First Priority Credit Union

08/13/2026

Automated clearing house (ACH) and wire are the two major ways money moves back and forth in the electronic payment world, but there are some major differences! ACH is a U.S.-only system, but wire transfers can go anywhere in the world (like to that Nigerian prince, but we’ll get to him in a minute). ACH takes one to three days, but wire transfers take only an hour or two. Also, ACH is usually free, but wire transfers can have some pretty big fees attached. ACH has limits on how much you can send, but wires can be for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Both ACH and wires can be hijacked by scammers, but ACH can be traced and reversed, but once you send that wire to that Nigerian prince, the money is gone. Always verify your recipients for either!

08/10/2026

Your wallet can easily become cluttered with loyalty cards, coupons, cash, checks, store credit cards and a host of identification cards. Not only is an over-stuffed wallet a hassle to carry, it may make identity theft easier.

Give your purse or wallet a good once over. Look for things you don’t regularly need, and take them out!

Some things should never be in your purse or wallet. If you see these items as you’re trimming down your daily carry, take them out immediately.

1. Your Social Security card

It’s easy enough to stuff the card into your wallet when you need it for identification and then forget about it.

That could be a big mistake. Thieves can use your original Social Security card to apply for all kinds of unsecured debt in your name. Canceling your Social Security number and getting a new one is a complicated, time-consuming process, and you may be liable for fraud as you do so.

Keep yourself safe, and get the card out of your wallet! Put it in a secure location in your home, like a safety lock box.

2. Receipts

This is by far the easiest way to accumulate paper in your wallet. You never know which might be needed later and you stick them all into your wallet. Before you know it, you’ve got a novel-sized stack of transactions.

This could be serious trouble if your purse or wallet is ever stolen or lost. Thieves can use the last four digits of your credit card number on a receipt to build a profile of your purchases, and can fish for more information with a merchant who has the card on file, like a cable company or an online retailer.

Think about going paperless. Turn your phone into a digital file box. Information can be encrypted to keep it out of the hands of malicious people but still accessible to you if you need to check a purchase.

3. Tons of credit cards

Every store offers its own card and incentives. Those cards can really add up. Tack on an extra couple of cards for gas purchases, everyday expenses and work-related stuff, and you could easily end up with a wallet or purse full of plastic.

If your wallet or purse is stolen, each one of those cards has to be canceled individually. Forgetting even one can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. Thin your collection down to the one or two you use regularly. Look for those that can be widely used, provide the lowest fees and best acceptance rates. Put the rest of them into a safe place at home, using them only when you need them.

Once you’re down to your top cards, make a list of their numbers and the steps you’d need to take to cancel them if necessary.

Your Turn: It’s time to think about what’s tucked into your purse or wallet. What items make your “essential carry” list, and what can you safely leave behind?

08/06/2026

When it comes to convenience, service, and scale of products, nothing beats Amazon. Unfortunately, scammers leverage Amazon’s reputation in many unique ways. Here are five Amazon-related scams you need to know about.

1. Update your order

In this scam, a shopper places an order on Amazon. Shortly after, they get a phone call, email, or text claiming there’s an issue with their account and they must update or confirm their info before they can receive their purchase. The contact may ask the target to re-share their payment information or other personally identifiable information (PII).

Don’t get scammed: If you’re asked to update your payment information and something seems off, look up your account on Amazon. If you aren’t prompted to update your payment method on that screen, the message you received is from a scammer.

2. You’re owed a refund

In this scam, a target receives a text or email stating they’ve been overcharged for a recent Amazon purchase and are owed a refund. The target is directed to call the provided phone number. When they call, an “Amazon rep” will ask to be granted access to the target’s computer so they can issue the refund. Unfortunately, doing so will give a scammer direct access to the victim’s financial accounts.

Don’t get scammed: Any notification from Amazon will be available on the company’s website. If you are owed a refund, you’ll find all the info you need to know on your account.

3. Off-platform payments

Here, an Amazon shopper is asked to follow a link for an off-platform payment. Paying off-site means losing all purchase protection that Amazon provides. The customer will likely end up with a faulty product, or none at all.

Don’t get scammed: Authentic Amazon sellers will never ask for payment outside the actual Amazon site.

