Money Tips No One Told You

In this episode we had the pleasure of  talking with Juan Fernandez, the new President/CEO of the Louisiana Credit Union League. We talk about Juan's rise through credit unions, the role of the league to credit unions and future plans.   You can find First Pioneers Federal Credit Union at our Lafayette or New Iberia branch in Louisiana or online at firstpioneers.com.  If you prefer a blog ver...

In this episode we are discussing ways to protect yourself and your identity. Tips like using stronger passwords, phishing emails, online shopping and protecting yourself on social media.  You can find First Pioneers Federal Credit Union at our Lafayette or New Iberia branch in Louisiana or online at firstpioneers.com.  If you prefer a blog version of our podcast you can find that on the website o...

In this episode we talk about ways you can create a solid financial foundation.   Assessing your finances, Building savings, controlling debt, developing long term savings, educating yourself, focusing on retirement, and giving back are all pillars for your financial success. You can find First Pioneers Federal Credit Union at our Lafayette or New Iberia branch in Louisiana or online at firstpione...

In this episode we talk about the impact financial stress can put on our mental and physical health.   We also give you practical tips to help you improve both your financial and mental health.   You can find First Pioneers Federal Credit Union at our Lafayette or New Iberia branch in Louisiana or online at firstpioneers.com.  If you prefer a blog version of our podcast you can find that on the we...

In this episode we are talking about ways to get education and training, finding what path makes you happy, and ways to finance your education.  We also talk about some non traditional ways to help yourself advance.   You can find First Pioneers Federal Credit Union at our Lafayette or New Iberia branch in Louisiana or online at firstpioneers.com.  If you prefer a blog version of our podcast you c...

In this episode we share some real life examples of what new home owners have experienced after purchase or wish they would have noticed before. Many are things most people might never think of. You can find First Pioneers Federal Credit Union at our Lafayette or New Iberia branch in Louisiana or online at firstpioneers.com.  If you prefer a blog version of our podcast you can find that on the web...

In this episode we talk about the different types of mortgages and mortgage programs available.  This will help you understand options to consider as you look for a mortgage that fits your needs.  You can find First Pioneers Federal Credit Union at our Lafayette or New Iberia branch in Louisiana or online at firstpioneers.com.  If you prefer a blog version of our podcast you can find that on the w...

Buying your first home can be a daunting experience and we get questions all the time about how the process works. In this episode we talk about 10 things we feel you should do before you buy. You can get a free copy of your credit report from annualcreditreport.com. You can find First Pioneers Federal Credit Union at our Lafayette or New Iberia branch in Louisiana or online at firstpioneers.com. ...

In todays episode we discuss the difference in a savings and checking account, the advantages to both and share some questions you can ask before opening an account. We also discuss the Shared Branching Network that First Pioneers and many credit unions are a part of.   You can find a shared branch or a participating ATM a variety of ways: Link from First Pioneers https://www.firstpioneers.com/sha...

Have you ever noticed how a credit card and debit card look a lot alike?   That's because they do!  And we get asked the difference quite often.  Especially by young people just starting with their finances who are learning what it all means. In this episode we talk about the difference and even some of the drawbacks or things to look out for. You can find First Pioneers Federal Credit Union...

In this episode we are talking about things you should do before you go car shopping to help you get the best rate and find a car that really fits YOUR needs! Get your free credit report every 12 months from annualcreditreport.com. You can find First Pioneers Federal Credit Union at our Lafayette or New Iberia branch in Louisiana or online at firstpioneers.com.  If you prefer a blog version of our...

In this episode we discuss the different types of credit:  Installment, revolving and service. We at First Pioneers are always available to answer questions about loans, credit and other financial needs.  You can find First Pioneers Federal Credit Union at our Lafayette or New Iberia branch in Louisiana or online at firstpioneers.com.  If you prefer a blog version of our podcast you can find that...

