Author: Joel Hilton

You probably know someone who’s sick because we’re right in the middle of cold & flu season. And since illness usually means spending hard-earned cash on doctor visits and medications, staying healthy can save you money. Here are some tips: Keep things clean First and foremost, wash your hands regularly—especially before eating. Experts recommend using soap & warm water for 20 to 30 seconds, then thoroughly drying. Carry hand sanitizer for when you don't have quick access to a faucet. But even when you think your hands are clean, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as much as possible,…

The new year is when people make all sorts of commitments to better themselves financially. However, if you've set your sights too high and come up short time and again, it can be difficult to consider realistic goals. Nevertheless, here are five financial resolutions anyone can keep. Evaluate Your Financial Health Do you know your net worth? That's the amount of your assets minus liabilities. Once you calculate this figure, you'll have a clear picture of where you stand and how to outline achievable & realistic resolutions. It’ll also provide insight into monetary shortcomings and where you can make improvements.…

Few things get you into the season’s spirit faster than a good holiday movie. But beyond being festive, these films can also be educational. Here are some financial tips to take from eight classic Christmas flicks. A Christmas Carol The Story: Ebenezer Scrooge (Alastair Sim) is a miserable miser whose life is changed on Christmas Eve when he is visited by three spirits. The Lesson: There isn't anything wrong with saving, but there's also nothing wrong with spending…if you do it responsibly. It’s okay to reward yourself for reaching short-term benchmarks, for example, to achieve long-term goals. Jingle All the…

The magic of the season tends to end abruptly when your credit card bill arrives. If you have a habit of overspending during the holidays, here are some tips to help you avoid the Christmas sticker shock once it's over. Plan Early The best way to stop overspending is prior planning. Make a shopping list that includes how much you're going to spend on each person. When you start looking for gifts, take your time and keep an eye out for coupons and special promotions. You'll prevent the high cost of expedited delivery if you need something shipped quickly. Begin…

It's always important to stay on top of your loans. Regularly missing payments can negatively affect your credit & harm your financial well-being. Nevertheless, there are times when extra cash for unforeseen expenses or emergencies is needed, which is why America First offers a service where you can skip certain loan payments once a year with no adverse consequences. How It Works When you skip a payment, it doesn't go away completely. You're still required to pay the full loan balance, but it's deferred until the end of the term. And it won't be reported as late or make you…

While paper checks aren't very common, most people use checking. In these accounts, money is subtracted when a transaction occurs. If there are no available funds and you attempt a purchase, it triggers an overdraft & your card will be declined. If you have overdraft protection on your account, a financial institution will cover such a transaction and the purchase will go through, avoiding the inconvenience & awkwardness of being declined. Understanding this service and using it wisely can prevent a potentially destructive financial cycle. Opting In At America First, checks, automatic debits, and other payments or withdrawals you authorize…

November is celebrated as a time of gratitude—a period to reflect on what we have before the focus shifts toward getting or giving what everyone wants. However, being thankful throughout the year not only improves our well-being, it benefits us financially. Appreciate belongings When you first move away from home, resist the urge to have everything your parents provided while you were growing up. It took them time to save up for things like a nice home, washing machine & dryer, and top-tier appliances. Enjoy the struggle of simpler days instead of immediately putting yourself in debt. As you become…

Most amateur filmmakers don't have the budget of even the cheapest Hollywood project, but if you're aspiring to create your own great cinematic experience, here are some tips to help you financially. Pre-production If you've got a good story to tell, the film might practically write itself. Focus on creating versatile characters, interesting settings, engaging dialogue, and other original themes. Run your script by a few close friends and family to see what they think and incorporate useful feedback. A well-written screenplay is the backbone for a successful movie and all it costs is your time. When it comes to…

From America First's humble founding in 1939 at Fort Douglas to opening three branches on Hill Air Force Base, our credit union has a long, rich history with the U.S. Armed Forces. And one of the ways we can show appreciation, in small measure, to our veterans is with these offers for those serving in the military. Join us! If you’re not a member of America First, gain $100 by becoming one. All you need to do is: Open your savings - with a $1 deposit, you gain such benefits as free online & mobile banking to help you better…

Everyone knows you'll save money by making lunch & dinner instead of eating out. However, it's still important to shop smart when you go to the grocery store. Here are some ways to spend less. Save By Planning You can definitely save money with proper preparation. Creating a weekly meal plan, for example, will focus your efforts and prevent impulse buying. You can even check online for coupons or in your mailbox for supermarket circulars and use sale prices to set your menu. Get on a schedule, too, so you don't find yourself grocery shopping every day. Once you decide…