Remember the thrill of getting the high score on a video game? Earning a high credit score can give you that same boost of joy today! We’re back in the studio with your friends Jim and Kristi to talk credit scores: Why they matter, how often to check them, and how to boost yours!  Listen in to learn:  Surprising places that use your credit score to make decisions  The #1 way to build (and maintain) good credit  What contributes to your overall credit score  Where, and how often, to check your credit report Why not to close accounts for credit…

If you’ve ever been caught in a fraudster’s trap, you know all too well what a headache it is to clean up the mess they’ve made!  While Jim and Kristi joke that fraud is one of our favorite topics to talk about, it really is important to us—because the more we can inform members how to stay safe, the better chance you have of staying out of those tricky fraudsters’ traps. Find out from Jim and Kristi:  What to do if your First Education debit card gets compromised—and how we help!  What to do if you’re a victim of identity…

Each spring, we donate all proceeds from our annual fundraiser BBQ and bake sale to the First Education “Kathy Boheler: Building a Better Future” memorial scholarship at Laramie County Community College. Established in memory of our past Vice President of Member Services, the scholarship is an exciting opportunity to support local students as they pursue their dreams through higher education.  Through the generosity of our community and members like you, you’re helping make dreams like these come true: “Becoming a forensic scientist has been a dream of mine since I was in seventh grade, and thanks to your support, l…

With Cheyenne’s economic climate in such a great place, no wonder you’re looking to start a business here!  Jim and Kristi have some wonderful guidance to get you started on the right path, including:  How, and where, to begin your journey An important question to ask yourself about your business right away How to decide between being a sole proprietor or an LLC What business owners need to submit to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) Tap the “play” button to listen to the episode now: Episode resources  Learn more about FinCEN Beneficial Owner Information (BOI)  Be the first to…

Unless you’re expecting their call, it’s unlikely that’s really Microsoft or the IRS on the line.  That’s just one type of scam out right now; Jim and Kristi share several others to look out for in today’s episode, along with:  Tips to safeguard your financial information  The importance of a “credit freeze,” especially for minors Why someone asking you to wire money or send a gift card or check is a red flag How we help you run a fraud check, if you’re worried you may have been scammed Tap the “play” button to listen to the episode now:  Episode…

Great news for Cheyenne’s economic development: Sales tax receipts for the last quarter were 20% higher than they were at the same time last year!  Hear more from Jim and Kristi about what that means for businesses here in Cheyenne in today’s episode, including:  The types of businesses and industries doing well and growing fast in our area  Which local organizations can help your business succeed  Benefits of doing business in Cheyenne  Tap the “play” button to listen to the episode now: Episode resources  Cheyenne LEADS Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce Be the first to hear our next episode We’re so…

One swipe at the wrong ATM or gas pump, and your financial information could go straight into the hands of a scammer.  The devious device responsible is called a “card skimmer,” and today, First Education President Jim Yates and Vice President of Member Services Kristi Barrowman will teach you: What a card skimmer is What happens if you use one Ways to spot a card skimmer device  How to sign up for alerts so you know right away if your info’s been stolen Tap the “play” button to listen to the episode now: Episode resources  Open your AirTeller app or…

You’ll recognize the host’s friendly voice right away: It’s our own Jim Yates, First Education President!  Each episode, you’ll hear from Jim—and other members of the First Education team—on a variety of financial topics, ranging from making the most of your membership, to making the best financial decisions to reach your goals.  For our first episode, Jim welcomes our Vice President of Member Services, Kristi Barrowman, to share the benefits of being a First Education member, including:  What we consider to be our most important role as your credit union How we decide which new services to add for you…

Bring the joy of spring cleaning into your financial house, too! Evaluate your debt load: How much do you owe, and how much are you paying the lenders in interest? Comparison shop what you’re paying in interest with what’s available now, and consider refinancing. Knock out a small debt: Although starting with the highest interest rate makes the most sense mathematically, researchers found that people are more motivated to continue with a debt-reduction plan if they knock out a small debt in its entirety rather than merely a chunk of a bigger one! Update your budget Review your payroll withholding…

There’s nothing like the feeling of a clean, fresh slate to start the new year. Harness that energy into trying out the tips we’ve shared below, and you’re set to have your most fiscally responsible year yet! Tips for Growing Your Savings Regularly add to savings using payroll deduction and flex-spending plans Increase 401(k) contributions with each raise Maintain an emergency fund covering at least three months of expenses; there’s tips for that below! Tips for Managing Your Spending Avoid impulse buys and comparison shop Carry minimal cash Prefer home-cooked meals and plan menus in advance Resist lifestyle inflation Avoid…