Every potential homebuyer dreams of the day they’ll finally get the symbol of independence, security, and prosperity: the key to the front door of their new home. Before you get that one, though, there’s another key you need to craft. Your credit score will determine a lot about your housing situation, from how much house you can afford to the interest rates you’ll receive.

Your credit score is determined by three different credit monitoring agencies: TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian. Each has its own method for determining which events are most important to your score, so your number may vary depending on the agency. Paying debts off, making payments on time, and using only a small percentage of your available credit increases your score. Missing payments, opening many credit accounts, or carrying a significant balance of debt from month to month will decrease your score.

Less important than the actual score is your score grouping. Lenders tend to lump borrowers into sub-prime, near-prime, prime, and super-prime. Different lenders break these categories down at different score points, but the terminology and treatment are fairly universal. Super-prime lenders get the lowest rates because they represent the lowest level of risk for the lender. Sub-prime and near-prime borrowers will have a lower cap for the size of the loan they can take and will generally pay a higher interest rate. If you’re working on raising a low credit score, a good target number is 640. This will generally put you in the prime group and ensure you don’t have to pay extra on your mortgage because of credit. If you’re building good credit, 740 is generally the lowest super-prime score, which will give you access to some of the best rates and terms available.

If you’re going house hunting in the next year, there are three steps you can take right now to improve the terms of your mortgage. Check your credit score, take steps to raise it, and manage your loan in other ways. Taking these three steps will put you on the fast track to affordable home ownership!

Check your credit score

You can check your credit report for free once a year at annualcreditreport.com. Note, though, that there may be a nominal fee to receive your actual score along with the report. There are many similar websites, but many of them will charge you. Annualcreditreport.com is the site created by the three credit companies to provide consumers with transparent access to their financial information.

If your score isn’t at the level you think it should be, there may be errors or inaccuracies that are dragging down your good name. Look for accounts you don’t recognize or balances that are not up to date. You may even catch an identity thief red-handed! The report comes with instructions for challenging any item. In most cases, you can leave a note for lenders in the file explaining the item under dispute.

Boost your credit score!

There are no simple tricks to bump your credit score in advance of a mortgage. You need to develop a six- to 12-month plan to boost your credit score before getting your mortgage by making sound financial decisions. Demonstrate to lenders that you can use credit responsibly, and your score will increase.

One of the biggest drags on a credit score is the percentage of utilized debt. If you carry a balance on credit cards, this tells lenders that you may be using credit to pay for your day-to-day expenses and that lending you more money would not be a smart move for them. Getting balances to zero should be goal number one!

Also, take care that you don’t make any major purchases using credit right before you attempt to qualify for a mortgage. Even if you’re expecting a major windfall, such as an overtime check or a tax refund, creditors don’t see that on your report. Hold off until you have the cash in hand before you splurge on a new TV or car!

If a lack of credit history hurts your score, many lenders offer “credit builder” loans. These involve borrowing a small amount of money and making regular installment payments on it. Parents can frequently take out these loans on behalf of their children to help them build a stronger credit history.

What else?

If your credit score is low, and there’s nothing you can do about it, you may need to take other steps to get a better position on a loan. You might try boosting your down payment or shopping for less expensive houses so you’re borrowing a smaller sum of money. A co-signer, another responsible party willing to take on the risk of the loan, can also improve your terms. If your debt is a serious problem, perhaps moving into a new house isn’t a good short-term priority. Focus instead on paying off debt and saving up for a down payment. This can keep you from getting stuck with a house payment you can’t afford before you’re ready for it.

Keeping an eye on your credit score

Check your credit score, it’s free! While it’s impossible to keep a 24/7 vigil on every aspect of your financial life, One Nevada makes it possible to keep a very close eye on your credit. Through our partnership with SavvyMoney®, you can have access to your credit score and credit report anytime you like for FREE. Plus, you can even set up alerts to monitor your credit activity. This can help protect you from fraudsters.

SavvyMoney® is available whenever you’re ready.

Below are some frequently asked questions members have had about the changes coming soon.

FAQs

Q. What does digital banking mean?
A. Digital banking means online and mobile banking applications you use from your computer or through the One Nevada mobile app on your cell phone or tablet.

Q. Will my account number change?
A. No, your account number will remain the same.

Q. Can I keep my same User ID?
A. Yes, you can keep the same User ID you use today to access your account in our new platform.

Q. Can I keep the same password?
A. As long as your existing password meets the requirements, you can enjoy using your current password. It must be at least eight characters and contain 1 lowercase letter and a minimum of 1 number.

Q. Where should I look for updates or details regarding this change?
A. In addition to the mail and emails sent, we’ll update this site with valuable information as it becomes available.

Scenario 1: The Timeshare Push

Some free vacation scams involve a “short” meeting before you can claim your prize. However, these meetings are often long sales pitches for a timeshare. Yes, these may be legitimate timeshare offers, but the free vacation can only be claimed if you buy into the timeshare or use the travel certificate on specific dates alongside exorbitant fees. Doesn’t sound so free, does it?

Scenario 2: The Tax or Fee Stipulation

Winning a free vacation comes with taxes and other fees, right? Maybe. You usually pay the taxes to the IRS, not some unknown company. With the tax or fee stipulation scam, the company issuing the free vacation will require you to pay the taxes upfront and/or pay a fee to process the prize. This is often done with a credit card. After you pay the fees, you’ll never hear from the company again. And they’ll have your credit card information. If you fall for this crime, cancel your credit card immediately and dispute the charge if possible.

How to Avoid Free Vacation Scams

If something sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Follow these tips to protect your credit and identity from vacation or sweepstakes scams.

• Unless you recall entering the contest, ignore emails or letters claiming you have won something.
• Never pay a fee or tax to an unknown company before a prize can be processed.
• Don’t sign up for a timeshare or travel club membership to win a prize.
• Don’t share your credit card information to claim a free vacation.
• Never pay a company with gift cards.
• Always read the fine print and do your research before buying or paying for anything.

One Nevada is Here to Help

If you become a victim of a free vacation scam, or any other online or offline crime, report it to us, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

Learn More about Today’s Scams

How Debt Relief Scams Work

These scams target individuals and families who may have a lot of credit card debt or other types of higher-rate loans. The criminals simply pull a credit report, find their victims, and begin to barrage them with promises of debt relief and credit repair — all for a fee. The victims are often desperate and willing to pay any price for a positive outcome. The scammer takes their fee, fails to deliver on any of the promises, and leaves the victim further in debt. Those promises include:  

• Debt repair services that can instantly increase credit scores
• Removal of negative information on a credit report
• Reduction in credit card balance and/or rates

If you’re told that a company can repair your credit and relieve you of some or all of your debt for an up-front fee, delete the email, hang up the phone, or shred the mailing. Especially if the service claims to be affiliated with your credit card or financial institution.

Top 4 ways to avoid a debt relief scam:

• Never pay an upfront fee
• Don’t trust a service that guarantees a better credit score fast 
• Don’t listen to a company that tells you to cut off all communication with creditors
• Don’t believe that a service can fix negative credit information.

How to Fix Your Credit and Lower Your Debt (over time)

Yes, there are legitimate credit repair services out there. Before you use one, do your research with the Better Business Bureau. Or stop by One Nevada. We can point you in the right direction.

Fixing your credit takes time. As long as you are not late with your debt payments, you may see positive movement in your overall score. Other ways to repair your credit include:

• Review your report. Get a free copy of your report from each reporting agency at annualcreditreport.com or call 877.322.8228.
• Looking for errors and fixing them. Look for duplicate accounts and any missed payments.  
• Fix the Errors. Contact the reporting agency about the error. If your dispute is valid, it will get fixed. And you’ll have saved a lot of money.

Relieve Your Debt (and build your credit)

Relieving some of your debt requires honest conversations and on-time payments. Start by calling your credit card company or financial institution and ask them about debt relief. They might be willing to lock your rate and set you up with monthly payments you can afford.

Want to consolidate your debt? Try using the equity in your home with a One Nevada Home Equity Loan or Line of Credit.

Connect with Law Enforcement

Debt relief scams are a crime if the company does not provide the services promised. If you or someone you know falls victim to this crime, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

Stay Alert

How Romance Scams Work

First, let’s look at the science of love. When you fall in love, the dopamine in your brain activates.  This forms a strong attachment to the other person. Romance scams exploit this bit of human biology. Criminals find victims on dating sites, apps, Facebook, and other social media.

Romance scams are a crime orchestrated by ruthless, cold individuals looking solely for monetary gain, not companionship. One of the most popular romance scams usually includes the scammer claiming to live overseas (either for business or military service), befriending someone online, and pretending to be a potential love interest.

They might seem perfect (almost too good to be true). They will appear caring, compassionate, empathetic, and attractive (if they have an online dating photo). After a short amount of time, including long message exchanges and possible phone calls, they will ask for money. The money will be necessary to pay for an emergency, hospital bill, or travel expenses so they can visit the person they are scamming. If any money is sent, it will be lost forever.

It gets worse.

The criminals will often promise to return the money. But they cannot wire money from their location. All they require is the victim’s online banking username and password. Once they have that information, they clean out the account and disappear.  

Flirting with Disaster

Romance scams have quickly become the costliest online crime. In 2021, American losses to romance scams added up to $547 million, according to the Federal Trade Commission.  

Experts warn that it can be easy to fall for a romance scam. Thankfully, they’re also easy to spot. It’s likely a romance scam when someone:

• Seems too good to be true.
• Professes love quickly.
• Claims to be overseas and cannot come to visit.
• Asks for money for an emergency or other needs.
• Promises to pay the victim back (all they need is an online banking login).
• Requests money be wired or loaded to a card, such as MoneyPak, Amazon, Google, iTunes, or Steam.
• Opens a new bank account in both names to make deposits easier.
• Continually breaks promises to visit in person.

Crush the Crush

Want to thwart the criminals? Request an in-person meeting before sending money or sharing information. Romance scam perpetrators will always have an emergency or other conflict that keeps them from meeting. Other ways to protect yourself include:

• Reverse search the person’s photo: If they’re a criminal, they are likely using a fake image and name. Often, those photos are of overseas actors or actresses.
• Ask questions: Cross-examine the person to find holes in their story.
• Never send sensitive information: That includes your Social Security Number, phone number, account number, credit card numbers, or online banking login credentials (not even to someone claiming to be a credit union representative).
• Never transfer money: Not even if someone calls claiming to be from the credit union. Instead, hang up and call us back to report the crime.
• Don’t send compromising photos of yourself: Criminals will use these to blackmail you out of money.
• Talk to someone you trust: If your friends and family think it’s a scam, it probably is.
• Don’t follow orders: Criminals might ask victims to cash a check and then wire the money. The check will bounce, and you’ll be out a stack of cash.

Looking for Love Online? Here’s What NOT to Do!

• Don’t send compromising photos of yourself.
• Don’t share too much personal information until you’ve met in person (face to face).
• Don’t send any money. Ever!
• Don’t keep it a secret. Tell your friends and family.
• Don’t buy plane tickets.
• Don’t send gift cards.
• Don’t give out your personal phone number.
• Don’t accept money for any reason.

Bottom Line: Play it EXTRA Safe!

Approach any online relationship with caution. Additionally, move slowly. Do a background check on the person of interest and learn all you can about them from reputable sources. And never, ever, ever, ever send someone money, gift cards, or wire funds — even if they’ve sent you a check to cover it. There is a very real chance you’ll be scammed out of your money.  

One Nevada Loves You

If you or someone you know falls victim to a romance scam, contact us to stop all payments, block credit, and debit cards, and change online banking login credentials. Then report the crime to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

Skip the Scam

Here’s an easy post-holiday budget recovery plan:

Review your holiday spending

1. Review your holiday spending. Time to crunch the numbers and see how much debt the holiday season set you back. This will help you understand what recovery steps you need to take.
2. Choose your recovery process. Do you have multiple credit card balances to pay off? Consider consolidating your debt by taking out a personal/unsecured loan and then using the funds to pay off your credit card debt. This method usually gives you a single, low-interest payment each month.

   A second option would be to pay off one credit card bill at a time using the snowball or avalanche repayment strategy. Both strategies are designed to repay debt as quickly as possible. You maximize your payments until each debt is completely paid off and you are debt free.

3. Snowball Method. With the Snowball Method, you pay the highest amount towards paying the debt with the lowest balance first while still paying the minimum payments on the rest of your debt. Once you pay off the lowest balance debt, combine that payment with the minimum payment on the next lowest balance, and so on.
4. Avalanche Method. With the Avalanche Method, you pay the highest amount to a debt with the highest interest rate while making only the minimum payments on the rest of your debt. Once you pay off the highest interest rate debt, combine that payment amount with the minimum payment of the second highest debt, and apply it to the debt with the next highest interest rate. Continue that process until you repay all that debt.
5. Trim your budget. It’s the best time to cut your budget. Use that positive new year energy to analyze your spending. Consider underused subscriptions you can drop, where you can cut your grocery bills, and investigate swapping out your auto insurance policy for a more affordable plan. Use the money you saved by trimming your budget toward paying down your holiday debt.
6. Take a break. Create a shopping detox plan. Avoid the mall and Amazon this month and resolve to only purchase essentials. Use all the money you save to help your budget recover.
7. Make a plan for next year’s holiday season. Take some time to reflect on what went wrong with your holiday budget this year and make a plan for next year. That plan might include automatically saving a certain amount each month throughout the year for your holiday savings, cutting back on your gift-giving list, or saving any bonuses, tax refunds, or extra funds for your next holiday budget.

One Nevada is here to help  

Whether you need cash quickly to pay down your holiday debt or need a little help rebuilding your credit, One Nevada has Personal Loan options to meet every need. Explore the perfect loan for you and apply today: https://onenevada.org/loans/personal-loans/    

In an effort to give back to the community and uphold the credit union philosophy of people helping people, One Nevada Credit Union employees selected four charities to donate to just in time for the holidays. The credit union's employees selected the charities through a companywide vote, and each charity received a $2,500 donation.

One Nevada Credit Union / 2645 South Mojave Road, Las Vegas, NV 89121-1238 / onenevada.org
Give Back Sweepstakes Donations:

1. Safe Nest – Provides preventative education, confidential shelter, court advocacy,
   counseling, and other services to 36,000 victims of domestic violence per year in Clark
   County.
2. Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth – Full-time drop-in center for homeless youth
   that provides immediate needs items and respite from the streets to homeless youth while
   building the trust and skills necessary for transition to longer-term care and selfsufficiency.
3. Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation – Supports families with educational,
   psychological, and financial support services after a child has been diagnosed with cancer
   and chronic illness.
4. Cup of Hope Outreach Ministry – A Christian ministry partnering with local food pantries
   and national companies like Chick-Fil-A has served over 20,000 meals to homeless
   Nevadans over the last two years.
   “It's an honor to partner with PSCU in giving back and supporting our community. We know these
   contributions will help Nevadans in need, and these charities were the perfect place to make a
   meaningful impact,” said Paul Parrish, One Nevada Credit Union CEO.

SPCA of Northern Nevada received $4,000 in donations from One Nevada Credit Union’s annual spring shred event. The shredding service is free to the public, but donations were accepted benefiting SPCA of Northern Nevada. Reno residents donated a record $1,990 for the safe shred of their unwanted documents. The event was so successful that One Nevada decided to round up and match the donation for a total contribution of $4,000 to SPCA. The donation will help SPCA of Northern Nevada in its mission to find pets a loving furever home and provide low-cost spay/neuters to the community.

“SPCA of Northern Nevada was honored and excited to be a part of One Nevada’s annual shred event,” said Sean Farnan, SPCA of Northern Nevada Development Director. “One Nevada is a wonderful supporter of the SPCA, and we couldn’t save the lives of over 2,100 homeless pets annually without their consistent and generous support. This donation is crucial to funding the life-saving work that the SPCA performs in our community. A big thank you to One Nevada for taking good care of us, so we can in turn take good care of pets in need. ”

Make-A-Wish® Southern Nevada received $2,510 in donations from One Nevada Credit Union’s annual spring shred event. The shredding service is free to the public, but donations were accepted benefiting Make-A-Wish. Las Vegas residents donated a record $1,255 for the safe shred of their unwanted documents. The event was so successful that One Nevada decided to match the donation for a total contribution of $2,510 to Make-A-Wish. The donation will help southern Nevada’s local Make-A-Wish Chapter in its mission to grant wishes for children diagnosed with a critical illness.

“We are so grateful for our partnership with One Nevada. It’s because of corporate partners like One Nevada that we’re able to fulfill our mission of granting wishes for children who are battling critical illnesses,” said Sheila Marcello, Corporate and Community Development Manager for Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada.

For more information about Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada, please visit https://snv.wish.org/.

About Make-A-Wish® Southern Nevada Make-A-Wish grants life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. According to a 2011 U.S. study of wish impact, most health professionals surveyed believe a wish-come-true has positive impacts on the health of children. Kids say wishes give them renewed strength to fight their illness, and their parents say these experiences help strengthen the entire family. Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada is part of one of the world's leading children's charities, serving children living in Clark, Nye, Lincoln and Esmeralda Counties. With the help of generous donors and more than 500 volunteers, Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada has granted more than 2000 wishes since its inception in 1996. Visit Make-A-Wish at snv.wish.org.

1. Contest Administration. This contest (the “Contest”) is administered and operated by One Nevada Credit Union (the “Sponsor”). This contest is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook or any other third party. You understand that you are providing your information to Sponsor not to Facebook or any other third party.
2. How to Enter.  No purchase is necessary to enter or win. There is a limit of one entry per day. Sponsor employees, officers, directors, contractors and agents shall not be responsible for lost, misdirected, incomplete or illegible entries. In order to enter:
3. “Like” One Nevada Credit Union’s Facebook page.
4. Tell us your wish and why the wish is important to you by leaving a comment on One Nevada Credit Union’s Facebook page contest post.
5. Share your post of your wish request with your family and friends on Facebook.
6. Must be 18 years old or older to enter.
7. Must be a legal resident of the State of Nevada.
8. Must agree to the terms of these official rules.

During the Promotion Period, as defined below, go to the One Nevada Credit Union Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OneNevada and post a comment listing a gift that you would like to receive and why you desire the gift, not to exceed a $500 value. Entrants must like the One Nevada Credit Union Facebook page, share their wish by commenting on the page and then share their wish with their family and friends on Facebook. LIMIT ONE (1) ONLINE ENTRY PER PERSON, PER DAY. For purposes of this Promotion, a day is defined as a 24-hour period beginning at 12:00 a.m. PST and ending at 11:59 p.m. PST

• Contest Period.  The Contest period shall run from 9:00 AM PST on December 12, 2022 until 11:59 PM PST on December 16, 2022 (the “Promotion Period”).
• Eligibility.  Open only to legal residents of the State of Nevada, who are 18 years of age or older. Employees of Sponsor and its respective partners, subsidiaries and affiliated companies, distributors, licensees and the advertising, fulfillment, judging and contest agencies involved in the development and administration of this Contest (collectively, “Contest Parties”), and their immediate family members (parent, child, sibling and spouse of each) and those living in the same households of each are not eligible. Void elsewhere and where prohibited by law.

• Prize Details.   At the end of the Promotion Period, 5 entries will be selected, in the sole and absolute discretion of the Sponsor, by a committee made up of employees of Sponsor based upon the wish and why the entrant desires the wish. The selected entrants will receive their requested wish within 4-6 weeks after the Promotion Period ends provided the gift is then currently available. No substitution or transfer of prize is permitted except at Sponsor’s sole and absolute discretion. All taxes, and all other costs associated with acceptance or use of the prizes, are the sole responsibility of the winner. Arrangement for delivery of the prize will be performed after winner validation. Odds of winning the prize depend on the total number of entries received. All decisions by Sponsor are final and binding. Sponsor employees, officers, directors, contractors and agents shall not be responsible for late, lost, misdirected or unsuccessful efforts to notify winner. If a non-eligible winner is chosen, Sponsor will select another winner. 

• General Conditions.  .  Federal, state and local tax liability and any other expenses are the sole responsibility of Contest winner. Void where restricted and prohibited. Prize is non-transferable, non-assignable and non-exchangeable. LEGAL WARNING: ANY ATTEMPT BY AN INDIVIDUAL, WHETHER OR NOT AN ENTRANT, TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE, DESTROY, TAMPER OR INTERFERE WITH THE OPERATION OF THE CONTEST IS A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS AND THE SPONSOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES AND DILIGENTLY PURSUE ALL REMEDIES AGAINST ANY SUCH INDIVIDUAL TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.

• Miscellaneous.  By entering the Contest, you agree to comply with all of the terms and conditions set forth herein. Noncompliance with any entry procedure will result in disqualification. Furthermore, if there is any suspected evidence of tampering or corruption or if the Contest is compromised by virus, bugs or any unauthorized human intervention or any other causes beyond the control of Sponsor and their partners, subsidiaries or affiliates which corrupts or impairs the administration, security or fairness of the Contest, Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify any entrant deemed responsible for such corruption, suspend and/or terminate the Contest and select winners from the entries received up to the time of such termination or suspension. If the Contest is terminated prior to the Contest period, notice will be posted here or via other media used to promote the Contest. Sponsor reserves the right, in their sole discretion, to cancel or suspend the Promotion for any reason. Any attempt to deliberately damage the legitimate operation of this Promotion is a violation of criminal and civil laws, and should such an attempt be made, Promotion Sponsor reserves the right to seek remedies and damages to the fullest extent permitted by law, including criminal prosecution. Except where prohibited, entrant agrees that any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of, or connected with, this Promotion or any prize awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and exclusively by the appropriate court located in the State of Nevada, County of Clark.

• Winner Publicity.  The Contest Sponsor may publish the first name and last name of the winner on the website located at www.onenevada.org, One Nevada Credit Union publications, and on social media sites owned by Sponsor.

• General.  This Contest is subject to all applicable federal and state laws and regulations. By entering the Contest, participants agree to be bound by these Official Rules and by the decision of the Contest Sponsor, which shall be final on all matters relating to this Contest. This Contest shall be void where prohibited by law.
• General Conditions

Failure to comply with the terms and conditions applicable to Contest entry, including without limitation submitting an incomplete or fraudulent entry, and/or failing to complete the entry process, will result in such entry being disqualified from such Contest.  Any individual(s) that is found to be, or suspected of, tampering with a Contest in any way, including without limitation by making a fraudulent entry, by engaging in any “deal-making” with or between other Contest contestants or third parties, by creating a public hazard, by cheating, by engaging in improper or illegal activity, by causing interference with or the destruction of property and/or utilized public safety resources will be disqualified from participating and/or winning any prize(s), as applicable, and may be banned from any future participation in any Contest as determined by Sponsor at its sole discretion and on a case-by-case basis.

Sponsor will be the sole arbiter in all matters relating to the Contest, including without limitation, Contest entries and in the interpretation of Contest rules.  All decisions by Sponsor will be final and may not be appealed.  Entry into Contests constitutes agreement by entrants to abide by these rules, as well as any other rules established by Sponsor.

In the event that the operation, security, or administration for the Contest is impaired in any way for any reason, including, but not limited to fraud, virus, bug, worm, unauthorized human intervention or other technical problem, or in the event the Contest is unable to run as planned for any other reason, as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion, the Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, suspend the Contest to address the impairment and then resume the Contest in a manner that best conforms to the spirit of these Official Rules. The Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Contest or to be acting in violation of these Official Rules or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner.  Any attempt by any person to damage One Nevada Credit Union’s facebook page or undermine the legitimate operation of the Contest may be a violation of criminal and civil law, and should such an attempt be made, the Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages (including attorney’s fees) and any other remedies from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law.  Failure by the Sponsor to enforce any provision of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision.

1. Release and Limitations of Liability

By participating in the Contest, entrants agree to release, defend and hold harmless the Sponsor, and each of their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, advertising and promotion agencies, other companies associated with the Contest, and each of their respective officers, directors, employees, shareholders, representatives and agents (the “Released Parties”) from and against any claim or cause of action arising out of participation in the Contest or receipt or use of the prize (including any travel or activity related thereto), including, but not limited to: (a)any technical errors associated with the Contest, including lost, interrupted or unavailable Internet Service Provider (ISP), network, server, wireless service provider, or other connections, availability or accessibility or miscommunications or failed computer, satellite, telephone, cellular tower or cable transmissions, lines or technical failure or jumbled, scrambled, delayed or misdirected transmission or computer hardware or software malfunctions, failures or difficulties; (b) unauthorized human intervention in the Contest; (c) mechanical, network, electronic, computer, human, printing or typographical errors; (d) any other errors or problems in connection with the Contest, including, without limitation, errors that may occur in the administration of the Contest, the announcement of the winner, the cancellation or postponement of the event and/or the flyover, if applicable, or in any Contest-related materials; or (e) injury, death, losses or damages of any kind, to persons or property which may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from entrants participation in the Contest or acceptance, receipt or misuse of the prize (including any travel or activity related thereto).  Entrant further agrees that in any cause of action, the Released Parties liability will be limited to the cost of entering and participating in the Contest, and in no event shall the entrant be entitled to receive attorney’s fees.  Released Parties are also not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by site users, tampering, hacking, or by any equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Contest.  Entrant waives the right to claim any damages whatsoever, including, but not limited to, punitive, consequential, direct, or indirect damages.

The Released Parties are not responsible for (i) typographical or other errors in the printing, the offering, or the administration of a Contest or in the announcement of a prize; (ii) incorrect or inaccurate information, human error, failure, or omission; (iii) unauthorized human intervention; (iv) lost, stolen, mangled, misdirected, illegible, incomplete, or late entries; (v) entries not received due to difficulty accessing the internet, service outage or delays, computer difficulties and other technological problems or for telephone service outages, delays, busy signals, poor signals or signal interference, accidental disconnection, equipment malfunctions, and any other technological failures of any kind; or (vi) any cancellations, delays, diversions, or substitutions or omissions whatsoever by any transportation providers or any other persons or entities providing any services to entrant(s) and/or winner(s) (and winner’s guest(s) if applicable) including any results thereof such as changes in services or location necessitated by same.  Further, the Released Parties are not responsible if any part of a Contest cannot be conducted and/or if a prize, either in whole or in part, cannot be awarded due to acts of God, acts of war, natural disasters, weather, acts of terrorism, or other factors beyond the Released Parties’ control.

12.        Disputes

Except where prohibited, each entrant agrees that any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of, or connected with, the Contest or any prize awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and exclusively by the appropriate court located in Nevada.  All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, entrants rights and obligations, or the rights and obligations of the Sponsor in connection with the Contest, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of Nevada, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules, which would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than Nevada.

13.        General Terms

Sponsor may or may not respond to inquiries by entrants or potential entrants regarding the status of their entry and/or to questions about a Contest, regardless of the means by which such inquiry is made, and Sponsor is not obligated to respond to, or to treat, all such inquiries identically (even if the question is identical).  Time considerations and/or volume, among other things, may impact a Sponsors’ desire or ability to respond to such inquiries from time to time.  Notwithstanding anything that may be communicated by any Sponsor employee in connection with any such inquiry, the sole determining source for information related to a particular Contest will be the rules for such particular Contest, and any information communicated by Sponsor employee(s) will neither be binding on the Sponsor nor be deemed to be providing any type of improper assistance or advantage to any particular entrant over another.  Any attempt by Sponsor to respond to an inquiry will be in the context of providing good customer service only and, in some instances, to address technical issues/problems.

Participation in the Contest and/or acceptance of prize(s) constitutes consent by Entrant and/or winner’s (and by winner’s guest(s) if applicable) for the Sponsor or its agents (i) to interview the Entrant and/or winner(s) (and winner’s guest(s), if applicable), (ii) to photograph, film, and record (audio and/or video) Entrant and/or winner(s) (and winner’s guest(s), if applicable), and (iii) to use in commerce and in any medium now or hereafter known throughout the world in perpetuity and without payment of any compensation or additional consideration: his/her name, hometown (city and state), biographic information, likeness, photograph, audio or video recording, Entry Materials, prize information (if any), and/or any statements made by him/her regarding the Sponsor, the Contest and/or its sponsor(s) for purposes of trade, publicity, or promotion without notice or additional compensation, notification, or permission, except where prohibited by law. 

Here are five ways you can save this holiday season:

1. Create a list of all your holiday expenses, and check it twice

Your holiday season should start with a plan. Before you hit the mall or all your favorite online retailers, sit down and draw up a complete list of every holiday expense you can anticipate. Include all gifts, holiday décor, travel expenses, charitable donations, and food costs. This is the best time to cut out non-essentials and trim your list to save money.

2. Determine how much you can spend

Once you have all of your expenses written out, add up the list and determine what amount you will spend this holiday season. Build a reasonable budget for all your holiday shopping. This year pay attention to prices because inflation could be a budget buster if you’re not paying close attention. Review your budget frequently as you do your holiday shopping to make sure you’re on track.

3. Shop early

It’s always a good idea to make a plan and shop early in the season so holiday pressure and crowds don’t cause you to make hasty purchasing decisions you might regret. This year, many retailers, including Walmart, Target, and Amazon, have rolled out their holiday sales earlier than ever. It’s starting to look like Black Friday begins on Halloween. Take advantage of sales events to help you save on your holiday gifts.

4. Watch for Green Monday Markdowns

The second Monday of December is known as Green Monday. It’s the day when last-minute shoppers can find some of the best deals and get their last-minute holiday shopping done. The second Monday of December falls on December 12 this year and we’re expecting it to be the biggest sales day of the month. Store and online discounts tend to be similar to what we experience on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Don’t let the sense of urgency push you into going over budget. Set aside some budget and use Green Monday as an opportunity to buy last-minute gifts that are can’t-miss deals.

5. Gift Cards

Stick with your budget and give gift cards. You can even use cash-back rewards to earn them at no cost if you plan ahead. Gift cards are great because they’re easy to shop for, budgeted, and always appreciated by the receiver.

Don’t let the squeeze of inflation and financial stress ruin your holiday cheer this year. Follow the One Nevada tips to keep your spending down and your finances intact.

We’re so excited to present the seventh annual Griswold Challenge, and we invite all of our local friends and businesses to compete for the best light display. We’ll award $500 for first place and $250 for second place, so get your team together and enter today!

Entering the contest is FREE. You’ll receive a power hook-up and 10×20 space to decorate. Teams often choose traditional or nostalgic themes, and many displays are decorated to look like sets from famous holiday movies. One Nevada encourages teams to go overboard with holiday lights and decorations, because you can never have too many lights!

The deadline to enter is November 26.

For more information, contact Angela Handler at 775-690-2581 or angela@39northdowntown.com.

You can vote for your favorite light display at One Nevada’s voting booth, and while you’re there, pose for a holiday picture. You don’t want to miss this holly jolly event.

39 North Pole Village and Griswold Challenge Holiday Light Festival
Thursday, December 1 – Saturday, December 3
Victorian Square Plaza
FREE event!

Visit 39northdowntown.com for more details about the event.

Hope to see you there!

Join us at 39 North Pole Village, the annual holiday light festival, featuring thousands of twinkling lights, holiday shopping booths, great food, family fun, and holiday cheer.

One Nevada is proud to sponsor the light festival and host the #OneNevadaScavHunt22 Photo Scavenger Hunt.

#OneNevadaScavHunt22 Photo Scavenger Hunt

• We’ll post the scavenger hunt list at the event.
• Find the items on the list at 39 North Pole Village and share a picture of each item with the hashtag #OneNevadaScavHunt22 on your Facebook, Twitter or Instagram page. Each item on the list is worth one entry.
• We’ll announce the winner on December 8 via Facebook.com/OneNevada.
• See complete rules below.

Entries accepted between December 1 and December 3, 2022.

We’ll announce the winner on December 8 via Facebook.com/OneNevada.

One Nevada 39 North Pole Village Photo Scavenger Hunt Official Rules:

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

1. How to Enter. One Nevada Credit Union employees, officers, or directors of either shall not be responsible for lost, misdirected, incomplete, or illegible entries. Please do not post any private or sensitive information including your account number.
2. Share a picture taken at 39 North Pole Village of an item on the official #OneNevadaScavHunt22 scavenger hunt list publicly on your Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram pages with the hashtag #OneNevadaScavHunt22.
3. Earn extra entries by posting additional items on the official #OneNevadaScavHunt22 scavenger hunt list. Photos can also be selfies.
4. Must be 18 years old to enter or have a parent or guardian’s permission.
5. Must agree to the terms of these official rules.
6. Drawing Period. The Drawing period runs from 3:00 pm PST on December 1, 2022, until Saturday, December 3, 2022, at 11:59pm PST. We’ll announce the winner on Wednesday, December 8, 2022, via Facebook.com/OneNevada.
7. Eligibility. Open only to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, who are 18 years of age or older, or who have written consent from a parent or legal guardian. Entrants must also be a U.S. citizen who resides in the U.S. at the time of entry. Employees of One Nevada Credit Union and its respective partners, subsidiaries and affiliated companies, distributors, licensees and the advertising, fulfillment, judging and agencies involved in the development and administration of this Drawing (collectively, “Drawing Parties”), and their immediate family members (parent, child, sibling and spouse of each) and those living in the same households of each are not eligible. Void elsewhere and where prohibited by law.
8. Prize Details. One (1) First Prize entry will receive a $200 Visa gift card. No substitution or transfer of prize is permitted except at One Nevada’s sole and absolute discretion. All taxes, and all other costs associated with acceptance or use of the prizes, are the sole responsibility of the winner. Arrangement for delivery of the prize will be performed after winner validation. Odds of winning the prize depend on the total number of entries. Exact prize component is subject to change without notice. All decisions are final and binding. One Nevada Credit Union employees, officers or directors of either shall not be responsible for late, lost, misdirected or unsuccessful efforts to notify winner. If a non-eligible winner is chosen, One Nevada Credit Union will select another winner.
9. General Conditions. One Nevada Credit Union will announce the Drawing winner. Federal, state and local tax liability and any other expenses are the sole responsibility of Drawing winner. Void where restricted and prohibited. Prize is non-transferable, non-assignable and non-exchangeable. LEGAL WARNING: ANY ATTEMPT BY AN INDIVIDUAL, WHETHER OR NOT AN ENTRANT, TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE, DESTROY, TAMPER OR INTERFERE WITH THE OPERATION OF THE DRAWING IS A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS AND ONE NEVADA RESERVE THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES AND DILIGENTLY PURSUE ALL REMEDIES AGAINST ANY SUCH INDIVIDUAL TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.
10. Consent to Publicity and Release. By accepting a prize, winners consent to the use of their name and likeness for publicity purposes without further compensation, unless prohibited by law. All entrants agree to release and hold harmless One Nevada Credit Union and their immediate family, partners, employees, subsidiaries, agents, representatives and affiliates from any and all claims of any kind arising directly or indirectly from the Drawing, from any Drawing prize or from any publicity about the Drawing. One Nevada may publish the first name, last name of the winner on the website located at www.onenevada.org, on social media sites and other media owned by One Nevada.
11. Miscellaneous. By entering the Drawing, you agree to comply with all of the terms and conditions mentioned herein. Noncompliance with any entry procedure will result in disqualification. Furthermore, if there is any suspected evidence of tampering or corruption or if the Drawing is compromised by virus, bugs or any unauthorized human intervention or any other causes beyond the control of One Nevada Credit Union and their partners, subsidiaries or affiliates which corrupts or impairs the administration, security or fairness of the Drawing, One Nevada Credit Union reserves the right to disqualify any entrant deemed responsible for such corruption, suspend and/or terminate the Drawing and select winners from the entries received up to the time of such termination or suspension. If the Drawing is terminated prior to the Drawing period, notice will be posted on social media or via other media used to promote the Drawing. One Nevada reserves the right, in their sole discretion, to cancel or suspend the Drawing should cause beyond the reasonable control of One Nevada corrupt the security or proper administration of the Drawing. Any attempt to deliberately damage the legitimate operation of this Drawing is a violation of criminal and civil laws, and should such an attempt be made, One Nevada reserves the right to seek remedies and damages to the fullest extent permitted by law, including criminal prosecution. Except where prohibited, entrant agrees that any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of, or connected with, this Drawing or any prize awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and exclusively by the appropriate court located in the State of Nevada, County of Clark. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, entrant’s rights and obligations, or the rights and obligations of One Nevada in connection with the Drawing, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of State of Nevada, County of Clark, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules (whether of the State of Nevada, County of Clark or any other jurisdiction), which would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than State of Nevada, County of Clark.
12. General. This Drawing is subject to all applicable federal and state laws and regulations. By entering the Drawing, participants agree to be bound by these Official Rules and by the decision of One Nevada, which shall be final on all matters relating to this Drawing. This Drawing shall be void where prohibited by law.

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1. Be Prepared for Anything at the Airport
   Booking flights as early as possible can help you save some money. Additionally, understanding airline and airport rules can save you a lot of time and stress. Don’t forget to bring identification and a passport, if necessary. Remember, some airlines and international flights may require masks while on the plane.
2. Travel Light
   Unless you’ll be gone for over a week, pack only what you need. If you can avoid checking a bag at the airport, you’ll save money and time. Plus, you won’t have to worry about losing your luggage and being forced to borrow clothes from your cousin.
3. Consider Everyone’s Comfort and Health
   If you’re hosting the dinner, set clear expectations about masks. Let those attending know if masks are required, voluntary, or not allowed at all. If someone is feeling a bit under the weather, they may want to consider wearing a mask to avoid getting others sick — even if it’s just a common cold.
4. Get an Accurate Guest Count
   Find out exactly how many guests will attend Thanksgiving at your home. This will help save money on the food budget. If you’re going somewhere for Thanksgiving, knowing how many people will attend can help you plan ahead for what to bring (if you are asked to contribute to the menu).
5. Plan the Menu and Shop Early
   This time of year, families through the community are all searching for some of the same baking and cooking ingredients. Instead of waiting until the last minute, put together your list and head to the store early. And remember, bring along the coupons. According to the Consumer Price Index, food prices have gone up 11.4% since last year.
6. Buy a Frozen Turkey Now
   Frozen is often cheaper than fresh and can stay in your freezer for weeks. Just be sure to follow the thawing directions.
7. Create Conversation Cards
   Instead of conversations about politics, family drama, and other polarizing issues, create conversation cards and hand them out to everyone at your event. Ideal topics include new movies, favorite music, sports, and proud family moments such as recent weddings, graduations, and births. 

Happy Thanksgiving from One Nevada
While you’re planning your festivities, don’t forget that your membership gives you access to plenty of perks to help build your financial future. Those include KeepTrack^® personal financial tracking and free credit scores with SavvyMoney^®. Plus, we’re available at branches throughout the region and ATMs across the country.

Find One Nevada near you

Shearin, a native Nevadan from Henderson, has over 20 years of experience in IT and has worked at One Nevada for over a decade. He began his career at One Nevada in 2012 as a Systems Engineer and has served in various capacities within the credit union’s IT department. Shearin has most recently served as the Assistant Vice President of Network Services and will now lead a team of IT professionals in his new role as he oversees the information technology needs for the entire credit union’s operation.

“Jesse has been instrumental in our IT Department over the last ten years,” said Steve O’Donnell, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. “His expertise and leadership will help us move forward in continuing to offer the best service and latest technologies to our members.”

One Nevada was honored to host the Money Savings Drill and sponsor the USO Las Vegas and the Oakland Raiders Foundation Military Combine at Nellis Air Force Base.

Event guests participated in the Money Savings Drill where they had to come up with a money saving tip to receive a prize. They came up with a wide variety of tips for saving money and shared their real life experiences.

Check out their tips below. Do you have any money saving tips they missed? Add them in the post comments on Facebook.com/OneNevada.

1. Eat in – meal prep
2. Clean your house yourself
3. Family child care
4. We swap cars every week to even out the costs
5. Couponing
6. Save 10% every month
7. Never let your credit card have a balance
8. Interest-free debit card
9. Start your credit early (16-years-old)
10. Don’t spend
11. Go to thrift stores
12. Piggy Bank
13. No more than 1% spending at the casino
14. Once a week buffet only
15. Put money in a piggy bank
16. Stay home!
17. Cook at home
18. Stations Casino buy one get one half off buffet
19. Save every $5 bill you come across in a year…splurge …you deserve it.
20. 52-week challenge!
21. Separate Accounts
22. Coupons
23. Wise spender
24. Invest in buying a house
25. Savings account
26. Invest in stocks I cannot touch
27. 10% of paycheck set aside
28. Invest change
29. Budget shopping
30. Can you live with or without it? Be disciplined

Last week, the Washoe County School District’s central Reno Family Resource Center was broken into and vandalized. The vandals took bus passes, taxi vouchers, Walmart gift cards, quarters, and savers vouchers along with electronics and computer equipment. One Nevada is donating $2,000 to the Family Resource Center so they can begin to recover from this nefarious act and continue serving those in need. With the donation, One Nevada is challenging other businesses and community leaders to also step-up and donate.

