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…

A student puts fuel in his car before leaving home for college Skimmers are devices that are illegally installed on ATMs, gas pumps and any other point-of-sale terminals to capture debit and credit card information and record PINs.  The FBI estimates skimming costs financial institutions and consumers more than $1 billion a year, with some of those incidences happening right here in Cheyenne. According to law enforcement, debit card skimming grew at an unprecedented rate of 368% from 2021 to 2022, and the first half of 2023 trended even higher. So, how can you avoid having your card information stolen?…

If you’re making a (financial end-of-year) list, and checking it twice, you’re well on your way to making your next year nice. Here are 9 things to do for better finances this year. (Our tip: Commit to completing two steps each month, starting in January. By summer, you’ll be in great shape!) 1. Check your credit at annualcreditreport.com   Report any errors you find  Pay off any negative things you see, or ask for settlements Learn more about credit report best practices—and how our team can help you make the most of your credit report—here. 2. Review all of your accounts.  …

Attention parents! Have you ever thought about your child’s credit report? While we often monitor our own credit, our children’s credit is sometimes overlooked, making them vulnerable to identity theft. Many incidents of identity theft can go unnoticed for years, often only emerging when the affected child applies for college financial aid. To prevent this, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to protect their future financial integrity. One of the best steps you can take is to place a credit freeze on your minor child’s reports with all three major credit bureaus. Federal Trade Commission – Consumer Advice This process,…