First Priority Credit Union

During times of financial uncertainty, it’s normal to fret about the safety of your own money. Naturally, you want to be absolutely sure that your own savings will be secure, even in times of financial crisis.

Credit unions offer unique advantages that can provide greater security and peace of mind during financial downturns. Here’s why a credit union can be a better choice than a bank during a financial crisis.

Member-owned and operated

One of the primary differences between credit unions and banks is their ownership structure. Credit unions are member-owned cooperatives. This means that, when you open a share account at a credit union, you become a part-owner. In contrast, banks are typically owned by shareholders who may not even be customers of that bank.

During a financial crisis, this member-owned model can work in your favor. Credit unions prioritize the needs and interests of their members instead of focusing on maximizing profits for shareholders. This often translates into more personalized service and policies aiming to support members through tough economic times.

Nonprofit status

Credit unions operate as not-for-profit organizations. Unlike banks, which seek to generate profits to pay their shareholders and board members, credit unions reinvest surplus earnings back into the institution and their member-owners. This reinvestment can take the form of lower fees, better earnings rates on share accounts and lower loan rates.

In times of financial crisis, these benefits can be crucial. Lower fees and better rates mean you can keep more of your money and reduce the cost of borrowing. This can be especially beneficial if you need a loan to manage financial difficulties or if you want to maximize your returns.

Greater stability and lower risk

Credit unions and banks are both insured, with most banks insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) for up to $250,000 per customer. Most credit unions are similarly insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) for up to $250,000, and many are privately insured, too. However, banks are more likely to have extremely large depositing customers that fall well beyond the insured amount. This can leave the banks scrambling if many wealthy customers withdraw their uninsured funds during a financial crisis.

In addition, credit unions tend to take lower risks compared to banks. They maintain conservative lending practices and focus on member services rather than profit.

Stronger community ties

Credit unions are typically community-focused institutions. They often have strong ties to the local areas they serve and a deep understanding of the specific financial needs of their members. This community focus can translate into more tailored and supportive services during a financial crisis.

Personalized service

Having access to personalized, empathetic service can make a big difference in a financial crisis. Credit unions, with their smaller size and member-focused approach, are often able to provide more personalized service compared to large, impersonal banks. In addition, credit union staff is typically more accessible and willing to work with members on an individual basis to find solutions to financial problems.

Better loan terms

Credit unions typically offer more favorable loan terms than banks, which can be particularly advantageous during a financial crisis. Lower interest rates, reduced fees and more flexible terms can make it easier to manage debt and maintain financial stability.

If you’re worried about a financial crisis, rest assured, your money is safe with us here at .

Get ready for big savings on big-ticket items this September! Retailers want to bring the crowds back after the big back-to-school storm has passed, and to clear the shelves before the holiday season blows in. All that, plus the Labor Day sales, means big savings in September – but not on everything. Here’s what to buy and what to skip in September.

Buy: Mattresses and bedding

Mattress sales give Labor Day its awesome name, and for good reason. Get crazy-deep discounts on mattresses this month at almost any retailer that sells them. Top off the deal with some bedding and bath supplies, which are also selling at bargain prices.

Skip: Halloween costumes and decor

Retailers will have you thinking Halloween is tomorrow, but you have plenty of time to prep for Oct. 31. Though Halloween costumes and decor will hit the stores this month, hold off on buying them until October rolls around for some scary-low discounts.

Buy: Airfare

The best deals on plane tickets usually show up eight weeks before the travel date, and for Thanksgiving, that means buying tickets in September. Look out for deals on tickets at the end of the month to save big on your travel plans.

Skip: Autumn wear

It’s too early in the season for slashed prices on clothing. You can pick up some essentials if you must, but you’re best off waiting until October or November to shop for your complete autumn wardrobe at sizzling-hot prices.

Buy: Plants

Hold onto summer a bit longer with some vibrant greenery. All summer plants, trees and shrubs will be retailing at dirt-cheap prices this month as garden centers make room for autumn and holiday plants. This can be a terrific time to upgrade your property’s landscaping with some perennials.

Skip: Electronics

Labor Day might bring some incredible deals on big-ticket items, but electronics aren’t one of them. Instead, TVs, headphones, audio systems and more tend to see their lowest prices during Black Friday sale events.

Buy: Denim

Jeans are a hot item during back-to-school shopping. Come September, retailers will slash prices to unload any unsold inventory.

Use this guide to know what to buy and what to skip in September.

Your Turn: Have you picked up any great bargains in September? Tell us about them in the comments.

We are closed today. Have a great Labor Day!

We will be closed Monday September 2 for Labor Day. Have a great labor day weekend!

