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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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

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

How Much Money Should I Have Saved by the Time I am 30? Are you approaching 30? How much money do you have saved? According to CNN Money, someone between the ages of 25 and 30, who makes around $40,000 a year, should have at least $4,000 saved. However, because everyone’s financial situations are unique and are influenced by their spending habits, income, debt and overall lifestyle, not every 30-year-old will have the same amount of money tucked away — and that’s okay! Rather than tell you a precise amount that you should have saved by the time you are 30, we will provide you with savings tips to help you reach your specific financial goals, whatever they may be. 3 Financial Goals for People Under 30 By now, you know that the most effective way to save money is to set a monthly budget for yourself and stick to it. Some tips for setting a realistic and effective budget include: Recording your daily spending Tracking your spending habits for at least a month Still budgeting for fun and entertainment Making automatic savings contributions Clearly defining spending priorities But what else can you do to ensure you have a healthy chunk of change stashed away by the time you hit the big 3-0? 1. Have no consumer debt. By the time you are 30 years old, you should have auto loans, credit cards and other consumer debt paid off. Remember, it’s better to have $500 in the bank with no debt than to have $5,000 in the bank with significant debt. 2. Make at least one (smart) investment. According to Investopedia, “A mutual fund is an investment vehicle that is made up of a pool of funds collected from many investors for the purpose of investing in securities such as stocks, bonds, money market instruments and similar assets.” Mutual funds are the largest and most popular investment vehicle for the retail buyer, making them a great investment option for young people with limited investing experience. 3. Have at least three months of living expenses saved. Everyone should have an emergency fund to better prepare for unexpected events, such as an expensive auto breakdown or unemployment. When saving money for your emergency fund, make sure you are putting money in a savings account (separate from your checking account). First Bank* Helps You Save No matter your age, 3 min read

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

Personal Finance Tips for Beginners Reading personal finance tips is a great way to start thinking about your budget and saving for the future. If you’re just beginning to think about your financial future and retirement, there are a number of things you should consider. Check out these tips and start saving today! Money-Saving Tips from the Experts Not sure where to start? Here are some personal finance tips for beginners: Pay Attention to Interest Rates — Pay off high-interest loans first, so that you’re not paying more than necessary in the long run. Also, open a savings account with the best interest rate, and make your money work for you. Create a Budget — Look at all your monthly expenses and divide them into needs vs. wants. Determine what you can do without, but don’t cut out all of the fun things you enjoy. It’s important to leave yourself some room for a concert or dinner out every now and then. However, you can probably cut out recurring things that aren’t essential and can be quite expensive, such as cable or a gym membership. Set Aside a Reasonable Percentage for Savings — Financial experts recommend allocating 20% of your income towards savings. You can do this by following the famous 50/20/30 rule of budgeting. If you can follow this rule, you’ll be able to build an emergency fund, pay off your consumer debts, and kickstart a retirement savings. Create Financial Goals — When do you want to have your credit card debt paid off? How much will you need to pay per month to reach that goal? Having clear financial goals will keep you motivated and hold you accountable to proactively paying off your debts. This also applies to saving a certain amount each month towards your retirement goal. Always Match Your Company’s Contribution to Your 401k/IRA — If your company is willing to match your contribution, take full advantage of it. You’ll thank yourself when you’re able to retire later in life. Need Help Managing Your Personal Finances? For more information and tips on managing your personal finances, contact an advisor at your local First Bank* branch. Together, we’ll help you reach your financial goals. 2 min read

Read These Articles on Personal Financing Knowing your finances is the first step to properly managing them and to ensuring you are in good financial standing. But how do you get started? Reading personal financing articles can be a huge help when it comes to understanding financial management. That is why First Bank offers a Financial Education Center full of articles with advice on everything from buying your first home to making your first investment. Personal Financing Articles Check out the following articles on managing your personal finances: Articles on Buying a Home Simplifying the Homebuying Process: This infographic offers tips and tricks on how to make the homebuying process as easy as possible. Should I Buy an Older Home?: This article weighs the pros and cons of buying an older home. How to Shop Bank-Owned Homes: This article provides insight into buying a bank-owned home and how to get the process started. The Right Age to Buy a House: Is it in your 20s, your 30s, or is age only a number? Saving Money 10 Easy Ways to Save On Home Energy Costs: Learn 10 quick and easy ways to cut down your energy bill and save money each month. Planning the Right Mix for Retirement: This article offers help with choosing the retirement savings plans that work best for you. 10 “Life Hacks” That Will Save You Money: The little things can add up! Use these life hacks to cut costs and get the most out of your purchases. How to Get Help Paying for College: Check out this list of student aid programs that can help you pay for college. Investing 5 Tips for Safely Managing Your Finances Online: Keep your finances safe and secure with these tips on online security. 5 Things You Need to Know Before You Become a Landlord: Take these considerations in mind before diving headfirst into property management. When browsing personal financing articles, remember that your financial situation is unique. You should always discuss your financial and investment opportunities with an experienced banking professional before making significant financial decisions. First Bank* is a local community bank with banking professionals who can help you make sound decisions. Contact your local branch for personal financing advice today. 2 min read

What Is the Best Savings Account for Kids The success of child savings accounts has been well documented. We can probably all agree that a savings account for kids is a good decision, but what is the best savings account for kids? First Bank offers a savings account called MyFirst Savings and it’s not hard to argue that it might just be the best savings account for kids. Here’s why: It’s just for kids. MyFirst Savings is exclusively for children under the age of 18. It’s easy and affordable to open. There’s only a $10 initial deposit required to open the account and it can be done simply by visiting one of First Bank’s 100+ locations throughout the Carolinas. The money will grow. There’s no minimum balance to earn interest so your child’s money will start growing from the day the account is opened. You’ll have access to the money. You can make two withdrawals per month with no First Bank fees and with our online and mobile banking you’ll be able to always keep an eye on your money.* You’ll be kept in the know. Free monthly paper or electronic statements provide you a record of the account history and our email, phone call or text message activity alerts notify you of each transaction that happens in the account. Opening a savings account for children is one of the best things a parent can do. And in order to open the very best savings account for kids, simply visit your nearest First Bank today. Or to simply learn more about the account, visit the MyFirst Savings page and download a free coloring book for your child featuring Troy the Plott Hound! While First Bank does not charge for mobile banking, your mobile carrier’s message and data rates may apply. 2. Withdrawal fee of $2 each after the first two during the month. Federal regulations limit withdrawals of preauthorized transfers to two (2) 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. 2 min read