Today we are diving into the rather heavy and difficult topic of loan defaults, what that really means and how to avoid it. You can find First Pioneers Federal Credit Union at our Lafayette or New Iberia branch in Louisiana or online at firstpioneers.com. If you prefer a blog version of our podcast you can find that on the website or if you prefer …

Today we are talking about real ways you can build your credit. Credit builder loans, shared secure loans and even co-borrowers are great methods. You can find First Pioneers Federal Credit Union at our Lafayette or New Iberia branch in Louisiana or online at firstpioneers.com. If you prefer a blog version of our podcast you can find that on the we…

Today we are talking about the top 10 financial terms that are confusing to many consumers. APR, APY, and even diversification. You can receive a free credit report from each of the reporting agencies and/or freecreditreport.com - once a year. The agencies are: TransUnion, Equifax and Experian. You can find First Pioneers Federal Credit Union at ou…

In this episode we are talking about money habits that aren't your typical ideas. All of them can help you save money! You can find First Pioneers Federal Credit Union at our Lafayette or New Iberia branch in Louisiana or online at firstpioneers.com. If you prefer a blog version of our podcast you can find that on the website or if you prefer video…

Scams are on the rise and it seems there's a new one daily. In this episode we are talking about the different scams out there and suggestions on how you can protect yourself. If you get a call using the "IRS scam", you can report it here, https://www.tigta.gov/. Better Business Bureau is another resource to use for research, https://www.bbb.org/. …

In this episode we are sharing 6 tips for an effective mid-year financial check which can help you stay on track in reaching your financial goals. You can find First Pioneers Federal Credit Union at our Lafayette or New Iberia branch in Louisiana or online at firstpioneers.com. If you prefer a blog version of our podcast you can find that on the we…

This episode is must listen! We are sharing a recording of a recent lunch or learn that was offered on the Credit Union facebook page. We are talking about credit tips that go beyond the typical tips that are typically discussed but have recently come up in member discussions. We are joined by First Pioneers management - Lawoka, CEO and Jeff, VP of…

Today we have 10 tips to help you save for your back to school shopping. From shopping at home to buying bulk, we've got some great tips for you. You can find First Pioneers Federal Credit Union at our Lafayette or New Iberia branch in Louisiana or online at firstpioneers.com. If you prefer a blog version of our podcast you can find that on the web…

In this episode we are talking about retirement savings. Its so important for everyone! We are explaining what retirement savings is and your options. We also explain a 401k, vesting and IRAs. the IRS has great topics for the tax implications of your retirement accounts. https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-topi…

In this episode we are talking about the dangers of Pay Day Loans and options to get the help you need that are healthier for your finances. You can find First Pioneers Federal Credit Union at our Lafayette or New Iberia branch in Louisiana or online at firstpioneers.com. If you prefer a blog version of our podcast you can find that on the website …

Today we are talking about courtesy pay, or you may know it as overdraft protection and how it can adversely affect your finances. Along with ways to break that cycle. You can find First Pioneers Federal Credit Union at our Lafayette or New Iberia branch in Louisiana or online at firstpioneers.com. If you prefer a blog version of our podcast you ca…

In this episode we talk about what you need to consider to make sure you have enough money for your retirement years. You can find First Pioneers Federal Credit Union at our Lafayette or New Iberia branch in Louisiana or online at firstpioneers.com. If you prefer a blog version of our podcast you can find that on the website or if you prefer video,…

In this episode we are talking about things you can do to navigate your finances as you navigate the seasons of life. Whether you are just starting out, you've gotten married, you've changed careers or you are preparing for retirement. We discuss the things you need to do to transition. You can find First Pioneers Federal Credit Union at our Lafaye…

In this episode as we continue celebrating youth month we are talking about 5 financial topics your kids need to know. 1. Where money really comes from, 2. The importance of savings and goal setting, 3. Wages & taxes, 4. How bank accounts work, 5. How things are paid for. And of course we have some bonus tips that help your kids learn to make smart…

Join us as we discuss Explorer accounts for kids. These are savings and checking accounts designed for kids 0-17. They have amazing features that help kids learn about how accounts work and helps get them started on a path to financial success. Find all the info about these accounts here, https://www.firstpioneers.com/explorer You can find First Pi…

Springtime is here and in this episode we give you 8 tips of things you can do to Spring clean your finances. Re-visiting your budget, your goals and getting organized are just a few. You can find First Pioneers Federal Credit Union at our Lafayette or New Iberia branch in Louisiana or online at firstpioneers.com. If you prefer a blog version of ou…

In this episode we discuss tips for budgeting when you have a variable income. Prioritizing expenses, understanding your income and meticulous tracking are a few of the things we recommend. You can find First Pioneers Federal Credit Union at our Lafayette or New Iberia branch in Louisiana or online at firstpioneers.com. If you prefer a blog version…

In this episode we are talking about 2 services offered at First Pioneers and many financial institutions that help you save money! Direct Deposit creates an easy and safety to depositing your funds that helps you save, helps with record keeping and more. Bill Pay is a great service that helps you pay your bills on time which in turn helps you save…

In this episode we are talking about tips to keep you safe while shopping this holiday season, both online and in person. We also discuss how helpful the card controls can be not just for the holidays, but all year. You can find First Pioneers Federal Credit Union at our Lafayette or New Iberia branch in Louisiana or online at firstpioneers.com. If…

In this episode we are talking with Danielle Thibodeaux, Director of Compliance and Engagement at the Louisiana Credit Union League. She is helping understand compliance, the role of a board at a credit union, what a membership means and more. If you are interested in learning more about the Credit Union Share Insurance Fund Calculator, click here …

Interest rates seem to the thing on everyones mind recently and we thought it would be helpful to understand more about the Federal Reserve, who sets the rates, and how this all works. And also how it affects our daily lives and finances. You can find First Pioneers Federal Credit Union at our Lafayette or New Iberia branch in Louisiana or online a…

In this episode we are discussing what a peer to peer app is, the different apps available, and how to protect yourself. You can find First Pioneers Federal Credit Union at our Lafayette or New Iberia branch in Louisiana or online at firstpioneers.com. If you prefer a blog version of our podcast you can find that on the website or if you prefer vid…

Subscriptions are everywhere and for everything these days. But what impact is that having on your budget and reaching your financial goals? Are you sacrificing your goals for convenience? You can find First Pioneers Federal Credit Union at our Lafayette or New Iberia branch in Louisiana or online at firstpioneers.com. If you prefer a blog version …

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In today's episode we are talking good debt vs. bad debt. If you’re like me, you’ve been taught your whole life that debt was bad… and you automatically equate it to something negative. But that’s not entirely true. So we are going to break it down and give you information to help you make informed decisions about your credit future. You can find F…

In this episode we are talking about products and services your college student can use when they are moving away to school. These tips are also handy when traveling and away from your credit union. We talk about finding an ATMs or Shared Branching, using Online Banking, Zelle, and our app. Ways to find a Co-op ATM or Shared Branch - Visit Firstpio…