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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 Invest, Invest, Invest Paying Off Debt Personal Finance 101 Homeownership Retirement Filing Your Taxes For Teens
Where to Get 15-Year Mortgage Rates If you’re ready to buy a home, you’re probably wondering where to get 15-year mortgage rates, or you may just be wondering what a mortgage is. First Bank will go over your options with you and help you determine what type of home loan is best, whether that be a 15-year mortgage, or a 3/3 adjustable rate mortgage. Types of Loans at First Bank Before we tell you how and where to get 15-year mortgage rates, we’ll go over some of First Bank’s mortgage options. We offer: Conventional loans Jumbo loans Government loans VA loans Construction loans Dream It, Own It If you are a first time home buyer, you’re probably looking for a conventional loan. We offer two types of conventional loans: fixed-rate and adjustable-rate. Adjustable-Rate Mortgages vs. Fixed-Rate Mortgages Conventional adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) have interest rates that will change periodically depending on shifts in a corresponding financial index that’s associated with the loan. This basically means that your rate will change, causing your monthly payment to increase or decrease. ARMs can be beneficial for some home buyers because they typically have lower initial interest rates than fixed-mortgages, and they provide homeowners flexibility. Conventional fixed-rate mortgages offer a more straightforward approach to home buying. With a fixed-rate mortgage, your monthly interest rate never changes, making it easier for you to set a monthly budget. A lot of people prefer fixed-rate mortgages because they offer protection from rising interest rates for the life of the loan. Secure a Mortgage with First Bank We hope you feel a little more prepared to take on a mortgage and buy the house of your dreams. If you’re ready to apply for a mortgage loan*, visit your local First Bank, or contact our mortgage loan experts. *Loans subject to credit approval. ———— Sources: Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/arm.asp 2 min read
Find the Best Checking Accounts in South Carolina at First Bank For residents in South Carolina, finding the best checking account can be crucial to managing your finances. But with so many banks in the area, it can feel overwhelming to choose the right option. At First Bank, we are confident that our checking account options can best fit your banking needs. Shop for the Best Checking Accounts at First Bank First Bank offers five different types of checking accounts that can suit whatever lifestyle you lead. Each of them come with no monthly maintenance fee when you meet our minimum requirements. Here are some key features for each type of checking account we offer: Everywhere Checking Free online and mobile banking Free online bill pay Free eStatements or paper statements Cash rewards with a qualifying First Bank credit card Everywhere Plus The benefits of Everywhere Checking Interest at the minimum balance requirement Everywhere Premium The benefits of Everywhere Plus Free member checks or 50% discount on alternate check designs Four free official checks per statement cycle Campus Checking For students under the age of 25, Campus Checking can best suit your needs. It offers most of the benefits of an Everywhere Checking account, in addition to having no First Bank transaction fees on eight out-of-network ATM withdrawals per month. Senior Checking Customers aged 55 years and older are eligible to apply for Senior Checking. It offers all the benefits of an Everywhere Checking account, in addition to having free basic checks or 50% off other designs. Visit Your Local First Bank Today Whether you’re a student, senior, or just looking for a checking account that works the way you want it to, First Bank has it all. With six convenient branches in South Carolina, we’re available to help you find the best checking account that fits your needs. ——— Sources: Go Banking Rates: https://www.gobankingrates.com/checking-accounts/benefits-checking-account/ 2 min read
Best Savings Account For Kids Finding the best savings account for kids doesn’t have to be complicated. Savings accounts can foster good saving and spending habits, and your child will probably enjoy watching their savings grow. First Bank offers the best savings account for kids in North Carolina and South Carolina. First Bank makes saving easy with our MyFirst Savings account. With this account, your child (under 18 years of age) can save money and earn interest. MyFirst Savings includes: 2 free withdrawals per month* No minimum balance to earn interest Interest-earning account $10 minimum required to open account Free online and mobile banking* Free online bill pay Free eStatements or paper statements The best part? There is no monthly service charge for this account. So you won’t have to worry about your kids’ savings being cut into by costly fees. Best Savings Accounts for Any Age Lead by example with one of First Bank’s five other savings account options. We offer savings plans for adults that range from basic savings accounts to accounts that can help you save for anything—from college to retirement. They are: Everywhere Savings—a simple savings account with a competitive rate Money Market—offers higher rates and access to your funds Certificates of Deposit—enjoy a guaranteed return with a fixed rate and choice of terms IRAs—a long-term savings strategy with tax advantages Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)—a way to save for current and future healthcare expenses To learn more about First Bank’s savings accounts and why we offer the best savings accounts for kids, visit a branch near you. Teaching Your Kids to Save Children often learn their saving and spending habits from their parents, so teaching your children how to save money can be essential to their future. Children who grow up without knowing how to save money, budget, or pay bills often make poor financial decisions in the future. Follow these tips to teach your children the importance of saving money: Allow your child to earn money — try assigning your child age-appropriate chores then give him or her a weekly allowance when they are completed. Let your child spend money — allowing your children to purchase things they want with their own money will encourage them to earn money. Help your child save 4 min read
