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ARMs versus temporary buydowns

When looking for a lower interest rate on a loan, shop around and consider all options before deciding.
Not all loans are created equal.
Credit

Considering differences between rewards cards

Comparing rewards programs can help you find the right credit card for your goals and spending style.
The most common rewards cards offer one of three types of benefits: cash back, travel miles or rewards points.
Career

Don't fear employment credit checks

Stressed about how a credit check for employment could impact your career? Fear not.
Any employer that wants to conduct a credit check for employment must secure your written approval to do so.
Family

Making sense of the wild car market

Arm yourself with information and shop around before you plunge into today's high-priced car markets.
Prices are expected to remain high through June and probably beyond.
Credit

A breakdown of the 5 Cs of credit

Discover the five factors that guide banks' lending decisions.
Banks typically look for a debt-to-income ratio of less than 36% as an indicator of a responsible borrower.
Insurance

What credit card rental car insurance covers

Understanding your credit card rental car insurance benefits can save you a bundle of money.
Most major credit card companies offer some form of rental car insurance.
Credit

Are you paying too much in credit card fees?

It's important to evaluate the fees you're paying on your credit cards.
The option with the lowest fee isn't always the best deal. You'll need to weigh your card's cost against its benefits.
Credit

Can you build credit with a store card?

A store card can be helpful for repairing credit, but there's a catch.
It's important to have realistic expectations about what responsible use of a store card can accomplish.
Credit

Understand the credit card fees on your bill

No one likes surprise charges. Understand common credit fees before you use your card.
Many credit cards charge a fee each year just to have the card.
Credit

What you need to know about your first credit card

Are you applying for your first credit card? Get ready by learning the basics of using a card.
Some cards offer rewards, such as cash back, merchandise, gift cards or airline miles.
Credit

Guide to credit scores

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

How does APR work?

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

What's a good credit utilization ratio?

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

No credit versus bad credit

The difference between no credit and bad credit is the difference between building and rebuilding.
Once you have that first account established, making on-time regular payments and keeping your debt burden low compared to your income will help you earn a good credit score.
Credit

Credit card perks you may have overlooked

Do you know whether you have these four credit card perks?
Depending on where you're buying, a contactless card may even mean you can now avoid checkout lines and checkout terminals entirely.

Showing 1 - 16 of 28 results

Showing 1 to 16 of 28 results

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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