The Family Resource Center serves children, teens, parents, single adults, and seniors. The center offers food programs, employment assistance, parenting education, adult literacy and English classes, financial literacy and credit counselling, utility assistance, help with finding housing, medical, dental and mental health services. The center houses many other organizations including the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Food and Nutrition Service office, Head Start Program, early childhood education classes, and the care center for teen mom’s babies so they can focus on school.

“One Nevada is glad to lend a helping hand to the Family Resource Center. We were sad to hear about the burglary and that they damaged a whole building of offices filled with people that make a difference in our community and are there to help people in need,” said Lisa Jansen, Assistant Vice President of Community Relations at One Nevada. “We hope other people in our community will also come forward to donate and support this vital community organization.”

The Washoe County School District Family Resource Center helps individuals and families access needed services and support, for more information about their programs call (775) 321-3185. Donations can be mailed to WCSD Family Resource Center, 1950 Villanova Drive, Reno, NV 89502.

This November 5 and 6, zoom on by Nellis Air Force Base for an epic airshow.

We’ll have a booth ready for the whole community, so zoom on by to take a free, selfie souvenir photo and get free aviator sunglasses (while supplies last)!

Bring your friends and family!

Nellis Air Show
Nellis Air Force Base
November 5 and 6, 2022
8 am — 4:30 pm
Free Parking at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Free Admission

Learn more at nellis.af.mil/Aviation-Nation.

No Federal endorsement of sponsor intended

One Nevada set up a display where event attendees decorated balloons and helped raise donations for the local Habitat for Humanity organization that focuses on providing homeownership opportunities for low income families. Balloon enthusiasts started decorating One Nevada paper balloons at 4:00 a.m. on Friday and didn’t stop until the races were over late Sunday morning.

One Nevada agreed to donate $1 per balloon decorated and is proud to announce that 573balloons were decorated. After the event, One Nevada decided to round up the donation, so a total donation of $1,000 was made to Truckee Meadows Habitat for Humanity this week.

“The artwork created was phenomenal,” said Lisa Jansen, AVP of Community Relations at One Nevada. “Our artists had a great time decorating balloons at the event and were even more excited to learn that we would make a donation for every balloon decorated to support Habitat for Humanity.”

Truckee Meadows Habitat for Humanity is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization that focuses on building homes, communities, and hope. The organization is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating, and preserving homes, advocating for fair and just housing policies, and providing training and resources to help families. For more information about Truckee Meadows Habitat for Humanity, visit habitatforhumanityreno.org.  

Determine how much home you can afford.
In addition to the ongoing monthly payment, you’ve got to consider the down payment and closing costs. Use our Affordability Calculator to get a quick estimate, but the best thing you can do is get pre-qualified so you can shop with confidence.

Save, save, save.
Once you determine your target price range, you’ll know what you need for a down payment. While it may seem daunting, here are some tried and true tips to get you into your new home sooner.

• Automate: Deposit a portion of your paycheck every month into a separate savings account specifically for your down payment.
• Raises & Bonuses: Consider putting aside incremental earnings towards your down payment savings plan.
• Windfalls: Gifts, tax return refunds, and inheritances are also perfect opportunities to build your down payment account.
• Keep the car, save the payment: Paid off your car? Resist the urge to buy a new one and instead stash the monthly payment into that down payment savings account.

Take advantage of HOMEAdvantage^Ò Cash Rewards*. Don’t forget, when you use our free HOMEAdvantage^® program and approved network of real estate agents, you’ll earn Cash Rewards– an average of $1,500 at closing!

Get started today (https://onenevada.mycuhomeadvantage.com/) or call us at 702-382-4094.

* Rewards equal 20% of the agent's commission, an average of $1,500 in savings per transaction!

Seminar Topics:

• Master the home buying process from start to finish.
• Learn how to be financially prepared.
• Hear the latest on the wild Las Vegas real estate market.

Upcoming Seminars:

Friday, August 19, 2022
Spring Valley Library
10:30am – 12pm
4280 S Jones Blvd, Las Vegas NV
Class will be taught in Spanish

Saturday, August 20, 2022
Spring Valley Library
1pm – 2:30pm
4280 S Jones Blvd, Las Vegas NV

Friday, September 16, 2022
Enterprise Library
10:30am – 12pm
8310 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

Saturday, September 17, 2022
Mesquite Library
10:30am – 12pm
121 W 1^st N St, Mesquite

Friday, September 23, 2022
East Las Vegas Library
10:30am – 12pm
2851 E Bonanza Rd, Las Vegas
Class will be taught in Spanish

Saturday, September 24, 2022
East Las Vegas Library
3:30pm – 5pm
2851 E Bonanza Rd, Las Vegas

Email susanw@onenevada.org and ruthh@onenevada.org to reserve your seat.

The Level-up Your Home Buying Game Seminar was designed specifically by One Nevada mortgage lenders to help Las Vegas homebuyers learn about the market and build a homebuying strategy. To learn more about One Nevada mortgages, visit onenevada.org/mortgage.

The Top Ten Student-Athletes of the Year award is given to the Silver State’s top high school athletes who exemplify total school and community involvement.

The annual northern Nevada and southern Nevada awards banquets have been canceled due to COVID-19, but the winners will still be presented with a $1,000 scholarship, a commemorative program, and a special gift to help them as they further their education.

“We’re proud to celebrate these student-athletes for their outstanding achievements,” said Paul Parrish, One Nevada President and CEO. “It’s profoundly unfortunate that many student-athletes missed out on their sports seasons during the pandemic. Still, we’re inspired by their perseverance to get back in the game and their commitment to being outstanding students while giving back to their communities. That’s why we’re so pleased to award each of them a college scholarship and special gift in support of their education journey.”

Each school is requested to submit student-athlete applications. All candidates must be seniors. The general categories of consideration include:

• Scholastic Achievement
  (Class rank, grade point averages, number of semesters on the honor roll, number of honors/AP classes taken and ACT/SAT scores)

• Overall Sports Participation
  (Number of varsity sports, number of varsity letters and individual and team athletic achievements)

• Other Contributions
  (School activities and community service accomplishments)

• A student essay

• Letters of recommendation

The Top Ten Student-Athletes of the Year in both Northern and Southern Nevada, as selected by a panel of judges, are then honored and recognized with a $1,000 scholarship from the NIAA and One Nevada Credit Union.

For more information about the student-athlete scholars click here.

Northern Nevada Top Ten Student-Athletes of the Year

Audrey Brust                           Bishop Manogue High School             Reno

Lila Humlick                             Whittell High School                           Zephyr Cove

Kai Miller                                 Carson High School                             Carson City

Devin Moura                           Pershing County High School             Lovelock

Isaac O'Neill                            Fernley High School                            Fernley

Farryn Pauly                            Galena High School                             Reno

Jacob Penney                          Spanish Springs High School               Sparks

Aidan Pflieger                         Reno High School                                Reno

Madeline Stephens                 Churchill County High School             Fallon

Kyla Trotter                             Churchill County High School             Fallon

Southern Nevada Top Ten Student-Athletes of the Year

Madisen Berg                          Basic Academy                                    Henderson

Owen Boyack                          Centennial High School                       Las Vegas

Owen Davis                             Durango High School                          Las Vegas

Anniece Finch                         Arbor View High School                      Las Vegas

Judah Hafter                           The Adelson School                            Las Vegas

Emma Humes                          Moapa Valley High School                  Overton

Michael Mercer                     Centennial High School                       Las Vegas

Grant Nehls                             Clark High School                                Las Vegas

Kady Schwietz                         Liberty High School                             Las Vegas

Heliane Sutton                        Pahrump Valley High School              Pahrump

That said, rising prices haven’t stopped millions of families from making travel plans. Need proof? CBS News found that we collectively spent $8 billion on domestic flights in May. That’s a big increase over the prior month. Those numbers are expected to be even higher in the months ahead.

Top Tips to Cope with Price Hikes
Bottom line: Your travel plans will cost you more this year than they ever have. Here are some ways to minimize the impact on your wallet.

• Don’t Delay: The pandemic taught all of us to move fast with reservations and purchases. Remember, you’re not alone out there. Millions of other families like to adventure too. As flights fill up and hotels reach capacity, prices will rise. It’s all supply and demand. The sooner you book your travel plans, the less you’ll pay overall.
• Consider Costs (not destinations): At one time, families would decide where and when they wanted to go on vacation and plan accordingly. Now, it’s best to find the most affordable places to go and book your days off around availability.
• Monitor Prices: There are plenty of online price-monitoring sites, including Google Flights, Kayak, Skyscanner, and Airfare Watchdog. Put one to work and find airfare options to fit your budget.
• Work While You Play: If you were able to telecommute during the pandemic, you might be able to work while on vacation. This is quickly becoming a popular way for families to go on an adventure while still earning income to offset costs. Try working half-days while you’re out of town so you can still enjoy the time away.

We’ve learned of fraudsters who are calling, emailing, and texting asking for info such as your account number, Online Banking user ID, one-time access code, email address, or other personally identifiable info in an attempt to access your accounts.

The fraudsters are even going so far as to make it look like they’re calling from our toll-free, 800-388-3000 and local 702-457-1000 numbers. This is called “spoofing” a number and it can be confusing when it looks like it’s a legitimate call from us.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING to remember is that One Nevada will NEVER call and ask you to provide account, password, passcode, PIN, user ID, or other personal info to verify account or transaction info.

If you receive a call, email, or text message asking for this type of info, please do not provide it. Even If it looks like One Nevada is calling, it’s always safer to call us at 800-388-3000 to verify.

1. Phishing: These are fake emails or websites that impersonate the IRS website in an attempt to steal personal information about you or your possible refund.
How to protect yourself: The IRS ONLY sends official letters though the United States Postal Service. It will NEVER email you or call you for information. not contact you via email.

2. Fake charities: Criminals exploit the fear and uncertainty surrounding the pandemic to set up bogus charities that rob innocent victims who believe they’re helping those in need. The “charity” may even claim to be working on behalf of the IRS to help virus victims get their tax refunds.
How to protect yourself: Charities with familiar-sounding names and aggressive marketing are often bogus charities trying to make donors believe they represent the actual, well-known organization. They’ll also refuse to provide an Employer Identification Number (EIN) when asked and will not have positive reviews on sites like Charity.org. You can search for legitimate charities using the IRS Charity Search tool.

3. Threatening impersonator phone calls: An alleged IRS agent threatens you with arrest, deportation, or license revocation if taxes are not paid immediately by prepaid gift card or wire transfer.
How to protect yourself: The IRS will never threaten you or demand immediate payment over the phone. It also will not insist on payment via gift card or wire transfer.

4. Social media scams: Scammers use information from your social media account for a variety of fraud including impersonating your friends to get more of your private information. This ruse often ends in tax-related identity theft.
How to Protect yourself: Your “friend” will claim to be in a compromised position and urgently need your personal information. If you get an urgent message from a friend that seems suspicious, be sure to contact that friend privately. You’ll often find they’re just fine and have no idea what’s happening.

5. Refund theft: Scammers steal your identity, file false tax returns in your name, and pocket your refunds.
How to protect yourself: Never share personal information online with an unverified contact, even if the individual promises to assist you with tax filing. We recommend filing taxes early, at the beginning of the season. This will prevent the scammers from filing taxes with your information.

6. Senior fraud: Scammers can sometimes post as elderly caregivers. They’ll file tax returns on the senior’s behalf and then pocket the money.
How to protect yourself: If you’re a senior, be highly suspicious of emails, text messages, and websites asking you to share your information. If you think you’re being targeted or have fallen victim to fraud, contact the Nevada Attorney General’s Office Senior Protection division. Find more here.

7. Scams targeting non-English speakers: Scammers also impersonate IRS agents to target non-English speakers. They threaten jail time, deportation, or revocation of driver’s licenses if an immediate tax payment is not made.
How to protect yourself: The IRS will not threaten taxpayers over the phone or insist upon immediate payment.

8. Unscrupulous return preparers: Alleged tax preparers will reach out to you and offer their services at a discounted or free rate. Be very wary though as they may be looking to steal your personal information, file a tax return on your behalf, and pocket the refund. Sometimes they promise a higher refund if you pay them a substantial fee.
How to Protect yourself: If a tax preparer is not willing to share their preparer Tax Identification Number (TIN) with you, they are likely a scammer. Avoid preparers who promise credits and deductions that sound too good to be true.

9. IRS Compromise scams: In this scam, bogus tax debt resolution companies make false claims about settling tax debts for “pennies on the dollar” through an Offer in Compromise (OIC). The scams often charge a substantial fee to help.
How to protect yourself: An OIC that sounds outrageously attractive is likely bogus. You can use the IRS’s OIC tool to see if you qualify for an authentic offer.

10. Fake payments with repayment demands: A scammer steals your personal information, files a fake tax return on your behalf, and has the refund deposited into your checking account. The scammer then calls you impersonating the IRS claiming the refund was mistakenly inflated, so now you must return the extra funds via gift card or wire transfer. Of course, this money will go directly into the scammer’s pockets.
How to protect yourself: The IRS will never deposit a refund check into your account if you have not filed taxes. Also, the IRS does not demand payment by a specific method.

11. Payroll and HR scams: Scams target tax professionals, employers, and taxpayers to steal W-2s and other tax information. They will then impersonate you and request to change your payroll direct deposit information to a different account.
How to protect yourself: If an employer or HR representative receives a request for a direct deposit change, it’s best to check with the employee directly to see if the request is legitimate.

12. Ransomware: Malware infects a computer, network, or server and tracks your keystrokes and/or other computer activity. Sensitive data is then encrypted and locked. When you try to access your data, you’ll receive a pop-up message demanding a ransom payment for the return of their information.
How to protect yourself: Never open links embedded in emails from unverified sources. And never download tax software unless it features multi-factor authentication.

It seems like the fraudsters are always working overtime. The good news is that so is your credit union! We work around the clock to protect your accounts, but it’s important that you take action too.

Check out our chat with Patrick for expert advice to help you keep safer and more secure online. We’ll review how you can take control of your digital accounts before the hackers do. Learn how to register your online accounts for your utilities, bank, and credit accounts with all three credit bureaus. Finally, the importance of registering your accounts rather than avoiding the digital space all together.

Step 1: Assess the damage. First, determine the damage. Unfortunately, one hacked password can be the gateway to multiple hacked accounts and even identity theft. Review your credit card and checking account transactions for suspicious activity, and contact your financial institution immediately if you see anything you do not recognize.

Next, try accessing your email, social media accounts, and mobile devices to see if they’ve been hacked. Then, enter each email address you use at haveibeenpwned.com to see if any of your online accounts with those emails have been compromised.

Step 2: Change your passwords. Once you know which accounts and devices have been hacked, change your passwords and/or PINs. For added protection, it’s a good idea to change the passwords on all your accounts that may hold sensitive information. Remember to choose different, strong, unique passwords for every account. We recommend using 1password.com to make this step easier and to help keep track of all your different passwords. While completing this step, consider signing up for multi-factor authentication for any accounts that do not already have it in place.

 Step 3: Protect your credit. Dispute any fraudulent charges on your compromised account(s). If necessary, have the account(s) locked or even removed. Next, place a fraud alert on your credit reports. This serves as a red flag to potential lenders and creditors. Also, consider a credit freeze, which blocks potential lenders from accessing your credit report. This makes it impossible for the hacker to open new credit accounts in your name.

Step 4: Alert the authorities. You can alert the FTC of a possible or confirmed identity theft at identitytheft.gov . You’ll also find a detailed recovery plan on the site to help you repair your credit and reclaim your identity. Hacking is usually done remotely, but it’s still a good idea to let your local law enforcement agencies know about the breach.

Step 5: Proceed with caution. It’s important to keep a close eye on your accounts for the next month. Consider changing your usernames in addition to your passwords. Avoid using your email address as your username whenever possible. One Nevada offers the flexibility to change your username whenever you’d like.

Continually monitor your accounts for suspicious activity. If you spot any, be sure to let the account holders know and to follow the steps above. If you’ve opted to go with a credit freeze, it will generally lapse after 90 days. As always, we work diligently to prevent fraudsters from accessing your One Nevada accounts. If you are concerned that your account(s) has been compromised, just call us at 800-388-3000 so we can help. 

All it Takes is One Unlocked Virtual Door
For most people, the beginning and end of cyber-security is a piece of anti-virus software. Thinking there is nothing on their computer worth stealing, some users don’t take their online security very seriously. That attitude continues to work in favor of hackers.

One such cyber-attack, a malware, recently infected around 10,000 computers. It allowed hackers to remotely control infected computers and launch attacks on major websites. In technical terms, this is called a botnet attack. In addition, hackers launched a Ransomware attack so the users found their personal files encrypted. A pop-up window created by the Ransomware informed them that unless they paid a large ransom, they would lose their data forever.

How do These Attacks Happen?
Hackers lure users to click on links that exploit the existing vulnerabilities in a particular software. Just imagine browsing a news website and a third-party ad showing something that interests you pops up luring you to click on it. If you do, this action can trigger a script that exploits your outdated, unprotected internet browser allowing the attacker to get control of your device. From there, the attacker can make you a part of a Zombie Network (Collection of compromised devices) to spread malware that can propagate along the networks and compromise devices on the way.

Security expert Tom Kellerman compares the state of a compromised computer to a neighbor who always leaves the front door to an apartment complex unlocked. Not only can thieves break into the neighbor’s apartment, but they can use their expanded building access to more easily break into other units.

If you aren’t taking proper security measures on your computer and being vigilant about what links you click, you are putting your own security at risk, and you’re creating a window for the attackers to expand their territory on to your friends, co-workers, and family.

The Lesson is Simple
Computer malware can spread a lot like a human virus. You wouldn’t sneeze on your hand before pushing buttons on an elevator, so please practice safe internet behaviors too. How? You don’t need to be a tech guru to stay safe. Security experts consistently recommend these five steps.

1. Download anti-malware software program, like Avast or Malware-Bytes and keep it updated constantly. Schedule updates for it to run when your computer is on, and don’t interrupt the process. If you’re using Windows, make sure the default anti-malware “Windows Defender” is turned on. All of these programs will release updated malware strain signatures every few weeks to protect your device.
2. Run both anti-virus and anti-malware scans weekly. Just like people with strong immune systems can get sick, healthy computers can be infected with malicious programs. If you’re on the internet, you’re at risk. You can schedule these scans automatically in the settings.
3. Update software immediately. If your computer gives you a message that it needs to download or install critical updates, do it the first time you see the warning. It’s annoying to stop what you’re doing and restart your computer, but it’s better than having your computer compromised. When IT professionals call something a “critical update,” it usually means it fixes a known software exploit. IMPORTANT: Make sure the message that pop up is from a trusted source. There are malware programs around that use fake “critical update” pop-ups to infect your computer.
4. Ignore email links to unfamiliar sites. That includes websites, family, and friends’ emails. These emails are frequently generated by bots to keep malicious software spreading. If you click the link, you could make your computer another virus vector.
5. Investigate unrecognized software before you download, install, or run it. If you’re installing software that might be dangerous, you’re putting your computer and the computers of everyone you know in jeopardy.
6. Update your passwords often. That includes updating the username and password on electronic items such as modems, wireless routers, security cameras, televisions, wi-fi enabled thermostats, and other internet websites you use which carry your personal information. Often these devices come with a standard “admin” username and a rudimentary password. Changing it would decrease the risk of your device being compromised.

With a world of information at your fingertips also comes the responsibility to maintain your system’s the health. Do your part — install and update security software and constantly be on guard for scams and malicious intent.

How Credit Scores are Calculated
Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax are the three major credit bureaus in the U.S. Each one collects and shares information about your credit usage with potential lenders and financial institutions. Most lenders use this information along with industry scoring models to calculate your creditworthiness and your overall score. These include:

• The age of your credit. How long have you had your oldest credit card? When was your first loan? An older credit history generally boosts your score.
• The timeliness of your payments. Are you paying all of your monthly bills on time? Chronic late payments, particularly loan and credit card payments, can drastically reduce your score.
• The diversity of your credit. Lenders want to see that you have and have had several kinds of open credit.
• The trajectory of your debt. Are you accumulating new debt each month or slowly working toward paying down every dollar you owe?
• Your credit card usage. Financial experts recommend having several open credit cards to help boost your credit score, but this only works if you actually use the cards and pay off your bills each month. It doesn’t help much to have the cards sitting in your wallet.

How Credit Scores Affect Real Life
Your credit score serves as a measure of your financial health to anybody or any company with something to offer. Here are a few ways your credit score can affect your day-to-day life:

• Loan eligibility. This is easily the most common use for your credit score. Lenders check your score to determine if you qualify for a loan.
• The larger the loan, the stricter the requirements. A low credit score can hold you back from buying a house, a car, or getting a personal loan.
• Interest rates on loans. A higher score can get you a lower interest rate on your loan, and a low score can mean paying thousands of extra dollars in interest over the life of the loan.
• Employment. A study by the Society for Human Resources Management found that 47 percent of employers look at the credit scores of potential employees as part of the hiring process.
• Renting. Many landlords run credit checks on new tenants before signing a lease or rental agreements.
• Insurance coverage. Most insurers will check your credit before agreeing to provide you with coverage. Consumer Reports states that a lower score can mean paying hundreds of dollars more for auto coverage each year.

Improving Your Score
If you’re planning on taking out a large loan in the near future, applying for a new job, renting a new unit, or you just want to improve your score, try these steps:

• Pay your bills on time. If you have the income to cover it but find you forget to pay from time-to-time, consider using automatic payments or our Bill Pay service.
• Pay more than the minimum payment on your credit cards. Your credit score takes the trajectory of your debt into account. By paying more than the minimum payment due, you can show you’re working towards paying down your debt and improving your score.
• Pay your credit card bills before they’re due. If you can, it’s best to pay your credit card bills early. This way, more of your money will go toward paying down your outstanding balance instead of interest.
• Find out if you have any outstanding medical bills. If you have an unpaid medical bill, pay it. These can significantly drag down your credit score.
• Consider consolidating. If you’re paying interest on multiple outstanding debts each month, you may benefit from paying off your debt through a new credit card that offers an introductory interest-free period, or from taking out a personal loan. That way, you’ll only have one low-interest or interest-free payment to make each month.

Assess your credit savvy in our financial education center, Cent$ible and be sure to sign up for this month’s webinar.

First, the Good News. Using your credit cards smartly is a great way to boost your credit score. Unfortunately, some credit card issuers make it challenging to stay ahead of monthly payments and easily fall into debt with credit card purchases. Thankfully, understanding the way a credit card works can help you avoid those traps.

A Credit Card Refresher
A credit card is a revolving line of credit allowing you to make charges at any time, up to a specific limit. Each time you use your card, the credit card issuer is lending you money so you can make a purchase. Unlike a car or home loan, your credit card account has no fixed repayment timeframe. Instead, you’ll make monthly payments until the balance is paid off in full. At the end of each billing cycle, you can choose to make the minimum required payment, pay off the balance in full, or make a payment of any size that falls between these two amounts.

Pay the full amount
Paying anything less than full balance will cost you money. Credit cards tend to have high interest rates relative to other kinds of loans. Recent data from the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) found that the average industry rate on new credit cards is 13.15% APR and the average credit union rate on new credit cards is 11.54% APR.

How can you stay ahead?

Pay Bills in Full and on Time
The best way to avoid interest payments and build your credit score is to pay credit card bills in full each month — and on time. This has multiple benefits:

• You’ll build credit — Using credit responsibly builds up your credit history, making it easier and more affordable to secure a loan in the future.
• You’ll skip the interest — Paying credit card bills in full and on time each month lets you avoid the card’s interest charges completely.
• You’ll stay out of debt — Paying bills in full each month helps prevent you from falling into the cycle of endless minimum payments, high-interest accruals, and a whirlpool of debt.
• You’ll avoid late fees — Late fees and other penalties for missed payments can get expensive quickly. Avoid them by paying bills on time each month.
• You’ll enjoy rewards — Healthy credit card habits are often generously rewarded through the credit card issuer with airline miles, reward points, and other fun benefits.

Financial tip: Using a credit card primarily for purchases you can already afford makes it easier to pay off the entire balance each month.

Understand the Billing Cycle
A credit card billing cycle is the time between subsequent credit card billings. It can vary from 20 to 45 days, depending on the credit card issuer. Within that timeframe, the issuer adds and subtracts purchases, credits, and any fees or finance charges.

When the billing cycle ends, the issuer will bill you for the remaining balance, which is the amount you see on your statement. The current dates and span of a credit card’s billing cycle should be clearly visible on the bill.

It’s important to know when your billing cycle opens and closes each month to help you keep on top of your monthly payments.

Credit card bills will also show a payment due date, which tends to be approximately 20 days after the end of a billing cycle. The timeframe between when the billing cycle ends and its payment due date is known as the Grace Period. When the grace period is over and the payment due date passes, the payment is overdue and will be subject to penalties and interest charges.

Never Miss a Payment…Ever
To ensure payments are never overdue, it’s best to schedule a time for making your credit card payments each month. Ideally, you’ll do this during the grace period and before the payment due date. This way, you’ll avoid interest charges and penalties and keep your score high. Allow a minimum of one week for the payment to process.

Borrow (and spend) Smartly
Following these dos and don’ts of credit card spending can help you stick to your budget even when paying with plastic.

Do:
• When making a purchase, treat your credit card like cash.
• Remember that credit card transactions are mini loans.
• Pay for purchases within your regular budget.
• Decrease your reliance on credit cards by building an emergency fund.
Don’t:
• Use your credit card as if it provides you with access to extra income.
• Use credit to justify extravagant purchases.
• Neglect to put money into savings because you have access to a credit card.

1. Show your kids how you pay the bills. Whether you still pay by check, have automatic payments set up, or use Online Banking, they’ll see how much electricity, water, gas, and more cost. Plus, they’ll learn how to make those payments on time. You don’t want them to experience the “shut off” notice for a late or missed payment once they go out on their own.
2. Let them watch you balance your account and see the family budget. These are both amazing teaching opportunities. Fact is, most schools don’t teach budgeting and balancing. Plus, they’ll see that smartphones, television subscriptions, and eating out add up fast.
3. Give them a budget for an item they want. Explain how to shop for something, weigh all of the options, read reviews, and finally pick the right one. It might be a video game system, new smartphone, or something a bit more simple. Whatever it is, the experience will shape their buying habits for the rest of their life.
4. Let your kids work to pay for an expensive item or trip. It will teach them the difference between wants and needs and how something they’ve earned feels more valuable and special.
5. Help them start their own small business. From making bracelets and crafts to online retail stores, there are many ways kids can earn money besides mowing lawns and babysitting. Nevada Secretary of State has all the info you’ll need to get started. 
6. Let your kids see you occasionally leave a store without buying anything. This will help them fight the impulse to buy, buy, buy. It’ll also be your chance to explain the difference between price and value.
7. Take your kids with you on your next visit to One Nevada Credit Union. You’d be surprised how many young adults are intimidated by financial institutions, because they’ve never set foot in one. By taking them along with you, you’ll help alleviate fears and give them the confidence to take their finances by the horns.

Title: Power Moves: How Women Can Pivot, Reboot, and Build a Career of Purpose
Author: Lauren McGoodwin
Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: Harper Business
Publishing date: May 19, 2020
Average customer review:  5 out of 5 stars

Who is this book for?

• Young professionals who feel stuck and are lacking career fulfillment
• Followers of McGoodwin’s Career Contessa site who want to build on their career know-how
• Businesswomen who are seeking growth and a career change

What’s inside this book?

• Information, guidance, advice and essential tools to help women shed self-doubt and fear, and also take bold steps forward in their careers
• Helpful to-do’s and checklists to provide accountability
• Powerful graphics to bring the lessons to life

5 lessons you’ll learn from this book:

• How to cut out comparison, shame, and self-loathing
• How to abandon the idea of that elusive “dream job”
• How to embrace your inner questioner, your inner quester and your inner quitter
• How to make money moves and take control of your financial future
• How women can build a successful career on their own terms

4 questions this book will answer for you: 

• What is a Power Move and why does it matter?
• How can I tune out noise and better tune in my own voice?
• How can I bypass the quest for perfection and move directly toward career growth?
• What practical steps do I need to take before making a career change?

What people are saying about this book:

• Honest, candid, and thoughtful
• An easy read with actionable advice
• Power Moves is an honest and brave manifesto on how to take control of your career and, ultimately, your happiness, on your terms.
• If you are ready to achieve real success in your career (and life), this is the book you absolutely need to read right now.
• There is a certain type of savvy I thought couldn’t be taught, but Lauren McGoodwin is making her sharp instincts accessible to everyone. She is part trusted friend who knows what you’re up against, part professional guru who wants to help you realize your full potential.

Your Turn: Are you a Lauren McGoodwin fan? Tell us what you love about her approach in the comments.

Watch our latest chat with One Nevada’s Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer, Tom Ernsperger, as he answers some of the most common questions we’re getting about home refinancing.

Financially Ever After was written to help couples do exactly that. This personal finance book opens up a world of insight, basic financial facts and money vocabulary that every couple needs for successfully communicating with each other about money.

This book touches on a wide scope of money topics like confronting debt, making major purchases, handling a mortgage, employment, financial chores and so much more. It also offers tips for broaching sensitive money topics. The dozens of true-to-life scenarios sprinkled throughout the book make it a lively read and bring the lessons to life.

The book does more than just share information; it shows the reader how to turn that knowledge into action. Inside, you’ll find an assortment of helpful tools to help organize your finances; including a budgeting chart, an affordability calculator for deciding if you have enough money to purchase a home and a handy scorecard to help you track your expenses.

Financially Ever After is authored by Jeff D. Opdyke, The Wall Street Journal’s erstwhile “Love & Money” columnist. Through his work, Opdyke has become an expert on teaching couples how to build and maintain a peaceful financial life together. This book is a culmination of the wealth of wisdom he’s acquired in the world of couples’ finances.

Pick up a copy today for your own taste of Financially Ever After.

Your Turn: Have you learned how to happily navigate a life of shared finances? How did you make it work? Share the secrets of your success with us in the comments!

Search Your State (and others)
There is more than $32 billion in unclaimed money being held by the states. If you have abandoned funds, and a bank, brokerage, or other company cannot find you, they turn the funds over to the state until the owner is found. Abandoned funds can come from an old safe deposit box, a tax return, an insurance policy, a trust fund, an uncashed overtime check, a rental security deposit, and more. Start your search with the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators at unclaimed.org.

Search the Treasury Department
The Bureau of Public Debt holds billions in unmatured, unredeemed savings bonds. If you think one of your relatives may have bought a savings bond for you when you were born, then you need to use the Treasury Department’s free search tool. You might need the Social Security number of the person who bought it, but if your name is on the bond, you can begin the claims process at treasuryhunt.gov.

Search Unclaimed Deposits
Sometimes, checks go uncashed and deposits go unclaimed. It can happen, especially if a mailing address is incorrect or the post office doesn’t have a forwarding address. As a credit union member, you should download the NCUA’s Asset Management and Assistance Center list of unclaimed deposits at ncua.gov. It’s not a long list, but there’s always a possibility.

Search the IRS
The Internal Revenue Service has millions in refunds that have yet to find the rightful owners. Unlike doing your taxes, the IRS makes searching the database easy at irs.gov.

Search for Pensions
The Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation (PBGC) safeguards private pensions and helps reunite pensioners with their money. If you think you may have a pension or your spouse may have had funds in one, visit pbgc.gov/wr/trusteed/plans.

In the same way, the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) works to ensure retirement funds find their way to the rightful owners. Check out the agency’s site at dol.gov/agencies/ebsa.

Search for 401(k) Funds
Depending on where you’ve worked, you could have a few 401(k) funds floating around. That money could come in handy someday. To track down yours, visit unclaimedretirementbenefits.com.

Here’s what this announcement means for taxpayers:

Under normal circumstances, taxes are due by April 15. If tax filers cannot complete their taxes in time, they can request a 6-month extension without getting a failure-to-file penalty. Tax extensions are granted easily, but they don’t buy the filer more time to pay any taxes due to the IRS. The extension is only for submitting their returns. Any tax money that is paid after the 15th is generally subject to penalties and interest.

This year, things have changed. The tax deadline, both for filing returns and paying your tax bill, has been automatically extended for 90 days, until July 15. There will also be no penalties or interest for this delayed payment.

The administration believes this move will be a welcome relief for the millions of taxpayers whose income streams have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. They are also hopeful that this delay, which will leave an estimated $300 billion in the battered economy, will give it a better chance at recovery.

For tax filers who are anticipating a refund this year, it may not pay to file late. An extra pile of cash, no matter how small, can really come in handy for those who are out of work. Signing up for direct deposit of refunds can help struggling taxpayers get that much-needed money as quickly as possible.

It’s also important to note that, while the federal government has granted this nationwide extension on tax bills, state taxes remain subject to the deadlines of their own governments. In light of the upheaval caused by the coronavirus outbreak, many states are offering their own extensions.

Step #1: Determine your score – One Nevada’s free Credit Score service helps you monitor your credit profile 24/7/365 to ensure there’s no suspicious or fraudulent activity. Simply log in to Online Banking or our Mobile App and tap ‘Credit Score’.

Step #2: Review your report and dispute any errors – If you spot any errors on your credit report, dispute them in writing. You’ll also need to dispute the charge with your actual creditor.

Step #3: Take steps toward fixing your credit – If you’re always late with your credit card payments, set up an automatic bill-pay system. If your debt isn’t going anywhere, rethink your spending habits. Also, consider debt consolidation or a balance transfer to an interest-free card. And, finally, find ways to increase your income, using all extra cash for paying down your debt.

Step #4: Ask us for help – We’re always happy to help you with any financial situation!

We hope you’ve come to know and trust that we’re here to help you build your financial strength and stability. That’s why we provide the tools you need to help you stay in control of your finances. Like providing you free access to your credit report and score right at your fingertips.

One Nevada’s free Credit Score service helps you monitor your credit profile 24/7/365 to ensure there’s no suspicious or fraudulent activity. Simply log in to Online Banking or our Mobile App and tap ‘Credit Score’.

As you check your report, hopefully you won’t find any surprises. However, if you see something odd, find an error, or suspect fraud, don’t panic. While it can be upsetting to find a mistake in your credit report, the good news is you can challenge errors and fix your score.

Follow these three steps to dispute errors and fix your credit:

Step 1: File a dispute with each of the major credit bureaus.
You’ll need to inform all three major credit bureaus, Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian about the error. The good news is, all three bureaus allow you to file disputes online. Visit their sites to start the process:

Equifax
TransUnion 
Experian

It’s very important to identify each disputed item in your report, explain why you’re disputing these items, and ask that the errors be deleted or corrected. Be sure to include your full contact information, as well as copies of any documents that support your claim. To be extra diligent, include a copy of your credit report, highlighting the items you’re disputing.

You can still file disputes by mail with Equifax and TransUnion; however, Experian currently only allows you to file online. Should you decide to file by mail, it’s best to send your letter via certified mail with a requested return receipt. It’s also a good idea to keep a copy of your correspondence for your own records. Send your claim by mail to:

Equifax Information Services LLC

P.O. Box 740256

Atlanta, GA 30348

TransUnion LLC

Consumer Dispute Center

P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19016

Step 2: Contact the creditor. 

After you’ve contacted each bureau, it’s a good idea to reach out to the creditor that’s linked to the error in your report. This step isn’t necessary, but it may speed up the correction process.

Most creditors will provide a link or an address for disputes. When filing your dispute, follow the guidelines above and include all relevant information and documentation. Be sure to let the creditor know you’ve also contacted the credit bureaus, as they’ll want to include this information and a copy of your dispute if they report their findings to the bureaus. You can also ask to be copied on all correspondences between the creditor and the bureaus.

Step 3: Follow up in 30 days.
You’ll typically hear from the bureaus and the creditor within 30 days after filing your disputes. If all goes well, your dispute will be accepted, and your credit will be updated. In many states, you’re eligible to receive a complimentary credit report following a registered dispute.

If one of the credit bureaus or a creditor refuses to accept your dispute or does not resolve the error in your favor, you can ask the bureau or creditor to include a copy of your dispute in your file and in all future credit reports. This way, a lender or creditor is aware of the alleged error when reviewing your credit. You may be charged a small fee for this service, but it’s generally worth the price. If you feel the error is too significant to ignore, you can always consider hiring a lawyer to help you contest the report and fix your credit.

Always monitor your score and be vigilant about correcting errors. The payoff can affect your financial well-being for years to come. As always, we’re here to help with any questions and future financial needs.

Your Turn: Have you ever filed a dispute for an error found on your credit report? Tell us about it in the comments.

Here at One Nevada Credit Union, our biggest priority is your financial wellness, and that includes keeping you and your money safe. To help you achieve it, we’ve put together this guide about recognizing the signs of fraud and protecting yourself from scams.

Five red flags of scams  

While the details surrounding the way a scam plays out can vary greatly, most follow a similar theme. They try to get victims to share personal information or to pay for a service or product that doesn’t exist. Here are five ways to spot a scammer:

1. They demand detailed information before agreeing to process an application. A favorite ploy among scammers is asking for sensitive, non-public information like your date of birth, Social Security number and login information for online accounts. They will typically do this before processing any application for an alleged product, service or job.
2. They insist on a specific method of payment. If an online seller or service provider will only accept payment through a wire transfer or a prepaid debit card, you’re likely looking at a scam.
3. They send you a check for an inflated amount. Another favorite trick among scammers is to overpay a seller or “employee,” and then ask the victim to return the extra money. In a few days’ time, when the original, inflated check doesn’t clear, the victim realizes they’ve been conned but it’s too late to get back the “extra” money they returned.
4. You can’t find any information about the company the caller allegedly represents. A scammer representing a bogus business can easily be uncovered by doing a quick online search about the “company.”
5. You’re pressured to act now. Scammers are always in a rush to complete their ruse before you catch onto their act.

Who are the targets?

Scammers usually cast a wide net to ensnare as many victims as possible. However, lots of scams focus on a subset of highly vulnerable targets. Here are some of the most common targets of scams:

• The unemployed. The internet makes it easy for scammers to learn that you’re looking for a job. If you’re job hunting, be careful not to respond to any emails offering you a “dream position” you never applied for or even knew about.
• The aging. Older people are another favorite target for scammers. Retired individuals often spend lots of time online, making them more vulnerable to scams. Also, as relative newcomers to the online world, they may be less aware of the dangers lurking on the internet.
• Children. Sadly, the youngest members of society are another huge target pool for scammers. Children are naturally trusting and will more readily share information with strangers, which can then be used to steal their identity. Small children will likely not be checking their credit for years, which means a stolen identity can go unchecked until the child grows into a young adult. By that time their credit can be wrecked, almost beyond repair.

What do scams look like?

Here are some of the most common scams:

• Cyberhacking. In this scam, hackers gain remote access to your computer and proceed to help themselves to your personal information.
• Phishing scams. Scammers bait you into sharing personal information via a bogus job form, an application for a service they allegedly provide or by impersonating a well-known company or government agency.
• Mystery shopper. A bogus company will “hire” you to purchase a specific item in a store and then report back about the service experience. Before you get started, though, you’ll have to pay a hefty fee, which you’ll never see again.
• Job offers. Scammers “hire” you for a position and then scam you by sending you an inflated check, as detailed above.
• Sweetheart scams. A scammer pretending to be an online lover will con you into sharing your personal information and/or sending them money and gifts.
• Fraudulent investments. Scammers reach out to potential investors with information about lucrative investments that don’t exist.

10 ways to protect yourself from scams

Keep yourself safe by following these rules:

1. Never share personal information online.
2. Don’t open unsolicited emails. If you already have, don’t click on any embedded links.
3. Never send money by insecure means to an unknown party.
4. Protect your devices by using the most up-to-date operating systems, choosing two-factor authentication and using strong, unique passwords for every account.
5. Choose the strongest privacy settings for your social media accounts.
6. Keep yourself in the know about the latest scams and learn how to protect yourself.
7. Educate your kids about basic computer safety and privacy.
8. If you have elderly parents who spend time online, talk to them about common scams and teach them to protect themselves.
9. Don’t take the identity of callers at face value, even if your Caller ID verifies their story. If a government agency, utility company or financial institution reaches out to you and asks you to share personal information, tell them you’ll contact them on your own and then end the call.
10. Never accept a job or agree to pay for a purchase or service without thoroughly researching the company involved.

