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…

Mar 09, 2018

Birthday Freebies—Celebrate with Deals Just for You

Eating out on your birthday doesn't have to cost a lot of money. Many restaurants offer free food or drinks when you sign up for their lists or loyalty clubs, and all it costs is getting some emails. You can even create folders specifically for these deals so the marketing messages don't overwhelm your primary account. And you don't have to visit all of these places in one day, either—that would be deliciously impractical. Most discounts won't expire for a week or two and some are good for your entire birth month. These birthday offerings are subject to change, though,…

Mar 08, 2018

America First Credit Union Holds Free “Shred-Your-Stuff Saturday” this weekend Shred Day held at multiple branches in Nevada, Utah Saturday, March 10

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: America First Credit Union Holds Free “Shred-Your-Stuff Saturday” this weekend Shred Day held at multiple branches in Nevada, Utah Saturday, March 10 America First Credit Union – (Thursday, March 8, 2018) – Dedicated to providing services that enhance security and support financial well-being for its members, America First Credit Union will hold a free shred day this Saturday, March 10, from 9 a.m. to noon, or until the truck is full. Patrons may bring financial documents and personal information for shredding at no cost to any one of the following branch locations: Las Vegas Craig Road Branch 1225…

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…

Mar 02, 2018

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…

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 Utahâ€™s best financial institution; the following principles illustrate just four of the reasons why: Value:Â We endeavor to provide relevant products and services in a…

Feb 23, 2018

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…

Feb 16, 2018

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…