Financial Wisdom
At American First our goal is to provide the best service to our members. Part of our promise is providing education and resources to assist members in making wise financial decisions. Click on the links below to read articles on a variety of topics.
Credit Cards
Evaluating Credit Cards
Guidelines for First Time Credit Card Users
Pay More than the Credit Card Minimum
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Financial Planning / Retirement
Financial Planning Basics
Four Components of a Financially Secure Retirement
Good Retirement Planning News
How Long Will My Money Last?
Positioning Your Financial Future
Rethinking Retirement
Retirement Benefits from Social Security
Seven Ways to Plan for Retirement
Understanding the Social Security System
Wise Retirement Investments
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General Financial Information
Benefits of a Good Credit Report
Developing a Financial Strategy
Does Debt Consolidation Make Sense?
Eight Steps to Simplify Your Finances
Handling Your Finances in Volatile Times
How Does Inflation Impact Your Finances?
Importance of Financial Literacy
Important People and Information
Inventory Your Belongings
Mistake - Not Monitoring Progress
Monitoring Your Monthly Spending
No Summer Vacation for Your Finances
Putting Financial Risks into Perspective
Reduce Your Financial Anxiety
Reducing Your Debt Burdens
Review Your Social Security Record
Reviewing Distribution Options
Review Your Credit Report
Ten Reasons to Consider Online Banking
The Federal Reserve and Interest Rates
The Psychology of Handling Your Finances
Tips for Organizing Important Papers
Two Easy Steps to Make Your Finances Easier
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Loans
Be Interest Rate Wise
Developing and Using a Wise Borrowing Strategy
Interest Rates and Other Measurements
Preparing to Borrow for Individuals
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Privacy and Security
ATM Security and You
Prevent Identity Theft
Beware of Internet Risks
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Real Estate
Accumulating a Down Payment on a House
Before Buying Your First House
Consider Refinancing Regardles of Rates
Evaluating Mortgage Types
Home Equity Loans
Mistake - Not Understanding Tax Implications of Home Ownership
Should You Refinance Your Home Mortgage?
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Savings
Deposit Insurance from NCUA
Do Not Ignore IRAs
IRA and 401K Contributions
IRA or Roth IRA
IRAs for Teens
Maximize your IRA
Taking Money out of Your IRA
Building a Ladder of Saving Certificates
Building a Savings Nest-Egg
Sooner Rather than Later
The Wonder of Compound Interest
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Youth Accounts
Build a Solid Credit History
Building Your Financial Literacy
Buying Your First Car
Defining and Setting Goals for a Good Financial Life
Establishing a Relationship with a Financial Institution
Establishing Good Financial Habits
Filing your First Income Tax Return
Filling out the Paperwork for your First Job
Fundamentals of Borrowing
Getting and Using Your First Credit Card
Have a Financial Strategy
Have an Organized Financial System
Keeping Your Financial Life Simple
Make Your Money Work for You
Measure Your Financial Progress
Planning for Major Purchases or Expenses
Preparing Your First Budget
Starting on the road to Financial Security
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