Author: Dave Stuart
As the April tax deadline approaches, it can definitely be a stressful time of year. And the proliferation of criminals looking to rob you of your resources only adds to the anxiety.
Below are some tips to help you avoid malware and phishing attacks and put your mind more at ease.
• The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will never send you an email. You can stop these threats right there. If you receive a communication purporting to be from the IRS, delete it immediately.
• Don’t click on links or open attachments inside unsolicited messages. This is always a security best practice.
• Never file your taxes or conduct any sensitive transaction over public Wi-Fi networks. These sharing services can expose your data to potential interception.
• Use strong passwords.
• If it sounds too good to be true, it is.
• And be sure to visit us here to see how we’re working to protect your information and your hard-earned money.
Nomination letter sent in by Julie Denson:
Dave Schildknecht is the best janitor an elementary school could ever have. He keeps our walks clear, the lunch room clean, the school clean and does it all with a big happy smile on his face. He brings such a positive, happy light to our school every day. He is kind to the kids and helps them in every way that he can. He is kind and considerate to all he works with. I think sometimes janitors don’t get the credit they deserve with all they have to deal with so that is why I nominated Dave Schildknecht for a High 5.
This Segment is Sponsored By: America First Credit Union
Las Vegas – America First Credit Union, a leading member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution, will welcome members of the Summerlin area as it open the doors to its newest branch location at 10965 Lavender Hills Drive at Downtown Summerlin on Monday, February 29. The Southern Nevada market has been one of growth for the credit union, with Downtown Summerlin marking 14 locations servicing Southern Nevada.
Patti Sheire will serve as branch manager of the new Downtown Summerlin location. Sheire began her career in the financial industry in 1997 and has served as branch manager of the Sahara location since June 2014, where she played a large role in the merger with Stage Employees Federal Credit Union. Sheire enjoys volunteering in the community, as well as taking in the outdoor activities Las Vegas has to offer.
There will be a grand opening celebration the week of March 7 – 12. The Downtown Summerlin branch is located at 10965 Lavendar Hills Drive, Suite 190, Las Vegas, NV 89135. Branch hours are Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
For more information, visit www.americafirst.com, America First Credit Union on Facebook, Twitter, @AmericaFirst on Instagram and Pinterest.
America First Credit Union Marks Continued Growth in 2016 with Opening of Santa Clara Harmons Branch
America First Credit Union will add to its presence in St. George with the addition of its newest branch location at 3520 Pioneer Parkway Santa Clara, Utah 84765. Opening to the public on Wednesday, February 24, the Santa Clara Harmons branch is the first to open thus far in 2016, the fifth in Washington County and the 114th location for the credit union servicing Utah and Southern Nevada.
The Santa Clara Harmons branch will be led by Branch Manager, Brad Buhanan. A Southern Utah native, Buhanan attended both Dixie State College and Southern Utah University and his career with America First began just after graduation. Prior to his appointment, he served as assistant branch manager at the Red Cliffs branch. An advocate of the outdoors, Buhanan enjoys the scenery and national parks the Southern Utah area has to offer.
Grand opening festivities will take place the week of Feb. 29 – March 5. Branch hours are Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
For more information, visit www.americafirst.com, America First Credit Union on Facebook, Twitter, @AmericaFirst on Instagram and Pinterest
Conventional wisdom says that what goes up must come down. But even if you view market volatility as normal, it can be tough when your money is at stake. Although there’s no foolproof way to handle the swings, the following common-sense tips can help:
Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket — Diversifying your investment portfolio is essential, because asset classes often perform differently under varying conditions. Spreading them across stocks, bonds, and cash alternatives can help reduce your overall risk.
Focus on the forest, not the trees — Try not to become too concerned about day-to-day returns and keep your eyes on your long-term goals.
Don’t count your chickens before they hatch — As many investors learn the hard way, being overly optimistic about investing during the good times can be as detrimental as worrying too much during the bad. The right approach is to be realistic. Have a plan, stick with it, and strike a comfortable balance.
Your membership puts the expertise of a CFS Financial Advisor, located at America First Financial Solutions, at your service. Please call 1-800-999-3961 for a no-cost, no-obligation appointment or email your request to affsolutions@cusonet.com.
*Non-deposit investment products and services are offered through CUSO Financial Services, L.P. (CFS), a registered broker-dealer (Member FINRA/SIPC) and SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Products offered through CFS are not NCUA/NCUSIF or otherwise federally insured, are not guarantees or obligations of the credit union, and may involve investment risk, including possible loss of principal. Investment representatives are registered through CFS. The credit union has contracted with CFS to make non-deposit investment products and services available to members.
As tax season shifts into high gear, many criminals are also stepping up their efforts to rob you of your resources. These schemes & scams seek access to your information for fraudulent purposes. Additionally, people can seek to falsely collect amounts you might owe to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and pursue other tactics, such as:
· Citing IRS form 1099 as proof that individuals can access secret accounts the federal government maintains for every U.S. citizen
· Using false tax-preparing Web sites to secure filers’ personal data
· Pretending to be IRS agents with a phony badge number and name, telling individuals they owe the IRS money and must pay with a pre-loaded debit card or face charges
There are, however, steps you can take to protect yourself:
•Anyone who purports to be from the IRS and asks for your Social Security Number should be dismissed. The agency will only communicate with you through the mail on official letterhead. If you get one of these calls, hang up. If you see one of these emails, delete it
•Avoid phishing attempts, especially this time of year. Never reply to emails, texts or pop-up messages asking for your personal, tax, or financial information. Legitimate businesses don’t ask you for this through unsecured channels
•Never click on links when you don’t know and can’t verify the source.
•Be wary of doing your taxes online or conducting financial transactions over public Wi-Fi hotspots. These networks are often vulnerable to hacking
•And please visit us here to see how we’re working to safeguard your resources.
Nomination sent in by Shane Constable:
I roller skate. A lot. I recently found a rink in Sandy that every weekend honors this man. I have a video that will make you cry. This roller rink deserves a medal of something. The DJ and the management and the patrons are so amazing. Every Saturday night he becomes a disco Bee Gees rollerblading dance John Travolta star. Just watch my video.
This Segment is Sponsored By: America First Credit Union
