Is It Safe to Link Your Financial Accounts to a Payment App?

January 24, 2024 by First Federal Bank

Payment apps like Google Pay, Cash App, and Zelle have become the preferred method of sending and receiving money for many people. Yet, you may be hesitant to jump on the bandwagon due to concerns about the security of using a payment app — and you’re not alone.Many people who are accustomed to using cash, credit cards, and checks are skeptical...

Topics: Financial Education

Should You Still Buy a Home if You Still Have Student Loans?

January 19, 2024 by First Federal Bank

Few decisions are as significant as buying a home. It’s a milestone that many aspire to achieve, but the path to homeownership can be paved with financial challenges, particularly for those still grappling with student loans. Here are the factors you should consider when deciding to buy a home while managing student debt:Pros of buying a home...

Topics: Financial Education, Homeowners, Mortgages / Home Equity

How Does a Debit Card Differ From a Credit Card?

January 17, 2024 by First Federal Bank
Carrying a card for everyday purchases can make life much more convenient, but the question you have to ask before opening your wallet is which card you should use. Credit cards and debit cards will both allow you to pay for the things you need, but each offers unique functions that separate one from the other.   What is a debit card?   ...

Topics: Financial Education

Common Types of Insurance Fraud to Watch Out For

January 10, 2024 by First Federal Bank

Insurance should be a helping hand when you are facing a loss or crisis. Unfortunately, not all insurance policies, insurance companies, or insurance representatives are created equally. Many can be outright illegitimate or illegal. Nefarious providers and false claims can spike your premiums, so it’s important to be aware of insurance fraud. Here...

Topics: Financial Education

Fraud Talk: Scams Against the Elderly

January 09, 2024 by Tasha Fedorova

In this world, where concerns over racism, sexism, ageism, etc. are prominent, it is not considered politically correct to discuss the vulnerability of the elderly. However, instead of feeling ashamed of our vulnerabilities, we should focus on protecting them by understanding what they are. Older people are often targeted by scams for several...

Topics: Financial Education

What Tax Relief is There for Those Affected By Natural Disasters?

January 03, 2024 by First Federal Bank

When you and your family are the victims of a natural disaster, one of the last things on your mind is taxes. But depending on your situation, you may be able to get relief in the form of a filing extension or early access to your return:How do you know if you qualify for relief?According to the IRS, an affected taxpayer can be an individual,...

Topics: Financial Education

How to Make Safe and Secure Transactions at an ATM

December 27, 2023 by First Federal Bank

For many people, an automated teller machine is still their preferred method of depositing checks and cash as well as withdrawing money. If you plan to use an ATM — whether near your home or in another town you’re visiting — make sure to follow this advice so you lessen the chance of becoming an ATM crime victim:Choose the best locationWhere an...

Topics: Personal Banking, Financial Education

Fraud Talk: Employment and Student Loan Scams

December 26, 2023 by Tasha Fedorova

Young adults are particularly vulnerable to employment scams and student loan repayment scams. If not actively seeking employment, it might seem obvious to us that someone is attempting to scam us. However, at some point, many of us have experienced unemployment and financial strain, or are drowning in student loans or other types of debt. We can...

Topics: Financial Education, Lifestyle

Tips for Managing Health Care Costs in Retirement

December 22, 2023 by First Federal Bank

As you plan your retirement finances, be sure to take health care costs into account. Even though Medicare will cover a large chunk of your expenses, it’s likely you’ll still need to pay premiums and deductibles, vision and dental, long-term care, and more. In fact, according to Fidelity’s 2023 Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate, the average couple...

Topics: Retirement, Financial Education

How Online Banking Works: A Beginner's Guide

December 20, 2023 by First Federal Bank

There’s so much that can be done with greater ease online, and that includes managing your money. Online banking is a feature offered by nearly every type of financial institution, and it offers a great deal of convenience and flexibility. By learning how to leverage online banking — and how to keep yourself safe in the process — you can take...

Topics: Personal Banking, Financial Education

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