Summer 2023 Newsletter

Master Your Money: Unleash the Power of CardNav Card Controls!

Acclaim Cardnav Coming Soon!

Do you ever wish you had more control over your credit or debit cards? If so, you’re not alone. Thankfully, there’s a solution that puts the power in your hands: CardNav Card Controls. This nifty mobile app feature allows you to take charge of your financial security, offering a range of benefits that can make your life easier and your money safer. Let’s dive into why CardNav Card Controls are a game-changer for anyone looking to manage their cards effectively.

1. Prevent Unauthorized Usage: We’ve all experienced that sinking feeling when we realize our card is missing. With CardNav Card Controls, you can rest easy knowing that you have the ability to prevent unauthorized transactions instantly. Whether your card is misplaced, lost, or stolen, you can freeze it with a simple tap on your phone. No more frantic phone calls to the credit union or worrying about fraudulent charges. With this feature, you regain control and gain peace of mind.
2. Customize Your Card Usage: Not all cards are created equal, and not all situations require the same level of card access. CardNav Card Controls allow you to tailor your card’s usage to match your needs. Going on vacation? Enable your card for international transactions. Want to limit spending on specific categories like dining out or online shopping? Set spending limits and receive alerts when you approach them. This level of customization ensures that your cards work for you, not the other way around.
3. Manage Card Security: CardNav Card Controls go beyond simple transaction control. They also provide advanced security features to protect you from potential threats. You can set up location-based controls, which means your card will only work in specific geographical areas. This feature is especially handy if you want to ensure your card can’t be used in places you don’t visit. Additionally, you can receive real-time alerts for suspicious transactions, giving you the ability to react swiftly if something doesn’t look right. 
4. Track and Monitor Expenses: Keeping track of your expenses is a crucial aspect of financial management. CardNav Card Controls simplify this process by providing detailed transaction history and spending reports right at your fingertips. You can review your spending patterns, identify areas where you can cut back, and make more informed financial decisions. Being in control of your money starts with understanding how you spend it, and CardNav Card Controls make that process effortless.

CardNav Card Controls offer a plethora of benefits that empower you to take control of your finances. From preventing unauthorized usage and customizing your card’s access to managing card security and tracking expenses, this feature provides you with the tools to manage your financial life effectively. Whether you’re concerned about security, want to budget better, or simply desire more control over your cards, CardNav Card Controls are the answer. Embrace the power of financial control in the palm of your hand with this invaluable app feature.

Strategies for Saving Money on Summer Home Renovations

Savvy Strategies for Affordable Summer Renovations

Summer is an ideal time for homeowners to embark on home renovation projects. The longer days and warmer weather provide ample opportunities to spruce up your living space. However, undertaking home renovations can quickly become expensive if you’re not careful. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can employ to save money while still achieving your desired results. Here are some valuable tips for saving money on summer home renovations.

1. Plan and Research: Before diving into any renovation project, take the time to plan and research thoroughly. Clearly define your goals and prioritize the areas that require attention. Research different materials, compare prices, and explore various suppliers or retailers. Look for discounts, sales, and promotions, as many home improvement stores offer summer specials.
2. DIY vs. Hiring Professionals: Evaluate your skills and the complexity of the project to determine if you can tackle it yourself or if you’ll need to hire professionals. Simple tasks such as painting, minor repairs, or landscaping can often be done DIY-style, saving you money on labor costs. However, for more complex projects like electrical or plumbing work, it’s best to leave it to the experts to avoid costly mistakes.
3. Reuse and Repurpose: Rather than purchasing brand new materials, consider reusing or repurposing existing items. For example, instead of replacing your kitchen cabinets entirely, you could give them a fresh coat of paint and update the hardware. Similarly, salvaged wood can be used to create unique furniture pieces or decorative accents, adding character to your home while saving money.
4. Optimize Energy Efficiency: While renovating, take the opportunity to make your home more energy-efficient. Install energy-saving appliances, LED lighting, and low-flow fixtures that can significantly reduce your utility bills over time. Additionally, improve insulation and seal any air leaks to keep your home cool during summer and warm during winter, leading to long-term energy savings.
5. Consider Timing: Timing can play a crucial role in saving money on home renovations. Plan your projects during the off-season or when demand is low, as contractors may offer discounted rates during these periods. Additionally, purchasing materials during sales or at the end of the season can help you secure better deals.

Saving money on summer home renovations is possible with careful planning, research, and smart decision-making. By following these strategies, you can achieve your desired results while keeping your budget intact. Remember to prioritize your projects, explore cost-effective options, and leverage sales or discounts whenever possible. With a bit of creativity and resourcefulness, you can transform your home without breaking the bank this summer.

2023 Ed Thomas Community Service Scholarship Fund Winner

Congratulations!

Acclaim Federal Credit union is proud to announce Gabrielle Preston as the winner of our 2023 Ed Thomas Community Service Scholarship Fund! Ed was an Acclaim board member from 1987 until 2021. He held various positions during his tenure including Chairman. During his many years of admirable volunteerism, he offered unwavering support and guidance to the ever growing success and growth of Acclaim. In honor of his hard work, volunteerism, and dedication to our credit union, we  established an annual $1,000 scholarship fund available to our members.

