AFCU Provides Tips on How to Avoid Being Haunted By Credit Card Debt

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AFCU Provides Tips on How to Avoid Being Haunted By Credit Card Debt

Riverdale, UT – Oct 17, 2019 – Ghosts and ghouls may not be the only thing haunting this Halloween. Poor financial decisions, including credit card debt, may also be rising from the grave. Utahns/Nevadans have an average credit card balance of $5,961/$6,401 and during the upcoming holiday season will rack up an average of $1,054 in additional debt.

“It’s easy to become buried by credit card debt and the thought of clawing your way out can be paralyzing for many,” said America First Credit Union vice president of credit, Susan Chadwick. “One of the best things you can do to take the first step in getting rid of debt is to have a mindset change. Focus on the positive reasons you want to get out of debt whether it’s to be less stressed, improve your credit score so you’re able to buy a new home or car, or achieving financial freedom.”

While there is no one best practice for banishing credit card debt, these pay-down tips and strategies can help cast away debt:

  1. Pay off the balance with the highest APR first – Look at each balance and interest rates for each card, and whichever has the highest annual percentage rate (APR) is the one that should be focused on first while still making minimum payments on other cards. Once that card is entirely paid off, move on to the one that has the next highest APR.
  2. Pay off the card with the lowest balance first – Another strategy that people can take is increasing payments on the credit card with the lowest balance while continuing to make the minimum payment on other cards. It’s quicker and easier to pay a $500 balance down to zero than a $2,500 balance. And it feels good to pay a credit card bill in full, no matter what the balance was to begin with.
  3. Consolidate your debt to a single card or loan – By consolidating credit card debt to a single card or a debt consolidation loan, there will only be a single payment each month rather than four or five. While all the debt has been transferred to one place, it doesn’t mean it went away. Be sure to still focus on paying this debt off, so it’s a good idea to pay more than the minimum due each month.
  4. Consult with a financial advisor – A financial advisor can help examine incoming and outgoing expenses. They can help determine a personalized plan that can help determine which strategy will be most effective as well as establish a workable, realistic budget and savings plan.

To learn more financial tips, watch AFCU’s video series, FUNDamentals, at americafirst.com/learn. Topics include good versus bad spending, loan basics and demystifying mortgages.

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 80 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First has become one of the largest, most stable and most progressive credit unions in the country, and has remained a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution. Today, America First has 128 locations, and is the 9th largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $11.5 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,062,000 members.

Jump$tart and AFCU Awarding Students for Financial Literacy Proficiency

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jump$tart and AFCU Awarding Students for Financial Literacy Proficiency

Riverdale, UT – Oct 15, 2019 – The Utah Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy (UJ$C) and America First Credit Union (AFCU) are now accepting applications for Fall 2019 Scholarships. The first round of the Utah Jump$tart Scholarship Competition will be open thru November 30. Utah high school seniors who have completed a financial literacy course can enter to win one of three $1,250 college scholarships provided by AFCU.

“When it comes to finances, education is one of the most powerful tools which is why we encourage all students to take a financial literacy course,” said AFCU president and CEO, John Lund. “We want to set our high school seniors up for success as they prepare for post-secondary education and teach them important financial principles that will help keep their college debt to a minimum and set them up for financial success in the future.”

Student debt and financial independence are a concern for many millennials and young adults with 54% of millennials expressing worry that they would not be able to pay back student loans, and only 16% of Americans between ages 18 to 26 being very optimistic about their financial future.

The scholarship program is designed to recognize students who have taken a financial literacy course and can demonstrate a solid understanding of financial literacy concepts and are pursuing a post-secondary education either at a university, college, trade school or similar institution of higher learning. To be eligible for the scholarship, students can submit a 90-second YouTube video addressing the question: “How can students prepare to pay for college?”

To learn more about the scholarship, or to apply, students can visit utahjumpstart.org/scholarship.

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 80 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First has become one of the largest, most stable and most progressive credit unions in the country, and has remained a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution. Today, America First has 128 locations, and is the 9th largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $11.5 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,062,000 members.

