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…

Oct 01, 2018

Security Update: Going Online Means Staying On Your Guard

Our world becomes increasingly digital every day and, as more personal & financial information goes online, strong cybersecurity is essential. Here are some ways to stay safe: Strong passwords offer better protection than PINs. You should also create different, personalized phrases for each account. Take advantage of two-step account authentication when it’s available. Monitor transaction activity frequently with free online banking and immediately report any discrepancies. Download our free Card Guard® mobile app to set controls for when, where, and how your Visa® credit & debit cards can be used. Always lock your smartphone or tablet. Don’t click on unfamiliar…

Oct 01, 2018

The Power of Pulling Together

By John B. Lund, President and Chief Executive Officer I recently read an interesting article about the power and majesty of draft horses, which also provided me with a valuable learning example. While the Clydesdales may be the most familiar to many, given their presence in holiday advertising, there are actually several different breeds of draft horses. Weighing up to a ton, these magnificent, muscular animals can pull and move tremendous loads. A single draft horse can haul up to 8,000 pounds. Such strength is difficult to imagine, but the lesson is more effective when I discovered what two horses…