Gabrielle was selected based on her academic excellence and community service commitment. She has dedicated many years to Credit unions are based on the philosophy of people helping people and Gabrielle is a wonderful example of this. In school, she has participated in drill team, Color Guard, and Flag Squad.  She is also a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.  

Gabrielle has dedicated many years to community activities such as Teen Leadership Training, Downtown Rescue Mission, Owen’s House, and the Pathfinder club,  which is a youth scout-like club teaching personal growth, spiritual discovery, serving others, making friends, health and fitness, nature study, and outdoor living skills.

We would like to extend our warmest congratulations to Gabrielle Preston on being awarded this well-deserved scholarship. Her extraordinary commitment to service and her exceptional leadership skills make her a shining example of what one person can achieve through selflessness and dedication.

As we celebrate Gabrielle’s success, let us also take this opportunity to reflect on the profound impact we can all have within our community. Each act of kindness, no matter how small, has the potential to create a ripple effect that can transform lives.

Budget-friendly Meals Under $8

Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

Let the slow cooker do the work in this set-it-and-forget winner, winner, chicken dinner. 

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup whole-milk plain yogurt 
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon peeled and minced fresh ginger
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 3/4 cup heavy cream 
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• Cooked rice, for serving

Directions:

1. Place chicken, yogurt and 1 teaspoon of salt in a 4-quart slow cooker and stir to combine.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion and cook until tender, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, coriander, garam masala, cumin and turmeric and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add tomato paste and cook until darkened in color, about 1 minute. Add the drained tomatoes and remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Transfer to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the chicken.
3. Cover and cook on the HIGH setting for 4 hours, or LOW setting for 8 hours. Stir in the cream. If you prefer a thicker sauce, leave the slow cooker uncovered and cook on the HIGH setting for 30 minutes. Taste and season with salt as needed. Serve with rice, garnished with cilantro.

Yield: 4-6 servings

Prep time: 30 min

Cook time: 4 hours 30 min-8 hours 30 min

AI Fraud and How to Protect Yourself

Safeguarding Strategies for the Digital Age

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the way we live and work. Unfortunately, though, it’s also revolutionizing the way scammers con unsuspecting victims into sharing their personally identifiable information and their money. Here’s what you need to know about AI fraud and how to protect yourself.

What is AI fraud?

AI fraud is the use of artificial intelligence to deceive or defraud individuals or organizations. When using artificial intelligence to pull off a scam, fraudsters use AI algorithms to create convincing fake identities, manipulate social media, generate realistic fake images and videos (AKA “deepfakes”) and more. The scammers then create fake social media profiles and email addresses using these bogus identities and footage. Often, they’ll pretend to represent celebrities or other famed personalities for soliciting money and information. 

In another form of AI fraud, scammers use social engineering tactics to trick people into giving them their personal information or money. They may create fake websites or emails that appear to be from legitimate sources, such as financial institutions or government agencies, and ask people to provide their personal information or login credentials.

AI fraud is especially dangerous because its sophistication makes it difficult to detect. Thanks to AI technology, scammers appear to be legitimate, increasing the likelihood that people will fall for their scams.

Types of AI Fraud

AI fraud is executed in several forms, including:

• Phishing
• Identity theft
• Deepfakes
• Fake news
• Social media manipulation
• Chatbot scams
• Fraudulent financial advice

Each type of AI fraud has its own unique characteristics and risks. 

Protect  yourself

You don’t have to wait to be targeted by AI fraud to protect yourself from falling victim to these scams. Keep your money and information secure by following these precautions at all times:

• Never share sensitive information online with an unverified contact.
• Always check the URL of each landing page when banking online or using another platform to share sensitive information. Look for the “s” after the “http” and the padlock icon, as well as the correct spelling of the company’s website to ensure you haven’t been lured into a look-alike scammy site. 
• Use strong, unique passwords across all of your accounts. 
• Keep your device’s security on its strongest setting.
• Be wary of messages from celebrities asking for money or information.
• Use updated antivirus software on your personal devices.

If you’ve been targeted

If you suspect you’ve been the victim of AI fraud, it is important to act quickly to mitigate the damage. First, contact Acclaim FCU at to let us know your information has been compromised. Similarly, reach out to your credit card companies to let them know about the fraud. Next, report the fraud to the FTC so they can take appropriate measures in catching the humans behind the bot-generated scam. 

Finally, you’ll also want to change your passwords and login credentials and consider a credit freeze. Finally, if your identity has been stolen, reach out to identitytheft.gov to learn your next steps.

AI fraud is a growing concern, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Follow the tips outlined here and stay safe.

Red flags

Are you being targeted by AI fraud? These red flags may be your first clue of an AI scam:

• Multiple unsolicited emails and/or text messages
• Being asked to provide personal information or login credentials by an unverified contact
• Unusual and/or unexplained activity on your social media accounts
• Receiving financial advice that seems too good to be true

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to be cautious and investigate further. If the contact claims to represent a government agency, do not engage. Reach out directly to the agency that supposedly contacted you to see if the communication is legit. Follow the same steps if you’ve been contacted by an alleged representative of Acclaim FCU and something about the interaction has set alarm bells ringing in your head. It’s always better to be on the safe side when it comes to your personally identifiable information and your money.