Make the Most of your Home Equity

equity every day, 24/7.

A low-rate America First Home Equity Loan or Line of Credit can turn it into some serious green.

Which means money you can use to finance improvements, make upgrades, go on your dream vacation, consolidate debt — pretty much whatever you need.

With values going up and loan rates staying low, there’s never been a better time to take advantage of these resources.

Apply online here or visit a branch near you for additional information.

Equal Housing & Opportunity Lender.

America First Credit Union Gets ‘Wild About Saving’ During Nation Credit Union Youth Month

Riverdale, Utah –  In celebration of National Credit Union Youth Month and in maintaining its strong dedication to youth financial literacy, America First Credit Union gets ‘Wild About Saving’ with a savings account contest that will run through the month of April, culminating Thursday, April 30.

Members aged zero through 17 who deposit money into a Share Savings Account during the month of April will be entered into eligible drawings for a $25 deposited into their account and $1,000 Coverdell Education Savings Account. Ten winners will receive a $25 deposited into their account and four winners will receive $1,000 deposited into a Coverdell Education Savings Account at America First Credit Union. Winners will be randomly selected from the pool of entrants.

Joining in the ‘Wild About Savings’ theme determined by the Credit Union National Association (CUNA), America First encourages youth members to post on their social media accounts using the dedicated hashtag #AFCUWildAboutSaving for additional entry opportunities.

“It’s so important for our youth to be engaged in a positive path towards savings goals and financial education,” said John B. Lund, president and CEO of America First. “We encourage youth to take advantage of these exciting contests and for parents to take this opportunity to teach their children the importance of saving during National Credit Union Youth Month.” 

For more information, visit www.americafirst.com, America First Credit Union on Facebook, Twitter, @AmericaFirst on Instagram and Pinterest

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Security Update: On Guard against Identity Theft

According to Reuters, millions of people find themselves victims of identity theft every year.

It can happen to anyone, but here are five easy steps you can take to help protect yourself:

  • Do not list your Social Security and driver’s license numbers on your checks.
  • Install antivirus and anti-spyware software on your home computer & mobile devices.
  • Never provide anyone who calls or emails you with your personal or account data. Your credit union will never contact you first and ask you for your information.
  • Never write your Personal Identification Number (PIN) on any card or on a piece of paper kept in your wallet or purse.
  • Shred confidential documents.
  • Choose complex passwords featuring combinations of letters, numbers and special characters.
  • Review your America First accounts regularly with free Online & Mobile Banking.

And be sure to visit us here for more valuable information and tips on how we are working to protect your financial resources.

America First Credit Union Kicks Off 2015 Growth With Opening of Lehi Branch Location

Riverdale, Utah – America First Credit Union will welcome residents of Lehi City with the opening of its newest location at 1238 East Timpanogos Highway in Lehi, Utah on Monday, April 6. The new branch is the 110th location for the credit union servicing Utah and Southern Nevada.

The first branch opening of 2015, the Lehi branch signifies a strong start to the year for the credit union.

Michael Crossley will serve as branch manager of the Lehi location. Crossley began his career with America First Credit Union more than 30 years ago in 1982 when he started at the Ogden Main location as a loan officer trainee. He moved to a management intern position before becoming assistant branch manager at the Layton location. Crossley was then promoted to manager of the Cottonwood branch and also served as manager at the West Valley branch. He has served as manager/market manager of the Orem location since 1993.

With much experience in the credit union industry, Crossley boasts extensive education in many facets related to working in a credit union, including accounting, economics, management and credit union collections. An Ogden, Utah native, Crossley is married to Lu Ann Jordan Crossley and together they have seven children and 14 grandchildren.

A grand opening ribbon cutting will take place on the morning ofMonday, April 27 with celebratory events held April 27 – May 2. The branch is located at 1238 East Timpanogos Highway, Lehi, Utah 84043. Branch hours are Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

For more information, visit www.americafirst.com, America First Credit Union on Facebook, Twitter, @AmericaFirst on Instagram and Pinterest.

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Security Update: Digital Spring Cleaning

To keep your electronic life safe & secure, you can take advantage of the following tips to remove clutter, upgrade technologies, and perform a digital spring cleaning.

1. Get rid of excess files. Go through all of your folders, including the recycle bin, and discard items no longer in use.

2. Organize all forms of media in labeled folders.

3. Streamline your desktop so it isn’t inundated with icons that slow boot-up times.

4. Uninstall programs you never or rarely initiate, reducing the potential for malware.

5. Update your passwords by making them unique, never the same, and having different characters/numbers.

6. Back up important data on a flash drive or with online storage.

7. Consider reinstalling your operating system after everything is backed up.

8. Update your Internet security software with antivirus, antispyware, antiphishing and firewall applications.

9. Defragment your hard drive.

10. Don’t forget your mobile device. Double-check your smartphone and remove unneeded apps.

And be sure to visit us here for information regarding how your credit union can help you guard your resources.

America First CU Helps Special Needs Students Purchase Snow Boots in Financial Literacy Activity

Riverdale, Utah – A true proponent of the credit union philosophy of ‘people helping people,’ America First Credit Union donated funds for snow boots to the students of Transition Academy at Jordan Valley School on 2/3/15. In a learning activity created to teach the students about financial literacy, each student received a VISA gift card for the purchase of snow boots to be used for upcoming school field trips.

Most students in the Transition Academy at Jordan Valley School, which is Canyons District’s school for students with severe disabilities, had never before used a credit or debit card to purchase goods at a store. With a little help from teachers and aides, each student was able to approach a cashier, present the item they sought to purchase and complete the shopping transaction with pre-paid Visa cards provided by America First Credit Union, one of Canyons District’s valued community partners. 

“The learning activity was a complete success,” said Robin Collett, Canyons District’s director of special education. “The thrill of accomplishment was evident in the bright smiles of all the students who were able to participate.”  

Canyons Transition Academy provides students with disabilities the opportunity to make choices in a safe environment with person-centered planning, hands-on training, community access and inclusion in community activities that lead to greater independence for living and employment.

“Thanks to America First Credit Union, which generously sponsored the shopping trip, the students didn’t just get the gift of a new pair of boots that they can wear while learning to ride public transportation, go to the library or visit museums,” said Collett. “Through this experience, they were given a chance to learn some important financial literacy and independent-living skills that are necessary to become productive participants in the community. We can’t thank America First Credit Union enough for helping us to help our students in this way.”

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Security Update: Don’t Fall Victim to Cybercrime

The proliferation of online & electronic scams isn’t slowing down, but there are ways you can avoid becoming a victim.

It’s always a good idea to take the following steps to prevent theft and enhance your safety:

  • Create different passwords for all of your applications and change them frequently.
  • Don’t leave your home computer on all the time — it’s like leaving a door unlocked.
  • Think before you click. Never blindly open attachments or links.
  • Use free antivirus or protective software.
  • Add a firewall to your system to prevent unauthorized users from gaining access.
  • Report any fraud attempt to us by calling 1-800-999-3961, and be sure to file a complaint with the FTC.
  • Regularly check your accounts with free Online & Mobile Banking.
  • Visit us here to see how we’re working to safeguard your resources.