First Federal Bank Blog

Whether your business is growing or a departure has left a vacancy, you need to hire a new employee. While the benefit of having that person join your company is valuable, the cost of hiring them — beyond their actual salary — can add up. To ensure you’re budgeting accurately for your next round of hiring, keep all of these overlooked costs in...

According to National Geographic contributors Samantha Cohen and Eric Estroff, Americans throw out an average of $165 billion of food every year. Not only is excess food waste a problem for people’s wallets, it also has a detrimental effect on the environment. Fortunately, there are several ways that you can reduce the amount of food that you...

Are you looking to cut down your gasoline budget? Modern hybrids offer excellent fuel efficiency alongside space, style and luxurious amenities. However, it’s important to understand a few key differences between traditional vehicles and their electrified counterparts. Here’s a look at five factors to consider before you sign on the dotted line...

If you hope to secure loans for your business and build a trustworthy reputation, it’s wise to establish business credit history separately from your personal credit. One of the most important steps you can take toward this is opening a business credit file.

There are a lot of things to consider when you open a small business. One of the essential tools you’ll need is a way to accept payment. If you’re not ready to purchase or lease a whole register system, consider mobile credit card payment processing from one of these vendors.SquareProbably one of the most well-known names in mobile credit card...

Amid rising tuition costs and sky-high textbook prices, most college students don’t have much money to spare. However, you can pad out your income with a few side gigs and a little ingenuity. Here are a few strategies to earn extra money in college.Surveys and online workCompanies want to know what you’re thinking — and they’ll pay to find out....

Warren Buffett, the billionaire businessman and philanthropist, once said: “If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die.” Though it may sound like a somewhat grim indictment against the retirement prospects of the working person, it’s at its core a recommendation to look into the winning strategy that is...

Whether retirement is far off in the future or right around the corner, you need to start planning for it now. Starting with your 401(k), the following tips will help you navigate the complexities of saving money when you’re officially off the clock.401(k) 101Although there are a myriad of ways and accounts available to help you plan for...

Managing a rental property can be a smart investment. As a landlord, you are the owner of property that generates a monthly income that is set by you. However, as a landlord, you are responsible for everything that breaks, and you have to trust that your tenants will pay their rent without wreaking havoc on your property. It takes a lot of...

Taking out a loan to improve your home might make you think of gutting your kitchen, updating your bathroom or even adding on an addition or finishing out the basement for more living space. These projects will certainly improve your home as well as add to its resale value, but be sure to consider how each project can get a little greener. Whether...