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...
Ways You Can Diversify Your Portfolio
Topics: Financial Education
Fuel-Efficient Models that Aren't Hybrids
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...
Topics: Lifestyle
Improved Energy Efficiency to Save Money
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...
Topics: Homeowners, Mortgages / Home Equity
The Questions our Should Ask the Dealer When Car Shopping
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...
Topics: Financial Education
How to Make the Most of Your Tax Refund as a Homeowner.
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:
Topics: Mortgages / Home Equity
3 Great Teas and Their Benefits
Drinking tea has long been associated with positivity, whether it’s sitting down for a cup with a close friend or having a hot mug handy to help when you’re feeling under the weather. There are so many different varieties of tea to try, many of which offer impressive benefits that make it well worth keeping the kettle on for a second sip....
Topics: Lifestyle
Setting Expectations For Attendance and Punctuality
Your arrangement with your employees is built on trust. They spend their days involved in company operations and performing tasks; in return, you pay them for their time. So when your employees aren’t beginning their shift on time or are leaving early, they’re completing less work than what their wages entail. That’s why setting and enforcing...
Topics: Small Business
Common Questions About Managing Your IRA
An individual retirement account (IRA) can be a powerful tool for investing and saving your money — especially when you manage it wisely. If you’re looking for ways to make the most of your IRA, start by reviewing these commonly asked questions.What investments can I make with an IRA?You can choose from a wide range of IRA investment options to...
Topics: Retirement, Financial Education
4 True Crime Podcasts to Investigate
Topics: Lifestyle
First Federal Bank Recognized as one of America's Best Regional Banks
For the fourth year in a row, First Federal Bank has earned this distinction from Newsweek who partners with research firm Plant-A Insights, and conducts an assessment of over 9,500 financial institutions and obtained feedback from over 35,000 customers. Newsweek spotlighted the top 250 Regional Banks and 250 Credit Unions in the United States,...