--- title: 3 examples of smart borrowing description: Learn more about how we can use borrowing to help improve our situation. These are the examples where borrowing can help us do some pretty great things. image: https://blog.ffbkc.com/hubfs/Projects/2020/2.%20Blog/Hero%20Image/Managing/smart%20personal%20borrowing-blog-hero.jpg --- - [Rates](https://www.ffbkc.com/rates/) - [Help](https://www.ffbkc.com/help/) - [About](https://www.ffbkc.com/about/) - [Careers](https://www.ffbkc.com/careers/) - [Contact](https://www.ffbkc.com/contact/) - [Locations](https://www.ffbkc.com/locations/) - Search [![First Federal Bank of Kansas City](https://blog.ffbkc.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/First_Federal_Bank_July_2020/images/logo.svg "First Federal Bank of Kansas City")](https://www.ffbkc.com/) - Login - [Online banking](https://secure-firstfedbankkc.com/SignOn/Logon) - [Make a loan payment](https://paybill.com/consumer/?ClientId=FFBKC_Reg) - [Locations](https://www.ffbkc.com/locations/) - [Contact](https://www.ffbkc.com/contact/) - [Search](https://www.ffbkc.com/search/) - [Borrow](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/) - Column 1 - [Borrow](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/) - [Buy a home](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/home-loans/) - [Build a home](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/build-a-home/) - [Refinance your home](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/refinance-your-home/) - [Improve your home](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/improve-your-home/) - [Buy a car](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/auto-loans/) - [Consolidate debt](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/personal-loan/) - Learn more - [Personal loan](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/personal-loan/) - [VA Loans](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/home-loans/va-loans/) - [FHA Loans](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/home-loans/fha-loans/) - Popular links - [Make a payment](https://paybill.com/consumer/?ClientId=FFBKC_Reg) - [Conventional Loans](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/home-loans/conventional-loans/) - [Home Equity Line of Credit](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/improve-your-home/home-equity-line-of-credit/) - Column 2 - [Learn more](https://learn.ffbkc.com/2020campaign/q1/borrowing/blab-pushdown/) - [Bank](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/) - Column 1 - Bank - [Checking accounts](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/checking/) - [Savings accounts](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/savings-accounts/) - [CDs](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/certificates-deposit/) - [IRAs](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/individual-retirement-accounts/) - [Business accounts](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/business-accounts/) - [Mobile & Online Banking](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/mobile-online-banking/) - Learn more - [Rates](https://www.ffbkc.com/rates/) - [Statement Savings](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/savings-accounts/statement-savings/) - Popular links - [Rates](https://www.ffbkc.com/rates/) - [First Free Checking](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/checking/first-free/) - [First Savings Plus](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/savings-accounts/first-savings-plus/) - [Premier Interest Checking](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/checking/premier-interest/) - [Premier Money Market](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/savings-accounts/premier-money-market/) - Column 2 - [Get info](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/) - [Learn](https://www.ffbkc.com/learn/) - Column 1 - [Learn](https://www.ffbkc.com/learn/) - [Managing money](https://www.ffbkc.com/learn/managing-money/) - [Borrowing](https://www.ffbkc.com/learn/borrowing/) - [Saving](https://www.ffbkc.com/learn/saving/) - [Wellbeingville](https://www.ffbkc.com/wellbeingville/) - [Resources](https://www.ffbkc.com/resources/) - [Mortgage calculator](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/home-loans/mortgage-calculator/) - [Budget worksheet (PDF)](https://www.ffbkc.com/documents/58/FFB_BudgetWorksheet_Interactive.pdf) - [12 ways to save money](https://www.ffbkc.com/learn/saving/12-hacks-for-how-to-save-your-first-1000-and-still-have-fun/) - [Home loan glossary (PDF)](https://www.ffbkc.com/documents/44/FFB_HomeLoanGlossary.pdf) - Popular links - [Emergency-Proof](https://learn.ffbkc.com/emergency-proof-ebook/) - [Dominating Debt](https://learn.ffbkc.com/dominating-debt-ebook/) - [Borrowing Like a Boss](https://learn.ffbkc.com/borrowing-like-a-boss-ebook/) - [Mastering Money](https://learn.ffbkc.com/mastering-money-ebook/) - [Ruling Your Tomorrows](https://learn.ffbkc.com/ruling-your-tomorrows-ebook/) - Column 2 - [Learn more](https://learn.ffbkc.com/borrowing-like-a-boss-ebook/) - Mortgage