Good Things Utah

AFCU is helping to teach the community about financial literacy

 

Salt Lake City, Utah (Good Things Utah) — Dave Nellis – Director of Public Relations visited us on Good Things Utah and he is excited to share some information about America First Credit Union’s commitment to financial literacy.

At America First, they believe in helping the community understand financial literacy. They offer various programs to teach financial skills such as personal financial management, budgeting, and investing. Their FUNDamentals program is a valuable tool to teach K-12 students about money matters and financial success. They also provide content for adults that they can present throughout the community.

Their presentations cover over 50 FUNDamental topics for kids and 20 topics for adults. Presentations usually take 45-60 minutes, and they are free of cost. It’s never too early or too late to learn about financial literacy concepts, and they believe that junior high and high school age is the best time to teach financial literacy as they are thinking about their futures.

Learning about cash, debits, and credits as well as virtual money can help alleviate financial stress. They encourage educators and schools to contact America First to schedule in-person on-site presentations. Additionally, educators can find content about FUNDamentals on the website.

In honor of National Financial Literacy Month, they are also hosting a contest for educators and students. The deadline to enter is April 30th, 2023. Visit their website for official rules and details.

They are also giving away 10 scholarships at $5,000 each through the America First Charitable Foundation Scholarships. The deadline to submit an application is April 30, 2023. Visit the website for official rules and details.

Eligible members must be graduating HS seniors or enrolled in a 2-year, 4-year, or technical college. Applicants should be community-minded and have a passion for serving and helping others.

At America First Credit Union, they place a high priority on educating members and enabling them to make sound financial decisions. According to the National Financial Educators Council, the lack of financial skills cost 38% of consumers more than $500 in 2022, and 15% were set back more than $10,000 or more.

America First Credit Union is committed to helping the community achieve financial success. Visit their website and follow along on their social media channels for tips.

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GTU: The Leonardo

America First Credit Union has a wonderful partnership with The Leonardo Museum in Salt Lake City. One of our great member deals and discounts, AFCU members can enjoy admission at no cost on the first Wednesday of every month. Simply show your America First Visa card at the ticket office for up to 10 free admissions!  We invite you to learn more at americafirst.com/accounts/member deals and discounts.

The Leonardo is a unique facility providing visitors with exciting and unique exhibits exploring art, technology, science, engineering, flight, and a new interactive weather studio. It is a great way to explore the world. Whether a local or visiting from out of town, the Leonardo invites all to come in and explore their creativity through the many innovative and inspiring exhibits. The Leonardo also presents a variety of fun, kid-friendly activities, like an interactive design lab, art studio, and engaging hands-on science experiments.

Whether you are looking for an affordable date night or a fun outing with the whole family, America First has you covered. It’s just another way to say thanks for your membership!

Free financial literacy program designed for K–12 children launched by America First Credit Union

 

People in a broadcast

America First Credit Union is thrilled to announce the launch of FUNDamentals, a new, free financial literacy program designed for K-12 children. It helps youth become financially savvy and empowers educators with customizable, quality content. FUNDamentals is designed to make learning about finances fun and engaging. By teaching youth about money matters it puts them on the path to financial success.

The program includes various full-lesson plans that address ten critical life skills, including spending, saving, getting a loan, and other financial subjects. Each subject includes engaging animated videos, handouts, presentations, lesson plans, printable certificates, and other useful resources to inform students while keeping them entertained. Understanding that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed education forever, the program, including scheduling virtual guest speakers who can teach the curriculum, can be done online.

Teachers can request access by visiting www.education.americafirst.com.

Once access has been granted by credit union staff, school districts and teachers can log into the online portal to use and customize the content. Teachers can rest assured our lessons are aligned with Utah State Financial Literacy graduation requirement; Common Core Math, and Common Core English Language Arts requirements.

Those wanting additional financial instruction for students can request a free virtual or in-person visit from an America First Credit Union guest speaker by completing the form at America First Credit Union Education.

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3 helpful tips to protect yourself against fraud, scams, and identity theft

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America First Credit Union is celebrating National Consumer Protection Week by giving you the best tips on avoiding scams. America First Credit Union is dedicated to the financial well-being of their members and they want to help protect you from fraud, scams, and identity theft. National Consumer Protection week is a time to help people understand their consumer rights and make well-informed decisions about money.

Here are three helpful tips to help you protect yourself against fraud, scams and identity theft:

Privacy

Before submitting your email address or other personal information online, you need to be sure that the privacy of that information will be protected. To protect your identity and prevent an attacker from easily accessing additional information about you, be cautious about providing your birth date, Social Security number, or other personal information online.

Avoiding Scams

Do not give sensitive information to others unless you are sure that they are indeed who they claim to be and that they should have access to the information. Keep your personal information to yourself. Don’t give your personal or financial information in response to a request that you didn’t expect. Legitimate businesses will give you time to make a decision. Anyone who pressures you to pay or give them your personal information is a scammer.

Never pay someone who insists you pay with a gift card or by using a money transfer service. And never deposit a check and send money back to someone. Before you do anything else, tell someone — a friend, a family member, a neighbor — what happened. Talking about it could help you realize it’s a scam.

Preventing Identity Theft

Identity theft, or identity fraud, is a crime that can have substantial financial and emotional consequences. Take precautions with personal information. If you become a victim, act immediately to minimize the damage.

Next week is a good time to review and remind yourself and loved ones of how to protect themselves from fraud, scams, and identity theft. Be sure your children, parents and grandparents have all the information needed to protect themselves.

