We are pleased to announce that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has begun sending Economic Impact Payments to eligible individuals. The stimulus checks are expected to hit accounts this week.
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Q: With 2020 drawing to a close, I’d love to give myself an end-of-year financial review before it goes. Where do I begin?
A: Giving yourself an end-of-year financial review is a wonderful way to check on the progress you’ve made toward your goals, highlight areas needing improvement and update your accounts, funds and investments. Here’s all you need to know about this important end-of-year ritual.
Why fumble for your wallet at checkout when you can just pay by using your phone?
With many Americans owning smartphones, contactless payments by digital wallet and mobile payment apps are now more popular than ever. Contactless payment is also becoming increasingly available at checkout counters across the country, with six in every 10 retailers accepting digital payments, according to research by the National Retail Federation.
Switching over to paying for your daily purchases with a digital wallet is simple. You’ll need to choose between popular mobile payment apps, like Google Pay, Apple Pay and Samsung Pay. All of these apps are similar, but Google Pay is your app of choice for all Android phones, Apple Pay works with recent Apple devices, and Samsung Pay offers the widest acceptance of all digital wallet apps. Once you’ve downloaded the app, you’ll need to load your credit union credit and debit card information and then finish setting up the app with your personal authentication process. When this step is complete, your app is ready for use.
Here are some of the benefits of using mobile payments.
‘Tis the season to be jolly, but many of us may be feeling grinchy this year. With the pandemic still a looming threat to our health and happiness, the economy still a mess, and so many of our favorite seasonal activities canceled, getting into the holiday spirit can be challenging.
Lucky for you, we’ve compiled a list of tips and strategies to help you keep the cheer in the holidays this year, even during COVID-19.
Nothing is more heartwarming than seeing your loved ones’ faces light up when they open that perfect gift you gave them.
The holidays will look different this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which is why most people will try even harder to make the season brighter for others. But, you don’t have to dip into your kid’s college savings to create a special time for everyone!
The most important thing to remember is to plan ahead: Have a set spending amount for gifts, wrap, entertaining, donations and travel.
Q: I’m looking to tap into my home’s equity, possibly using a Home Equity Line of Credit. What are some of the advantages of choosing the HELOC option?
A: A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is an open credit line that is secured by the paid value of the borrower’s home. A HELOC provides homeowners with a convenient way to use the equity in their home.
With the pandemic still wreaking havoc on the economy, many people are struggling to pay their monthly bills and meet their debt payments. Unfortunately, scammers are exploiting the financial downturn by tricking unsuspecting victims into paying for debts that don’t actually exist, or by using abusive tactics to collect legitimate debts.
Don’t be the next victim of a debt-collection scam. Here’s all you need to know about these scams.
Freedom First has done the hard work to make sure our products and services are on par with the finest institutions. But what does Freedom First offer that no one else does? We’ve been locally headquartered and operated since 1956 — we live here, we understand our community, and we have a vested interest in our region. We’re not going anywhere; in fact, we’re continuing to grow, which in turn enables us to deploy capital back into our community.
Responsible Rides is an award-winning auto buying program for low- to moderate-income earners that also includes educational classes on finances and budgeting, as well as car maintenance and care. This program works closely with a network of local nonprofit partners to reach community members: Total Action for Progress (TAP), New River Community Action, Support to Eliminate Poverty (STEP, Inc.), and local area car dealers and mechanics.
Our full-time, in-house coordinator streamlines the lending process for borrowers, coordinates vehicle maintenance classes, and travels regularly to meet with residents across our region.
Freedom First’s robust Business Banking and Commercial Lending departments worked hard with local developers, business owners, and entrepreneurs to breathe new life into our region through commercial redevelopment of existing properties, often preserving and honoring the buildings’ historical significance to the surrounding community.
