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…

Mar 29, 2018

Providing the Service & Support for Your Success

When it comes to finding the right merchant services provider, many business owners think the most important factor is low processing rates. However, there are many other aspects that come into play. Here are some critical features to consider. Support Live, immediate support at any hour of the day is essential because you don’t want to wait for an email reply if your terminal goes down. Your provider should be there when you set things up and remain available for troubleshooting down the road. Security It is imperative to protect your business and your customers from data breaches. Make sure…

Mar 27, 2018

“Give Back” Winners For March 2018

Each month, America First recognizes a local hero or organization in the community doing good deeds. Meet March's "Give Back" Winner from The Care Package Project.For more information about becoming a America First member, visit: AmericaFirst.comTo nominate someone for the "Give Back" award, clickÂ hereSource

Mar 23, 2018

Certificate Account Specifics

Savings accounts are good places to deposit your money, especially if you're with a financial institution that offers competitive dividends. But if you want to take your savings to the next level, consider opening a certificate. These accounts reward long-term planning, and they're one of the easiest & safest investments you can make. How does it work? Certificates are virtually risk free. Funds are insured by the federal government and is held in a similar manner as savings accounts. They are time deposits, meaning you will earn fixed dividends for a pre-determined amount of time, ranging from a couple months…

Mar 22, 2018

The financial steps to take to start your business

Nicole Cypers from America First Credit Union answers another viewer question about finances today. "If Iâ€™m starting my own business, are there steps I need to take financially to get ready?"First, congratulations on starting your own business. Itâ€™s certainly an exciting time and, although it can also be stressful, it doesnâ€™t have to be.First, I would recommend exploring your options for funding your business. Itâ€™s common that a new business may need financial support. Sometimes that can be accomplished by borrowing from friends and family or finding investors but a safe and secure option is to explore options for business loans with…

Mar 16, 2018

Raising the Roof—Increasing Your Credit Limit

A credit card is like a chain saw—if used correctly, it can be a great tool. But if it's mishandled, the results can be disastrous. Increasing your limit is a helpful way to gain more spending power, but it must be done responsibly to gain the benefits. Why should I increase it? If you're a responsible cardholder who regularly pays the entire balance every month, yet still find yourself repeatedly maxing out your card, you may have outgrown your credit line. Increased expenses, after all, are common as people get older, marry & have children. Raising your limit gives you…