A Checking Account Comparison Worth Your Time Contrary to popular belief, not every checking account is the same. That’s why First Bank has five options to ensure there’s one to fit your specific needs. Review our checking account comparison below to find your perfect match. Find Your Best Fit: Compare our Five Checking Account Options With First Bank, you can access your accounts anytime and anywhere with our free online and mobile banking. All our accounts also provide you with free eStatements (or paper statements). Check out the list below or view this handy checking account comparison chart. Everywhere Checking Free MasterCard® debit card Free online and mobile banking* provides you with 24/7 access to your money You can easily view and track debit card purchases at any time. Need to deposit a check or transfer funds? With just a few clicks on your mobile device, you’re done. Free online bill pay means no more writing checks or navigating various websites. Reduce your carbon footprint with free eStatements that are easily managed without the paper weight. Instant alerts means you’re constantly in touch with your account’s activity and management. Easily set your notification preferences for email, text message or phone call. Everywhere Plus Think about all the perks you would gain with Everywhere Checking, plus being able to earn interest. Everywhere Premium All the benefits of Everywhere Plus No First Bank transaction fees on out-of-network ATM withdrawals* Free member checks, or a 50% discount on alternate designs Four free official checks per statement cycle Campus Checking For students under the age of 25 Besides free online and mobile banking, we also provide you with free online bill pay and free eStatements No minimum balance or monthly maintenance fees Get 8 out-of-network ATM withdrawals with no First Bank transaction fees each month. Senior Checking If you are 55 and older, this may be the account for you. Besides free online and mobile banking, we also provide you with free online bill pay and free eStatements. Free member checks or 50% off other designs Visit First Bank Today If you found this comparison helpful and would like to learn more about how to open a checking account with us, visit one of our numerous locations today. We also offer a variety of checking 3 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
Education Savings Account – North Carolina College is expensive. The cost of tuition, housing, books, food, and transportation starts to add up. The cost of going to college has gone up by over 400% since the 1970s. The average college student’s debt is $37,172. Don’t get bogged down with student or parent loans. In North Carolina, a First Bank education savings account can help you save for college. Start A Savings Account for Education at First Bank in North Carolina North Carolina is home to some of the best universities in the country, like N.C. State, UNC Chapel Hill, Duke, Elon, Eastern Carolina University, and Wake Forest. You shouldn’t have to miss out on the great education North Carolina has to offer because of the high costs. First Bank understands the importance of education. Our education savings accounts can help you prepare for your future and achieve your career goals. Everywhere Savings – Our Everywhere Savings account is a great option for anyone who wants to start saving for college. MyFirst Savings – It is never too early to start saving for your education. First Bank customers under 18 years of age can open a MyFirst Savings account with only a $10 initial deposit. Money Market – First Bank’s Money Market account is a good option for parents or young adults who can put down a little more money to deposit. CDs – A certificate of deposit may be a good option for parents or students who do not need immediate access to their funds. CDs usually earn interest at a higher rate, and are FDIC-insured.* All of our accounts come with free online and mobile banking services.** First Bank makes it easy for you to manage your account from virtually anywhere. Contact or visit your local First Bank to speak with one of our experts about the best education savings account option for you. With over 80 locations in North Carolina, it is easy to find a First Bank near you. *CDs are subject to penalty for early withdrawals prior to maturity date. Penalty will reduce earnings. 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. **While First 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
Best Bank to Open a Checking Account Are you looking to open a checking account but are having trouble finding the right bank? You shouldn’t have to settle for a bank that doesn’t meet all of your needs. First Bank focuses on the needs of all of our customers, and we strive to be the best bank for you. Open a checking account with us, and our team of experts will help you choose the option that works best for your financial needs. Checking Account Options at First Bank Whether you need a personal checking account or an account for your business, First Bank is the best bank to open a checking account. With multiple options and plenty of benefits, we make your banking experience easier and your financial goals more attainable. Personal Banking We offer three types of personal checking accounts that range from basic to premium. The Everywhere Checking account is our most basic account and features benefits such as access to free online and mobile banking and credit cards with rewards. With the Everywhere Plus account you receive all of the benefits of Everywhere Checking, plus the chance to earn interest at a minimal balance requirement. Our Everywhere Premium account gives you all the basics of Everywhere Plus, but includes perks like no First Bank transaction fees on out-of-network ATM withdrawals. We also have two account options designed with college students and seniors in mind. Our Campus Checking account provides students under the age of 25 with no monthly maintenance fees as long as certain requirements are met. Seniors who use direct deposit may qualify for no monthly maintenance fees and other benefits with our Senior Checking account. Banking for Businesses Whether you are a seasoned business owner or just starting out, we have checking account options designed with your needs in mind. Find a Local Branch Near You Our easy and convenient banking options make First Bank the best bank to open a checking account. Click here to find a local branch near you.  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 3 min read
