One of the most popular services offered by First Reliance Bank is the refinancing of auto and truck loans from other lenders. You may have considered this yourself, but wondered if it was worth the time and trouble, how much it costs, and what you have to do. When you hear the word "refinance," what may come to mind is the process of refinancing a home mortgage. If you've done this, you know there are some costs involved and it does take a bit of time. Refinancing a vehicle loan with First Reliance Bank is much faster and simpler.

Here are a few things to know about refinancing a vehicle loan:

• You don't have to talk to your current lender to arrange the refinancing. First Reliance Bank will take care of everything needed to transfer your loan. Occasionally, a lender may require a call from you to verify that you ...

Every year, millions of consumers fall victim to cybercrime. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, in 2014, consumers lost more than $800 million from scams initiated through the web. In recognition of Internet Safety Month in June, First Reliance is highlighting seven tips to help consumers protect themselves from online fraud. “The Internet has become one of the most popular tools used to commit fraud and criminals are becoming more and more sophisticated with their hacking techniques,” said Jeff Paolucci, Chief Financial  Officer“.  As a result, it’s extremely important for consumers to secure their wireless networks and filter the amount of personal information they choose to divulge online.” First Reliance Bank recommends the following tips to keep you safe online:

• Keep your computers and mobile devices up to date.  Having the latest security software, web browser, and operating system are the best defenses against viruses, malware, and other ...

As millennials juggle a multitude of responsibilities -- from school, to work, to planning for major life events --First Reliance Bank is highlighting eight banking tips to help them secure a financially sound future.

“Millennials are digital natives who understand the importance of staying connected socially, but staying connected to their bank can help their finances as they encounter life’s many milestones,” said Rob Nichols, ABA president and CEO. “From enhanced mobile resources to free budgeting tools, banks offer a variety of products and services to complement millennials’ unique lifestyles and ease their worries as they prepare to make some of life’s biggest financial decisions.” With a recent report finding that more than 4 in 10 U.S. millennials say they are “chronically stressed” about money, First Reliance recommends these eight tips to help them secure a strong financial footing:

• Go cyber shopping for a bank that fits your style. There ...

Everyday we hear the current economy is affecting our customers, but there are ways to get household budgets into shape, and First Reliance Bank is here to help.  To that end, we have developed a program called "We The Financially Fit", to help our customers establish and maintain financial goals, while guiding them through valuable money management lessons along the way.  It's all about helping you increase your savings while reducing debt.  And we're asking for input and ideas from you through our social media that can be shared to help each other. Below is a FREE Money Makeover Guide that you can download and use to get started.  It has several different worksheet tools in it that you can use to develop and track your budget and spending habits.  Or you can pick one up in any of our branches. You can also use the Free Budget Tools on ...

Some of us are married with children,  many of us have aging parents and some of us are the aging parent.  Either way, it's important to have things written down and planned for should anything happen to us.  Losing someone in your life is hard.  There are so many decisions that have to be made so quickly for the loved ones left behind.  That's why it's important to have one place where everything can be found.  The American Institute of Economic Research offers a free eBook which can be downloaded called, Should Anything Happen To Me.  The book steps you through all the decisions you've made that you'd like your family to carry out.  It does not replace all the legal documents and things you should do but it does help organize if they've been done and where they are located.  It has places to make notes as to ...

TIP #1  Take the 52 Week Savings Challenge

TIP #2  Set Budget and Fianancial Goals in  MyFinance Budget Tool

TIP #3 Automatically Transfer Money To Your Savings

Every time you walk out the door you encounter spending $5 to $10 on that energy drink at the convenience store, an extra item such as chips added to your lunch purchase, or the gourmet coffee with a muffin added.

We buy lots of unnecessary impulse things almost daily!

Why not capitalize on those whims and save instead of spending?  It's easy to do!   Log on to your online banking, choose the transfer command and transfer the same amount of money you were going to spend on impulse to your savings.  You can even add a description as to what you skipped or what you're putting the money toward.  For instance $5 saved on drink at the movie theatre or $4.50 saved toward vacation, etc.  All those small dollars will add up fast and you'll be amazed at how much you can save by changing a few small habits.

If ...

It's our 15th ANNIVERSARY!  To celebrate, we have fun events planned each month this year!  This month is "We Love Our Customers Month!"  To celebrate we have 3 fun events just for you!

SWEEPSTAKES DRAWING FOR PRIZES!

Visit our branches and enter to win a sweepstakes prize customized to whatever program you're in or are interested in!

• Moms First Program - $50 Spa Certificate


• iMatter Program for young adults - $50 Gift Card


• Hometown Heroes Program - $50 Dinner For Two


• BetterLife Program - $50 Mall Gift Certificate

Love First Reliance Bank?  Tell us why on Facebook and enter into a sweepstakes to win an iPad Mini! *Sweepstakes details are available on Facebook.

VALENTINE'S DAY!

Wear Red or Pink on Valentine's Day and visit us to get a special treat!

We appreciate our customers everyday of course but we especially ...

If you're traveling for holidays please notify our Customer Care Call Center at 888.543.5510 and let them know where you're going so that we can unblock your debit card for use in other states or countries.  Our fraud protection center monitors and recommends  states and countries that need to be blocked due to fraud volumes.  Our fraud center provides continuous monitoring 24/7 to limit fraud.   Remember that your card always works when you use it as a transaction where you must enter your PIN number.

Are you ready to get your free  2013 photo with Santa?

Santa Claus will be waiting for you at First Reliance Bank branches during the week of December 2nd.

While you're waiting to have that photo snapped, you can even register to win a $100 holiday gift basket filled with edible holiday treats!

Santa fans of all ages are invited to stop by and have a free 4 inch by 6 inch color photo taken with Old St. Nick.  Santa also loves pets, so bring them too!

Here's when he'll be visiting a branch near you :

- 411 Second Loop Rd., Florence — Monday, Dec. 2, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

- 2170 W. Palmetto St., Florence — Tuesday, Dec. 3, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

- 800 S. Shelmore Blvd., Mt. Pleasant — Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

- 2805A Sunset Blvd., W. Columbia — ...