Above all, remember the golden rule of scams: If it’s too good to be true, it’s probably a scam.

Once an individual falls prey to a scam, there is very little that can be done to mitigate the loss. Full financial recovery can take years. It’s best to protect yourself from scams before they happen by educating yourself and asking One Nevada Credit Union for help.

Your Turn: How do you keep yourself safe from scams? Share your best tips with us in the comments.

1. The mummified door
All you need for turning your front door into a bona fide mummy is a generous amount of toilet paper and a bit of masking tape. This project is easier with a helper, so get your kids or your significant other in on the fun!First, open your front door to a 90-degree angle. Take a roll of toilet paper and tape the first piece to the upper right-hand corner of the door. Then start wrapping your door tightly from top to bottom, carefully pulling the ends through the crack between the door and the doorpost. If you’re working with a partner, it’s easiest if each person stands on opposite sides of the door as you pass the toilet paper back and forth. Use the masking tape as necessary.Once your door is completely wrapped, secure the end of the toilet paper roll to the door with another piece of tape. Your door is now mummified! To dress it up, stick on some supersized felt or googly eyes.

2. The bat chandelier
Are those real bats hanging from your chandelier? This spooky centerpiece will add just the right touch to your Halloween tablescape!For this project, you’ll need the following supplies:

• 12-inch metal wreath form
• 14-inch metal wreath form
• Black spray paint
• Black glitter felt
• Black bead thread
• Black tulle
• Sewing needle
• Hot glue (optional)

Here’s how to turn your wreaths into a chandelier being attacked by a swarm of bats:

1. Spray paint the wreath forms in black.
2. Cut out bat shapes from the glitter felt. Use this bat template to make this part easier.
3. String the bats together using the black bead thread.
4. Cut out two strips of tulle that are large enough to cover the wreath forms. Fold one piece of tulle in half, and attach it to the smaller wreath form by sewing it on, or using hot glue. Repeat with the larger wreath form.
5. To make a hanger for the top circle, tie one strip of tulle to opposite ends of the circle. Repeat with another strip of tulle.
6. Use the thread to attach the smaller wreath form to the larger one in multiple places, so when the 14-inch form is lifted, the 12-inch form hangs below it. Make sure the attachment is secure.
7. Hang your chandelier by attaching it to a light fixture or to a hook.
8. Tie the strung bats to the hanging chandelier until you have an entire family of bats soaring across your house.

3. Glammed-up pumpkins
Get ready to dazzle the neighborhood with your cluster of studly pumpkins! All you need to turn your gourds into sophisticated centerpieces is black acrylic paint, white acrylic paint, paintbrushes and round, gold studs. For the studs, you can use cheap costume jewelry. Gold thumbtacks will also do the trick.To dress up your pumpkins, start with stripes. Take one pumpkin and use the white paint to create stripes on every other ridge or raised section of the gourd. Let the paint dry for at least 30 minutes.When the paint has completely set, use the black paint to fill in the remaining spots until you have black and white stripes covering your entire pumpkin. How’s that for chic Halloween décor?Now you’re ready for your studded pumpkin. Simply press your gold studs into a pumpkin, creating stripes that run parallel to the natural lines on the gourd. There’s no mess or extra tools involved, and the entire projectshould take just a few minutes. Prettied-up pumpkin, done!Create several of each glammed-up pumpkin and set them up together for an adorable centerpiece or an outdoor decoration.

4. Floating light-up witch hats
This one takes a bit more time, but the end result is a real show-stopper on your front porch!Here’s what you’ll need:

• 6 cheap witch hats. Depending on your porch space, you may want to make more or fewer floating hats. Adjust all quantities for this project as necessary.
• Fishing line (Approximately 18 feet)
• A long needle
• 6 LED light sticks. Look for a battery-powered, lightweight LED light stick that has a clip. Battery-powered tea lights will also work well.
• Safety pins
• 6 outdoor Command hooks

To hang your witch hats:

• Decide where you’re going to hang your hats, measuring spaces as necessary.
• Attach the Command hooks to the ceiling of your porch. Let the hooks set for 15 minutes.
• String three feet of fishing line onto the needle. Push the needle through the outside point of a witch hat and gently pull it to the inside of the hat, being careful not to pull the line all the way through.
• Remove the needle from the inside of the hat and tie the fishing line around a safety pin.
• Use a safety pin to attach the fishing line to a light stick, making sure it’s secure.
• Tie a loop around the other end of the fishing line (on the outside of the hat) and hang it on a Command hook.
• Repeat with the remaining hats and lights.

Your floating witch hats are ready to scare the living daylights out of the neighborhood!Tip: Your LED lights will likely not last for a full month. You can turn yours off each night, or leave the floating hats up all month and only turn on the lights on the night of Halloween.Make Halloween décor a family project this year instead of an expensive shopping trip. It’s fun, creative, and easy on the wallet!

Your Turn: Do you have a fabulous DIY Halloween craft? Share it with us in the comments.

Password cracking techniques used over the years have become more sophisticated, but the tried and true methods still work. The more complex your passwords are, the less likely they’ll end up in the hands of a cybercriminal. The age-old advice for selecting passwords still remains true:

• Combine upper and lower case letters.
• Use no less than eight characters. Passphrases are best.
• Include at least one number and one special character. More of each is better. You can also add a space at the end.
• Make them easy to remember, but difficult to guess. Add a portion of the website name to your phrase if it helps you remember it.
• Never include personal details in passwords such as your name, your kids’ or loved ones’ birthdays, or even pets' names.
• When your password recovery options ask which questions you want to choose, pick ones that are not obvious and few people know the answers to. Better yet, make up your answers. Just don't forget what you chose, if you decide on this strategy.

Keep in mind that reusing the same password for multiple sites is still a bad idea. We know it can seem daunting, but it’s safer to create different passwords for each site.

It's particularly critical to make sure your social media, healthcare, and financial account passwords are completely different from one another and from all passwords. Make it a routine to change passwords for your accounts regularly. We recommend at least once every three months. And remember don’t share your passwords with anyone.

If it’s too hard for you to remember all of your passwords, you can use a password manager app. There are plenty available through your app store. Take a peak at the ones listed here.

At One Nevada, we take every measure to ensure your online access is safe and protected, but we invite you to be our partner in protecting you and to follow these tips to avoid any risk to your online safety.

These teens and early 20-somethings, born between 1995 and 2010, live in an online, fast-paced, do-it-yourself world. They’ve already lived through several economic downturns and understand the value of a dollar. According to recent polls by McKinsey & Company, 42% of Gen Z are holding down full- or part-time jobs. They’re even saving more than Millennials ever did.

But even with Gen Z taking a more active role in their financial future, there are things you can do to help them plan ahead and learn proper fiscal responsibility. The goal is to help them plan beyond Social Security and avoid working well into their 70s and 80s to make ends meet.

Learning about Money at School
A 2015 study by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority found that students who took personal finance classes in high school had higher credit scores and managed credit and debt better later in life.

It’s studies like those that have prompted agencies, such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Treasury Department to encourage schools to incorporate more extensive financial education into their curriculum. Unfortunately, schools often times don’t have the budgets to do that. To do our part, One Nevada sponsors a financial education program called Banzai that teachers throughout Nevada can bring into their classrooms. Each Banzai course draws on real-life scenarios, such as saving for a house down payment, putting together a budget, and building good credit. The lessons are designed to help teens learn financial smarts. All a high school teacher has to do is request the program, and they’ll get access to everything they need to teach financial skills in their classroom.Plus, through our new partnership with the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA), we’ll soon bring similar financial education directly to NIAA high school athletes and their families

Teaching Finances at Home
In-classroom and online financial education can be a huge help, but the best way to teach youth smart money habits is to involve your tween or teen in real-life financial decision-making. Try these steps to help boost their financial familiarity and long-term economic skills.

1. Open an account: If they don’t already have One Nevada savings and checking accounts, help them open one. This is an important first step. You might also consider helping them get a debit card so they can learn real-life spending and money monitoring.
2. Bank together: At first, bring your tween and teen along to the credit union when you make a deposit or other financial transaction. Show them how banking works. And help them with their own deposits. Then show them how to use online and mobile banking to transfer funds, watch their balances grow, and make deposits with their smartphone. They’ll get the hang of it fast. They’ll likely know how to use it better than you in a short amount of time.  
3. Monitor: Don’t hover over everything they do, but do keep an eye on their savings and spending. Talk to them about money management, how to set a savings goal, and how spending and saving should work together.
4. Make decisions as a family: Maybe it’s deciding what kind and how much pizza to buy for Friday dinner, or it could be as big as planning ahead and budgeting for a family vacation.
5. Show them that they are not alone: Not only should you bring teens into financial discussions — such as going over financial aid forms for college or explaining how to file federal taxes — but encourage them to access additional resources, such as the BALANCE Financial Fitness Program at One Nevada.

The bottom line is that school-based financial management lessons like Banzai are most effective when they are reinforced at home and you help your kids or grandkids put what they’ve learned into practice. This becomes especially critical as high schoolers inch closer to college. Because this period of transition can be fraught with anxiety, in large part because it involves taking major steps toward financial independence, it helps to build up extra expertise and support in the years leading up to graduation and beyond.

It’s Your Turn to Learn  
It’s never too early or late to boost your money smarts, along with sharing what you know. Stop by any branch or check out our Financial Fitness Program at onenevada.balancepro.org. There, you’ll find online tools, advice, and information to help you gain control and stay in charge of your money. 

These ‘life happens’ moments can derail even the most focused household budget and cause plenty of stress. Sure, you can use debt to pay debt. Many of us have done it, such as using a credit card to pay a mortgage. But that can make matters worse both financially and mentally. You still owe the money and now you’re even more anxious about it.

You’re Not Alone
A recent U.S. Financial Health Pulse report indicates that many Americans don’t have $400 cash to cover an emergency expense, and 36% of us don’t have enough to cover three months of living expenses. We’ve all heard the “pay yourself first” mantra over and over again. It’s like a broken record. Of course, we want to pay ourselves first. But at times that seems impossible. Here’s the reality; you have to start somewhere.

Start Small. REALLY, REALLY SMALL. Even if you can put just $5 a week into a savings account, it’s a smart step towards building your emergency savings. Just $5 a week turns into $260 in just one year. That’s a great start to a rainy day fund. You might also consider a 52-week plan where you save $1 the first week, $2 the second, and so on. In just a year, you’ll have saved almost $1,400. The easiest way to do this is to set it and forget it with automatic savings. Just open an additional One Nevada savings account with direct deposit and have a very small portion of every paycheck go into that account.

Work a Side Gig. It’s never fun to leave one job and head to another, but even a handful of extra hours a week can help pay down debt and build an emergency fund. Plus, you don’t have to limit your search to part-time jobs. Consider a side gig type of job such as freelancing, driving for a rideshare such as Uber or Lyft, conducting surveys, or selling something via home parties.

Live Frugally for a Week or Two.  We all like things that are shiny and new. Especially new gadgets. But those things can eat away at your budget, put you further into debt, and keep you from building your savings. Again starting small is the key. Try not spending any money outside of necessities for one weekend. Then try a week or two. Then three or four. Pretty soon, it’ll be a way of life, and you’ll be amazed at how much extra money you’ll have to put toward building your financial resiliency with emergency savings.

Look for Ways to Cut Expenses. Instead of blindly paying your bills every month, write down every expenditure, look at the details, and question whether you really use or need all that you’re paying for.  Are you paying for any streaming or subscription services you’re not using? Can you turn off services for a few months to save money?

Insurance is another great category to see if you can save a little dough. We all know insurance is one of those necessary expenditures, but paying too much for it doesn’t have to be. Make a quick visit to onenevadainsurance.com, and they’ll shop dozens of insurance carriers for you to see how much you could save monthly. Just remember, whatever you save, put some or even all of it towards that emergency savings to help you build your financial resiliency.

Ask Before You Spend: We’ve all been there. You have some extra money after you’ve paid your bills and you’re tempted to spend it instead of saving it. Before you do either, ask yourself three questions: Is the thing I want to buy right now absolutely necessary? Can I cut back on something else to pay for it? Do I need it right now? Unless the answer to all of these questions is yes, try to save the money in an emergency fund.  

Building an emergency savings account is one of the best ways to protect yourself from unexpected expenses and build your financial resiliency. It can be hard, but it’s not impossible. It just takes a thorough evaluation of what you’re spending to carve a few extra bucks to put away and a commitment to stick those dollars into savings. We’ll be here if you need any help along the way.

No worries though; you can get your hands on all the books you need for class while also keeping your budget intact!

Read on for 6 ways to save on textbooks this semester.

1. Skip the college bookstore
If you’re looking for an overpriced place to pick up your textbooks, be sure to hit the on-campus bookstore. Otherwise, stay as far away as possible. You’ll be paying through the nose just for the convenience of getting your books on campus.

2. Shop for used books online
Anything new will always cost more, and unless you’re shopping for a math book with specific page numbers and examples, you can usually get away with an older, used edition of the textbook you need for class.

Shop online for the best prices on the books you need, using popular platforms like Amazon, eBay, book.ly and Chegg to get the hottest deal.

3. Rent
If you only need to use a textbook for a short amount of time, or you know you’re going to toss it after the course is over, look into renting instead of buying the book. You can save up to 90 percent off the cost of a new textbook this way, and 50 percent off what you’d pay if you’d purchase it used. Check out sites like Textbooks.com and CampusBooks.com to get started.

4. Share
Are you and your roomie taking the same course? Why not buy one textbook and split the cost?
This arrangement can work well if your prof doesn’t ask you to bring the textbook to class and you only need to occasionally reference it for homework and supplemental reading.

5. Go digital
If you have an e-reader, you can save a tidy sum by choosing to download your textbooks in ebook format. You’ll find ebooks available for many works of fiction, historical texts or essays you might need for class. Just make sure the ebook you choose is easy to navigate or you might wind up regretting the purchase.

6. Hit the library
Before spending a penny on textbooks, check out the school library to see what they have in stock. You might be pleasantly surprised at the broad selection of books available for students, especially works of fiction and non-fiction for liberal arts classes.

Don’t blow your budget on textbooks! Use our hacks to save a bundle on the books you need for college.

Your Turn: How do you save on textbook purchases? Share your tips and tricks with us in the comments.

Why do so many of us have such a hard time living within our means and building our savings? That varies from family to family, but we’ve observed a few key reasons over the years. Let’s face it, for some it’s merely a matter of choice. It’s easier to go out to eat, buy without comparing prices, and saying yes to weekends away and fun excursions instead of saving for the future.

However, for some Nevadans, it’s a matter of unpredictability. Many Nevadans work hourly wage jobs, and those hours can vary from week to week. That makes it harder to predict income and ensure you have enough to pay the bills and save for the future at the same time. It’s harder, but not impossible.

Depending on where you are in life, we have some short-, medium-, and long-term savings ideas that you can use to build towards your ‘someday’.

Short-Term Goals
Age isn’t a deciding factor here as everyone needs an emergency savings account. Your short-term savings efforts should focus on building emergency savings equal to about three months’ worth of living expenses. This will help you be resilient financially in the face of unexpected expenses, job changes, unforeseen car repairs, and more.

There are a few great account options to build your emergency savings. Just remember that you’ll want your emergency savings to be accessible if you need it, so avoid accounts that lock your money up for a set of period time or have early withdrawal penalties. A few great emergency savings account options include:

• A good ol’ fashioned savings account. Open and regularly put money into a standard savings account. A standard savings account likely won’t pay as much interest as a certificate of deposit or money market account, but it will be easily accessible if you need it.
• Move up to a money market account. A money market accounts can be a good tool for saving for emergencies as well. With higher balances, they often pay a greater yield than the standard savings account.

Medium-Term Goals
Medium-term savings goals often include a down payment on a house, your child’s college education, an amazing wedding, or vacation of a lifetime. To get more from your savings, you’ll want to utilize accounts that pay a higher rate of return. This can often mean locking your money away for a set period of time or having withdrawal restrictions and/or penalties so make sure this is money you will not need for awhile

• Start a college savings plan. This could include a 529 College Savings Plan. These accounts work just like a 401(k), but allow for parents, grandparents, and other family members) to make contributions up to a set, annual amount.
• Saving for the down payment on a house. A certificate of deposit (CD) is a great option. These accounts often pay a higher rate of return, but they do lock away your money for a set period of time and may contain penalties for early withdrawal.

Long-Term Goals
For most of us, the biggest long-term savings goal we have is retirement. There are a lot of options out there to help you work toward your ‘someday.’ Saving at least 15% of your gross income will help you build a nice nest egg toward retirement, but the savings and/or investment vehicles you choose to get there can make all the difference.

Long-term saving and investment options vary greatly. From individual retirement accounts, to mutual funds, to stocks and bonds and more. You’ll likely choose a variety of these for long term savings, and the options you choose all depend on your risk tolerance and your length of time until retirement.

We’re Here to Help
Whether you’re saving for the short-, mid-, or long-term, the savings and/or investment accounts you choose are a very important part of your overall financial strategy. That’s why we highly recommend you chat with our CFS Financial Advisors with CUSO Financial Services, L.P.* They work with you to understand your long-term financial goals and then build a plan and choose a set of accounts to help you get there. Or, if you’ve got an existing retirement plan, they’ll give you a complimentary second opinion portfolio review to help you understand if you’re on track. Learn more at onenevadainvestments.com.

* Non-deposit investment products and services are offered through CUSO Financial Services, L.P. (“CFS”), a registered broker-dealer (Member FINRA/SIPC) and SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Products offered through CFS: are not NCUA/NCUSIF or otherwise federally insured, are not guarantees or obligations of the credit union, and may involve investment risk including possible loss of principal. Investment Representatives are registered through CFS. The credit union has contracted with CFS to make non-deposit investment products and services available to credit union members.

Celebrating a new marriage together with your friends is great fun, but all those wedding invites can put a real strain on your budget. Between wedding attire, travel costs and gifts, each wedding can add up to a pretty penny. In fact, according to the most recent research by Express Spending & Saving Tracker, the average wedding guest is out $673 for each wedding they attend. That’s enough to make you go broke by the time wedding season is through! 

If these numbers are scaring you, take a deep breath and relax. You don’t need to go into debt just to attend your friends’ weddings. Just follow these hacks for simple ways to celebrate in style—and within budget. 

1.) Save on airfare 

Get the best deal on your flight with these hacks:

• Clear your browser cache before searching for a flight so airlines don’t target you with high-priced flights.
• Get the lowest prices by booking your ticket for mid-week and/or taking a red-eye flight.
• Shop on a Tuesday about six weeks before you’re needing to fly out to score the best deals.
• Use apps like Kayak, Hipmunk and Hopper to help you find the best-priced tickets. Some apps will even send you alerts when tickets on a flight you’ve looked at go down in price.

If your destination is within driving distance, you can also choose to hop on a train, board a bus or rent a car with some friends and turn the drive into a fun road trip.   

2.) Think outside the registry 

Jump off the registry bandwagon and get creative instead! You can gift the couple with a more personalized gift, like a themed breakfast basket for the morning after, tickets and reservations for a dream date night or a customized kitchen package complete with quirky mugs and whimsical gadgets. No one has to know how much (or how little) you spent. But, your gift is sure to be memorable and treasured by the couple. 

If you’re part of a bunch of friends who are attending the wedding together, you can also choose to purchase a group gift. Do some detective work to find out the couple’s secret luxury gift wish, like a top-of-the-line grill or a leather sectional sofa, and then let each friend contribute to a pot until you have the full amount. You’ll save on your gift costs and you’ll know you’ve given your friends a wedding present they’ll be thrilled to receive. 

3.) Don’t buy a gown 

Don’t feel pressured to spend hundreds of dollars on the dress you’ll wear to your friends’ weddings. Chances are, you won’t want to wear the same gown twice in a season. Also, the dress that perfectly matches one wedding color can horribly clash with the décor at next weekend’s wedding. Instead of dropping a ton of money on a dress you might wear once, rent a gown for a fraction of the price from rental services like Rent the Runway. You can also borrow from a friend or purchase a gently used gown on sites like OnceWed.com or PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com.  

4.) Invest in a good suit 

Tux rentals can run you up to $150, so if you’re looking at several weekends of weddings over the next few months, it might be worthwhile to invest in a staple suit or tux you can wear again and again. Make sure the suit is of decent quality and will make it through hours on the dance floor with its seams and buttons intact. Once you’ve got your suit in the closet, you can change up the outfit to match different wedding colors and themes by swapping the shirt and tie or the cummerbund and bowtie. 

5.) Use AirBNB instead of booking a hotel 

You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on a hotel stay for every destination wedding you attend. Instead, check out AirBNB for affordable lodgings in the area. You can save even more by booking a full apartment or an entire house with a couple of friends and splitting the cost. 

6.) Don’t be afraid to say no 

Members of the wedding party inevitably end up outspending everyone else thanks to the wedding attire, shoes and the pre-wedding parties they’re required to attend. Most of these costs are dictated by the bride and groom. If you’re asked to be a bridesmaid or an usher and you know you can’t afford the associated costs, don’t be afraid to explain your position to your soon-to-be-married friends. They’ll likely understand, and either accept your declination or make some adjustment to their plans so you can be part of the wedding party.   

Here’s to a season of affordable and joyous wedding celebrations from all of us here at One Nevada Credit Union! 

Your Turn: How do you save money on wedding expenses? Share your best ideas with us!

How do you budget? Do you follow the 50-30-20 rule? Are you careful to pay yourself first? Do you tweak your budget each month to suit current needs and then play catch-up when you inevitably fall behind? 

Or maybe you’re one of the thousands of people across the globe who have embraced the You Need a Budget (YNAB) approach and changed your relationship with money forever. 

The YNAB methodology was introduced years ago through specialized software and a series of lectures by its creator, Jesse Mecham. Now you can read all about this brilliant budgeting method in the Wall Street Journal’s bestseller, You Need a Budget. There’s no need to purchase software or attend classes to incorporate the YNAB platform; it works perfectly well with an old-fashioned spreadsheet or even paper and pencil. 

YNAB stands apart from most budgeting advice because of its innate flexibility. While traditional budgeting wisdom advocates using specific percentages of your income for different spending categories, Mecham is careful not to tell you what to do with your money. Instead, he encourages readers to design their own plans using YNAB’s Four Rules: 

1. Give Every Dollar A Job. Designate a specific task for all the money you earn.
2. Embrace Your True Expenses. Budget for expected, but irregular, expenses like car repairs, insurance premiums and holidays. By building these into your budget, the large, occasional bills won’t throw you for a loop.
3. Roll With The Punches. Life is inherently dynamic, and your budget must follow suit. A flexible budget is sustainable and realistic.
4. Age Your Money. When you incorporate the first three rules, you’ll start having more funds to spare. Learn to stretch the time between earning a dollar and spending it so you can shatter the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle for good.

In You Need a Budget, Mecham examines those rules in detail while exploring the priorities that might be shaping your budget. He talks about budgeting as a couple, sharing expenses and teaching your kids about money management and financial responsibility. The book is packed with actionable advice and tips, and is sprinkled with personal accounts of people who have embraced the YNAB approach to budgeting.  

If you’re wondering why thousands of people are avid followers of the YNAB budgeting platform, and you’re longing to stop living hand-to-mouth, read this book. 

Your Turn: Do you follow the YNAB approach to budgeting? Share your experience with us in the comments.

More recently, Memorial Day has also turned into a second Black Friday for retailers,  each offering loads of sale events in stores and online, and each promising to save you heaps of money. Lots of these sales will run for a full two weeks, starting a week before Memorial Day, which falls on May 27 this year, and continuing until the end of the month. 

As always, though, not every marked-down product is actually a bargain. In fact, you can sometimes get the same product a lot cheaper by waiting  a few months—or even just a few weeks. And of course, if the for-sale item is not one you need, you’re better off leaving it in the store. But, if you know what to shop for and you’re careful to stick to what you need and can afford, you can find some great deals. 

Let’s take a look at what to buy and what to skip this Memorial Day weekend. 

Buy: Outdoor essentials 

Get ready to welcome summer with outdoor gear like grills, lawn mowers, mulch, ladders, and more, which may be marked down as much as 50% at stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot. Online retailers, like Wayfair and Overstock, host similar events and may offer free two-day shipping in honor of the summer season kickoff. 

Skip: Electronics 

You’re going to see lots of crazy-low deals on gaming consoles, laptops, and tablets around Memorial Day weekend. But, unless you need one now, it’s better to wait it out. You’ll find even better deals on electronics during Black Friday season, when retailers are looking to clear out last year’s models to make room for the newer inventory. If you need your electronics sooner than November, you may consider waiting until July, when many retailers host “Black Friday in July” events that feature steep discounts on electronics. 

Buy: Furniture 

Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to spruce up both the inside and outside of your home with new furniture. You can snag a great deal on a fully-loaded patio set, pick up a comfortable sofa, and even swap your old mattresses for new ones, all at great prices. You may need to use a coupon code to qualify for the reduced price, so be sure to check out a retailer’s website before hitting the store. 

Skip: TVs 

Don’t make the mistake of picking up a new TV in May just because you found one at an excellent price. Most marked-down TVs you’ll find around Memorial Day are older models with outdated features. You can find much better deals on newer models in November or January.  

Buy: Wedding registry gifts 

Department stores, like Macy’s and JC Penney, offer discounts on household essentials, like coffee makers and blenders, in advance of the wedding season. You’ll also find markdowns on these items at specialty stores, like Bed Bath & Beyond. If you’ve got any weddings to attend this summer, pick out a registry gift now to save big. 

Skip: Cars 

If you’re looking for a new set of wheels, wait until after June. You’ll find the hottest deals on cars between July and October, when dealerships are trying to move old inventory and make room for the newer models. 

Buy: Tires 

Preparing the family car for a summer road trip? You’ll find the year’s best prices on tires around Memorial Day weekend. 

Skip: Swimwear 

Don’t splurge on swimwear and other summer apparel just yet. Wait until June, or even mid-summer if you can swing it, for the steepest discounts. 

Buy: Spring apparel 

Retailers have been displaying their warmer-weather line for months now. That makes the end of May a perfect time to stock up on spring wear. 

Skip: Power tools 

You’ll only have to wait a few weeks for the hottest deals on power tools. Father’s Day sales usually start at the beginning of June, and they offer deep discounts on power tools and other outdoor power equipment. 

Buy: Appliances and home décor 

Retailers and manufacturers alike offer markdowns on large household appliances, like refrigerators, dishwashers, and ovens, at the end of May. Hold onto your receipts, as you may need to mail them to the manufacturer for a cash-back rebate. You can also score a deal on home décor products, like light fixtures, flooring, and kitchen essentials, at Memorial Day sale events. 

Skip: Jewelry 

All that glam won’t glow so brightly if you have to drain your wallet to pay for it. Skip the diamonds this month and wait until late summer, when the jewelry business is at its slowest and retailers put some of their products on sale. If you can wait even longer, push off your purchase until the end of February, when jewelry prices are at their lowest. 

Now that you know what to buy and what to skip this Memorial Day, you can kick off the season of poolside barbecues and aimless road trips by snagging some great deals! 

Your Turn: What was your best Memorial Day find ever? Tell us all about it in the comments!

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Wouldn’t life be fantastic if you had that mythical money tree growing in your backyard? 

Short of planting a tree that actually sprouts dollar bills, learning how to boost your income and investing wisely is the best thing you can do for your finances. And the recently released Plant Your Money Tree, by Michele (Mish) Schneider, will show you how to do exactly that.  

In clear and easy-to-understand language, Mish takes readers on a journey through the six significant sectors of the U.S. economy as seen through six market phases: bullish, caution, distribution, bearish, recuperation and accumulation. She demonstrates how to identify these phases and understand their interconnectivity, and illustrates to readers why this all matters.   

Mish uses a light, chatty tone throughout the book, proving that anyone can grasp the basics of the economy and how to grow wealth, regardless of their financial and educational background. She strongly believes that knowledge is power. In her book, Mish endeavors to empower readers with the knowledge to make confident, educated decisions about personal finance. 

In Plant Your Money Tree, you’ll learn how to make informed decisions about your money, including: 

• What to do with your money
• How to help your money grow
• When and how to make financial life decisions, such as a career change, business expansion, buying a house and increasing your monthly savings inputs
• How to invest in the future and capitalize on social trends
• How to manage and maximize your existing portfolio and 401K

Mish also offers readers an investing methodology that is evergreen and easily adaptable to every market scenario. There is no such thing as a losing market for Mish; her strategy shows investors how to reap handsome profits in any market condition. Her book is an invaluable resource for beginner investors and seasoned experts alike. 

In Plant Your Money Tree, Mish draws on her years of experience as director of trading, research and education at MarketGauge.com, a financial publishing company founded by her husband Keith, and his partner, Geoff Bysshe. She weaves real-life examples, charts, and history throughout the book to prove her points and create the masterpiece that can guide you to success. 

Your Turn: What’s your favorite investing book? Tell us about it in the comments.

Refinancing your loan to a lower interest rate could reduce your monthly payments, shorten the amount of time you have left on your home loan, or save you thousands of dollars. That said, it’s important to note that refinancing does cost some money.

How Much Will a Refinance Cost?  
When you refinance your home, you might end up paying broker fees, closing costs, and a few others. A typical refinance will cost anywhere between 3-6% of the loan’s principal. While that might seem like a lot, there are some really good reasons a refinance can work in your favor, along with some things to really consider before you do.

At One Nevada, we make it easy and more affordable to Refinance your home by charging a flat fee of $562.00. While that doesn’t include 3^rd party fees, it can save you a lot of money. 

The Top Four Reasons to Consider Refinancing: 

1. To take advantage of lower interest rates: Many lenders claim that even a 1% reduction on your interest rate can be reason enough to refinance. Reducing your interest rate can help you build more equity in your home sooner and decrease the size of your monthly payment, saving you a lot of money.

   
   However, if you don’t plan on living in your home for much longer, refinancing might not be cost effective. Before you refinance, add up all the costs of completing the loan and then divide that number by the amount you would save every month on the mortgage if you refinance. That will tell you how long you’d need to stay in the home to break even on your refinance costs.

2. To access cash: If you refinance your home and tap into it’s equity, it’s called cash-out refinancing. This can be a great option, especially if you use that money to increase the equity in your home. Installing a new roof, windows or doors; remodeling the kitchen or master bathroom; and even updating your patio or deck can add value (equity) to your home. It also makes your home more livable. That’s a win-win in our opinion.

   
   If you plan to use the cash (equity) to pay off higher interest debt, such as a credit card balance or student loan, this is where we urge careful consideration. We’re all about you paying down debt, but it’s important that you be thoughtful about future spending and avoid racking up those credit card balances again.

3. To shorten the life of your loan: If you have a mortgage with a long loan term, for instance 30 years, refinancing with a lower term but at a lower rate, could help you pay off your loan sooner without changing the monthly payment much. Just be sure you do the math carefully to ensure you can still afford the payment.
4. To convert between adjustable-rate and fixed-rate mortgages: Over time, market rate adjustments can increase the rates on Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs) until they top the going rate for fixed-rate mortgages. When this happens, switching to a fixed-rate mortgage can be a good idea. Again, it’s all about doing the math.

Is a Refinance Right for You? First consider if you’re doing it for a good reason. Will it benefit your family’s financial well-being? If you’re extending your term another 10 or 20 years just to lower your monthly payment, be careful. Any money you save on lower payments will be lost in the cost of the refinance and the extra years of interest you’ll be paying on your mortgage.

Second, get a good faith estimate from several lenders. Take special note of the interest rate and loan price for each estimate. Divide this price by the amount you’ll save each month with your new rate. This is the number of months it will take for you to break even on the new loan.

One Nevada Tip: To get an accurate estimate from any lender, be sure you have proof of income for the past two years and a recent paystub or retirement award letter. You’ll also need two years of tax returns and W2s.

Boost Your Financial Knowhow 
When you have questions about refinancing your home loan, One Nevada is here to provide the answers – and the math. Just give us a call at:

Las Vegas Area: 702 382-4094
Reno/Sparks: 775 827-3880 x4643

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It can sometimes feel like every decision we need to make revolves around money. How do we spend it? How much should we save? Where should we invest? How much do we need to retire? The endless stream of choices is enough to give anyone a throbbing headache! 

Don’t let these decisions throw you into a panic. All you need for simplifying your money management is the proper framework for making smart financial decisions. The recently released Making Money Simple provides that crucial framework to learn how to expertly and efficiently navigate your own finances. 

Author Peter Lazaroff wants to gift readers with the foundation they need to make the proper personal finance decision in any circumstance or situation they might encounter. His book is a manifesto that will guide you through the ups and downs of your career, major milestones and the path toward growing your wealth. The framework for decisions he outlines in Making Money Simple is strong enough to get you through anything your financial life throws at you, even the most challenging circumstances where there are no hard rules at play. 

Read Making Money Simple and you’ll be empowered to create your own plan for financial success, drawing on proven wealth management techniques and real-life strategies. You’ll learn about core economic principles and expert-level investing practices. You’ll study financial topics of every kind and read Lazaroff’s advice culled from his years as chief investment officer of a multibillion-dollar wealth management firm. And finally, you’ll be empowered with the tools you need to make managing your personal finances simple. 

You don’t need detailed spreadsheets or complicated investment strategies to get your financial life in order; you simply need a process to help you understand your finances and make them manageable. 

Making Money Simple will show you how to: 

●     Create financial goals and plan for your future.
●     Understand the three core elements of building a strong financial house.
●     Implement effective investment strategies.
●     Learn the 10 questions to ask when hiring financial professionals of any kind. 

Making Money Simple will help you achieve financial wellness and secure your future success. 

Your Turn: Do you think money management can truly be simple? Or, will personal finances always be challenging to navigate? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.

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A: It’s wonderful that you’ve decided to clean up your finances. Springtime is months after the holiday squeeze and still a while away from the pricey summer season, making it a prime time for whipping your finances into shape. 

So, let’s get cleaning! 

1. Dust Off Your New Year’s Resolutions
We get it: New Year’s resolutions get stale as soon as the calendar hits February. But this was the year you were really fired up and ready to conquer the world. Why sell yourself short when your goals are actually within reach? 

Use the fresh energy and renewal of spring to revisit the list of resolutions you penned back at the end of 2018. What were your budgeting goals? What were your savings dreams? Have you achieved any of those goals? If not, what’s holding you back? 

Take stock of where you are financially and get back on track, moving forward and toward those goals. It’s not too late to make it happen this year! 

Do it today: Dig out that paper with your New Year’s resolutions and go through your financial goals one at a time. Did you overreach? Were you irresponsible? Tweak and adjust as necessary, create a new tracking system if the existing one isn’t working, and then get out there and own those goals! 

2. Sweep Out Your Monthly Budget
Now that you’ve taken stock of your resolutions, take a good look at your monthly budget. 

Review your spending habits of the last few months. What are your weak spots? Where can you cut back? Have you been alotting too much money for one category and not enough for another? It’s time to take stock! 

Do it today: Review your monthly budget and choose one area to trim. Create concrete and realistic steps to make that happen. For instance, try the money envelope system to keep you on track, or stick to cash-only so you don’t slip up. Your budget will thank you! 

3. Freshen Up Your W-4 
You might be celebrating a generous tax return this year, but that only means the government has been handling some of your money all year long instead of it earning more for you. It’s almost like giving the government an interest-free loan! You could have used those funds to start investing, add to an existing emergency fund, launch a business or to save for your dream summer getaway. 

Take a closer look at your W-4 so you don’t overpay in taxes again this year. 

Do it today: Spend some time researching your best withholding options or ask your accountant to help you work out the numbers. Adjust your W-4 accordingly and submit it to the payroll specialists at your workplace. 

4. Pile Up Your Savings 
Once you’re cutting down on your spending habits and taking home a larger check each payday, why not use the extra money to bump up your savings? You can add to an existing fund, build a new one, open a Savings Certificate or start investing. You have many great options! 

Speak to a One Nevada employee today to find out about our fantastic savings options.

Do it today: After choosing a savings option, stop by One Nevada to set up a direct deposit. Each month, your money will be automatically transferred from your checking account to your new account. It’s the ultimate in set-it-and-forget-it!

5. Toss Your Debt 
This spring, while you try on old, scratchy sweaters and make piles of junk to toss in the trash or sell for cash, why not get rid of your debt, too? 

Debt is ugly on you. It holds you back from moving forward, keeps you in a spending trap that only gets stronger with time and clings to you like caked-on mud. Wash it all off this spring with an actionable plan to get rid of that debt for good! 

Do it today: We know that paying down debt is easier said than done. But, you can do it! All you need is a plan. Review your debts and pick one to pay off first. It can be the debt with the smallest amount of total owed or the one with the steepest interest rate. Find a way to double down on your payments toward that debt. You can do it by taking on a side hustle, seeking a promotion at work or trimming existing expenses. After you’ve paid down this debt, move onto the next one. Accelerate its payoff by applying the total payment amount from your first debt to the new one – in addition to the regular payment you were making on it. Keep going until they’re all gone. It might take until next spring, but eventually, you’ll kick all of your debt to the curb! 

Spring is here—it’s time to freshen up your finances so they’ll be in tip-top shape for summer! 

Your Turn: How do you clean out your finances in the spring? Share your best tips with us in the comments.

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If you have a high credit card balance and you’re paying just the minimum each month, you can end up carrying this balance for years while paying a lot in interest. You might also be tempted to make more purchases on this card since it already has a balance. 

The fix: Try to make double payments and stop using the card until the debt is paid off. 

2. You stress about bills 

Monthly bills should be fixed into your budget. You should be able to pay them easily without any stress. 

The fix: Take a look at your monthly budget and find ways to cut back. 

3. You can’t save 5% of your monthly income 

If you can’t put away at least 5% of your monthly income into savings, you’re living beyond your means. 

The fix: Again, trim your expenses and restructure your budget to include at least 5% for savings. 

4. You don’t have emergency and rainy-day funds 

Ideally, you should have an emergency fund to cover major unexpected expenses, and a rainy-day fund for small expenses you can anticipate. 

The fix: Start building your funds now by putting away as much as you possibly can each month. 

5. Your mortgage payment eats up more than 30% of your monthly income 

Most financial experts agree that your monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 30% of your take-home pay. 

The fix: You have two choices here:

1. Find ways to boost income. Seek a raise at your current job, freelance for hire or find another side hustle for extra cash.
2. Scale back your mortgage payments. Consider a refinance. [Speak to a home loan officer at One Nevada to see if this is right for you.] If your mortgage is crippling your budget, consider downsizing to a smaller and cheaper place.

6. You lease a car you can’t afford to buy or finance 

Can you afford to pay for or finance your car? If the answer is no, you’re in financial trouble. 

The fix: Downgrade your vehicle to one you can actually afford. 

7. Your financial decisions are influenced by your friends’ spending habits 

Thanks to the hyper-sharing culture of social media, the pressure to keep up with the Joneses is stronger than ever. If you find yourself making financial decisions based on your friends’ choices, you’re likely spending more than you can afford. 

The fix: Stop looking over your shoulder and keep your eyes on your own life and your own wallet. 

If you’re in over your head, One Nevada can help! Stop by today and our staff will be happy to guide you out of any financial mess.

Your Turn: What’s your personal red flag that your spending has gotten out of control? Share it with us in the comments.

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1. Check your school for discounts and help
   Lots of colleges offer on-campus travel agents who can help you plan your vacation right by snagging the best deals. Plus, your school may be able to get you special discounts.
2. Don’t pay full price
   Before booking any hotel stays or attractions or going out to eat, check out sites like Groupon, LivingSocial, Restaurant.com and CouponCabin. Look through the tourist brochures you’ll find in hotels, too. Why pay full price if you don’t have to do it?
3. Fly for less
   Get the best deals on flights by clearing your web browser cache before searching. Book on a Tuesday that’s six weeks before your flight for the time window offering the lowest prices. Also, consider flying mid-week for the best deals.
4. Use Hopper, Hipmunk or Travelocity
   Download one or all of these apps for help in scheduling, pricing and organizing your trip. You’ll have access to exclusive deals, plus loads of suggestions for local tourist hotspots to help you plan your stay.
5. Dine in
   Don’t assume you need to eat each meal at another restaurant. Instead, stock up on basic supplies at the grocery and eat most of your meals in your hotel room. Take advantage of the continental breakfasts that many hotels offer. You can also pick up food from a street vendor for a fraction of the price.