Payment - About - Careers Apply Now - [Checking](https://forms.fivision.com/ffbkc/oa) - [Savings](https://forms.fivision.com/ffbkc/oa) - [Mortgage](https://apply.ffbkc.com/#/loan-officers/mortgageteam@ffbkc) - [Build a home](https://apply.ffbkc.com/#/loan-officers/chris.miller@ffbkc) - [Home equity line of credit](https://ffbkcconsumer.mymortgage-online.com/?loanapp&siteid=1639871384&workFlowId=29838) - [Auto loan](https://ffbkcconsumer.mymortgage-online.com/ConsumerApplications.html?loanapp&siteid=1639871384&workFlowId=32715) - [Personal loan](https://ffbkc.upstart.com/funding_form) Login - [Online banking](https://secure-firstfedbankkc.com/SignOn/Logon) - [Make a loan payment](https://paybill.com/consumer/?ClientId=FFBKC_Reg) × ##### Popular Searches Routing number: 301071592 [Loan Payment - As a Guest (fees may apply)](https://paybill.com/consumer/?ClientId=FFBKC) [Loan Payment - Registered User (free service)](https://paybill.com/consumer/?ClientId=FFBKC_Reg) [Locations](https://www.ffbkc.com/locations/) [Types of loans](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/) [Types of checking accounts](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/checking/) [Pay an appraisal or questionnaire fee](https://payments.firstfederal.unipaydirect.com/customerinfo.aspx) # 3 examples of smart borrowing - [Home](https://www.ffbkc.com/) - [Wellbeingville](https://blog.ffbkc.com) - 3 examples of smart borrowing Smart borrowing can help us do the things we’ve dreamed about. Like buying our first home or upgrading to a new ride. Yeah, borrowing can help us do some pretty awesome things. But we have to be smart about it. Let’s take a look at a few examples of smart borrowing and how it can help us move forward in our lives.  ##### **Home Loan ** Probably the biggest loan we’ll have in our lifetime, a home loan gives us the power to buy that house we’ve always dreamed of. But there’s more to it. The value we build up in our home over the years can be used to our benefit, too. We may be able to tap into that value to help pay for renovations, college tuition and more.  We have a few calculators to help with the home-buying process. See what [monthly payments](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/home-loans/mortgage-calculator/) might be or get an idea of [how much home you can afford](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/home-loans/max-mortgage-calculator/).  ##### **Personal Loan  ** This is a loan from the bank that could help us do things like make [renovations to our home](https://www.ffbkc.com/learn/borrowing/the-4-home-improvement-questions-we-need-to-answer/). It could be used to upgrade a bathroom, or maybe finally turn the backyard into that gigantic putting green we desperately need (just kidding, but no judgment here). Whatever the project, it’s smart to make sure the improvement could increase the value of our home when we decide to sell it. For a little extra know-how on paying for home improvements, [read more her](https://www.ffbkc.com/documents/10/FFB_homeimprovement.pdf)[e](https://www.ffbkc.com/documents/10/FFB_homeimprovement.pdf).  ##### **Car Loan ** [A car loan](https://www.ffbkc.com/learn/saving/5-tips-for-buying-a-new-car/) helps get us that transportation to get to and from work, run the errands, shuffle the kids to soccer practice and sleepovers, and more. Additionally, having a car loan shows lenders our ability to make consistent payments over an extended period. This can help us when it comes time to apply for other loans, like for a home.  [Our car payment calculator](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/auto-loans/calculator/) can give you an idea of what your monthly payments will be like and help you budget for the future.  Smart borrowing can help us work toward that future we’ve dreamed about. For more information, check out our [Dominating Debt ebook](https://learn.ffbkc.com/dominating-debt-ebook).  #### Download our Mobile Banking app [![Download the First Federal Mobile Banking for iPhone app on the App Store](https://blog.ffbkc.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/First_Federal_Bank_July_2020/images/app_store.original.png)](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/first-federal-mobile-banking-for-iphone/id905357916?mt=8) [![Get the First Federal Mobile Banking app on Google Play](https://blog.ffbkc.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/First_Federal_Bank_July_2020/images/google_play.original.png)](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ffbok.mobile) ## Related Content ##### [Where to Put Your Short-term Savings You have money that you may need to get to. Maybe it’s money in an emergency fund. Maybe it’s savings that you just don’t feel comfortable locking up. Article](https://blog.ffbkc.com/where-to-put-your-short-term-savings) ##### [12 tips to save your first $1,000 Saving money doesn't have to mean living like a hermit. Article](https://blog.ffbkc.com/12-tips-to-save-your-first-1000) ##### [5 tips to help you boost your savings We can rationalize a lot of things. It usually sounds like this: Article](https://blog.ffbkc.com/5-tips-to-help-you-boost-your-savings) - Routing Number: 301071592 - [816.241.7800](tel:8162417800) - P.O. Box 419194 Kansas City, MO 64141 - [![Connect with us on Facebook](https://blog.ffbkc.