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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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

Mobile Check Deposits from Anywhere Before mobile phones and tablets, checks had to be cashed in person or by mail. Now, mobile check deposits allows you to deposit your checks from anywhere, so long as your mobile device has Internet or cellular service. Most banks provide mobile apps to make the process easier, and First Bank* is no exception. First Bank provides mobile check deposits** for businesses and individuals so that you can deposit a check from anywhere, safely and securely. How Mobile Check Deposits Work Mobile check deposit use digital technology to deposit money into your account. All you need is a smartphone or tablet with a good camera. Here’s how it works: Sign Checks and Find a Flat Surface Even with digital deposits, the back of a check needs to be signed by the account holder. For added security, you can also include a restricted endorsement, such as, “For Mobile Deposit Only” underneath your signature. Next, find a flat, well-lit surface. This will help you get the best possible image. Take Photos Using the App Using the secure camera within First Bank’s mobile banking app snap a picture of the front and back of the check. You’ll see prompts on the screen that will help guide you. Make sure to wait for the camera to focus before taking the picture so that numbers and letters are clear. Deposit multiple checks per day using your mobile app. At First Bank, individuals can deposit up to $5,000 in mobile checks in one day, and business accounts can deposit up to $10,000 per month*. Deposit Your Checks When you press deposit, the pictures of your checks are sent to our databases and reviewed. At First Bank, if you deposit your checks before 6 PM on a normal business day, your funds will appear in your account the next day (if approved). Check Your Email for Verification First Bank sends an email verification for all mobile check deposit transactions for your records. Get More with Mobile Banking First Bank offers comprehensive mobile banking** options for the modern consumer. Our app is available in both the iTunes and Google Play stores, and can be used to deposit checks, transfer funds, manage accounts, stop payments, and link to external 3 min read

Learn How Much You Should Be Saving Each Year Wondering how much you should be saving each year? Many specialists believe in the 50/20/30 budget: 50% is spent on necessary expenses (e.g. credit card bills, rent), 20% of your income is put into savings, and 30% is left for your luxury expenses (e.g. a new TV, restaurants). By following this rule, you can comfortably begin saving for retirement or an emergency fund while having enough to make ends meet. How Much Should I Be Saving? While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how much you should have saved, there are some goals you should focus on during your 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond. Here’s a recommended savings road map to guide you at any age: 20s: Focus on building your credit, paying off loans and save something each month. Even if you’re not able to save quite up to 20% of your income, try starting at 10%. 30s: Allocate more money into savings, especially if you’re thinking about starting a family, buying a new home, or taking on a few home repairs soon. You should be putting at least 15% of your income into savings, if not more. Additionally, you should continue to pay off all non-mortgage debt. 40s: Get your credit card debt under control and up the amount you’re putting away into savings again. By this time, you should aim to have more than your current salary put away in savings. 50s: Max out your retirement contributions and pay off your mortgage. You should aim to have as much of your income and investments working towards your retirement goals as possible. Ideally, you have more than two times your current salary set aside in savings. Start Saving for Your Future Today Changing the way you spend can feel overwhelming at first and requires discipline. However, in time, you’ll get used to what is necessary and how much of your luxury expenses can be cut or limited. Take charge of your finances and invest in your future. For more questions about how much you should be saving each year, or how to get started, contact your local First Bank branch today! ——— Sources: Experian: https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/how-much-should-you-save-each-month/ Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/simple-thrifty-living/in-your-20s-40s-60s-the-b_b_5686551.html Money Under 30: http://www.moneyunder30.com/how-much-do-you-need-to-have-saved-for-retirement 2 min read

Best Checking Accounts – North Carolina First Bank strives to provide our customers with the best checking accounts in North Carolina. That is why each of our checking accounts comes with unique benefits such as free online and mobile banking and free online bill pay. Compare Checking Accounts from First Bank in North Carolina First Bank strives to provide our customers with the best checking account options. That is why each of our checking accounts comes with unique benefits and features. Our checking account options include: Everywhere Checking — our most basic account. Free online and mobile banking* Free online bill pay Free eStatements or paper statements Earn rewards points when use your eligible First Bank credit card* Everywhere Plus — earn interest on the money you save. Free online and mobile banking* Free online bill pay Free eStatements or paper statements Earn rewards points when use your eligible First Bank credit card* Interest at a minimal balance requirement* Everywhere Premium — enjoy premium benefits. Free online and mobile banking* Free online bill pay Free eStatements or paper statements No transaction fees on out-of-network ATM withdrawals Earn rewards points when use your eligible First Bank credit card* Free member checks or 50% discount on alternate check designs 4 free official checks per statement cycle Interest at a minimal balance requirement Campus Checking — an account specifically for students under 25. No monthly maintenance fees Free online and mobile banking* Free online bill pay Free eStatements or paper statements No First Bank transaction fees on 8 out-of-network ATM withdrawals per month Earn Rewards Points at hundreds of online retailers when you use your eligible First Bank credit card Senior Checking — for customers over 55. Free online and mobile banking* Free online bill pay Free eStatements or paper statements Earn rewards points when use your eligible First Bank credit card* Free basic checks or 50% off other designs Checking Account Comparison Chart We have an easy-to-scan checking account comparison chart to help you find the right fit account. Why First Bank? First Bank has evolved to meet the needs of our customers. We started out as a small bank in a small North Carolina town, helping local farmers and businessmen manage their finances. Since then we have expanded our services and clientele over three states, and we 4 min read

