Author: Dave Stuart

Padlock on a keyboard.

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.

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Elderly couple at the beach.

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.

Group of people in front of gifts.

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.

Military jet.

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 388th 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.

Screenshot of America First homepage.

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.”

Read More….

Group of women in front of gifts.

America First Credit Union Continues the Giving With 11th Annual Community Food Drive

Riverdale, Utah – Dedicated to helping the underprivileged in the communities it services, America First Credit Union today launches its 11th Annual Community Food Drive, which runs through Saturday, Oct. 24 at all 112 Utah and Southern Nevada locations. All branches will be accepting donations of non-perishable food items to distribute throughout local food pantries and food banks.

In addition to the food drive, the community-focused credit union will donate $5,000 in turkeys to Utah Food Bank in preparation for the holiday season.  All collected items will be donated to the Utah Food Bank, Three Square Las Vegas, Cappallappa Family Reserve Center and Dixie Care and Share.

According to the Utah Food Bank, one in six Utahns and one in five Utah children live in poverty and are unsure of when they’ll have their next meal, and about 472,000 Utahns risk missing a meal each day. The latest U.S. Department of Agriculture report states that about 16-percent of Nevada households are food insecure and about 14-percent in Utah.

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John lund

Free Services Add Value to and help Simplify your Busy Life

By John B. Lund, President and Chief Executive OfficerJohn Lund, President, America First Credit Union

Have you left your credit or debit card at a restaurant by accident and been panicked as you call or rush back, hoping it’s still there and has not been fraudulently used? Or you’ve waded through the inconvenience of having your card reissued because your information has been compromised at a local or national merchant?

Most of us can relate these situations and the experience can be very frustrating. To help put your mind at ease about using your America First Visa® Debit and Credit Cards, we are proud to offer unique — and free — tools.

Card Guard™ is a Mobile Banking innovation that puts you in complete control of how, when, and where your cards are used. Download the application on your smartphone and you’ll be able to turn your cards on or off in real time. Additionally, you can allow card use only in certain geographic locations, at merchants and service providers you determine, and you can set threshold dollar amounts for transactions.

Beyond controlling how your cards are used, you can also receive immediate alerts regarding transactions and attempted transactions. Card Guard’s monitoring feature allows you to verify that all of your account activity is legitimate.

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America First Credit Union Encourages Photo Submissions for Back-to-School Facebook Contest

-One lucky winner will be awarded a $500 VISA gift card-

Riverdale, Utah – In the spirit of the Back-to-School season and to lessen the financial burden of costs associated with school clothing and supplies, America First Credit Union has launched a photo contest on its Facebook page, encouraging submissions from parents of children partaking in the first day of school. One lucky winner will be awarded a $500 VISA gift card to help lessen what can be an expensive time for families.

Members and social media followers are invited to participate by submitting a photo on the America First Facebook page through Wednesday, Aug. 26. For more information, read the contest rules and regulations.

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

America First Credit Union Opens 112th Branch Location, Continuing 2015 Growth

Riverdale, Utah – America First Credit Union will welcome residents of Herriman with the opening of its newest location at 5438 West 13400 South Herriman in Herriman, Utah on Monday, Aug. 17. The third branch opening of 2015, the Herriman opening signifies a strong first half of the year for America First, marking 112 branch locations throughout Utah and Southern Nevada. 

Kamille Lopez will serve as branch manager of the Herriman location. Lopez is a Utah native, having graduated from Jordan High School. Her career began with America First Credit Union in December 2006 when she served as a teller and Lopez has progressed through the credit union in such roles as lead teller, assistant manager and branch manager.

A grand opening ribbon cutting will take place on Friday, Aug. 28 with celebratory events held Aug. 28 – September 5. The branch is located at 5438 West 13400 South Herriman, UT 84096. Branch hours are Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

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