Long-Term Installment Loans First Bank offers long-term installment loans and other types of lending that help small businesses cover expenses. The government-backed Small Business Association (SBA) helps business owners acquire long-term loans to help them grow, expand their services, or recover from disaster. Connect with our experts at First Bank today and find out how long-term installment loans could help your business thrive and grow. Benefits of Borrowing Long Term Long-term installment loans offer several key benefits for small business owners: Predictable, Steady Payments Long-term loans are usually repaid in steady monthly installments. But weekly or bi-weekly payments may be required, depending on the loan terms and conditions. Fixed Rates  Another benefit of long-term loans are the stability of fixed rates. A fixed rate gives you more time to gradually pay back what you borrowed for costly repairs, construction, equipment, or inventory. Lower Interest Rates Many long term installment loans, because of the length of commitment, have lower rates than other types of business financing. Working with our network of lenders, the experts at First Bank will work with you to find the best choice for your business needs. Other Long-Term Installment Loan Factors Before taking out a long-term installment loan, there are a few factors to consider. What’s true of any loan is that interest will accrue throughout its lifespan. This can take years to pay off and could become a debt burden in the long run if a detailed budget is not in place. If you have existing debts, taking on a long-term loan may be risky. However, First Bank’s wide network of lending partners will provide the best available loan terms to help your business succeed. Long-Term Loans with First Bank Whether you need a long-term installment loan or something for the short term, First Bank can help you find the financing you need for your business. Find a First Bank near your and start growing your business today. ———— Source: SBA.gov: www.sba.gov/starting-business/business-financials/borrowing-money-your-business Loans Subject To Approval 2 min read
HSA Rules and Regulations You Should Know If you have a high-deductible health insurance plan, a Health Savings Account (HSA) can help you save for future medical expenses. Health Savings Accounts were established by the federal government as part of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act. Like any federal program, HSAs have rules you must follow in order to qualify, make contributions to your account, and withdraw your funds. HSA Rules and Regulations Rules for Qualifying According to federal guidelines, in order to qualify for an HSA, you: Must be covered under a high deductible health plan (HDHP) on the first day of the month Have no other health coverage (some exceptions apply) Are not enrolled in Medicare Cannot be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s prior year tax return Rules for Making Contributions Each year the IRS determines the amount that you, your employer, or anyone else can contribute to your HSA. Determine current contribution limits on the IRS website. Rules for Using Your Savings You can use the money in your HSA account for qualified medical expenses determined by the IRS. Typically, HSAs are used for treatments, prevention and diagnosis of conditions and diseases. HSAs at First Bank* A First Bank Health Savings Account provides you a tax-free distribution from your account any time you need to pay for medical expenses.** First Bank HSAs also come with online banking and bill pay to help you manage your account, and you can access your funds from anywhere with our HSA-specific debit card and checks. Other benefits include: Tax deduction for contributions even if deductions are not itemized Contributions made by employer may be excluded from gross income Contributions accumulate until used Tax free earnings HSA may be transferred or rolled over to another HSA Complete IRS reporting available FDIC insured To learn more about HSA rules and sign up for an account today, visit a First Bank branch near you. *Member FDIC. **Qualified medical expenses, as explained in IRS Pub. 502, include amounts paid for doctors’ fees, prescription medicines, and necessary hospital services not paid for by insurance. Qualified medical expenses may be incurred by you, your spouse, or your dependents. To be eligible for a HSA account, you must you must be 3 min read
FHA Loans vs. Conventional Loans: How to Tell the Difference Overwhelmed with the prospect of buying a home? FHA loans and conventional loans are likely two sources of financing that you’ve considered. Let First Bank help you understand these options and come to a conclusion about which best suits your needs and budget. After all, choosing the right loan is key for timely, affordable payments. Choose the Right Loan with First Bank If you’re a first-time homebuyer or interested in purchasing your second home, there are different qualifications for each loan you should consider: FHA loans—The FHA, or Federal Housing Administration, provides mortgage insurance on loans made by approved lenders. Single and multi-family homes in the United States (and U.S. territories) can qualify. First Bank can help put you on the right track to securing one of these loans. The advantages of an FHA loan can be: Owing a lesser down payment, as low as 3.5%. Enjoying quicker eligibility following a major credit issue such as bankruptcy or foreclosure. Allowing a co-applicant to help you get the loan, even if you don’t live in the same household. Conventional Loans—A non-government insured loan that can be used with a second home purchase or an investment. Unlike FHA loans, conventional loans can require a higher credit score (often a minimum of 640), but they can have some major advantages for you. Conventional loans can allow: A risk-based premium, unlike FHA where one set premium rate is required from everybody, MI if applicable. Your monthly payments to be lower, even if you have a higher interest rate. Your loan to cover a higher loan amount. You to cover different types of loans like, investment or second home (FHA doesn’t do those types). When considering an FHA loan versus a conventional loan, keep in mind that conventional loans are not affiliated or insured with the government like FHA loans. Additionally, an FHA requires mortgage insurance and conventional loans do not, unless the LTV exceeds 80%. There is an upfront MI premium (1.75%) that is required on FHA loans that is not required on Conventional loans. For a more detailed look at FHA loans versus conventional loans, or assistance with applying, call or meet with your local mortgage loan professionals. *Loans subject to credit approval. 3 min read

Explore Courses to Grow Your Personal Finances

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