First Farmers Insights
Notes from the field
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The Importance of Safe Debit Card Usage
From your morning coffee to online shopping, protecting your payment information is more important than ever. Fortunately, today’s payment technology offers safer ways to pay, including contactless “tap-to-pay” debit cards. While no payment method is completely fraud-proof, tap-to-pay transactions provide added security that can help reduce the risk of your card information being compromised. Combined…
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Personal Loan vs. Credit Card: Knowing When to Use Each
When you need to borrow money, two of the most common options are personal loans and credit cards. While they may seem similar, they’re designed for very different needs. Understanding how each works can help you avoid unnecessary debt, manage interest fees, and allow you to make confident financial decisions. What’s the Difference? At a…
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50/30/20 Budget Rule: What It Is and How to Use It
The 50/30/20 rule is one of the most well-known budgeting methods—and for good reason. It offers a simple, approachable way to divide your income into clear categories so you can cover the essentials, enjoy your lifestyle, and still make progress toward long-term goals. If you’ve been wondering how to create a budget that actually fits…
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Smart Holiday Shopping: How to Keep Your Credit and Debit Cards Safe
The holiday season is full of joy, family gatherings, and gift-giving—but it’s also one of the busiest times for cybercriminals and fraudsters. With millions of transactions happening online and in stores, protecting your credit and debit cards is more important than ever. Whether you’re shopping for loved ones or snagging seasonal deals, here’s everything you…
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How Can Financial Institutions Help Businesses Stay Ahead of Cybersecurity Threats?
In today’s economic environment, small and mid-sized businesses face more cybersecurity risks than ever before. From phishing scams to ransomware and identity theft, cybercriminals target companies of all sizes, with a strong focus on those handling financial transactions and customer data. In most cases, it only takes one data breach to cause often devastating losses,…
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Wealth Management and Trust
By: Fred Palmliden First Farmers’ Wealth Management and Trust Services professionals have served individuals and families since its founding in 1969. Continued growth for the last half century has positioned us as one of the largest community bank Trust Departments in the southeast with almost $6 billion in assets under supervision. What makes First Farmers…
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Helping Small Business Owners Grow and Thrive
By: John M. Hollingsworth; SBA Loan Director Small businesses bring tremendous value, depth, and vibrancy to our communities. As our team has been working with local companies since 1909, we recognize the importance of partnering with small businesses to help them grow, as today’s small companies may become the large businesses of tomorrow. We are…
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Tips for Keeping Our Seniors Safe in a Digital World
By: Glynis D. Smith; Physical Security and Fraud Officer Here at First Farmers, we are dedicated to keeping our seniors safe, especially in the digital world. According to the Internet Crime Complaint Center’s Elder Fraud Report, victims over the age of 60 reported losses of $1.7 billion just last year. With technology advancing so quickly,…
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Helping You Financially Prepare for your Future
By: Dawn D. Moore and Charlie E. Plunkett As we all know, life changes when we least expect it. Having a financial plan is one of the best ways to prepare for unanticipated seasons. At First Farmers, we are here to help you prepare for anything life may bring by providing wealth management tools and…
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Building Dreams with Construction-to-Permanent Loan Solutions
By: Kim S. Shirey; Branch Manager As we navigate fluctuating rates and rising building costs, it is helpful for prospective homeowners to understand construction-to-permanent loans and the benefits of this type of financing. If your dream is to build a home, you may consider a construction-to-permanent loan (CPerm) from First Farmers. We would love to…
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Financial Tips for Navigating Peak Moving Season
By: Stacey R. Crowell; Assistant Branch Manager Are you preparing for a summer move? Statistically speaking, you are not alone. According to Moving Labor, while more than 40 million people move yearly in the U.S., 80% of these moves occur between April and September. This is a popular time to buy and sell, and with…
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Achieve Your Home Ownership Dreams with Flexible Loan Options
By: Nicholas S. Key; Branch Manager Navigating a seller’s market can be a formidable challenge for potential homebuyers. In 2021, the median price for Middle Tennessee homes increased by 22.4%. Additionally, potential homebuyers must make numerous decisions regarding financing and loan options throughout the homebuying process. At First Farmers, we aim to simplify the process…
