Category: Financial Education

As the weather turns colder, heaters are kicking on and many folks find themselves paying higher energy bills. However, keeping your home at a comfortable temperature doesn't have to cost a lot. Here are some tips on how to stay warm and still save money on heating costs. Dress Appropriately Don't rely just on the furnace to keep toasty in the winter—dress in warm clothes. Wear socks or a comfy jacket and you won't have to turn the temperature up as high. Use cushy blankets while watching TV on the couch and put thick comforters & sheets on your bed.…

If your password is 123456, qwerty or, even worse, password, you should probably stop reading and change it now. Despite all the security hacks and data breaches in today's world, many people still use easy-to-guess logins, putting their information & identities at risk. Creating strong passwords is your first line of defense against hackers, so here are some tips to get started. Make it easy (for you)—Passwords you can't remember are useless. Choose keywords or phrases you can easily memorize. But don't make it so simple that someone else could quickly figure it out. Make it unique—Don't use the same…

The freedom of having a personal vehicle comes with a price tag. In addition to the purchase price, AAA estimates the average cost of owning & operating a car is $8,558 annually. However, there are ways to limit these expenses. Here are eight tips to help you save on maintenance. Keep a record—The owner's manual will tell you how often routine services, such as flushing the transmission or replacing the timing belt, should be done. Then, keep track of what maintenance has been performed to avoid unnecessary or redundant repairs. Do it yourself—Some things you can do on your own,…

Much like dating, your partnership with cash & credit can be complicated. And, just like marriage, it takes effort to make your finances work. Here are five tips to help you improve your relationship with money. Communicate Clearly First, you need to be honest about how you handle money. Then determine where you want your relationship go. Are you happy with the way you're spending and saving or is there room for improvement? If you need to make some changes, set quantifiable & achievable objectives. Make a plan that fits your lifestyle and doesn't leave you frustrated, then check in…

If your credit cards have unreasonably high rates and you're paying more than you earn, it's time for you to transfer those balances to America First. You can even consolidate multiple cards into one, easy-to-manage account. We offer unlimited cash back, no annual fees, and some of the lowest rates in the nation. Plus, it's simple to switch. Step 1: Open your Visa® account If you already have a Visa credit card from America First, you're ready to begin. If not, it's easy to apply for one. Step 2: Get a cashier's check After determining how much you'll need to…

In case of fire, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes or even job loss, an emergency preparedness plan can make a big difference. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has recommended that each household be sustainable for at least three days after a catastrophic event. And while you can buy food storage and 72-hour kits for hundreds or even thousands of dollars, here are some tips for getting prepared on a budget. Food Don't wait until a disaster hits to start stocking up or you'll be faced with empty shelves and a limited selection. Grow your inventory in small steps, buying whenever a…

A good credit score is your passport to approvals. Lenders will look at that number to determine how risky it is to provide you with financing. Scores can determine your rate, term, or even if you get the funds at all. If yours is lower than you'd like, you should know that there is no quick fix. In fact, the so-called simple tricks you’ll find online will most likely backfire. Responsibly rebuilding your credit score takes time and effort, but if you want to improve it, here are some tips. Know Your Number Your score is a three-digit number that…

As much as we don't want to think about dying, it's important to plan for it and have your financial affairs in order. Naming beneficiaries for all of your accounts and keeping that information up-to-date is vital to avoid disputes among those you've left behind. Keep it Current The joint owner has equal ownership with the primary owner, so if one of them passes away, the funds default to the other. If your account has a single owner, you can still elect who receives your America First resources by submitting this payable-on-death beneficiary form to any branch. There are many…

Health savings accounts (HSAs) are dividend-earning accounts specifically designated to pay the costs of managing your healthcare. If you're generally healthy and don't need to visit the doctor very often, an HSA is a great way to limit your upfront expenses and save some money in the long run. HSA vs. PPO Many people have preferred provider organization (PPO) coverage because that's the most traditional way. With a PPO, you are billed larger premiums by an insurance company whether you use the program or not. Health savings accounts are relatively new and this unfamiliarity makes some people hesitant about them.…

When you ride your bike instead of driving to work, school or the store, you gain a lot of benefits. Biking is both aerobic and anaerobic exercise, improves cardiovascular fitness, strengthens bones and prevents disease. Bike riding is also good for the environment as pollution-free transportation--and it's great for your wallet. According to AAA, the average yearly cost for owning and operating a personal vehicle is $8,558, approximately 15% of the median household income. This equates to over $700 a month or 57 cents per mile. And while regularly riding a bicycle won't cut out all auto-related expenses, it can…