Personal Insights

Explore insights for your lifestyle

Career

Make Smart Decisions About Your Work Benefits

Ask yourself these questions as you prepare for open enrollment season.
If something happens that makes you unable to work, it likely will have a financial impact not only on you but also on your parents, siblings, spouse and children.
Saving

How To Maximize FDIC Coverage on Deposits

Learn how account titling can help you maximize FDIC coverage and protect your money.
The rules get a little more complex when you have more than $250,000 deposited in an FDIC-insured bank, but there are ways to stay protected.
Home

First-Time Homebuyer's Guide: Steps to Buying a House

Dreaming of homeownership? Explore the steps involved with buying a house, as well as tips and resources for first-time buyers.
As you navigate the homebuying process, know that there are resources available to help you along the way.
Security

How to Handle Identity Theft

When identity theft occurs, it's important to take action. Here's what to do if your identity is stolen.
When fraud and identity theft are left unreported, significant damage can be done to your bank account and your credit score.
Taxes

Moves to Consider Now to Save on Taxes

Don't wait until the end of the year to plan your tax-saving strategies.
There's one fundamental action on which tax-saving strategies are built—forecasting. That means understanding your finances and potential tax burdens ahead of April.
Home

Pros and Cons of Building Your Own Home

Is building your own home a good idea? Learn about the pros and cons of building versus buying.
Building your own home can offer many benefits, but there are a few key factors that determine whether you should build or buy.
Home

Financial Planning Guide to Buying a House

When it comes to financial planning to buy a house, these six steps potentially help you save a sizable amount of money on your mortgage.
Taking time to prepare your finances before buying a house can do more than improve your loan approval odds and give you more comprehensive borrowing options—it may also have a positive long-term impact on your personal finances.
Home

Capitalizing on the Inflation Reduction Act

You could see lower healthcare costs and tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements and electric vehicle purchases this year.
What's in the act that may affect you in 2023 and beyond?
Insurance

Points to Consider When You Shop for Long-Term Care Coverage

These five points could be crucial to finding the policy that is affordable and right for you.
It's not if something is going to happen, but when.
Home

Is a Mortgage Refinance Right for You?

Thinking of refinancing your mortgage? Discover the pros, cons and key considerations to help you determine whether a mortgage refinance makes sense for you.
When it comes to deciding when to refinance your home, it's helpful to consider the following questions.
Home

Closing on a House: What to Expect

Finding a home and making a successful offer may take time. But so does closing on a house. Here's what to expect and how to prepare for the closing process.
Getting approved for a mortgage is the lengthiest part of closing on a house. Speeding up this process can benefit buyers in a few ways, not the least of which is possibly gaining access to your new home sooner.
Home

What You Should Know Before You Buy a Foreclosed Home

Foreclosure homes offer buying opportunities at bargain prices if you understand the market.
Foreclosures often attract those who enjoy the work of remodeling or renovating a property and have the necessary cash to spend on repairs.
Retirement

Risk Assessment is About More Than Testing Your Tolerance

Other factors, including your capacity to absorb losses, should come into play.
Many people think risk tolerance is just a matter of, "Do I want to be aggressive or do I want to be conservative?" But there's much more to it than that.
Home

How to Apply for a Mortgage: Step-by-Step Guide

You've found your dream home—now you just need to finance it. From prequalification to loan estimates to closing, here's how to apply for a mortgage.
It helps to get quotes from several lenders before you apply for a mortgage. That's because interest rates, closing fees and other loan terms can vary enough to make a difference.
Home

Complete Guide to Down Payments: FAQs

A 20% down payment can help homebuyers qualify for lower interest rates and reduce monthly payments. Learn more about mortgage down payment requirements.
Down payment requirements for a mortgage may be far more flexible than you imagine.
Security

Dark Web Security Tips to Keep Your Finances Safe

Keep scammers from getting enough information to breach your identity.
Change your passwords often, and use a password manager if you tend to forget password, or don't know how to create strong options.

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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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