Personal Insights

Explore insights for your lifestyle

How to save for retirement: The complete guide

Learn how to save for retirement and reach your goals in seven steps.

Saving for retirement starts with setting a clear goal, choosing the right tax-advantaged account and contributing consistently over time.

5 budgeting methods to try

Learn how to simplify your finances with percentage-based budgeting rules.

Percentage-based budgeting offers a simpler, more flexible approach by helping you manage your money without tracking every dollar.

The benefits of personal financial planning

Learn how financial planning helps you turn your goals into an action plan.

A personal financial plan is a road map for smart money management.

How to avoid investment scams

Investment scams are on the rise. Here's how to protect yourself.

Fraudsters are increasingly using technology, including AI and spoofing tools, to carry out their schemes.

How retirement savings rules are changing in 2026

Here's a closer look at the latest retirement plan limits and rule changes.

Retirement contribution limits change regularly, and the 2026 updates may create new opportunities when planning for retirement.

Financial planning for new parents

Here's how to financially prepare for a baby in eight steps.

Whether you're currently expecting, adopting or just planning ahead, there are a few things you can do to get ready.

Comparing retirement plans for the self-employed

Explore the pros and cons of the five most popular retirement plans for the self-employed.

Learn about these retirement plans for the self-employed to decide which option best fits your financial situation and long-term goals.

Guide to down payments

Learn more about mortgage down payment requirements if you're looking to buy a house.

This guide explains what to know about mortgage down payments and how much you may actually need.

How to balance paying off debt versus saving money

Explore how to balance paying off debt and saving at the same time.

While it may seem like paying off debt should always come first, having cash reserves can be critical to your overall financial well-being.

Today's homeowner tax deductions and credits

Learn about nine money-saving tax breaks for homeowners available now.

Because homeownership is costly, it pays to find effective strategies to offset your housing expenses.

Simple tactics to reduce your tax bill

Learn the deductions and credits that can help you lower your taxes this year.

Most tax-reduction strategies fall into two categories: tax credits and tax deductions.

Your 2026 tax bracket road map

Understand changes to 2026 tax brackets and see how they may affect your financial plans.

Staying on top of tax bracket changes and new tax laws at the start of each year will allow you to modify your financial strategy and ensure you're well prepared for filing season.

Learn to address scams targeting elders

Safeguard your parents' financial security using a few practical tactics.

Effective elder fraud prevention starts with early action. The sooner you talk to aging parents about protecting their assets, the better prepared they'll be.

When is buying a house better than renting?

Homeowners are 43 times wealthier than renters. Learn why.

Understanding the key differences between renting and buying a house can help you make the right choice.

End-of-year financial planning checklist

This end-of-year checklist outlines 10 steps to start 2026 with a stronger financial foundation.

A year-end financial review offers a powerful opportunity to strengthen your finances—helping you uncover tax-saving opportunities, mitigate risks and set clear goals for the year ahead.

How does having a child affect taxes?

Discover seven tax breaks for parents that may help reduce the cost of raising a child.

Raising a child involves significant costs, but there are tax breaks that may help relieve some of the financial strain.

Showing 1 - 16 of 247 results

The ins and outs of a mortgage rate checkup

A rate checkup 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.

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.

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.

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

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

NMLSR ID 503941