Financial Education Center

Leveraging Debt: A Busy Executive’s Guide to Wealth Creation

Most successful executives build a circle of trusted advisors, including attorneys, Certified Professional Accountants (CPAs), and financial planners. Key areas of wealth management often go overlooked, which leads to the potential for higher taxes or missed opportunities. That’s where a professional wealth advisor providing true comprehensive management for both sides of a client’s balance sheet shines.

The Power of Perspective: Long-View Strategies in Privately Held Businesses

Private ownership allows privately held businesses to cultivate a long-term vision, invest in sustainable growth, build up reserves, attract top talent, and build lasting partnerships; ultimately, creating a competitive edge that sets them apart. Learn more.

A Focus on Retirement Plan Fiduciary Responsibility

Over time, there has been an increased focus on fiduciary responsibility. Why? Defined contribution plans, such as 401(k) plans that were originally designed to supplement traditional defined benefit pension plans or other employer-funded plans, have become the primary retirement savings vehicle for most Americans. Professionals at First Bank have extensive knowledge and experience of fiduciary issues. As such, we are in a unique position to assist plan sponsors.

The Great Wealth Transfer: What It Means for Family Business Owners

Over the next 20 years, more than $84 trillion will transition as Baby Boomers transfer their wealth. For family-business owners, this “Great Wealth Transfer” is not only about inheritance but also business continuity, legacy, and family dynamics.

Navigating Uncertainty: Helping Clients to Overcome Common Biases in a Volatile Market

First Bank's Wealth Management advisors help clients avoid three common behavioral biases that can lead to poor investment decisions and aim to align strategic plans with short and long-term goals, risk tolerance, and life stage.

The Fed Finally Cut Interest Rates. What Could It Mean for Your Finances?

The Federal Reserve's Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) lowered the benchmark federal funds rate one-half percentage point. It was the first rate cut since the Fed raised the funds rate aggressively from March 2022 to July 2023. The long-awaited policy shift suggests that a soft landing — the rare feat of bringing down inflation without causing a recession — is in sight.