit score. Simply put, the better your credit score, the better personal loan rate you are likely to get. Loan options. There are a number of different types of personal loans and each come with their own factors of interest rates. National prime rate. Set by the Federal Reserve to control the supply of money in the economy, this rate can have a direct affect on your personal loan rate. The best way to find the most competitive personal loan rates with some of the most flexible loan options is to simply locate your nearest First Bank and speak to one of our friendly loan representatives. Loans subject to credit approval. 2 min read

First Bank Credit Card There are many benefits to having a First Bank credit card. Perhaps you’ve encountered unexpected expenses like a medical bill or car repair. Or maybe you don’t want to front a large down payment for an item and would prefer to pay in smaller installments. If you’re a small business owner, you could use some help managing day‑to‑day purchases. 3 min read

Four Different Types of Services | Banking A bank’s job is to provide customers with financial services that help people better manage their lives. As technology advances and competition increases, banks are offering different types of services to stay current and attract customers. Whether you are opening your first bank account or have managed a checking account for years, it helps to know the different types of banking services available. This ensures you get the most out of your current financial institution. Deciding which services are most important can lead you to the bank that best fits your needs. Different Types of Services | Bank Accounts Individual Banking—Banks typically offer a variety of services to assist individuals in managing their finances, including: Checking accounts Savings accounts Debit & credit cards Insurance* Wealth management Business Banking—Most banks offer financial services for business owners who need to differentiate professional and personal finances. Different types of business banking services include: Business loans Checking accounts Savings accounts Debit and credit cards Merchant services (credit card processing, reconciliation and reporting, check collection) Treasury services (payroll services, deposit services, etc.) Digital Banking—The ability to manage your finances online from your computer, tablet, or smartphone is becoming more and more important to consumers. Banks will typically offer digital banking services that include: Online, mobile, and tablet banking Mobile check deposit Text alerts eStatements Online bill pay Loans—Loans are a common banking service offered, and they come in all shapes and sizes. Some common types of loans that banks provide include: Personal loans Auto and boat loans Home equity lines of credit Home loans Business loans Better Banking Services from First Bank If your current financial institution doesn’t offer the services mentioned above, you may not be getting the best banking service possible. At First Bank, we are dedicated to helping our customers get the most out of their money. That is why we offer different types of banking services to meet a variety of needs. To learn more about our banking services, visit your local branch today. *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: http://www.stockmonkeys.com/what-services-do-modern-banks-offer-4BTIGOI3/ https://localfirstbank.com/business/ http://www.cbsnews.com/news/smart-phones-are-revolutionizing-consumer-banking-habits/ https://localfirstbank.com/locations 2 min read

Best Bank for Checking Account – South Carolina With options like First Bank, you shouldn’t have to feel uncertain about whether or not you’re making the right choices with your hard earned cash. Make the switch to First Bank and you’ll see why we are the best bank for a checking account in South Carolina and North Carolina. Checking Account Options at First Bank First Bank wants you to be able to answer the question, “What is the best bank for a checking account in South Carolina?” with confidence. That is why we offer five checking account options for individuals who are looking to get the most out of their money and bank. Each of our checking accounts comes with free online and mobile banking,* online bill pay, and free eStatements or paper statements. Our individual checking account options include: Our basic Everywhere Checking account Our Everywhere Plus that has all the benefits of Everywhere Checking, plus the chance to accrue interest Our Everywhere Premium account that has all the basics of Everywhere Plus, plus additional complimentary services A Campus Checking account designed for college students A Senior Checking account specifically for seniors over 55 Visit a First Bank Today First Bank’s dedication to its customers doesn’t end with our checking accounts. We offer more personal banking options, such as savings accounts and credit cards, as well as banking business banking options, a variety of mortgage products, wealth management options, and insurance. Visit a First Bank location in South Carolina today. *While First Bank does not charge for mobile banking, check with your mobile service provider for web access fees. iPhone®, and iPod Touch® are registered trademarks of Apple, Inc. Android™ is a trademark of Google Inc. Compatibility notice: The First Bank mobile app is not currently compatible with iOS7, the new operating system for iPhone, iPad® and iPod Touch®. We are aware of the issue and are working on an update to address it. We apologize for any inconvenience. ——— Sources: Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/checkingaccount.asp Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/interest.asp 2 min read