4. Amazon Prime video scams

In this scam, consumers attempting to set up Amazon Prime Video on their SmartTV are lured onto bogus sites that look identical to Amazon’s SmartTV setup page. They’re asked to enter Amazon’s six-digit code on their TV and then call the phone number the site provides. On the phone, the scammers ask them to share the two-factor authentication code sent to their device by Amazon. Doing so gives the scammer access to their Amazon account.

Don’t get scammed: Never share your passwords, authentication codes, or login credentials by phone. If you need to set up Amazon Prime on your SmartTIV, visit Amazon’s website directly and follow the instructions.

5. Mystery boxes, prizes and crazy-low deals

Here, the victim is directed to click a link or call a number for a prize they’ve allegedly won or to buy a bargain-priced item. Doing so leads them right into the hands of the scammer, who asks for their PII or downloads malware onto their computer.

Don’t get scammed: Never follow a seller’s directions away from the actual Amazon site. Also, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Stay alert and follow the tips mentioned here to enjoy shopping on the world’s largest marketplace without compromising on your safety.

08/04/2026

08/03/2026

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, Apple is splitting its iPhone 18 lineup, with the more expensive Pro and Fold models to launch in fall 2026 and the more affordable iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e coming in spring 2027. Hold off on getting your new one until the debut drives prices for other versions down.

07/29/2026

It’s , and that means the yearly battle to keep your energy costs down while you keep your house cool. Get your AC checked for top functioning, and use an app to control your thermostat so you’re not cooling an empty house. Plant trees or bushes outside windows that let in too much sunshine, and do your laundry at night to keep from adding more heat during the day. Grill outside as much as you can, and only run appliances like the dishwasher when they’re full. You’ll be able to enjoy a cool house without overheating your budget!

07/28/2026

Having a charged cellphone provides a sense of security. As smartphones and portable devices became the standard, many businesses and public places adapted by providing USB or USB-C ports in addition to electrical outlets. This way, you can plug directly into the wall without bothering with a power block.

Sadly, these amenities are often compromised. Cybercriminals often tamper with these ports to steal data or transfer malware to your device. They can even download software to take control of your phone remotely, or lock you out of it entirely. This crime is called “juice jacking.”

Obviously, these scammers choose places where they can do the most damage — airports, shopping malls, hotels, internet cafes, and other places where people linger. If you’re at a place you trust, feel free to use the power. If you’re in a public place, use these tips to stay safe and avoid juice jackers.

1. Carry (or borrow) a power plug

The easiest way to thwart the scam is to use electrical outlets exclusively. Hackers can’t use a power plug to transfer data to or from your device, so you can be sure there’s no malicious tech in the outlet. Yes, it’s a hassle to carry one more thing, but it’s worth it to avoid compromising your personal information.

2. Pick up a battery

Consider purchasing a portable power bank with you. These are small, efficient, and often connect wirelessly to your phone. If you don’t want to keep one in your pocket or purse all the time, keep a charged battery in your glove compartment.

3. Conserve your power

The easiest way to avoid public charging stations is not to need one in the first place. There are several things you can do to maximize your phone’s battery.

Keep your apps and software updated. Running outdated software could be chewing through your battery life.
Switch to low power mode when you go out. Most phones have the “low power mode” option, which will automatically turn off unnecessary background activity.
Manage your notifications. Limit push notifications for unnecessary apps.
Turn on airplane mode. If you’re really in a pinch, turn your phone on airplane mode until you need it. Your battery will last longer.

Your Turn: What’s your best battery-saving hack? Share your wisdom in the comments!

07/27/2026

Saving for a new house? A new car? A fancy vacation? You could park that savings in your checking account, but will you be able to resist temptation the next time there’s a big sale at your favorite store? Save your willpower for the important stuff, and put your long-term savings into a share certificate at . Your money will earn dividends and be safe from your biggest savings enemy: impulse spending. To get today’s best rates on a share certificate, call or visit today!

First Priority Credit Union is federally insured up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration.

07/23/2026

The Secret Money Personality You Didn’t Know You Had

We humans love categorizing ourselves. It helps explain why we do the things we do. You may know your Myers-Briggs type, your zodiac sign, or your Enneagram number, but there is one crucial aspect of your personality that often flies under the radar: your money personality.

