He’s just a 4th grade student now but in the future he may be after Grant Weyman’s job. That’s because Jackson Drake loves to forecast the weather at his elementary school and does an excellent job at it.
Almost everyone resolves to get in shape when a new year comes around, but your financial fitness is just as important. There’s no better time for talking finances with your partner — spouse, family member, boyfriend, girlfriend, or even your live-in canine therapist — about it than now. So here are 10 tips to help your discussion:
- Set a Time
It’s easy to put off these conversations, so mark your calendar and make it a priority. You can also pair it with something fun, like a dinner date. Use our free ABC Deals program to get some cash back for your purchase. - Lose the Distractions
Put away your smartphone, turn off the TV, and sit facing each other. - Come Prepared
Plan ahead and consider productive topics. You can even create a spreadsheet or draw a diagram. - Use Effective Communication
Reflective dialogue — acknowledging the other person’s feelings, displaying sensitivity, asking questions, and listening carefully to answers — is essential. - Talk About the Personal Meaning of Money
It’s important to understand what money means to your partner and how it reflects your own philosophy. Talk about saving, spending, and the importance of good credit. - Set a Realistic Budget
Look at your earnings and expenditures, then create a budget that works for both of you. You can use America First’s Money Manager to accomplish this task. - Focus on Goals, Not Bills
Talking about individual and shared financial goals, rather than bills, will get you both on the same page. - Don’t Keep Secrets
Being open and honest about your finances will lead to success. - Take a Break
Discussing money can be tense and, if things start getting argumentative, take a breather and come back when you’re ready. - Involve the Experts
America First Credit Union offers free recourses like financial counseling. If things become too overwhelming and you need an expert to guide you through your finances, we’re here to help.
At America First, we provide resources such as free online planning and budgeting programs, investment advisors, and free financial counseling. Take advantage of the assistance that’s available to you. And have a happy (financially fit) new year!
A hefty savings account means a lot for our future, financial well-being.
Nicole Cypers with America First Credit Union shares how you can save money to meet your financial goals.
For more information, visit www.americafirst.com.
A mother of five gains guardianship of three children after a tragedy. Now, her new family of 10 is in desperate need, but what they don’t know is they’ll be part of the FOX5 Surprise Squad’s biggest surprise ever! Special thanks to our Surprise Squad partners United Nissan, America First Credit Union, Albertson’s and Vons.
By John B. Lund, President and Chief Executive Officer
I am pleased to report that 2016 was another outstanding year. Your credit union remains safe, strong, well respected, and positioned for a bright and vibrant future.
To be part of a truly outstanding organization and team–that has among its core principles the mission to improve the financial well-being of its members, as well as the communities in which we live and work–is extremely gratifying. We strive to create meaningful relationships by providing relevant and affordable financial solutions for individuals, families, and businesses.
Significant milestones we reached include surpassing $8 billion in assets, growing to over 800,000 members, and opening new locations in Arizona and Idaho. America First is the 11th largest credit union in the nation in terms of assets and 7th most substantial in membership. While size provides critical mass necessary for a complex and changing world, I believe our growth and success reflects the fact that we offer consistent value, convenience, and high levels of service.
Additional highlights of 2016 include:
- We opened new locations in Santa Clara, Washington, Jeremy Ranch, and Traverse Mountain, Utah; Summerlin, Nevada; Boise, Idaho; and Phoenix, Arizona.
- Our first-of-its-kind Innovation Center debuted in Salt Lake’s City Creek Center, showcasing and giving members the opportunity to test and evaluate new technologies and services.
- Superior service scores & measurements continue to be very strong and are among the best in the nation.
- We improved call center systems, resulting in dramatic wait time reduction.
- We received outstanding ratings and reviews from our external auditors and our federal regulator.
- Member-selected personal identification numbers were made available.
- A new & free identity theft recovery service was offered to those who use America First Visa® credit cards. This is in addition to our Card Guard® mobile security app that provides real-time credit and debit card control.
- EMV chip-enabled Visa cards were issued for an extra layer of protection.
- Our Visa cash-back cards featured a higher rebate level and we enhanced the free ABC Dealsâ„¢ program.
- New and improved loan and deposit services for business account holders were delivered.
- We were again recognized as the number-one auto lender in Utah & the top credit union auto lender in Nevada.
- Our tradition of being your premier provider of electronic services continued.
- We developed engaging social media initiatives and demonstrated solid results.
- Many educational programs for students and teachers in our schools were undertaken.
- Our dedication to making significant outreach efforts to the communities we serve was evident, including the donation of time, means, and goods to those in need or those who require a helping hand.
As we look forward, you can be certain that America First will remain committed in our resolve to bring you the very best in financial services. I hope 2017 is a year of peace, productivity, and positive outcomes for you and those you love. Thank you for supporting America First Credit Union. We look forward to a lifelong relationship.
We offer exclusive member discounts on a range of identity theft recovery plans.
And if you have one of our Visa® credit cards, you’ll automatically get basic coverage for free!
This fully managed service includes:
∙ An advocate dedicated to your case
∙ Fraud alerts at the three major credit bureaus
∙ Document replacement & transaction remediation
∙ Continuous credit monitoring
∙ Applicable to IRS-qualified dependents
∙ Many additional benefits
If you’re not carrying Visa from America First, apply today. To learn more about ID theft recovery or to purchase upgraded protection, visit us here.
SALT LAKE CITY — Kids at Meadowlark Elementary got a Christmas surprise a few hours before the start of holiday break.
The doors crashed open to reveal their library makeover.
“Woohoo, let’s go in!” shouted excited students.
They marveled at the new books, paint and furniture. It was such a contrast to their old library.
“It was a pretty barren place,” said principal Heidi Greene. “Our walls were maybe three pastel colors. The books were tattered and worn.”
KSL’s Read Today and High Five teams partnered with the Deseret News to provide a much needed update.
Employees from America First Credit Union helped paint bright colors on the walls.
Element Capital helped donate new tables and comfortable furniture. Read Today donated money for books.
The makeover made their library much more inviting.
A big sponsor in our holiday Box Drop hunt is helping give back in other ways.
Nicole Cypers with America First Credit Union shares how you can help this season.
For more information, visit www.americafirst.com.
America First Credit Union has made it it’s mission to not only serve it’s members with the utmost respect and spectacular service, but to also make the community they serve a better place. One way they do just that is with your monthly Give Back award! Meet this month’s recipient and learn about the incredible work his organization is doing!
This segment is sponsored by America First Credit Union.
The America First Credit Union annual meeting will be held on April 18, 2017 at 7 p.m. in the David S. Eccles Conference Center, Ogden, Utah.
If you cannot attend, you may request an absentee ballot for the Board of Directors election:
·By mail- America First Credit Union, P.O. Box 9199, Ogden, Utah 84409, Attention: Election Committee
·In person- America First Operations Center, 1344 West 4675 South, Riverdale, Utah 84405
Each requires the member’s name, account number & address. All requests must be received by 5 p.m. on February 1, 2017 at either of the above addresses.
Absentee ballots will be mailed in March. Candidates’ names and residences will be featured in an America First publication issued prior to the meeting. Copies of candidates’ qualifications will be available at our branches in April.
Completed ballots must be delivered to America First by 5 p.m. on April 10, 2017. Members receiving them cannot vote at the meeting. To follow is the request form: afcu_digital-ballot