May 04, 2018

Financial Lessons from Han Solo

Han Solo is one of the most iconic characters to come from the Star Wars universe. And while we certainly don't advocate every action of this famous fictional smuggler, here are some financial lessons we can learn from the captain of the Millennium Falcon. Pay Your Debts When we first meet Han in Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, he's already in trouble. He has a price on his head because he owes a lot of money to the infamous gangster, Jabba the Hutt. Han is constantly looking over his shoulder, worried that one of Jabba's bounty hunters…

May 02, 2018

Volunteers Ensure Value is Delivered to the Members of America First Credit Union

By John B. Lund,Â President & CEO On April 17, America First Credit Union held our 79th Annual Meeting. It is a privilege to be associated with a member-owned cooperative that has endured and thrived for nearly eight decades by assisting families and businesses in achieving financial well-being. Certainly, one reason for this longevity is our unique structure and leadership. We are fortunate to have a volunteer Board of Directors, comprised of individuals who serve without compensation to ensure that we deliver relevant products and services in a convenient, professional manner; that we help simplify your busy lives; and that we…

Apr 27, 2018

What parents need to know about opening a bank account kids

If you think your child is ready to take the next step from their piggy bank, to their own bank account, there are a couple things you need to know. Nicole Cypers from America First Credit Union joined us to explain the process and what parents need to know when opening up an account for their child. The process isnâ€™t much different than what adults go through when they become a member at America First. Nicole explained that their youth savings accounts feature no annual fees or minimum-deposit levels, competitive dividends, flexible terms and free online access. They also provide youth funds cards along…

Apr 27, 2018

Six Powerful Financial Gems

In the Marvel film Avengers: Infinity War, a team of superheroes must try to stop the evil Thanos from finding and collecting the six infinity stones: space, mind, reality, power, time & soul. Each of these gems has a special power that gives the holder certain gifts. And if all the gems are combined on the Infinity Gauntlet, the wearer will be virtually unstoppable. Therefore, in the spirit of comic book lore, here are six financial gems you can wield to gain ultimate power over your money. Space In the comics, the Space stone allows the user to teleport themselves…

Apr 20, 2018

Here’s What to Do If Your Credit Card Is Stolen

If your credit card is stolen, don’t go into a panic. It's normal to feel angry or vulnerable, but keeping a level head and acting quickly will lessen potential financial injury. In fact, America First members have zero fraud liability if you quickly let us know about the situation. Here's what to do if your credit card is missing. See if you can find it First, determine if you’re the victim of theft or you just misplaced your card. Retrace your steps and think of the last place you used it. Log in to your account and look at recent…

Apr 13, 2018

Five Wise Ways to Use Your Tax Refund

If you're expecting a tax refund, it may be tempting to blow it all on hats or a gold-plated gadget, but there is a better use. After all, this isn't a bonus from your company; it's your money that the government borrowed and they're giving it back to you. Using these funds wisely can alleviate stress and increase your sense of well-being. Here are five smart ways to make the most of your refund. Invest This isn't limited to stocks & bonds, although it's not a bad idea to enter the market. Investing in certificate accounts is a safe way…

Apr 06, 2018

Pack it Up: How to Save When You Move

No matter what your plans are, when you move it will always come with a price. If you do it yourself, it's going to cost a lot more time. When you hire professionals, it means spending more money. It's important to determine what’s of value to you. Regardless of the method you choose, here are some ways to save. Getting Movers Create a budget beforehand. Figure out all the pre-moving expenses and what it will take to get your new place up and running. Check prices online and get quotes from at least three companies. Be sure to clarify if…

Apr 01, 2018

Take Control of Your Finances

We all want to improve & maintain our financial health. And with America First membership, you can use the following free services to accomplish that goal: FICO® Scores—check your credit at any time using free online banking Money manager—a convenient tool that tracks spending & saving in one place, even listing accounts at other institutions Account e-alerts—custom notifications regarding transactions Card Guard®—turn your Visa® on and off with this mobile app No matter what objectives are, let America First help you achieve them. Get started today.

Apr 01, 2018

Now Is the Best Time to Benefit from America First Home Loans

With interest rates set to rise, now’s the perfect time to build, buy or refinance your home with America First. Competitive options Flexible terms & schedules All your financial solutions under one roof Build—with quick & easy financing, you can create the perfect home at your preferred price. Customized to your needs Discounts for bundling construction/home loans Simple & convenient draw process Buy—when you find your dream home, get hassle-free lending from a financial institution you trust. Perfect for move-in-ready properties Options with no closing costs Step-by-step notifications Refi—enjoy lower monthly payments while freeing up some extra funds. Fixed rates…

Apr 01, 2018

Security: Spring Cleaning

It’s the season to de-clutter, upgrade technologies and streamline security—a spring-cleaning project for your digital life. To follow are some tips for getting it done: Go through your computer & devices, discard old files and empty the recycle bin. Organize your media in labeled folders. Uninstall programs you don’t use to speed things up and bock malware potential. Reinstall your operating system. Back up important data. Update security software, including antivirus, anti-spyware and anti-phishing programs. Set up a firewall—major search engines can tell you how. Sort through your email and toss out messages that aren’t relevant. And finally, visit us…