First Federal Bank Blog

As you near your target retirement age, you’ll want to reduce your existing debt to give yourself financial freedom. This includes paying off your credit card balances, student loan debt, car loans, and your mortgage. If you’ve grown a hearty IRA, you’ll wonder if you can use those retirement funds early to knock out your debt. Is that a wise way...

Retirement brings many changes to your life, big and small. You may not have to answer to an alarm clock, boss, or coworkers, and deciding how you spend your time is up to you. But one thing that will never change is your abidance to taxes. Taxes are a constant, no matter if you are in the workforce or retired from it. Here is a closer look at how...

When you’re building for retirement, an IRA is one of the best assets you can have in your portfolio. But can it help if you need money now? Taking money out of your IRA before retirement is possible, but it’s best you know what to expect before seriously considering it as an option.

As you plan for retirement, one important tool to consider is a health savings account, or HSA. While HSAs are most frequently used to pay medical costs, they also provide an array of investment options and tax advantages that can give your finances a serious boost once you’ve retired.

Are you worried you won’t have enough money to fund your retirement? It’s understandable if this question is keeping you up at night. With all the excitement and freedom retirement brings, it can also include a high level of anxiety. Here are some suggestions to help you avoid running out of money when you’re no longer earning a regular paycheck:

Keeping all your investments in order doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Even if you’re balancing a diverse investment portfolio, there are ways to make the process a simpler task. Here are a few ways to streamline your investments and reach your financial goals without constant worry and oversight. “Your financial life should be simple enough that...

If you and your spouse are nearing retirement age, it’s important to consider the timing. Should you both retire at the same time, or would it be better to stagger your retirements for financial reasons? If you’re not sure what the best approach would be, here are some points to discuss with your partner so you can make an informed retirement...

If retirement is looming, but you have not built the nest egg you want or need for worry-free golden years, there is no need to fret. There are strategies and tactics you can employ to catch up on your retirement savings goals when you are over the age of 50. Here is a closer look at a few methods that can help make a difference for your bottom...

Downsizing can help retirees save money and energy they might otherwise waste on space they do not need. But in the process of downsizing, they must choose whether to rent or purchase their next home. What are the pros and cons?

A 401(k) plan may be ideal when it comes to saving for retirement. Still, it’s possible to meet ambitious retirement goals even without one. If your employer doesn’t offer retirement benefits, these options can help you retire comfortably: