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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.

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
What to Know About Joint Checking Accounts Some of the biggest causes of stress in a relationship stem from finances. If you’re considering opening a joint checking account, there are some things you should know. Here are some common questions surrounding this type of bank account. Managing a Joint Checking Account Questions about joint checking accounts often include: Q: What exactly is a joint checking account? A: A joint account is a checking account shared by more than one person. Each person on the account may add, withdraw or transfer money and has access to account records. Q: Who uses joint checking accounts? A: Joint checking accounts are common among married couples. Adults also sometimes share a joint checking account with an elderly parent or adolescent child as a way of monitoring and managing expenses. Q: What are the advantages of opening one? A: Bills and expenses become easier to manage as the two people involved no longer have to determine “their share” of a utility bill, groceries, rent, mortgage or any other expense. With a joint account, any money spent is coming out of the same pile. Because the income from both parties is combined, the balance on a joint checking account will be higher than it would be for two individual accounts. This increased balance creates less likelihood that checks will bounce and can keep account fees to a minimum. A joint checking account provides greater transparency of all the finances involved in the relationship and harbors trust and communication. Q: What should we be careful about? A: A joint checking account doesn’t offer any financial privacy between partners, as both parties are able to see every transaction that occurs. Additionally, either person has the ability to take all of the money from the account without consulting the other, which can be a problem if a relationship sours. Checking Accounts at First Bank* Whether you’re considering a joint account or separate bank accounts, First Bank can help. We have a number of checking accounts designed for different needs that can put you and your partner on your way to financial happiness. Source: Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/articles/pf/09/marriage-killing-money-issues.asp 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
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
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
High Yield Savings Accounts in South Carolina It’s no secret that travel can make you happier, but did you know that it can also improve your social skills, help you accomplish goals, make you more patient, and improve the quality of your relationships? If you want to travel but aren’t sure how you’re going to pay for it, consider a high-yield savings account with First Bank in South Carolina. A high-yield savings account can help you save up money for a weekend getaway, and earn interest while doing it. Save for a Vacation with our High-Yield Savings Account Do you want to go on a vacation, but aren’t sure where you would go? Here are five popular cities to travel to: New York – What would a trip to New York be without seeing the Statue of Liberty, making your way to the top of the Empire State Building, walking through Central Park, or visiting Times Square? Philly – Don’t miss your chance to visit art museums, historical monuments, and places like the Liberty Bell, the Franklin Institute, the Eastern State Penitentiary, and the Reading Terminal Market. Washington, DC – Take a weekend to travel to our nation’s capital and learn more about U.S. history at the Smithsonian, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Museum of Natural History. Chicago – Visit Willis Tower, catch a game at Wrigley Field, or take classic picture by The Bean (Cloud Gate) in Millennium Park. Dallas – If you end up visiting Texas, make sure you spend a day at the Houston Space center and Houston Museum of Natural Science. Don’t forget to spend some time eating great Texan cuisine, like the famous barbecue. Visit First Bank Today A First Bank high-yield savings account can help you save money to get to any of these destinations. Stop by your local South Carolina branch to open an account today. ———- Sources: Travel Triangle: https://traveltriangle.com/blog/traveling-makes-you-happy/ 2 min read
NC Bank If you are looking for one of the best North Carolina banks, consider a visit to your local First Bank. First Bank is an NC bank that is small enough to know you by name, but large enough to meet all of your banking needs. We have more than 100 convenient locations throughout the state of North Carolina. Plus, First Bank was recently recognized as one of the by Forbes. Banking Services First Bank offers a variety of banking services for families, individuals, and business owners in North Carolina. Some of our services include: Personal banking: Checking accounts, savings accounts, debit cards, personal loans, and more. Business banking: Checking accounts, savings accounts, loans and credit, merchant services, and more. Mortgages: Conventional loans, jumbo loans, government loans, VA loans, and one-time close construction-to-permanent loans. We also have a Financial Education Center where you can find articles about buying a home, starting a business, our activities in the community, and more! Click here to explore more banking options. First Bank‘s Mission At the beginning of the Great Depression, a small town in North Carolina lost its only bank. That town was Troy, NC, and in 1935 First Bank opened its first branch to help with the loss. At that time, we were called Bank of Montgomery, and we were known for helping farmers and local businesses manage their money for 3 whole decades. In 1985, we changed our name to First Bank, and a lot has changed since then. The manufacturing, industrial, and technology industries have grown, and we’ve continued to evolve to meet the needs of our customers. Our mission is to show that we care about our customers, and to provide them with safe and convenient banking. If you are looking for a North Carolina bank that strives to meet your needs, visit a First Bank branch near you. Loans subject to credit approval. Member FDIC. Sources: NCpedia: http://www.ncpedia.org/history/20th-Century/great-depression 2 min read

Explore Courses to Grow Your Personal Finances

Illustration of charts and account notes. Financial Basics Get off on the right foot with the right financial tools. 13 Topics
Illustration of buildings and houses. Financial Caregiving Learn what you should know about handling another person’s finances. 6 Topics
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Illustration of charts, a car, and calculators. Smart Budgeting Create a financial plan for an awesome roadtrip! 5 Topics
Illustration of a piggy bank and smart phone. Starting Out Take smarter first steps into personal banking. 5 Topics
Illustration of shopping bags and charts. Smart Investing Explore how you participate in the economy and the global market. 5 Topics
Illustration of car and house. Major Life Events Big life events don’t have to mean big financial headaches. 13 Topics
Illustration of clipboard with charts, a credit card, and a calculator. Family Financial Planning Bring the family together to talk about a financial plan. 7 Topics
First Bank personal credit card with rewards attached to a clipboard. Get rewarded for qualified everyday purchases View Credit Cards
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