Spring break doesn’t have to mean a break from budgeting. Plan ahead and choose wisely so you won’t be paying off your vacation all summer long. 

Your Turn: How do you save on spring break? Share your secret tips with us in the comments!

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Money solves everything, right? If we simply made more money, then we’d pay our bills on time, be able to afford the things we need and want, and have enough for retirement.

YOU’RE CONVINCED
You really need the new iPhone. Or maybe you just know that a giant screen TV will transform your weekends. So you swipe your card and the dream item becomes yours. You’re thrilled! That is, until a few weeks later when the credit card bill comes and buyer’s remorse hits. You can’t help wondering: Was it really worth the price? Avoid getting sucked in again. Before you say “yes” to a large purchase, ask yourself these questions:

IS IT REALLY A GOOD DEAL?
That 50% off sticker seems like an awesome deal, but do the math. Buying it with a credit card could mean you’ll be hiking up the price once interest is tacked on. If you plan to pay it off over time, do the math before you purchase at onenevada.org/calculators. Try the Loan Payoff calculator and play around with different balances and interests.

IS THIS THE BEST PRICE?
When making a large purchase, it’s important to comparison-shop. Try comparing prices online at Google Shopping, NexTag or Bizrate, and compare some brick-and-mortar shops as well. Visit coupon sites like CouponCabin.com for automatic savings. Also, wait for a sale if it makes sense to do so. Finally, consider purchasing a previously owned item for less.

HOW MANY HOURS WILL YOU NEED TO WORK TO PAY FOR THIS PURCHASE?
Calculate the total number of hours you’ll need to work to pay for this “must-have” item. Is it really worth the price?

HOW COULD YOU USE THIS MONEY?
What else can that money buy? A few weeks worth of groceries? A year’s worth of monthly dinners out? Take some time to think of smarter ways you can spend this money before making a final decision.

HAVE YOU SPLURGED RECENTLY?
If you can afford it, there’s nothing wrong with an occasional pricey indulgence. But, when luxury purchases become a habit, it can spell disaster for your finances. Ask yourself what we teach our kids, “Is it a need or a want?” Can you donate an older item in place of the new one? If not, then maybe you don’t really “need” to purchase new.

HOW OFTEN WILL YOU USE THIS ITEM?
Yes, the purchase seems essential today, but looking ahead, how often do you think you’ll really use this item? If it’s something you’ll use a few times a year, you may want to re-think your decision.

HOW MUCH WILL YOUR MONEY GROW IF YOU PUT IT INTO SAVINGS?
You have the funds for this purchase, but how much would that money earn if you saved it? Check out OneNevada.org/SavingsCalculator to get that magic number. The results might leave you pleasantly surprised. One Nevada has several long-term savings options that can help your money grow. Give us a call or stop by, and we’ll help you choose one that’s perfect for you!

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1. Dine In 
Restaurants typically up their prices when the whole world is going out to eat, so you’ll likely be paying extra just because it’s Valentine’s Day. Plus, trying to carry on a conversation in a noisy restaurant while keeping your elbow out of the soup on the next table is hardly a recipe for a romantic evening. 

Instead of shelling out big bucks for a sub-par experience, cook up a gourmet meal at home. You can easily spend less than half of what you’d pay for the same food in a steakhouse by opting to DIY. If you both like puttering around the kitchen, prep your delicious dinner together. Don’t forget to set the ambiance with scented candles and soft music! 

2.  Explore the great outdoors 
It may be cold out, but you can still spend some shared time together outdoors. Bundle up and take a refreshing walk under the stars. Afterward, go home and warm up with steaming mugs of hot chocolate. 

3. Laugh it out 
Comedy clubs are always a ball of fun—and they’re cheap, too! Check out the local comedy club together for a rollicking good time. 

4. Hit the gym 
Gym memberships and day passes usually decline in February when many people have abandoned their New Year’s resolutions to get fit. Take advantage of the lower prices to hit the gym as a couple this Valentine’s Day. A shared workout can be a great bonding experience that’s good for your health and your wallet, too. 

5. Make a memory box 
Instead of expensive gifts and overpriced cards, take a long walk down memory lane together by making a memory box. Cover a small box or container in some decorative material, or spray-paint it in your chosen color. Then, sift through your collection of ticket stubs and other mementos you’ve saved up from your months or years of dating each other. Throw in tourist pamphlets of places you’ve visited, random photos and any other trinkets that bring up warm memories.   

Grab a tub of ice cream, two spoons, and enjoy a wonderful evening reliving some of your best shared moments. 

6. Get cultured together 
Give your date a refreshing twist by hitting a spot you’ve never visited together: like a local museum! Choose a place with an inexpensive entrance fee and displays that appeal to each of your interests. Then, spend an evening soaking up the culture and absorbing fascinating information. It’s a great way to breathe fresh life into a dating rut. Plus, studying works of art or historical artifacts makes for fabulous conversation.   

7. Gift them with a thoughtful gesture 
Everyone has a guilty pleasure they can’t get enough of. Give your partner an all-out indulgence fest this Valentine’s Day for a truly thoughtful gift. If your significant other loves nothing more than waking up to a huge stack of pancakes with an iced latte on the side, surprise them with their dream breakfast-in-bed. If they have a thing for Snicker bars, fill a huge, funky container with their favorite chocolates. 

You can also go in the other direction with this idea and offer to do a household chore you know your partner loathes, like laundry or washing dishes. Decorate a small piece of cardstock and write up a “certificate” that gifts the recipient with four loads of laundry, washed, dried and put away, or three evenings of dirty dashes rinsed, washed and drained. It won’t cost you anything, and it’s sure to put a smile on your partner’s face! 

8. Movie matinee 
Instead of paying full price for movie tickets, see your favorite picture at a daytime matinee. You’ll save a bundle on tickets just by going a bit earlier in the day. Theaters are also less crowded during the afternoon, making for a more enjoyable experience all around. 

You don’t have to break your budget this Valentine’s Day. Use these hacks, or another creative money-saving idea, to enjoy a wonderful day with the love of your life! 

Your Turn: How do you save on Valentine’s Day? Share your best tips and tricks with us in the comments! 

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This year, the IRS is cautioning taxpayers to be extra vigilant because of a 60% increase in email phishing scams over the past year. This is particularly disheartening, since it comes on the heels of a steady decline in phishing scams over the previous three years. 

Typically, an email phishing scam will appear to be from the IRS. Once the victim has opened the email, the scammer will use one of several methods to get at the victim’s personal information, including their financial data, tax details, usernames and passwords. They will then use this information to steal the victim’s identity, empty their accounts or file taxes in the victim’s name and then make off with their refund. 

Scammers have several means for fooling victims into handing over their sensitive information. The most popular tax-related phishing scams include the following: 

1.    Tax transcript scams. In these scams, victims are conned into opening emails appearing to be from the IRS with important information about their taxes. Unfortunately, these emails are bogus and contain malware. 

2.    Threatening emails. Also appearing to be from the IRS, these phony emails will have subject lines like “IRS Important Notice” and will demand immediate payment for unpaid back taxes. When the victim clicks on the embedded link, their device will be infected with malware. 

3.    Refund rebound. In this scam, a crook posing as an IRS agent will email a taxpayer and claim the taxpayer was erroneously awarded too large a tax refund. The scammer will demand the immediate return of some of the money via prepaid debit card or wire transfer. Of course, there was no mistake with the victim’s tax refund and any money the victim forwards will be used to line the scammer’s pockets. 

4.    Phony phone call. In this highly prevalent scam, a caller spoofs the IRS’s toll-free number and calls a victim, claiming they owe thousands of dollars in back taxes. Those taxes, they are told, must be paid immediately under threat of arrest, deportation or driver’s-license suspension. Obviously, this too is a fraud and the victim is completely innocent. 

If you’re targeted 
When targeted by any scam, it’s crucial to not engage with the scammer. If your Caller ID announces that the IRS is on the phone, don’t pick up! Even answering the call to tell the scammer to get lost can be enough to mark you as an easy target for future scams. If you accidentally picked up the phone, hang up as quickly as possible. 

When targeted by any scam, it’s crucial to not engage with the scammer. If your Caller ID announces that the IRS is on the phone, don’t pick up! Even answering the call to tell the scammer to get lost can be enough to mark you as an easy target for future scams. If you accidentally picked up the phone, hang up as quickly as possible. 

Similarly, suspicious-looking emails about tax information should not be opened. Mark any bogus tax-related emails that land in your inbox as spam to keep the scammers from trying again. 

If you’re targeted by a tax scam, report the incident to help the authorities crack down on these crooks. Forward suspicious tax-related emails to phishing@irs.gov. You can also alert the Federal Trade Commission at FTC.gov. 

Protect yourself from tax scams 
Stay one step ahead of scammers this tax season by being proactive. Protect yourself with these steps: 

• File early in the season so scammers have less time to steal your identity, file on your behalf and collect your refund.
• Use the strongest security settings for your computer and update them whenever possible.
• Use unique and strong passwords for your accounts and credit or debit cards.
• Choose two-step authentication when conducting financial transactions online.

Remember, the IRS will never: 

• Call about taxes owed without having first sent you a bill via snail mail.
• Call to demand immediate payment over the phone.
• Threaten to have you arrested or deported for failing to pay your taxes.
• Require you to use a specific payment method for your taxes.
• Ask you to share sensitive information, like a debit card number or checking account number, over the phone.

Be alert and be careful this tax season and those scammers won’t stand a chance! 

Your Turn: Have you ever been targeted by a tax scam? Share your experience with us in the comments.

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So many questions, and we’ve got answers! Let One Nevada walk you through the apartment-hunting process from start to finish, and you’ll have the key to your new place faster than you thought possible.

Getting started 
Before you look at any apartments, make a short checklist of what you’re looking for in a rental. Create a list of features in order from most important, such as location or the minimum square footage, to least important, like a fireplace or extra washroom.  

Next, crunch some numbers. Take a look at your monthly budget and determine the maximum amount you can afford to spend on monthly rent. This amount should also include all associated fees and utilities. 

With your wish list and budget in hand, you’re ready to start looking for places to live. Check out rental listings on sites like Zillow or Rent.com, look up units in the local paper and/or ask friends and family if they know of any apartment vacancies in the neighborhood. 

Once you’ve compiled a list of possible apartments, contact each landlord or property manager and start hunting! 

What to look for
Don’t get blindsided by an apartment’s funky paint colors or fantastic price. Take this handy guide along on your apartment hunts so you can make an informed decision.   

1.)   Price
The landlord or manager will quote you a rental price, but make sure to find out exactly what’s included in that number. Will you be billed separately for utilities? Do you need to pay for a parking spot? 

You’ll also want to check for any additional fees possibly attached to this rental. Ask about the following: 

• Application fee
• Background check fee
• Credit check fee
• Association fee
• Amenity fee
• Pet fee
• Security deposit fee
• Early termination fee
• Acceleration clause fee

You can also use this opportunity to try negotiating for a lower price. 

2.)   Maintenance
Ask detailed questions about maintenance. Who is responsible for general repairs and maintenance issues? What is the procedure for submitting a maintenance request? How long does it generally take for an issue to be addressed and resolved? 

Don’t just absorb the information shared here; pay close attention to the way the landlord answers. If there’s an uncomfortable amount of hesitation, take it as an indication that the handling of the building’s maintenance is somewhat shoddy. 

3.)   Decoration policy
Is there a strict decoration policy in place? Will you need permission before hanging up a picture or painting the walls? 

4.)   Apartment location
The rental unit might be in your desired neighborhood, but its exact location will strongly affect your quality of life. Is it apartment near a popular café or bar? Is it close to a busy intersection or highway? Is there public transportation nearby? 

You’ll also want to check out where the apartment is located inside the building. Is it near a highly populated area like the elevator bank? Is it close to an unpleasant place like the garbage chute? 

5.)   Common areas
As you walk through the building to the apartment, take a good look at your surroundings. Are the common areas in the building kept up well? Is the building clean and in good condition? 

6.)   Noise level
If you’re an incurable night owl who doesn’t get up until after 9 each morning, you don’t want to land in the apartment under the early-rising tuba player. You won’t know much about your neighbors until you move in, but you can listen to the noise that filters in from the surrounding apartments to get an idea. 

7.)   General condition of apartment
As you walk through the apartment, flush the toilets, run the sinks and showers, check out the electric sockets and try out the windows. Make sure everything is in perfect working order before you sign the lease. 

8.)   Cell phone reception
Make a phone call when you’re checking out the apartment to see if you’ve got good reception. You don’t want to be forced to hang out in the lobby or outside on the sidewalk every time you need to make a call. 

Sealing the deal 
You’ve found an apartment that fits your criteria and you’re ready to sign the lease. Before you do that, though, make sure to follow these final steps. 

First, get the contact info of another renter in the building. You can ask your reference to clear up anything you’re unsure about regarding the building or neighborhood. As a bonus, you’ll be forging your first relationship with your new neighbors. 

Next, be sure to read through the lease very carefully. Check for hidden fees, lease renewal and termination policies as well as rent collection procedures. 

Finally, if everything checks out, you’re ready to sign the lease. Best of luck in your new home! 

Your Turn: Have you recently signed a lease on a new rental unit? Share your tips on the process with us in the comments.

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Compiling everything you need in order to prepare your federal income taxes is often a bigger challenge than actually doing them. Though the process of locating forms and documents may feel overwhelming, it really just requires knowing what you need, and an organized approach to hunting and gathering.

Obtain the Right Tax Form
Make sure you get the right tax form for your individual situation. Many people will use the same one they used for the previous year, but if your circumstances have changed, you may need to use a different form. The options for most employed individuals are the 1040EZ, the 1040A, and the 1040. To know which is right for you, visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov.

Gather Personal Identification Information
Of course you will need to know your own Social Security Number, but you may need to know a few others as well. These may include those of your spouse, children, childcare provider, and anyone to whom you pay alimony.

Gather Income Information 
Your next task is to collect all of your income information. Depending on where you derived your income, you will need documents for:

• Wages and Salaries
• Interest Received
• Dividends
• Business Income
• Capital Gains and Losses
• Pensions and Annuities
• Retirement Plans
• Rental Income and Expenses
• Farming and Fishing Income
• Earnings for Clergy
• Unemployment Compensation
• Gambling Income and Losses
• Bartering Income
• Scholarships, Fellowship Grants and Other Grants
• Social Security and Equivalent Railroad Retirement Benefits
• Passive Activities – Losses and Credits
• Stock Options
• Traders in Securities
• Receipt of Stock in a Demutualization
• Canceled Debt
• Form 1099-A (Acquisition or Abandonment of Secured Property) and Form 1099-C (Cancellation of Debt)

Collect Deduction/Adjustment Information 
If you plan to itemize your deductions or adjust your gross income, make sure you account for everything. Depending on what you are able to deduct/adjust, you’ll need to have records for such outgoing expenditures as:

• Mortgage interest
• Real estate taxes
• Rent
• IRA or other retirement plan contributions
• Miscellaneous investment related expenses (such as safe deposit box fees if used to store investment documents and computer depreciation if used to track assets)
• Early investment withdrawal penalties
• Medical/dental bills
• Moving costs
• Charitable donations and volunteer expenses
• Auto loans and leases for vehicles used for business
• Student loan interest
• Alimony
• Unreimbursed job-related expenses (travel, uniforms, union dues, education)
• Job-hunting expenses
• Child care expenses
• Adoption expenses
• Tax return preparation expenses

If you have to scavenge for each necessary item, make a commitment to keep good records from this point forward. It will make this time next year a much less demanding experience.

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Designate one day a week where you won’t spend a penny. No picking up a latte on the way to work. No buying lunch or eating out for dinner. No quick stop at the grocery or random online purchases for things you don’t need. Nothing! It’s not as hard as you think; just put your mind to it.

Brown-bagging your lunch is a good habit to learn, and you can enjoy the coffee your work provides instead of picking one up at the local Starbucks. Use groceries that are already in your fridge and pantry, and avoid browsing retail sites that make it too easy to waste money. You can do it!

Your Turn: Have you taken the no-spend challenge? How was the experience? What tips can you share with us?

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The One Nevada mobile app can help protect you and your money this holiday season. Here are a few tips on how you can use your mobile app to stay one step ahead of those bah-humbuggers. 

Watch for Fraudulent Transactions
Help stop the fraudsters in their tracks by:

• Checking your transactions frequently and tell us right away about any you do not recognize.
• Signing up for text alerts and get notified every time a transaction occurs on your account.

Control Your Debit Card
Use the Card Control feature in the One Nevada mobile app to stop fraudulent spending. With card controls, you can:

• Turn your debit card off when you’re not using it.
• Set spending limits.
• Block online payments.
• Block ATM transactions if you don’t need cash.

Monitor your Credit Report
If fraudsters get ahold of your personal information, they can apply for accounts in your name. A simple, one time sign up for our Free Credit Score gives you:

• Anytime, anywhere access to your free credit score and report
• Free alerts and notifications when something changes in your credit report

Protect Your Username and Password
We will never call, email, or text you asking for your online banking username and password. Be your own Secret Santa and give yourself the gift of privacy by:

• Choosing a strong password and changing it every month or so.
• Never giving your mobile device to someone else to use.

Log in to online banking today or download the app to take advantage of One Nevada’s digital services today!

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Before Children Go Out:

• Make sure costumes fit properly and allow for ease of movement. Shoes should be size appropriate and not be oversized or hard to walk/run in.
• Props should be free from jagged edges or sharp points. Allow free hands though and do not create a look that requires young children to carry anything other than their candy bag.
• Choose reflective materials and flame resistant additions to costumes.
• Face paint allows for better vision/hearing than masks which may be too big or small for a child's face.
• Organize kids in groups with adult supervision at all times.
• Include flashlights or other light sources for sidewalks, street crossings, etc.

While Out And About:

• Obey all traffic and pedistrian laws. Cross only at marked intersections and be on the lookout for traffic at all times.
• Kids are easily distracted and do not pay attention to their surroundings. Adults must be aware of this at all times.
• Stay within known boundaries and avoid unknown homes or areas.
• Pre-plan your route and have a designated return time.
• Never invite a child into your home, or allow your child to enter a home.
• Review treats before eating and discard anything that you can not verify or that looks previously opened or tampered with.
• Have rules and communication with older children if they go without an adult.

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National Cyber Security Awareness Month was first observed in 2003 and its goal is to encourage people to take the necessary steps to keep their online lives safe and secure.

Technology has transformed most aspects of daily life since 2003, when:

• Smartphones didn’t exist (Blackberry’s don’t count).
• Thefacebook.com was born in a Cambridge dorm room.
• Google launched a new product called “gmail” – and went public.
• “Blog” was Merriam-Webster’s word of the year.
• Twitter, YouTube et al. did not exist.
• Netflix was a mail-order, DVD-rental business.
• California was the only state that had enacted a data breach notification law.

Keeping your online information and devices safe is important year-round, but October is the perfect time to review and update your security. This month, take some time to make sure you are protecting yourself from online hackers and privacy breaches.

Here are a few ways you can celebrate National Cyber Security Awareness Month:

• Update your passwords and don’t share them with others. When updating your passwords, avoid common words and phrases, and don’t make it too complex to remember. Passwords should be unique to you, and easy to remember.
• Check to make sure your anti-virus, software and operating system is up to date to ensure your computer is protected. (IT updates and maintains the credit union computers. Please check your home computers for anti-virus software).
• Never give your personal information to someone in an email, as scammers love to call and claim to be someone they are not. You can always contact the company directly to verify the authenticity of the sender.
• Don’t click on links in emails from unknown senders. Scammers like to send viruses disguised as links. The same applies for pop-ups.
• If you own a laptop, consider installing software to ensure it can be tracked in the event it’s stolen.

ARE YOU READY FOR RETIREMENT? Every day, another 10,000 Baby Boomers turn 65 in the U.S.1 While that’s a staggering thought, what’s even more startling is that about 30% of them will have no significant retirement savings.

The idea behind retirement is that you’re no longer working for a living. Instead, you’re living off the money you saved and the investments you made during your working years. If you’re like most Americans, you have some savings, including an employer retirement plan, Social Security benefits and other investments. The question is: will it be enough to retire on time? That all depends on when you plan to retire, what you want to do during retirement, if you plan to continue your current lifestyle, and how well you’ve planned ahead for inflation and your future medical expenses.

START BY CUTTING EXPENSES Downsizing can be a great stamp for your retirement passport. After all, it’s a good bet that you’ll spend less on housing and local transportation during retirement than you are now. Of course, medical bills and the cost of traveling and leisure could offset some of those savings, which leads to a discussion about the future.

PLANNING FOR TOMORROW Depending on how full your retirement passport is today, there are investment options that could help you catch up with your retirement goals. Those may include employer plans (401(k)), personal Individual Retirement Accounts, stocks, bonds, annuities, as well as tried-and-true savings accounts.

A 401(k) is a great example. These plans are often tax-deferred, meaning you don’t pay any taxes on your withdrawals until retirement. With annual IRS contribution limits as high as $24,000 for those 50 and older, these can be a great way to boost your retirement savings.

CALCULATE YOUR FUTURE One Nevada has several retirement based calculators to help you fill up your retirement passport. You’ll find them all at OneNevada.org/calculators, they include:

How Much Will I Need to Retire? Use this calculator to determine if you can maintain your current lifestyle during retirement and what changes you might need to make to get more from your later years.

How Much Will I Get from Social Security? This quick calculator will help you estimate your Social Security benefits and help you decide if you should take your withdrawals early or wait.

How Much Will Inflation Affect My Retirement? Easily understand the effects of inflation on your retirement income with this forward-thinking calculator.

How Long Will My Savings Last in Retirement? This is the biggest question most people have about retirement.

How Much Can I Put into a 401(k)? Estimate your possible, annual contributions as you work toward your savings goals.

GET YOUR GEN-X STAMP The oldest among Generation X won’t turn 65 until 2026. So, most Xers still have some time to plan for and save toward retirement. However, it’s estimated that 40% of Gen-Xers do not have a plan for retirement2 . That could be because they’re currently sending kids off to college or spending their money on everyday expenses.

If you’re in Generation X and want to plot your course toward retirement, start by utilizing the calculators mentioned in this article, talk to a professional, max out your employer’s retirement plan, and be realistic about your current and future needs by asking yourself some honest questions.

• Do you have kids who will need help paying for college? Could they take out loans instead?

• Do you have too much debt? Is that debt keeping you from saving enough for retirement?

• Do you plan to move into a larger home soon? Could you stay in your current home?

• Are you planning to care for your aging parents?

• Are you in the market for a second or vacation home?

WORK WITH A RETIREMENT PASSPORT EXPERT Once you’ve had a chance to review how much you’ll actually need to save for and live in retirement, it could be time to chat with a professional who understands taxable income, inflation, market evaluations and a lot more. One Nevada Investment Services3 , available through CUSO Financial Services, L.P. (“CFS”), could help you get your passport ready for your biggest adventure yet. You’ll find them at ONCUinvestments.com or stop by any branch to make an appointment.

One Nevada Credit Union has contracted with CFS to make non-deposit investment products and services available to credit union members. CFS representatives do not provide tax or legal guidance. For such guidance please consult with a qualified professional. Information shown is for general illustration purposes and does not predict or depict the performance of any investment or strategy. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Today’s world moves at the speed of data. In case you’re curious, that’s really, really fast. And lurking in the shadows of that high-speed, data-centric world are scammers, hackers and credit thieves.

While it’s impossible to keep a 24/7 vigil on every aspect of your financial life, One Nevada makes it possible to keep a very close eye on your credit. Through our partnership with SavvyMoney®, you can have access to your credit score and credit report anytime you like for FREE. Plus, you can even setup alerts to monitor your credit activity. This can help protect you from the fraudsters.

Don’t Follow the Crowd According to the Consumer Federation of America (CFA), 32% of Americans have never looked at their credit report and 44% of adults haven’t looked at their credit score in the past 12 months. That’s staggering, considering what could be in there, specifically duplicate and fraudulent accounts opened in your name without your consent. Both your score and the report can help you spot potential problems before they make you ineligible for a loan or cost you more money.

Protect Yourself Get savvy with your money by getting involved with your credit report and your score. SavvyMoney® is a free member benefit that includes:

• Your current credit score

• Credit report reviews

• Credit score and report alerts

• Reviews of your credit usage

• Online financial guidance

SavvyMoney® is available whenever you’re ready. Just login to online banking at OneNevada.org or in our mobile app. Then choose ‘credit score’ from the main menu.

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We are all at different levels of the financial spectrum, and a good way to determine where to start with your plan is to be honest with yourself. Think about how you’d answer some questions like:

• Do you have enough money?

• Are you financially preparing for the future?

• Do you feel in control of your money?

• Do you pay off your credit card balances each month?

• Do you always save before you spend?

The following are the most important aspects of money management. Incorporating these basics into a money management plan will put you in control of your money instead of it being in control of you.

1. Distinguish between wants and needs. Take care of your needs first, then satisfy your wants as funds are available.
2. Set financial goals. Determine short, long-term and investment goals. Setting specific financial goals keeps you motivated to balance your spending plan.
3. Make a spending plan. Determine your monthly income, expenses, debt payments and periodic expenses.
4. Track your daily expenditures. Be aware of where your money is going. Use a tracking sheet to identify and plug up your spending leaks.
5. Live within your means. Make sure expenses don’t exceed income. Don’t use credit to make up the difference between your income and expenses.
6. Use credit wisely. Use credit for planned purchases and emergencies only (not impulse purchases). If possible, only charge what you can pay off every month. Track what you spend—when you pay interest, the cost of what you buy increases. Avoid paying only the minimum due. Don’t charge more every month than you are repaying to your creditors. Credit payments should not exceed 20% of your net income. If you are in serious debt it may be wise to discontinue the use of credit.
7. Build your savings. Set aside funds for periodic expenses such as car repairs, medical bills and taxes. Accumulate at least 3-6 months expenses in an emergency fund. If you are not in serious debt, save for short and long-term financial goals. Save at least 5%-10% of net income.
8. Be current with your financial obligations. Maintain a good credit rating. If you are unable to meet your credit obligations contact your creditors immediately and explain the situation. Don’t borrow from one creditor to meet another obligation.

You can find the full Downsizing your Debt plan at onenevada.balancepro.org under Resource Types, choose Booklets. This useful program includes a whole plan to help you, including pay off strategies, worksheets and budgeting tools.

And don’t forget to take advantage of One Nevada’s KeepTrack program which allows you to track all of your accounts in one place and gives you a full view of all of your finances. KeepTrack® can help you attain your financial goals by determining the best ways to budget and payoff debt. It’s completely free and available through One Nevada online and mobile banking.

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The fraudsters are getting craftier and craftier. We monitor our systems and controls continuously and make needed changes to help keep the fraudsters out. In the past few months, we’ve made some changes to better protect you.

Account Number Removed from Online Statements Most recently, you may have noticed that we removed your full account number from your online statements. Only the last four digits of your account number are visible now. We made this change to protect your account number if someone other than you or your authorized user(s) accesses your accounts online.

Enhanced Identity Verification Procedures We’ve also strengthened our identity verification procedures when calling the Member Contact Center. If you’ve given us a jingle recently, you may have noticed a few extra questions or steps to validate it’s really you calling. We could make it easier by telling you exactly what those added questions or steps might be, but that would also arm the fraudsters with the information they need to try and access your accounts.

We appreciate that when you’re busy, are in a rush or can’t remember a piece of info that it can be frustrating. Our best advice is to do the following four steps so we can authenticate you online, in branch or through the Member Contact Center at (800) 388-3000.

1. Keep a valid email address on file with us so we can communicate with you directly.

2. Keep your account number handy but in a safe place where others won’t see it.

3. Know your most recent transactions by monitoring your account activity frequently.

4. Set an account password with us that only you know.

In addition to answering other standard personal questions about yourself, doing and/or knowing the four things listed will help provide you with the information you may need to authenticate yourself when contacting us. Thanks for helping us keep the balance! 

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Whether you’re a few decades or a few years from retirement, it’s important to ask one fundamental question: will your money outlive you or will you outlive your money? You could be doing a great job of putting money away for your future, but if your plan doesn’t include the rising cost of living, health care and taxes, then you may inadvertently have a plan to run out of money.

Consider this. If you plan on retiring at age 62, you may have a life expectancy of another 30 years. With inflation, the cost of living could increase two and a half times over those 30 years. Essentially, for every $100 you spend on groceries today, you could be spending $250 for the same groceries 30 years from now. This is where that planning stuff becomes pretty important.

Most people spend more time planning their next vacation than they do planning their long-term financial plan. Hey, we get it. For some of us, retirement may seem like a long way off, but the earlier you start, the more time you have to prepare.

Here are a few things to do and consider about your financial plan as we kick-off 2018.

• Set measurable goals Define your long-term financial goals and make them measurable so you can evaluate how you’re doing at least once annually.

• Evaluate your risk tolerance Are you willing to risk more of your assets to earn more? Review your risk tolerance annually to determine if you need to make adjustments to stay on track.

• Re-evaluate your investment and asset allocation strategies Identify what types of assets you have and how you have them allocated. Over time, you may need to make adjustments based on market conditions or other factors.

• Prepare for the unexpected Take care to protect what you have. This most often involves evaluating your insurance needs to make sure you’re prepared for unforeseen emergencies or expenses.

• Tax strategies Evaluate how tax laws have changed and understand how to help reduce taxes now and in retirement.

Seem daunting? Well, here’s the great news! Your One Nevada membership gives you access to a complimentary, no obligation financial check-up with one of our CFS* Financial Advisors at One Nevada Investment Services offered through CUSO Financial Services, L.P. Our CFS* Financial Advisors can help you start a new financial plan or evaluate your existing one.

Regardless of what stage of life you’re at, it’s never too early or too late to make changes that can help improve your financial plan.

Call us directly at (702) 641-4323 or visit us online at: ONCUInvestments.com

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A budget will help you gain financial awareness, which will help facilitate more responsible decisions.

Here are 6 easy steps to create a budget:

Step 1: Gather your financial information

Collect all your financial documents and receipts for three consecutive months. This includes all account statements, bills, pay stubs, receipts and more.

Step 2: Tally up your totals

Divide your documents into expenses and income. Then, list the corresponding numbers on a spreadsheet. As you work through these lists, include occasional and seasonal expenses, dividing their totals by 12 to spread them evenly throughout the year.

When you have your numbers, take a look at how they match up. If your expenses outweigh your income, trim your spending and/or look for ways to boost income.

Step 3: List all your needs

Take a look at how you’ve spent your money in the recorded time and identify all the actual needs. This includes fixed expenses like mortgage/rent payments, savings, insurance premiums and car payments; as well as fluctuating but necessary expenses, like groceries. To keep it simpler, list your fixed expenses first, followed by your non-fixed expenses.

As you list each need, write down its corresponding cost. When you’ve finished creating this list, add up the total.

Step 4: List your wants

Your next step is listing the stuff you love but can really live without. Include entertainment costs here, as well as eating out and expensive hobbies.

Here too, jot down the monthly cost of each item and tally up the total when you’re done.

Step 5: Assign dollar amounts to expenses

Open up a new spreadsheet, and copy your list of expenses, starting with the fixed-cost needs, then your non-fixed-cost needs, and finally your wants.

Next, assign a specific dollar amount to each expense category. If your budget allows, you can use the average amount you’ve spent in each category for the last three months to set the cap for that expense.

Continue until every dollar is accounted for and you have enough money in your budget to cover each need, want and occasional expense. If expenses outweigh income, you’ll need to trim some expenses for your budget to work.

Going forward, be sure to spend only the assigned amounts for each expense category.

Step 6: Review and adjust as necessary

Review your budget monthly to see if you’re staying on track. If you consistently overspend in a category, spend less in a different area so you have more money available to meet your needs.

Your Turn: Do you stick to a strict monthly budget? Share your best budgeting tips with us in the comments.

Holiday shopping season is upon us and your (not-so) friendly neighborhood porch pirates are gearing up to pilfer the holiday treasures being delivered to your doorstep.

We’ve all seen the familiar footage from a home security camera: a fish-eye view of a home’s front porch sporting a stack of smiling Amazon Prime boxes. An unexpected car pulls up. A stranger approaches the cardboard booty. He or she looks to the left, looks to the right, scoops up the bounty and runs back to the car, ruining the holidays for everyone.

The holiday season can be stressful enough with arranging travel or hosting overnight guests; baking; cleaning; shopping and wrapping gifts. You don’t need the extra burden of some crooks stealing your joy and peace of mind.

Here are some ways you can conquer the porch pirates and lay claim to the best holiday ever.

Have your packages delivered elsewhere

If you have the luxury of being able to have your packages delivered to your office, this is one of the best options. As a bonus, you can easily hide the gifts from your family.

If this isn’t an option, have your orders shipped to a neighbor or family member who is home during the day.

FedEx packages can be picked up at one of their offices or a local participating Walgreens location.

UPS packages can be received at a local UPS Store, CVS or Michael’s stores or you can arrange to have them delivered on a day when you are home.

Let the delivery person in

Most respondents to a recent PCMag survey of 1,500 people said they are willing to spend an average of $110.86 on home protection gadgets. A total of 28 percent said they have a security camera, 25 percent have a video doorbell,and 17 percent have a smart lock.

Smart locks allow you to unlock your door from your smartphone or computer. Video allows you to see who is at your door. You can instruct delivery people on where to drop the packages and then lock up after they leave.

Smart locks range in price from $100-$300, which is worth it if your family is safe and happy.

Have packages delivered to your car

Key by Amazon allows Amazon Prime members to have their packages left in their home, garage or even their cars.

Download the app to have your items shipped to your car within hours. Check the app or website to see if your product, vehicle and address of the vehicle are eligible for delivery. Pick a delivery time and you’re set. You will receive notification of when your package is out for delivery and when the driver is en route.

According to the Amazon website, “Key In-Car Delivery is available with select makes and models. It is available with model year 2015 and newer Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC and Volvo vehicles and requires an active connected car service plan, such as OnStar and On Call.”

Key In-Car Delivery is available on tens of millions of Amazon items and works with Same-Day, One-Day, Two-Day and Standard Shipping. They cannot deliver heavy or bulky items weighing more than 50 pounds.

Track your packages

If high-tech gadgets aren’t your thing, simply use your low-tech skills to track your packages. UPS, the U.S. Postal Service, Amazon and FedEx all offer tracking online.

Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery to automatically get a daily email containing scans of the mail being delivered and tracking numbers of expected packages.

UPS offers the My Choice program. and FedEx’s Delivery Manager also helps keep track of deliveries.

Tracking information for Amazon packages can be found in your order details.

Your special deliveries are at risk, and the porch pirates are sure to be marking their spots of opportunity this holiday season. Use these tips from One Nevada Credit Union, and ensure your gifts are received by those you intend.

Your turn: How do you do battle with the scourge of porch piracy? Let us know in the comments.

RELAX! Yeah, you probably left the lights on but your vacation is covered!

Summertime travel is a wonderful thing. Whether you’re visiting a theme park, traveling to some place lush and green or going tropical, relaxation is the name of the game. Part of that leisure starts with some surprising benefits that you can use to protect your vacation from the unexpected.

TAKE CONTROL
Debit and credit cards can be a great convenience when you’re traveling. It’s so much easier than carrying cash or travelers’ checks. But the bad guys increasingly try to find ways to use your card fraudulently. To help protect yourself, keep your debit and credit cards in check with self-regulating spending limits and geographic controls. These simple Card Control tools can help prevent the fraudsters from using your card.

All One Nevada debit cards come with our Card Control feature. Using the One Nevada mobile App, you can turn your cards on and off. Plus, you can use Card Controls to establish spending limits and geographic boundaries tied to your smartphone’s location. This same service will be added to our credit cards in late 2018.

GO MOBILE
Download and utilize any smartphone apps that allow you to securely manage your money while on vacation. You never know when you will need to log in to check a balance or make a transfer.

The One Nevada Credit Union Mobile App is a great way to add some financial Zen to your vacation. Download it to your phone to transfer funds, pay bills, make deposits, find nearby ATMs, and check your credit card purchases from anywhere in the world.

HIDDEN VISA® PERKS1
There are a lot of benefits to carrying and using a credit card while on vacation. Watch for many of these perks when you pay for your plane tickets, hotels and rental cars with your credit card or card rewards points.

Get New Cards Quick: Most cards offer 24/7 replacement if your card is ever lost or stolen. Companies can also help with cash advances and ATM locations. It’s a nice perk that can turn a ruined vacation into a salvaged one.

Protect Your Luggage: When you pay for the cost of your transportation with a card, your luggage may be covered up to a set dollar amount. One Nevada’s Signature Card covers luggage theft or carrier misdirection up to $1,250. While that covers a lot of what might be in your luggage, it doesn’t cover everything. To further protect your belongings, travel with your camera, smartphone, computer, cash, glasses, contact lenses, tickets or deeds in your carry-on bag.

Question the Rental Car Insurance and Damage Waiver. When you rent a car with a credit card, you may not need the car rental company’s add-on insurance. For example, when you use a One Nevada Credit Card, the Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver covers damage due to collision or theft and reimburses you for the deductible portion of your personal automobile insurance. If the car rental company insists that you purchase the insurance or add the waiver, call your card provider. If you’re carrying a One Nevada card, call (800) 397-9010 or (410) 902-8012 (outside the U.S.).

One Nevada Tip: If you’re in an accident with your rental car, be sure to get a copy of the accident report, a copy of the final auto rental agreement, a copy of the repair estimate, a police report (if available) and two photographs of the damaged vehicle. This will help process your claim quicker.

Call for Roadside Assistance: Beyond car rental coverage, roadside dispatch may also be available with some credit cards. These often include 24/7 towing and locksmith referral services.

Protect Your Smartphone: Ever damage your smartphone? Many credit card companies offer protection plans that can help fix your phone if it’s broken. When you pay your monthly wireless bill with your One Nevada Visa® you can cover your primary phone up to $100 per claim with the Cellular Telephone Protection benefit, and this applies even when you’re not traveling.

Our One Nevada Visa® Signature Rewards and Visa® Platinum Rewards Credit Cards come with these and many other travel perks.

Check out all of these and other relaxing member benefits at onenevada.org.

1 For One Nevada’s card benefits, visit OneNevada.org/loans/credit-cards/

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“Trudy has been a resolute leader for many years. She has guided the successful implementation of One Nevada’s ever-changing member service strategies,” said Paul Parrish, One Nevada President, and CEO. “She is an important member of the Executive Management team and continues to help our members build stronger financial foundations.”

About One Nevada Credit Union

With over $920 million in assets, One Nevada Credit Union is one of the largest locally owned, federally insured credit unions in the state. It is one of the strongest, well-capitalized credit unions in the country with more than 13% net worth. One Nevada serves 78,000 members, has 14 branches, and offers 46,000 surcharge-free ATMs through the AllPoint Network. Membership is open to all residents of Washoe County, Clark County and Nye County. The National Credit Union Administration, a U.S. Government Agency, insures member deposits at One Nevada.

Tom Ernsperger has been promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer for One Nevada Credit Union. As Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer, Ernsperger will oversee all aspects of the company’s consumer lending, residential real estate, commercial lending, loan servicing, and collection operations. Additionally, he will serve as One Nevada Credit Union’s Director for One Nevada Insurance, LLC. and assist the President in overall Credit Union leadership, executive, and administrative matters.

Ernsperger received a Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University at South Bend. He joined One Nevada in 1999 and has previously served as the Vice President of Lending and Senior Vice President of Loan Administration.  

“Over the past twenty years, Tom has been instrumental in planning and directing the lending operations of the credit union,” said Paul Parrish, One Nevada President and CEO. “As our lending environment continues to evolve and grow at an increasing pace, we’ll look to Tom to ensure One Nevada’s products and processes remain state-of-the-art for our members.”

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Nemati has significant financial services industry experience. He started working in banking nearly 20 years ago and has worked for credit unions over the last 10 years. He has served as the Vice Chair of the Nevada Affordable Housing Assistance Corporation, Secretary and Treasurer for Nevada Mortgage Lenders Association, and President of the Southern Nevada Credit Union League. In 2015, he received recognition from Senator Harry Reid, Senator Dean Heller, and Representative Joe Heck for helping to create a sustainable and vibrant future for real estate lending professionals through advocacy, education, and networking.

