Beyond The Transaction Member Newsletter - Fall 2023
Cybersecurity 101
Did you know October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month? Before the holidays approach and we begin our online shopping adventures, let’s make sure we practice online safety and keep our information secure. Discover the cybersecurity basics:
- Use strong passwords. Scratch that. Use strong passphrases! The difference between a password and a passphrase is the amount of words. People will have a harder time guessing your password if it contains several words. Also, make sure you spice up your passwords by using numbers, capitalization, and symbols. For example, iLovemy_creditunion! The stronger the password (passphrase), the more your account is secure.
- Opt into multifactor authentication. Multifactor authentication adds an extra layer to your security. While it is another step to log into your account, it creates a barrier for scammers. Unless they have access to your email, phone, and account, you can stop them in their tracks with this function.
- Recognize scams. Phishing, SMishing, and vishing are the top three ways scammers try to get your information. Each is used to contact you and demand information urgently. By suggesting there is a countdown, you are more susceptible to falling into their trap. If you receive something that feels “off”, stop, breathe, and think. To know what scams have occurred in your area, view our recents scams page.
Keeping our members secure is important in our day-to-day. If you think you have fallen victim to a scam, report it! We are ready to assist.
Last quarter, we announced that we have been undergoing a computer system upgrade and reached the halfway point. If you haven’t heard anything new, that’s because most of the work is behind the scenes still. Our team is hard at work transferring data to our new system, double and triple-checking our work, and testing it to avoid glitches when we launch!
The next step in the process is catching the rest of the team up to speed. We will be dedicating time to training sessions. These training sessions will educate our team about new processes and procedures and how the upgrade will change their day-to-day.
All of this work will have little to no interferences in your service. We are still dedicated to going above and beyond to make sure you receive the products and services you need to accomplish your goals.
It’s been harder to get food on the dinner table with rising food costs. With your help, we have supported our communities when they needed it the most. We hope your kindness and charity continues as we approach the holiday season.
Join us for the 7th annual “WE CAN” food drive starting November 1st. We are collecting canned and non-perishable food at all of our branches. This food drive will run until the end of the year, ensuring everyone has food for more than just the holidays, but every other day of the week as well.
To say thanks for your contribution and show our support, Partners 1st Federal Credit Union will enter your name into a one-time cash drawing for $500. So, mark your calendars and get ready to bring in some canned goods! Together, we can make a difference.
Need a little help getting gifts this year? Apply for one of our Holiday Helper Loans! Starting in November, this small personal loan can get you over the hump of the holiday season and into the new year. Make this holiday season special without stressing yourself or your wallet.
Also, you can have more budget flexibility by skipping an auto or credit card payment housed through us. The Skip-A-Payment program is automatic and helps our members during the month of December without impacting their credit scores. Don’t sweat making ends meet when you should be out spreading holiday cheer.
It’s not Thanksgiving yet, but we already know who we are thankful for: our members! Through our first-ever Erase the Need drive, we were able to donate over 2,000 school supply items! This made an impact on the school children in our communities and set them up for success in the new school year. Thank you Partners 1st members!
Did you catch us at our biggest event of the year? Fort Wayne Museum of Art’s 2023 Chalk Walk is in the books, and we worked hard to keep everyone hydrated under the hot sun.
Coined Financial Term
Have you ever heard of financial planning? When you take basic financial steps, you can put yourself in a better position to budget, borrow, save, and achieve your goals. The five steps to start are… budget, set goals, prepare for emergencies, borrow wisely, and think about retirement. Learn more by visiting our itsaboutu.org blog or clicking here.
Partners 1st will be closed Monday, October 9th for Columbus Day. As always, you can access your accounts online 24/7/365.
11/1/2023-12/31/2023 – All locations
Donate canned goods and non-perishable items to be entered in a one-time $500 cash drawing.
Partners 1st will be closed Saturday, November 11th for Veterans Day. As always, you can access your accounts online 24/7/365.
Partners 1st will be closed Thursday, November 23rd for Thanksgiving. As always, you can access your accounts online 24/7/365.
Printable Version - Beyond the Transaction Member Newsletter, Fall 2023