ABOUT UTAH JUMP$TART COALITION

The Utah Jump$tart Coalition is a statewide, 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to improving the financial literacy of Utah’s youth by promoting the teaching of personal finance from kindergarten to twelfth grade. Visit them at www.utahjumpstart.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Nicole Cypers
America First Credit Union
801.827.8655
ncypers@americafirst.com

Kelsey Richardson
R&R Partners
801.913.9454
Kelsey.richardson@rrpartners.com

plasma donation

The Value of Blood—Donating Plasma

If you need to make some extra money and you enjoy helping others, donating plasma could be a good option. Plasma is made up of the water, enzymes, proteins and antibodies in your blood. Companies process plasma to create medicines and to use in therapies. Since it can’t be created synthetically, and donated plasma does not go directly into the body of another person, businesses are willing to compensate donors for their time. If you’re considering a plasma donation, here are some things you should know:

  • You need to be between 16 and 69 years old.
  • You must weigh more than 110 pounds.
  • You must be in good health and free of infectious diseases.
  • You’ll have to pass a basic physical examination.
  • You should bring a valid photo ID and have proof of your Social Security number.
  • Some medications can prevent you from donating plasma.
  • Recent body piercings or tattoos may also prevent you from donating.
  • Some donation centers use promotions or coupons to draw in donors.
  • Search online for local plasma donation centers—make sure the one you choose is IQPP-certified, such as BioLife, CSL Plasma, Grifols, and Octapharma.
  • Drink lots of fluids before you go, as this will help your blood flow faster.
  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol within 24 hours of donation, as these can affect your blood pressure and hydration levels.
  • Pump your fist (e.g. use a stress ball) to help increase the rate of circulation.
  • You can expect somewhere between $20 to $50 per visit, depending on the company.
  • Some companies will pay you more for repeat donations.
  • Payment is usually distributed in the form of a prepaid debit card.
  • How much plasma you can give is dependent on your weight—the more you can donate, the more you can earn.
  • Plasmapheresis, or the process of separating the plasma from the red blood cells, takes usually around 60-90 minutes.
  • Your first donation will take longer than subsequent visits, because of the medical screening.
  • Normally, you may only make two donations in a seven-day time period.
  • Generally, you must wait 48 hours between visits.

Please check the official websites of the companies for specific details regarding rules and compensation regarding donating plasma.

AFCU Named as One of Credit Union Journal’s 2019 Best Credit Unions to Work For

MEDIA CONTACT:
Nicole Cypers
America First Credit Union
801.827.8655
ncypers@americafirst.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AFCU Named as One of Credit Union Journal’s 2019 Best Credit Unions to Work For

Riverdale, Utah – OCT.8, 2019 – America First Credit Union (AFCU) has been named one of the 2019 Best Credit Unions to Work For. Credit Union Journal has partnered with Best Companies Group to identify companies that have excelled in creating quality workplaces for employees.

“It’s an honor to be named alongside many incredible credit unions for the fourth consecutive year,” said AFCU President and CEO John Lund. “We believe in taking care of our employees both professionally and personally because they are the number one reason we’ve been able to continue growing and being successful.”

This survey and awards program is designed to identify, recognize and honor the best credit unions. The 2019 list is made up of 50 credit unions—as of September 2019, there were more than 6,000 Credit Unions in the United States. The full Best Credit Unions to Work For list is featured at CUJournal.com.

“Credit unions, deservedly, are recognized for their commitment to the communities they serve,” said Aaron Passman, Editor in Chief of Credit Union Journal. “Our annual ranking recognizes those that go above and beyond in terms of their employees’ job satisfaction, career development and personal growth.”

Determining the Best Credit Unions to Work For involved a two-step process. The first consisted of evaluating each participating credit union’s workplace policies, practices, and demographics. This part of the process was worth approximately 25% of the total evaluation. The second consisted of employee surveys aimed at assessing the experiences and attitudes of individual employees with respect to their workplace. This part of the process was worth approximately 75% of the total evaluation. The combined scores determined the final ranking.

To be considered for participation, credit unions had to have at least 25 employees working in the U.S. and been in business a minimum of one year. Best Companies Group managed the registration and survey process and also analyzed the data and to determine the final ranking.

For more information on the Best Credit Unions to Work For program, visit www.BestCreditUnionstoWorkFor.com.

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 80 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First has become one of the largest, most stable and most progressive credit unions in the country, and has remained a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution. Today, America First has 128 locations, and is the 9th largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $11.5 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,062,000 members.

Prevention is Essential to Deal with Identity Theft and Fraud

John LundBy John B. Lund, President & Chief Executive Officer

Data breaches and fraud are, unfortunately, becoming far too commonplace. In fact, identity theft reportedly occurs every two seconds. Capital One recently suffered a compromise that affected over 100 million people. Numerous large-scale retailers, as well as sophisticated technology companies, have fallen victim to hackers and online criminals. Indeed, most of us have felt the impact of a breach or identity theft in one form or another.

