First Federal Bank Blog

Shopper loyalty programs may seem like an easy way to save money on your favorite products. The choice to sign up for exclusive savings and customized coupons may seem like a no-brainer — however, these savings come at the cost of your personal data being sold to marketers. Here’s what to know about the benefits and risks of these store loyalty...

As you plan for retirement, it’s important to invest your money in a way that maximizes your income in your senior years. In some cases, a Roth IRA conversion could get you closer to this goal by allowing you to pay less in taxes when you retire. Before you take this route, it’s important to understand the basics of Roth IRA conversions and...

If you’re an independent contractor, you have a different set of tax obligations from a full- or part-time employee. When you enter into a contact with a company but aren’t on the payroll, you should receive a Form W-9. This allows you to report your earnings and ensure you don’t land in hot water with the Internal Revenue Service.

Whether you’re on a fixed income or simply looking to make smarter financial decisions, a budget can help you guide your spending and supplement your savings. However, it’s important to find a budgeting system that suits your lifestyle. Here are some common budgeting methods to help you achieve your financial goals:

If you’re inundated with requests by utility providers, department store credit cards, and insurance companies to “go paperless” but haven’t made the switch to digital statements yet, you’re missing out on some great benefits.

Having a connected home offers a broad range of benefits that include unparalleled convenience, increased efficiency, and superior security. On top of all this, upgrading your home with smart devices can also have the benefit of earning discounts on your homeowners or renters insurance.

As a hard-working adult, you know saving money is an important thing to do. Unfortunately, it can also be difficult. Life is expensive, and it often feels like our money is gone no sooner than we’ve earned it. But are all of life’s expenditures necessary? Far from it; a close look at your budget is likely to reveal plenty of unnecessary spending....

Refinancing a loan involves replacing an existing loan by paying off the debt with a new one. Ideally, the new loan has better terms or features to make the process worthwhile. This can help save you money in the long term or make your life easier in other ways.

Nobody looks forward to paying taxes, but a bit of preparation and planning can go a long way toward easing the stress for your small business. As 2021 gets underway, consider making these tax resolutions part of your business strategy for the new year:

A letter from the Internal Revenue Service states you are being audited. Not news you were expecting, so it’s understandable to feel a little unsettled, panicked or scared. Don’t let you emotions take over. An IRS audit isn’t fun, for sure, but you can handle it. The following tips will help you prepare for an audit: