Personal Insights

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Other Types of Insurance to Consider

Consider going beyond traditional coverage with other types of insurance.

In many ways, you can think of insurance as a way to protect your life's savings.

How to Choose a Senior Care Community

It's crucial to decide what assistance you may need before considering your options.

Find the appropriate level of support and assistance that fits your or your loved one's budget.

How to Open an IRA

IRAs are available to most people, and the process of establishing an account is straightforward.

Anyone who's earned income during the year can make contributions to a traditional IRA.

Guide to IRAs: How to Grow Your Retirement Savings

IRAs are a popular way to save for retirement. From tax benefits to contribution limits, learn more about how they work.

Unlike workplace retirement plans, anyone who has earned taxable income during the year can contribute to an IRA.

How Interest Rate Changes Can Affect Economic Trends

The balancing act between interest rates and inflation is affecting housing markets and investment returns, making it more important to have a solid financial plan.

A strategic approach to financial planning may help you navigate the current and future interest rate environment.

Budgeting with a Baby on the Way

If you're expecting, it pays to prepare for the financial road ahead.

It's important to begin planning before you become pregnant—or adopt—and consider opening a dedicated account for everything from baby gear to medical costs.

What to Know Before Buying a Condo

Here's what you need to know if you're thinking about purchasing a condo as a vacation home or primary residence.

Although there are many benefits of buying a condo, there are also a few caveats to consider—particularly if you're choosing between buying a condo versus a house.

Building Wealth: Is It Better to Rent or Buy a House?

Homeownership may be your key to long-term wealth. But in today's market, is it better to rent or buy a house? Our guide breaks it down.

People who own their homes have about 40 times more wealth than people who rent, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Protecting Yourself From Investment Scams

Investment fraud has become the costliest form of fraud in America. Find out how to protect yourself.

Approximately one in 10 investors will fall victim to investment fraud at some point in their lives, according to researchers at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School.

How Empty Nesters Are Downsizing

Today's empty nesters are taking four different approaches to downsizing—including upsizing.

The tried-and-true strategy of buying a smaller home once your kids become independent may still be the best option for many.

Ideas for Preserving Generational Wealth

Once your retirement is secure, you may want to pursue strategies to preserve wealth beyond your lifetime.

One of the biggest things we talk about in planning is what your lifestyle bucket looks like and what your legacy bucket looks like.

A Strategic Approach to Social Security Benefits

Determining when to start your benefits is one of your key pre-retirement decisions.

Figuring out the right time to claim may also depend on your spouse's situation, your work plans and the other savings you have to support your retirement.

10 Home Improvements That Increase Value

See which home remodeling projects actually pay for themselves.

When it comes to home improvements that add value, projects that increase curb appeal tend to have high return on investment.

HELOC Versus Home Equity Loan: How to Choose

Before tapping into your home's equity, know the pros and cons of a HELOC versus home equity loan.

While the two options share similar benefits, there are some critical differences between a HELOC and home equity loan that may impact which is the right fit for your goals.

How to Take Full Advantage of a Pay Raise

Learn how your next steps after a raise can help you take control of your finances and your future.

Once you have a sense of how much extra income the pay raise will actually produce, you can begin figuring out the best ways to put it to work.

Comparing Loans for Home Improvement

Learn the pros and cons of six popular types of loans for home improvement projects.

When it comes to financing home renovations, you have many options to choose from—each with its own pros and cons.

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The Ins and Outs of a Mortgage Rate Check-Up

A rate check-up can help you see if there are mortgage opportunities that are a better fit for you.

A mortgage rate check-up is the process of researching what types of mortgage loans exist in the market today.

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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.

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