“I’m excited to welcome Mo to the One Nevada team,” said Paul Parrish, One Nevada President and CEO. “His extensive experience, combined with his familiarity with our great state, will make him a valuable addition and help us as we continue to grow and serve more Nevadans.”  

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We’ve been unable to confirm a direct link between COVID-19 and cash handling. However, to avoid excess exposure, we encourage you to use debit or credit cards to make purchases.

We know many Nevada industries rely on cash so if you must handle cash, please do the following:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching money, especially if you plan to prepare or eat food. In a pinch, you can also use hand sanitizer.
    
2. We routinely clean our ATMs, but in the wake of COVID-19, you’re welcome to do a quick wipe of the keypad with an antibacterial cloth before and after you use it to help avoid germ exposure.

In reality, these simple cash handling tips are smart to follow every day. But it’s especially important as we work together to contain COVID-19.

Currently, national fraud trends show a very high level of account take-over activity for individuals who use the same user ID/username for their email account(s) and their online banking account(s). For example, if your email address is johndoe198@email.com and you’re using johndoe198 as an online banking username/user ID, you’re at an increased risk of fraudsters accessing your account.

PROTECT YOURSELF ONLINE

To help protect yourself from online account takeover, we strongly suggest that you take the following steps:

1. Ensure your Online Banking User ID is different than your email account username/user ID. Please follow the steps below to change your Online Banking User ID.
2. Log in to Online Banking from a desktop PC with your current User ID and Password.
   Please note: You cannot change your User ID within the One Nevada Mobile App.
3. Choose ‘Online Services’.
4. Choose ‘User ID’.
5. Input a new User ID that is different from your email address username/user ID on file with us
6. Choose ‘Submit’.

• Check your email account(s) settings and make sure you recognize all secondary users or Auto Forward email addresses on your account. Fraudsters sometimes get access to your email account and input their email address as a secondary user or they set up email forwarding to capture your incoming mail.
• Ensure that your online account usernames/user IDs are different from any of your email account usernames/user IDs or passwords.
• Change all online account passwords a minimum of every 90 days.

Taking these simple steps can go a long way towards protecting your online accounts and personal identity.

Please change your Online Banking User ID by April 30.

When it comes to One Nevada, we will never call you directly and ask you to verify personal information; such as your username, password, pin number, email address, address or phone number.

Important reminder. If you receive notification that your personal information, such as your email address or phone number has changed and you didn't change it, it is important to call your financial institution as soon as possible.

SPCA of Northern Nevada received $4,130 in donations from One Nevada Credit Union’s annual spring shred day. The shredding service is free to the public, but donations were accepted benefiting SPCA of Northern Nevada. Washoe County residents donated an impressive $2,065 for the safe shred of their unwanted documents. The event was so successful that One Nevada decided to round up and match the donation for a total contribution of $4,130 to SPCA of Northern Nevada.

The One Nevada Shred Day donations will help SPCA of Northern Nevada in its mission to find pets a loving furever home and provide low-cost spay/neuters to the community.

Vacations are expensive. With inflation and price increases in lodging, airfare, car rentals, and dining, everything is more expensive this summer. How can you make memories with double-digit price hikes and an uncertain economy? We have a few suggestions.

Skip the Airfare and Hotels (if possible)
Sure, it’s all about the journey. But when that journey costs $1,000 or more per person, things can seem out of reach. Driving is likely the cheapest way to travel. Even with current gas prices, driving a family of four is far less expensive than flying.

How do you skip the hotels? Choose a destination where you have family or close friends who also have a guest room (or two). When you lodge with family and friends you also have a built-in tour guide to tell you about local hotspots and tourist traps.

Pack Plenty of Food
You read that right. By packing sandwiches, snacks, drinks, and a plethora of non-perishable food items, you can save upwards of $35 per person per meal. That kind of savings can add up fast. Even if you pack just half of your meals, you’ll likely save hundreds.

Stay on Budget
Plan ahead and set a realistic budget for each day. Then, use One Nevada’s Keep Track service to track your daily spending. If you go over one day, reduce what you spend the next day. 

Think Outside the Tourist Traps
Theme parks are fun, but they’re also expensive. Instead, look for new or less frequented parks and destinations. If you’re into roller coasters and rides, there are plenty across the U.S. to tickle any thrill-seeker and not break the bank. Other money-saving options include guided camping adventures, river boat tours, and quirky destinations such as the Oregon Vortex or Corn Palace in South Dakota.

Use Credit Cards that Earn Points
Your vacation may end up costing several thousand dollars, depending on where you go and how well you pinch pennies. Why not earn rewards points for the money you spend? One Nevada Visa^® Signature and Platinum Rewards Credit Cards both earn points for everyday purchases, including dinner out, hotel rooms, and more.

Work Remotely
If you’re able to work, utilize that freedom on your vacation. Instead of using PTO or losing income, add several work hours to each day of your vacation. While you’re busy answering emails and attending meetings, the rest of your family can lounge by the pool or go on a quick outing.

Inflate Your Options with One Nevada 
According to a recent survey from Outdoorsy, 56% of U.S. adults worry about affording a vacation this year due to inflation. If that’s you, connect with One Nevada. We’ll help you save for your next trip, or finance the one you want to take right now. We’re always here to talk and help you set goals.   

Dreaming of that new home can be fun, but finding out that you can’t afford it—not so much. Here are four things to consider before you start your search:

Evaluate Your Budget

As a general rule, your mortgage payment should not exceed 28% of your monthly take-home pay. For example, if your household’s monthly take home pay is $6,000, multiply 6,000 x .28 and you have your ideal maximum mortgage payment of $1,680. If you are debt free, then you may be able to afford a higher monthly payment. However, be sure to factor in monthly household utility and maintenance cost as well as your debt to keep your budget in check.

Consider Your Debts

Keep in mind the 43% debt-to-income ratio rule—meaning that your monthly mortgage payment, car loans, credit card bills, and utilities should not exceed 43% of your gross (before tax) annual income.

Calculate Your Down Payment

The cash you have for a down payment will make a difference in your monthly house payment—the more you put down, the lower your monthly payments will be. https://onenevada.mycuhomeadvantage.com/Home/PaymentCalculator

Research Ways to Save

One Nevada is committed to helping you make smart financial decisions—which is why we offer free access to HomeAdvantage®. Not only can you use this program to search for homes and find an agent online, but when you use one of our approved agents, you qualify for HomeAdvantage Cash Rewards.*

Interested in learning more about what you can afford, as well as how to earn Cash Rewards on your dream home? Call 702-382-4094 to find out more!

Equal Housing bug.

* Rewards equal 20% of the agent's commission, an average of $1,500 in savings per transaction!

One Nevada Credit Union is hosting a free seminar on July 23 to help potential homebuyers level-up their home buying game. The Las Vegas real estate market is one of the toughest in the nation. Affordable inventory is limited, interest rates are rising, and it’s hard for potential buyers not to get discouraged. The best way to stay in the home buying game is to attend this free seminar where potential homebuyers will learn about current market conditions and how to develop a winning strategy. 

Level-up Your Home Buying Game Seminar
Saturday, July 23, 2022
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Sahara West Library
9600 W Sahara Ave, Las Vegas

Seminar Topics:

• Master the home buying process from start to finish.
• Learn how to be financially prepared.
• Hear the latest on the wild Las Vegas real estate market.

Email susanw@onenevada.org to reserve your seat.

The Level-up Your Home Buying Game Seminar was designed specifically by One Nevada mortgage lenders to help Las Vegas homebuyers learn about the market and build a homebuying strategy. To learn more about One Nevada, visit onenevada.org.

Remodeling your home can be a huge undertaking, whether you’re doing it for yourself or fixing it up before you put it on the market. If your project requires a contractor, we have some tips to help you avoid today’s home improvement scams. 

Don’t Pay Up Front

It’s okay to pay for part of the work beforehand and the rest upon completion, but any contractor who requires a full payment to start work is likely sub-par. They’ll either leave town with your money or do part of the job and never show up again. In Nevada, contractors are only allowed to ask for 10% or $1,000 (whichever is less) at the beginning of a project. Other payments can be requested as work is completed.  

Check with the Better Business Bureau

Visit bbb.org to research a contractor or business quickly. You’ll find reviews along with letter grades from A+ to F, including NR (Not Rated). You can also check for complaints at your local Home Builders Association or visit usa.gov/state-consumer/Nevada to avoid a fraudulent contractor. 

Look for Licensed and Insured Contractors

With the right coverage, you’re protected if something goes wrong. That can include workers being hurt on your property or damage to your home. Check with your county or the state to confirm their license. To verify their insurance coverage, ask for information about the policy and call the insurer directly.

Don’t Let Them Use Materials Left Over from Another Job

This likely means they are stealing leftover materials from a larger company and/or they will use whatever materials you purchase on their next job. You wouldn’t want an auto mechanic to use leftover parts from someone else’s vehicle just to save a few bucks. Why do it with your home?

Watch Out for the Home Improvement Loan Scam

In this scam, a contractor offers special financing in addition to an incredible price to remodel your kitchen or put on a new roof. Hidden in the paperwork is a contract for a home equity loan with a high-interest rate and fees. To avoid this scam, get more than one bid on a large job that might require financing. And don’t borrow money from a company you don’t know and trust. Instead, explore a One Nevada home equity loan or line of credit.

Demand References Before Signing a Contract

If the builder doesn’t have any references or cannot share information about prior jobs for nearby homeowners, look for someone else who does. If you find a contractor who offers glowing references, verify them with a quick phone call.

Don’t Skip the Permits

Yes, getting a project permit can slow things down, but a contractor who refuses to work with local and county building authorities could be hiding something. Look for a professional who understands why permits are necessary and how/when to request them.

Get Everything in Writing

Never hire anyone to do work on your home without a written contract. A contract should include:

• The contractor’s name, address phone number, and license number.
• Estimated start and completion date.
• The scope of the job (materials needed and costs).
• A written statement of your right to cancel the contract within three business days before work begins.

If you’ve been taken by a home improvement scam, contact your local or state consumer protection agency. You’ll find a list at usa.gov/state-consumer/Nevada. 

One Nevada is Your Home for Home Loans
Our team of home loan professionals can help you finance your first or next home, refinance a home you already love, or access your equity to get a bigger project done right. Give us a call to chat about your options.

Let's Talk about Your Home

Can’t love the one you want? Then love the one you’re with. We’re talking about homes, just to be clear. While there’s always a bigger or more beautiful home out there, today’s housing market can be challenging. If you’re pining over houses you know you shouldn’t buy right now, it could be the perfect time for a remodel that puts a smile on your face and builds additional equity. Here’s a list of ideas to get you started.

Start with a Home Equity Line of Credit
You’ll need some money to do a big remodel or update to your home. Two of the best ways to access your equity is to refinance your home loan with One Nevada, or choose a home equity loan. Our pros can help you decide what’s right for you and your budget.

Simple Updates that Make a Big Impact

• Replace the front door: It’s one of the first things a potential homebuyer will touch when they walk into your home. Plus, a new door just looks great.
• Update the garage door: Chances are, your garage door is dented, scratched, and doesn’t open as easy. A new one will add curbside appeal and boost your equity.
• Upgrade all of the light fixtures: Choose LED fixtures to replace the lights on the inside and outside of your home. If a hallway has always seemed extra dark, hire an electrician to install a new light in that area.
• Do some landscaping: Adding flowers and shrubs can make your home seem happier.

Bigger Updates for Bigger Returns

• Add a fresh coat of paint: This includes the inside and outside of your home. If you have a shed or outbuilding, paint it too. You might consider painting the inside of your garage. Be sure to choose standard, primary colors to help with the sale of your home later.
• Replace the roof: If you’re nearing the life expectancy of your current roof, replace it. You’ll enjoy energy savings. Plus, it won’t be a point of contention when you try to sell. 
• Get new windows: Do you have single-pane or aluminum frame windows? Replace them with energy-efficient, double-pane, vinyl frame windows. You’ll save money on heating and cooling costs. Those windows can boost the value of your home, too.
• Remodel the kitchen: The kitchen is where a lot of the equity magic happens. By updating your kitchen, you’ll quickly fall back in love with it. However, don’t go overboard. Simply painting cabinets and installing new countertops can make a big impact on your happiness and equity.
• Add a bathroom: If your home could use another bathroom, talk to a professional about your zoning and building options. Adding another bathroom can make your home more livable and valuable. 
• Choose new flooring: This can include carpeting, hardwood floors, vinyl flooring options, as well as cork and tile. Be sure to use water-resistant options in the kitchen and bathrooms.
• Redo the deck (or patio): If you have the room, build onto your current deck or patio. The goal is to expand your outdoor living space as much as possible.

One Nevada Understands Your Equity Options
Our home loan professionals can help access the equity in your home, giving you the money to make big improvements. Whether you’re doing it for comfort today or building value for tomorrow, you have equity options that could be tax-deductible.

Choose One Nevada

TAKE THE QUIZ

Whether it’s your auto, home, or personal property, determining how much insurance you need can be a bit complicated. It all depends on your personal financial situation. What’s right for you may not be right for your neighbor.

Being under-insured means you may not have enough coverage to get back on your feet financially. Being over-insured could mean you’re wasting money on coverage that you could put towards your emergency savings or a long-term goal.

Take our Auto or Home Insurance quiz below to see if you should get a second opinion on your insurance coverage.

AUTO INSURANCE

If you answer “Yes” to any of the following statements you could be over- or under-insured.

1. ­You paid off your car in the last year.
2. ­Your car is over 6 model years old.
3. You’re insured for the minimum liability amounts your state requires.
4. You owe far more than your car is worth.
5. You live a lawsuit happy area.

If you answered “Yes” to:

#1 or #2:
You may be paying more than you need to for coverage. An insurance review could help you optimize your coverage and save some bucks.

#3

You’re likely covered for the basics, but you may be under-insured for a catastrophic accident. It’s likely a wise move to get an insurance review to find the “just right” coverage at the best price.

#4 or #5

It’s highly likely that you’re underinsured and your finances may be severely affected in the case of an accident. We strongly recommend you get a professional insurance review to protect yourself and your financial future.

Need a second opinion?

Our licensed Insurance Representatives at One Nevada Insurance Services offer free insurance reviews. They’ll help you assess your current coverage and, if needed, explore ways to save by shopping many of the nation’s leading insurer’s for you.

Request Insurance Review

HOME INSURANCE

If you answer “Yes” to any of the following statements you could be over- or under-insured.

1. Your home is insured for “Market Value” versus “Replacement Cost”.
2. You can afford higher deductibles.
3. You haven’t had a policy review in the last 12 months.
4. Your belongings are insured for “Cash Value” versus “Replacement Value”.
5. You remodeled or upgraded your home or property in the last year.
6. You purchased expensive equipment or tools in the past year that you keep at home.

If you answered “Yes” to:

#1 or #2:
You may be over-paying for coverage. Market Value includes your home and the property it sits on whereas Replacement Cost is just the cost to rebuild your home. Insuring only for Replacement Costs can lower your annual premium. If you can afford higher deductibles, that could lower your annual premium too.

#3
You’re likely covered for the basics, but it’s likely a good idea to get a professional policy review to make sure your insurance will fully cover the cost to replace your home or belongings in case of a catastrophic incident.

#4, #5 or #6

Nevada’s home prices have gone up exponentially in the past few years, and with rising inflation, your home and/or belongings are likely under-insured. We strongly recommend you get a professional insurance review to ensure you can replace what’s important to you and protect your financial future.

Need a second opinion?

Our licensed Insurance Representatives at One Nevada Insurance Services offer free insurance reviews. They’ll help you assess your current coverage and, if needed, explore ways to save by shopping many of the nation’s leading insurer’s for you.

Request Insurance Review

Products are not NCUA/NCUSIF insured and are not guaranteed or obligations of One Nevada Credit Union. Property, casualty, and life insurance offered through One Nevada Insurance Services. To offer you accurate quotes, we may need to collect information from consumer reporting agencies such as your driving record, claims, and credit history.

Many buyers develop an emotional connection to a home the moment they pull in the driveway. This makes the outside of your home just as important as the inside. Check out these five ways to upgrade curb appeal without a heavy investment:

1. Add Some Fresh Paint. A fresh coat of paint is always a good choice. However, if you don’t have the budget to paint your entire house, consider buying a gallon or two to freshen up the trim, shutters and doors. And remember, neutral colors are key!

2. Upgrade the Mailbox. If your mailbox looks out of sorts in your neighborhood, or is old and weathered, consider upgrading. Mailboxes might seem trivial, but they are certainly part of the overall experience when buyers drive up. A mailbox is like the first handshake—it speaks volumes about the character of the home.

3. Replace Old House Numbers. Houses with old or faded house numbers can look old and faded too. Consider replacing old numbers with new ones, or, if your home has none, add some. Like your mailbox, this little detail can set the tone of what’s inside.

4. Update the Light Fixtures. Light fixtures on your patio and at your front door can make a big impact on what buyers thinks about your home, even in the daytime. Dated interior light fixtures may deter buyers as well. Simple lighting upgrades can make your home feel newer and, if chosen wisely, won’t cost a fortune.

5. Bring in Flowers and Plants. Depending on the season, consider adding some potted plants in a variety of sizes and styles. Lush green plants and annual flowers add a fresh pop of color and texture to your entry.

Bonus Tip: Don’t forget about your backyard and patio too. Backyards can sell homes—so if you do some freshening up in front, be sure to carry that through to the back as well. New paint, lighting, and plants should all be considerations.

Interested in having a market analysis done on your home? Click here or call us at 702-382-4094 to request a referral to a real estate agent in our free HomeAdvantage® program. These agents are top professionals in their field and can help advise you on how to get the most return on your investment.

Since April is both National Financial Literacy Month (the perfect time to spring clean your finances) and the unofficial start for spring cleaning, we’ve put together 8 tips to help you do both. Plus, each one can help you earn some extra cash or add money to your budget.

1. Sell Unused/Unwanted Items Online
   This can include old electronics, video games, household items, collectibles, and more. Try sites like eBay and OfferUp for most items, or Cash4Books to sell novels collecting dust. You might not get back what you paid, but you’ll de-clutter your home and put some money in your pocket.
    
2. Repurpose Old Clothes, Shoes, and Bags
   Whether you’ve changed your style or things just don’t fit anymore, selling your clothes on consignment sites such as ThreadUp, Tradesy, Swap, or Poshmark can earn you some cash and clean out your closet. Or simply look for consignment shops in your area.
    
3. Sterilize Your Auto Insurance Policy
   Take a long look at your current auto insurance policy and make sure it still meets your needs. Do you have too much or not enough coverage? One Nevada Insurance Services can do the shopping for you and get you no-cost quotes from at least three providers.
    
4. Cash-in on Unused Gift Cards
   If you have a pile of gift cards that never seem to get used, trade them in for cash. Sites such as CardCash, GiftCash, ClipKard, Gameflip, and CardSell have positive reviews and offer cash for some cards.
    
5. Make a Donation
   Giving your unused clothes, electronics, and household items to a local charity can help you clean out your home and provide income for a local non-profit. Look for organizations in your community that accept physical donations in exchange for tax receipts.
   
   One Nevada Tip: Hang onto your donation receipts. You can use those on next year’s taxes.
    
6. Dust Off Your Subscriptions (and toss those you don’t use)
   Do you love Netflix, Amazon Prime, your monthly clothing subscription, or a bespoke box packed with monthly wonders? You’re not alone. The average American household spends $273 a month on subscriptions according to ZDNet. But why spend money and take up precious space on something you don’t use or enjoy? Give your subscriptions a full review. Look for accounts that you do and don’t use. Don’t forget about your annual subscriptions as well.
   
   To locate your subscriptions, scour your checking and credit card statements. To turn off a subscription, login to your account online, turn off the account, and delete your financial information (checking or credit card info). This will ensure you are not charged again until you turn the service back on.
    
7. Clean Up Your Wireless Bill
   Wireless service providers are continually changing their plans and offers. Every April, take a look at what you’re spending and what you’re getting. Call your provider and ask them if you could save money on a different plan.
    
8. Do Some Cloud Cleaning
   The cloud has made saving photos, music, and more a lot easier. Most families can get away with the no-cost space options. But if you require more room for your files, consider deleting unneeded files or buying a physical hard drive. A $55, 2-terabyte hard drive is more budget-friendly than $5 per month for cloud space after just one year.

One Nevada Credit Union has been named to Training magazine’s 2022 Training APEX Awards list recognizing the organizations that provide best-in-class employee training and development. One Nevada scored the highest they’ve ever scored this year, coming in at Number 28 and was one of only six credit unions to make this year’s list.

Training magazine, the training industry’s premier publication for learning and development professionals, annually selects the top 100 organizations that excel at employee training, development, and organizational success. The Top 100 ranking is determined by assessing a range of qualitative and quantitative factors, including financial investment in employee development, the scope of development programs, how closely such development efforts link to business goals and objectives, and their effectiveness in terms of business impact.

Training magazine recognized the 2022 Training APEX Awards winners with crystal awards and revealed their rankings during the Training APEX Awards Here Comes the Sun Gala held on February 28 during the Training 2022 Conference & Expo at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, FL.

 “It’s a great honor to be recognized among the 2022 Training Magazine’s Apex Award winners and break into the Top 30,” said Michael Traficanti, Senior Vice President Human Resources & Facilities Operations. “One Nevada is very proud of our long history and commitment to providing outstanding training and development programs that improve our team members’ growth and performance and benefit our member service efforts.”

Let’s clean up that budget. 

It’s time to shake the dust off your budget! Pare down your spending until your budget looks neat and trim.

Freshen up your W-4.

You may want to adjust your withholding amount if you received a substantial refund this year. The IRS’s tax withholding estimator can be a useful tool to help you determine the perfect number.

Deep clean your accounts. 

Toss out those unused accounts like last season’s fashion trend! Messy finances don’t look good on anyone, so remove any accounts you no longer need. For instance, are there dormant accounts at a financial institution you no longer use or a 401(k) from your old job? Consolidate it. A minimalist approach to your finances will make it easier to manage your accounts, give your savings a greater chance at growth, and help you avoid fees for unused accounts.

Spring into freedom from debt.

Bye, debt! Make a clean break from debt and cut, cut, cut. 

First, trim your budget, designating any extra funds for your debts. Next, choose a popular debt-busting approach, such as the avalanche method, in which you pay off debts in order from highest-interest to lowest, or the snowball method, where you start with the smallest debt and then move up your list. Going forward, maximize payments to the first debt on your list, making sure not to neglect minimum payments on the other debts. Before you know it, that debt will be gone! And you will have some new good habits!

Dust off your saving habits.

Get into the habit of maximizing your savings with a tangible financial goal. You can also make savings an itemized line in your budget, so you have funds set aside for this purpose. Finally, automate your savings by setting up a monthly transfer from your checking account to your savings account.

Make your investments sparkle.

It’s time for a spring cleaning for your investments! Make your money shine by investigating whether your allocation strategy still serves you well, whether you need to adjust your diversification, and whether your retirement accounts are on track for your estimated retirement timeline.

Follow these tips and take your finances from dull to dazzling so they’ll be in tip-top shape for summer! 

Uncle Sam is expecting to hear from you soon. For many Americans, the April deadline to file personal taxes comes around too fast, throwing a wrench in budgets and calendars everywhere. Thankfully, there are ways you can minimize the stress and maximize your return to work in your favor. Check out these top tax-time tips.

Decide How to File
Generally speaking, most individuals and married couples file their taxes with an 1040EZ, 1040A, or 1040. The IRS has free, online guided tax preparation for most filers here. If your taxes are a little more complicated, including deductions, contributions, rentals, and more, consider using a professional service. One Nevada members can save up to $15 on federal returns with Intuit TurboTax and Love My Credit Union Rewards. 

Collect Your Documents
You’ll need some specific information and documents to file your taxes, whether you’re using TurboTax or the free IRS forms. These include:

• 1099 forms (including 1099-A if you bought or sold secured properties, and 1099-C for cancelation of debt)
• 1099-DIV forms detailing your financial accounts (One Nevada 1099-DIV forms can be found under E-Notices in Online Banking)
• Gambling income and losses
• IRS child tax credit payments
• Other business income (including farming, fishing, bartering, etc.)
• Pension and annuity information
• Rental income and expenses
• Retirement plan information
• Scholarships and grants
• Social Security Number (for you, your spouse, and any children who live with you)
• Stock options
• Unemployment compensation
• W-2 forms from your employer(s)

Understand Your Deductions and Credits
If you made loan payments on a home, gave money to charity, moved, or basically lived a normal life in 2021, you might have some deductions and credits you can use to reduce your taxable income and the amount you owe the IRS. The more you can lower your taxable income, the more likely you are to get a return or break even.

Take a look at both lists below and gather any information you need to prove you qualify for a specific deduction or credit. Additional information is available from the IRS. 

Not sure which deductions or credits you can claim? Ask a tax expert. A professional can help you pinpoint items that might reduce your tax liability. Some surprising deductions may include a swimming pool for someone with rheumatoid arthritis, jury duty expenses not covered by an employer, volunteer work expenses, and the costs associated with smoking cessation (kicking the habit). 

Keep an Eye on Your Refund
If you’re scheduled to receive a refund from the IRS, watch your account closely for the money. If it doesn’t get deposited in the timeline the IRS provides, call them at 800-829-1040. For missing child tax credit payments, call 800-908-4184. And to report possible fraud (if someone may have filed taxes in your name and claimed the refund for themselves), call 800-366-4484.

Maintain a Tax File
Hang onto your tax returns and supporting materials for up to six years. In addition, start a new file for next year’s taxes. Beginning to collect information and documents now could make tax time quicker and easier next April.

Find Financial Strength at One Nevada   
Whether you need help finding financial documents or ways to save money preparing your taxes, One Nevada is here for you. Need to get your taxes done? Check out our exclusive offer from TurboTax and Love My Credit Union Rewards. As a member you can save up to $15 filing your taxes.  

Start your return

The information in this article is intended for general purposes. Consult a tax professional for the most current IRS and state filing data and/or personal advice.

It happens every year. Millions of U.S. taxpayers get caught up in stacks of IRS forms, let their guard down for just a moment, and fall victim to a tax scam or fraud. We’ve compiled some tips to help you avoid these scams and what to do if one happens to you.

Scam #1: Someone Files a Return Before You Do
In this tax return scam, a criminal will file your taxes using your personal information, such as your Social Security Number, address, and more. They will direct the refund (if there is one) to your checking account. Once the IRS makes the deposit, the scammer will call pretending to be from the Internal Revenue Service, stating the refund was too large or made by mistake. That criminal will then instruct you to return the extra amount, or the whole refund, via a wire transfer or with gift cards.

How to protect yourself:

• File early. The earlier you file your taxes, the less chance this can happen to you.
• Call the IRS directly. If you get a call from someone claiming to be from the IRS, hang up and call the agency directly at 1-800-829-1040.
• Keep track of when you file. Be cautious of an IRS refund if you haven’t filed your taxes.

Scam #2: Someone Steals Your Identity and Tax Refund
In some cases, the criminals will use your taxpayer and personal information to file a return in your name and have the funds deposited into their account.

How to protect yourself:

• Keep your secrets. Never share personal information over the phone or online with someone you don’t directly know and trust.  
• Keep your tax returns in a secure location. Holding onto seven years of past tax returns might be an IRS norm, but it can spell doom for unsuspecting taxpayers. Either keep those returns online behind a secure password or lock them away in a file cabinet.

Scam #3: You Receive an Email Stating Your Tax Return Had an Error
This phishing scam preys on unsuspecting taxpayers to click on a link and share information at a fake IRS website. These criminals will request your Social Security Number and other private information to “verify” your identity. Once they have that information, they file a return in your name and steal the refund (see Scam #2).  

How to protect yourself:

• Erase IRS emails. The IRS will not email if there are problems with your return. Instead, they will send you a letter (via the U.S. Postal Service) on official government letterhead.  

Protect Yourself from Tax Fraud
Some additional ways to protect yourself from criminals this time of year include:

• Watch for suspicious links or attachments in emails and texts. Never click a link or open an attachment that doesn’t come from someone or a company you know.
• E-file using a secure computer. This means doing your taxes from the privacy of your home, not at the library or other community computer. And never do your taxes using unsecure, public Wi-Fi.

One Nevada Has Your Back
Tax season can be complicated. The best way to protect yourself is to be vigilant. If you’ve filed and have not received your refund within a month or two, visit the IRS website and check on your return status. The IRS is available at 1-800-908-4490 to help with possible tax return scams and theft. Did someone get access to your One Nevada account information or Online Banking information? Call us and we’ll do what we can.

Every time a debit or credit card transaction occurs, either online or in-person, One Nevada has many systems in place to try and detect, and protect you from, potential fraud. If our systems predict a fraudulent transaction, we notify you and ask you to verify it BEFORE we process it.

The tougher, and more costly, challenge is addressing Member-reported fraud that occurs AFTER a transaction processes. Researching fraud can take many hours and cost a great deal of money. As a Member-owned credit union, the more time and money we invest in researching fraudulent transactions, the less we must invest in improving your credit union. As such, this is the part where we offer some key facts and a bit of tough love about what constitutes fraudulent transactions.

Unwanted or Defective Products
If you willingly provide your debit or credit card number to a company or individual, either online or in-person, you are willingly authorizing the purchase. If you later decide you do not want the product or it is defective, that is not a fraudulent transaction. Further, One Nevada cannot assist you in returning the product or getting a refund. You must contact the company or person directly.

Free Trials
When you sign-up for a “free trial” using your debit or credit card info, you’re often agreeing to sign up for a future purchase or ongoing subscription after the trial period ends. If you forget to cancel your subscription or purchase before the free trial ends and you get charged, that is not a fraudulent transaction. Our best advice? Read the fine print carefully and set a reminder to cancel if you’re not satisfied before the free trial ends.

One-Time Friend or Family Transactions
If you provide your card info and/or PIN to a friend or family member for one-time use and they later use your card info to make purchases you did not agree to, those are NOT considered fraudulent transactions. We know that sounds harsh, but when you willingly provide your private card info to friends or family, you are effectively authorizing any future purchases. 

In this case, you may have legal recourse against your friend or family member if you file a police report, but One Nevada cannot consider these fraudulent transactions since you willingly turned over your card info to them. One Nevada will even provide you all the info you need to file a police report if this happens to you.

Person-to-Person (P2P) Transactions
P2P payment services such as such as Zelle or Venmo may be easy to use, but these services do not work the same as debit or credit card transactions. When you use P2P services to send money, it’s as if you’re putting cash directly into the person’s hands. Once you send them the cash, it’s gone. There are no “stop payments”, “refunds”, or “chargebacks” with P2P payments. Further, One Nevada does not monitor these transactions for fraud, nor can we research them as fraudulent transactions.

As your credit union, we’re committed to protecting you from fraud as much as possible, but we need your help in doing that. Before you turn over your card info to any individual or company, please do your research, know who you’re doing business with, and be well-versed in their refund policies so that if you are not satisfied with your purchase, you know how to cancel the service or request a refund.

February has a reputation as the month of love. But the need for companionship and belonging can make anyone susceptible to a romance scam. Here’s how to identify and avoid this costly and heart-wrenching crime.

How Romance Scams Work
Scientifically speaking, falling in love activates dopamine in the brain, which then forms a strong attachment to the other person. Romance scams exploit this bit of human biology, with criminals finding victims on dating sites and apps, Facebook, and other social media.

Romance scams are a crime orchestrated by ruthless, cold individuals looking solely for monetary gain, not companionship. One of the most popular romance scams usually includes the scammer, who claims to live overseas (either for business or military service), befriending someone online, and pretending to be a potential love interest. They then ask for money for an emergency, hospital bill, or travel expenses so they can visit the person they are scamming. If a victim sends money, it is lost forever.   

It gets worse. The criminals will often promise to return the money. All they require is the victim’s online banking username and password. Once they have that information, they clean out the account and disappear.  

Flirting with Disaster
Romance scams have quickly become the costliest online crime. In 2020, U.S. victims lost over $304 million, according to the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation). That’s up 50% since 2019.

It’s likely a romance scam when someone:

• Professes love quickly.
• Claims to be overseas and cannot come to visit.
• Asks for money for an emergency or other needs.
• Promises to pay the victim back (all they need is an online banking login).
• Requests money be wired or loaded to a card, such as MoneyPak, Amazon, Google, iTunes, or Steam.

Crush the Crush
Want to thwart the criminals? Request an in-person meeting before sending money or sharing information. Romance scam perpetrators will always have an emergency or other conflict that keeps them from meeting. Other ways to protect yourself include:

• Reverse search the person’s photo: If they’re a criminal, they are likely using a fake image and name. Often, those photos are of overseas actors or actresses.
• Ask questions: Cross-examine the person to find holes in their story.
• Never send sensitive information: That includes your Social Security Number, phone number, account number, credit cards numbers, or online banking login credentials (not even to someone claiming to be a credit union representative).
• Never transfer money: Not even if someone calls claiming to be from the credit union. Instead, hang up and call us back to report the crime.
• Don’t send compromising photos of yourself: Criminals will use these to blackmail you out of money.
• Talk to someone you trust: If your friends and family think it’s a scam, it probably is.
• Don’t follow orders: Criminals might ask victims to cash a check and then wire the money.

One Nevada Loves You
If you or someone you know falls victim to a romance scam, contact us to stop all payments, block credit and debit cards, and change online banking login credentials. Then report the crime to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) as well as the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

The Best Places to Work Hall of Fame honors companies who have repeatedly demonstrated being first-place in favorable ratings from employees and for workforce investment and employee engagement. One Nevada employees are committed to helping Nevadans build stronger financial lives, it’s a cause that has built a strong company culture. Employees are highly engaged, enjoy outstanding benefits and participate in robust incentive programs. The average employee tenure is close to ten years.

“It’s a tremendous honor to be inducted into this year’s Best Places to Work in Northern Nevada Hall of Fame.  One Nevada is very proud to be continually recognized for our amazing corporate culture where we appreciate and value our employees for contributing to our credit union’s success and making a difference in the lives of our member-owners.” said Michael Traficanti, Senior Vice President of Human Resources.                  

For more information about the NNHRA Best Places to Work Program, visit https://nnhra.org/.

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Steve O’Donnell has been promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for One Nevada Credit Union. As Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, O’Donnell will oversee all aspects of the company’s financial operations and information technology functions for the credit union. In his expanded role, O’Donnell will assist the President in overall Credit Union leadership, executive, and administrative matters.

O’Donnell received a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting and Finance from Regis University. He joined One Nevada in 1997 and has been instrumental in planning and directing the financial operations of the credit union. His previous leadership roles included serving as Senior General Accountant, Vice President/Controller, and Senior Vice President at One Nevada.

“Steve serves as an important member of the Executive Management team and is a great asset to the credit union,” said Paul Parrish, One Nevada President and CEO. “His leadership has contributed to ensuring the financial strength of the credit union and has helped position One Nevada for further growth and to serve more Nevadans.” 

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Julianna Holmes has been promoted to Vice President of Financial Operations for One Nevada Credit Union. As Vice President of Financial Operations, Holmes oversees the accounting, budgeting, forecasting, electronic funds transfers, and administrative services related functions within the Financial Operations department. Holmes also assists the CFO in balance sheet and investment management and control functions within the Credit Union.

Holmes received a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from Saint Leo University and obtained her Master of Science in Accounting at Keller Graduate School of Management. She also earned the Certified Management Accountant designation. Holmes joined One Nevada in 2013 as the AVP, Assistant Controller, and was promoted to Controller in 2017.

 “Julianna serves as an important member of our Financial Operations team and is a great asset to the credit union,” said Steve O’Donnell, One Nevada’s Executive Vice President/CFO. “Over the past eight years, she has been instrumental in directing, managing, and controlling the Accounting functions within the credit union, which has allowed us to grow and serve more Nevadans.”  

The announcement was made at the state basketball championships, held in Las Vegas. The multi-year partnership commenced immediately with the state basketball championships referred to as the NIAA/One Nevada State Basketball Championship.

The four key elements of the sponsorship include One Nevada as NIAA’s Title Sponsor giving them presence at all sanctioned high school events and activities; the introduction of the One Nevada Cup, an elite sportsmanship award; Title Sponsor of the NIAA’s Top 10 Student Athlete Awards offering $20,000 in scholarships annually, and Title Sponsorship of a the NIAA Student Financial Well-Being program where they’ll offer tools, advice and expertise to help students and their families build lifelong financial well-being.

One Nevada is proud to support the NIAA, a non-profit organization that serves as the governing body for all Nevada high school athletics and activities. The NIAA conducts 220 Regional and State Championships annually across numerous sports activities participated in by 42,000 student athletes.

 “What excites me most about this partnership, is the fit,” said Paul Parrish, One Nevada President and CEO. “At One Nevada, we’re driven by four core values: leadership, integrity, service, and teamwork, and we believe participation in high school athletics and activities helps develop these values in Nevada’s youth. Plus, through our sponsorship of the NIAA student financial well-being program, we’re committed to helping students and their families build life-long financial well-being.”

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This survey and awards program is designed to identify, recognize and honor the best credit unions. The list is made up of 50 credit unions. The full Best Credit Unions to Work For list was featured at CUJournal.com

Determining the Best Credit Unions to Work For involved a two-step process. The first step consisted of evaluating each participating credit union’s workplace policies, practices, and demographics. This part of the process was worth approximately 25% of the total evaluation. The second part consisted of employee surveys aimed at assessing the experiences and attitudes of individual employees with respect to their workplace. This part of the process was worth approximately 75% of the total evaluation. The combined scores determined the best credit unions and the final ranking. Best Companies Group managed the overall registration and survey process and also analyzed the data and used their expertise to determine the final ranking.

“We are constantly working on providing our employees with a fun, challenging, friendly and engaging work experience where they feel valued, important, and that their contributions make a difference,” said Michael Traficanti, Senior Vice President. “Employee satisfaction is a top goal for us and it shows.”

For more information on the Best Credit Unions to Work For program, visit www.BestCreditUnionstoWorkFor.com http://www.BestBankstoWorkFor.com.

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One Nevada Credit Union has again been awarded first place among small-sized businesses at the 2018 “Best Places to Work in Northern Nevada” Awards sponsored by the Northern Nevada Human Resources Association (NNHRA).

This is the third nomination and third time One Nevada has earned the first place award for the credit union’s Northern Nevada branches. This win qualifies One Nevada for the Best Places to Work Hall of Fame.

The annual Best Places to Work in Northern Nevada Awards program recognizes top Northern Nevada companies for employee engagement and investment. Employees nominate the company to participate, and then the winner is determined through employee satisfaction surveys as well as average length of employment. One Nevada has a strong company culture, high employee engagement, an outstanding benefits program, and a generous incentive program for all employees. The average employee tenure is over ten years.

“Being recognized for the third year in a row as one of the best companies to work for in Northern Nevada is a tremendous honor. We are proud of our outstanding corporate culture, our dedicated workforce, and our fun work environment where everyone feels like family and works together to provide the best service to our member-owners.” said Michael Traficanti, Senior Vice President of Human Resources.

For more information about the NNHRA Best Places to Work Program, visit http://nnhra.org/hr-resources/best-places-to-work/.

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This survey and awards program is designed to identify, recognize and honor the best credit unions. The list is made up of 45 credit unions. The full Best Credit Unions to Work For list was featured in the September issue of The Credit Union Journal and is available online at CUJournal.com.

To be considered for participation, credit unions had to fulfill the following eligibility requirements:

• Have at least 25 employees working in the U.S.
• Be in business a minimum of one year
• Be in one of the following categories based upon asset size: Over $1 billion, $500M-$1B, $200M-$500M or Under $200M

Determining the Best Credit Unions to Work For involved a two-step process. The first step consisted of evaluating each participating credit union’s workplace policies, practices, and demographics. This part of the process was worth approximately 25% of the total evaluation. The second part consisted of employee surveys aimed at assessing the experiences and attitudes of individual employees with respect to their workplace. This part of the process was worth approximately 75% of the total evaluation. The combined scores determined the best credit unions and the final ranking. Best Companies Group managed the overall registration and survey process and also analyzed the data and used their expertise to determine the final ranking.

