First Federal Bank Blog

Your credit score plays a big role in thehomebuyingprocess. It’s one of the key factors lenders look at to determine which loan options you qualify for and what your terms might be. But there’s a myth about credit scores that may be holding some buyers back.

You understand how your home is an excellent investment for the long term. But there may be times you need to benefit from ownership in the short term. Here are three ways to maximize your home’s equity while staying financially secure, according to Forbes:

I remember arriving in Live Oak, Florida in 1974 as a 10-year-old immigrant from the Dominican Republic and not being able to speak English. Prior to starting school at Suwannee Elementary School, I had to visit a doctor and get the required immunization. That's when I first met Dr. Hugo Sotolongo, one of the few doctors in Live Oak and an...

We all have the potential to go a little stir crazy during the winter months, when we spend more time indoors. This can be especially true for children. Their bodies crave movement. But just because you can't get outdoors doesn't mean you have to be still. Here are some ideas for getting your kids up and moving when the weather outside keeps you...

This is the time when a lot of people take a moment to reflect and set their goals for this year. And as you picture what you want your 2025 to look like, one thing that may pop into your mind is the vision of you in a new home. But how do you get there? And where do you start?

The 52-week money challenge is a savings plan that gained popularity through social media around 2013. The concept is simple: You start by saving $1 in the first week, then increase your savings by $1 each subsequent week. AOL.com shows how your savings will grow by the end of the year:

Winter is here. Colder weather has arrived, at least for Florida. This is not the time of year you think of tending to your outdoor plants, or placing new ones in the yard. That doesn’t mean you can’t garden. Just shift your focus from outdoors to in:

Have you ever thought about packing up and moving to be closer to the people who mean the most to you? Maybe you’re tired of long drives to see your family or wish your kids could spend more time with their grandparents. Clearly, a lot of other people feel the same way.

When it comes to workouts, certain buzzwords tend to get a lot of attention. In recent years, HIIT has been all the rage. You may have tried the approach, or have probably at least heard of it. But what it is all about? And is it the best exercise approach for you? USA Today explores this popular workout:

Parenting approaches shift over generations. The way you were raised may not be the way you choose to raise your own children. Societal beliefs and norms also evolve over time. Once recent trend has been for families to spend more time together. Newsweek explains this approach to parenting: