Debt Insights

Explore insights for your lifestyle

Two Strategies to Pay Off Your Credit Cards

If you're looking for a pay-down strategy for your credit cards, consider a debt avalanche or a debt snowball.

Using these strategies can help you get a handle on your credit cards and pave the way to a lower-debt future.

The Ins and Outs of a Mortgage Rate Check-Up

A rate check-up can help you see if there are mortgage opportunities that are a better fit for you.

A mortgage rate check-up is the process of researching what types of mortgage loans exist in the market today.

Budgeting With the 60/20/20 Rule

The 60/20/20 rule is a flexible budgeting approach that can make money management more intuitive.

The 60/20/20 rule gives you plenty of freedom to make it your own.

Keeping Track of Expenses

Make your budget work harder for you by automating your expense tracking.

It's important that whatever method you choose for logging purchases and other expenses works for you and your lifestyle.

How to Distinguish Good and Bad Debt

Not all debt is created equal. Know how to decide between good or bad debt.

Taking on debt without having a payoff plan is a warning sign to watch out for.

The Ideal Debt-to-Income Ratio

Your debt-to-income ratio calculates your monthly debt obligations relative to your gross monthly income.

Paying down monthly debts is the best way to improve your debt-to-income ratio.

Pay Off Your Mortgage Faster

Do the math before you decide if an early pay-off is right for you.

Paying off your mortgage early could have its benefits.

How to Decide Which Debt to Pay Off First

Some debts have bigger impacts than others.

Prioritize paying off debts that will save you the most.

Digitally Balancing Your Accounts

Stay safe and prepared with this habit.

Keep tabs on where your money is going by balancing your accounts digitally.

Should You Pay Off Student Loans or Buy a House?

You might not have to choose between the two.

Student debt doesn't have to be a barrier to home ownership.

Pay Off Debt or Save?

Feel more confident spending money on the things you want the most.

Good news—you don't have to choose between the two.

Should You Lease or Buy a Car?

Discover how leasing or buying a car may respectively impact your monthly payment.

What's Your Debt-to-Income Ratio

Find out your debt-to-income ratio, a key factor in determining your financial health.

Save or Pay Off Debt

Find out if you should start saving or pay off debt first.

Auto Loans: Cash Back or Low Interest Rate?

Find out which auto loan would be better for you by comparing cash back to a low interest rate.

How Long Will It Take to Pay Off a Credit Card

Find out how long it will take you to pay off your credit card.

Showing 17 - 32 of 39 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.

Links to third-party websites may have a privacy policy different from First Citizens Bank and may provide less security than this website. First Citizens Bank and its affiliates are not responsible for the products, services and content on any third-party website.

First Citizens Bank is a Member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender icon: sys-ehl.

NMLSR ID 503941