First Federal Bank Blog

Some of the most common financial advice you can receive regarding preparing for retirement is to contributing to a 401(k) plan, and usually, thanks to your employer, putting a portion of your earnings toward that plan every paycheck is easy. But where your money is being invested and at what age you’re investing it matters, so it’s important to...

The holiday season is fast approaching, a fact alone that may already have alarm bells ringing in your head. With its arrival comes the return of holiday shopping, and if you have an expansive list of people to buy for, it may very well mean another sizable debt that takes months to pay down. However, it doesn’t necessarily have to be that way. By...

Health Savings Accounts have a wealth of benefits. They can help you save on taxes, aid in bolstering your retirement fund and earn tax-free interest on your savings. Thanks to this trifecta of benefits, Forbes contributor John Goodman claims that no other savings vehicle can top an HSA. However, different HSAs are tailored to different needs. In...

Dealing with insurance red tape adds complications no one wants when facing a health issue. To receive a denial on your insurance claim, even after you’re feeling better, can be exceptionally frustrating. To help avoid unwanted stress on your finances and your peace of mind, consider the following methods to appeal a denied health insurance claim.

According to National Geographic contributors Samantha Cohen and Eric Estroff, Americans throw out an average of $165 billion of food every year. Not only is excess food waste a problem for people’s wallets, it also has a detrimental effect on the environment. Fortunately, there are several ways that you can reduce the amount of food that you...

Are you looking to cut down your gasoline budget? Modern hybrids offer excellent fuel efficiency alongside space, style and luxurious amenities. However, it’s important to understand a few key differences between traditional vehicles and their electrified counterparts. Here’s a look at five factors to consider before you sign on the dotted line...

Amid rising tuition costs and sky-high textbook prices, most college students don’t have much money to spare. However, you can pad out your income with a few side gigs and a little ingenuity. Here are a few strategies to earn extra money in college.Surveys and online workCompanies want to know what you’re thinking — and they’ll pay to find out....

Warren Buffett, the billionaire businessman and philanthropist, once said: “If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die.” Though it may sound like a somewhat grim indictment against the retirement prospects of the working person, it’s at its core a recommendation to look into the winning strategy that is...

Whether retirement is far off in the future or right around the corner, you need to start planning for it now. Starting with your 401(k), the following tips will help you navigate the complexities of saving money when you’re officially off the clock.401(k) 101Although there are a myriad of ways and accounts available to help you plan for...

Taking out a loan to improve your home might make you think of gutting your kitchen, updating your bathroom or even adding on an addition or finishing out the basement for more living space. These projects will certainly improve your home as well as add to its resale value, but be sure to consider how each project can get a little greener. Whether...