Have you won a lottery you don’t remember entering? Got a hot tip you didn’t ask for? Found your dream partner … but they need money? All these are forms of the advance fee scam, and you’re about to lose money. Watch out for these, as well as job offers and online sales that don’t pass the sniff test. Verify where they’re coming from, don’t use untraceable payments, don’t fall for pressure tactics and read the ads for spelling and grammar issues. If you fall for one, contact your financial institution, report the scam, alert your friends and family and keep a close eye on your accounts.

The Google Voice verification scam can result in a lot of inconvenience and possible identity theft. Here’s all you need to know about Google Voice verification scams and how to stay safe.

How does the scam play out?

It all starts with a scammer contacting a target under the impression of responding to an online ad or inquiry the target has posted. The scammer expresses interest in buying an item the target is selling. To verify the victim’s legitimacy, they’ll claim they need to send a Google Voice verification code. They’ll ask the victim to share this code with them. What they are really doing is using the victim’s code to set up a Google Voice account in the victim’s name. Once they have this account, they’ll use it to carry out additional scams, masking their identity behind this phone number.

Protect yourself

Follow these tips to protect yourself from falling victim to this scam:

Understand how the scam works
Be aware that no legitimate transaction or interaction requires you to share a verification code sent to your phone by Google. If someone asks for this code, it’s a huge red flag!

Do not share verification codes
Giving verification codes to someone else can grant them access to your personal accounts or allow them to set up new accounts in your name.

Enable two-factor authentication
When possible, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Google account and other sensitive online accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification in addition to your password.

Verify identities carefully
When dealing with online transactions or interactions, verify the identity of the person you are dealing with. Use trusted platforms and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.

Monitor your accounts
Check for unauthorized logins or any other unusual behavior. If you notice anything suspicious, change your passwords and contact the platform’s support team.

If you’ve been scammed

If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a Google Voice verification scam, here’s how to mitigate the damage:

Reclaim your Google Voice number by following Google’s support instructions.
Report the scam to Google and the platform where the scam originated.
Change your Google account password and any other passwords that may have been compromised.
Enable additional security measures, such as security questions or biometric verification, to your Google Voice number account.
Stay safe!

This restaurant-worthy recipe uses just a few slices of bacon for all of the flavor at a lower cost.

Yield: 4 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Cost per serving: $2.00

Ingredients:

3 slices bacon
½ cup flour
Salt and pepper
2 teaspoon herbes de provence spice mix
2 lbs. chicken thighs with skin
1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
2 shallots, thinly sliced
½ cup dry white wine
¾ cup chicken stock

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
On a large plate, mix flour, salt, pepper and herbes de provence. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture and set aside.
Cut bacon into small strips and fry for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Using a slotted spoon, remove strips from pan and set aside. Lower flame and leave the bacon grease in the pan.
Add the chicken to skillet and pan-fry for a few minutes on each side, until golden-brown, but not cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Add shallots and olive oil to pan and sauté for 7 minutes or until soft, fragrant, and golden-brown.
Add wine slowly, while stirring. Add chicken stock, and let mixture cook until it thickens and reduces slightly, for about 6-8 minutes.
Return chicken and bacon to the pan, baking for 40 minutes, or until chicken skins turn crispy, basting every 15 minutes with pan sauce.

It's back to school time in the Big Country. Drive with care and watch for school busses and children crossing the street. It is dangerous to use your cell phone when driving, but it is also prohibited in active school zones during posted times. Have a safe first day back at school!

August is a “between” month with no major holidays, but there are still to be had! Hit the back-to-school supplies (and storage supplies for the college-bound students), but skip buying Amazon devices since Prime Day just happened. AC units are a good buy, but skip other major household stuff like mattresses and kitchen appliances until Labor Day. Wedding supplies are discounted, and summer clothes and accessories are finally hitting their end-of-season sales. Finally, with the iPhone 14 rumored to drop later in the year, hold off on getting your new one until the debut drives prices for other versions down.

HomeTeller services and debit card service has been restored. Thank you for your patience.

Send a message to learn more

We are experiencing technical issues with our HomeTeller digital banking app, and we are working to restore service. Thank you for your patience.

Send a message to learn more

Happy Independence Day Weekend. We will be closed Thursday and Friday.

Your new friend contacted you by accident, but now you’re growing closer and they’re offering a really sweet investment deal to you. Run away! It’s a ! Specifically, it’s a pig-butchering scam, where a target is “fattened” using a relationship, often romantic, and given modest returns on an initial investment to get them convinced everything is legit. The whole thing is targeted at getting them to start pouring large sums of money into the scam, at which point the scammer disappears … leaving the target broke. Watch out for new “friends” who offer you investments, the use of crypto wallets or wire transfers, inconsistent returns and details you can’t verify. Stay safe, and alert your friends and law enforcement if you get targeted!

