Realizing your computer, phone, or online accounts may have been compromised can feel overwhelming, but taking a few quick, thoughtful steps can help protect your information and reduce potential impact. Here are ways to protect yourself and your devices from these situations.   ...

Protecting our members is a top priority. We want to help members stay informed and confident in recognizing and preventing financial scams. By staying alert and knowing what to look out for, you can better protect yourself and others from financial loss.  ...

On this episode of Making Sense of Money, we sat down with Billy Jeffrey, of GNC and the Lewiston Center Mall. He shared how goal setting and financial habits helped shape his career and his outlook on money.  ...

With over 200 weddings planned, Sydney Schatz brings her expertise and advice to talk about realistic budgeting, wedding trends, and where couples can spend or save their money with confidence. ...

Romance scams are on the rise and can happen to anyone. Scammers are becoming increasingly clever, and finding more creative ways to access their victim’s finances. Know the warning signs, and protect yourself and your finances from these scams. ...

When you think about a credit union, you may think about everyday banking such as checking and savings accounts, loans, transactions, digital banking, and friendly customer service. What you may not think about is the advocacy work happening behind the scenes to protect and strengthe...

Protecting financial well-being is a top priority. We’ll explain what identity theft is, how stolen information is used, signs to watch out for, and steps to take if you believe your identity has been compromised.  ...

With the start of the new year, it’s a great time to reflect on 2025, while also planning for the future. This is why January is Financial Wellness Month, a reminder for everyone to prioritize and focus on their financial well-being to start the new year.  ...

As the holiday and last-minute shopping begins, opportunities for scammers to take advantage of people increase.  Whether you’re shopping online, picking up gift cards, or tracking deliveries, staying alert can help protect your personal and financial information.   ...

The leaves are nearly done falling, and the temperatures have begun to drop. With winter just around the corner, preparing your home for the season is vital. Here are four ways to best prepare and winterize your home. ...

Financial fraud is on the rise, affecting more individuals and businesses each year. As scammers grow more creative, it’s becoming increasingly important to stay informed. Know the warning signs and understand how to protect yourself and your finances. ...

Romance scams, employment scams, and rental scams are on the rise as fraudsters grow increasingly clever. Here are several ways to recognize the warning signs of these common scams to protect your finances. ...

Season of Giving is a very special time of year at P1FCU. This is a time when we can spread joy throughout our communities and partner with community members in giving back. We sat down with Carlo, the owner of Lewiston Grocery Outlet, and Jason, our Community Development Specialist,...

In our 20th Episode of Making Sense of Money, we sat down with Shelly Meisner from the YWCA. Shelly is an advocate with over 20 years of experience supporting survivors of abuse. She shared her insights into how financial control operates in toxic relationships and what resources are...

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of building credit? Or maybe you wish that someone had taught you about it sooner. Either way, you're not alone. In the latest podcast episode of Making Sense of Money, Tanis sat down with Kylie, Consumer Lending Program Manager at P1FCU, to...

Your credit score is a key factor lenders use to make decisions to lend you money when you need to make purchases like homes, vehicles, or get a loan for your business. If you need to improve your score, use the free resources below to get on the right track. ...

When it comes to meaningful partnerships, few stand out like the relationship between P1FCU and the University of Idaho. In the latest episode of the Making Sense of Money podcast, President Scott Green of the University of Idaho and Chris Loseth, President and CEO of P1FCU, reflect ...

Whether you're just starting out or looking to optimize your retirement plan, here is a breakdown of what you need to know. ...

From baking in an Easy-Bake Oven to selling out her storefront every Saturday, Brittin’s journey is a sweet reminder that with passion, persistence, and a little financial know-how, anything is possible. ...

Planning for college can be very overwhelming, especially when it comes to financial aid. We sat down with Soo Lee Bruce-Smith, an admissions expert from LC State, on Making Sense of Money. She shared some myths and invaluable tips that can take the stress out of financial aid.  ...

In our increasingly digital world, the threat of fraudulent activities is more prominent than ever. Here are some ways to protect yourself from fraudsters.  ...

Buying your first home is an exciting and scary milestone; sometimes, the journey can feel overwhelming. But don't worry! P1FCU's VP of Mortgage Lending, Wes Gossage, shares everything you need to know to make your first home purchase a success. ...