In this episode we talk about what home equity really means and the ways you can use it to help you reach your goals. You can find First Pioneers Federal Credit Union at our Lafayette or New Iberia branch in Louisiana or online at firstpioneers.com.  If you prefer a blog version of our podcast you can find that on the website or if you prefer video, check us out on our youtube channel at firstpion...

Bank On Acadiana is a part of the United Way of Acadiana.  This outreach includes partnerships with local banks and credit unions  to offer individuals and families financial services to help achieve and maintain financial stability. First Pioneers is excited to be a part of these efforts and in this episode we talk with Angela Morrison, Chief Impact Officer of the United Way of Acadiana about wha...

In this episode we are talking about all the ways you can save, especially as you get those tax refunds and work bonuses. First Pioneers FCU has several options, you just need to find the right one for you. You can find First Pioneers Federal Credit Union at our Lafayette or New Iberia branch in Louisiana or online at firstpioneers.com.  If you prefer a blog version of our podcast you can find tha...

In this episode we are talking with First Pioneers FCU Executive Vice President of Lending, Jeff.  We discuss ways to navigate the current higher interest rates including alternative lender options. You can find First Pioneers Federal Credit Union at our Lafayette or New Iberia branch in Louisiana or online at firstpioneers.com.  If you prefer a blog version of our podcast you can find that on the...

How many of you made new years resolutions that you've already broken or abandoned those resolutions? Most statistics I found say that around 80% of new years resolutions fail. In fact, 43% of people expect to fail by February to the point that many people don't even bother anymore.     But why is this not working?  Many will say it’s a lack of accountability in the resolutions or they a...

In this episode we are back for season 2 and talking about how to pay off holiday debt.   Often, no matter how much we plan or save, we can find ourselves running up a bit of holiday debt.  If we don't get that paid off, it can linger and cost us so much more than the items we bought! In this episode we offer 9 tips to get that holiday debt paid down quickly. You can find First Pioneers Feder...

In this episode we give you ideas to budget for the holidays AND some gifts ideas that will help you stick to it! You can find First Pioneers Federal Credit Union at our Lafayette or New Iberia branch in Louisiana or online at firstpioneers.com.  If you prefer a blog version of our podcast you can find that on the website or if you prefer video, check us out on our youtube channel at firstpioneers...

I this episode we are talking about all the amazing electronic services that truly make your life easier.  And this is not about a mobile app... this is about bill pay, courtesy pay, direct deposit, remote deposit capture and more!   Who doesn't want to make their life easier? You can find First Pioneers Federal Credit Union at our Lafayette or New Iberia branch in Louisiana or online at firs...

In this episode we talk credit unions with Matt Rookard.  Matt is the President and CEO of the Louisiana Credit Union League. Our conversation includes what makes credit unions a great choice, the credit union movement and even the challenges we face.   You can find First Pioneers Federal Credit Union at our Lafayette or New Iberia branch in Louisiana or online at firstpioneers.com.  If you prefer...

In this episode we talk about scams that we are seeing.  Scams seem to be on the rise and it is getting harder to know what you can trust as the scammers are getting more and more savvy.   Don't forget, you can contact your financial institution for help if you feel you have been scammed or need to discern a possibly fraudulent situation. You can also report a scam to the Federal Trade Commis...

In this episode we are once again joined by special guest, Anthony Greco.  Mr. Greco is the Professor of Economics with the Department of Economics and Finance at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.   This time we are discussing recession and what it really means.   You can find First Pioneers Federal Credit Union at our Lafayette or New Iberia branch in Louisiana or online at firstpioneers....

In this episode we are joined by a special guest, Anthony Greco.  Mr. Greco is the Professor of Economics with the Department of Economics and Finance at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.   Mr. Greco helps us understand what inflation really means, suggestions of how to adjust your spending and how to slow inflation down.   You can find First Pioneers Federal Credit Union at our Lafayette...

In today's episode we are following up on our talk about budgeting to see how yours is going. Sometimes they just don't go quite how we think they will and the truth is, I don't like using the word failure... I prefer saying challenges.   There are several reasons a budget can get off track including losing motivation, unrealistic goals, dealing with high bills, forgetting things an...