Dave Stuart, Author at America First Newsroom

America First Marks Continued Growth in Southern Nevada with Opening of Downtown Summerlin Branch

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 114^th 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

Guest Commentary: Indicators Point to Strengthening Economy

Managing Market Volatility

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.

Security Update: Protecting yourself from Tax Time Scams

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.

High 5 awarded to ‘DJ X’ who celebrates Saturday Night Fever every weekend in Sandy

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

Source

A Successful 2015 and a Bright Future Ahead

Security Update: Resolve to Protect yourself Electronically

National experts estimate that only eight percent of us kept our annual resolutions last year. However, there is one goal you can successfully achieve in 2016 and beyond — having a safe online presence.

Here are two simple & reliable steps you can take for higher virtual confidence:

Public Wi-Fi is indeed Public — Free public Wi-Fi is often where fraud perpetrators can pounce on your personal data once you connect to an open server. These networks aren’t secure, which means that anyone could potentially see what you are doing on your device. Vow to limit your activities on public Wi-Fi and avoid logging in to key sites.

Chores for your Digital Home — Almost 70 percent of American households have between one and five devices connected to the Internet — with 30 percent owning six or more. This certainly justifies simple but necessary routine maintenance. From updating software, to backing up valuable family photos and important documents, to keeping your machines clean and running efficiently, you can help ensure your family is safe.

And be sure to visit us here for additional information regarding how we’re providing you with enhanced security.

America First Credit Union Expands Mobile Payment Offerings with Android and Samsung Pay

Riverdale, Utah – Beginning today, America First Credit Union members can enjoy the benefits of a simple, secure and private way to pay with an America First Credit Union Visa card supporting Android and Samsung Pay.

“We continue to reiterate the importance of security and privacy as our utmost priority when it comes to our technological offerings for members,” said Rich Syme, executive vice president at America First Credit Union. “With the expansion of Android and Samsung Pay at America First, we’re opening up the opportunity for contactless payments for our member base, allowing them to pay for items with their mobile devices in a fast, easy and secure way.”

Samsung Pay is a unique and innovative mobile payment solution that allows members to pay at almost any terminal that they can swipe or tap their America First credit or debit cards. In addition to Near Field Communication (NFC), which transmits a short-range wireless signal from the device to a merchant’s contactless payment terminal, Samsung Pay also utilizes Magnetic Secure Transmission (MST). MST sends a magnetic signal from the device to the payment terminal’s card reader, emulating a physical card swipe. Samsung’s ability to send both NFC and MST transmissions expands the number of terminals where members can use this exciting new service.

America First Credit Union Rounds Out Growth in 2015 with Opening of Kaysville Branch Location

Riverdale, Utah – America First Credit Union, a leading member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution, welcomes the public with the opening of its newest location at 1302 West 200 North, Kaysville, UT 84037. The Kaysville branch rounds out the growth for the credit union in 2015 as the 113^th branch location servicing members in Utah and Southern Nevada.

Penny Butler is market manager of the Kaysville market and will serve as branch manager of the Kaysville location. Butler has more than 33 years of service with America First, with 17 years as a branch manager. She graduated from CUNA Management School in Madison Wisconsin School of Business and is a Certified Credit Union Executive.

Butler is a member of the Ogden-Weber and Davis County Chambers of Commerce, Women in Business and Business Alliance. She has worked as a volunteer for the Children’s Justice Center, Catholic Community Services’ Bridging the Gap as well as reading tutor for Pioneer and Odyssey Elementary Schools. She has initiated community events, including Books for Blakely, a donation drive to benefit the local homeless shelter, VA Donation Drive to benefit the George E. Wahlen Ogden Veterans Home and most recently supported Sweet Packs benefitting Utah children in foster care. Butler lives in Roy, Utah with her husband. When not working, she enjoys music, singing, gardening, decorating and learning.

There will be a grand opening ribbon cutting held Monday, Dec. 14 with celebration events held Dec. 14 – 19. The branch is located at 1302 West 200 North, Kaysville, UT 84037. Branch hours are Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

With a strong commitment to servicing its members, Kaysville rounds out a successful year of growth with the credit union as the fourth branch opening thus far in 2015.

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