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Get a sweet treat from Fiiz & America First Credit Union

Good cents

America First Credit Union is excited to continue their beloved Sweet Treat Fridays. They bring you delicious discounts on tasty treats on the last Friday of every month. This is only for AFCU members. You can follow their social media platforms or visit their website to learn more each month. This month America First Credit Union is teaming up with FiiZ Drinks for Sweet Treat Fridays.

On August 28th, the first 25 members per location can get one free drink by showing your America First Visa® debit/credit card at your local FiiZ. If you don’t make it in time for a free drink, members can still take get a free bump up in drink size all day when you use your AFCU Visa debit/credit card. Whether it’s your go-to FiiZ drink or you want to try something new, FiiZ has you covered with everything from sodas and desserts to fruit smoothies and salty snacks.

America First will continue to have its members covered with exclusive deals & discounts all year long. It’s their way of saying thanks for your membership. Check out their “Deals and Discounts” page online for more information.

America First Credit Union is also opening up a new branch in Vineyard. The 3,350 square-feet branch, located at 758 East Mill Road, Vineyard, UT, will be managed by Michelle Bohn, who has been part of the America First team for more than 27 years and has worked at 12 branch locations and is extremely excited to now be serving the Vineyard community.

To find out more about Sweet Treat Fridays or get more information about the new Vineyard location visit America First Credit Union now.

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Free cupcakes with America First Credit Union

Cupcakes

During what has been a hard time for most, a little something sweet can brighten your day.

There is a partnership and event happening on July 31st called Sweet Tooth Friday, between America First Credit Union and the Sweet Tooth Fairy in Orem, Utah.

With what is one of its many efforts, America First Credit Union often looks for opportunities to partner with other business in the community to offer deals to its members.

This Friday, America First members can come into the Sweet Tooth Fairy Orem location, show their America First Visa or Debit Card, and get a free cupcake. If they are out, you can still get a 15% discount on your order.

You can try America First’s signature cupcake: vanilla marble with cream filling, Sweet Tooth Fairy signature frosting, topped with a disc of the America First logo.

If you are not a member, go to AmericaFirst.com or go to one of its locations across the state to find out how to join.

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How America First Credit Union can help you financially

Nicole Cypers joined Good Things Utah to discuss some of the realities of the current economy and address some of the misconceptions about you and your money.

There’s been a rumor circulating that missed payments on mortgages won’t impact credit scores. Missed payments can still have an effect on your credit score, so make sure to get into contact with an America First Credit Union representative if you’re having any trouble making payments or expect a delay. If you encounter financial difficulties, they encourage you to contact an America First member service representative to discuss your specific situation.

As a service to their members during the current COVID-19 situation, they are offering up to two months of skipped payments and the standard $25 fee will be waived.

America First was one of the first financial institutions to implement online banking. Since that time, they’ve continuously improved their services in order to give their members fast access to their accounts. America First offers a variety of ways to manage your finances without having to visit a physical branch location.

America First Credit Union is committed to protecting our common physical and financial well-being. The health of their members and their employee team is their number one priority.

Visit America First for the latest information and updates.

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Save Money with America First Credit Union

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With technology flourishing, we are in an era where pretty much everything has gone digital, including your bank apps.

Nicole Cypers from America First is here today to tell you how you can save money by switching to their credit union. Right now, they have an offer through the end of February for a 3% balance transfer.

This allows you to transition all your debt to a Visa card and get up to 3% back, drawing your debt down. There are many other benefits, such as card customization, free Card Guard® mobile security, member perks and so much more!

For more information, visit: americafirst.com.

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The benefits of savings accounts for children

Group of people

Nicole Cypers from America First Credit Union joined us to follow up on their 24th annual ‘Warm the Soles’ program. More than 1,800 pairs of gift-wrapped shoes were delivered to children in need throughout the month of December. The program was funded by America First member donations and their ‘Skip a Payment’ program.

America First Credit Union aims to help children not only through programs like ‘Warm the Soles’ but through promotions that benefit them as well. For only a few more days, when you open a new youth account for minors (17 and under), America First Credit Union will match up to $25 of the initial deposit.

When your children start saving young, you can help them learn and establish sound savings habits that will pay off. Youth savings accounts at America First Credit Union also have no annual fees or minimum-deposit levels, competitive dividends, flexible terms and free online access, making it the perfect starting account for a young individual.

Nicole explained that as an added benefit for all current, new and non-members, they will also be giving away ten $250 dedicated savings accounts for your child. For every $25 you deposit into your account, you will gain one entry for this drawing. They will randomly select the winners and complete the fulfillment by January 31.

Visit americafirst.com for more information and to find a branch near you.

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How college students can get rewards for being financially responsible

College students

Nicole Cypers from America First stopped by to help support college students as they head back to school.

According to Cypers, “education is very important at America First Credit Union, and we want to not only help you prepare financially while in college, but also welcome you back to school in style.”

That’s why, from August 17th to September 30th, new members attending participating universities: USU, WSU, UVU, DSU, SUU, U of U or BYU, will receive a game day t-shirt when they open a Savings and Checking with a free debit card, and download the America First mobile app.

But they’re not leaving out current student members! They can score a shirt by simply acquiring two of the following:
– Direct Deposit, Online Statements, download our mobile app and make a transfer, download Card Guard and register.

“We love supporting local universities, but even more we want to support students with local financial solutions customized to their needs,” says Cypers. “At America First we believe it is important to start developing healthy spending and saving habits early on. Many students are so young and are not aware of how dangerous debt can be, and we want to assist them and make sure they’re making the best decisions for their future.”

For more information head to Americafirst.com. The website offers handy college planning calculators to determine what you’ll need for college, how much you should save and what loan products from America First might be able to help you.

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