“We have a very visible executive management team and open-door policy that is always available to meet with employees,” said Senior Vice President Maicheal Traficanti. “We have a formal suggestion program for employees to submit suggestions and feedback and provide a confidential/anonymous 1-800 number fro employees to provide feedback, and complaints.” “We are constantly working on providing our employees with a fun, challenging, friendly and engaging work experience where they feel valued, important, and that their contributions make a difference,” said Traficanti. “Employee satisfaction is a top goal for us and it shows.”

For more information on the Best Credit Unions to Work For program, visit www.BestCreditUnionstoWorkFor.com.

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In 2020, the Federal Trade Commission received 4.8 million reports of identity theft and fraud. Plus, more than 1,300 internet-enabled crimes and scams were reported every day in the prior year totaling more than $3.5 billion in losses, according to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). We chatted with One Nevada fraud and security experts about today’s most common fraud and how to protect yourself.

Confidence/Romance Scams
These scams work on human nature. Scammers target people online, become their friends or romantic interests, and ask for money or private information. This might include your online banking credentials, which they promise will allow them to send money back — eventually.

Outwit the criminals: The best way to thwart this crime is to request an in-person meeting before sending money or sharing information. A scammer will always have an emergency or last-minute conflict and be unable to meet.

Phone Spoofing
Ever get a call that looked like it was from a local company, friend, or family member, but instead you were greeted with silence, beeps or clicks, an automated voice, or someone reading a script? That is phone spoofing. In the worst-case scenario, fraudsters will call spoofing the number of a financial institution. By utilizing personal information about you that was found online, they will attempt to trick you into sharing account numbers, passwords, and PINs.

Outthink phone fraudsters: Hang up and do not give out any personal information. If you’re still unsure if the call was or was not from your financial institution, find a customer service number you can physically validate and call them. Then report the attempted fraud.

Work-from-Home Scams
This scam offers to pay good money for jobs such as mystery shopping, clerical work, or re-shipping products. They may even offer to pay you money to wrap your vehicle in advertising decals. However, when you get your first check, it may be made out for more than promised. The scammers will then ask you to refund them the amount they overpaid. Not only will the check they gave you bounce, but you’ll be out the money you sent them.

Workarounds for this fraud: Always research a company before you accept employment. Before sending money to anyone, wait a week to ensure the check clears.

Account Takeover Fraud
This crime can happen when a scammer gets access to your account via online or mobile banking. While very unlikely, criminals can use programs to guess usernames and passwords. However, criminals often gain access through phishing scams or by tricking you into giving out the information. The scammers then deposit bad checks with remote deposit and make substantial withdrawals.

Beat the bad guys: Don’t give out your debit card information, PINs, account numbers, or online banking passwords. Doing so could make you responsible for charges and withdrawals, even if it exceeds the original intent or authorization.

Some Quick Advice
Most scams can be avoided with these tips:

• Never share your online banking information, debit card PIN, or other financial information with anyone.
• If you’re sent a check, asked to deposit it, and then pressured to send money back by wire or gift cards, this is a scam. Do not cash the check or return the funds.
• Do not send money to someone you do not know personally.
• Be suspicious of emails and links urging you to log into online banking. These can send you to fake websites designed to look like a specific financial institution. It’s safer to go directly to the website and log in from there.

One Nevada is on Your Side
By remaining aware of possible online threats; you can stay one step ahead. However, anyone can fall victim to a scam or crime in today’s online and fast-moving world. If you feel you may have given out your financial information or been targeted by fraud, contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and give us a call at 800-388-3000. We can block your credit and debit cards, limit access to Digital Banking, and more.

Payday is coming early at One Nevada Credit Union as the local credit union launches Early Payroll service.

One Nevada is excited to introduce Early Payroll, a service that can give workers faster access to their direct deposit payroll, up to two days before payday. This means a worker that has an account at One Nevada who typically gets paid on Friday could get their money as early as the Wednesday before their payday.

“Early Payroll is a great service that helps our members be more financially stable,” said Paul Parrish, One Nevada President and CEO. “If you’re living paycheck to paycheck, Early Payroll can get you out of a jam. Having access to your paycheck a few days early can help you manage your money, avoid potential overdraft fees, and have a little extra financial cushion.”

To receive Early Payroll, workers must have a One Nevada account with direct deposit. The program includes faster access to ACH deposits, including payroll and government checks. If workers want to participate in Early Payroll but don’t have a One Nevada account, they can open one online(link) or at any branch. Two-day early access to directly deposited payroll or government funds is not guaranteed. It does depend upon when the employer or government sends payment instructions.

Back in 2005, just 5% of Americans were on social media. Since then, things have exploded. Today, more than 72% of U.S. adults frequent Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and others, according to the Pew Research Center. However, fake social media accounts and related scams have also flourished. Here’s how to protect yourself from social media scams and fraud.

Double-check Your Friends and Connections
Have you ever received a friend request from someone that already friended you? That could have been a scam.

Criminals will try to “friend” you with a bogus profile or clone the profile of someone you already know. If you accept the request, they will try to gather personal information via chat. The more you share, the more you could jeopardize your security questions and personal passwords.

Beware of Fake Offers and Promotions

You know the drill. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If you receive a request for personal information in exchange for an item, run the other way. These are likely scams designed to capture your personal data.

Look Out for Loan Offers
Some fraudsters are sophisticated enough to impersonate a financial institution, including One Nevada Credit Union. They might offer incredible loan rates, but they’ll also ask for your account number and other financial information to complete the loan. Don’t give it to them. If they really were your financial institution, they would already have that information.

One Nevada does not partner with any organizations or social media platforms to request your personal financial information, nor would we ask for it through social media or a third party. If you’re unsure if you’re communicating with us directly, please call us directly at 800-388-3000 to verify.

Watch for These Red Flags

• The posted offer sounds too good to be true.
• You’re asked to make an upfront payment for a loan application.
• You’re urged to act immediately.
• The scammer claims to represent One Nevada Credit Union but does not want you to call to verify their authenticity.
• You’re asked to share sensitive information.
• A social media “friend” asks random questions.

Be Safe Online

• Think before you click.
• Ignore anything suspicious or intrusive.
• Double-check lenders with the Better Business Bureau.
• Never share personal information online.
• Look for publicly listed phone numbers to verify company authenticity.
• Never agree to pay for a product upfront without being certain of its legitimacy.
• Check your social media privacy settings.
• Never post anything that can be used to steal your identity.
   

One Nevada is Here for You
If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a social media scam, shut down your computer, smartphone or tablet. Then use another device to update your passwords. Could the scam or fraud involve your accounts, debit or credit cards? Contact us right away, and we’ll do what we can to help, including blocking your cards and limiting new access to your accounts. You’ll also want to contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).   

[Button] Learn how to protect yourself

In early 2021, we enhanced our Phone Banking experience with Sage, the latest in conversational, artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Now, we’ve expanded Sage to include our entire Member Service Center. With this expansion, you’ll now enjoy voice-driven, self-service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Here’s how it works.

When you call us at 800-388-3000 or 702-457-1000, Sage will greet you and ask what you need. There’s no more punching buttons to navigate. Just tell Sage what you need, and it will give you the answers. If Sage doesn’t know the answer, it will direct you to the agent or department that can assist you, during business hours. It’s simple to use, but there are a few things you can do to help Sage serve you even better.

• Reduce background noise.
  Because Sage is voice driven, it listens to you and any noise around you. At times, ambient, background noise can impede Sage hearing you clearly. Reducing background noise can help you get the answers you need faster.

• Speak clearly at a normal pace.
  Speaking too quietly, too fast, or even too slow can make it more difficult for Sage to understand you. Just speak in a clear and moderately paced voice for the best results.

• Use touch-tone buttons to protect private info.
  We understand there may be times you don’t want to speak account or other private information aloud. Not to worry. When these situations arise, you can still use the touch-tone phone buttons to enter your private info.

In the future, we’ll expand Sage to include both Digital Banking and our website. For now, we’re excited to enhance your Member Service Center experience with the latest in conversational, self-service technology.

Money is a touchy subject. Throw some family members into the mix, and there’s a good chance most Americans will avoid the topic entirely. In some families, it’s off-limits. But those conversations can help kids become financially healthy adults. Here are a few ways you can talk about money with your family.  

Keep Your Family “In the Loop”
It’s easier to talk about almost anything other than family finances. Thankfully, you don’t have to share every aspect of the overall budget, but it is good to get everyone involved. Ongoing topics include:

• Monthly expenses. Share what you spend on water, food, electricity, streaming services, and more. Ask if anyone can suggest ways of saving money.
   
• Household income. Your family benefits from your hard work. Showing them what you earn can help them better understand the family budget. It can also help form positive, lifelong opinions about money and happiness.   
   
• Saving and Spending. Involve everyone in saving for the next family vacation or big expense. Hold monthly meetings to show everyone how much has been saved and how long it will take to reach the goal. This can help kids of all ages understand the importance of financial planning.
   
• Good and Bad Debt. Share how much you spend every month on the mortgage, car, and credit cards. Talk about interest rates and how the money you borrowed has a cost. Healthy conversations about debt can help kids make good credit decisions in the future.  

Words Matter
Instead of saying that the family cannot afford something, help them understand the value of money. Using phrases like, “That’s not how we choose to spend family money,” or “What if we save for that together,” makes them part of the conversation. It can also help them feel less anxious about money matters.

Focus the Conversation
Depending on the age of your kids, try to talk about money in terms they will understand. Some age-appropriate topics and activities can also help.

• Young kids. Basics include identifying coins and paper currency, pretend shopping at home, letting them help comparison shop at the grocery store, and starting their own savings account.
• Tweens. Help them open a checking account and learn how to use a debit card. If they have an allowance, teach them about budgeting. Include spending, saving, giving, and investing in the plan.
• Teens. Building credit is essential as teens get closer to life after high school. Help them open and manage their own credit card. Teach them the importance of paying off that card every month. Additionally, talk to them about retirement planning, paying bills, and doing their taxes.

Celebrate the Wins and Talk about the Losses
Don’t brush financial losses under the rug. Talk them over. If you lost money buying a used car or didn’t plan for an expense, share what happened. The conversation will help them with future financial decisions.

Take a Quick Online Course
Having proactive, honest conversations about money with your family can help reduce stress and improve their financial future. This Cent$ible Start online course can help make it happen, including how to talk to specific family members, how to keep things constructive, and how to be a positive influence.   

Connect with One Nevada
We offer advice and planning tools to help you and your family build financial confidence. That includes the BALANCE financial fitness program; Keeptrack® which helps you track spending, set financial goals, and stay on budget; as well as online courses from Cent$ibleStart that help you, and them, live financially fearless.

Over two-thirds of all Americans are planning a road trip this summer, according to Tripadvisor. That’s a lot of people out on the road. If you plan to be one of them, we have some quick tips to help you save money as you venture out in search of new scenery and experiences.

Save Money at the Pump
If you already drive an electric vehicle, good for you. You won’t be buying gas on your trip. But for the rest of us, saving money on fuel starts with the right vehicle. Choose to drive a car that sips fuel instead of guzzling it. Depending on your miles per gallon (MPG), an increase of just 5 miles per gallon could save you more than $20 each time you refuel.

Another way to save money on fuel is maintenance. Follow manufacturer suggested services and your car will run more efficiently. Keeping your tires properly inflated also saves you money with improved fuel efficiency. When your tires are under-inflated, your engine works harder. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), if your car is 10 PSI (pounds per square inch) lower than recommended, it can reduce your MPG by up to 2 percent.

Make Sure the Spare Tire is Inflated
If you don’t have a spare or a way to temporarily repair a flat, it could jeopardize your vacation plans and cost you money for towing. Additionally, check that you have a jack and lug wrench that fits the lugs on your vehicle. Other items you might need include: a towel to protect you from hot pavement, as well as flares or orange cones to alert drivers.

Check Your Tires
Nothing can ruin your plans and cost you time and money more than an accident. The NHTSA reports that 9% of all auto accidents are caused by bad tires. Tires without proper tread can affect your handling, stopping, and overall control.

Pack Smart
What you bring along on your road trip matters — especially if your vehicle is weighted down. Too much weight in the back or on top of your vehicle makes your engine work harder reducing fuel efficiency. If you exceed your vehicle’s load-carrying capacity, it can negatively affect other parts of your vehicle. Pack as light as possible and you’ll save money on fuel and maintenance costs down the road. While packing, add in a jug of water in case you need it for an overheating engine, you don’t want to get stuck in the desert without some extra water.

Drive Sensibly
You don’t have to maintain the speed limit at all times, but driving prudently can help you conserve fuel. Depending on what you drive, it can also prolong the life of your engine and other parts of your vehicle.

Plan Your Route
If you know where you’ll be going, you can plan with affordable hotels and restaurants along the way. If you’re really ambitious, bring along a cooler and pack it with snacks.

There’s an App for That
Before you head out on your big adventure, load up your smartphone with travel apps for an easier journey. There are apps for everything from finding discount accommodations to locating the cheapest gas near your current location. Suggested apps to get you started: Freecampsite, Roadtrippers, Google Maps, Waze, and GasBuddy.

Update Your Contact Information Before You Go
Anytime you leave your general area, the credit union is alerted when your One Nevada debit or credit card gets used. This is to help protect you from fraud. To avoid disruptions, log in to your account and make sure the phone number listed is current so we can reach you if we detect suspicious activity.

If there is one truth in life, it’s that a well-maintained vehicle can save you money. A car or truck that’s regularly inspected and repaired often costs less overall than one that isn’t. That’s because ongoing neglect eventually causes major mechanical issues. Plus, a car that’s well maintained is far more dependable, meaning it won’t leave you stranded. We’ve put together some tips to help you keep your vehicle road ready.

Start with Your Tires
Tire maintenance involves checking the tread, air pressure, and getting them regularly rotated. Starting with the tread, tires with plenty of tread help keep you in control and reduce the chance of a flat or blowout. Check your tires regularly using the penny test. Using a standard penny, place Lincoln’s head down into the center of the tread. If you can see more than half of his head, you might need new tires.

Rotating the tires on your vehicle can also help reduce the chance of a blowout and prolong tire life. Additionally, checking the air pressure every month can improve your MPG and help your tires last longer.

Tip: inflate or deflate your tires based on your owner’s manual or the driver’s side door sticker, not the PSI indicated on the tire. That number is the maximum pressure the tire can be inflated, which can be vastly different from your vehicle’s specifications.

Get Your Brakes Inspected
Eventually, the brakes on your vehicle will need replacement. In the meantime, professional inspections can help you get the most life out of them. That includes replacing the brake pads. 

Get the Oil Changed Regularly
Changing the oil and other vital fluids, as well as double-checking hoses and belts, is a great way to save money on unnecessary future car repairs. Other fluids to check include coolant, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, and brake fluid. If any of these liquids leak onto other parts of your engine, it can cause severe damage. Driving without transmission fluid or engine oil can quickly add up to large repair bills.

Charge Up and Clean the Battery
Batteries wear out over time, especially with extreme weather, if you drive a lot each day, or if you use after-market items like a sub-woofer. Charging that battery periodically can give them added life. Once or twice per year, clean the terminals on your battery and recharge it with a trickle-charger. This car tool isn’t cheap, but it can save you a lot of money over time.  

Change the Air Filter
Twice a year, locate your engine air filter and replace it with a brand new one. It’s a low-cost fix that can save you a lot of money with better gas mileage and prolonged engine life.  

Keep it Clean
A clean car is a happy car. It’s also a great way to protect the paint on your vehicle as well as the undercarriage from road chemicals and other harmful elements.

Add Maintenance Costs to Your Budget
Driving a car or truck requires maintenance, from oil changes and new tires to windshield wipers and more. Adding vehicle upkeep to your monthly budget can help you pay for repairs without pulling from your savings or using credit.

One Nevada Can Help
If you need assistance with your budget or have questions about adding more money to your month, BALANCE is for you. This confidential, no-cost financial counseling service is available right now with your One Nevada membership.

According to the Guinn Center, 125,000 households are at risk of eviction when the CDC eviction moratorium expires at the end of June. State leaders anticipate a surge in eviction filings, and they’ve taken steps to create programs and work with local non-profits to help renters in need. If you’re struggling to pay rent due to COVID-19, there may be help available.

What does an expiring eviction moratorium mean to you?

Last year, the State of Nevada and the CDC temporarily halted evictions for nonpayment of rent during the pandemic through eviction moratorium orders. Now that the moratoriums are expiring, past rent is due, and pending eviction cases are rising. The expiring eviction moratorium means it’s time for you to seek help, catch up on all past due rent, or make a payment plan with your landlord to avoid eviction.

What should you do if you’re behind on rent?

If you’re behind on rent, there may be relief funds available. It’s essential to communicate with your landlord and let them know you’re struggling and applying for help. The burden to apply for relief and fill out all the paperwork is on you as the tenant. Relief is offered through state programs that help with up to 12 months of back rent, legal advice, and mediation between tenants and landlords.

Take these steps to get the process started:

Step 1: Fill out the CDC declaration form and give it to your landlord.

     The form requires the tenant to declare that they:

• Tried to obtain all available government assistance for rent or housing.
• Earn less than $99,000 (or $198,000 if filing jointly) during 2020.
• Were unable to pay the full rent or make a full housing payment due to substantial loss of household income or extraordinary out-of-pocket medical expenses.
• Tried to make timely partial payments if able.
• Will likely become homeless or forced to live in close quarters, shared living space if evicted.  

Download Form

Step 2: Apply for CARES Housing Assistance Program (CHAP) rental assistance.

After filling out the CDC declaration form in Step 1, apply for CHAP rental assistance through the Nevada Housing Division website. Just go to the website, pick your county, and follow the online form prompts.

Apply Here

Now is the time to act

With limited funds available for those in need, you want to apply for assistance quickly. KTNV reports that approximately $160 million is available for rental assistance, which is only expected to be enough to help 40,000 households. That means you want to apply for help now and work closely with your landlord throughout the application process. You’re likely going to get frustrated; the process is bound to take longer than expected; and once you’re approved, it may take a while to receive the funds to pay back rent. Communicating and working together with your landlord will help you get through this and hopefully save you from the eviction process.

Making the most out of today’s market
As a Nevada homeowner, you’ve likely seen property values in your neighborhood rise steadily over the last year. It’s hard to ignore an increase of $100,000 or more, but how do you know if it’s the right time to sell? Our home loan team has some advice to help you decide.

Rates won’t stay low forever
Today’s mortgage rates are still at historic lows, but those rates will eventually go up. While that doesn’t mean housing demand will decrease or prices will drop, those are possibilities. Therefore, now could be the right time to sell. Just remember, when you sell, you’ll need to find another place to live.

Can you afford to buy a home in the area?
If you’re not downsizing or moving to an area with less-expensive homes, it might not make financial sense to sell with today’s home prices. While your home value has skyrocketed, so have other homes. Sure, you might make a bundle on your current home sale, but it’s highly probable you’ll end up paying more for your next one.

Additionally, it’s important to secure financing for your next home BEFORE you sell your current one. If you sell and then cannot qualify for a mortgage, you could end up renting. Thankfully, there are options. A good real estate agent can help you write a contract that allows you to rent from the new owner until you find and finance your next home.

The right real estate agent is worth every penny
Before choosing an agent to sell your home, shop around. Ask friends, co-workers, and family who they recommend. You’re looking for someone who knows your neighborhood and will be on your side every step of the way.

Paying upwards of 6% in commissions might seem like a lot of money. However, consider that the price of your home is relative to what someone will pay. Even if you sell the house on your own, you might not make any more than you would with an agent after paying those commissions. Plus, the right agent can help you get more than the asking price and avoid contractual issues that could cost you thousands.

Showcase your home
Yes, this is a seller’s market, but that doesn’t mean you can just put your house on the market and hope to get top dollar. You’re going to need to do some cleaning and updates. Some of the best ways to attract the right buyers and their money is to:

• Deep clean and keep it tidy. Start by decluttering every room in the house. Remove family photos from the mantle, put away laundry, file paperwork, organize the pantry, and recycle old magazines and newspapers.
• Focus on the kitchen. Every tour of your home will begin and end with the kitchen. If yours is decades out of style, some small updates can help make it a little more attractive to new buyers. At the very least, clean out drawers, remove appliances from countertops, and keep everything spotless.
• Wash the windows. Clean windows and screens can be a sign to some buyers that you’ve taken good care of your home.
• Empty the closets and garage. Remove half of the coats and other items in your closets and box them up. But don’t start stacking boxes in the garage. You want that to feel spacious also. Renting a storage unit can help.
• Rearrange furniture. Give people as much room to move around as possible. A good real estate agent can help you decide what to move and remove from your home to improve the flow.
• Welcome potential buyers. Start by dressing up your dining room table. Add placemats and plates, and fresh flowers as a centerpiece.

Quick tip: Virtual tours are an option. If you’re uneasy with the thought of people touring your home during a pandemic, ask your agent about virtual tours to weed out passive buyers.

Connect with One Nevada Home Loans
If you’re planning to sell your home, our team can help you get pre-approved for your next house with low fee home loans and no points. Get pre-approved online or call 702-382-4094 (Las Vegas) and 775-827-3880 x4643 (Reno) to talk with a home loan specialist.  

With limited inventory and competitive price bidding wars galore, buying a home in today’s red-hot market may feel like an episode of the Hunger Games. It’s definitely competitive out there, but you can win if you prepare. Follow these tips to level up your home buying game and score the perfect home.

BE FINANCIALLY PREPARED

This is critical to home buying success in any market, but it’s especially true in today’s red-hot, real estate market.

• Have your credit in order. Your credit score is crucial to qualifying for a loan at a good rate so now’s the time to check out your credit report and make sure all is in order. Be sure to check your report for errors or issues that could affect your score. Your One Nevada membership comes with free access to your credit score and report. Just log in to Digital Banking and choose ‘Credit Score’.

• Get pre-approved. Getting pre-approved is one of the most important, first steps you can take — especially in today’s market. Most homes for sale are receiving multiple offers. Including your pre-approval letter with your offer signals the seller that you’re ready to buy and have already secured financing.

• Get real about what you can afford. Getting pre-approved may help you understand the amount you can finance, but here’s the reality, that doesn’t mean that’s the amount you can actually afford. On top of your monthly loan payment, be sure to add ongoing costs such as maintenance, utilities, landscaping, HOA dues, etc., to determine how much you can really fit into your monthly budget.

• Make fair bids. If you find a home you love, avoid lowballing the offer. In this market, make a fair offer, but be prepared that you may need to bid above the asking price to stand out from the crowd. That said, a reasonable offer with no contingencies or demands might get you just as much attention. If the seller doesn’t have to replace the roof or install a deck to sell the home, your fair bid might be the one chosen.

BE READY TO ACT

Nevada is in a Sellers’ Market right now, which simply means there are more buyers than there are sellers. That house you’ve got your eye on likely has several other admirers too. Be ready to act at the spur of the moment by following these tips:

• Build your dream team. Assemble a team of professionals that you can work with during the home buying process. We recommend a:
  • LENDER OR LOAN OFFICER that makes you comfortable, is easy to talk to about money, and helps you understand what to expect throughout the process.
  • REAL ESTATE AGENT you trust to act on your behalf, who knows the area where you want to buy a home, and who has a network of trusted home inspectors to recommend.
  • TRUSTED ADVISOR, PARTNER, OR FRIEND who you can consult with, vent to when things get bumpy, and celebrate with once you move in.

• Set the rules of engagement in advance. Clearly define what you authorize your realtor to do on your behalf. In addition, ensure your team knows how to get ahold of you at all times and vice versa. In this red-hot market, we encourage you to react quickly but not reactively. Develop your team’s game plan in advance and be prepared to execute it.

BE YOUR OWN ADVOCATE

Your realtor should definitely be your advocate throughout the entire process. However, in this environment, up your game by being your own advocate and do the following:

• Browse on your own. Your realtor should scour the market for you, but you can do your own browsing too. Search online listings and utilize virtual tours. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the market and the area(s) in which you’re interested. A quick Google search will help you research pricing trends, study school reports, and explore neighborhood crime rates. 

• Tell your story. Home is where the heart is, so sending a heart-felt, personal letter with your offer might help you win in a competing offer situation. Many buyers in competitive bidding situations include a personal letter with their offer explaining why they want to buy the particular home.
   
• Be Mentally Prepared. Let’s be real. You’re likely going to get frustrated at least once throughout the process, you may have to write several offers, and you’ll likely be denied a few times. Buying a home in this environment might have a few bumps, but try to stay optimistic. You’ll find the right deal, and when you do, you and your team will be prepared to make a strong offer and make that house your home.

With tax season upon us, ID theft is on the rise once again. While it’s difficult to stop the fraudsters entirely, we can all do our part to fight them off by remaining vigilant and understanding their latest tactics, including unemployment and tax refund fraud

Unemployment Fraud
The pandemic was tough on all of us, and many Nevadans have faced unemployment. The scammers have found a way to use that as an opportunity to fill their own pockets.

Even if you didn’t file for unemployment benefits last year, it’s possible you might receive notices from the state saying you owe thousands of dollars in taxes on unemployment benefits you never received.

This scam most often occurred where technologically outdated unemployment insurance systems were caught unprepared by an avalanche of fraudulent claims. The scammers typically use stolen identity data to claim benefits and then have the funds credited to an online account that they control.

States were required to send out 1099-G forms reporting taxable income by Jan. 31, and under federal law, unemployment benefits are considered taxable income. As such, individuals affected by this scam are being told they owe a great deal more in taxes than they actually do. In a notice posted Jan. 28, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service urged taxpayers who received 1099-G forms for unemployment benefits they never received to contact their appropriate state agency and request a corrected form.

Tax Refund Fraud
Tax refund fraud is another recurring identity theft scam. It involves the use of identity information and often stolen or misdirected W-2 forms to electronically file an unauthorized tax return to claim a refund in your name. Unfortunately, most victims only first learn of the crime after having their returns rejected because scammers beat them to it. Even if you’re not required to file a return, you can be a victim of refund fraud, as can those not expecting a refund from the IRS.

The best way you can avoid tax refund fraud is to file your taxes as early possible, which was February 12 this year. You also may want to take advantage of getting a PIN with the IRS, which recently became available to all taxpayers. The IRS has sought to stem the flow of bogus tax refund applications by issuing an IP PIN, which is a six-digit number assigned to taxpayers that helps prevent the use of their Social Security number on a fraudulent income tax return. Each PIN is good only for the tax year for which it is issued.

If you’re interested in creating an account, you’ll need to supply a great deal of personal data. Before you head to the site to set up your account, we recommend reviewing the information they’ll ask for listed here. Once you have an IRS account and log in, you can request an IP PIN by visiting this link and following the prompts. The site will then display a six-digit PIN that you’ll need to include on your federal return before it can be accepted. Be sure to print out a copy and save it in a secure place.

And, as always, be on the lookout for these popular scams, and never give out personal information to unknown callers, texts or emails you might receive.

The Financial Brand, a national digital publication focused on financial industry marketing and strategy issues, ranked One Nevada Credit Union as the fourth most popular credit union on Twitter in 2020. The Top 100 Credit Unions on Twitter list is determined by the number of all-time followers and is assessed quarterly. One Nevada has over 26,500 followers on Twitter and saw a large increase in followers and engagement in 2020.

One Nevada, the only locally owned credit union in Nevada to be ranked, was also recognized as number 16 on the Top 100 Credit Unions on Facebook for 2020 with almost 48,000 followers and ranked number 55 on the overall Top 100 Credit Unions Using Social Media for the fourth quarter of 2020. One Nevada uses social media to interact with members, to support community events, and to help followers strengthen their financial savvy and achieve their financial goals. The credit union’s free financial education and financial wellbeing posts are most popular with social media users and helped the credit union receive high scores from The Financial Brand based on most likes, followers, subscribers, and engagement.

Follow @OneNevada on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for the latest posts from One Nevada Credit Union.

Tony Humphrey is the new Vice President of Mortgage Lending at One Nevada Credit Union. Humphrey will oversee the credit union’s mortgage lending activities, direct all facets of the mortgage life cycle, and implement new technology solutions.  

Humphrey has significant financial services industry experience leading both sales and operations for consumer and mortgage departments. He has been an executive in the banking industry for nearly 25 years and is known for his leadership, focus on profitability, risk management, and membership service.

Prior to joining One Nevada, Humphrey was the Vice President of iQ Credit Union Mortgage Lending, the Vice President of UNIFY Financial Credit Union Mortgage Lending/Sales and Servicing, and led the Wells Fargo Mortgage Operations Team as a Vice President Regional Mortgage Fulfillment Operations Manager for retail banking.

“We’re excited that Tony is joining the One Nevada team,” said Paul Parrish, One Nevada President and CEO. “He brings a successful track record of leadership, forward-thinking, and new ideas that will help us continue to grow and help more Nevadans with their mortgage needs.”

About One Nevada Credit Union

With over $1 billion in assets, One Nevada Credit Union is the largest locally owned, federally insured credit union in the state. It is also one of the strongest, well-capitalized financial institutions in the country. One Nevada specializes in serving Nevadan’s personal financial needs. One Nevada serves 78,000 members, has 15 branches, and offers 46,000 surcharge-free ATMs through the Allpoint Network. Membership is open to all residents of Washoe, Clark, and Nye counties. One Nevada is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration, a U.S. Government Agency. For more information, visit https://live-oncu.pantheonsite.io.

By Holly Porter Johnson and Greg Johnson

Are you sick of being saddled with debt? Are you ready to break yourself free from the shackles of towering credit card bills?

Zero Down Your Debt will show you how to make that happen. This eye-opening book by Holly Porter Johnson and Greg Johnson is a virtual manifesto for debt destroyers everywhere. The personal finance book promises to change the way its readers think about money through its clear and guided approach to debt-free living and financial freedom.

The Johnsons have been through it all. Through a series of poor choices and uncontrollable circumstances, they found themselves facing a staggering $50,000 of debt. Instead of despairing, though, they created a manageable step-by-step approach toward paying it down, using innovative techniques and a forward-thinking attitude.

Today, they are living a debt-free life and are passing on the wisdom they gained from their journey to you!

In Zero Down Your Debt, the authors describe the exact tools that helped them climb out of the deep hole they found themselves in. Their primary secret is their self-coined “Zero-Sum Budget,” a budgeting method that is both realistic and powerful. In this plan, every single dollar earned is given a purpose — whether it’s for paying bills, paying debt or putting into savings.

Last month’s earnings are used for this month’s everyday expenses. The plan is simple and demands nothing more than strong resolve, a positive attitude and pen and paper. By employing this plan, every reader is assured a way out of debt.

Throughout the book, you’ll find practical “Action Items.” These doable tips can help real people living on modest incomes win the war against debt.

In Zero Down Your Debt you will learn how to:

• Unlock the powerful potential of your paycheck to help you save more and move ahead
• Regain control of your money by creating a monthly plan that works
• Understand the root causes of your debt
• Implement a doable plan to eliminate your debt
• Enjoy debt-free living and true financial freedom
• Avoid budget destroyers that drain your wallet and demolish savings
• Prepare for unexpected expenses and financial emergencies

Pick up your own copy and you may soon find yourself on the same path to a debt-free life!

Your Turn: Have you climbed out from under a mountain of debt? How did you do it? Share your secrets with us in the comments!

Tracy Ryan has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Risk Management for One Nevada Credit Union. As Senior Vice President, Risk Management, Ryan is responsible for audit, compliance, internal controls, and risk management operations.

Ryan, a native Las Vegan, received a Bachelor’s degree in Education with an emphasis in Business from the University of Nevada, Reno, and she is a certified paralegal after participating in the nationally recognized UNLV Paralegal Certificate program. She has a Chartered Bank Auditor certification from the Bank Administration Institute and earned the prestigious designation of NAFCU Certified Compliance Officer.

Ryan joined One Nevada in 1995 and over the last 25 years has served as the Internal Auditor, AVP Compliance, and VP Internal Controls. Before working at One Nevada, she had 14 years of prior banking experience working in retail banking, training, and internal audit.

“Over the past 25 years, Tracy has been a trusted leader, particularly when it comes to important matters of fraud mitigation, security, audit, internal controls, and compliance here at One Nevada,” said Paul Parrish, One Nevada President and CEO. “She is an important member of the Executive Management team and has done a great job protecting our members from fraud and implementing the latest measures toward preventing all types of financial crime.”

It’s easy with free, 24/7 access.

We hope you’ve come to know and trust that we’re here to help you build your financial strength and stability. That’s why we provide the tools you need to help you stay in control of your finances. Like providing you free access to your credit report and score right at your fingertips.

One Nevada’s free Credit Score service helps you monitor your credit profile 24/7/365 to ensure there’s no suspicious or fraudulent activity. Simply log in to Online Banking or our Mobile App and tap ‘Credit Score’.

As you check your report, hopefully you won’t find any surprises. However, if you see something odd, find an error, or suspect fraud, don’t panic. While it can be upsetting to find a mistake in your credit report, the good news is you can challenge errors and fix your score.

Follow these three steps to dispute errors and fix your credit:

Step 1: File a dispute with each of the major credit bureaus.
You’ll need to inform all three major credit bureaus, Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian about the error. The good news is, all three bureaus allow you to file disputes online. Visit their sites to start the process:

Equifax
TransUnion 
Experian

It’s very important to identify each disputed item in your report, explain why you’re disputing these items, and ask that the errors be deleted or corrected. Be sure to include your full contact information, as well as copies of any documents that support your claim. To be extra diligent, include a copy of your credit report, highlighting the items you’re disputing.

You can still file disputes by mail with Equifax and TransUnion; however, Experian currently only allows you to file online. Should you decide to file by mail, it’s best to send your letter via certified mail with a requested return receipt. It’s also a good idea to keep a copy of your correspondence for your own records. Send your claim by mail to:

Equifax Information Services LLC

P.O. Box 740256

Atlanta, GA 30348

TransUnion LLC

Consumer Dispute Center

P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19016

Step 2: Contact the creditor. 

After you’ve contacted each bureau, it’s a good idea to reach out to the creditor that’s linked to the error in your report. This step isn’t necessary, but it may speed up the correction process.

Most creditors will provide a link or an address for disputes. When filing your dispute, follow the guidelines above and include all relevant information and documentation. Be sure to let the creditor know you’ve also contacted the credit bureaus, as they’ll want to include this information and a copy of your dispute if they report their findings to the bureaus. You can also ask to be copied on all correspondences between the creditor and the bureaus.

Step 3: Follow up in 30 days.
You’ll typically hear from the bureaus and the creditor within 30 days after filing your disputes. If all goes well, your dispute will be accepted, and your credit will be updated. In many states, you’re eligible to receive a complimentary credit report following a registered dispute.

If one of the credit bureaus or a creditor refuses to accept your dispute or does not resolve the error in your favor, you can ask the bureau or creditor to include a copy of your dispute in your file and in all future credit reports. This way, a lender or creditor is aware of the alleged error when reviewing your credit. You may be charged a small fee for this service, but it’s generally worth the price. If you feel the error is too significant to ignore, you can always consider hiring a lawyer to help you contest the report and fix your credit.

Always monitor your score and be vigilant about correcting errors. The payoff can affect your financial well-being for years to come. As always, we’re here to help with any questions and future financial needs.

Your Turn: Have you ever filed a dispute for an error found on your credit report? Tell us about it in the comments.

By Ernie J. Zelinski

Some of us plan for retirement throughout our working lives. We pinch pennies, cut corners and dream big of the day we’ll finally throw off the shackles of a 9-5 life and be free to live, exploring and creating as we please. Others simply slide into retirement with very little planning and figure they’ll take it day by day. Whatever your style, you’ll need to find a way to enjoy life beyond retirement in the most fulfilling ways possible.

Ernie J. Zelinski’s classic book, How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free, shows readers the key to a truly happy retirement. Zelinski claims that planning for retirement goes beyond counting dollars-you need to plan for your creative outlets, leisure activities, physical well-being, mental health and social support system. In his book, he guides readers through this process, helping them create a feasible plan for retirement which encompasses every area in their lives.

In How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free, you’ll learn how to do the following:

• Take an early retirement
• Put money into proper perspective
• Generate purpose in your post-retirement life through meaningful, creative pursuits
• Follow your dreams instead of chasing someone else’s goals
• Take charge of your mental, physical and spiritual health
• Envision your retirement goals clearly
• Make your retirement years the best stage of your life

One of the most powerful tools you’ll find inside is the Get-a-Life Tree, a seven-page list of activities to keep you happy and active for years to come.

If you’re wondering how to spend your golden years living a happy, fun and fulfilling life, this might be the book you’ve been seeking.

Your Turn: Do you believe the post-retirement years can be the best years of our lives? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.

We’ll be your co-pilot.

November is a great time to gather with friends, neighbors, and family, so we’re hoping you’ll join us for a weekend of high-flying airplane action!

This November 16 and 17, we’ll be at the Nellis Air Force Base for a larger-than-life airshow.

We’ll have a booth ready for the whole community, so zoom on by to take a free, selfie souvenir photo and get a free balsa wood airplane!

Bring your friends and family! It’s going to be a blast!

Nellis Air Force Base
November 16 and 17, 2019
9am — 4:30pm
Free Parking at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Free Admission

Learn more at nellis.af.mil/Aviation-Nation/.

No Federal endorsement of sponsor intended.

Here’s a preventable headline: “Phishing is the leading cause of personal data breaches for the third year in a row.”

If you’ve heard about phishing but you’re not sure what it means, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, there’s still a large portion of us that fall victim to it. At One Nevada, we’ve learned how to spot phishing, and we want to help prevent you from becoming a victim.

Phishing is a type of social engineering through email that attempts to trick you into performing a task, such as clicking a link or email attachment that’s either malicious or requests sensitive information.

Phishing can be hard to recognize.In many cases, the fraudsters might request your online banking credentials or other important login or personal information. These emails often seem to be coming from a reputable source, such as your financial institution, a large technology company, or a professional service you’ve used. Keep in mind, One Nevada will never ask for your account, login, or other personally identifying information via email.

It's important to note, these perpetrators are always shifting tactics and comingup with new ways to fool us. In addition to email phishing, fraudsters also use text messaging (smishing), phone calls (vishing), and more.

Here are some clues to help you identify phising:

• There’s a generic greeting such as addressed to a group, or just “Dear Member,” for instance.
• It comes from an unknown sender.
• It comes from a known sender but uses a different email address than usual.
• It contains a link or attachment.
• There’s a button making it easy to log in to your account. Often they claim you need to verify personal or account details.
• There’s a request for sensitive information that you normally would not provide.
• The message attempts to convey a sense of urgency, claiming something “bad” will happen if you don’t click or respond right away.
• There are typos or it’s written unprofessionally.

How to avoid becoming today’s catch:

• Don’t click email links or attachments unless you’re 100% sure they’re safe.
• Keep your security software updated at all times.
• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) when it’s available for any account.
• Avoid sending sensitive information in email. It isn’t safe in most cases.
• Don’t click buttons or links in emails to log in to your accounts. Instead, log in to your accounts directly using pre-saved links or using website addresses you know.

We know it’s not always easy to identify these phishing scams, so follow these tips and be on alert for suspicious emails. As always, we want to help you stay protected. If you suspect you’re being targeted or you mistakenly gave out any personal information, give us a call right away so we can help prevent fraudulent account activity.

Buying insurance is unlike buying anything else. It’s something you purchase and hope you never have to use.

Think about it, if you drive a car, then you probably have auto insurance. And we’re fairly sure you don’t want to get into an accident. Therefore, you’re paying for something you hope you
won’t need. But it’s nice to know it’s there. Especially when it comes to your financial future.

From health and auto insurance, to life insurance, pet insurance, and even renters insurance, the insurance coverage you purchase is only used when something goes wrong, like an auto accident, household mishap, or loss of a family member. Life is not predictable, but having the right insurance adds some predictability and a layer of defense to your financial future. We call that financial resiliency.

Here’s how the right advice and insurance coverage can work in your
favor and protect your family from life’s random curveballs.

Insurance plays an important role
Putting money away into an emergency fund and saving for your retirement is vital. But equally important is insurance. The right insurance policy will protect your savings and other assets from being depleted if you or someone you love is injured in an accident, becomes sick, or worse.

In other words, your money and everything you’ve worked hard to acquire could be lost if you go without health insurance while you’re alive, auto insurance if you own a car, homeowners insurance if you own a home, or liability insurance if you have substantial property you want to protect.

