First Federal Bank Blog

My husband Troy and I finished building our new home about a year ago. Anyone who has ever built a house knows what an exciting and stressful time it can be! There are so many decisions to be made, from flooring to cabinets, to wall colors and decorating. The process can be overwhelming. If you’re struggling to feel at home inside your own house,...

Whether you desire to increase your home’s value, or need extra living space, an addition can be a worthwhile modification to your house. There are many ways you can expand your house’s size, so make sure you pick the solution that’s best for your needs while adding the most value. Here are the most common home additions that may benefit you:

If there’s no longer room to park, the junk is piling up, or you spend far too much time searching for the items you need, it may be time to organize your garage. If that seems like an intimidating prospect, these tips will help you get started and put your efforts on the path to success.

Buying a home is a milestone worth celebrating, but it takes planning and preparation before signing the closing documents to ensure the purchase doesn’t become more of a burden than a blessing. Proper planning involves determining how big of a down payment you need and saving money for that down payment. Here are some pointers to get you started:

In these unusual times, many of your employees may be working from home. It’s likely they have taken steps to create an ideal working space to make the experience more comfortable, and to enhance their productivity. Before they return to your small business’s workspace, take time to evaluate and improve your office ergonomics.

Do you own any jewelry, antiques or other valuables? If so, you may need to purchase additional insurance for these items, as their full value may not be covered by your regular policies. To help you determine whether extra coverage is right for your situation, consider these questions:

Recent events have made it clear that businesses can live and die on preparedness for disaster. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, between 40 and 60 percent of all small businesses succumb to disasters like fire and burst water pipes, not including a far-reaching health crisis or major weather catastrophe. When uncertainty is...

You may have had to cancel or put off a planned trip due to restrictions in place as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. And the near-term future of travel is very uncertain. But there is no reason you can’t enjoy a much-needed vacation. Have you considered taking a staycation? After weeks of parents working from home, with kids engaged in distance...

Deciding what home improvement projects to invest in can be tricky. You don’t want to pour money into a renovation or remodel that won’t pay off when you go to sell. If you’re eager to increase your home’s value, consider starting in a small, but essential part of your home — your bathroom.“On average, homeowners spend just over $20,000 on a...

It’s a sad truth of life that even the most beloved furniture will eventually begin to show its age. This is doubly true for patio furniture, which, even under the best of circumstances, is exposed to the elements far more than a living room couch. Thankfully, there are a few easy ways to give your patio furniture a makeover, saving you money and...