Are Your Finances Staying on Track?

Would you say your finances are like a well-oiled machine, or a sputtering engine that's running out of steam? Whether you're speeding along on cruise control or navigating a bumpy road, American First can help you get on track – and stay there.

Avoiding Financial Traffic Jams
Financial problems don't typically happen in the blink of an eye, but rather add up over time. To avoid the gridlock of financial trouble, watch out for these warning signs:

• Unopened mail and bills. If you avoid facing your finances, trouble can be just around the corner. Ignoring bills can lead to accumulated finance charges, late fees and a lower credit score.
• Excessive credit card use. If you are constantly relying on credit to make ends meet, you are jeopardizing your financial future. Every month you allow a balance to accumulate on a credit card, the further in the hole your finances will be. Start digging out now by leaving the credit cards behind and spending only what cash you have.
• Living paycheck to paycheck. If there's no money at the end of the month for saving, or you are living above your means, it's probably time to regain control of your finances.

Help for the Road Ahead
If things are spinning out of control, we can help you get back on track. A financial counselor at BALANCE^SM, a FREE financial education and counseling service available through your membership in American First, can assist you with managing your finances and budgeting suggestions. Even if you have bills piled high or have never created a household budget, BALANCE can help you find the road toward financial freedom.

Call BALANCE directly at 888/ 456-2227 or log on today at www.balancepro.net.

BALANCE^SM
Free Financial Counseling
For American First Members

BALANCE can help with:

• Money Management Counseling – Learn how to save money, create a household budget and control spending.
• Credit Report Review – Understand what it says to potential lenders and employers, and learn how to improve it.
• ID Theft – Learn how to protect your identity, and what to do if you've been victimized.

BALANCE can also help with debt management, housing counseling, financial education and much more. BALANCE is free and absolutely confidential. Available in Spanish.

Call BALANCE at 888/ 456-2227 or take the BALANCE Financial Fitness quick link at www.amerfirst.org.

3 Ways to Boost Your Credit Score

Having a good credit score is definitely a financial plus. Good credit generally makes it easier to get lower loan rates and more purchasing power, and it can even be a factor in landing a job or renting an apartment. If your credit score is lower than you'd like, try these tips to improve your score:

1 Check your report. Errors in your report can hurt your credit, especially if you are a victim of identity theft. Review your credit report and contact the credit reporting agency if you find inaccuracies. To access your free credit report, go to www.annualcreditreport.com or call 877/ 322-8228.

2Pay down balances. If your credit cards are close to being maxed out or you have dozens of credit cards, it may help to pay down or consolidate some of that debt.

3Pay on time, every time. Consistent on-time payments can do wonders in mending your credit score. Using a credit card responsibly is essential in establishing good credit.