Let’s say you don’t have proper auto insurance coverage and you’re injured in a terrible auto accident. You could be in the hospital for a while. The bills for your care will come right out of your savings. Once that’s gone, your family may be forced to pull money out of your retirement fund, sell your home, or both.

The right insurance gives you and your family steady footing for those moments.

Options you should consider include:
• Auto insurance if you drive or own a vehicle.
• Homeowners insurance if you own a home.
• Renters insurance if you rent your home and want to protect the
value of your belongings.
• Life insurance for those you love.
• Disability insurance if you’re ever injured or become ill and can no longer work.
• Long-term care insurance to protect your finances from the high cost of nursing home care.
• Pet insurance to ensure you never have to choose when to save your
pet.
• Accident and sickness insurance to cover hospital stay and transportation costs.
• Payment Protection insurance to ensure your credit and finances are not affected if you’re unable to make a loan payment due to loss of a job, illness, or accident.

Understanding life insurance
What you’re buying when you start a life insurance policy is the promise of a payout to your family after you’ve . . . how can we put this delicately . . . stopped breathing. Nobody wants to talk about mortality, but it’s an eventuality that you can insure for your loved ones.

The main reason that life insurance even exists is for your family. When you purchase a life insurance policy, you’re not doing it for you. You’re doing it for them, whether that’s a spouse, partner, kids, parent, or other family member. The right policy will provide for those who rely on you for their immediate and long-term financial stability.

Picking the right insurance policy is something One Nevada Insurance
Services can help you do, but for now just know that the general rule is coverage equaling six to eight times your annual income. That way your family has years to adjust and remain financially stable.

Don’t forget your last will and testament
What you want for your family, your property, and your finances is
important. A Last Will and Testament is a legal document that outlines who gets your money, property, guardianship of your children, and who will be the executor of those decisions. You can even designate who will take care of your pets when you cannot.

But, like a life insurance policy, if you don’t have one in place, your family will be left to sort things out on their own. A solid, legal, up-to-date will and testament makes life a lot easier for those you love after your life has expired or you become incapacitated and unable to make decisions.

You can write up your own will and testament right now. There are plenty of websites out there that can help. But you might consider hiring an attorney to look it over or at least get the document notarized.

Insurance is our thing — we can make it yours too
One Nevada Insurance Services knows the world of insurance and can help you find the right mix of coverage, cost, and protection to keep your financial future in focus, no matter how unpredictable life gets.

Call: 800-388-3000, option 4
Visit: onenevadainsurance.com
Email: insoncu@onenevada.org

Health and wealth: They’re the most basic, and yet often the most elusive, of human desires. After all, it wouldn’t help you to be sitting on millions of dollars if you were to be too weak to get out of bed. Similarly, if you were perfectly healthy but struggling with mountains of debt, you’d be far too stressed to enjoy your health.

In AgeProof, financial guru Jean Chatzky teams up with Dr. Michael Roizen to show you how you can use the same strategies to achieve and maintain both financial wellness and physical health.

The primary principle that’s threaded throughout the book is to strike a perfect balance between inflow and outflow. In practical terms, this means that, just like you don’t want to consume more calories than you burn off, you wouldn’t want to spend more money than you earn. While this is basic common sense, Chatzky and Roizen offer scientifically proven ways that readers can implement this approach and improve their behavior to benefit both their physical and financial wellness. They show readers how to beat the systems that are designed to make us fail, by automating decisions and limiting choices in the face of overconsumption and debt.

AgeProof is written in easy-to-understand language without any of the eye-glazing jargon that is common in most personal finance books. The upbeat tone and practical ideas sprinkled throughout its pages make AgeProof a quick, enjoyable book for readers of any age or stage in life.

Chatzky and Roizen believe our health and our wealth are intimately connected. They claim the sooner we acknowledge this link and learn how to manage both aspects of our lives in the most optimal way possible, the sooner we’ll be on the path toward a life of true financial wellness and physical health.

Your Turn: Do you believe there is a clear link between our physical health and financial wellness, as theorized in AgeProof? Share your take with us in the comments.

It’s the bargain-hunter’s favorite season-or is it? Before you brave the crowds this Black Friday, take a few minutes to read through our list of what to buy and what to skip so you come home only with true bargains.

Skip: Large home appliances
While you may find markdowns on large household appliances, like dishwashers and refrigerators, on Black Friday, you’ll find even better deals on long holiday weekends throughout the year, including Memorial Day, Labor Day and President’s Day. If your appliance is still working well and you’re just looking for an upgrade, you’re better off saving your purchase for a later date.

Buy: Small home appliances
You can score fantastic Black Friday deals on small household appliances like coffee makers, toaster ovens and blenders, which may see discounts of up to 65%.

Skip: Jewelry
If you’re planning on buying a special someone a gift that truly sparkles, don’t buy it on Black Friday. While some jewelry companies will offer slight discounts on their merchandise after Thanksgiving, prices on jewelry will fall significantly in December and even further in January. If you’re not in any rush, you’re best off waiting until July, when jewelry prices are at their lowest point of the year, thanks to the usual summer slump.

Buy: Electronics
Crazy-low prices on electronics are a Black Friday basic. In recent years, supersized TVs were marked down by several hundred dollars by retailers like Walmart and Amazon. Discounted Apple products are another Black Friday favorite, with shoppers waiting for this day to buy their MacBooks, iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches and Apple TVs.

While you might find fantastic bargains on electronics this Black Friday, be sure to read the fine print before finalizing purchases. Some deals may require you to sign up for a pricey phone plan to qualify for the purchase. Others may depend on a store gift card to net you the full bargain; if you don’t typically frequent this store, it may not be such a great bargain after all.

Skip: Toys
Don’t count on finishing up the gift-shopping for the little ones in your life this Black Friday. You’ll get much better prices on toys and children’s games in the weeks leading up to Christmas, when the shopping season is already winding down and retailers are looking to clear out inventory.

Buy: Online doorbusters
In an effort to attract customers, major retailers for years have been offering bargain Black Friday doorbusters. Many stores have recently started offering these deals online as well, so there’s no longer a need to camp out Thanksgiving night in Walmart’s parking lot to get the best picks, or to fight your way through crazed crowds. You can now shop at your leisure from the comfort of your home. The best items will still get grabbed quickly, so be sure to move fast!

Skip: Fitness equipment
It’s always a good season to stay fit, but in the world of retail, the prime season for fitness equipment is January, when New Year’s resolutions are still fresh and relevant. Push off the purchase of exercise gear until after the holidays for a better deal. You’ll score even steeper discounts if you wait until February, when the post-holiday inspiration for getting into shape starts wearing off and prices start falling.

Buy: Travel deals
If you plan on traveling for the holidays, or for a mid-winter getaway, look for markdowns on Black Friday and Cyber Monday on airfare, hotel reservations and car rentals. Make sure to check popular travel sites multiple times over the weekend, as the best travel deals are usually only live for a limited time.

Skip: Bedding
Is your bedroom in need of a facelift? You’ll have to wait for January’s legendary “white sales” for the year’s steepest discounts on bedding and linens.

Buy: Video games
If you’ve got a serious gamer on your holiday gift list, you’ll want to shop for discounted video games on Black Friday. You’ll find deals on the newest games at the big-box stores and online at Playstation.com, Nintendo.com and Xbox.com.

Skip: Winter clothing
You’ll always get more bang for your buck when you purchase clothing toward the end of the season or even mid-season, and winter is no exception. You’ll see lots of splashy sale ads from your favorite clothing stores in the days leading up to Thanksgiving, but these are typically modest markdowns of 30% or less. For the real steals on winter apparel, you’ll have to wait until the calendar hits January.

Now that you know what to buy and what to skip this Black Friday, you can go ahead and hit the stores knowing you’ll walk away with the best deals.

Your Turn: What do you shop for on Black Friday? Share your best buys with us in the comments!

Recently, we’ve seen an increase in spoofing scams in our community. Discover common tactics, warning signs, and effective prevention tips to stay safe online. Here is what you need to know about spoofing scams and how to avoid becoming a victim..

What is spoofing?

Spoofing is a type of scam in which a criminal disguises an email address, display name, phone number, text message, or website URL to convince a target that they are interacting with a known, trusted source. Today we will be focusing primarily on phone number spoofing. A phone number spoofing scam is when a scammer disguises their phone number to appear as if they are calling from a reliable source, such as your financial institution. Nevadans are seeing an uptick in fraudsters using spoofed bank phone numbers to text and call victims in order to gain your trust and reveal personal information.

How the Spoofing Scam Works

The scammers will call or text “spoofing” a familiar bank phone number. The scammer makes contact and claims to be a bank employee who identified a suspicious transaction. These transactions will usually be out of state or large to create a sense of urgency and play on the victim’s emotions. The scammer will ask the victim to verify the transaction. Then they’ll assure the victim they can stop the transaction from being processed if the victim confirms their identity.

The scammer will then ask the victim to share some personal information with them. The scammer will often ask for an online banking username or password, debit card numbers and PIN, Mobile wallet multi-factor authentication codes and online banking multi-factor authentication codes, and social security numbers. Some scammers will be bold enough to ask for access to your system remotely. Once the scammer has obtained the information, they’ll access the victim’s banking accounts or mobile wallet and transfer funds. The fraudsters will often complete the scam and log in while the victim is still on the phone.

How to Avoid Becoming a Victim

• If the credit union calls you, always collect the name and department of the person calling, then hang up and call back on the main One Nevada line (800) 388-3000 and ask for the person that called you.
• Remember, we will never initiate contact with you and ask for a multi-factor authentication code.
• We’ll also never initiate contact to ask you to share your online banking username, password, or PIN for your debit card, or other personal information.
• If you share information with a scammer, contact One Nevada as soon as possible so we can take preventative measures to protect your account.
• Keep in mind that scammers use many different spoofing strategies. Recently, banks, local doctors’ offices, city services, and even the police and sheriff’s departments have all been used in spoofing scams.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please call (800) 388-3000. At One Nevada, fraud prevention is one of our top priorities. We want to help you avoid scams and protect your money.

It’s time for back-to-school shopping, but inflation is still taking a big bite out of everyone’s budget this year. Use our shopping tips to navigate the season without too much damage to your wallet!

Q&A

Q: With prices soaring and expenses mounting, I’m worried that back-to-school shopping will kill my budget and push me into debt. How can I beat inflation and save on back-to-school shopping?
 

A: While you may need to adjust your annual back-to-school budget to account for inflation, there are ways to save on these costs and keep your budget intact. Follow these tips to beat inflation this back-to-school season.

Shop with a budget

Your first step toward saving on back-to-school shopping is to create a budget for this shopping season. Determine how much you can afford to spend and allocate specific amounts for different categories such as clothing, supplies, and electronics. Having a budget will help you stay focused and avoid impulse purchases.

Take inventory 

Before hitting the stores, take inventory of what you already have at home. Check your kids’ closets, drawers, and study areas for supplies and clothing that can be reused or repurposed for the coming school year. This will give you a clear idea of what you really need to buy and help prevent unnecessary spending.

Plan ahead

Start shopping early and take advantage of sales throughout August. Watch for clearance sales, promotions, and discounts. By planning ahead, you can secure better deals while avoiding the rush and price hikes that happen closer to the start of the school year.

Buy generic

Don’t hesitate to reach for generic brands when purchasing school supplies for your kids. Store brands, like Walmart, or Target’s Up & Up, are consistently cheaper than name brands without compromising on quality.

Shop without your kids

While your kids may savor the experience of choosing their own school supplies for the coming year, shopping with kids is one of the best ways to kill a budget. Kids always have their own ideas of what’s best to spend money on, and their opinions may not necessarily align with yours–or with your budget. If your kids aren’t thrilled about you doing all the shopping on your own, compromise by allowing them to join you on one or two shopping trips, for example, when you shop for shoes and backpacks, but do the rest on your own. 

Think secondhand

Consider purchasing used textbooks, clothing, and electronics. You can find gently used items at significantly lower prices on secondhand websites like ThredUp, and at thrift stores like Goodwill. 

When shopping secondhand, it’s important to ensure that items are in good condition and meet your requirements before purchasing. Also, when buying a secondhand (or any) item online, only use secure platforms and ask to see the item, or a photo of the item, before finalizing the transaction. Finally, use a payment method with purchase protection, such as a credit card, so you can always reclaim your funds should the item turn out differently than expected. 

Use discounts and coupons

Before you shop, look for coupons, promotional codes, and student discounts to reduce the prices of the items you need to buy. Many retailers offer exclusive discounts to students and teachers. Sign up for newsletters or loyalty programs to receive updates on special offers. You can also use a discount-finder app or browser extension, like Honey, to scour the web and automatically pull up any coupons for the items you need. Additionally, check with your child’s school or local community organizations for any available discounts or programs.

Buy in bulk

When possible, and it makes sense, purchase supplies in bulk. This is particularly useful for items that are commonly used throughout the school year, like notebooks, pencils, and paper. Buying in bulk often comes with a lower per-unit cost, providing long-term savings that will pay off all year long.

Prioritize quality and durability

While it may be tempting to opt for cheaper alternatives, prioritize quality and durability. Investing in well-made products can save you money in the long run, as they are less likely to require replacements later.

Step 1: Prepare your finances

Here are some tips for preparing your finances ahead of the homebuying process:

• Set a realistic budget for your monthly mortgage payment.
• Boost your credit score before applying for a mortgage by making full and on-time payments, not opening too many new credit cards, and keeping your credit utilization low.
• Save for a down payment.

Once your finances are worked out, you can start shopping for a mortgage.

Step 2: Choose a lender

You can choose to take out a home loan through a financial institution or a private lender. When researching potential lenders, read online reviews and look for lenders offering excellent service experiences, reasonable closing costs, fees, transparency, and favorable rates.

Step 3: Get preapproved for a mortgage

Once you’ve chosen your mortgage lender, you can apply for pre-approval on your loan.

The lender will ask for your financial history and other personal information. If all is satisfactory, the lender will begin putting together your loan details.

When they determine how much you can borrow, they will grant you a preapproval letter.

Step 4: Find a real estate agent

A real estate agent can help you find the perfect home that fits your budget and preferences. They have access to a broad range of homes on the market and can negotiate on your behalf.

Step 5: Find your dream home

Once you have a pre-approval and a real estate agent, it’s time to start shopping for homes. Be sure to know what you want, be prepared to negotiate, and beware of potential red flags as you search.

Step 6: Make an offer

If your offer is accepted, the deal will officially be “under contract.” At this point, you’ll likely need to pay “earnest money” or a portion of the down payment.

Home sales are typically under contract for 4-8 weeks, though this can vary.

Step 7: Get your mortgage

As soon as your offer has been accepted, your mortgage lender will get to work on the final details of your loan.

Step 8: Schedule a home inspection

A professional home inspection will reveal any potential issues you may not have noticed.

Step 9: Obtain homeowner’s insurance

Shop around for the best rates and coverage to make sure you have a policy in place before the closing.

Step 10: Schedule an appraisal

The home appraisal, which determines the actual value of the home, assures the lender that the loan details fit within their policies and regulations.

Step 11: Close and move in

Congrats – you’ve made it to the closing! Set aside several hours for the closing and come prepared with the funds you need to cover the remaining closing costs.

Best of luck in your new home sweet home!

Start your home-buying journey with a pre-qualification online at onenevada.org. Our team of home loan specialists will show you all of your options, help you plan ahead, and send you out to begin shopping for your dream home.

Q&A

Q: Should I move to a new house or stay put and make improvements to my current home?

A: Choosing to move to a new home or to make improvements to your current home is a big decision. Here, we’ve outlined the pros and cons of each choice so you can make the best decision for you.

Moving to a new home

For most people, a home is the largest purchase they’ll make during their lifetime.

Pros of moving:

• Opportunity for a fresh start. You can choose a new location that better suits your family’s needs, such as a superior school district, proximity to family or work, or a more desirable community.
• More living space. This is especially beneficial if you have a growing family or grumpy teenagers.
• Potential for appreciation. If you buy a home in an area that is experiencing growth, your property value may increase over time, bringing a return on your investment.
• No dealing with renovations. If you purchase a home that’s in move-in condition, you won’t have to deal with the headache of renovations.
• Down payment assistance. One Nevada Mortgage can help with your down payment and lower your closing costs. Our lending experts work with several down payment assistance programs that can help you buy a home in Nevada.

Cons of moving:

• High upfront costs. You’ll need to spring for closing costs, a down payment, and the actual move.
• Emotional attachment to your home. If you’ve been living in your home for many years and it holds lots of happy memories, you may not want to leave.
• Potentially higher interest rate on your mortgage. If rates have increased since you financed your current home, you may have a higher interest rate on your new mortgage. And that means paying more in interest.

Improving your current home

Now, let’s look at the option of improving your current home with a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). A HELOC gives you quick access to cash by using your home as collateral. You can withdraw (aka, advance) the funds, as needed, over a period of time known as the draw period. When that ends, you can no longer advance funds and will have to repay the loan, with interest, over the repayment period.

You can also take out a Home Equity Loan (HEL), which will provide you with one lump sum that you start paying back immediately.

Pros of improving your home:

• Completely customize to fit your needs. When you design your own home, you can customize it to suit your family’s needs and tastes perfectly.
• No stress of relocating. Continue to enjoy the same home and neighborhood you’ve lived in for years.
• Increase the value of your home. Home improvement projects boost your home’s value, increasing your net profit when you do decide to sell.
• Save on moving costs. Why pay thousands of dollars in closing and moving costs when you can have a beautiful new living room for the same price?

Cons of improving your home:

• Stress of renovations. When your house is a construction zone, there are lots of decisions, an endless mess, and workers in your home at all hours.
• Risk of foreclosure. Taking out a HELOC or HEL puts your home at risk of foreclosure if you’re unable to make the payments.
• Additional debt. A HELOC or HEL adds another debt to pay each month, which can be a burden on your budget.

Whether you choose to move to a new home or choose to renovate your current home, we can help! One Nevada Credit Union home loans, HELOCs, and HELs offer competitive interest rates, easy eligibility terms, and the personal service you’ve come to expect. Visit onenevada.org/loans to learn more.  

1. Ghastly ghosts

Create an army of floating ghosts using nothing but white trash bags. Gather a bunch of bags and stuff them with crumpled newspaper. Tie the “head” with a rubber band and use a permanent marker to draw spooky faces on your ghosts. Hang your frightful friends around your house and yard to scare your party guests and trick-or-treaters.

2. Spooky bird houses

Create a mini haunted house to hang on your door or decorate your table using a basic birdhouse, white and black paint. Paint the birdhouse black and use white paint for a cobwebby effect. Finish it off with a few paper ghosts peeking out the windows and doors, and you’ve got yourself a tiny haunted house!

3. Shark attack!

For a fun and freaky costume that costs nothing, go as a surfer being eaten by a shark. Dress in swimwear, with a towel slung over yourself if the weather makes it necessary, and apply fake blood to a visible spot on your neck or arm. Use face paint to create a shark bite and apply the blood so it surrounds the bite and drips out. For a fun touch, attach an inflated or stuffed toy shark to your costume. 

4. Mason jar lanterns

For easy DIY decor, paint Mason jars with spooky designs and insert battery-powered tea lights for a bewitching glow. Line your walkway or porch with these lanterns to welcome trick-or-treaters.

5. Creepy crawlers everywhere

Use an inexpensive package of plastic spiders to scare your guests silly! Freeze some in ice cubes for a spooky surprise in everyone’s drinks, scatter some across the table to make someone shriek, and even add some to your soap dispenser to really freak everyone out. Let your trick-or-treaters in on the fun by sprinkling some into your candy bowl. 

6. An eerie flicker

For a super-easy and super-cheap centerpiece, paint old wine bottles black. Use matte paint for the best effect. When your candlestick holders have dried, insert long orange taper candles into each bottle to add a festive look to your table. 

7. Care for a lollipop?

Turn your pumpkin into a fun lollipop dispenser with the help of an electric drill. Drill small holes in your pumpkin and then stick a lollipop into each hole. Set it up on your steps for an adorable, help-yourself trick-or-treat.

8. Retro costume

For a costume that will make everyone laugh and won’t cost a penny, go as your college-aged self. Dig out your old clothing and accessories, and if you had a crazy hairstyle back then, incorporate it into your costume, too. 

The thought of buying a house in 2024 may seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can make the process of purchasing a home in the future much easier. Here's what you need to know about buying a house in 2024.

Understand the Real Estate Market

The first step to buying a house in 2024 is to understand the real estate market. You should research current trends in the housing market, such as the average cost of homes in your area, the types of homes available, and the average length of time it takes to sell a home. You should also consider the potential economic conditions and the state of the housing market in 2024. Understanding the market can help you make an informed decision about buying a house in the future
.

Consider Your Finances

Before you begin the process of buying a house in 2024, it's important to consider your financial situation. You should take into account your income, savings, and any debts you may have. It's also important to think about how you will finance the purchase of the house. You may want to consider taking out a mortgage, using a home equity loan, or tapping into your savings. Taking the time to consider your finances can help ensure that you are in a position to purchase a house in 2024.

Research Mortgages

If you are planning on taking out a mortgage to purchase a house in 2024, it's important to research your options. Different lenders offer different rates and terms, so it's important to compare different mortgages before making a decision. It's also important to consider the type of mortgage you want, such as a fixed-rate mortgage or an adjustable-rate mortgage. Doing your research can help you get the best deal on a mortgage in 2024.

Hire a Real Estate Agent

Hiring a real estate agent can be a great way to simplify the process of buying a house in 2024. A real estate agent can help you find the best properties in your area and negotiate the best deal for you. They can also provide valuable advice about the process of buying a house, such as helping you get a mortgage and finding the best home inspections.

Prepare for Closing Costs

Closing costs are an important part of buying a house in 2024. These costs can include things like legal fees, title searches, and other fees associated with the purchase. It's important to budget for these costs before purchasing a house in 2024.

Make a List of Must-Haves

When you start looking for a house in 2024, it's important to make a list of must-haves. This list should include things like the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the size of the yard, and the type of neighborhood you want to live in. Having a list of must-haves can help you narrow down your search and make the process of buying a house in 2024 much easier.

Be Prepared for the Future

Buying a house in 2024 is a big decision, and it's important to be prepared for the future. You should consider the potential costs of owning a home, such as property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs. You should also consider the potential for future appreciation in the home's value. Being prepared can help you make an informed decision about buying a house in 2024.

Take Your Time

The process of buying a house in 2024 can be overwhelming, but it's important to take your time. Don't rush into any decisions and take the time to do your research. You should also take the time to look at multiple homes and make sure you're comfortable with the home you choose. Taking your time can help ensure that you make the best decision when buying a house in 2024. Buying or selling a home in 2024 can be a daunting task, but with the right knowledge and preparation, it can be a relatively straightforward process. It's important to understand the real estate market in 2024, consider your finances, research mortgages, hire a real estate agent, prepare for closing costs, make a list of must-haves, and be prepared for the future. Taking your time and doing your research is essential for making the best decision when buying or selling a home in 2024.

One Nevada Credit Union will never call, email, or text for personal information, so if you take the wrong next step, you could be the victim of a spoofing scam.  

Let’s take a look at spoofing, how it works, and red flags that can alert you to a possible spoofing scam so you can avoid being the next victim. 

What is spoofing? 

Spoofing is the criminal act of disguising a communication from an unknown source to appear as if it’s being sent from a trusted and known contact. The ultimate goal of spoofing is to get the target to share their sensitive information and/or their money with the scammer. For example, a spoofer may pretend to represent a victim’s credit card company and lead them into sharing their account details.

Types of spoofing

Cybercriminals have a variety of ways to pull off their spoofing. Here are the more common forms: 

1. Email spoofing

In email spoofing, an attacker sends an email message that appears to be from a known or trusted source. The emails often include links to harmful websites or attachments that will infect the victim’s device.

2. IP spoofing

In IP spoofing, an attacker tries to gain access to a system by sending messages via a bogus or spoofed ID address appearing to be from a recognized, trusted source, such as one on the same internal computer network. 

3. Caller ID spoofing

Here, attackers make a phone call to a target that appears to be from a known caller. The scammer will often pose as the victim’s bank or credit union. The victim, believing they are speaking with a financial institution representative, will not hesitate to disclose their account information and passwords.

4. Facial spoofing

In this most recent form of spoofing, a scammer uses a photo or video of a target’s face to simulate their facial biometrics. This enables them to unlock accounts that can only be opened by facial recognition.

5. Website spoofing

In website spoofing, a scammer creates a bogus site that looks just like a reputable site the victim frequents. Attackers lure victims to this site to steal their login credentials and personal info.

6. Text-message spoofing

In this scam, also known as smishing, a victim gets a text message on their mobile phone that appears to have been sent from a trusted source, such as the victim’s financial institution, place of work, or doctor’s office. 

7. Deepfakes and Spoofing

Deepfakes is a relatively new and dangerous tool for spoofers. A deepfake is a fake image, video, or audio clip edited to appear authentic. New AI technology makes it easier for scammers to create and unleash these sophisticated scams on the masses. For example, a scammer may create a deepfake video using an image and audio recording of a celebrity to make it appear that they are telling you to open a link or support a specific cause. 

Protect yourself

Spoofing is a formidable danger for consumers across the economic spectrum, but with the right tools and knowledge, you can avoid falling victim to these scams. Here’s how to protect yourself from a spoofing attack:

• Turn on your email’s spam filter and mark incoming suspicious emails as spam.
• Use two-factor authentication and/or biometric logins when possible.
• Use strong, unique passwords across all of your accounts.
• Make sure your device’s security system is at its strongest setting and uses the most updated patches. 
• Never click on links or open attachments from an unverified source. 
• Never share personal information online or over the phone with an unknown contact.
• If you’re allegedly contacted by your financial institution and asked to provide your login credentials or account details, don’t respond. Contact your bank or credit union directly to ask about any possible issues with your account. 
• Don’t take phone calls at face value, even with caller ID. Hang up and call the phone number on the back of your bank card or your statements. 
• Identify deepfakes by looking for small details. Zoom into the image or video and verify if the words and lip movements are in sync. Look for lip color that looks unnatural, unrealistic facial hair, exaggeratedly wrinkled or smooth skin, and non-existent moles. 

Red flags

Look out for these red flags that can alert you to a possible spoofing attack:

• Websites with a URL similar to a reputable site’s URL.
• Websites riddled with typos, unusual syntax, and spelling errors.
• An alleged bank or credit union rep asks you to call a number not associated with your financial institution.
• You’re asked to share your login credentials or account number with an unverified contact.
• Familiar corporate branding, such as logos, colors and call-to-action buttons in messages requesting you take action that’s out of the ordinary.

Use these tips and take control of your security. Stay alert and stay safe!

The One Nevada Shred Day donations will help Three Square in its mission to fight hunger across the valley, while pursuing a hunger-free community. At Three Square, $1 provides three meals so One Nevada’s donation will contribute more than 7,800 meals to the effort.  

For more information about Three Square and its programs, visit www.threesquare.org.

Gardening is fun, but it can get expensive. Here are some creative ways to save on landscaping costs:

1. Plant perennials

Go green with your garden by choosing plants that flower year after year. You’ll have to pay more out of pocket when you first plant these blooms, but the cost-free plants you’ll have each year will more than make it worth the price.

2. Make your own compost

You can save money on mulch and other soil products by making your own compost. All you need is a designated outdoor bin to collect your old fruit and veggie peels, plant clippings, and dead leaves. After a few weeks, you should have a pile of nutrient-rich soil ready to give your garden the boost it needs to grow and glow.

3. Grow and trade

For a colorful variety of flowers, plant perennials that grow and multiply quickly, like hostas or daylilies. Within a few years, you should have more of these than you need. Trade the extra blooms with friends and neighbors for new and interesting plants.

4. Propagate your plants

Grow your garden by helping your plants propagate. You can do this by separating an already growing plant into two and replanting; rooting a leaf or rooting a small stem with leaves. 

5. Choose plants that are natural to your region

You’ll save on extra watering, soil correction, and special plant food with these lower-maintenance plants.

6. Shop end-of-season sales

Plants that look wilted when on sale in the fall can grow beautifully in the spring as long as the roots are alive and well.

7. Leave your grass clippings untouched

The clippings will break down quickly, adding organic matter and nutrients to your grass.

8. Don’t cut your lawn too short

Shorter grass attracts more weeds and needs more herbicides. Higher grass will shade out pesky weeds while also developing a deeper root system. That means less watering! Keep your grass at 2- 2 ½ inches for best results.

Gardening is fun and rewarding — and it doesn’t need to cost a lot of money. Use our tips to cut back on landscaping costs without compromising on the health of your lawn.

1. Hit the beach

Get out to the beach at the first opportunity! The beach can provide hours of relaxation and fun for the family at little or no cost. Stock up on some inexpensive holiday beach supplies like patriotic-patterned towels and hats to make the day more festive.

2. Host a potluck

If you’ll be hosting this Memorial Day, make it a potluck. Ask each guest to bring one dish for a complete dinner that doesn’t cost anyone a lot of money. As a bonus, the menu is much more fun when it’s varied and prepared by many different cooks.

3. Go easy on the decor

There is no need to spend a lot of money on making your Memorial Day celebration look festive. Spruce up the place with red, white, and blue balloons from the dollar store and add banners for a complete patriotic look.

4. Make a signature drink

Instead of setting up a full bar, make one signature drink for the night. Pinterest has some great holiday drink recipes for free.

5. Look for coupons

Don’t go anywhere without first checking if you must pay full price. Pick up some great discounts on restaurant meals, entertainment venues, and more on web sites like Groupon.com.

6. Host a DIY sports event

For a fun and frugal alternative to the traditional Memorial Day BBQ, invite family and friends over to your place or meet up at a park for a day of sports and games. You can play flag football or soccer, have a tug-of-war competition, or even drum up a baseball game.

7. Visit historical sites

What better way to spend Memorial Day than checking out historical attractions? Many historical sites host free events in honor of the three-day holiday. 

8. Rent a boat

Enjoy a day out on the water at little cost by renting a boat or kayak from a nearby boat rental service or a private owner. Bring along some snacks and drinks and good music for a fantastic day of water fun.

Use these tips to enjoy a memorable holiday weekend on a budget!

Eligible homebuyers who contribute a minimum of $10,000 toward their downpayment may qualify for a grant of up to $50,000 that can be used for downpayment and closing costs.

Eligibility

• Be a first-time buyer or have not owned a home in the past three years
• Meet income requirements, which vary depending on location
• Must complete a homebuyer education course

Are you eligible? Please contact us at 702-382-4094 so we can help you apply today. Funds are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. The sooner you take action, the better your chances will be, as these federal funds often run out quickly.

The shredding service was free to the public, but donations were accepted to benefit the SPCA of Northern Nevada. Washoe County residents donated an impressive $1,752 to safely shred their unwanted documents. The event was so successful that One Nevada decided to match the donation, for a total contribution of $3,504 to the SPCA of Northern Nevada.

We're grateful for your support and for helping us turn paper into purr-fect donations!

The One Nevada Shred Day donations will help SPCA of Northern Nevada in its mission to find pets a loving fur-ever home and provide low-cost spay/neuters to the community.

For more information about SPCA of Northern Nevada please visit www.spcanevada.org

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Back-to-school shopping is here again, and yes, it might be a bit pricier this year thanks to inflation. But don’t worry—we’ve got some easy tips to help you save money while keeping your kids excited for the new school year. If convincing your kids that last year’s backpack is “vintage chic” isn’t working, these strategies will make back-to-school shopping a breeze!

Shop with a Budget

Start with a budget! Determine how much you can spend and set specific amounts for different categories like clothes, supplies, and gadgets. A budget helps you stay focused and avoid those sneaky impulse buys. Plus, it’s a great way to teach your kids about money management.

Take Inventory 

Before you rush to the stores, take a good look at what you already have at home. Dig through closets, drawers, and study areas to find supplies and clothes that can be reused or repurposed. You might be surprised by how much you already have, saving you from buying duplicates.

Plan Ahead

Make a list of must-have items before you shop. Start early to catch the best sales throughout the summer. Watch for clearance sales, promotions, and discounts. Planning ahead means you snag better deals and avoid the last-minute rush and higher prices.

Buy Generic

When it comes to school supplies, don’t shy away from generic brands. Store brands like Walmart’s Great Value, Costco’s Kirkland, or Target’s Up & Up often offer the same quality as name brands but at a lower price. Your kids will still get the supplies they need, and you’ll save a bundle.

Shop Without your Kids

Shopping with kids can quickly become a budget-buster. While involving them sounds fun and educational, their tastes might not align with your budget. Plan a few solo shopping trips to stick to your list and avoid those puppy-dog eyes begging for extra goodies.

Think Secondhand

Secondhand doesn’t mean second-rate! Check out thrift stores, consignment shops, and online sites like ThredUp for gently used clothing, textbooks, and electronics. You’ll find great deals on items in excellent condition, stretching your budget even further.

Use Discounts and Coupons.

Before you hit the stores, hunt for coupons, promo codes, and student discounts. Sign up for loyalty programs and use discount-finder apps or browser extensions for the best prices. Every little bit of savings adds up!

Buy in Bulk

For items your kids use regularly, like notebooks, pencils, or snacks, buying in bulk can save money in the long run. Bulk purchases usually come with a lower per-unit cost, making it a smart way to stock up for the entire school year.

By following these tips, you can conquer back-to-school shopping without breaking the bank. Here’s to a successful and budget-friendly start to the school year!

Why Shred Your Documents?
Shredding documents is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect yourself from identity theft and fraud. Anything with your personal information—like social security numbers, account numbers, or even medical details—could be a goldmine for identity thieves if they get their hands on it. By securely shredding these documents, you’re taking a proactive step in safeguarding your private information.

Here are some examples of what you should consider shredding:

• Bank statements
• Tax documents older than seven years
• Credit card statements and offers
• Medical records
• Utility bills
• Receipts with personal information

Not sure what should stay or go? If you no longer need it and it contains sensitive information, it’s better to shred it!

Event Details:
📅 Date: Friday, October 4, 2024
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Location: Plumb Lane Branch, 1296 E. Plumb Lane, Reno, NV 89502

How It Works:
Bring up to three boxes of paper documents, and we’ll shred them for free! Our shredding service ensures that all your personal information is completely destroyed, leaving no trace behind. Whether you’re clearing out a home office or just tidying up, this is the perfect opportunity to declutter safely.

Support a Good Cause!
In addition to protecting your privacy, you’ll also have the opportunity to give back to the community. While our shredding service is free, we’re partnering with the SPCA of Northern Nevada, and they will be on site accepting donations. They are in need of cash donations and pet food (canned or dry).

Your support helps care for animals in need while you gain peace of mind by eliminating your paper clutter.

Why Should You Attend?

• Free shredding up to three boxes
• Safe disposal of sensitive information
• Declutter your home or office
• Help support the SPCA of Northern Nevada
• Enjoy a community-focused event

Join us at the Plumb Lane Branch for a fun and impactful document shredding day! Let’s clear out the clutter, protect our privacy, and support our furry friends in need. We’ll see you there!

Time to shred your worries – and your documents! One Nevada Credit Union’s FREE community shred event will take place on Thursday, October 10th, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at our Green Valley Branch location at 1090 West Sunset Road, Henderson, Nevada. 

Identity theft is a problem in Nevada and can happen to anyone. One of the easiest ways to reduce your risk is to use a secure paper shredder. Assured Document Destruction will be on-site to safely and properly dispose of unwanted documents. Up to three boxes filled with acceptable recyclable items are allowed per car. Electronics, ink cartridges, and cardboard will not be accepted.

To reduce the risk of identity theft, the most essential documents to shred are bank statements and ATM receipts, expired ID cards, documents containing your social security number and credit information, investment documents, old pay stubs, voided checks, and old plane tickets. Essentially, you should shred anything that contains personal information that identity thieves could use. When in doubt, shred it! 

The One Nevada shred event is free to the public, but cash contributions and non-perishable food donations will be accepted. Three Square Food Bank will have an information booth at the event and be on-site collecting donations to help in their mission.

Protecting yourself from fraud is often a defensive game with education focused on protecting our personal information and avoiding scammers who ask us to send funds their way. However, classic check fraud is a scheme that has come back into the limelight recently. Know how to recognize it and avoid becoming a willing or unwitting accomplice to a serious crime that is punishable by fines and jail time at both the state and federal levels. 

What is Check Fraud?

Typically, it takes several days for a check you deposit to fully “clear” – meaning that the funds have been verified and transferred successfully to your account. 

In the meantime, however, some or even all of those funds may appear as part of your total account balance, even if they are not yet fully verified. Access to such funds may be a convenience your financial institution provides for you. 

Cashing a check that can’t clear, whether you write it to yourself or someone else gives it to you, and withdrawing all or a part of those funds, is check fraud. 

Here are some common examples:

• Someone gives you a check and asks you to deposit it in your account and then give them their cash – minus a cut for you.
• You write yourself a check for a large amount, which you don’t have, and then withdraw whatever funds you can immediately. Make sure you have funds in your account before writing any checks, if not, it’s fraud.
• You’re short on cash and write a check to someone else - even though you don’t have enough money in your checking account to cover it.

All of the above are situations in which classic check fraud is being committed. If a “get rich quick” scheme or any other “hack” involving money seems like it’s too good to be true, it probably is. 

We’re Here to Help 
If someone asks you to deposit a check for them, or you’re sent a check for a job you found online, and you have questions about it, feel free to stop by any of our branches with the check.  We’ll help you determine if it’s a valid check before you deposit it. 

Don’t become a check fraud scammer! It’s a serious crime with serious consequences.

Thanks to the generosity of our members and the wider community, we raised nearly $1,000 in cash donations for Three Square Food Pantry. With One Nevada’s matching contribution, this amount doubled to a total donation of $2,000! But that’s not all—we also collected an impressive 355 pounds of food donations.

Altogether, these efforts will help provide over 6,300 meals for people in need across our community. This success wouldn’t have been possible without your participation and support, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make this event such a meaningful achievement.

Our Shred Day is a powerful reminder of the impact we can make when we come together. Thank you for making a difference and supporting the fight against hunger in Southern Nevada!

For more information about Three Square Food Bank, please visit www.threesquare.org

1. Airport Survival Kit: Don’t Leave Home Without It
   We get it: airports are like competitive sports during the holidays. Book your flights early, know the TSA rules (no, Aunt Edna can’t bring her “special” cranberry sauce through security), and pack ID or passport if needed. Go prepared, and avoid having a Home Alone moment at the gate.
   
    
2. Travel Light – We Mean It
   Unless you’re relocating for good, resist the urge to pack your entire wardrobe. Ditch the checked bag, keep your stuff close, and avoid the whole “Oops, where’s my suitcase?” scenario. Worst case, your cousin’s sweater collection is fair game if you need an outfit change.
   
    
3. Know Who’s Showing Up (And What They’re Bringing)
   Let’s avoid that classic moment of too many casseroles, not enough cranberry sauce. Get a headcount and a sense of who’s bringing what. If you’re a guest, knowing the guest list means you can plan to bring an extra pie (or just enough patience).
   
    
4. Plan Your Menu and Shop Early – Seriously, Just Do It
   Procrastinators, beware: by Thanksgiving week, stores look like a scene from The Hunger Games. Start your shopping early, bring your coupons, and stock up while you can. And remember, food prices are up this year, so every coupon counts. Extra mashed potatoes will be worth it.
   
    
5. Frozen Turkey? Gobble Up the Savings
   The earlier you grab a frozen turkey, the better. Plus, it’s usually cheaper than fresh, and no one wants to hunt down the last bird in the freezer section. Just don’t forget to thaw it – the microwave isn’t going to cut it.
   
    
6. Conversation Cards – Save Your Sanity, One Card at a Time
   We know family discussions can get… interesting, especially in election years. Help dodge the drama with pre-prepared conversation cards. Stick to light-hearted topics like new movies, favorite music, and any recent family milestones. A little preparation goes a long way to keep dinner drama-free.

Happy Thanksgiving from One Nevada—may your potatoes be buttery, your pie plentiful, and your family debates limited to who’s doing the dishes.

🎄 Join us for a Member Appreciation Holiday Party! 🎄

Swing by your favorite One Nevada branch on Thursday, December 19, during regular business hours for:

✨ Tasty holiday treats

🎁 A FREE One Nevada ornament (while supplies last)

🎉 A chance to win a festive holiday prize!

We can’t wait to celebrate YOU and make the season even merrier. See you there! 🎅

1. Phishing Scams

Be wary of emails or texts claiming to be from trusted retailers or charities. Always verify the sender and avoid clicking on suspicious links.

