Feb 09, 2018

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…

Feb 02, 2018

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…

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.

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…

Feb 01, 2018

Guest Commentary: All Indicators are Positive for Continued Economic Growth

By Glen Olpin,Â Senior Vice Presidentâ€”Chief Economist February of 2018 marks the 104th straight month of national economic recovery. This period of economic improvement may be the longest, yet weakest on record, but there are no signs of a slowdown on the horizon. Utah and neighboring Intermountain West states are experiencing stronger overall growth than the national average. Nationwide strength in economic growth as measured by gross domestic product (GDP) was recently reported for 2017; we expect continued strength throughout this year. Businesses have acted cautiously during the latest cycle of an improving economy; however, recent measures assessing the commercial sector…

Feb 01, 2018

Get Some Additional Cash Back and Get the Perks You Deserve

For a limited time, when you transfer balances from other institutions to Visa® from America First, we'll pay you 3% of that amount! And you’ll get: Additional cash back with free ABC Deals™ Free Card Guard® mobile security & fraud protection Free identity theft recovery services Much more Plus, our cards always deliver: Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase Exclusive deals & discounts Free Picture Perfect™ customization Apply today. Eligibility & conditions apply.

Jan 26, 2018

Understanding Auto Insurance

After buying a new or used vehicle, your next step should be getting it insured. Auto insurance, after all, can save you a lot of money on repairs, hospital stays, and even property damage. Most states require drivers to carry insurance, but it's important to understand what you'll need before you hit the road. Here are the main auto policy categories. Liability This pays for the other person's damage and injuries when an accident is your fault. If the accident is caused by the other driver, his or her liability insurance pays for your repairs and medical bills. Getting this…

Jan 19, 2018

Five Steps to Take Before Buying a Used Car

It's an exciting experience to buy a used car—especially when you finally find the make, model & color you want—at a price that looks like a good deal. However, before you get caught up in the process and sign the paperwork, here are five steps you should take. Do your research Don't make a final decision the first time you visit a dealership or private seller. First, look up the vehicle online and, if applicable, the dealer. Use NADA or similar guides to check the value and read what others who own the same type of car are saying. You…

Jan 12, 2018

Take Control to Achieve Financial Well-Being

Good financial health doesn't just happen—you must take an active role to have stability and success. But gaining control of your money isn't as difficult as it may seem. Here are four simple things you can do: Follow a budget You don't need a complex algorithm from a popular financial website—find a budget that works for your lifestyle. It could be an Excel spreadsheet, allocating cash envelopes to each family member, or just using a pen & paper. America First's money manager is a free online tool that intuitively tracks, provides a plan to deal with debt, and automatically categorizes…

Jan 05, 2018

Stay Healthy, Save Money

You probably know someone who’s sick because we’re right in the middle of cold & flu season. And since illness usually means spending hard-earned cash on doctor visits and medications, staying healthy can save you money. Here are some tips: Keep things clean First and foremost, wash your hands regularly—especially before eating. Experts recommend using soap & warm water for 20 to 30 seconds, then thoroughly drying. Carry hand sanitizer for when you don't have quick access to a faucet. But even when you think your hands are clean, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as much as possible,…