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/First_Federal_Bank_July_2020/images/social_facebook.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/FirstFederalKC/) - [![Connect with us on Twitter](https://blog.ffbkc.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/First_Federal_Bank_July_2020/images/social_twitter.svg)](https://twitter.com/firstfederal_kc) - [![Connect with us on LinkedIn](https://blog.ffbkc.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/First_Federal_Bank_July_2020/images/social_linkedin.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/388449/) - [![Connect with us on Instagram](https://blog.ffbkc.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/First_Federal_Bank_July_2020/images/social_instagram.svg)](https://www.instagram.com/firstfederalbankofkc/) - [Borrow](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/) - [Buy a home](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/home-loans/) - [Conventional Loans](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/home-loans/conventional-loans/) - [VA Loans](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/home-loans/va-loans/) - [FHA Loans](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/home-loans/fha-loans/) - [Mortgage Calculator](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/home-loans/mortgage-calculator/) - [Build a home](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/build-a-home/) - [Refinance your home](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/refinance-your-home/) - [Improve your home](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/improve-your-home/) - [Home Equity Line of Credit](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/improve-your-home/home-equity-line-of-credit/) - [Buy a car](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/auto-loans/) - [Make a payment](https://paybill.com/consumer/?ClientId=FFBKC_Reg) - [Bank](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/) - [Checking accounts](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/checking/) - [First Free Checking](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/checking/first-free/) - [Premier Interest Checking](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/checking/premier-interest/) - [Savings accounts](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/savings-accounts/) - [First Savings Plus](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/savings-accounts/first-savings-plus/) - [Premier Money Market](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/savings-accounts/premier-money-market/) - [Money Market Savings](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/savings-accounts/money-market-savings/) - [Statement Savings](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/savings-accounts/statement-savings/) - [Minor Savings Account](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/savings-accounts/minor-savings/) - [CDs](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/certificates-deposit/) - [IRAs](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/individual-retirement-accounts/) - [Mobile & Online Banking](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/mobile-online-banking/) - [Business accounts](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/business-accounts/) - [Learn](https://www.ffbkc.com/learn/) - [Managing money](https://www.ffbkc.com/learn/managing-money/) - [Borrowing](https://www.ffbkc.com/learn/borrowing/) - [Saving](https://www.ffbkc.com/learn/saving/) - [Wellbeingville](https://www.ffbkc.com/wellbeingville/) - [Resources](https://www.ffbkc.com/resources/) - [Rates](https://www.ffbkc.com/rates/) - [Help](https://www.ffbkc.com/help/) - [About](https://www.ffbkc.com/about/) - [Contact](https://www.ffbkc.com/contact/) - [Locations](https://www.ffbkc.com/locations/) - [Careers](https://www.ffbkc.com/careers/) © 2026 FIRST FEDERAL BANK of KANSAS CITY - [Privacy & Security](https://www.ffbkc.com/privacy-security/) | [Fee Schedule](https://www.ffbkc.com/fee-schedule/) | - [Help](https://www.ffbkc.com/help/) | [Website Accessibility Statement](https://www.ffbkc.com/website-accessibility/) [![Member FDIC - Visit the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation website](https://blog.ffbkc.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/First_Federal_Bank_July_2020/images/fdic.svg "Member FDIC - Visit the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation website")](https://www.fdic.gov/) [![Equal Housing Lender - Visit the US Department of Housing and Urban Development website](https://blog.ffbkc.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/First_Federal_Bank_July_2020/images/ehl.svg "Equal Housing Lender - Visit the US Department of Housing and Urban Development website")](https://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp) Equal Housing Lender