First Federal Bank Announces Agreement to Acquire Watson Mortgage Corp

April 18, 2024 by First Federal Bank

First Federal Bank and Watson Mortgage Corp. announce that they have signed a definitive agreement for First Federal Bank to acquire the mortgage group. The transaction brings together two teams skilled at delivering results and award winning customer experiences. As a community-based mutual institution headquartered in Lake City, FL, First...

Risks and Benefits of Treasury Bonds

April 17, 2024 by First Federal Bank

A strong investment portfolio incorporates a variety of assets, and many people have found that Treasury bonds can be a worthwhile source of alternate income. But, even Treasury bonds aren’t without their risks.Advantage: Low risk of defaultBecause Treasury bonds are backed by the U.S. government and have a high credit quality, most investment...

Topics: Financial Education

Don’t Let Sitting Hurt Your Health

April 15, 2024 by First Federal Bank

Chances are you spend a great deal of your time sitting. Whether it is during the work day or on our personal time, many of us are in a chair for more hours of the day than we should be. And we all know it is not good for our health.

Topics: Lifestyle

The Truth About Down Payments

April 12, 2024 by First Federal Bank

If you’re planning to buy your first home, saving up for all the costs involved can feel daunting, especially when it comes to the down payment. That might be because you’ve heard you need to save 20% of the home’s price to put down. Well, that isn’t necessarily the case.

Topics: Mortgages / Home Equity

What to Look For in a Savings Account

April 10, 2024 by First Federal Bank

Finding a savings account sounds simple enough — after all, you’re just looking for a safe place to store and grow your money. However, to make the most of your savings, it’s important to keep an eye out for a good interest rate along with hidden fees, balance requirements, and other factors that can complicate your financial management. Here’s a...

Topics: Personal Banking, Financial Education

How to Overcome A Fear of Traveling

April 08, 2024 by First Federal Bank

Having the opportunity to travel is a wonderful thing, whether it’s taking a cross-country road trip or flying across the ocean to get an entirely new view of the world. You may be one of the many people unable to fully enjoy that privilege due to a condition called hodophobia, or the fear of travel. If you have a fear of traveling but want to...

Topics: Lifestyle

What is PMI?

April 05, 2024 by First Federal Bank

For homeowners who put less than 20% down, Private Mortgage Insurance or PMI is an added insurance policy for homeowners that protects the lender if you are unable to pay your mortgage.

Topics: Mortgages / Home Equity

Expert Advice for Talking to Kids About Money

April 03, 2024 by First Federal Bank

April is National Financial Literacy Month, a great time to start teaching your children about money. There are important life lessons you can impart at every age, and the earlier you begin, the better. Whether you want to cover the basics, delve into more complex topics, or simply get the conversation started, there are many ways you can approach...

Topics: Financial Education

Slowing Food Inflation is Good News for Consumers

April 01, 2024 by First Federal Bank

Food prices have been on a roller coaster ride over the past several years. The grocery store is one of the first and most noticeable places consumers feel the sting of inflation. The same is true of restaurant pricing. Over the past few years, consumers have responded by changing their eating and spending habits, limiting purchases of certain...

Topics: Financial Education, Lifestyle

How to Write or Improve Your Emloyee Handbook

March 29, 2024 by First Federal Bank

A clear, thorough, and up-to-date employee handbook is a must for nearly every business. It’s a vital resource for employees, helping them understand the company’s key policies, expectations, and procedures. It’s also a crucial tool for you, the employer, protecting you legally and helping you convey important information. Whether you’re creating...

Topics: Small Business

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