2. Fake Online Stores

Shop smart by sticking with reputable retailers. Deals that sound too good to be true often are!

3. Package Delivery Scams

Watch out for unexpected package notifications. Track orders directly with shipping companies. Do not click on unexpected delivery-related links because they may lead to malware installation or theft of personal information. Only use official tracking links from trusted shipping carriers. Don’t fall for fake delivery notifications.

Tips to Stay Protected:

Use secure payment methods, like credit cards, for online purchases.

Enable alerts on your accounts to monitor transactions in real time.

Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is.

For more fraud prevention tips, victim assistance, E-Learning courses, and safety videos, visit One Nevada Fraud Center.

1. Create or Update Your Budget

A budget is the foundation of financial wellness. If you don’t already have one, now is the time to create it. If you do, take a moment to reassess it for the new year.

Steps to Get Started:

• Review your income and monthly expenses.
• Identify non-essential spending and areas where you can cut back.
• Use our KeepTrack® tool in digital banking to track your expenses.

By maintaining a clear picture of your finances, you’ll be better equipped to save, invest, and achieve your financial goals.

2. Build or Boost Your Emergency Fund

An emergency fund is your financial safety net. Aim to save three to six months’ worth of living expenses, or start with a smaller goal if that seems daunting.

How to Achieve It:

• Automate a portion of your paycheck to go directly into a savings account.
• Cut back on discretionary spending and funnel those savings into your emergency fund.
• Consider using any year-end bonuses or tax refunds to give your fund a boost.

Having an emergency fund ensures you’re prepared for unexpected expenses, like car repairs or medical bills, without going into debt.

3. Pay Down High-Interest Debt

High-interest debt, like credit card balances, can be a significant financial burden. Make it a priority to reduce or eliminate this type of debt.

Strategies to Consider:

• Use the debt snowball method: Pay off the smallest balance first, then move to the next.
• Or try the debt avalanche method: Focus on paying off the highest-interest debt first.
• Refinance or consolidate your debt to secure a lower interest rate. 

Reducing debt frees up money for savings and other financial goals, giving you peace of mind.

4. Start Saving for a Specific Goal

Whether it’s a vacation, a new car, or a down payment on a home, setting a specific savings goal can help you stay motivated.

Tips to Save Effectively:

• Open a dedicated savings account for your goal.
• Break the total amount into smaller, achievable milestones.
• Set up automatic transfers to consistently fund your goal.

Seeing your progress over time can be incredibly rewarding and keep you focused on the finish line.

5. Review and Adjust Your Retirement Plan

It’s never too early (or too late) to prepare for retirement. Use the New Year to assess your retirement savings strategy and make any necessary adjustments.

Action Items:

• Increase your contributions to your 401(k) or IRA, even if it’s just by 1%.
• If your employer offers a match, contribute enough to take full advantage of it.
• Review your investment portfolio to ensure it aligns with your retirement timeline and risk tolerance.

The sooner you start saving for retirement, the more time your money has to grow through the power of compounding interest.

Final Thoughts

Setting financial goals doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on these five simple but meaningful objectives, you’ll set the stage for a successful and prosperous year. Remember, consistency is key, and small steps can lead to big results over time.

What financial goals are you working toward this year? Share your plans with us in the comments or reach out to One Nevada Credit Union for tools and guidance to help you succeed!

🚨 Top 5 Romance Scam Red Flags

1️⃣ Stay Calm—Scammers use urgency to pressure you. If someone you’ve never met is rushing you to send money, take a step back and think.
2️⃣ They move fast—too fast. If they’re declaring love or talking about "destiny" within days, it’s a red flag.
3️⃣ They always have an excuse to not meet. If they claim to be overseas for work or military service and keep canceling plans, beware.
4️⃣ They ask for money—directly or indirectly. They might request gift cards, crypto, or wire transfers, often using a personal crisis as an excuse.
5️⃣ Their story keeps changing. Inconsistencies, vague answers, or disappearing and reappearing under a new name? Major red flag.

🛑 How to Protect Yourself

✔ Never send money or share personal financial info.
✔ Do a reverse image search on their photos.
✔ Stay on the platform you met them on—scammers want to move to private messaging.
✔ Talk to friends or family if something feels off.
✔ Trust your gut—if it feels too good to be true, it probably is.

🚨 In 2023, Nevadans lost $5.8 million to romance scams. By the time scammers ask for money, their victims have often spent months building what feels like a real relationship. The red flags don’t always appear right away—they surface once you're emotionally invested. If two or more warning signs pop up, don’t be afraid to walk away. Stay alert and trust your gut! 

Learn More at our Fraud Center.

Closest Alternative Locations:

Walgreens Allpoint ATM (Cash withdrawals and deposits availability)
4470 E Bonanza Rd
Las Vegas NV 89110

CVS Allpoint ATM (Cash withdrawals and deposits availability)
4411 E Bonanza Rd
Las Vegas NV 89110

One Nevada Credit Union Sunrise Branch
1292 S Nellis, Ste C
Las Vegas, NV 89104

Thank you for your membership.

At One Nevada, we’re always on the lookout for ways to help our members achieve their financial goals—and owning a home is one of the biggest dreams we love to support. If you’ve been thinking about buying your first home (or it’s been a while since you’ve owned one), there’s a new opportunity that could make a huge difference in your journey.

Introducing the FHLB Middle-Income Downpayment Assistance Grant

Thanks to the Federal Home Loan Bank’s (FHLB) grant program, eligible homebuyers may qualify for up to $25,000 to help cover down payment and closing costs. That’s real money that could bring your homeownership dreams within reach—faster than you thought possible.

Here’s How It Works:

If you meet the FHLB’s program requirements and contribute at least $10,000 toward your home’s down payment, you may be eligible for a grant of up to $25,000. These funds can be used for both your down payment and closing costs.

Do You Qualify?
To be eligible, you’ll need to:
✅ Be a first-time homebuyer or haven’t owned a home in the past three years
✅ Meet local income requirements (varies by area)
✅ Complete a homebuyer education course
✅ Contribute a minimum of $10,000 to your down payment

Act Fast – Funds Are Limited!

These grants are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, and once the funds run out, they’re gone. So if you’re even thinking about buying a home this year, now’s the time to explore your options.

Our One Nevada Mortgage team is here to help you every step of the way. We’ll walk you through the grant application process and see if you qualify.

Call us at 702-382-4094 to get started today!

Your future home is waiting—and with a little help, it might be closer than you think!

In the meantime, you can use One Nevada’s Send Money feature, available now in your mobile app. It offers:

• More ways to pay – Instantly send funds to family and friends using their cell phone number or email—no extra steps needed.
• Stronger security – Advanced fraud protection to help keep your money safe.
• No extra apps – Everything you need is already in your One Nevada app.

You can also continue using services like PayPal®, Apple Cash®, Cash App®, and Venmo® for external transfers.

We’re here to support you through the change. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re happy to help!

These messages look official — often using your name, a legitimate tolling agency, and a link to pay. But it’s a phishing scam designed to steal your personal and financial information.

How the scam works:

You get a text saying you owe a toll fee and must pay immediately to avoid penalties. The link takes you to a fake website that mimics a real toll service. Entering your payment info hands it straight to scammers.

How to protect yourself:

• Don’t click the link — even out of curiosity.
• Delete the message immediately. The FBI says this helps prevent accidental clicks and stops scammers from confirming your number is active.
• Watch for red flags like urgent language, typos, or unknown senders.
• Visit the official toll agency website directly if you're unsure.
• Report the scam by forwarding the message to 7726 (SPAM) or submitting it to the FTC.
• Set up fraud alerts for extra protection.

Scammers are clever, but you’re smarter. When in doubt, pause, verify, and protect your info. Share this warning with your circle — a few seconds of caution can save a world of stress.

Remember: Don’t reply. Don’t click. Delete it immediately.

Sources: FBI, Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Event Details:

📍 Nellis Air Force Base

🗓 April 5–6, 2025

🕗 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

🚗 Free Parking at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

🎟 Free Admission

👉 Get All the Airshow Info
 

Identity theft is a problem in Nevada and can happen to anyone. One of the easiest ways to reduce your risk is to use a secure paper shredder. Assured Document Destruction will be on-site to safely and properly dispose of unwanted documents. Up to three boxes filled with acceptable recyclable items are allowed per car. Electronics, ink cartridges, and cardboard will not be accepted.

What to Shred to Prevent Identity Theft:

• Bank statements & ATM receipts
• Expired ID cards
• Documents with your Social Security number
• Credit info & pre-approved offers
• Investment papers
• Old pay stubs
• Voided checks
• Plane tickets

Quick tip: If it has personal info—shred it!

The One Nevada shred event is free to the public, but cash contributions and non-perishable food donations will be accepted. Three Square Food Bank will have an information booth at the event and be on-site collecting donations to help in their mission.

Watch out for a new twist:

Some scammers pretend to be hiring managers, claiming they saw your resume online. They’ll say they’re recruiting for a high-paying remote job and may ask for personal info, offer a suspicious link, or invite you to an “interview” over messaging apps. It’s designed to build trust—then exploit it.

How to Protect Yourself:

Don’t respond to unexpected texts from unknown numbers.

Never click on links in unsolicited messages.

Verify the sender by contacting the company or person directly using a known and trusted method.

Report suspicious messages by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM) and to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Key Statistics on Text Message Scams from the FTC:

In 2024, consumers reported losing $470 million to text message scams, a fivefold increase from 2020.

Text message open rates are estimated to be as high as 98%, making them an effective tool for scammers.

The share of text scam reports indicating monetary loss increased from 5% in 2020 to 11% in 2024.

Stay vigilant and cautious with unexpected messages to protect yourself from these evolving scams.

Remember: Don't reply. Don't click. Delete it immediately.

We’re making it easier than ever to protect your personal information. Join One Nevada Credit Union for a FREE Community Shred Day on Friday, May 30, from 10 AM to 2 PM at our Lemmon Valley Branch:

📍 200 Vista Knoll Parkway, Reno, NV 89506

Identity theft is unfortunately all too common in Nevada, but one of the simplest ways to stay safe is to securely dispose of old paperwork. That’s where we come in! Our friends at American Document Destruction will be on-site with their professional shredding truck to help you clear out your clutter the safe way.

Bring up to three boxes of acceptable paper items per car. Please note: electronics, ink cartridges, batteries, and cardboard will not be accepted.

What Should You Shred?

If it has personal or financial information, don’t toss it—shred it!
Here are just a few examples:

• Bank statements & ATM receipts
• Expired ID cards
• Anything with your Social Security number
• Credit info & pre-approved credit offers
• Investment account documents
• Old pay stubs
• Voided checks
• Plane tickets

Quick tip: If you wouldn’t want it in the wrong hands, it’s better off shredded!

Give Back While You Shred

This event is completely free and open to the public, but if you’d like to pay it forward, we’re accepting cash donations for the SPCA of Northern Nevada. They’ll be on-site with an info booth to share more about their amazing work rescuing local animals in need.

Come out for some secure shredding, peace of mind, and community connection—we’d love to see you there!

🖱️ Learn more about the SPCA of Northern Nevada at spcanevada.org

📸 Valley of Fire State Park – Less than an hour from Vegas, this fiery red wonderland is a fave for day hikes, selfies, and sunset shots. Entry’s only a few bucks, and the photo ops? Priceless.

🌈 Seven Magic Mountains – You’ve seen it on your feed—now go in person! This roadside rainbow rock art is free to visit and makes a bold backdrop for your summer pics.

💦 Lake Tahoe’s Secret Cove – Pack a cooler, grab your floaties, and enjoy this locals-loved cove with crystal-clear water and chill beach vibes about a mile south of Sand Harbor—no fancy resort needed.

🎨 Reno Riverwalk District – Art, bites, music, and local vibes! Check out pop-up markets or just stroll the river. It’s free fun with major local flavor.

Pro Tips for Local Explorers:

• Skip the tourist traps—pack your own snacks and hit the trails early.
• Plan weekday trips to avoid crowds (and heat!).
• Set a mini travel budget and pay with your debit card to stay on track.

You already live in the best state—now go explore it like a savvy local!

Just like a trip to the vet keeps Winston in top shape, a mid-year financial checkup can help you stay on track with your money goals. Here’s how to give your finances a quick but powerful pulse check—no spreadsheets required (unless you like that sort of thing).

1. Review Your Budget

Has your spending changed since January? Maybe grocery costs have gone up, or streaming services multiplied like squirrels in spring. Revisit your budget to see where your money is really going and adjust your spending plan accordingly.

2. Track Your Savings Progress

Whether you’re saving for a new home, a rainy day, or a weekend dog spa (no judgment), check in on your goals. Are you halfway to your target? If not, don’t panic—just recalibrate. A small weekly transfer can still make a big difference by year-end.

3. Peek at Your Credit Score

Your credit score is like your financial report card. Use a free credit monitoring tool to check your score and report. Look for any errors or surprises and celebrate any progress!

4. Evaluate Your Debt

Take inventory of any debts and review your payment strategy. Could you refinance to lower your rate? Could you pay a little extra each month? Every little bit counts (and helps reduce the stress).

5. Plan for the Rest of the Year

Got big expenses coming up—like holidays, back-to-school, or a new dog house? Start budgeting now. Planning ahead keeps you from dipping into savings or leaning on high-interest credit cards.

Bonus Tail Wag: Automate What You Can

Automatic transfers to savings or auto-loan payments = fewer things to worry about and more time for fetch.

Bottom line? Mid-year is the perfect moment to paws 🐾 and adjust. You’ve got this—and One Nevada is here to help.

Las Vegas Shred Day: 6,900 Meals for Nevadans in Need

Our Las Vegas Shred Day took place at the Durango Branch and was a resounding success thanks to our generous and caring community. Together, we:

• Collected 507 lbs of food
• Raised $1,148 in donations

One Nevada matched and rounded up the amount for a total donation of $2,300 to Three Square Food Bank, Southern Nevada’s largest hunger relief organization. That’s enough to provide an estimated 6,900 meals for individuals and families in need. 💛

Reno Shred Day: Helping Pets Through the SPCA of Northern Nevada

In Northern Nevada, we held our Shred Day at the Lemmon Valley Branch, where community members showed up in full force with documents to shred and hearts full of generosity. With Sunny 106.9 broadcasting live from the event, we raised $1,154 for the SPCA of Northern Nevada, a nonprofit dedicated to animal rescue and adoption. One Nevada matched and rounded up the total donation to $2,400 to support pets in need. 🐾

Community, Security, and Giving—All in One Day

One Nevada’s Shred Days offer more than free document shredding—they offer a way to:

• Prevent identity theft
• Support local nonprofits
• Strengthen community connections

Whether it’s providing meals for families or helping animals find loving homes, our spring shred events show how a simple act—like shredding old paperwork—can make a real difference.

Stay Tuned for the Next One!

We’re grateful to everyone who participated, donated, and spread the word. Whether you came to shred, support, or simply say hello, your involvement made an impact. Stay connected with One Nevada Credit Union for future community events, shred days, and ways to give back.

Together, we’re keeping Nevada safe, secure, and supported.

What Is Account Takeover Fraud?

Account Takeover Fraud occurs when a criminal gains unauthorized access to your online or mobile banking account. They might steal your login information, trick you into revealing a security code, or use phishing tactics to impersonate your credit union. Once in, they can transfer funds, make purchases, or change your account settings.

This form of online banking fraud is on the rise, but don’t worry—you can take simple steps to stay safe.

How Scammers Target You

Fraudsters use a variety of tactics to take control of your account:

• Fake texts or emails with harmful links
• Phone calls pretending to be from One Nevada or tech support
• Urgent messages that try to scare you into sharing information

They rely on panic and quick reactions. But you have the power to stay in control.

How to Prevent Account Takeover Fraud

Protect your account by following these fraud prevention tips:

1. Never share your login credentials or one-time passcodes.
2. Ignore suspicious messages. Don’t click links—go straight to our official site or app.
3. Use strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication for added protection.
4. Update your devices and use reliable antivirus software.

🔑IMPORTANT: If you receive a one-time Secure Access Code (SAC) by text, call, or email never share it with anyone, even if they claim to be from One Nevada. Sharing this code gives fraudsters full access to your account.

Stay Calm and Take Control

If someone contacts you about your account:

• Don’t share anything.
• Hang up and call us directly using the official One Nevada phone number on the back of your debit card.
• Report suspicious activity immediately. We’re always here to help.

Remember: We will never call/contact you and ask for your verification code.

Stay Safe with One Nevada

Account Takeover Fraud can be scary, but with the right habits, you can outsmart scammers.
Want more security tips? Visit our Fraud Prevention Resource Center.

1. Make It a BYOS (Bring Your Own Side) Grill the main dish, but let your guests shine with their signature side dishes. A potluck-style BBQ not only saves you money, but guarantees a table full of variety—and maybe a new favorite recipe (Aunt Karen’s pickle dip, anyone?).

2. Skip the Fancy Drinks You don’t need a cooler full of craft sodas and artisan spritzers. Go for one or two crowd-pleasers (think lemonade or iced tea) and offer a “water bar” with lemon, cucumber, or mint. Fancy and frugal.

3. Watch for Meat Sales (and Freeze Ahead!) Keep an eye out for sales on burgers, hot dogs, chicken, or whatever you plan to grill. Buy ahead, freeze it, and defrost the day before your BBQ. Bonus: you avoid the pre-holiday price hikes.

4. Embrace Seasonal Produce Watermelon, corn, zucchini—they’re cheaper (and tastier) in summer. Skip the fancy out-of-season fruit platters and stick to what’s fresh and affordable.

5. Use What You Already Have Before you hit the store, check your pantry, fridge, and that “random BBQ gear” drawer. You might already have napkins, paper plates, or that half-full bottle of mustard from last year’s cookout.

Your summer BBQ doesn’t need to cost a fortune to be a blast. Plan smart, shop ahead, and let your guests pitch in. Less stress, more grill marks!

What began as a covert intelligence mission evolved into a high-stakes psychological chess match with LockBit’s egotistical leader. DiMaggio’s strategic blend of intelligence gathering, digital forensics, and psychological manipulation culminated in a staged $10 million extortion plot — a move that contributed to crippling the cybercriminal syndicate from within.

This compelling presentation will highlight the human toll of deep undercover work and provide rare insight into the psyche of global cybercrime networks.

The event is sponsored by One Nevada Credit Union and is free to Mob Museum members or included with general admission. It will take place in the Museum’s historic courtroom.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, August 7

Time: 7 PM

Location: The Mob Museum Courtroom

Admission: Free for Members or with Museum Admission

RSVP: https://themobmuseum.org/events-posts/taking-down-lockbit-infiltrating-the-worlds-most-notorious-ransomware-gang/

To learn more about the event and purchase tickets, please visit https://themobmuseum.org/.

This free community event is the perfect opportunity to securely dispose of unwanted documents while helping animals in need through our partnership with the SPCA of Northern Nevada.

Why Participate in Shred Day?

We all have stacks of paper—outdated bills, tax records, or personal documents—that we no longer need. Simply tossing them in the trash puts your sensitive information at risk of identity theft. Shredding is the safest way to protect your privacy.

At the same time, Shred Day gives us the chance to come together as a community and support an organization that works tirelessly to provide shelter, care, and loving homes for local pets.

Event Details

Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025

Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Location: One Nevada Plumb Lane Branch, 1296 E. Plumb Lane, Reno, NV

Donations: SPCA of Northern Nevada

How You Can Help

When you bring your documents to shred, please also consider bringing a donation for the SPCA of Northern Nevada. Your contribution helps them provide food, medical care, and safe shelter for homeless pets until they find their forever homes.

Tips for a Smooth Shred Day

• Gather outdated personal and financial documents you no longer need.
• Remove binders, large clips, and other non-paper items.
• Arrive during event hours, and our team will help you with the shredding process.

Protect Your Information. Help Local Pets.

Shred Day is more than just clearing out clutter—it’s about protecting yourself from identity theft while making a positive impact in our community. Join us at the Plumb Lane Branch on October 2 and be part of this special day.

Identity theft is a problem in Nevada and can happen to anyone. One of the easiest ways to reduce your risk is to use a secure paper shredder. Assured Document Destruction will be on-site to safely and properly dispose of unwanted documents. Up to three boxes filled with acceptable recyclable items are allowed per car. Electronics, ink cartridges, and cardboard will not be accepted.

To reduce the risk of identity theft, the most essential documents to shred are bank statements and ATM receipts, expired ID cards, documents containing your social security number and credit information, investment documents, old pay stubs, voided checks, and old plane tickets. Essentially, you should shred anything that contains personal information that identity thieves could use. When in doubt, shred it! 

The One Nevada shred event is free to the public, but cash contributions and non-perishable food donations will be accepted. Three Square Food Bank will have an information booth at the event and be on-site collecting donations to help in their mission.

What is Shred Day?

One Nevada’s Shred Day events give the community a free, secure, and environmentally friendly way to dispose of old, sensitive documents. It’s an easy way to prevent identity theft while protecting the environment, and it’s also a chance for us to give back. Each event benefits a local nonprofit through monetary donations and much-needed supplies.

Supporting SPCA of Northern Nevada

This spring, we partnered with the SPCA of Northern Nevada to support their mission of saving and improving the lives of homeless pets.

• Together, we raised $1,603 in donations.
• With One Nevada’s matching and rounding, we turned that into a $3,300 donation!
• We also collected a sprinter van full of pet food and supplies to help keep tails wagging.

A Team Effort

A big thank you to our members who gave generously, and to the incredible SPCA volunteers who worked tirelessly in the rain.

Mark Your Calendar

The next Reno Shred Day is scheduled for May 2026. Bring your old documents, protect your identity, and help us make an even bigger impact for our local nonprofit partners.

Together, we’re making Nevada stronger, one Shred Day at a time.

One Nevada Credit Union is proud to announce a $2,800 donation and 593 pounds of food collected for Three Square Food Bank during its recent Las Vegas Shred Day at the Green Valley Branch.

The event gave community members a free and secure way to shred sensitive documents while helping fight hunger in Southern Nevada. Attendees donated $1,385 in on-site contributions, which One Nevada matched and rounded up for a total donation of $2,800. In addition, 593 pounds of food were collected.

The success of the event was made possible by generous community participation, dedicated One Nevada employees, and Three Square volunteers who worked on-site to collect donations and assist attendees.

The next Las Vegas Shred Day will be announced in 2026, continuing One Nevada’s commitment to community service and secure document disposal.

We’re hosting the Tenth Annual Griswold Challenge, and we need you to channel your inner Clark Griswold (or Cousin Eddie). Compete for the most dazzling light display and a chance to win some serious holiday cash:

🎁1st Place: $750
🎁2nd Place: $250

How to join the fun? It’s easy (and free)! Just email Angela@39NorthDowntown.com for a contest packet. We’ll hook you up with a power source and a cozy 10x20 spot to deck out with as many lights as your holiday heart desires. Nostalgic movie sets? Classic holiday vibes? Go wild. Remember, this is a People’s Choice Award, so pull out all the stops to wow the crowd. 🌟

🎅Details You Can’t Miss
📅Deadline to Enter: December 2
📍Event Dates: December 4-6
📌Where: Victorian Square Plaza
🎟Cost: FREE!

Swing by One Nevada’s booth to vote for your favorite display and snap some festive pics while you’re at it. Let’s make this a holiday to remember—see you there! 🎄

1. Deals that are too good to be true
A brand-new iPhone for $12? Designer boots for $9? Sounds amazing—but it’s a trap. Scammers love to lure shoppers with jaw-dropping prices, then steal credit card information for their own shopping spree.

Be smarter: If a deal seems ridiculously low, it probably is. Stick to reputable retailers and double-check prices.

2. Discounted gift cards
Before Black Friday, you might spot gift cards sold for a fraction of their face value online. Often, these are stolen or fraudulent. By the time you try to use one, it could be deactivated, leaving you out in the cold.

Be smarter: Avoid buying super-cheap gift cards from unknown sellers.

3. Bait-and-switch schemes
Online sweepstakes promising the latest tech in exchange for your personal info? Classic bait-and-switch. Offline, it can look like a store advertising jaw-dropping deals that “just happen” to be sold out when you arrive.

Be smarter: Never enter sweepstakes or trust unfamiliar ads for heavily discounted products.

4. Fake delivery alerts
Emails claiming a problem with your delivery and asking you to click a link or download an attachment are likely phishing scams.

Be smarter: Contact the seller directly if you’re worried about a delivery. Never click suspicious links or download unknown files.

5. Risky payment methods
Scammers often request payment via wire transfer or money orders. Once your money is gone, it’s nearly impossible to recover. Credit cards offer far better protection, and debit cards can work if you stick to trusted retailers.

Be smarter: Use a credit card for new-to-you stores and websites that appear to be legitimate. If you’re not quite sure, take a moment and ask a trusted family member or friend or do your own research. Your wallet, and sanity, will thank you.

Hey Nevada essential workers, we’ve got some exciting news! The Nevada Housing Division just rolled out the Worker Advantage Program, a Down Payment Assistance (DPA) initiative that can give your homeownership dreams a serious boost. And yes, we’re talking $20,000 to help you get there!

Call Us  Email Us

Program Benefits

• $20,000 in Down Payment Assistance for eligible homebuyers
• Use the funds toward your down payment or to buy down your interest rate (any remaining funds may be applied to the down payment and/or closing costs)
• No interest, no payments, non-forgivable 30-year second mortgage
• No first-time homebuyer requirement

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be employed in an Essential Worker profession (healthcare, education, public safety, construction, and more)
• If there are multiple borrowers, only one must meet the essential worker requirement
• Must be a Nevada resident for at least 6 months
• All borrowers must complete a homebuyer education course prior to closing
• Household income up to 150% of Area Median Income (limits vary by county)
• Maximum home price of $832,750
• Must not have previously used a Home Is Possible program
• Home must be occupied as your primary residence

Don’t Wait—Act Fast!
Wondering if you qualify? One Nevada is here to guide you through the process from start to keys-in-hand. Call us at 702-382-4094 and let’s see if the Worker Advantage Program can help you snag your new home. Funds are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis so don’t delay.

Call Us  Email Us

1. Shop Smart

Stick to trusted websites and verified retailers. If a site looks suspicious, or you’re unsure about that too-good-to-be-true deal, pause before entering your payment info. And beware of flashy ads or sponsored links promising insane discounts.

2. Stay Secure Online

Only shop on secure Wi-Fi networks or use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) when possible. Public Wi-Fi can be a playground for cyber thieves.

3. Keep Personal Info on the Down Low

Oversharing online? Think twice. Details like your birthday, pet’s name, or favorite color can be used to bypass security questions. Only share what’s necessary.

4. Verify Every Deal

If an email or text promises jaw-dropping discounts, confirm it directly with the retailer. Scammers love “too good to be true” offers.

5. Keep an Eye on Your Accounts

Review your statements and credit reports regularly. Many people spot fraud early simply by paying attention. Tools like One Nevada’s digital banking make monitoring easy, and you can access or freeze your credit reports at Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion.

6. Stay Current

Make sure your bank or credit union has your latest contact info. That way, fraud alerts reach you quickly, not after the damage is done.

7. Protect Your Mail

Shred sensitive documents, including pre-approved credit offers, and keep an eye on your mailbox. Physical theft is still a real risk.

8. Use Strong Passwords

Different accounts need different passwords. Use long, unique passwords for financial accounts, social media, and mobile apps. Consider a secure password manager if you’re juggling a lot.

💡 Pro Tip: See if your financial institution has a fraud prevention webpage or FAQ—it could be a goldmine of holiday safety tips. One Nevada cardholders can also visit the Fraud Center for resources, alerts, and guidance to stay safe this season.

By following these steps, you can focus on the joy of the season, not the stress of fraud.

1. Make a Master List (and Check It Twice)

List every holiday expense you can think of: gifts, decorations, travel, donations, and even the fancy wrapping paper. Then, trim the list by ditching the extras and repurposing items you already have on hand.

2. Set Your Holiday Spending Number

Find that magic amount you can comfortably afford without raiding next year’s savings. Ideally, this is money you've intentionally set aside for holiday spending. If not, don’t worry, this list will help you stay on track.

3. Divide and Conquer Your Budget

Break your spending into categories and assign a specific dollar amount to each one. Set gift budgets for each person and ensure your numbers align with your budget.

4. Track as You Spend

Keep tabs on every purchase so your budget doesn’t pull a disappearing act. Review your spending often to make sure you’re sticking to the plan.

5. Shop Smarter, Not Harder

Stretch your holiday money further with these smart shopping tricks:

• Use deal apps: Tools like The Coupons App or Rakuten send discounts straight to your phone.
• Shop online on Tuesdays: Research shows Tuesday mornings often offer the sweetest online deals.
• Bring a friend: Split BOGO sales so each of you walks away with a bargain.
• Wait it out: Prices often drop as the holiday approaches and retailers get ready to clear their shelves

Ready to enjoy a season full of happiness without financial stress? These easy steps can help keep your holidays cheerful and budget-friendly.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! We’re feeling very festive as we close out our 75th anniversary year—thanks to amazing members like YOU!

You’re the reason One Nevada is here, and we want to share some holiday cheer with you.

🎁 Join us for a Member Appreciation Holiday Party!
Stop by your nearest branch on Thursday, December 18, during business hours, and enjoy:
✨ Delicious holiday treats
🎄 A FREE One Nevada holiday ornament + cozy socks (while supplies last)
🎉 A chance to win a fabulous holiday prize

Let’s make your season merry and bright—we can’t wait to see you there!

Thank you for being part of One Nevada. Wishing you a joyful holiday season!

Happy Holidays! 
The One Nevada Team 🎅🎁

It’s a new year, and what better way to start fresh than by finally kicking your debt to the curb? If your credit cards, loans or lingering balances have been weighing you down, now’s the time to reset, refocus and get serious about reclaiming your financial freedom.

Here are six steps for tackling your debt head-on in the new year.

1. Know what you owe

The first step in any debt payoff journey is to get brutally honest about your numbers. Make a full list of your debts and note the balance, minimum payment and interest rate on each.

2. Choose a payoff strategy that fits your style

There are two main methods when it comes to paying off multiple debts; choose the one that best suits your personality.

• Avalanche method. Pay off the debt with the highest interest rate first while making minimum payments on the rest. This saves the most money in the long run.
• Snowball method. Pay off the smallest balance first, then move on to the second-smallest. Quick wins will keep you motivated, but you’ll be paying more interest overall.

3. Cut out unnecessary spending 

Cutting back on unnecessary expenses for a few months can give you a serious head-start on your goals.

4. Use “extra money” wisely

Tax refunds and holiday bonuses can become powerful tools in your debt payoff journey. Instead of spending these small windfalls, apply them directly to your highest-interest debt.

5. Consider consolidating debt

If high interest is keeping you stuck, there are steps you can take to reduce it.

For example, consider a debt consolidation loan. Also known as a personal or signature loan, this allows you to roll multiple debts into a single, lower-interest monthly payment. This makes your debts easier to manage and saves on interest. Check out One Nevada’s easy Signature Loan option here.

6. Automate and track

Automate your minimum payments so you never miss one, and set up extra payments for your top-priority debt. Set aside time every month to review your progress and verify that you’re still on track.

Make this the year you stop just managing your debt and start crushing it.

If your finances feel like they’re in a loop—spend, stress, repeat—it might be time to break the cycle. This Groundhog Day, take a cue from everyone’s favorite weather-predicting rodent and switch things up with smarter financial habits.

Key Financial Habits to Break the Loop

Pay Yourself First
Set up automatic transfers to savings or investments. When saving happens first, wealth builds quietly in the background—no willpower required.

Budget & Track Regularly
Checking your balances and spending isn’t always about restriction; it’s about awareness. A quick review helps prevent overspending and keeps “surprise” expenses from sneaking up on you.

Pay Bills on Time
Timely payments protect your credit score and help you avoid unnecessary fees. Set reminders or autopay so nothing slips through the cracks.

Use Dollar-Cost Averaging
Investing consistently, such as a little each month vs. a larger amount once a year, can help smooth out volatility over time and keep emotions out of investing decisions.

Review Your Expenses
Don’t just pay bills on autopilot. Periodically check subscriptions, insurance rates, and services to make sure you’re not paying more than necessary.

Practice Mindful Spending
Shift your mindset from “What can’t I buy?” to “What am I saving for?” Whether it’s a home, a vacation, or retirement, purpose-driven spending feels far more rewarding.

This Groundhog Day, don’t wait for the shadow; take control and break free from the financial loop for good.

Fraudsters are getting smarter every day, and your debit card could be a prime target. At One Nevada, we want to make sure you know how to stay safe and keep your online account information private and secure.

One Important Rule: Never Share Your Information Online

It’s simple but crucial: never give out your debit card number, PIN, or online banking password. One Nevada will never call, text, or email asking for this information. If anyone asks, it’s a scam.

Tips to Protect Your Account

Here are some easy steps to keep your money safe:

Stay skeptical of unsolicited contact. If you get a call, email, or text claiming to be from your credit union asking for personal info, don’t respond.

Monitor your online account regularly. Check for unfamiliar transactions and report them immediately.

Use strong passwords and PINs online. Avoid simple sequences and don’t use the same password across multiple accounts.

Report suspicious activity. If something seems off, contact us right away at chat@onenevada.org or call your local branch.

Stay Vigilant, Stay Protected

Protecting your finances starts with awareness. By staying alert and following these tips, you can prevent fraudsters from accessing your account and enjoy peace of mind while banking.

Your security is our top priority, and we’re always here to help.

As more of our banking happens online, fraudsters are finding new ways to exploit digital access. One of the fastest-growing threats today is Account Takeover Fraud — a scheme where criminals gain unauthorized access to your online or mobile banking account.

Once inside, they can transfer money, make purchases, change your contact information, or even lock you out of your own account. The good news? A few simple habits can dramatically reduce your risk.

What Is Account Takeover Fraud?

Account takeover occurs when a scammer tricks you into sharing your login credentials or a one-time security code. They often pose as a trusted source to make their request seem legitimate.

Their goal is simple: gain access before you realize what’s happening.

How Scammers Trick People

Fraudsters rely on urgency, fear, and impersonation. Common tactics include:

• Fake emails or text messages containing malicious links
• Phone calls pretending to be your credit union or “tech support”
• Messages claiming there’s suspicious activity on your account and you must act immediately
• Requests for a one-time Secure Access Code (SAC)

If a message pressures you to respond quickly or share sensitive information, that’s a major red flag.

The Most Important Rule: Never Share Your Secure Access Code

If you receive a one-time Secure Access Code (SAC) by text, call, or email, do not share it with anyone — even if they claim to be from One Nevada.

That code is designed to verify you. Sharing it gives fraudsters direct access to your account.

Remember: One Nevada will never ask for your password, full login details, or your Secure Access Code.

How to Protect Your Account

You can strengthen your defenses with these simple steps:

• Never share your login credentials or security codes
• Avoid clicking suspicious links — access your account through the official website or mobile app
• Use strong, unique passwords for your accounts
• Enable multi-factor authentication whenever available
• Keep your devices updated and protected with antivirus software
• Monitor your accounts regularly for unfamiliar activity

What To Do If You Receive a Suspicious Call

If someone contacts you about your account and asks for sensitive information:

1. Hang up immediately.
2. Call the number on the back of your debit card to verify.
3. Report the incident right away.

When in doubt, pause. A legitimate organization will never pressure you to share secure information on the spot.

Stay Aware. Stay Protected.

Account takeover fraud depends on catching people off guard. By staying cautious and protecting your login information, you dramatically reduce the chances of becoming a victim.

Your financial security is a partnership. Awareness is your first line of defense — and the simplest way to stay one step ahead of fraud.

Something SWEET is happening in Southwest Las Vegas!

Have Questions?

We’re rolling out the welcome mat and celebrating in style! Join us for the Grand Opening of our newly remodeled S Durango & Russell Branch and be among the first to see the fresh new space. 🎉
 

🗓️ Thursday, April 2, 2026

🕙 9 AM – 5 PM

📍 5525 S Durango Drive

Las Vegas, NV 89113

At One Nevada, we’re dedicated to helping you grow your financial confidence. That’s why we've expanded our Mortgage Center at S Durango & Russell into a full-service location, featuring branch services, a 24-hour outdoor ATM, an indoor ATM during business hours, and more – all designed to help you upgrade your financial forecast!

Stop by to explore our money-saving benefits, meet our friendly team, and treat yourself to something sweet from a nearby bakery while you're here!

🍬 Guess the Candy Jar Contest
Take your best shot at the sugar stash! 🎯 The closest guess wins $100 Amazon gift card  — and second place scores a $50 Amazon gift card!

🧁 Sweet Treats from a Local Bakery
Cupcakes, cookies, and refreshments? Yes, please. 🍪✨ Swing by for something sweet from a local bakery (while supplies last!).

🎉 Open an Account on Grand Opening Day & Score Something SWEET!
Enjoy a SWEET Swag Bag 🛍️ and spin our Prize Wheel 🎁 for a chance to win fun surprises and exclusive One Nevada goodies if you open an account on Opening Day!

Come for the fun. Stay for the perks. Leave with prizes.

A sweet financial future starts here.

We look forward to seeing you soon! 😊

The One Nevada Team

Tax season can feel daunting, but One Nevada Credit Union is here to make it a little easier on your wallet. Through our partnership with Love My Credit Union Rewards, members can access an exclusive 20% discount on TurboTax federal products — one of the most trusted names in do-it-yourself tax preparation.

Whether you're filing a simple return or navigating a more complex tax situation, TurboTax walks you through every step with easy-to-follow prompts and built-in guidance. And as an One Nevada member, you get to do all of that at a discount that the general public simply doesn't have access to.

What's included in the offer?

The discount applies to TurboTax federal online products for the 2025 tax year. Both new and returning TurboTax users qualify — so even if you've used TurboTax before, you're eligible to save as a credit union member this year.

20% off TurboTax federal 💸

Discount applies to TurboTax federal online products. Valid for new and returning filers through October 15, 2026.

Chance to win $10,000 🏆

Enter the Love My Credit Union Rewards Tax Time Sweepstakes for a shot at $1,000 monthly prizes and a $10,000 grand prize.

How to claim your member discount

Getting your discount is simple — just make sure you follow the steps below. The offer only activates when you access TurboTax through the member link, so don't skip that first step!

1. Visit the One Nevada member benefit page at Love My Credit Union Rewards Tax Services.
2. Click "Save Now" under the TurboTax offer to be taken directly to your member-discounted TurboTax microsite — the 20% savings is automatically built into the pricing on that page.
3. Log in or create a TurboTax account and file your taxes from that page. Do not navigate away or start a new session, or the discount may not apply.
4. While you're there, consider entering the Tax Time Sweepstakes for a chance to win monthly cash prizes and a $10,000 grand prize — no purchase necessary.

Don't forget the sweepstakes

On top of the TurboTax savings, Love My Credit Union Rewards is running a Tax Time Sweepstakes through April 15, 2026. As a One Nevada member, you're eligible to enter for a chance to win a $1,000 monthly prize in January, February, March, and April — plus a $10,000 grand prize. Entering is free and requires no purchase; you just need to be a U.S. credit union member or employee as of December 31, 2025.

You can enter once using a valid email address at the tax services page. It only takes a moment and could be the best 30 seconds you spend all tax season.

Why file with TurboTax?

TurboTax is one of the most widely used tax preparation platforms in the country for good reason. It guides you through your return step-by-step, flags potential deductions, and backs its results with an accuracy guarantee. Whether you're a first-time filer or a seasoned pro, the platform adapts to your situation — and now, as an One Nevada member, you can access it at a price that reflects the value of your membership.

Ready to save on your taxes?

Claim Your Discount

Access your 20% member discount through Love My Credit Union Rewards — and enter for a chance to win $10,000.

Offer details: TurboTax discount of 20% applies to TurboTax federal online products only. Discount is valid through October 15, 2026. Prices are determined at the time of print or e-file and are subject to change without notice. Terms, conditions, features, availability, pricing, fees, service and support options are subject to change without notice. Intuit, TurboTax and TurboTax Online are registered trademarks of Intuit Inc. in the United States and other countries. Sweepstakes: No purchase necessary. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States (D.C.), 18 years or older, who are members or employees of a U.S. credit union as of December 31, 2025. Ends April 15, 2026. Void where prohibited. Visit taxservices.lovemycreditunion.org for official rules, prize descriptions, and odds disclosure.