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,”…

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…

Enter our “Cowboy Summer” raffle for a chance to win gift cards, night show tickets, and more!  This year’s raffle proceeds benefit the Kathy Boheler: Building a Better Future scholarship, established at Laramie County Community College in honor of our past Vice President of Member Services.  For each $10 raffle ticket you purchase, you’ll get one entry into the raffle. One winner, drawn on July 16, will receive: 2 CFD night show tickets for Cody Johnson on July 25$100 gift card to The Brown and Gold Outlet$25 gift card to The Albany$25 gift card to The Paramount Café$25 gift card…

Effective 6/1/2021, individuals entering the credit union will no longer be required to wear face coverings. However, we strongly recommend anyone who is not fully vaccinated to wear a face covering whenever you cannot maintain at least 6′ distancing from others. Please continue to practice good personal hygiene including washing your hands often and if you are not feeling well or think they may have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19 or other contagious disease stay home and contact a healthcare provider. Thank you for your support in our continuing effort to keep everyone healthy.

In its inception, Bitcoin was a good idea; a medium of exchange that could be used across the internet with an understood value independent of national authority.  It was meant to be isolated from the economic, social, and political forces that cause fluctuations in national currencies and avoid the messiness of exchange rates. This is not what it is today.  Bitcoin is not a currency because it is not a medium of exchange.  Many have tried to make it so but even Tesla recently stopped accepting Bitcoin for vehicle purchases.  It is now only discussed in relation to it value…