5 Things to Look for in an Auto Loan

Do you have your eye on a shiny new vehicle that would look just right in your driveway, a more energy-efficient vehicle, or an additional car for a new driver?

Purchasing a car or truck is a big decision with many variables, First Choice has outlined 5 things to look for in an auto loan—and the corresponding ways that we assist you through the car-buying process.

1. Terms and Financing

The loan comes down to the dollars, ultimately. The term of your loan could be anywhere from 3 years to 7 years. The longer the term, the lower the monthly payments, but the more you will end up paying in interest over time. Also, beware: if your loan is longer than the amount of time you keep the car, you may end upside down (owe more on the loan than the value of the car) when you are ready to move on to your next vehicle.

2. Pre-Approval

Getting pre-approved for a car loan is better than setting foot in a dealership. Wit is a good idea to separate obtaining your financing and the purchase of your car. They are both big unique decisions that will help keep you in control. We make it easy for you by offering online applications through our 24/7 lending center. Apply now through First Choice.

3. Specialty Options: Young Adult Loans

Be aware of the specialty loans at First Choice Credit Union, including our Young Adult car loans. This program looks at your situation a little differently because we know young adults’ stage in life shouldn’t keep them from owning their own vehicle. Young people can develop another level of financial independence while being backed by the knowledge that the credit union has their best interests in mind.

4. Solid Advice: Auto Advisors

At First Choice Credit Union we offer Auto Advisors, which is the friend you always wished you could take with you when you go to the dealership. If you would like to simplify the car buying process and have an expert assist you in auto purchase negotiations, please call our office at 561-649-7133 or visit them online.

Check out our Auto Loan Resource Center for information, links, and more assistance in the car buying process.

5. Go with a Credit Union

Working with a Credit Union offers you the same services as a bank, but with the added benefits of a member-based relationship and sense of community. Should you run into trouble making payments, your Credit Union is more likely to work with you and find solutions than a far-away bank.


Car loans are one of the many ways that we support and serve our members in their financial needs, and we look forward to helping you purchase your next vehicle.

The Top 3 Benefits Of Using A Credit Union

There are plenty of published articles claiming banks are better than credit unions, however, there are plenty of advantages offered by credit unions.

The benefits offered by credit unions over banks are often overlooked, which is why we’ve laid out the top 3 perks of joining your local credit union:

The Majority Of Credit Unions Are Insured By the NCUA

What is the NCUA you ask? It’s short for the National Credit Union Administration, ensuring that credit union accounts are backed in full faith by the U.S. Government. To top it off, there has yet to be a single cent lost through a member of a federally insured credit union.

If you were wondering, First Choice Credit Union is NCUA insured.

Great Rates

All around, credit unions offer excellent rates, especially when compared to their big bank counterparts. Whether it’s credit card APR, Certificate of Deposit APY, Membership fees, and other miscellaneous items - banks are typically no match for the interest rates offered by most credit unions.

For The Members, By The Members

At a credit union, you’re considered a member rather than a customer at a bank. While labeling things may not seem important, the weight they carry is different. Credit unions are nonprofit entities that have the goal of passing their profits to members, while banks are for-profit entities, wanting to make money from their customers.


Other fantastic benefits such as great customer services and being a larger part of your community. We hope that these outlined advantages help you consider switching to your local credit union – that is, if you’re not already a member!

If these benefits sound like something of interest to you, be sure to follow us on Facebook for more tips on personal finance!

Save Smart from the Start!

Last year, over half of young Americans ages 18-24 were employed during the summer, according to a report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and this summer is forecasted to be the same.

This means that, right now, tens of millions of young people are either looking for or starting summer jobs. Although many of these young people are entering the workforce and making money for the first time, it certainly won’t be the last. The money habits they learn now can last a lifetime, so, to start the summer job season off right, we recommend the following four savings tips:

Keep Track of Your Goals

According to Americasaves.org, adolescents who make a plan to save and set savings goals are more thoughtful about the way they spend money and tend to be more focused employees. They’re also more than twice as likely to make excellent progress meeting their savings goals, and are more likely to reduce their debt or even be debt-free, according to this study. A savings plan should include the following:

• What you’re saving for
• How much you will save each month
• How many months you will save for

Learn to Budget

Budgets are important and the best time to learn how to set one and stick to it is when a person doesn’t have a lot of income or monthly bills and expenses; AKA those early years of summer jobs. Budgeting the right way will liberate you to spend intelligently while those savings continue to pile up. For detailed advice and steps to learn how to budget your money, click here!

Use Direct Deposit

Don’t lose out on any of that hard-earned pay by cashing paychecks. It costs money to do so and it’s inconvenient! If you don’t already have one, open a checking account with First Choice Credit Union. It’s free and there is no minimum balance. Your employer can simply deposit paychecks directly into your account and you won’t have to worry about added charges.

