Personal Finance 101 Articles

Gain a better understanding of financial basics so you can manage your money with confidence.

Learn About Personal Finance Basics

Use the articles below for tips on budgeting, saving, investing basics, paying off debt, and understanding your credit.

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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

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

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

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

Explore Courses to Grow Your Personal Finances

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Financial Basics Get off on the right foot with the right financial tools. 13 Topics

Financial Caregiving Learn what you should know about handling another person’s finances. 6 Topics

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Major Life Events Big life events don’t have to mean big financial headaches. 13 Topics

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Identity Protection Safeguard your identity and your financial future. 6 Topics

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Smart Budgeting Create a financial plan for an awesome roadtrip! 5 Topics

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Smart Investing Explore how you participate in the economy and the global market. 5 Topics

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Get rewarded for qualified everyday purchases View Credit Cards

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Discover the joy of financial clarity with MyMoney View Features

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