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!

Do Not Be a Victim! How to Protect Yourself From Scams

There are many scammers in the world, and just as many ways to be scammed. Recently, our credit union members have called us and reported receiving a letter in the mail with a check in it. This is just one example of many ways you can fall victim to a scam. If you received this letter, DO NOT CASH THE CHECK and throw it away. At First Choice Credit Union, we want you and your personal information to stay safe. Here are 3 ways to protect yourself from scams.

Learn About The Different Types of Scams

Scams often try to glean information from you that can be later used against you. This can result in identity theft, private information release, and financial hacking. Read about common types of scams and how to identify them here. It is unbelievable the ways people prey on the vulnerable; do not let yourself be one of them! The old adage really applies here: if it is too good to be true, it isn't.

Keep Personal Information Safe – Even from Family

One of the most exploited groups of people are actually the elderly. Sadly, over 90% of elderly abuse is committed by a family member. It is so important to keep your personal information safe from even relatives. Do not give your social security number, credit card number, checking account number, or any other financially identifying information freely.

No Transactions With a Person or Business You Do Not Trust

A good rule of thumb to protect yourself from scams is never involve yourself in a transaction involving a business you have never heard of. If a salesman solicits at your doorstep, do not open the door. If a pop-up advertises on your computer browser, do not click the ad. If you get a phone call asking for personal information, do not divulge anything. If you did not seek out and initiate the transaction, be skeptical of what you are doing.

These three tips will go a long way in protecting yourself, but there's still more you can do. Learn as much as you can about scams and then protect your loved ones by educating them, too. Click here to learn about what to do if you are involved in a scam as a credit union member.

How to Save Money on Your Daughter's Quinceañera

Your daughter's coming of age birthday party might seem like it is going to cost you a pretty penny as you begin to plan and prepare. Some people can go overboard and spend a small fortune on their daughter's quinceañera, but with these money-saving tips, you can afford to throw your girl the birthday party of her dreams!

Skip the Salon

Your daughter and her friends want to look perfect for the big day, but a lot of hair, makeup, and nail treatments can be done less expensively than at a salon. One idea is to go to a local cosmetology school to get discounted services. Otherwise, enlist a particularly talented friend or relative to help with hair or makeup for getting ready, saving you hundreds in salon costs.

DIY Decorations

Instead of flowers, choose balloons or photographs to decorate the party. The dollar store offers many creative and inexpensive decorations and you can search on Pinterest.com for easy DIY crafts to make with them. Enlist relatives to help create custom quinceañera decorations and even put together favors for your guests.

Frugal Food

Make handmade food choices instead of catering. Traditional dishes will go over better with your guests, anyway! You can also choose to have multiple smaller cakes or cupcakes instead of just one big one to save a little money. Another popular choice is to serve multiple appetizers instead of a sit-down dinner. Plated meals will oftentimes blow the budget so simpler food choices can reduce the cost of your daughter's quinceañera dramatically.


As your daughter celebrates her very special fifteenth birthday, it can be tempting to spend a lot to have her every wish granted. To save money on her quinceañera, heed these tips to save tons of money.

First Choice Credit Union is here to help you make smart financial decisions in all aspects of your life. We offer a special quinceañera loan just for your little girl. Stop in today and ask about how we can help make her birthday the best yet!

2017 Financial Resolutions For Your Age Group

On New Year’s Eve, the world whispers resolutions to each other. Too many of these good intended resolutions are never achieved because they are not specific, attainable, or timely. First Choice Credit Union is here to help with clear, achievable financial resolutions for the New Year geared towards your age group.

18-25 Years Old

At this point, your financial situation is probably pretty bleak. Whether you went to college or not, you are likely starting at zero (or below that). In 2017, your financial resolution should be to open a checking and savings account with a trustworthy bank. First Choice Credit Union is a great option because we offer more competitive interest rates than the big banks do. Also, start building your credit by opening a credit card, paying on your student loans, or applying for an auto loan. At First Choice Credit Union, we offer 36-72 month car loans with up to 100% financing!

