Let Freedom Ring!

July 1st is Financial Freedom Day. Financial Freedom is when you no longer have to work a job in order to pay your living expenses. What? Are you kidding me -- I don't know if I will ever be financially free. In order to achieve Financial Freedom, most people will have to save money, make smart investments, create a budget for themselves and minimize any debt.

In today's financial environment, when we are struggling just to make it day to day, Financial Freedom seems almost unrealistic. I believe Financial Freedom can have a different meaning for everyone -- Freedom from debt, earning more money, eliminating credit cards from your life, finding a new job, savings more money -- or anything that helps you achieve a life you want to live.

So this week, while we get ready to celebrate our countries Independence, find a way to become financially independent by setting up a budget, being frugal and putting a little more in that savings account. Then declare your financial independence by writing it down!

"In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved." ~Franklin D. Roosevelt

Marriage & Money

The great debate -- Marriage and Money. Young couples can't possibly expect to know everything about finances. How you spend money as a couple can be even more difficult. Did you know, financial stress is the number one reason for arguments in marriage? That's because we tend to make it more emotional and reactive, not strategic.

Some couples have a joint account, some keep their money separate from each other and others may even try the allowance type thing. But the first thing you both should do is seek out the advice of people more experienced in good financial choices. Married couples should try different ways of handling their money to see what works best for you both.

What are your 2 cents on making finance in marriage work? I would love to know!

To sum things up remember, in marriage, it’s yours, mine and ours; not united we stand, divided we bank.

Are freebies worth it?

Have you ever signed up for a credit card because they gave you a freebie? Whenever I go to a Jazz game, there is always a certain credit card company giving away a free Jazz hat or basketball -- stuff that makes you think...I want one of those! I see multiple individuals busy filling out the credit card application. Is it really about the credit card or the is it about the instant gratification of the prize?

Acquiring a credit card is a financial decision that should not be taken lightly. Do not make these choices under pressured circumstances.

When choosing a credit card always be mindful of the following:

* Interest Rate
* Annual Fees

* Benefits (rewards, cash back etc.)

* Late fees

* Check the fine print

For a great credit card, make sure to visit http://www.americafirst.com/ . And give up the freebies -- they will find a place in the closet or garage -- and you will be paying for it with the high interest rate on a card you never wanted in the first place!

Do you Flip-Flop?

You may flip for the style, but as walkers, they flop. Do you always have on a pair of flip-flops? I know for me they are the easiest and most comfortable pairs of shoes to put on. Not only in the summer months, but all year round I see people in these shoes! But a finding last week, stated that flip-flops cause pain in your lower legs and feet -- ever noticed?

The thing is, flip-flops now come in all different styles. You see people not only wearing them to the pool, but to work, walking on campus to class and even with wedding dress.

So a few pains in your legs -- It won't make me give up mine. What about you?

$1 Million Dollar Mistake

Last night, I heard a couple had a $1 Million error in their checking account. They went to make their deposit at a local bank (not to be named). When she asked what their current balance was, the teller handed her back her receipt with a total amount in her account that was over $1 Million -- WOW! She said her account only averages about $700 per month. My first thought -- time to make a withdrawl!
So what would you do? Honesty and integrity are definitely challenged in a day where mostly everyone is struggling for that extra dollar. This couple felt it was pretty nice to be a millionaire, even if it was only for 24 hours.
They told the teller the balance was incorrect. In the end, a wire transfer was deposited to their account incorrectly, and the money was given to the correct individual.
As Earl would say (My Name is Earl, NBC) "As you go through life, fixing the errors you have made, I've learned a thing or two about karma, and part of keeping good karma is sharing it with others. If you want a better life, you need to be a better person. Karma, you gotta love it!"
So here's to the honest couple -- may karma come your way for being honest. I hope you win the lottery!

Anywhere, anytime...

Want access to your account anywhere, anytime? Mobile Banking is now up and running at America First Credit Union, and it's a killer application. Do you want to know if you have enough money in your account to spend on that new swimsuit for summer? Just quickly log into your account on your mobile device. You can view your balance and even transfer money from your savings account.

It's fast, secure and at the speed of life! According to a study by financial consultancy Celent, 35% of online banking households will be using mobile banking by 2010, up from less than 1% today.

So why aren't you using mobile banking? Become a part of the most convenient way to access your money, click here to learn more!