First Federal Bank Blog

Student loans can be a heavy financial burden. However, there are a few simple tips to help you chip away at your debt faster. Here’s a look at a few strategies to help you set yourself on a quicker path toward financial freedom:Go above the minimum paymentMaking a bigger monthly payment may require sacrificing some of your disposable income, but...

If you’re advertising your business, you need to make every word count. That’s why it’s important to understand what weasel words are, how they can dilute your messaging, and ways you can avoid them in favor of more direct and impactful language.What is a weasel word?HubSpot Sales Blog editor Leslie Ye explains weasel words are used in an effort...

Buyingyour first home is a big, exciting step and a major milestone that has the power to improve your life. As a first-time homebuyer, it's adreamyou can make come true, but there are some hurdles you'll need to overcome in today’s housing market – specifically the limited supply ofhomes for saleand ongoingaffordabilitychallenges.

If you’re planning for an extended vacation, a top alternative to staying at a hotel is renting a vacation home. For some, the idea of living in another person’s home and having to do chores, like cooking and cleaning, can seem like the opposite of a vacation — but renting a home can come with a lot of perks that enhance the entire experience....

The Down Payment Assistance is a second mortgage subsidy to assist borrowers who may be struggling with down payment obligations. The subsidy offers up to $7,500 to cover 100% of down payment and closing costs. Furthermore, eligible active duty and retired military personnel, reserves, law enforcement officers, corrections officers, and educators...

All investing exposes you to a certain level of risk. Committing all your money to a narrow range of stocks, bonds, or other assets is especially perilous, exposing your portfolio to the market’s volatility and making it less resilient — and potentially hampering growth as well. However, diversification is a good way to keep one poor-performing...

The automotive industry is going the way of electrification. But for a variety of reasons, not everyone is quite ready to venture into the world of EVs, PHEVs, FCVs, or even simple hybrids. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t care about fuel economy. Fortunately, there are a number of traditional combustion-only cars you can buy that get plenty...

When it comes to saving money, improving your home’s energy efficiency can be a great way to rack up savings with minimal effort and plenty of benefits. Many energy-saving tips also cut your carbon footprint while also improving the comfort and value of your home. Here’s a look at a few strategies to help you save:Heat pumpsWhen you’re dealing...

Shopping for a car at a dealership can be an overwhelming experience. Even if you do a ton of research before you shop and have an idea of what vehicle you want, you still need to ask questions at the dealership. Here are a few essential queries to ask before you purchase a car:Check on maintenance plansNew cars should be trouble free for some...

As the tax season approaches, many Americans eagerly anticipate receiving their tax refunds. For homeowners, a tax refund can be an excellent opportunity to put the money to good use, particularly in relation to their mortgage. Here are some smart ways to make the most of your tax refund if you have a mortgage: