First Federal Bank Blog

Building your credit is important if you want to secure an advantageous loan for a home, car, or other big-ticket item. If your credit score is lower than it should be to help you get the financial gains you want, there are several ways to bump it up. The following methods will help you increase your credit score when using a credit card:

Online and mobile banking makes moving money, paying bills, and managing your financial well-being easier and more convenient. It’s certainly not without its risks, however, especially when it comes to identity theft and fraud. Is there a safer way to access your information between your financial institution’s website or mobile app? That largely...

When you join hearts, you may consider joining your finances, too. But what is the best way to invest as a couple — jointly, separately, or a mix of both? Deciding what option is right for you takes a lot of consideration. Here is a guide to help you and your partner navigate this monumental decision.

A will is a document that declares how your estate should be managed and distributed in the event of your death. Without having a will to guide them, your family members will have to spend time and energy divvying up your assets — often leading to additional stress and conflict during an already difficult time of mourning and grief. Here’s how you...

Financial jargon can be confusing, especially when certain terms sound weirdly similar. Take pre-qualified and preapproved, for example. These words appear to be synonyms, but when it comes to securing a mortgage, they have differences and specifically applied circumstances. Here is a closer look at the variances between pre-qualified and...

Looking to reduce your tax burden and do some good for your local community? In addition to demonstrating your company’s commitment to giving back, charitable donations provide a wealth of opportunities for tax savings. Here’s how to get the most bang for your buck while making the world a better place:

If you find yourself in need of a vehicle — but can’t secure an auto loan with favorable terms — you may be tempted to take out a home equity loan to fund your purchase. Like every financial decision, this choice can come with drawbacks that need to be considered. Here’s a look at what you need to know before you borrow against the value of your...

Teaching your kids about finances and smart money moves are invaluable lessons. These lessons can start at a young age with piggy banks and coins, grow with an age-appropriate allowance and tips on how to save and spend, and even include adult-level money management like investments. Under your supervision, you can introduce your child to the...

If you are ready to get away from the daily grind and recharge on a vacation, you know planning ahead is key, especially if you’re working with a limited budget. Here are a few tips to help you save money for your next vacation:

Every time you perform a financial transaction that involves your checking or savings account, you must provide a routing number and an account number. Both of these are mandatory in order for the operation to occur. To help you understand how these transactions work, here’s an explanation of what a routing number is and how it’s used.