It’s important we all take steps to protect our information and identity. To follow are some simple suggestions for preventing fraud:

  1. Don’t offer sensitive info, including your Social Security number, to an unknown person or business. Oftentimes fraud perpetrators will claim to represent merchants, government agencies, or financial institutions. If you’re suspicious, hang up or log off. And remember, America First Credit Union will never contact you and ask for a PIN or password.
  2. Never click email hyperlinks or enter personal data – unless you sent the initial message or you’re confident about the company or individual with whom you’re doing business. Scammers are experts at making these communications appear legitimate. Delete anything that raises red flags.
  3. Refuse requests to wire strangers money. Although sometimes intriguing and convincing, such a story is probably a hoax.
  4. Create complex passwords, avoiding common names and sequential numbers. Make them at least eight characters long, mixing lower & uppercase letters, numbers, and special punctuation marks. Consider a program such as RoboForm, LastPass or SplashID to track different unique passwords, and use two-factor authentication when it’s offered.
  5. Install antivirus and spyware protection on your devices, then enable the auto-updating features.
  6. Resist the urge to download software from pop-up windows.
  7. Regularly monitor your statements and account activity. Report potentially fraudulent charges immediately.
  8. Use Card Guard® mobile security. This app gives you complete control of how, when & where your Visa® credit and debit cards are used.
  9. Identity theft recovery services are a free benefit for members with America First Visa credit cards. You’ll gain additional peace of mind, as the coverage applies to all accounts held by you and your dependents still living at home. This also provides significant savings, as comparable recovery services are $25 to $50 per month if purchased from other sources.

Remaining vigilant in monitoring your finances, safeguarding your resources, and selecting trusted partners is essential in achieving financial health. We’re proud you’ve chosen America First. We appreciate the opportunity to serve and look forward to a lifelong relationship.

America First Credit Union Offers Exclusive Youth Soccer Clinic Contest with Las Vegas Lights FC

For Immediate Release

America First Credit Union Offers Exclusive Youth Soccer Clinic Contest with Las Vegas Lights FC

September 16, 2019 – LAS VEGAS – Children in Las Vegas will get a chance to practice, learn and play soccer directly from Las Vegas Lights FC coaches and players thanks to America First Credit Union (AFCU). Now through Thursday, Sept. 19, people can enter by visiting the company’s social media channels to nominate a child for the Amazingly Fabulous Completely Unbelievable youth soccer clinic.

During the clinic, players and coaches will run a practice for participants similar to their own professional practices. The 1.5-hour clinic will include warmups, drills, Q&A session with the players and coaches, and time for participants to get autographs from their favorite players.

People can enter the contest by commenting with the child’s name and age on Instagram (@AmericaFirst), Facebook (AmericaFirstCU)) and Twitter (@AFCU) contest posts.  Winners will be randomly selected by AFCU representatives and notified via the social media platforms in which they applied.

Nominations are accepted now through the September 19th at 11:59 pm PT. 40 winners will be contacted directly via social media on September 20th.

Children ages 8 through 12 will have the opportunity to be a part of the AFCU youth soccer clinic.

The clinic will take place on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Cashman Field.

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AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 80 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First has become one of the largest, most stable and most progressive credit unions in the country, and has remained a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution. Today, America First has 128 locations, and is the 9th largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $11.2 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,041,000 members.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Nicole Cypers
America First Credit Union
801.827.8655
ncypers@americafirst.com

Jennifer López
R&R Partners
702.318.4203
jennifer.lopez@rrpartners.com

America First Credit Union to Honor 1 October Survivors at UNLV Football Game

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

America First Credit Union to Honor 1 October Survivors at UNLV Football Game

LAS VEGAS – September 19, 2019 – America First Credit Union (AFCU) will donate hundreds of tickets to 1 October survivors to attend the Sat., Oct. 5 UNLV football game against Boise State. The game, which is the Rebels’ 49th and final season playing at Sam Boyd Stadium, starts at 7:30 p.m.

The credit union will donate 300 tickets to the Vegas Strong Resiliency Center, the leading organization providing long-term support to people impacted by the 1 October tragedy. AFCU is offering complimentary tickets to survivors and up to four of their family members. The Resiliency Center is coordinating ticket distribution to survivors. Individuals looking to acquire tickets can email vegasstrongresiliencycenter@clarkcountynv.gov or call 702-455-2433 during business hours. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday−Friday except holidays.

“America First Credit Union is committed to strengthening the community,” said AFCU president and CEO, John Lund. “We hope this experience brings joy to survivors during the healing process.”

