Banking

In looking at ways to improve our broader financial wellbeing, it can help to focus on three pillars of financial wellness: saving, spending and security. Photo courtesy First Fed

Your guide to financial wellness

As April begins, so does Financial Literacy Month, an opportune time to reevaluate and bolster our financial well-being. It’s a time to reflect on our… Continue reading

 

First Fed team members at the Eastside branch in Port Angeles. Photo courtesy First Fed

Celebrate Customer Appreciation Week with First Fed

Now in their 101st year in the PNW, First Fed is celebrating its annual Customer Appreciation Week this March 25 to 29, 2024. All community… Continue reading

 

Pacific Northwest fisherman Shon Landon owns and captains the 58-foot Adventurous. Photo courtesy FIrst Fed

The adventurous life of a fisherman

With crabbing season just around the corner, the five-person crew of the fishing vessel Adventurous is about to embark. Led by owner and captain Shon… Continue reading

 

Chris Neros, First Fed Chief Banking Officer with Jennifer Barnhart, Relationship Banker.

Maximizing Your Deposit Insurance

Most of us have insurance on our homes or cars. But many people only realized the importance of deposit insurance after a couple of high-profile… Continue reading

Chris Neros, First Fed Chief Banking Officer with Jennifer Barnhart, Relationship Banker.
Peninsula Credit Union is proud to make customers feel like it’s home. Photo courtesy of PCU.

Mission possible: Credit union welcomes community with tailor-made approach

Free credit counseling and Spanish-speaking employees tailor banking services to locals

Peninsula Credit Union is proud to make customers feel like it’s home. Photo courtesy of PCU.
An authentic message from a bank like First Fed would never request your username, password, social security number, or other sensitive information.

Protect your finances: Can you spot the fraud?

In today’s technological age, criminals are taking advantage of digital communication to try to steal your money. One of the most common tactics is social… Continue reading

An authentic message from a bank like First Fed would never request your username, password, social security number, or other sensitive information.
Woman sitting and holding blank screen mock up mobile phone with coffee cup at cafe.

Letter from First Fed CEO on Text Fraud

Dear First Fed customers: You may be aware that First Fed and several of its customers were targets of a recent fraud scam involving text… Continue reading

Woman sitting and holding blank screen mock up mobile phone with coffee cup at cafe.
This financial literacy checklist can help you build a solid understanding of personal finance and take control of your financial future. Photo courtesy First Fed

Financial Literacy Checklist

Financial literacy is an essential life skill that helps you take the steps towards achieving long-term financial security. As you begin your journey towards financial… Continue reading

This financial literacy checklist can help you build a solid understanding of personal finance and take control of your financial future. Photo courtesy First Fed
Photo courtesy of The Daddies.

Mainstage Bands Announced for First Fed Centennial Celebration

A once-in-a-lifetime free community event is planned for First Fed’s Centennial Celebration on Sunday, September 3, 2023. First Fed has announced the mainstage bands, representing… Continue reading

Photo courtesy of The Daddies.
Melissa Bradshaw (left) celebrates her new car purchase with her First Fed banker, Jennifer Barnhart. First Fed photo

Low credit score? Consider a Credit Builder Loan

Your credit score can have a major impact on your life as you navigate financial options. As Bellingham native Melissa Bradshaw discovered, a low credit… Continue reading

Melissa Bradshaw (left) celebrates her new car purchase with her First Fed banker, Jennifer Barnhart. First Fed photo
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First Fed Songwriting Contest Winners Announced

By Jennifer Bolton The winner of the First Fed centennial songwriting contest is “We Believe” by mother-and-daughter-team Mary and Jessie Morgan. The song was selected… Continue reading

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Jim Morrell, CEO of Peninsula Credit Union.

Peninsula Credit Union offers big benefits amid rising inflation + interest rates

Community-focused approach helps members find place of greater financial well-being

Jim Morrell, CEO of Peninsula Credit Union.
With a financial checkup, your financial advisor can help you assess where you are now, where you want to be, and how you can get there. First Fed photo

Scheduling Your Annual Financial Checkup

Scheduling an annual doctor’s appointment is common practice, but your finances could use an annual health checkup as well. A financial checkup, or a financial… Continue reading

With a financial checkup, your financial advisor can help you assess where you are now, where you want to be, and how you can get there. First Fed photo
Photo by Elisa Laverty, grand prize winner of the Proudly PNW photo contest. Photo courtesy First Fed

New PNW Song Contest plus Photo Winners

Each year, First Fed holds a photo contest to celebrate the beauty of the PNW. This year they are also hosting a new songwriting contest… Continue reading

Photo by Elisa Laverty, grand prize winner of the Proudly PNW photo contest. Photo courtesy First Fed
Contest

Seeking Submissions for the Proudly PNW Photo Contest

Every year local photography enthusiasts submit their best photos to First Fed’s Proudly PNW photo contest. This year’s contest is now open for submissions! Any… Continue reading

Contest
Your business could qualify for thousands of dollars per eligible employee through the Employee Retention Credit tax refund.

Business Owners: File for Your ERC Tax Refund Now

Was your business impacted negatively by the pandemic? Your business may be eligible for the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) tax refund. PPP and ERC Together… Continue reading

Your business could qualify for thousands of dollars per eligible employee through the Employee Retention Credit tax refund.
Community banks like 1st Security Bank have a deeper understanding of the unique financial needs in their home territories, resulting in close, long-term customer relationships.

Community banks, community support

Alison Hero thought she was ready for the pandemic. She prepared an updated menu on a new online ordering system for her restaurant, Silverwater Café,… Continue reading

Community banks like 1st Security Bank have a deeper understanding of the unique financial needs in their home territories, resulting in close, long-term customer relationships.
Sail Like a Girl team with First Fed's Luxmi Love (Port Townsend Branch Manager) and Steve Oliver (Board Chair) before the NWMC WA 360 race in 2021. (Photo credit: Jen Swanson)

First Fed Gives $1M to Northwest Maritime Center to Expand Access

Located on the peninsula, the Northwest Maritime Center (NWMC) is dedicated to educating people through maritime experiences, celebrating maritime culture, and supporting the maritime industry.… Continue reading

Sail Like a Girl team with First Fed's Luxmi Love (Port Townsend Branch Manager) and Steve Oliver (Board Chair) before the NWMC WA 360 race in 2021. (Photo credit: Jen Swanson)
First Fed team members have enjoyed volunteering their time to work with Habitat Clallam's projects.

Building Community through Affordable Housing

Building affordable housing from the ground up is at the heart of Habitat for Humanity’s mission. Their vision is a world where everybody has a… Continue reading

First Fed team members have enjoyed volunteering their time to work with Habitat Clallam's projects.
Dream Playground Build

Local programs expand access to banking services

Even in our modern, connected world, barriers to banking still exist for some folks which can make it tough to manage money, or in some… Continue reading

Dream Playground Build