Jan 04, 2019

What’s Your Return Policy?

Now that the holiday season dust has settled and most, if not all, of your Christmas decorations are stored, it's time to decide which gifts you're keeping and which ones you want to return. Maybe a shirt is the wrong size, or the family laptop you bought is a lemon—whatever the reason, here are some tips for making sure you don't get stuck with unwanted clutter. Review return dates Exchange timeframes largely depend on the vendors. For example, Kmart purchases can be returned within 30 days, whereas Target allows 90 days. It can also depend on what you buy. Costco…

Jan 03, 2019

America First Credit Union Offers Furlough Assistance Loan to Members Affected by Government Agency Shutdowns

For Immediate Release: America First Credit Union Offers Furlough Assistance Loan to Members Affected by Government Agency Shutdowns RIVERDALE, Utah – January 3, 2019 – America First Credit Union is helping to ease the burden of its members affected by the shutdown of government agencies across the nation by providing a special Furlough Assistance Loan. The personal loan of up to $4,000 will be made available to federal employees who have been furloughed due to the recent government shutdown. Additionally, America First, which has more than 988,000 members, is also offering members no-cost counseling services, loan extensions and numerous free and…

Jan 01, 2019

Renewal Brings Opportunity for Beneficial Change

By John B. Lund, President and CEO It’s hard for me to believe another year has come and gone, yet I always appreciate this annual opportunity to pause and reflect on treasured memories & accomplishments. Additionally, it’s a time to re-focus our efforts toward achieving the goals being set for the months ahead. Reader’s Digest traditionally compiles its 15 most popular New Year’s resolutions. Here is the 2019 list: Get into shape Lose weight Enjoy life to the fullest Spend less, save more Dedicate additional time to family, friends Become better organized Learn something new Travel Break a smartphone addiction…

Dec 28, 2018

Taking Inventory of Your Finances

At the end of the year, most businesses will take inventories in order to gather data, measure success, and learn from shortcomings. For many of the same reasons, conducting a personal inventory of your finances around this time is also a good idea. Here are some tips on how to do it right. Gather materials It's impossible to make accurate evaluations without having the complete story. Most of the information you need can be found on statements provided by your financial institution. Online statements allow you to quickly and easily find account summaries, loan information and tax documents for this…

Dec 27, 2018

The benefits of savings accounts for children

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…

Dec 21, 2018

Have Yourself a Frugal Little Christmas

After all the shopping and party prepping are done, your holiday budget may feel two sizes too small. If you want to boost your Christmas spirit, but don't feel like spending large sums of money, here are some inexpensive activities you can do with your family, on a date, or on your own this season. Decoration expedition Enjoying elaborate exterior decorations doesn't have to cost a lot—go on a drive and appreciate your neighbors' work. There are websites, apps & maps that identify impressive holiday displays, or you can explore and find them yourself. Many cities have lights in public…

Dec 19, 2018

America First Credit Union Gifts More Than 1,800 Pairs of Shoes to Underprivileged Students Throughout Utah and Nevada

Riverdale, Utah – (Dec. 19, 2018) – As part of its annual Warm the Soles of Kids initiative (Warm the Soles), America First Credit Union distributed more than 1,800 pairs of gift-wrapped shoes to children in need throughout the month of December. This year, 24 schools and agencies spanning across Utah and Southern Nevada took part in the project. America First employees visited several schools in December including Midvale Elementary, Dixie Sun Elementary, Lakeview Elementary, Hurricane Elementary, Red Rock Elementary, Gibson Middle School and Hill Air Force Base to hand out shoes and host a festive holiday celebration. Celebrating its 24th…

Dec 14, 2018

Card Guard: Powerful Protection for your Transactions

Your financial information can be stolen at any time of the year, but people are particularly vulnerable during the holidays, just because everyone's spending more. But when you have Card Guard® from America First, you control when, where & how your Visas are used—giving you the best possible protection. Our revolutionary security app is free and available for Apple and Android devices. Download it, then log in to your account and pick the credit, debit and ATM cards you want to manage. Customizable Control If you misplace a credit card, for example, you can flip a switch and it will…

Dec 07, 2018

(Safely) Dashing Through the Snow

As soon as snow starts to fall, it seems people suddenly forget how to drive in a reasonable manner. So, we have pointers for avoiding costly accidents in the winter. Proper Preparation Check the weather and your route before a trip. Give yourself plenty of time so you can drive slowly and arrive safely. Tell others an estimated time of arrival. That way, if you do get stuck, people will know where to look. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and that they have sufficient tread to handle icy roads. Cold weather can reduce pressure and increase the risk…

Dec 03, 2018

Reflections of the Season

By John B. Lund, President & CEO As I write this message, I have very mixed and deep emotions. I always look forward to the holidays and the excitement, splendor, beauty, and feelings of good will they bring. At the same time, I realize there are individuals and families under tremendous stress, who are facing hardships, or who have broken hearts and cause to mourn. The holidays can bring significant peace and comfort during these times, yet in some cases, the season may seem to magnify the difficulties they are going through. I’ve also been thinking about the recent observation…