Is Biking the Best Summer Exercise?

July 28, 2025 by First Federal Bank

When you think about working out in the summertime, swimming might come to mind. It's an excellent form of exercise. Or maybe you are considering setting up a home gym to stay indoors. Have you considered pulling your bicycle out of the garage? There are many reasons it could be considered the best summer exercise:

Topics: Family, Lifestyle

Mortgage Rates Are Stabilizing – How That Helps Today’s Buyers

July 25, 2025 by First Federal Bank

Over the past few years, affordability has been the biggest challenge for homebuyers. Between rapidly rising home prices and higher mortgage rates, many have felt stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Topics: Mortgages / Home Equity

Ways You Should – And Should Not – Use a HELOC This Summer

July 23, 2025 by First Federal Bank

A Home Equity Line of Credit, or HELOC, can be a very helpful financial tool for homeowners. Many use the money to make improvements, and summer is a popular time to do so. But a HELOC is not the right solution for every situation. Knowing when to say, "Yes" and when to be clear about, "No" is essential. Financial experts have some advice about...

Topics: Financial Education, Homeowners

How Coffee Can Give Your Garden a Boost

July 21, 2025 by First Federal Bank

You probably recognize coffee's ability to give you a boost. But what about your garden? Coffee grounds can be beneficial to plants when used in small amounts. As a soil amendment, they feed beneficial microbes that release substances that can improve soil condition. Coffee grounds can also be used as a mulch on the soil surface. However, they're...

Topics: Lifestyle

What You Should Know About Getting a Mortgage Today

July 18, 2025 by First Federal Bank

If you’ve been putting off buying a home because you thought getting approved would be too hard, know this: qualifying for a mortgage is starting to get a bit more achievable, but lending standards are still strong.

Topics: Mortgages / Home Equity

Beware the Rise of Old School Fraud Techniques

July 16, 2025 by First Federal Bank

When we think of financial fraud, we tend to worry most about new and evolving threats in the digital age. It can be easy to forget the, “old school” ways thieves use to grab an easy buck. But we should never let our guard down. The fact is, while today’s scammer is usually very tech savvy, there are those on the lookout for other ways to separate...

Topics: Financial Education

Is Watermelon the Best Summer Fruit?

July 14, 2025 by First Federal Bank

Do you have a favorite summer fruit? There are many reasons you should consider watermelon, if it is not already at the top of your list. It's a tasty, healthy, and versatile choice for your plate this time of year!

Topics: Lifestyle

Why Financial Planning Matters, and How to Do It Well

July 09, 2025 by First Federal Bank

We tend to think of financial planning as something only the wealthy need to think about. But there are many practical reasons for all of us to engage in a basic review of our financial life. It's helpful to develop the direction we want to take, as well as how we will get there.

Topics: Personal Banking, Financial Education

Top 10 Beaches for Families in the U.S.

July 07, 2025 by First Federal Bank

Who doesn’t think about the beach this time of year, regardless of where you live? Summer time fun in the sun go hand in hand. And, you don’t have to live near or travel to the ocean to enjoy a fun beach vacation.

Topics: Family, Lifestyle

What Every Homeowner Needs To Know In Today’s Shifting Market

July 04, 2025 by First Federal Bank

Here’s something you need to know. The housing market is getting back to a healthier, more normal place. And even though it may not sound like it, this shift is actually a good thing.

Topics: Mortgages / Home Equity

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