Kesha Barden, a Nutrition Education Specialist at The Idaho Foodbank, shared practical tips on how to shop smarter, avoid impulse purchases, and plan meals without breaking the bank. Her advice can make a big difference if you want to cut costs or simply get more organized! ...

Break the post-holiday debt cycle with tips to manage spending, create a budget, and prioritize debt repayment. Start the year financially strong! ...

Giving back is not only important to your community, but also to your personal well-being. It shouldn't be motivated by peer pressure or shame. Identify what causes align with your beliefs and values, and make donations that fit your budget. ...

If you've never had a budget before, you're not alone. When you think of budgeting as a verb, a regular activity, rather than a one-time act of creating a budget, you'll set yourself on a track toward creating a healthy relationship with your finances.  ...

We know, it's only October, and for a lot of us, the holiday season is the furthest thing from our minds. But planning ahead will help you avoid overspending and needing to lean on your credit cards or Buy Now Pay Later services to pay for items you can't afford. ...

Your credit score is part of the foundation of your financial well-being. Building a high credit score is a goal we can all work on throughout our lives. The balance on your credit card is closely related to your credit card balance at the end of your billing cycle.   ...

Your credit score can affect you in more ways than you could ever imagine. Whether you are getting a new apartment, buying a house, or starting a business, your credit score is an important part of the screening process. Here are a few tips for managing it! ...

Paying off your debt is a fantastic goal for countless reasons. If you're unsure where to start with your payoff journey, we recommend taking a strategic approach to your payments. Here are some ways to start paying off debt. ...

It's stressful and upsetting to find out that a scammer or identity thief has access to your personal information. It can be hard to know where to start in protecting your identity once information has been stolen. Follow this checklist to make sure you have your bases covered. ...

Teaching kids about financial literacy starts when they're young. Some foundational concepts to teach kids include goal setting, earning money, spending money responsibly, and saving money in a bank account. ...

Your credit score is an important part of your financial well-being. If your credit score needs improvement, these are some things people don't realize they're doing that could be hurting their score. They are easy-to-correct habits that will make a big impact on your credit score. ...

Buying a home is more complicated than other large purchases. If you're buying for the first time, or it's time for a refresher on the process, we'll break down the up-front costs needed to purchase a home.  ...

If you've never looked at your credit report, the notion of looking at it to understand what affects your score might seem intimidating. That said, the free report you get when you request it from annualcreditreport.com is actually pretty easy to understand.  ...

If you have a college student starting school soon or a rising senior, be sure you're familiar with these student loan basics. From understanding what happens when you submit your FAFSA to what happens to your loans when you graduate, here's everything you need to know. ...

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so it's time we address a common, yet often unspoken concern that impacts the mental well-being of many —debt. The thought, "Am I the only one struggling with debt?" frequently crosses the minds of countless people. However, the reality is far fr...

While we're all for living in and enjoying the present, doing a little bit of planning for your future self will make a big difference for you down the road. These are some fundamental goals we suggest everyone prioritize to help you secure your financial future. ...

Is purchasing a home one of your goals as the new year gets started?  Here are a couple of tools that can help you stand out from others who are also starting their homebuying journey.   ...

Credit scores can seem a lot like an enigma. This can cause a lot of confusion and lead to a lot of misinformation about them. Here are five common myths about credit scores, and why they're myths. ...

Your credit score is an essential part of your financial well-being. That said, do you know who is actually calculating your credit score and keeping track of your credit? ...

Are you trying to improve your credit score? If you haven't yet, make sure you have a copy of your credit report or look at your credit score. Review it to identify areas you can improve. If you're not sure where to start, here are some helpful tips and tricks to help improve your cr...

Your credit score, sometimes called your "financial reputation," is based on five elements of your financial profile and history. While you may be excelling in one area, where you're doing poorly in another area could bring your credit score down. These criteria are listed in order o...

Buy now, pay later services are short-term, interest-free financing for online purchases. It's easy to see why these services have become increasingly popular over the last few years. Let's break down the pros and cons of these services. ...

Your credit score is essential to your financial well-being, but do you understand what it does? These numbers are used to make decisions that have real implications for your ability to borrow money. ...

When it's so easy to swipe, tap, or click with your card, it's very easy to overspend your budget. If you're looking for a more tangible, visual way to manage your budget, the envelope method is a good place to start. ...

The 50/30/20 method allows your budget to relax a little and outline three broad spending categories, rather than allocating every single penny to a specific category. ...

