Personal Insights

Explore insights for your lifestyle

Credit

Guide to Credit Scores

Credit scores are important, so it's critical to understand how they're calculated and what makes a good credit score.
A credit score is a snapshot of your potential risk to a lender.
Debt

What Should You Do if Interest Rates Rise?

From locking in low rates to navigating the markets, it helps to get advice on rising interest rates.
If you’re worried about rising rates impacting your investments or 401(k), consider the fact that rising interest rates are often a sign of an expanding economy.
Banking

3 Tools for Better Money Management

These checking account features can help you gain more control over your finances.
With digital banking, you can see where every dollar is going, understand your spending patterns and use this information to better manage your money.
Retirement

Want to Retire Early? Start Saving Now

The Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) concept is a unique approach to retirement. Learn how it works.
If you're not comfortable giving up some creature comforts, FIRE might not be the right approach for you.
Credit

Should You Use Debit or Credit?

Debit and credit cards each have their advantages. Learn when it's smart to use debit versus credit.
Many credit cards come with travel protections like insurance that covers stolen phones, flight delays or other situations that can arise on a trip.
Banking

Comparing Popular P2P Payment Apps

Venmo, PayPal and Cash App are popular apps for peer-to-peer payments. Learn more about how these P2P apps work.
Apps like Venmo, PayPal and Cash App have attracted millions of users over the last decade.
Credit

What is APR, and How Does it Work?

Learn all about annual percentage rates, or APRs, and understand how they differ from interest rates.
Position yourself to get the best APR rate for your finances.
Retirement

What Does a Financial Advisor Do?

Have you ever wondered what a financial advisor actually does? Get these questions and more answered about the valuable services these professionals can provide.
Find a financial advisor you trust.
Credit

What's a Good Credit Utilization Ratio?

Having access to more credit but using less of it will help improve your credit score over time.
Your credit utilization makes up about 30% of your credit score, according to Experian.
Saving

10 Common Financial Mistakes

Don't let one of more of these common financial mistakes derail your future.
Knowing where and how you've stumbled is the first step toward getting back on track.
Retirement

How to Maximize Retirement Savings

Use these retirement tips to make the most of your money now so you're prepared.
You wouldn't plan a vacation without knowing where you're going or how you'll get there, and retirement planning is no different.
Home

Common Mortgage Contingencies

These homebuying contingencies can affect your offer to buy a home.
In a competitive market, buyers may choose to waive certain contingencies to make their offer more attractive to a seller.
Security

Do You Recognize These Common Elderly Scams?

Learn the signs of financial scams targeting the elderly so you can help protect your loved ones.
Many seniors can successfully steer clear of scams with some help from supportive relatives or friends.
Security

Are Digital Wallets a Secure Way to Pay?

If you use a mobile device, a digital wallet can make purchasing more convenient.
A digital wallet carries digital versions of your payment methods in a wallet app on your phone or computer.
Family

Tips for Lending Money to Family

These tips can help you avoid loan-related pitfalls and maintain your family's close ties.
If you decide to loan money to a family member, you can take steps to make the arrangement more successful for all involved.
Security

When to Save or Shred Your Financial Records

Some documents need to be saved well into the future, but others are safe to shred.
Don't throw out documents regarding significant life events, like a divorce or an inheritance.

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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.

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