Open a Savings Account

After opening a checking account, it’s a good idea to open a savings account as well. Having a separate account for savings helps keep that money out of sight and out of mind, limit the temptation to spend it. Even more important, keeping money in the bank is the best way to ensure its safety. Learn more about opening a savings account with us at First Choice Credit Union here.


The most important takeaway is to be smart with money and set goals. Develop good money management skills with your first job and carry them all through life, it’ll pay off in the long run!

Preventing Identity Theft During Tax Season

Now is the time of year when many of us are doing our taxes, which makes this the perfect time to learn what identity theft is and how to protect yourself.

Identity theft is defined by the NCUA as, “A crime where a thief steals your personal information such as your full name or Social Security number to commit fraud.” Identity theft is a serious crime that can disrupt your finances, credit history, and reputation and it can be incredibly hard to detect. Most victims are unaware of what’s going on until it’s already happened. It will take time, money, and patience to resolve, so the best way to combat identity theft is through prevention.

Take the First Steps

It’s important to take some basic first steps to protect your personal information. Don’t open unrecognized emails and always shred important documents. Additionally, make sure you monitor your billing cycles and statements, protect your PINS and passwords, and only carry the minimum amount ID information and credit cards on your person at all times.

These may seem like small insignificant things to do, but identity theft can only be detected early through monitoring the little aspects of your money and personal information. While protecting your personal information is a great place to start, do you know how to recognize and prevent becoming a victim of tax identity theft?

Recognizing Identity Theft

According to mycreditunion.gov, tax identity thieves may use your SSN to get a tax refund or even a job, so if the IRS sends you a notice saying that their records show:

• You were paid by an employer you don’t know
• More than one tax return was filed using your Social Security number

Here are some steps you can take to prevent tax identity theft:

1. Get an Identity Protection PIN from the IRS
   The IP PIN is a number that is assigned by the IRS to eligible taxpayers and helps prevent the misuse of your SSN. Learn more about an IP PIN from the IRS here. 
2. Check your mail and bank statements every month
   If you find any irregularities or find and purchases you didn’t make, contact your bank immediately to report the activity. 
3. Monitor your credit reports
   Do you know why your credit report matters or what’s even on it? Do you know how to obtain your three free credit reports every year? Find all these answers from the NCUA’s Credit Reports and Credit Scores educational information. 
4. Your bank or credit union may offer identity theft resources.
   Most banks and credit unions will offer services and materials to help you safeguard your accounts. 

What to do if you think you may be the victim of tax identity theft:

According to the NCUA, the IRS prevents $24 billion in cases in which it’s able to detect and prevent fraud every year, and in 2013, the IRS paid about $5.8 billion in fraudulent tax refunds. If you think you may be the victim of tax identity theft or have been notified by the IRS that something is wrong, contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490 to report the fraud. Then, you’ll need to send a copy of your police report or an IRS ID Theft Affidavit Form 14039 and proof of your identity, such as a copy of your Social Security card, driver’s license or passport.


If you get emails claiming to be the IRS, forward it to phishing@irs.gov. The IRS NEVER contacts individuals for the first time via email, social media, or text. Finally, click here for other steps you can take to repair identity theft.

Keep Track of Your Finances with Mobile Banking

Mobile banking is more popular than ever. It’s a convenient way to keep track of your finances from almost anywhere! Wherever you have access to the web, you will have easy access to your accounts.

Learn how to use First Choice Credit Union’s mobile banking app and some safety and performance tips below:

Download the First Choice Credit Union

If you don’t already have our app, download it today! It’s available for both iOS and Android devices. Search for First Choice Credit Union in the Apple or Google Play store - depending on your device. Safety tip - Ensure the app has the First Choice star.

Log Into Your Account Through the App

Enter your online banking credentials to access the app. Secure your mobile device with a strong password or pin. Keep it extra secure by using a password management program. Some even sync passwords from your laptop or desktop to your phone!

The Features of Mobile Banking

After securely logging in, you will have access to several features. View your account balance anytime you want. Easily pay bills and transfer funds whenever needed from the mobile app. Check and verify your transaction history. Safety tip: Only log into your mobile app while on your data network or a secured WiFi network.

Always Log Out of the App

After you’ve completed your mobile banking, remember to log out. Although it may be easier to stay logged into the mobile app, it is not recommended. This simple step will keep your banking information protected if your phone is ever stolen or lost.


Now you know how easy it is to use the First Choice Credit Union app for mobile banking. Following these tips – including the safety tips – will help you stay in the know at all times with your financial accounts.

If you have any further questions on mobile banking, contact us today.

