Mar 02, 2018

Security Update: It’s Time to Do Some Digital Spring Cleaning

To keep your electronic life secure, use the following tips to remove clutter, upgrade technology—basically, do a digital spring cleaning. Here are 10 simple chores. Get rid of excess files and items. Organize your media in labeled files. Remove unnecessary icons from the desktop. Uninstall programs that aren’t ever utilized. Install antivirus, antispyware, antiphishing and firewall software. Create strong & unique passwords (having different characters/numbers, lowercase/uppercase letters). Back up important data. Perform operating system updates. Defragment your hard drive. Double-check your smartphone and remove unneeded apps. And be sure to visit us here to learn how your credit union is…
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Mar 02, 2018
Cinematic Savings: How to Spend Less at the Movies

Cinematic Savings: How to Spend Less at the Movies

Whether you're looking for a fun popcorn flick or you're anticipating the next Academy Award-winning film, going to the movies is always a good time. Sometimes, however, the scariest thing at the theater isn't on the screen—it's on the receipt. The National Association of Theatre Owners reports that the average ticket price in 2017 was $8.97. That means a family of four will spend over $45 just for the show. If you add popcorn, drinks and candy, the total is closer to $75. But it doesn't have to cost that much. Here are some ways to save. Go early Matinee…
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Mar 01, 2018

Service Excellence Delivers Long-Term Benefits to America First Members

By John B. Lund, President and Chief Executive Officer Dear valued members, I feel fortunate and humbled to be a part of such an outstanding organization and I am pleased to report that 2017 was a period of significant accomplishment. Our credit union is strong, stable, and well-positioned for a bright future. We will work diligently to continue earning your trust and support. Additionally, I am honored to report that Money Magazine recognized America First as Utah’s best financial institution; the following principles illustrate just four of the reasons why: Value: We endeavor to provide relevant products and services in a…
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Feb 23, 2018
Fraud Prevention: Staying Safe on Social Media

Fraud Prevention: Staying Safe on Social Media

Modern email accounts will filter out most phishing attempts and spam messages, but social networking sites like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Snapchat offer scammers a new path to your personal information, financial accounts, and identity. Here are some tips on how to stay safe while using social media. Safe setup No matter which service you're using, check your privacy settings. Facebook, for example, allows you to customize who can see your posts, who can send you friend requests and if you want your profile to show up in search engines. Leaving your profile completely public is like keeping all…
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Feb 16, 2018
Retirement Planning: Pensions & 401(k)s

Retirement Planning: Pensions & 401(k)s

The landscape of retirement financing is changing. While pensions became popular during World War II and were commonplace through the 1980s, 401(k)s are the new normal. But what are the differences? And why would employers choose one over the other? Pension Employment-based pensions, otherwise known as defined benefit plans, are investment portfolios managed by the company. After retiring, eligible employees receive income for the rest of their lives. The annuity amount, or monthly payout, depends on age, salary, and years of employment. These plans reward those who work at one company for an extended time. One reason traditional pensions are…
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Feb 09, 2018
How to Save on Your Hotel Stay

How to Save on Your Hotel Stay

Whether you're planning a romantic getaway or you're taking the whole family on a vacation, lodging can consume a large chunk of your budget if you're not careful. Here are some tips for saving on your next hotel stay. Timing is everything The best way to spend less per night is to go during the off-season. Peak times will vary depending on location. A room at a ski resort will cost a lot less in the summer, for example, but you're going to have a hard time finding inexpensive accommodations on Valentine's Day. This also applies to days of the…
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Feb 02, 2018
What to do Right After a Car Accident

What to do Right After a Car Accident

No matter how safe you’re driving, you can't control anyone else on the road, which means you may still get into an accident. When that time comes, knowing what to do can save you time, money, even additional injuries. Here’s how to proceed immediately after a collision: Step 1: Secure the scene First, don’t leave. Fleeing the scene is a crime and will only get you in more trouble. Move your vehicle to a safe area, such as on the shoulder of the road or a parking lot. If your car is immovable, turn on the hazard lights and stay…
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Feb 01, 2018

Better Money Management

Many of us resolve to practice better money-management when a new year gets under way, but by maximizing your membership in America First, you can truly reach those goals. We offer several free, state-of-the-art services to monitor, track & control your funds, such as: Money Manager—easy, intelligent online budgeting FICO® Scores—check your credit any time with free online banking Account alerts—stay informed about balances, transactions, deposits and loan payments Card Guard®—set transaction limits, approve merchants & turn your America First Visa® cards on and off Click here to learn how these and other premier tools can enhance your financial health.
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Feb 01, 2018

Avoiding Tax Season Tricks

The middle of April might feel as though it’s ages away, but the tax deadline will soon be upon us—and so will the online scams. According to the Federal Trade Commission, the country experienced a 50% hike in reported identity theft crimes since 2015, including those related to someone filing a false tax return in a stolen name. To follow are some timely tips to prevent fraud during the coming months and throughout the year: Officials recommend doing your taxes as soon as possible. The Internal Revenue Service only accepts one return per Social Security number. If yours is in…
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