First Federal Bank Blog

Fluctuation in the stock market has a direct impact on businesses and how they operate, but what does it mean for your wallet? Even if you are directly involved in the stock market, you may not understand its influence on the economy. What you’ll find is that the stock market has a broad effect that may affect you even if you seemingly don’t have...

The key to saving successfully is to have a plan. Like most financial details, it should not be left to chance. Most of us know we need savings, but the discipline required to make it happen can be a challenge. Make this your year to save by following these simple tips:

First Federal has a long legacy of community commitment. Our employees spend countless hours throughout the year donating their time and even money, directly from their paychecks. One of the dozens of organizations who benefits from this generosity is the 4-H Camp at Cherry Lake. 

Emergencies happen to everyone, regardless of whether you have a steady income or are struggling to manage your finances. Unexpected expenses can throw your life into turmoil — and if you don’t have the money to resolve the crisis, your life will become even more difficult. That’s why you need an emergency fund.

Insurance is a must if you own a home, rent an apartment, invest in a condo or if you drive a car. Health insurance and life insurance are non-negotiables, as well. The world isn’t perfect and since bad things happen, insurance is an important safety net, helping to protect your home, auto and possessions. Knowing that you need insurance is a...

Whether you have an old family recipe that you feel should be shared with the world or want to try your hand in a growing industry, starting a restaurant is challenging yet rewarding experience. Setting aside the intricacies of creating menus and establishing your brand, you will need significant seed money—The Balance Small Business’s Lorri Mealy...

One of the most common mistakes small business owners make is failing to separate their personal and small business finances. Many owners try to process their business transactions through their personal bank accounts, but whether they do it for convenience or to help reduce expenses and bank fees, the reasons to not do it are much more compelling...

Saving for retirement is meant to help you finance your future, improving your quality of life after your work years. The more you are able to set aside and the longer you allow that money to accrue, the more cash you’ll have to live on. Because of this, it’s recommended to defer taking funds from your retirement savings as long as possible — but...

Regular maintenance checks and repairs along with the costs associated with them are just part of car ownership. Even a brand new car isn’t exempt from time in the body shop. To help protect your budget from mechanic-related expenses, dealerships will offer an extended warranty when you purchase a car, but is the price for the extra coverage...

Fraud increases as much as 30% during the holidays, as consumer activity rises and the opportunities to steal your sensitive information and use it for malicious purposes abound. Your financial security is important to us at First Federal. We will always take the necessary precautions to keep your accounts safe. Here are some helpful tips you can...