Aug 03, 2018

Smart Spending: Use Credit Cards Wisely

Credit cards may have an iffy reputation, but the truth is that they're beneficial financial tools if you make wise choices. They can boost your credit score, bring some cash back, and generate rewards. Use them carelessly and you'll pay for it—literally. Here are some best practices. Maintain zero balances Treat your credit cards like personal loans to yourself. Don't spend more than you have. Carrying a balance means you're being charged interest, which is money you don't need to spend. Pay in full and on time every month to avoid this cost. If that's not possible, at least submit…

Aug 01, 2018

Security Update: Guarding Against Cybercrime

No matter the season and regardless of the economic environment, there are always criminals looking to perpetrate fraud. It can happen to anyone at any time, but here are five easy steps you can take to help protect yourself: Don’t include your Social Security and driver’s license numbers on any identifying documents Never write your PIN on cards or papers in your immediate possession Destroy confidential documents—click this link for a free shredding schedule Choose strong passwords with different letters, numbers and special characters Review your America First statements with free online & mobile banking Visit us here for news…

Aug 01, 2018

Ensuring Member Success Creates A Vital Credit Union

By Rex Rollo, Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer In a beautiful poem titled "A Nation's Strength," Ralph Waldo Emerson reveals the true measure of any country's success. His verse, consisting of only six stanzas, has a deep and clear message. Emerson suggests it is the people of a society "not its might, riches or natural resources” that make it strong. Here at America First, we realize our health & stability are derived from the same source: the families & businesses we serve. This knowledge forms the basis of our motto, Members come first. Further, the credit union's mission statement declares…

Jul 27, 2018

Traditional vs. Roth IRAs

Individual retirement accounts, or IRAs, are a way people can save money specifically for when they leave the workforce. The two primary types of retirement accounts are traditional and Roth. Here's a quick rundown of the differences between these options. Traditional With traditional IRAs, you normally won't pay taxes until you withdraw the money. Some or all of your contributions may be tax deductible, depending on your gross adjusted income, and your earnings can also grow in a tax-deferred environment. Any money you put into a traditional IRA will lower your taxable income that year, which could help you qualify…

Jul 20, 2018

All-Wheel Savings: Caring for Your Car Tires

You should always take care of your wheels—and we're not just talking about the car itself—because it will save you money in several ways. Properly maintained tires get better mileage, so you'll spend less on gas. Regular checks and rotations will help them last longer and prevent blowouts, which could cause costly damage to your vehicle and potential injury. Here are some tips on how to take care of your ride: Monitor the Pressure Air pressure is measured in pounds per square inch or PSI. The PSI number on the sidewall is the maximum amount of pressure, and therefore should…

Jul 13, 2018

Tips to opening a bank account for your teen

Nicea visited America First Credit Union to help her daughter Natalie get set up with her first checking account! It only takes 15 minutes to create an account. All you need is at least one dollar and a valid form of identification. If you want to create an account visit your local America First Credit Union Branch. To find a branch near you visit americafirst.com. Source

Jul 13, 2018

Moving Out & the Cost of Independence

Living on your own is an essential part of growing up, but it comes with a price and independence isn't cheap. If you're thinking of moving out, here are some costs to consider. This isn't intended to scare you, but rather prepare you for the budget realities you'll face. Housing One of the biggest monthly expenses is your rent or mortgage payment. The average one-bedroom apartment in downtown U.S. cities can range from $600 to over $3,500, depending on where you live. Some places also require security deposits, as well as first & last months' rent. Plus, if it's unfurnished,…

Jul 06, 2018

Fraud Prevention: Avoiding Phone Scams

While many criminals are online stealing information, thousands are still affected by phone scams every year. Here are some tips to avoid being victimized. Be Skeptical Getting a call from a number you don't recognize naturally raises skepticism. That's good. Treat any unsolicited call as a potential threat. However, some scammers spoof numbers, so the call appears as if it's coming from someone you know or a business you've worked with before. Stay on guard and spot red flags early. Listen Closely There are a few ways to identify phone scams. If the caller repeatedly tells you to trust him…

Jul 01, 2018

Security Update: How to Reduce the Rising Risk of Identity Theft

No matter the month, cyber criminals are always busy. But during the summer, when families are on vacation or enjoying weekend getaways, they step up attacks on consumers around the globe. According to experts, no one is immune to this phenomenon but there are ways to minimize your risk: Be overly careful about clicking on links and attachments you didn’t request and/or don’t recognize. Limit the amount of sensitive data stored on your devices. Use free online & mobile banking for real-time transaction and account monitoring. Don’t geotag photos on Facebook. Restrict the personal information you post on any social…

Jul 01, 2018

Remembering

By John B. Lund,Â President & Chief Executive Officer I was recently in a meeting during which our group leader discussed the importance and value of remembering where we came from, those who were a positive influence, and those helping to shape who we are. After some introductory comments, he turned the time over to us, allowing many to share their meaningful memories. It was an especially uplifting and motivational experience to hear heartfelt stories of parents, teachers, coaches, friends, even brief acquaintances and others observed from a distance. This exercise stirred recollections of my own, some of which I hadn’t…