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
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
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
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
Credit Questions
Are you looking to buy a house in the next year? If so, make sure you check your credit first!
As you are considering purchasing your new home, your first step should be reviewing your credit report. Your credit report is an important collection of data which a mortgage company will base your approval, rate, and terms of your mortgage loan....
Topics: Homeowners
What to Look For in a Savings Account
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
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?
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 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
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
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