Personal Insights

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What Type of Mortgage is Right for You?

Here's what to consider when shopping for a mortgage, from your budget to your long-term financial goals.

Most mortgages are conventional mortgages, which are loans made through a private lender and not part of any specialized government program.

Mortgages 101: FHA Versus Conventional Loans

Wondering if an FHA home loan is right for you? Here's everything you need to know about FHA loans, from pros and cons to eligibility requirements.

For those who may struggle to qualify for a conventional mortgage loan, FHA loans can offer a promising path to homeownership.

Homebuyer's Glossary of Mortgage Terminology

Buying a home? This glossary includes easy-to-understand definitions for over 130 terms you'll encounter during the homebuying and mortgage underwriting process.

Learn the terms you'll hear throughout the loan process.

Things to Consider Before You Relocate in Retirement

There's more to moving than simply finding your dream home.

Just because you don't have a job with a regular paycheck doesn't mean you can't qualify for a mortgage if you need one.

Are Deposits a Money Maker Again? The Resurgence of High-Yield Accounts

With an unpredictable stock market, low bond returns and rising inflation, more people are turning to high-yield savings accounts.

The primary reason to invest in deposits is not because they're currently high-yield accounts, but because they're secure.

Student Loans: Consolidate or Refinance?

Check out the benefits of both student loan consolidation and refinancing. Either way, you could simplify payments and save on interest.

Consolidating student debt refers to combining several loans into one new loan.

Student Loans: Strategies for Repayment

Review the latest available programs and set a strategy for how you'll pay down your student loans.

Now's a great time for most borrowers to revisit their budgets and consider reducing their discretionary expenses as they transition back into loan repayment mode.

Retirement Readiness: SECURE 2.0 Rules Could Help

New provisions in the SECURE 2.0 Act could make it easier to reach your retirement goals.

The landmark SECURE 2.0 Act makes changes to retirement account rules that affect broad cross-sections of retirees and retirement savers, from people just entering the workforce to those who are already comfortably retired.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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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