Supply chain snarls mean everyone is on the hunt for the things they want — maybe even need.  Plus, many people have extra cash from the stimulus payments and being stuck at home and they are shopping online more than ever.  Nearly 90% of Americans say they will do some of their holiday shopping online.  This means this holiday season could be especially lucrative for fraudsters.  It is very easy and cheap to set up fake online stores and they can promise to sell you anything.  They get card, name, address, and phone information on hundreds of consumers and then…

Every first Thursday in May, we celebrate World Password Day: An occasion to implement (or brush up on) good password habits to protect your digital information. Not even the best security measures will keep your data safe if someone (or something) guesses your password.  Here are our recommendations to make your passwords less vulnerable.  Let’s start with the “do’s” of a good password. DO use multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever available. DO increase the length to create stronger passwords. DO change your password whenever you think it may have been compromised. What are some password “don’ts”? DON’T use names or dates associated…

Here in Wyoming, most of us are familiar with snowy weather and can handle it without much thought.   However, the cyber storm that started forming just before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine—and then exploded after—is unfamiliar to most, and possibly more devastating. The attacks on Russia’s computer and communications networks by the western computer/technology community, from Microsoft to individual hackers, have shown how effective cyberwarfare can be.  There are also signs of how effective a counterattack could be.   It is easy to think that we, meaning individuals in the middle of America and small institutions like First Education, will not be…

Don’t fall victim to a fraud! Here are 10 tips to outsmart even the trickiest tricksters.  1. Spot Imposters. Scammers often pretend to be someone you trust, like a government official, a family member, a charity, or a company you do business with. Don’t spend money or give out personal information in response to an unexpected request, whether it comes as a text, a phone call, or an email.  2. Conduct Smart Searches. Not sure if a message or email is the real deal? Type the company or product name into your favorite search engine along with words like “review,”…

If you’re making a (financial end-of-year) list, and checking it twice, you’re well on your way to making the next year nice. Here are 9 things to do for better finances in 2022. 1. Check your credit at annualcreditreport.com   Report any errors you find Pay off any negative things you see, or ask for settlements 2. Review all of your accounts.   Go online, or get out those paper statementsMake note of all automatic withdrawals (memberships, subscriptions, streaming services, etc.) and any fees; you’ll need these for step 3 and step 4  3. Review your subscriptions. Review the information you gathered about…

Joining fellow Wyoming credit unions and partners statewide, First Education recently donated to the Wyoming Hunger Initiative’s project to eliminate school lunch debt for Wyoming students.  In total, the project—”Wyoming Angel Accounts”—eliminated 99,485.61 in meal debt for 3,224 Wyoming children.  We are so thankful to live in a state with wonderful programs like the Wyoming Hunger Initiative, led by First Lady Jennie Gordon, and for the opportunity to take part in a project with such far-reaching effects as this.

Ten seconds out of your day could lead to hundreds of dollars in savings this year!  If you’ve got 10 seconds, why not… Unsubscribe from promo emails as soon as you receive them. Unfollow your favorite brands and influencers that sell to you.Reflect on your goals any time you’re about to make an impulse buy.Check your credit score as one measure of your financial health.Start using your debit card as a debt-avoidance tactic.Get comfortable saying “no” to invitations to expensive engagements.Choose non-brand-name items at the store.Use the library or start a book exchange.Remember that numbers, like your income and debt, don’t…

Want to skip the October, November, or December payment on your qualifying loan(s)*? We’ll deduct your loan processing fee ($30 per loan) right from your Share Savings, or, if you prefer, you may pay by check.  This year, a portion of all Holiday Skip a Payment loan processing fees will go to the Boys and Girls Club of Cheyenne.  If your loan payment is normally made via payroll deduction, the total monthly payment amount will be credited to your Share Account in the month following the month you elected to skip.  All loan payments must be current to qualify, and…

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month: A great reminder to “Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart.” “At First Education Federal Credit Union, we take cybersecurity very seriously,” said First Education President Jim Yates. “We believe protecting our members’ personal information is just as important, if not more important, than protecting their money.” What is Cybersecurity Awareness Month? Held every October, Cybersecurity Awareness Month raises awareness about the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks.  This united effort (of which First Education is proud to be a 2021 Champion) helps maintain a safe, resilient cyberspace for everyone to use.  Cybersecurity Awareness…

Along with providing sound financial services, “People Helping People” is what First Education is all about.  We try to promote this in every aspect of life, including providing sponsorships for the local events and programs listed below. “Student of the Week” program Recently, First Education was recognized by the Laramie County School District 1 (LCSD1) Board of Trustees for supporting the Student of the Week Program.   This is a program we are proud to sponsor. It not only highlights the people that are going to be our leaders, but also shows the results of the hard work our teachers and…