First Federal Bank Blog

When it comes to retirement planning, employer 401(k) programs tend to be the option people think of. But there are other ways you can save money for your golden years. An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is another way to set aside and invest funds today to have available in the future. According to MSN, there are three ways you can make the...

It has long been established that regular exercise is essential to good health. In recent years, there has been a focus on understanding which exercises are best at various life stages. What works well at 20, for example, may not be appropriate at 50. Our bodies change as we age; so too should our workout habits. How much exercise you need, and...

If you have student loans and want to buy a home, you might have questions about how your debt affects your plans. Do you have to wait until you’ve paid off those loans before you can buy your first home? Or is it possible you could still qualify for a home loan even with that debt? Here’s a look at the latest information so you have the answers...

Taking out a loan is a big decision that should not be taken lightly. That’s why you want to be selective about when and why you borrow money from your financial institution. While the decision will ultimately be yours, there are several instances where loans make good sense in the short and long term:Pay off existing debtOf all the things you...

It can be difficult to determine the best way to eat these days. There are so many fad diets out there, in addition to the, “tried and true” versions you have probably heard about through the years. One mainstay that has continued to be popular is the Mediterranean Diet. Now, there is a twist on that eating approach. According to MSN, the Atlantic...

Obtaining a new mortgage loan can be an exciting yet overwhelming process. With so many options available, it's important to make informed decisions to ensure you are getting the best deal possible. At First Federal Bank, we want to help you navigate the mortgage loan process with ease. Here are some do's and don'ts to keep in mind when applying...

First Federal Bank and Watson Mortgage Corp. announce that they have signed a definitive agreement for First Federal Bank to acquire the mortgage group. The transaction brings together two teams skilled at delivering results and award winning customer experiences. As a community-based mutual institution headquartered in Lake City, FL, First...

A strong investment portfolio incorporates a variety of assets, and many people have found that Treasury bonds can be a worthwhile source of alternate income. But, even Treasury bonds aren’t without their risks.Advantage: Low risk of defaultBecause Treasury bonds are backed by the U.S. government and have a high credit quality, most investment...

Chances are you spend a great deal of your time sitting. Whether it is during the work day or on our personal time, many of us are in a chair for more hours of the day than we should be. And we all know it is not good for our health.

If you’re planning to buy your first home, saving up for all the costs involved can feel daunting, especially when it comes to the down payment. That might be because you’ve heard you need to save 20% of the home’s price to put down. Well, that isn’t necessarily the case.