26-35 Years Old

Now is the time to save rigorously, even as you are starting to put down roots. Save money for an emergency fund, for a down payment on a house, or even for retirement. Your financial resolution this year should be to save as much of your income as you can. Dollars saved at this point in your life will stretch a long way. So save 3-6 months of your expenses for a rainy day, accumulate enough to put 20% down on a conventional mortgage loan, and take advantage of your employer's 401k retirement plan.

35-50 Years Old

Your New Year’s resolution for 2017 can be a little more fun. You have put in the time saving money, worked hard to earn your home, car, and other possessions. Your financial resolution is to make one of your dreams a reality. Perhaps you have wanted to travel across Europe, or buy a small vacation home, or purchase a seaworthy boat. Make one of your financial wishes come true this year!

50-75 Years Old

As you begin to enter the senior years of life, financial stresses can become all too real. In 2017, be sure you have your retirement situation planned out, your savings growing at a steady rate, and your living will written and filed. If you have questions, turn to your bank or financial adviser for assistance, we are here to help you!

No matter what your age, we hope First Choice Credit Union has helped you find a resolution for 2017 that will make your life better. Achieve success by making your resolve towards something specific, attainable, and timely. All of us at First Choice Credit Union are wishing you the happiest New Year!

Preparing for Bad Weather: Hurricane Matthew

For anyone that lives along the coastline, the threat of hurricanes and tropical storms is very real and a continued cause of concern. Even with the advancements of science and detection tools, we can only give estimates of a storm’s arrival and ferocity.

Hurricane Matthew was the strongest hurricane to hit Haiti in 50 years and is expected to land on Florida’s shores Late Thursday. Florida Governor Rick Scott wants people to leave while they can. He has already declared a state of emergency in every Florida county. In an interview Monday morning, he was quoted to say, "Right now, the projected path is a little off the coast, but it can change at a moment's notice. When that happens, we're not going to have a lot of time to get ready."

Below are some tips to prepare for Hurricane Matthew:

Before the Storm Arrives

It seems likely that many Florida (as well as other states) will be asked to leave their homes. As Bill Karins, meteorologist for NBC News Tweeted Monday that Hurricane Floyd evacuated millions, but remained 100 miles offshore. Matthew is expected to be around 50 miles offshore, so evacuations are sure to follow. You can find updated evacuation zones here. Before you leave:

• Fill your car’s gas tank
• Protect windows with plywood boards or storm shutters
• Secure outdoor objects like grills or furniture—anything that can be moved by high winds
• Learn the evacuation routes—where will you be going and how will you get there. If you  find yourself in an evacuation zone, don’t wait, evacuate immediately!
• Plan for your cash needs. Access to cash could be limited in the period leading up to and after a storm.
• Check local weather reports often; either on radio, television, or the internet. If possible, download an app for your smartphone or device.

If You Get Caught in the Storm

If you have nowhere else to go, cannot evacuate in time, or for any reason find yourself within the storm, follow the following precautions where possible:

• Stay in a secure room away from windows
• Don’t use a landline phone, candles, or electronics that need to be plugged in
• Remain indoors, even when the eye passes over—the storm isn’t over, and you don’t want to be caught outside.
• Prepare the proper supplies such as:
• Fresh water and nonperishable food for three days
• A first aid kit
• A flashlight and spare batteries
• A battery powered TV or Radio and spare batteries
• Any needed medications, as well as pain relievers  and personal hygiene products
• A fully-charged cell phone with extra battery or external charger

After the Storm has Passed

• Report any downed power lines in your area and stay away from them
• Use stored food and water
• Be patient - it may take awhile for things to go back to normal
• Help your friends and neighbors where possible. Not everyone may have had time to prepare

It is not yet determined when and where Matthew will strike. At First Choice Credit Union, we encourage our Members to prepare early. If necessary, we will make every attempt to provide emergency announcements regarding our hours through following TV and radio stations as well as our Facebook Page:

• WPTV Channel 5
• WPBF 25
• WPEC 12
• La Ley and Fiesta
• WRMF
• WIRK

We wish everyone safety during the storm.