“After the tragic events of 1 October, UNLV was proud to be a small part of the healing process when the community came together for a Rebel football game that weekend,” said UNLV director of athletics, Desiree Reed-Francois. “It is something none of us will ever forget and we applaud the efforts being made to honor survivors.”

“We are grateful to America First Credit Union for recognizing those impacted by this tragedy,” said director of the VSRC, Tennille Pereira. “For any survivor looking for additional resources, the Resiliency Center is available by email, phone, or walk-in.”

Additionally, AFCU members can use their America First Visa® to get four complimentary tickets to attend the game. They just need to show their card at the AFCU booth located outside the stadium on the day of the game. Ticket supplies are limited and will be provided while supplies last.

The UNLV Athletics Department will honor heroes including servicemembers, veterans, military doctors and first responders. They welcome members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families to the game as part of the “Seats for Service” program, which provides complimentary tickets to servicemembers for Rebel sports events. First responders will take part in a halftime game before marching bands from Boise State and UNLV perform a patriotic show.

AFCU extends its brand footprint to the sports industry, having already enjoyed a partnership with the Raiders, Vegas Golden Knights, Las Vegas Aviators and the Las Vegas Lights FC.

On Oct. 1, 2017, 58 were killed and hundreds were injured by a lone gunman at the Route 91 music festival. This event is one of numerous #VegasStronger activities highlighting the area’s unity and strength in the aftermath. A calendar of activities can be found at www.lasvegasnewswire.com/events.

 

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION
Proudly celebrating 80 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First has become one of the largest, most stable and most progressive credit unions in the country, and has remained a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution. Today, America First has 128 locations, and is the ninth largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $11.2 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,041,000 members.

Vegas Strong Resiliency Center
The Vegas Strong Resiliency Center, a multi-agency resource hub managed by Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, supports those affected by the 1 October tragedy. It is funded by the Nevada State Division of Child and Family Services grant 2019-V7-GX-0001 from FY2018 Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Nicole Cypers
America First Credit Union
801.827.8655
ncypers@americafirst.com

Jennifer López
R&R Partners
702.318.4203
jennifer.lopez@rrpartners.com

autumn

Autumn Preparation for Winter Protection

The weather may seem nice right now, but winter is coming. Properly preparing your house in autumn can help prevent costly damage from rain, ice and snow. Here are some tips on how to save some money as you ready your residence for the cold weather.

  • Clear Your Gutters – Clogged gutters can cause water to pool on your roof and cracked downspouts can lead to damaged foundations and flooding basements. Before the wet weather arrives, remove leaves and other debris from your gutters. Test the flow of water with a hose. Look for cracks or breaks and repair where needed.
  • Protect Your Pipes – Turn off your sprinklers, open the valves, and drain the pipes—this will help prevent them bursting due to expanding ice. Unhook your hoses and store them in a garage or shed to extend their lives and shut off all outdoor plumbing.
  • Check Your Roof – It’s much easier to inspect your roof when it’s not slick with rain. Fix for any raised or damaged shingles. Plus, while you’re up there, you could even hang your Christmas lights, so you don’t have to do it in the snow—just don’t turn them on until after Thanksgiving.
  • Inspect Your Heater – Furnace filters are easy to change, but you should also have a specialist inspect your HVAC system and make sure the ducts are clear. Make sure the vents aren’t blocked. If you have a fireplace, you should clear ashes and debris out, then have a professional clean the chimney.
  • Do a Safety Check – Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Change the batteries if necessary. Additionally, check your fire extinguishers and make an emergency escape plan with your family.
  • Test for Drafts – Your heaters won’t be very effective if all the warm air is seeping out of your home. Check for drafts by putting your hand near the edges of windows and doors. Use weather stripping or caulk to stop cold air from entering your house.
  • Strengthen Your Lawn – Mow your grass one last time in autumn, and don’t forget to empty the gas tank of the mower before storing it. Fertilize your lawn before the first frost for a healthier yard when the spring thaw comes. This will strengthen the roots to resist the lower temperatures and help your yard green up faster in the spring.
  • Prep Your Garden – Clear weeds out. Plant bulbs, such as tulips, daffodils and irises in the autumn for a beautiful start to spring. Inspect trees on your property for weak or damaged branches that could break if weighed down by snow. Bring your more delicate plants inside.
  • Stock Up on Supplies – Put an ice scraper in your car. Buy some ice melt. Check your snow shovels and your snow blower. It may seem too early for all this, but you’ll be thankful when that first snow starts to fall.

