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...
Should You and Your Spouse Retire at the Same Time?
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
5 Worst Mistakes You Can Make Banking Online
Online banking can take the hassle out of managing your money — but common mistakes can jeopardize your savings and endanger your accounts. Here are some tips to help you stay safe when managing your money through the web:
Topics: Personal Banking, Financial Education
Ways to Impress Your First Federal Bank Mortgage Lender
If you’re in the market for a mortgage, impressing your lender will help you get a better interest rate and save money in the long run. Since just a few percentage points can translate to thousands in savings throughout the life of your loan, consider these strategies to help you put your best foot forward when applying for a mortgage:
How to Fund Your Teen's First Car
Your teen has probably been dreaming about driving as long as you’ve been dreading it. However, the time has come, and your teen has earned their license. Now they want to secure their own wheels so they can fully embrace the freedom of the open road. Here are a few tips on how you can fund your teen’s first car:
Topics: Financial Education, Family