Avoid These 4 Financial Pitfalls While Traveling

Where will you go this winter?

Travel agents say Portugal, New York City, Mexico, and London look to be the most in-demand this season. Whether you’ll be seeing Big Ben from a double-decker bus or relaxing on the beach with a cold drink in hand, it pays – literally – to be smart with your money.

Still, people tend to make some common mistakes in their rush to be on vacation.

1. Traveling Without a Budget

Budgeting can be painful, but the extra work pays off. Start with the big expenses, like your transportation and lodging. Then, do your research – websites and books like Lonely Planet often provide estimates for how much meals might cost in a given location. Budgeting software like Mint can help you track how you’re doing during the trip and gives suggestions on how to save.

2. Not Telling Your Bank or Credit Union

Many banks will quickly shut down your account if a transaction seems suspicious. While that’s typically a good thing, swiping your credit card abroad will likely set off the same red flag, and you could end up locked out of your account on vacation. Letting your bank or credit union know where you’re going ahead of time ensures this doesn’t happen while continuing to help prevent any actual suspicious transactions.

3. Never Learning the Exchange Rate

If you’re in a different country, knowing the exchange rate can help you keep a handle on how much you’re actually spending. These days, smartphone apps can do the math for you— but even travel guru Rick Steves says that’s not necessary.

“You just need to know the rough exchange rates. I see no need to have it figured to the third decimal,” he writes. “...Survival on a budget is easier when you’re comfortable with the local currency.”

Cash exchanges can be expensive. Use as little cash as possible while you travel, and don’t exchange to the local currency at the airport— you’ll end up losing around 15 percent, versus 8 percent anywhere else.

4. Falling Victim to Pickpockets

Everyone has an opinion on where is best to keep your money while traveling. Some say a money belt worn under your clothing is best. The most important thing, according to travel experts, is really to keep your cash and cards in multiple safe spots. That way, if a thief does find some of your money, you won’t be wiped out.


A few smart choices can make a world of a difference this travel season. Know where you’re going? Let us know at First Choice Credit Union, and check your finances as you go with our mobile banking app.

6 Tips for Saving this Holiday Season

Does it feel like you’re spending more than you’re comfortable with this month, between gifts, parties, and holiday activities? You may have missed our Holiday Loans that were available during November, but there are still great ways to save money during the holidays, no matter how many gifts are on your shopping list.

1. Set a Budget

You’ve heard it a thousand times, but there’s a reason for that. Whether you set your total budget for all expenses, or you decide the maximum you want to spend gift-by-gift, it’s smartest to go in with a plan. The key to sticking to a budget? Keep track of your spending throughout the month so you know when you’re overdoing it.

2. Trim the List with Gift Exchanges

If you were to make a list of all of the people you give gifts to, are there people on the outskirts who probably don’t need a box of chocolates or another ornament? If you like to give gifts to all of your extended family, every person in the entire office, or all the 24 nieces and nephews, consider a gift exchange, where each giver pulls the name of another so you only need to buy (and thereby only receive) one gift.

3. Coupons

The Black Friday deals trickled into Cyber Monday, which bled into Cyber Week, which is now becoming an entire month of savings to various degrees. Get on newsletter email lists for all your favorite stores, especially the ones you’re keeping an eye on, and you will get daily sales and promo codes sent to your inbox. Watch carefully, and remember your budget, and you will save on gifts across the board.

4. Homemade Gifts

Taking the time to make your gifts and putting your own personal touch and love into it can mean the world to someone. Create personalized gifts for others based on your favorite creative hobby, whether it’s woodworking, baking, jam-making, knitting, or even writing poetry. Take this tip from livingonthecheap.com: “Wrap your gift in a gift. A homemade loaf of bread wrapped in foil and tied up with a fresh new dishtowel and ribbon is the perfect gift. The wrapping is part of the gift.” Looking for ideas? Create a Pinterest account and find countless brilliant gift ideas that you can “pin” or save for later.

5. Focus on Gratitude and Togetherness

It seems like just yesterday we were going around the Thanksgiving table sharing what we were most thankful for. Did anyone over the age of 5 name something that gets put under the tree? Most people are thankful for family, spending time together, and experiencing new things. Focus on quality time and experiences instead of expensive gifts this year! The memories will stick with you, and your budget will remain intact.

6. Curb Kids’ Expectations

Wanting to create a magical Christmas for your kids can cause your spending—and their expectations to quickly get out of control. When it comes to a wish list for kids, have them choose 5-6 gifts instead of scrolls of 20+ have-to-have-it gifts. Ask them to choose their very top wishes, and remind them (again and again) that Christmas is not about what you receive under the tree.


For budgeting and saving advice, contact First Choice Credit Union and have a Happy Holiday season!