Get a Convenient Student Checking Account Today Wondering where to get a student checking account? At First Bank, we know that the last thing students need to worry about as they continue their education is managing their money alone. With our Campus Checking account, we make it easy to handle transactions and protect your money easily and securely. 4 min read

Banks in North Carolina Did you know there are more than 100 First Bank locations in North Carolina? It’s true. You can find us in over 60 cities, mountains to coast. Did you know we’re one of the oldest banks in North Carolina? Yup, our roots date back to 1935 in the town of Troy, North Carolina. Did you know we’re a full-service bank? We sure are. We have checking and savings accounts for personal and business use, credit cards, loans of all types, business merchant services, insurance, mortgages, wealth management, and more. Of all the banks in North Carolina, we are confident you won’t find the personal level of customer service, complete selection of services, and convenient array of locations that you’ll find with First Bank. We take advantage of technology to bring our customers the added convenience of online, mobile, and digital banking services to enhance the First Bank experience.* We even connect with our customers through our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube channels! Not Like the Other Banks in North Carolina You’re likely to find three types of banks in North Carolina. First, you’ll find the large national banks. They don’t have the capacity to get to personally know their customers and specifically cater services to those needs. The second are smaller local banks that aren’t equipped with the selection of services that bigger banks can offer. The third type of bank in North Carolina is First Bank, which offers the best of both worlds. We are small enough to provide the friendly customer service and personal care of a local bank and big enough to provide all the services and products of the bigger banks. So get to know First Bank, and we’ll be pleased to get to know you right back. 2 min read

Conventional Mortgage Loans Applying for a home loan can be a strenuous process, especially if you’re unsure which type of loan is the best fit for your financial situation. Before you apply, it is important to understand the two types of loans available to you: conventional mortgage loans and a government-backed loans. In this article, we’ll break down the basics of conventional loans. What are Conventional Mortgages? Conventional loans can have fixed or variable interest rates, which can be impacted by your credit score. Qualifications for conventional loans are usually stricter than government-backed loans because they carry a higher risk for banks and private lenders. If the borrower defaults on the loan, the banks and private lenders are not protected. These kinds of loans are not insured by the federal government, but they are still required to follow guidelines set by the Federal National Mortgage Association—a.k.a. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. A Conventional Loan to Meet Your Needs If you live in North Carolina or South Carolina and are looking for a flexible and affordable conventional loan,* look no further than your local First Bank. We offer both adjustable-rate and fixed-rate mortgages with a range of features and benefits that are sure to fit your specific financial needs. Conventional Adjustable-Rate Mortgages This kind of mortgage loan changes periodically depending on shifts in the corresponding financial index associated with the loan. ARMs generally have a lower initial interest rate than fixed-rate mortgages. Both your interest rate and your P&I (monthly principal and interest) payments will stay the same for an initial period of 3, 5 or 7 years. After that it will adjust periodically. Interest rate caps set a limit on how high your interest rate can go for your P&I payment for each adjustment and over the life of the loan. Loans are available for 30-year amortization schedules. Conventional Fixed-Rate Mortgages Your interest rate and P&I payments stay the same for the life of your loan. That predictability for your monthly P&I payments enables you to budget more easily. This kind of loan is available in a variety of loan term options, and it protects you from rising interest rates no matter how high they fluctuate. This option is good for individuals or 3 min read

First Bank One Rewards Program: Learn More There are a lot of advantages to being a First Bank credit card holder, but the First Bank One Rewards Program is the most beneficial to you. By simply using your Platinum Rewards Mastercard® or Mastercard® Business Card with Rewards, you’ll earn rewards for qualified everyday purchases like groceries, gas, utilities, tuition, and more. 2 min read

