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How to Use a First Savings Bank Account to Build an Emergency Fund – Step-by-step strategies

  How to Use a First Savings Bank Account to Build an Emergency Fund – Step-by-Step Strategies Life is unpredictable. A sudden car repair, an unexpected medical bill, or a surprise job loss can throw even the best-laid financial plans into chaos. That's exactly why financial experts universally agree on one thing: everyone needs an emergency fund. And the good news? You don't need a complicated investment strategy to build one. A simple, well-chosen savings account at First Savings Bank — combined with the right habits — can be all you need to create a financial safety net that actually works. In this guide, we'll walk you through exactly how to use a First Savings Bank account to build your emergency fund, step by step. Why an Emergency Fund Matters Before we get into the how, let's quickly revisit the why. An emergency fund is money set aside specifically for unplanned, urgent expenses. It's not for vacations, new gadgets, or holiday shopping — it's your ...

Is First Savings Bank Right for Your Budget? – A Review of Their Savings and Checking Accounts

Is First Savings Bank Right for Your Budget? – A Review of Their Savings and Checking Accounts Choosing the right bank can make a significant difference in how you manage your money day to day. With so many options out there — from big national chains to online-only banks — community institutions like First Savings Bank often get overlooked. But should they? In this review, we take a closer look at First Savings Bank's savings and checking account offerings to help you decide whether they're a good fit for your financial life. What Is First Savings Bank? First Savings Bank is a community-focused financial institution that has built its reputation on personalized service and local roots. Unlike the mega-banks that treat you like an account number, First Savings Bank aims to deliver a more human banking experience. But warm smiles and friendly tellers only go so far — at the end of the day, your bank needs to work for your wallet. Let's dig into the details. Checking Accounts...

Smart Saving: How Fidelity 529 Is Helping Families Prepare for College in 2026

  In 2026, the landscape of education is shifting faster than ever. From the rise of specialized trade certifications to the "Grandparent Loophole" in financial aid, families are looking for smarter ways to bridge the gap between savings and soaring tuition. The Fidelity 529 Plan has evolved to meet this moment. Here is how savvy families are using it to secure their children's future in 2026. 1. The "Invisible" Asset: Leveraging New FAFSA Rules For years, families worried that saving too much would hurt their financial aid. In 2026, those fears are largely outdated thanks to FAFSA simplification. Parental Advantage: Assets in a parent-owned Fidelity 529 are assessed at a maximum rate of just 5.64% when calculating the Student Aid Index (SAI). The Grandparent Strategy: Accounts owned by grandparents or other relatives are now completely invisible on the FAFSA. They aren't reported as assets, and distributions to pay for school no longer count as student...