Financial fraud is an unfortunate part of life in the modern age, but there are ways to combat it even if someone manages to purchase something with your checking or credit account. If you notice suspicious or unauthorized transactions on your account, what should you do?
How to Respond to Unauthorized Transactions on Your Account
Topics: Financial Education
First Federal Introduces a New Level of Security for Your Accounts
First Federal Bank is excited to offer SecureAlerts from NotifiSM which offers real-time alerts about your finances, enabling you to take quick, appropriate action. You can choose which information to receive on demand. It adds a new level of security to banking with First Federal.
Topics: Financial Education
Deductions You Can Claim Without Itemizing
Tax prep time can fray your nerves, especially when you’re trying to figure out the nuances of the tax code, gather your information and receipts, do accurate calculations, and determine how to handle your deductions. Should you itemize or not?
Topics: Financial Education
Should You and Your Spouse Retire at the Same Time?
If you and your spouse are nearing retirement age, it’s important to consider the timing. Should you both retire at the same time, or would it be better to stagger your retirements for financial reasons? If you’re not sure what the best approach would be, here are some points to discuss with your partner so you can make an informed retirement...
Topics: Retirement, Financial Education
How Do Electronic Checks Work?
Digital banking can be confusing if you remember a time when the internet didn’t exist. Now, all your finances occur in the digital realm, and many of the terminologies used may sound similar. We want to help clear up that confusion by explaining what an electronic check is and how it works.
Topics: Financial Education
A Guide on Endorsing a Check Properly and Securely
Knowing how to endorse a check is one of the foundational financial skills you need to have. This simple process ensures money goes where it needs to and helps protect you against fraud.
Topics: Personal Banking, Financial Education
How Much of Your Income Should Go to Housing Expenses?
It’s easy to fall in love with the grandeur of a home or the amenities and hip location of an apartment or condominium. So easy, in fact, it may blind you to its cost — a cost that may exceed your budget. Before you start searching for a home and falling in love with a dwelling, you should figure out how much you can afford to spend on a space.
Topics: Financial Education, Homeowners, Mortgages / Home Equity
How Does Bankruptcy Affect Your Loan Debt?
Filing for bankruptcy is a last-resort legal tool for individuals who are overwhelmed with bills and drowning in debt they can’t pay. If you’re considering bankruptcy, here’s a closer look at how it will affect the loan balances you owe:
Topics: Financial Education
Ways to Keep Your Financial Records Well-Organized
Whether you use a paper or digital system for your finances, keeping your records organized is important to help you stay on top of your budget, savings, spending, and bottom line. Here are a few ways to help you get a handle on your paperwork and electronic files so you can monitor your money and portfolio, establish goals, and set yourself up...
Topics: Financial Education
7 Questions to Ask a Landlord Before Signing a Rental Agreement
Knowing the right questions to ask while touring an apartment can help you make better decisions about where to live. Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure to ask the landlord these seven important questions.
Topics: Financial Education
The content on this site is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered accounting, legal, tax, or financial advice. First Federal Bank recommends that customers conduct their own research and consult with professional legal and financial advisors before making any financial decisions. Links to third-party websites may be provided for your convenience; however, First Federal Bank does not guarantee the reliability, accuracy, or safety of the information, products, or services offered on these external sites. We are not liable for any damages resulting from the use of these links, and we do not investigate, verify, or endorse the content or opinions expressed on any third-party sites.