Dave Stuart, Author at America First Newsroom

Security Update: Be Careful Online during the Holidays

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is reminding consumers to remain vigilant when browsing or shopping online this time of year.

Officials note that the season presents numerous opportunities for criminals to commit fraud.

Some examples are electronic Christmas cards from unknown senders containing malicious software; fake ads or shipping notifications delivering viruses; and spoofed emails and posts on social networking sites requesting support for phony causes.

To avoid security lapses, please consider the following actions:

• Avoid following unsolicited links or attachments from sources with which you’re not familiar.

• Visit the Federal Trade Commission’s site for scam alerts.

• Assess your passwords and consider making them stronger; never create a single phrase for more than one site.

• Always use common sense when downloading games, file-sharing tools, streaming clients, and other third-party apps.

For more information and additional updates regarding how your credit union is working to protect your resources, please click here.

A Lasting Legacy of Giving

For 21 years, America First has been collecting donations to buy new shoes for economically disadvantaged schoolchildren in Utah and Nevada.

Our Warm The Soles of Kids program has become one of America First’s most enduring traditions — and we’re hoping you’ll ensure it continues.

We’re accepting your contributions that will benefit the less fortunate at all of our locations and via free Online Banking.

Please consider taking part in this annual effort by making a cash contribution to Warm The Soles today. They’re accepted through December 31. Go to americafirst.com, stop by a branch, or return the donation slip available here.

Warm The Soles is a program operated by the America First Charitable Foundation, a Utah-based non-profit organization. Tax ID #87-0511475Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Members to Elect Board of Directors

In accordance with credit union bylaws, three America First members will be elected to the Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting on April 19, 2016 at the David S. Eccles Conference Center in Ogden, Utah. These non-paying positions are voluntary.

Incumbent directors serving three-year terms are:

• Barney B. Chapman

• Kenlon W. Reeve

• Michael W. Roden

Those interested in applying must meet the following minimum criteria: Credit union membership in good standing; legal age (18 years or older); bondable; free from any conflicts of interest; and available for all Board of Directors, Committee, and other designated meetings, unless excused.

Please submit a letter of application to the Nominations Committee, P.O. Box 9199, Ogden, Utah 84409. This should include your statement of qualification (limited to 150 words).

The application deadline is 5 p.m. on January 11, 2016 at the above address. You will be interviewed between January 12 and January 27, 2016 if you meet the criteria.

Nominations for Board positions by petition are also accepted. Those applying through this method must submit a qualification statement (the word limit is 150) and a petition signed by 500 fellow credit union members. Such applications must be accompanied by a signed certificate from the nominee stating he or she is agreeable to the process and will serve if elected. Applications for nomination by petition must be received by 5 p.m., January 11, 2016 at the address listed previously.

Each applying member receives a copy of the election instructions. Elections will be conducted by ballot at the Annual Meeting. Nominations will not be accepted from the floor.

America First Credit Union Allows Members To Access FICO Score Via Online Banking

Riverdale, Utah – America First Credit Union now offers members the ability to access a FICO® Score within its Online Banking portal. Dedicated to its mission of helping members develop and maintain financial well-being, the new tool allows a snapshot of a member’s financial position, providing an enhanced understanding of the score and its benefits.

In efforts to continuously offer the latest technologies and advancements for members, the tool builds on the way members interact with the credit union. A FICO® Score allows lenders to gauge credit risk quickly, consistently and objectively assess how likely a member is to m
eet financial obligations, considering what they have borrowed and paid back.

“Knowing your FICO® Score is an important part of achieving a favorable financial position,” said Rich Syme, America First Credit Union Executive Vice President. “This is yet another tool we offer that will help our members choose credit wisely, establish repayment goals and establish overall financial well-being.”

Earlier this month, America First unveiled a newly-launched website, which boasts a modern look and feel, along with updated features, enhanced functionality, security and a responsive design. The Online Banking portal is easily navigable, helping to make financial goals accessible for members and potential members no matter how they choose to access the website – via a personal computer, smartphone or tablet. Read More….

A Truly Special Month for our Household

Security Update: Stop & Think when Shopping Online

The busiest shopping time of the year is upon us and many are apt to choose the convenience — as well as time savings & lack of crowds, just to name a couple things — of going online.

To make the most of your experience and protect yourself along the way, here are some tips:

Keep it clean: All the devices you use when you buy via the Internet, including smartphones and tablets, should have up-to-date software for security, operating systems, programs and apps.

When in doubt, throw it out: Links in emails, posts, and unwanted pop-up ads are often how cybercriminals compromise your data. If it looks suspicious, it’s best to hit delete.

Think before buying: Be wary of communications that offer deals too good to be true or those that implore you to act immediately.

Plan now for your Family’s Future Well-being

Choose America First Financial Solutions to provide your family with:

• Insurance

• Investments

• Retirement planning

• Many other high-quality products & services

Your membership puts the expertise of an investment representative, located at America First Credit Union Financial Solutions, at your service. Please call 1-800-999-3961 or send an email to affsolutions@cusonet.com for a no-cost, no-obligation appointment.

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.

Take Part in the Tradition of Giving

For 21 years, America First has provided new shoes for economically disadvantaged young students during the holidays.

Warm The Soles of Kids has become one of America First’s most enduring traditions, and we’re hoping you’ll help ensure it continues.

We’re collecting donations at all of our locations and via Online Banking for this effort, benefitting the less fortunate in our communities from northern Utah to southern Nevada.

Visit us here for additional information.

Please consider taking part in this annual program by making a cash contribution to Warm The Soles today — they’re accepted through December 31.

Warm The Soles is operated by the America First Credit Union Charitable Foundation, a Utah-based non-profit. Federal TIN: 87-0511475. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

America First Credit Union’s Sheryl Cox Awarded Prestigious Wingman Award

Riverdale, Utah – America First Credit Union’s Vice President of Governmental Affairs, Sheryl Cox, was awarded the 2015 Wingman Award at the Air Force Ball in the Ogden Conference Center on Saturday, September 19. Cox received the distinguished award from Colonel Ronald E. Jolly of Hill Air Force Base.

Cox solidified herself as a liaison between local businesses and Hill Air Force Base in roles as Honorary Commander for the Ogden Air Logistics Complex and as a 388^th Fighter Wing Honorary Commander. She currently serves as chair of the Top of Utah Military Affairs Committee (TOUMAC) where she has increased fundraising to the highest in years, resulting in several base improvements.

A strong military advocate for more than 20 years, Cox has been personally involved in the issues facing Hill Air Force Base and has built a strong reputation of helping Airmen in need. During her tenure, she has secured several thousands of dollars to bolster quality of life for Hill Air Force Base service members.

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

America First Credit Union Unveils Newly-Designed Website

Riverdale, Utah – America First Credit Union, a not-for-profit, member-owned financial institution servicing Utah and Nevada, unveiled its newly-designed website, which features enhanced functionality, security and a responsive design.

The site boasts a modern look and feel, along with updated features, improved branch locator pages, rate pages and ratings and reviews of products and services. In addition to highlighting America First’s products and services, members can easily locate information on educational tools and resources, seminars and community events and member benefits.

Helping to make financial goals accessible for members and potential members no matter how they choose to access the website, new features allow for a more enhanced experience on a personal computer, smartphone and tablet.

“We view ourselves as technology leaders in the credit union industry, continuously working to improve and expand upon our digital spaces, providing members and potential members information readily at their fingertips,” said Rich Syme, executive vice president at America First Credit Union. “The site has been redeveloped using a responsive design for optimal viewing on any device and features easily navigable features, providing an efficient and user-friendly online experience.”