Doug Bailey, Author at America First Newsroom

America First Credit Union Cuts Ribbon on New West Valley Branch

West Valley, UT – November 21, 2019 – America First Credit Union (AFCU) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, November 1 for its newest branch in West Valley.

The branch, which opened on Oct. 21, is located at 5568 W 4100 S in West Valley. The opening of the branch marks AFCU’s 110 branch in Utah and the 130 branch in the U.S.

The leading member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution branch is managed by David Le who has been part of the AFCU team for seven years and has been in a management role for four years. He’s worked with several locations ranging from West Jordan Macy’s to the Innovation Center at City Creek. David received his B.S. in Biology at Westminster College. His love for learning pushes him to continue to learn new things every day. He is an avid reader and spends as much time as possible listening to NPR and podcasts.

“As one of the largest cities in Utah, we’re excited to be expanding in West Valley and I’m honored to be able to serve the residents in the community,” said Le. “Our goal is to be a committed community supporter, an aid our members and their financial wellness, and be a partner for life.”

The newly constructed full-service, 3,331-square-foot branch includes 4 teller stations; a 2-lane drive-up, one lane being an ATM; a coin counter; 3 loan desks; and a remote expert office.

ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 80 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First has become one of the largest, most stable and most progressive crdit unions in the country, and has remained a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution. Today, America First has 130 locations, and is the 9th largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $11.5 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,062,000 members.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Nicole Cypers
America First Credit Union
801.827.8655
ncypers@americafirst.com

Kelsey Richardson
R&R Partners
801.913.9454
Kelsey.richardson@rrpartners.com

America First Credit Union Donates $25,000 to Local Non-Profits

Riverdale, UT – November 26, 2019 – As part of its mission to enhance and improve local communities, America First Credit Union (AFCU) donated $25,000 to local nonprofits operating throughout Utah. The nonprofits included Operation Underground Railroad, Ogden Bicycle Collective and performing arts nonprofit, 90&9. In addition to a monetary donation, AFCU also donated 40 bikes, built by AFCU staff, to Ogden Bicycle Collective.

“All of these organizations have made a significant impact on our community here in Utah,” said Nicole Cypers, VP of Public Relations. “We are always looking for ways to improve the communities we live and work in, and these organizations work tirelessly to do just that.”

All three organizations have plans to put the donated funds to great use and make an impact within the community.

Operation Underground Railroad has slated the donation to be used to help its efforts to combat trafficking in Utah with the Utah Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force—a three-year relationship which resulted in 261 rescues and 197 arrests.
90&9 will be using the $10,000 donation to host workshops for kids in treatment centers as well as youth in refugee camps. They’ll also be hosting workshops to prepare for its show “Fighter,” which will begin in March.
Ogden Bicycle Collective will use the donated bikes for their holiday bike giveaway. The money donated will be used to purchase bike parts and tools as well as bikes for adults to use to as transportation to and from work.

“Thanks to America First’s generosity, we are able to make our show, ‘Fighter,’ possible again,” said Darla Day, from 90&9. “Fighter,” a show written by Day and her husband, is a story of a phoenix rising from the ashes which helps facilitate conversations about mental health, depression and suicide in a hopeful way.

“There is power in the arts,” said Day. “Being able to express anger, depression, hurt and other heavy emotions through art is empowering. We’re trying to show kids there are healthy ways to deal with their anxieties and hardships, and it’s working. We can’t even begin to express our gratitude toward America First for their kindness and support in what we are trying to do for these kids.”

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 80 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First has become one of the largest, most stable and most progressive credit unions in the country, and has remained a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution. Today, America First has 130 locations, and is the 9th largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $11.5 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,062,000 members.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Nicole Cypers
America First Credit Union
801.827.8655
ncypers@americafirst.com

Kelsey Richardson
R&R Partners
801.913.9454
Kelsey.richardson@rrpartners.com

10 Tips for Talking Finances with Your Partner

Almost everyone resolves to get in shape when a new year comes around, but your financial fitness is just as important. There’s no better time for talking finances with your partner — spouse, family member, boyfriend, girlfriend, or even your live-in canine therapist — about it than now. So here are 10 tips to help your discussion:

Set a Time
It’s easy to put off these conversations, so mark your calendar and make it a priority. You can also pair it with something fun, like a dinner date. Use our free ABC Deals program to get some cash back for your purchase.
Lose the Distractions
Put away your smartphone, turn off the TV, and sit facing each other.
Come Prepared
Plan ahead and consider productive topics. You can even create a spreadsheet or draw a diagram.
Use Effective Communication
Reflective dialogue — acknowledging the other person’s feelings, displaying sensitivity, asking questions, and listening carefully to answers — is essential.
Talk About the Personal Meaning of Money
It’s important to understand what money means to your partner and how it reflects your own philosophy. Talk about saving, spending, and the importance of good credit.
Set a Realistic Budget
Look at your earnings and expenditures, then create a budget that works for both of you. You can use America First’s Money Manager to accomplish this task.
Focus on Goals, Not Bills
Talking about individual and shared financial goals, rather than bills, will get you both on the same page.
Don’t Keep Secrets
Being open and honest about your finances will lead to success.
Take a Break
Discussing money can be tense and, if things start getting argumentative, take a breather and come back when you’re ready.
Involve the Experts
America First Credit Union offers free recourses like financial counseling. If things become too overwhelming and you need an expert to guide you through your finances, we’re here to help.

At America First, we provide resources such as free online planning and budgeting programs, investment advisors, and free financial counseling. Take advantage of the assistance that’s available to you. And have a happy (financially fit) new year!

America First Credit Union, Utah’s Largest Credit Union, Opens Traverse Mountain Branch Location

Riverdale, UTAH – Utah’s largest credit union, America First Credit Union, adds another service location in Utah Valley with the opening of its Traverse Mountain branch location in Harmons Grocery Store at 1750 Traverse Parkway, Lehi, Utah 84043. The location marks the sixth branch opening of 2016, with the most recent being West Point City on June 8. America First has 120 branch locations serving Utah, Nevada, Idaho and Arizona.

Samuel Thompson will serve as branch manager of the Traverse Mountain location. Thompson began his tenure with America First in September 2011 and has served as assistant manager at the Orem branch since September 2014.

A grand opening celebration will be held the week of August 15 – 20. The Traverse Mountain branch is located at 1750 Traverse Parkway, Lehi, Utah 84043. Branch hours are Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

For more information, visit www.americafirst.com, America First Credit Union on Facebook, Twitter, @AmericaFirst on Instagram and Pinterest.