First Federal Bank Blog

We tend to think of financial planning as something only the wealthy need to think about. But there are many practical reasons for all of us to engage in a basic review of our financial life. It's helpful to develop the direction we want to take, as well as how we will get there.

According to a new NerdWallet survey, banking misconceptions abound. The survey of more than 2,000 U.S. adults, conducted online by The Harris Poll, found some Americans believe common myths about bank security, interest rates and fees, and where money should be saved for financial goals. But understanding the basics of where you keep your money...

You probably hear a lot about the importance of having a good credit score. The higher the better is the general consensus. But is there a limit to the benefits? Does having a perfect credit score make a significant difference? And if not, what is more important?

With prices rising and concerns about the economy top of mind, there has been a rise in Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) plans. Consumers can use BNPL for just about anything. Shopping online and in-person, big and small purchases, even your groceries and your takeout.

Certified Financial Coach Amy Scott believes most budgeting advice is wrong because it is reactive. According to her, traditional budgeting sets you up to fail by focusing on where your money already went while not helping you feel in control of where your money is going next.

When it comes to the topic of budgeting, people tend to have negative perceptions. They think it is too hard, takes too much discipline, or is out of reach for their situation. The truth is, there are many flexible, simple ways you can set a budget that fits your life and helps you take control of your finances. That is, if you can get past these...

Money dysmorphia, the experience of believing you're better or worse off with money than you actually are, can lead to poor financial decision making. If you believe you are better off than you truly are, you can spend beyond your means and end up in debt, or even facing bankruptcy. On the flip side, believing you are worse off could lead to...

You probably seen credit card rewards advertised as a benefit. But do you know how to make the most of your rewards once you earn them? Here’s how you can maximize your credit card rewards, without going into debt:

You probably know there are many benefits to having a high credit score. Perhaps you are aware of some strategies you can employ to raise yours. Jenny Groberg, CEO of accounting platform BookSmarts offers some tips that go beyond the basics, and can be easy to implement:

Regardless of how you may feel about electric vehicles (EVs), they have just enjoyed a record year. About 1.7 million EVs were sold in the U.S. in 2024 — a 21% increase over 2023. California, Florida, and Texas are the top three states in the country in terms of the number of EV registrations.