Nov 23, 2018

Black Friday Survival Guide

It's Black Friday! And even if you're reading this article after the sun has come up, here are some tips on how to save some cash on one of the biggest shopping days of the year without sacrificing your well-being. Have a plan If you haven't already done so, set your budget and decide which items are most important as well as which ones are likely to go quickly. Map out your route to minimize wasted travel time. Then, after that, make a backup plan. There may be a few times when the deal you want won't be available. If…

Nov 16, 2018

What Does an Underwriter Do?

If you apply for a loan or an insurance policy, your documents must be reviewed by an underwriter. But what functions does the underwriter perform? How do they fit in the process? The backstory The word underwrite simply means signing under or below something. In the early days of banking, underwriters would place their names below the amount of risk they were willing to tolerate, in exchange for a premium. If anything went wrong, the underwriter would have to answer for it. Underwriting now Today, underwriters are trained on all lending guidelines & procedures. They assess loan risk and determine…

Nov 09, 2018

Veterans Day Deals & Discounts

Veterans Day is when we as a country honor the brave men and women who fight for & protect the nation. Many businesses recognize those in the military with discounts. Below are some deals service members, past and present, can receive on Veterans Day. Some require purchases, while others ask for identification or are dine-in only. Be sure to check the merchant's official sites or call ahead for details, as these are subject to change and may apply to different days. For example, this year, Veterans Day falls on November 11, but will be observed on November 12. Applebee's -…

Nov 02, 2018

Properly Pricing Your Vehicle to Sell

Setting a sale price for your vehicle is like fishing. If it's too high, you won't get any bites from prospective buyers. If what you're asking is too low, you won't get the full value of your investment. Here's some advice for when you put your car, truck or SUV on the market. Assess the Value It's important to check how much it's worth online, because you can bet those thinking about taking it off your hands will do the same. Valuation sites like Kelley Blue Book® use an extensive database to evaluate factors such as recent vehicle transactions in…

Nov 01, 2018

The Buddy System

By John B. Lund, President and Chief Executive Officer I recently heard a neighbor refer to the buddy system in conversation, immediately bringing back memories of my youth and participating in Boy Scouts of America activities. Whenever our troop went on a campout, hike or other outdoor excursion, we always paired off and were assigned a buddy for the event’s duration. Additionally, each child received a designated number to remember and count off during roll calls. At the time, although I knew these were safety measures, I did not understand the true power of this seemingly simple procedure. Years later,…

Oct 26, 2018

Financial Wisdom from Halloween Movies

Horror films aren't just good for scares, they can also teach valuable financial lessons. Here are eight pieces of wisdom you can take from iconic Halloween movies. A Nightmare on Elm Street The Story: Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund) stalks the dreams of Nancy Thompson (Heather Langenkamp) and other teenagers in a quiet suburban town. The Lesson: Dreaming is fun & healthy, but you need to keep your feet grounded in reality—otherwise you could get hurt. Develop a sense for what you can and can't afford. Don't buy what isn't necessary or max out your credit on impulse items (like cool…

Oct 19, 2018

Don’t Fear the ATM

It was a dark and stormy night. A young woman approached the ATM aside a dimly lit sidewalk to withdraw some cash. As she neared the machine, she heard a faint rustling behind a bush. She squinted her eyes and peered through the leaves, where she thought she could make out a large, dark shadow. She felt uneasy, so she walked back to her car and drove to another ATM with better lighting, making a transaction there without a problem. If you want to avoid potentially scary situations at ATMs, here are some tips stay safe. KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN…

Oct 12, 2018

Should I Refinance My Mortgage?

You can refinance just about any loan, but doing so with a mortgage requires careful consideration. After all, paying off your existing home loan and replacing it could save you thousands. On the other hand, it could lead to foreclosure. Here are some reasons why people make this choice, along their related pros and cons. Lower rates & better terms The most common thinking behind refinancing is to get lower interest rates. However, if it's only a marginal decrease, it's likely not worth the switch. There are several expenses that go along with the process, including appraisals, processing, and application…

Oct 05, 2018

Birthday Parties That Won’t Break the Bank

Checking Pinterest & Instagram is a great way to find fun ideas for kids' birthday parties, but it's easy to be overwhelmed when you see how much other people are spending. There's no need to take out a loan for your next bash, however. Here are ten tips on how to save while celebrating. Themes - Decide with your child what kind of party is ideal. Picking a theme helps keep you focused on what you need to buy. Find inexpensive treats, decorations, games and party favors that fit. A little creativity can go a long way and make the…

Oct 01, 2018

Donate to End Hunger

Even in communities as caring and close-knit as ours, too many people go hungry. That’s why the annual Greater Good food drive is so important to us. Through October 20, we’ll be accepting canned & non-perishable groceries—along with other necessities like toothbrushes, diapers and soap—at all America First branches. And, as a small way of expressing our appreciation, you’ll get one entry for each item you donate in our drawing for a free Apple Watch. Please visit us here to find the credit union location nearest you. *Eligibility & conditions apply to the drawing. Participants must be at least 18…