First Federal Bank Blog

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.

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...

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...

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.

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...

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!

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.

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.

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.

Jacksonville is not only the largest city by landmass in the continental United States, it is the largest city in the Southeastern U.S. and the state of Florida by population. It is a vibrant hub for business, offering one of the hottest job markets in the country. In 2023, the Wall Street Journal ranked Jacksonville as the 3rd hottest job market,...