We often think of money as simple math. Income minus expenses equals savings, right? If it were that straightforward, we would all be financial wizards. The reality is that money is deeply emotional. The way you view, spend, save, and stress about money is rooted in your unique psychological makeup. Unlocking this “secret” personality is often the missing key to finally getting your financial house in order.

Why Your Money Personality Matters

Have you ever wondered why your friend can effortlessly save half their paycheck while you can’t resist buying a latte every morning? Perhaps your partner panics at the thought of investing while you see it as an exciting game.

These aren’t just differences in willpower or intelligence; they are differences in wiring. Your money personality is formed by your upbringing, your experiences, and your natural temperament. When you fight against your natural tendencies, financial planning feels like torture. When you work with them, it starts to feel natural.

Let’s look at a few common money personalities. You might recognize traces of yourself in several of them, but one will usually prevail as dominant.

The Big Four: Which One Are You?

1. The Compulsive Saver (The Squirrel)
For you, saving isn’t a chore; it’s a security blanket. You get a genuine dopamine hit from seeing your balances grow. While this sounds like a “good” problem to have, Compulsive Savers often suffer from financial anxiety. You might drive a car that’s falling apart or refuse to take a vacation you could easily afford because spending feels unsafe.

The Trap: Missing out on life experiences or failing to invest because cash feels safer.
The Fix: Give yourself a “fun budget.” Automate a small amount of money into a separate account that you must spend on enjoyment each month.

2. The Spender (The High Roller)
You love the thrill of the purchase. Money is a tool for enjoyment, generosity, and social clout. You might be the person who always picks up the tab at dinner or buys the latest tech gadget on release day. You aren’t necessarily irresponsible, but you prioritize immediate gratification over long-term security.

The Trap: High credit card debt and a lack of emergency savings.
The Fix: Create friction. Do not save your credit card information on shopping websites. Impose a 48-hour waiting rule for any purchase over $50.

3. The Risk-Taker (The Maverick)
You view money as an adventure. You are drawn to high-risk investments, startups, or cryptocurrency. The slow-and-steady route of a standard 401(k) bores you to tears. You believe in big rewards and aren’t afraid to lose money to get them.

The Trap: Losing your shirt on a gamble. You risk instability in pursuit of the “big win.”
The Fix: Implement the “90/10 Rule.” Put 90% of your investments in boring, stable index funds or bonds. Use the remaining 10% as your “play money” for high-risk ventures. If you lose 10%, your future is still secure.

4. The Avoidant (The Ostrich)
You don’t open your banking statements. You don’t know your credit score. Talking about money makes you feel overwhelmed, inadequate, or anxious, so you simply disengage. You hope that if you ignore your finances, everything will somehow work out.

The Trap: Late fees, missed opportunities for compound interest, and gnawing background anxiety.
The Fix: Start small. Commit to checking your account balances once a week. Set a recurring calendar appointment for 15 minutes of “money time” to handle one small task, like paying a bill or checking a subscription.

How to Work With Your “Secret” Self

Start by auditing your last three months of spending. Look at the data without judgment. Does it reflect a Spender who went overboard on Amazon, or an Avoider who paid three overdraft fees?

Once you identify which camp you identify with, stop trying to be someone else. If you are a Spender, you will likely never derive joy from extreme couponing. If you are a Saver, you will never feel comfortable betting the farm on a hot stock tip. That’s okay! The goal is to build guard rails that protect you from your worst instincts while allowing you to leverage your strengths.

Next, automate your weaknesses. If you can’t stop spending, have money deposited directly from your paycheck into a special savings account you can’t easily touch. If you are an Avoider, set all your bills to autopay so you don’t have to think about them.

Finally, change your narrative. Instead of saying “I’m bad with money,” say “I’m a Spender, so I need a system that limits my impulse buys.” When you understand the “why” behind your behavior, the shame disappears. Without the shame, you can finally start making financial decisions that actually stick.

Your Turn

Take a moment to reflect on your own financial journey:

What’s one financial habit or belief you picked up during childhood that still influences your decisions today?
If you could redefine one aspect of your financial mindset to better align with your current goals, what would it be?