Banks With Hassle-Free Checking Accounts If you’re like most people, you probably want a checking account with all the perks but none of the stress. First Bank has more than 100 locations throughout North Carolina and South Carolina that offer banks with hassle-free checking accounts. Checking Accounts at First Bank Here’s a breakdown of First Bank’s five personal checking accounts and what makes them hassle-free: Everywhere Checking What it is: A no-frills account to give you exactly what you need and nothing you don’t. How it’s hassle-free: Maintain either a $600 minimum balance, a $1,200 average monthly balance or make a monthly direct deposit of any amount.* Everywhere Plus What it is: A simple checking account that accumulates interest. How it’s hassle-free: Keep a $1,200 balance or an average monthly balance of $2,400.* Everywhere Premium What it is: An upper-tier account that earns interest and features additional perks. How it’s hassle-free: Maintain either a $5,000 minimum balance, an average monthly balance of $10,000 or maintain $20,000 in personal deposits or outstanding personal loans or HELOC balances.* Campus Checking What it is: A checking account for college students or those about to go to college. How it’s hassle-free: No monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance requirement as long as the customer is under the age of 25. Senior Checking What it is: Checking account for individuals over the age of 55. How it’s hassle-free: Keep a $600 minimum or $1,200 average balance or make a direct deposit of $250 or more.* With our hassle-free checking accounts, you get online and mobile banking, paper or eStatements, online bill pay, and debit cards. You also gain access to account alerts so you can stay on top of your activity. Visit a First Bank Today Find a First Bank with hassle-free checking accounts nearest you and lose the stress today. Account holders may avoid the Monthly Maintenance Fee by meeting any of the requirements listed in the Keep if 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. Direct deposit defined as external ACH credit. Transfers from other First Bank accounts or deposits made at a 3 min read

Budgeting 101: Personal Budget Categories When it comes to creating a personal budget, it can feel like there are a million financial categories to consider. In order to create a successful budget, everything should be accounted for, from large expenses like your mortgage and car payment to smaller expenses like your gym membership and Netflix subscription. A list of recommended personal budget categories is a great place to start when creating a budget. Here are two ways you can get the most out of the list: Go through the list and check off each category that applies to you, then add those categories/items to your personal budget spreadsheet. Create a comprehensive list of everything you spend each month, then go through the categories list to see if there is anything you might have forgotten and need to add to you personal budget spreadsheet. Recommended Budgeting Categories Consider including these categories when you create your own budget: Housing Mortgage or rent Property taxes Household repairs HOA fees Transportation Car payment Car warranty Gas Tires Maintenance and oil changes Parking fees Repairs Registration and DMV Fees Food Groceries Restaurants Pet food Utilities Electricity Water Garbage Phones Cable Internet Clothing Adults’ clothing Adults’ shoes Children’s clothing Children’s shoes Medical/Healthcare Primary care Dental care Specialty care (dermatologists, orthodontics, optometrists, etc.) Urgent care Medications Medical devices Insurance Health insurance Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance Home warranty or protection plan Auto insurance Life insurance Disability insurance Household Items/Supplies Toiletries Laundry detergent Dishwasher detergent Cleaning supplies Tools Personal Gym memberships Haircuts Salon services Cosmetics (like makeup or services like laser hair removal) Babysitter Subscriptions Debt Personal loans Student loans Credit cards Retirement Financial planning Investing Education Children’s college Your college School supplies Books Savings Emergency fund Big purchases like a new mattress or laptop Other savings Gifts/Donations Birthday Anniversary Wedding Christmas Special occasion Charities Entertainment Alcohol and/or bars Games Movies Concerts Vacations Subscriptions (Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, etc.) Get Professional Personal Finance Advice Give First Bank’s free MyMoney tool in online and mobile banking a try to get started on your budget or to calculate your net worth. If you need guidance from a professional when creating your budget, find a First Bank near you. You can also learn more about different types of banking services, personal budgeting, saving money, investing and more using First Bank’s online Financial 2 min read

Finance 101: Banking Basics Finance 101: Investing in your financial future is one of the smartest things you can do. But there is more to building healthy finances than simply stashing away extra cash in your piggy bank. In this article, we cover a wide range of topics to help you learn the basics of finance and help you make educated decisions regarding your financial future. Checking Accounts For those new to finance, opening a checking account is a great first step. A checking account enables you to deposit money into an account that can be accessed by writing a check, using your debit card, or withdrawing money from your bank’s automated teller machine (ATM). The biggest advantage to having a checking account is that it keeps your money safe while allowing you to access it when needed. Unlike cash, if your debit card becomes lost or stolen your bank can put a stop on your account, prohibiting unauthorized users to access your money. Tips for using a checking account: Keep a running balance of your account to avoid overdrawing your account. Most banks charge an overdraft fee for purchases that are made with insufficient funds. Consider overdraft protection if your bank offers it to you. Familiarize yourself with your account’s minimum balance requirements. Savings Accounts A savings account is less accessible than a checking account, as the Federal Reserve limits the number of free transfers or withdrawals you can make from a savings account. According to Investopedia, “A regular savings account is easy to set up and maintain. You can usually link this type of savings account directly to your checking account at the same bank and quickly and easily move money between the two accounts. Having these two accounts linked can sometimes help you avoid overdraft charges and/or under-the-minimum-balance fees from your checking account.” Having a savings account can help you set aside money for emergencies and help you save for large purchases, all while earning interest. Credit Building and maintaining good credit will provide several advantages to you, including: Lower financing rates More negotiating power Attractive mortgage and refinancing rates Higher credit card limits and rewards While getting a credit card is a great first step to building your credit, maxing out your credit card, failing to pay your credit card bill 4 min read

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