First Federal Bank Blog

Thinking about buying a home? While today’s mortgage rates might seem a bit intimidating, here are two solid reasons why, if you’re ready and able, it could still be a smart move to get your own place.

The 50/20/30 budget method has been around for years, and has traditionally been a great approach for many families. The concept is that 50% of your net income should go to your needs, 20% should go to savings, and 30% should go to your wants. But times change. And in today’s inflated economy, the 60/30/10 budgeting method could be a better option...

You know the feeling. It’s Sunday evening, and you begin to feel a little down. You can’t quite put your finger on it at first. Then you realize; Monday is coming. Sure, there are those people who love the beginning of a new week. But it is normal to dread Mondays. So, what you can you do to start your week off on the right foot? Follow these tips...

Are you considering purchasing or refinancing a home? If so, you're in luck! We offer a convenient and seamless process for those who are looking to make a big move into homeownership, or save money by refinancing their current mortgage.

When it comes to retirement planning, employer 401(k) programs tend to be the option people think of. But there are other ways you can save money for your golden years. An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is another way to set aside and invest funds today to have available in the future. According to MSN, there are three ways you can make the...

It has long been established that regular exercise is essential to good health. In recent years, there has been a focus on understanding which exercises are best at various life stages. What works well at 20, for example, may not be appropriate at 50. Our bodies change as we age; so too should our workout habits. How much exercise you need, and...

If you have student loans and want to buy a home, you might have questions about how your debt affects your plans. Do you have to wait until you’ve paid off those loans before you can buy your first home? Or is it possible you could still qualify for a home loan even with that debt? Here’s a look at the latest information so you have the answers...

Taking out a loan is a big decision that should not be taken lightly. That’s why you want to be selective about when and why you borrow money from your financial institution. While the decision will ultimately be yours, there are several instances where loans make good sense in the short and long term:Pay off existing debtOf all the things you...

It can be difficult to determine the best way to eat these days. There are so many fad diets out there, in addition to the, “tried and true” versions you have probably heard about through the years. One mainstay that has continued to be popular is the Mediterranean Diet. Now, there is a twist on that eating approach. According to MSN, the Atlantic...

Obtaining a new mortgage loan can be an exciting yet overwhelming process. With so many options available, it's important to make informed decisions to ensure you are getting the best deal possible. At First Federal Bank, we want to help you navigate the mortgage loan process with ease. Here are some do's and don'ts to keep in mind when applying...