First Federal Bank Blog

Once you’ve qualified for Social Security retirement benefits, your spouse, children, and other survivors may be eligible to receive monthly payouts in the event of your death. These survivor benefits are an important resource for millions of people across the United States, and here’s an overview of how they work:How do survivor benefits work?...

An aging parent, a spouse with disabilities, an adult child with special needs — if you’re facing these or any other caregiving situations, the strain on your finances can be a heavy one. To help you deal with these responsibilities, a variety of federal tax deductions and credits are available. Here’s a closer look at five of the most common tax...

Whether you are vacationing with the family, heading out of town on a friends’ trip, traveling for work, or embarking on a solo expedition, saving money is always a travel essential. A big part of your journey’s expenses is undoubtedly where you’ll rest your head. Here are a few tips to help you save money on your accommodations so you can stress...

Congratulations! You’re on track to reach your 401(k)-contribution limit for the year. But your commitment to funding your retirement shouldn’t stop at your 401(k). Once you’ve maxed out those contributions, you should take another step to preparing for your post-career lifestyle. Here are some smart ways to stash more for retirement if you’re...

If you’re considering investing in real estate, you’re likely aware of the potential rewards and risks involved. Real estate has long been a popular investment option for those looking to build wealth or earn passive income, but it’s important to consider the pros and cons carefully before jumping in. Here are some key points to keep in mind: ...

If you’re shopping for a loan, you probably know lenders look at data like your income, loan repayment and credit history, and debt owed. However, loan approval is sometimes based on more than these traditional factors. Lenders can also collect, “social data” to get a more complete picture of your creditworthiness. In the process, they may even...

If you’re in the market for a new car, you may be wondering whether it’s better to get an auto loan through a financial institution or the dealership. While getting financing at the dealership may seem like the easiest option, there are several reasons you may want to consider going through a financial institution instead:

For many kids, their move to college is the first time they’re leaving the nest and the day-to-day influence of their parents. If your child is college-bound, you’re most likely equal parts proud and apprehensive about the changes they are about to experience. While your child is prepping college room essentials, potential areas of study, and...

When a loved one dies, you’re often left with several responsibilities to contend with on top of managing your grief. One such responsibility is taking care of the accounts belonging to the deceased. Fortunately, accessing and closing a bank account is a fairly straightforward process. Obtaining the necessary information According to Julia Kagan...

Whether you’re splitting a restaurant bill with friends, making a purchase, or helping out a family member, sending money to another person is incredibly easy these days thanks to an ever-growing array of online payment tools. But how safe is it to send money online?  Most of today’s online payment options fall into three categories. Let’s take a...