Saving for Medical Costs in Retirement

May 31, 2021 by First Federal Bank

Saving enough money to enjoy a full retirement may already feel like an uphill climb before you even consider the rising cost of healthcare. As you get older, you can expect your medical expenses to increase, which can put a damper on your plans without proper consideration. By setting aside funds specifically for your healthcare needs, you can...

Topics: Retirement, Financial Education

Should You Cancel a Credit Card with $0 Balance?

May 26, 2021 by Stephanie McClendon

Many consumers are tempted to limit their debt by closing one or more credit cards, as a result of the steady rise of the cost of living, and credit card interest rates. However, while there are many reasons to close a credit card, there are ultimately even more and better reasons not to do so.

Topics: Financial Education

CD vs. Savings Account

May 26, 2021 by First Federal Bank

Whether you’re putting aside funds for a rainy day, or a sunny summer vacation, saving money is an absolute must. When it comes to how you save, two of the most popular options are savings accounts and certificates of deposit. The best way to determine which choice is ideal for your situation is to understand the benefits of both.

Topics: Personal Banking, Financial Education

Calculating Business Asset Depreciation

May 21, 2021 by First Federal Bank

The things you buy, including equipment and property, to help improve your small business are not only smart investments, they are valid deductions you can report on your tax return. Since you are dealing with taxes, though, how to calculate the depreciation of your business assets can be complicated.

Topics: Small Business, Financial Education

Claiming Earned Income Tax Credit

May 14, 2021 by First Federal Bank

For low- or middle-income household, the Earned Income Tax Credit may be able to help reduce your tax burden or bolster your refund. However, tax firm H&R Block states as many as 22 percent of qualifying taxpayers miss out on claiming the EITC. Don’t be one of them — here’s a look at what you need to know to get the most out of your EITC.

Topics: Financial Education

Deducting Medical Expenses

May 07, 2021 by First Federal Bank

No matter your income or financial situation, medical bills can take an enormous bite out of your budget. If you face big recurring costs or recently went through a high-priced operation or hospital stay, you might benefit from claiming a medical expense deduction on your taxes.

Topics: Financial Education

Saving Money in College

May 03, 2021 by First Federal Bank

Between paying for tuition and covering living expenses, you may find it challenging to save up money while in college. However, by following these simple tips, you may be able to graduate from college with some cash already in your savings account:

Topics: Financial Education

Dow vs. Nasdaq

April 26, 2021 by First Federal Bank

We’ve all heard about the Dow and the Nasdaq. At times, it’s almost as if the terms are used interchangeably when discussing the economy or stocks. However, these are simply two tools that investors can use to check on the health of the market. Here’s a look at what you need to know about stock market indices — and how they differ:

Topics: Financial Education

The Basics of Securing Your Check Book

April 23, 2021 by First Federal Bank

Even though financial transactions today are increasingly paperless, there are still advantages to using a check book. They can help you avoid processing fees, leave behind a useful paper trail for your spending, and give you a means of transferring funds should the internet be unavailable. But are check books safe? How do you secure your check...

Topics: Personal Banking, Financial Education

Staying Motivated while Eliminating Debt

April 07, 2021 by First Federal Bank

Although not a traditional four-letter word that would get you into trouble if you said it as a kid in school, there is no doubt debt is one of the worst words in the English language. Financial debt affects your sense of self, your present lifestyle, and your hope for the future. Getting out of debt is a daunting, time-consuming task, but the...

Topics: Financial Education

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