Get ready to set sail this summer with our Boat Loans as low as 6.99% Annual Percentage Rate! To help you find the right boat, here’s the ultimate boat-buying guide.

Step 1: Choose your boat type

Like automobiles, boats should be purchased with their intended uses in mind. Determine which water activities are most important to you. Also, research different boat types and ask your boat-owning friends to share their own impressions and tips. [Don’t forget to check out our post on different boat types!]

Also decide where you’ll keep your boat. If you’re choosing to self-store your boat, you’ll need to purchase a trailer-able boat.

Step 2: Decide if you want to buy a new or used boat

Visit boating sites like Boats.com and Discoverboating.com to check out what kind of used boats are on the market. You might be pleasantly surprised!

Step 3: Start boat shopping!

Start your browsing with online listings like Boats.com, YachtWorld.com and BoatTrader.com. You’ll be able to sift through hundreds of models and compare prices within minutes. Next, start making the rounds at local boat shows and dealers. Hop aboard as many boats as you can and ask lots of questions. Snap pictures and organize them by boat so you can look them over again when you get home.

Step 4: Narrow your choices

Sit down and list your priorities. Include all boat categories you will consider and then narrow that by your must-have features, ones you’d like and ones you want to keep away from. Next, review the snapshots of the boats you’ve looked at, both in real life and online, and list those that fit all, or most, of your preferences.

Now, let’s choose your boat!

Step 5: Inspect your boat

Once you think you’ve found the boat of your dreams, conduct a walkaround and a sea trial. Inspect the entire boat thoroughly, because you don’t want any unpleasant surprises once the deal is done.

When you’ve finished your walkaround, it’s time to take her offshore. Your sea trial will show you what the boat is like out on the water. After the sea trial, ask to have the boat hauled because it’s important for you to see the entire boat before you buy it.

Step 6: Find out what’s included

Before you sign a contract, sit down with the seller to discuss exactly what’s included in the sale. Request a list of all equipment that comes with the boat so you can ensure you’ve got it all.

Step 7: Seal the deal

You’re ready to make it happen! Assuming you’ll have the financial details worked out by now, all that’s left to do is sign the paperwork, and then the boat is yours.

Step 8: Purchase insurance and a trailer

Before you set sail, make sure your boat is adequately insured against damage. If you’re self-storing, you’ll also need to buy a trailer.

Finally! You’re ready to hit the water. Enjoy the ride!

Your Turn: Do you own a boat? Share your best boat-buying tips with us in the comments!

Please join us in remembering and honoring all those who served. God Bless America!

We will be closed Monday, May 27th in observance of Memorial Day.

Q: I need to transfer funds between accounts, so I’m considering my options. How do Automated Clearing House (ACH) payments and direct deposits differ?

A: ACH payments and direct deposits both involve the electronic transfer of funds, but there are differences between the two methods. Let’s take a look at ACH payments, direct deposits and their unique characteristics.

What is direct deposit?

Direct deposit is the electronic transfer of funds directly into an individual’s checking or savings account. It’s routinely used by employers to pay their employee salaries. Instead of issuing paper checks, employers can electronically deposit funds into employees’ designated accounts on payday.

What are ACH payments?

ACH payments include a broad range of electronic transactions beyond payroll deposits. The ACH network also facilitates bill payments, business-to-business transactions and person-to-person transfers. It generally takes two to five days for the clearing house to process the transaction.

What are the primary differences between direct deposit and ACH payments?

There are several key differences between direct deposits and ACH payments, including:

Usage
ACH payments can be used for a large variety of electronic transfers, while direct deposits can only be used for payroll, government benefits and other transactions where money is transferred directly into one’s checking account.

Timing
Direct deposit transactions are typically initiated by employers on payday, with funds deposited into employees’ accounts on the designated pay date. ACH payments, however, can have varying processing times. Depending on the transaction type, there can be a delay of several business days before the payment clears.

Authorization requirements
Direct deposit requires authorization from the employer and the employee to initiate the electronic transfer of funds. In contrast, only some types of ACH payments require authorization from the account holder.

Credit vs debit
While ACH payments can include both credit (adding funds) and debit (withdrawing funds), direct deposits are only credit payments, in which money is deposited to another account through ACH.

Use this guide to learn the key differences between these two electronic transfers and how to make an informed decision when choosing the method that best suits your needs.