Personal Insights

Explore insights for your lifestyle

Financial Prep to Pursue Your Passion Project

It pays to make sure your passion project will be financially viable, and perhaps even profitable, after you retire.

Even if you have big ambitions going in, a lot of avoiding burnout comes down to pursuing your passion in a way that aligns with your resources.

Strategically Grow Your Retirement Fund

Maxing out IRA contributions can be an important part of your retirement investing plan.

Maxing out Roth IRA contributions may be the best plan if you expect to be in a higher tax bracket when you retire.

What You Should Know About Social Security Survivor Benefits

Understanding what Social Security may pay to your survivors is a key part of legacy planning.

From the day you begin paying into it, a portion of the taxes collected for Social Security are set aside to provide a form of life insurance for your spouse and dependents.

Build on the Basics With Retirement Income 201

Advanced steps could help customize and stabilize your retirement income planning strategy.

As retirement income strategies become more advanced, the more likely it is that you’ll need professional tax help.

Unique Retirement Challenges Women Face

Discover some of the challenges women face in their retirement planning, from wage gaps to caregiving.

According to one recent survey, only 19% of women felt confident they were on track to retire without running out of money, compared to 35% of men.

Learn the Basics with Retirement Income 101

Our experts share basic tips for managing your money just before and after you retire.

No matter how many income streams end up on your list, they're going to fit into one of two categories: It's either fixed or variable income.

Self-Directed Investing Fundamentals

Even with a self-directed account, a professional approach can help you successfully manage your portfolio.

Even as tools like direct-investing apps and robo-advisors have become increasingly popular, many investors are realizing that doing it yourself is as much of a responsibility as an opportunity.

What to Consider When Buying a Second Home

Learn how buying an investment or vacation home differs from purchasing a primary residence.

Second homes and investment properties require higher reserves and more of a down payment than a primary home, and you need to be prepared for that upfront.

The Importance of Watching Out For Scams

Can you recognize impostor scams and scam callers?

Learn to recognize the signs of a scam call so you can protect yourself and your money from a social engineering attack.

How to Manage Retirement Money in Uncertain Times

If you're on a fixed income or are about to retire, managing your money effectively is a necessity.

Your retirement is as good as your plan.

ARMs Versus Temporary Buydowns

When looking for a lower interest rate on a loan, shop around and consider all options before deciding.

Not all loans are created equal.

Do You Need Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance?

Consider buying insurance to protect your family's finances in case of an accident.

You could purchase an accidental death and dismemberment policy by itself, although it's generally offered as an add-on to a basic disability or life insurance policy.

When Will You Be Able to Retire?

It's all about having a plan that matches your goals and circumstances.

Before you know whether you'll have enough money saved to retire, you need to have an idea of what your dream retirement looks like.

How Do Home Construction Loans Work?

Home construction loans are quite different from standard mortgages. Here's how.

Unlike a mortgage, a construction loan acts more like a short-term line of credit.

6 Tips for Handling Finances in a Blended Family

Pay particular attention to beneficiary and estate planning.

Family dynamics are easy to overlook because they're not directly related to money, but they could be a big impetus for separating or protecting assets.

Say More, Risk Less: What to Tell Your Financial Advisor

Open conversations about what's happening in your life can deepen the value of financial advice.

While these questions may seem personal, from a planner's point of view they're standard—and important.

Showing 49 - 64 of 336 results

No results found

Find a Branch

Meet our associates.

Call Us

Reach out and we'll help.

This material is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be an offer, specific investment strategy, recommendation or solicitation to purchase or sell any security or insurance product, and should not be construed as legal, tax or accounting advice. Please consult with your legal or tax advisor regarding the particular facts and circumstances of your situation prior to making any financial decision. While we believe that the information presented is from reliable sources, we do not represent, warrant or guarantee that it is accurate or complete.

Third parties mentioned are not affiliated with First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company.

Links to third-party websites may have a privacy policy different from First Citizens Bank and may provide less security than this website. First Citizens Bank and its affiliates are not responsible for the products, services and content on any third-party website.

First Citizens Bank is a Member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender icon: sys-ehl.

NMLSR ID 503941