First Federal Bank Blog

You understand how your home is an excellent investment for the long term. But there may be times you need to benefit from ownership in the short term. Here are three ways to maximize your home’s equity while staying financially secure, according to Forbes:

The 52-week money challenge is a savings plan that gained popularity through social media around 2013. The concept is simple: You start by saving $1 in the first week, then increase your savings by $1 each subsequent week. AOL.com shows how your savings will grow by the end of the year:

If you will be entering the new year as a retired person, or plan to enter that new phase of your life in 2025, there are some things you should think about now to ensure you get off to the best possible start. Kipingler.com has some important tips to help you plan to get the most from your retirement in the coming year and beyond:

The closer you come to your retirement years, the more you want the assurance that you have planned appropriately. Will you have enough set aside when the time comes? What are the best ways to build your retirement savings? The answer depends on a number of factors, including how close you are to retirement, and what your personal goals are. ...

Financial experts generally agree it is best not to touch your 401(k) until you are in your retirement years. But there can be times when it is tempting to dip in to those savings to address financial issues you face in the present. The decision should be carefully considered, and it is critical you understand the ramifications. That said, there...

The holiday season is here, and you know what that means. It’s time to shop ‘til you drop! But if you’re not careful, you could spend more than you planned as the purchases add up. Especially if you are using a credit card. AOL.com offers these helpful tips to avoid some common traps:

According to a study done by the Federal Reserve, the number of checks written by consumers, businesses, and government entities dropped by 7.2% a year from 2018 to 2021, to a total of 11.2B.

Balance transfer credit cards can help you get out of high-interest debt quickly and efficiently. You may have received offers for these types of cards if you are carrying debt currently. But do you have the information you need to make the best financial decision? AOL lists these balance transfer mistakes to avoid:

When it comes to personal bank accounts, you probably think of basic checking and savings options. But there are different kinds of accounts you should consider at certain points in your life. Yahoo! Finance banking experts share their favorite accounts for various goals you may have along the way:

You probably know how important it is to have a good credit score. But what qualifies as, “Good?” How do you make sure you get – and keep – yours in the best possible range? AOL.com breaks it all down: