Starting Out

We all know that it’s a good idea to set something aside for a rainy day, but we don’t always follow through. Here, we discuss why having an emergency fund is so important and offer tips to help you get started on building one that will work for you.

We all know that it’s a good idea to set something aside for a rainy day, but we don’t always follow through. Here, we discuss why having an emergency fund is so important and offer tips to help you get started on building one that will work for you.

Cryptocurrency is a growing form of digital currency that has quickly become a popular investment. Here we explain what it is, how it works, and what it could mean for you. This guide will help explain everything a beginner should know about cryptocurrency.

Minority-owned businesses are an important part of our community, and we’ve created a list of resources for helping them overcome their unique challenges. Read on to learn about programs available at the federal, state, and even community level to support minority business owners.

Applying for a mortgage can be difficult and time-consuming, but we've created this guide to help you understand how lenders qualify potential buyers and what you can do at each step of the process to improve your chances of being approved for the mortgage you really want.

We've created this helpful guide to help you navigate the choices that can impact how well an auto loan meets your short- and long-term needs. When it comes to choosing add-ons for your loan, we can help you determine which ones are beneficial and which ones may not offer you any value.

An economic recession can mean higher unemployment and less confidence in keeping or improving your current salary. However, for those that have prepared, a recession doesn't have to spell disaster. That's why we've gathered together some simple strategies to help get you through any downturn.

When looking to borrow money, it’s important to understand your options. This guide to personal loans and lines of credit will help you make the best choice for your situation.

Popular digital wallets like Apple Pay®, Samsung Pay™, or Google Pay™ are changing the way we shop. And, with credit card theft on the rise, there has never been a better time to embrace this safe, secure technology. Learn more about digital wallets and find out how you can make the switch today!

Budgeting Basics: 7 Steps to Building Your First Budget

Creating a budget can seem overwhelming at first. It’s a big job, and an important one, but it gets easier every time you do it. Once you do the work of creating your first budget, all you need to do is keep it updated.

Failing to plan is planning to fail. Follow these simple steps, and you can seize control of your financial future.

You teach your child to use good manners, to do their homework, and to clean their room. But are you teaching them how to manage their money? Healthy financial habits are an important skill that can never be taught too soon. The earlier your child learns money-management skills, the stronger their financial intelligence will be. Prepare yourself and your child for the financial road ahead, with this age-by-age guide from First Service.

It’s no secret that the process of buying your first home can be a little extensive, and for many people it can get overwhelming. That’s where we come in. At First Service, we want to empower first-time buyers for success. Be prepared with this step-by-step guide, full of helpful tips for each step of the process.

Saving for retirement should be a pillar of your financial plan – regardless of your age. If you hope to retire at some point, you need to start taking action today. Read on to discover the benefits of saving for retirement, tips for getting the most from your money, and simple steps to help you get started.

Your home is, most likely, the biggest purchase you’ll ever make. Just like your health, it must be maintained and can’t afford to be neglected. Protect your investment by following this home-maintenance checklist and tips on how to budget and save.

Your home is, most likely, the biggest purchase you’ll ever make. Just like your health, it must be maintained and can’t afford to be neglected. Protect your investment by following this home-maintenance checklist and tips on how to budget and save.

In the year 2020, many things led to significant changes in our daily lives.Thanks to great technological advancements, though,taking the appropriate precautions is easier than ever. Here are a few ways you can manage your finances well, even in an emergency.

Your home is, most likely, the biggest purchase you’ll ever make. Just like your health, it must be maintained and can’t afford to be neglected. Protect your investment by following this home-maintenance checklist and tips on how to budget and save.

Your home is, most likely, the biggest purchase you’ll ever make. Just like your health, it must be maintained and can’t afford to be neglected. Protect your investment by following this home-maintenance checklist and tips on how to budget and save.

Your home is, most likely, the biggest purchase you’ll ever make. Just like your health, it must be maintained and can’t afford to be neglected. Protect your investment by following this home-maintenance checklist and tips on how to budget and save.

When looking to borrow money, it’s important to understand your options. This guide to personal loans and lines of credit will help you make the best choice for your situation.

If you’ve lived in your home for five years or longer, you’ve probably built up some equity. That may mean you can either refinance or take out a home equity loan to put some extra cash in your pocket quickly. Here we explain the difference between cash-out mortgage refinancing and a home equity loan.

For many Americans, summertime means pool parties and grilling outside, but that warm weather can also mean increased utility bills for your home. If you are tired of high electric bills throughout the summer months, then there are some simple changes you can make to help use less energy.

If you’ve ever applied for a loan or even opened a bank account, you’ve probably heard the term “credit score.” This numerical value, which may seem vague and arbitrary to some, can make all the difference in your ability to access the funds you need. Whether you have great credit or you’re looking to raise your score, we can help. Let’s start by taking a deeper look at what we mean when we say, “credit score.”

Hurricanes are strong tropical storms that can bring torrential rain, winds, flooding, and more. Depending on a hurricane's severity, it can be devastating to any area it reaches. However, with hurricanes, there’s usually time to prepare so you can have the chance to mitigate risk. Here we share tips to help prepare your family, finances, and home this hurricane season and beyond.

No matter where you’re at in your career, you should be working towards your financial goals. For many people, earning a salary is a crash course in financial literacy. This guide helps you plan for and work towards a more secure financial future at every stage of your career. 

Running a small business has its challenges, and nearly all business owners would agree that managing cash flow is one of the biggest. Fortunately, there are several ways for small business owners to access capital for their businesses. Here we discuss various programs offered by the SBA, explain how SBA loans can be used to grow a business, and even offer tips on applying for an SBA loan for your business.

Millions of Americans depend on a personal vehicle to get back and for from work, school, or just to get around town. Despite being the means of transportation for many, owning a car can be expensive. If you're thinking about refinancing your auto loan, this article will help you learn everything you need to know about auto refinancing so you can get the best rate on your vehicle.

Opening and sustaining a business is a labor of love. Successful business owners understand that managing cash flow is a top priority and know how to ensure funds are accessible when the business needs them. Maintaining a strong business credit profile is one of the most crucial pieces of doing this.

We should always be working to ensure our homes are healthy, clean, and safe. After all, this is the one environment we are able to control. This article offers five tips for keeping you and your family healthy at home, no matter what may be going on outside.

Saving for retirement should be a pillar of your financial plan – regardless of your age. If you hope to retire at some point, you need to start taking action today. Read on to discover the benefits of saving for retirement, tips for getting the most from your money, and simple steps to help you get started.

As the average vehicle price continues to rise, many lenders are now offering auto loans that last up to 84 months (7 years) to keep monthly payments within more buyers’ reach. These extended repayment options might sound like a good choice, but they are not always good for your long-term financial wellbeing.

If you’re thinking of buying a home, choosing the right type of mortgage is an important decision, so you need to fully understand the differences between each type of mortgage available. Here we discuss eight of the most popular mortgage types to help you make the best decision for your home buying journey.

For many, the holiday season is a joyful time of opportunity and a chance to catch up with loved ones. For others, it can become a stressful time because of seasonal expenses. Check out these tips to manage your finances and keep from overspending this holiday season.

The holidays are an exciting time of year, but they can take a financial toll on any family. Nearly every year, the average American household’s debt increases by over $1,000 during the winter months as they rely on credit to pay for their holiday expenses. Let's talk about a better way to approach this.

Applying for a commercial loan can be tricky. If you’re a business owner, however, that shouldn’t discourage you from seeking the loan your business might need. In this article, we identify several common application objections and offer tips on how to overcome them.

Purchasing Your Next Vehicle: 7 Steps to Buying with Confidence

Next to buying a house, buying a vehicle is one of the biggest purchases most people are likely to make. With thousands of your hard-earned dollars on the line, you want to make an informed decision and get the biggest bang for your buck. These simple steps can help you make smart choices and secure a good deal on your next new or used car.

Everything You Need to Know about Refinancing Your Mortgage

If you are thinking about refinancing your own home, it can be hard to know exactly where to start. Don't worry. We've gathered everything you need to know in one place, so you don't have to begin this journey on your own. Empower yourself today with this essential knowledge so you can make the right financial choices for you and your family.