5 Ways You Can Boost Your Retirement Savings

March 12, 2025 by First Federal Bank

You may have been told you are never too young to begin planning for retirement. But it is very likely in your younger years it feels very far away. And therefore saving for it is not something you make a priority. But the old adage is true. And far too many people are not properly prepared to face their retirement years when the time does come.

Topics: Retirement, Financial Education

Are You Making These Saving Mistakes?

March 05, 2025 by First Federal Bank

We all know we should make it a priority to save money. But as with many things in life, it can be easier said than done. It can be overwhelming to think about how to even start. Especially with the strain of increasing consumer prices and inflation. Approaching savings the right way can make all the difference. Here are some things you should...

Topics: Personal Banking, Financial Education

7 Expert Budget Tips

February 26, 2025 by First Federal Bank

We all know we should make a budget and stick to it, if we want to set ourselves up for financial success. But it often feels like to much work. Budgeting can feel overwhelming. And, frankly, boring. But it doesn’t have it be difficult. CNET editor Kelly Ernst shares her top tips for budgeting success:

Topics: Financial Education

Protecting Yourself from, "Frankenstein Fraud"

February 19, 2025 by First Federal Bank

There is no shortage of ways people with bad intentions will try to commit fraud. The problem seems to compound with each passing year. Synthetic identity fraud, or “Frankenstein fraud,” is when someone steals an individual's Social Security number and combines it with information from other people's identities, such as a name, address or birth...

Topics: Financial Education

Why Knowing Your Full Retirement Age Is Important

January 29, 2025 by First Federal Bank

Whether you will be retiring in 2025, or years from now, a little planning goes a long way toward setting you up for success in your golden years. One key is understanding your Social Security benefits. When you can receive them, and how much you should expect, will change as the program is adjusted. The first thing you want to know is when you...

Topics: Retirement, Financial Education

How Applying for a Credit Card Impacts Your Score

January 22, 2025 by First Federal Bank

You know it is important to monitor your credit score regularly. And have probably learned a few tips for how to improve it. But do you know how applying for a new credit card impacts your score? There can be pros and cons.

Topics: Financial Education

How to Leverage a HELOC for Financial Success

January 15, 2025 by First Federal Bank

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:

Topics: Financial Education, Homeowners

Take the 52 Week Savings Challenge

January 08, 2025 by First Federal Bank

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:

Topics: Personal Banking, Financial Education

Plan These Retirement Moves for 2025

December 18, 2024 by First Federal Bank

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:

Topics: Retirement, Financial Education

Is Saving or Investing Better for Your Long Term?

December 11, 2024 by First Federal Bank

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. ...

Topics: Retirement, Financial Education

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