AFCU Collaborates with “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” to Help Deserving Utah Families

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AFCU Collaborates with “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” to Help Deserving Utah Families

Ogden, Utah – Sept. 4, 2019 – America First Credit Union (AFCU) joined forces with HGTV’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” to build two custom homes in Weber County. In addition to making a cash donation to both projects, the Riverdale-based credit union is providing free financial counseling to both families to help them budget for maintenance expenses and plan for other costs that may arise.

“Both the Barobi and Mayo families are extremely deserving of a brand-new home where they can live comfortably without worry,” said John Lund, AFCU president and CEO. “Our goal is to help them be financially successful in the next part of their journey as homeowners.”

The Barobis—a refugee family from the Democratic Republic of Congo—were the first family to get a knock on the door by the “Extreme Makeover” host Jesse Tyler Ferguson. Prior to their new home, the four Barobi siblings, their aunt and cousin all shared a small three-bedroom Ogden apartment with no air conditioning. After Congo rebels killed the Barobi kids’ parents and younger sister, the four siblings escaped to a refugee camp in Uganda where they met up with their aunt and cousin. The family was granted asylum in the United States four years ago where they settled in Utah.

The second family to be surprised by the reality TV series was mother Kelly Mayo, daughter Michelle Smith and granddaughter Haylee Smith. Mayo and her daughter bought the house 17 years ago, however, in 2016, a tornado uprooted two large trees in the backyard with one falling onto the house. Due to water and sewer lines breaking, the house has suffered flooding issues every time laundry is done, or a shower is used.

The Barobi home was revealed on August 18 and the Mayo home was reveled two days later on August 20. The Ogden-area projects will air on HGTV in 2020.

 

 

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 80 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First has become one of the largest, most stable and most progressive credit unions in the country, and has remained a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution. Today, America First has 128 locations, and is the 9th largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $11.2 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,041,000 members.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Nicole Cypers
America First Credit Union
801.827.8655
ncypers@americafirst.com

Guest Commentary: The New Online and Mobile Banking Experience

Rich Syme
Rich Syme – Chief Growth & Digital Transformation Officer

By Rich Syme, Executive Vice President & Contact Center Delivery, Product Management

It’s a bit cliché, but to say technology evolves quickly might be the understatement of the century. In my role overseeing our digital services, I can see this transformation up close. It’s incredible and, honestly, a little overwhelming just how rapidly change comes to the ways in which we engage with the world and each other. Of special importance to me is the effect such advancement has on day-to-day money management.

A central goal is empowering America First members, providing them with the ability to handle their finances in the manner they find most beneficial, meaningful, and convenient. That’s why we’re excited about launching new online & mobile banking upgrades. These enhancements, and those on the way,are meant to make your experience better, easier, and more personal.

Online banking features a streamlined design and increased browser responsiveness, including when you’re using a mobile device it’s complete functionality, even on the go. You can add two-step authentication to strengthen security, while your histories will show balances after pending transactions clear. Plus, a new widget brings up a complete picture of where your money is going and how your budget stands. The platform also allows us to seamlessly integrate future benefits & advantages, so we’ll be sure to let you know as we roll them out.

With our new mobile banking app, it’s simple to maintain your financial well-being, 24/7. We designed it with an improved user-friendly interface, as well as additional customizable options. There are biometric logins for devices with that function, you’ll be able to deposit checks without going to a branch, and you can include accounts from other financial institutions in budget and spending overviews.

Of course, mobile banking delivers the protection of Card Guard, truly an amazing app for iOS and Android. As someone who’s spent considerable time singing its praises, my pitch boils down to this: Card Guard® allows members to control when, where, and how Visa® debit and credit cards are used.

It’s an incredibly powerful tool, letting you turn cards on and off in real time. If you lose a card, or just want the peace of mind that comes from knowing your Visa can’t be used until you’re ready for it, switch it off with a single tap. You can also set transaction limits based on amount, geographic location, and merchant or transaction type. It even lets you disable cards automatically when they’re not close to your mobile device. When Card Guard is installed, you’ll receive alerts about when, where, and for how much your card was used. It also informs you of declined transactions due to suspicious activity. In essence, Card Guard is security you control.

Online & mobile banking from America First can help you make the most of every moment and every dollar. These upgrades are the result of untold hours of thought and dedication, and I can’t wait to hear what you think of them. I’m privileged to witness firsthand the passion and commitment our digital services team has for finding, creating, and developing innovative ways for you to pursue your unique financial dreams, in the way that best fits your life and lifestyle.