Tag: Articles

Checking Pinterest & Instagram is a great way to find fun ideas for kids' birthday parties, but it's easy to be overwhelmed when you see how much other people are spending. There's no need to take out a loan for your next bash, however. Here are ten tips on how to save while celebrating. Themes - Decide with your child what kind of party is ideal. Picking a theme helps keep you focused on what you need to buy. Find inexpensive treats, decorations, games and party favors that fit. A little creativity can go a long way and make the…

When it comes to banking, the two most common accounts are checking & savings. Some think they're interchangeable, but understanding the differences can help you earn more and ensure funds are available when you need them most. Regarding Spending Savings is the basic building block for financial well-being. As the name suggests, it's a safe place to store your money for a rainy day. Most credit unions, including America First, require a savings account for membership. Because these are funds that should be set aside for later, accessing the account isn't as easy as swiping a card at a gas…

For boat owners, one of the year's saddest days is their last on the water. Proper winterizing, however, can prevent further gloom when the season finally rolls around again. Many watercrafts suffer unnecessary and costly winter damage due to neglectful storage. We can help you protect your nautical investment and save you money with the advice below. Inspect the exterior Once your boat is on land, scrub the hull with soap & water, then scrape off any barnacles or plant life. Keep an eye out for any stress cracks or blisters in the body and repair them. If your hull…

Some people have never gone on a cruise because they think it's too expensive. However, when you consider that the room, the food, and the entertainment are all included with the price of your ticket, the cost is comparable to other vacations. If you want to save some additional money on your nautical voyage, here are some tips. Right place, right time Cruises range from luxury liners to economy trips—and the cost can vary even more depending on the time of year. Decide where and when you'd like to travel, then look for the cruise line that will give you…

Swipe, dip, tap, insert. It can be confusing when you approach the check-out counter, but contactless payments are now a popular way to transmit funds. And if you think making purchases with your phone is something for a far-off future, the ability is probably in your hands right now. The technology behind it To understand how this process works, you first must be familiar with radio-frequency identification, or RFID. This technology uses a memory chip to store data and an antenna to send information to a reader when they are in close proximity. Examples include security tags on clothing in…

Just because breakfast is the most important meal of the day doesn't mean it also needs to be the most expensive. Whether you're cooking for one or feeding a horde of children, here are some ways to save some money every morning. Make a Menu Grabbing whatever you can find as you're rushing out the door is not only unhealthy, it can cost you. Create a weekly menu so you're not buying too much at the grocery store. Identify where you can utilize an ingredient in multiple meals, like spinach for a dinner salad as well as your morning smoothie.…

The concept of cryptocurrency can be fairly confusing to those who are just hearing about it. After all, words like Bitcoin, blockchain and mining sound like they belong in a video game rather than the financial sector. If you've ever wondered what this world is all about, here's a brief introduction. What is cryptocurrency? In the simplest of terms, cryptocurrency, or crypto, is virtual money. It only exists electronically. Bitcoin is the most popular, but there are thousands of others, with names like Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, Feathercoin and TRON. Users can't make their own Bitcoins, but anyone with the know-how…

If you're searching for a new hobby, cycling is a fun & healthy choice. But if you're going to take it seriously—even train for races such as the Tour of Utah—you're going to spend some money. Here's a brief cost overview: The bicycle itself ($500 - $2,000) Absolutely the most expensive component. Road bikes are far more aerodynamic and lighter than those made for trails. High-end models are also more expensive because they have carbon fiber and titanium construction. Those you see in the Tour de France run around $12,000, but that’s certainly not necessary for those on the entry…

Credit cards may have an iffy reputation, but the truth is that they're beneficial financial tools if you make wise choices. They can boost your credit score, bring some cash back, and generate rewards. Use them carelessly and you'll pay for it—literally. Here are some best practices. Maintain zero balances Treat your credit cards like personal loans to yourself. Don't spend more than you have. Carrying a balance means you're being charged interest, which is money you don't need to spend. Pay in full and on time every month to avoid this cost. If that's not possible, at least submit…