Budgeting is an essential skill and tool for your financial well-being. They set guidelines for how much you want to spend in certain categories, so you have more for things like vacations, debt repayment, retirement, and more. Here are some ways to get started. ...

If you're thinking about buying your first home, you might be weighing the pros and cons of buying versus renting. It can be hard to know when the right time to buy is, but here are some factors to consider when you're thinking about buying for the first time. ...

Where do you start when you know the bills have been piling up and you feel anxious about your finances? The best way to start is to make a plan for how you'll pay down your debt and get started from there. Knowing that you have a plan in place to pay off your debt will help you stay...

When your refund hits your bank account, do you have a plan for it? When receiving unexpected cash, we always suggest outlining a plan for those funds to prevent you from going on a spending spree. Your money will serve you much better when you plan for it. ...

Are you looking to purchase, refinance, or build a home? For many, this is a more extended loan process than most people are used to. With that in mind, here are some Dos and Don'ts to follow during the mortgage process. ...

Whether you're just starting with your budget or you've been at it a while, creating one is a key part of your overall financial well-being. Often, we don't have a plan for money and hope it works out. Budgeting is the first step toward financial health. It doesn't have to be overwhe...

Heating bills have been more costly than ever this year. Little things you do every day in your home can make a big difference in how warm your home is and how much your heating bill will cost. Save money where you can with these tips.  ...

There are many seasons of life when we set goals for ourselves, whether we call them that or not. . We're big fans of setting S.M.A.R.T. goals. S.M.A.R.T. is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Let's dive into what these goals entail.  ...

Is purchasing a home on your mind? Check out these four signs that may tell you that you are ready to buy a home. ...

Have you considered building your own home but are unsure about the decision? The thought of building your dream home can be exciting and stressful at the same time. Let's weigh some pros and cons of buying a home versus building your own. ...

Do you ever find yourself looking for a simpler way to live your life? A tiny home might be the solution you're looking for. Tiny homes are growing in popularity as people seek ways to embrace minimalism and save money.  ...

The school year is ending, and the weather's warming up, so naturally, a fun summer trip is on all of our minds. Here are some tips to help you set a budget for your vacation: ...

Spring is the time to get your home ready to go for the ever-anticipated summer. Doing things in March and April can limit your exposure to hot weather and help you save time and money! Whether you have a home or are just renting, keep reading for some tips for this spring and many y...

Whether you're saving for a new car, your first home, or that remodel your house desperately needs, an effective/accurate budget can help you accomplish them in no time. Keep reading for a few tips from the saving experts. ...

The holidays are one of the most fun times of the year, whether you like celebrating with family, eating treats, or listening to holiday music. Although it may be fun, gift-giving can be very stressful, and we want to help you through it with some holiday season tips. ...

There have always been scammers hiding on the other end of the phone or behind a keyboard. We've all seen the spike in current telemarketing/fraudulent claims calls, but we are here to help you spot the fraudulent calls. ...

If you're on the hunt for banking services, you've definitely encountered two of the most common types of financial institutions, credit unions and banks. But what's the difference and which is the best choice? If you're not sure, we'll tell you what we think here. ...

We've all gotten countless amounts of financial advice, whether you liked it or not. We thought, let's chat with some of our team members and have them share the most important tip they've ever gotten and how they used it in their lives.  ...

Have you ever heard of the phenomenon, shome? We have, and we've seen some gorgeous ones. For those of you who don't know, a shome is a shop/home. At P1FCU, we refer to them as Shop/Living Quarters.  Let's learn some more about these unique homes! ...

Need some ideas on how to save up and some financial tips for making it through college? We've got you! Here are some tips and tricks to help you start saving for college. ...

Summer is rapidly approaching, and we all wish we had a few more dollars for a vacation, a new boat, an RV, or simply extra cash on hand. We have met people with some serious side hustles. Here are some tips and tricks for a financially stable summer. ...

For many, the holidays are the best time of the year. Whether you like the colder weather, getting together with family, or exchanging presents. Although it may be a great time of year, it can be financially stressful. Here's some tips to help you recover and how to conquer your holi...

Would you like to have some extra cash for the holidays this year? We've got some tips for you on buying presents, managing your accounts, and planning for the holiday season. ...

Summer Vacation is the time when kids are eager to waste no time having fun. On the one hand, you're excited to spend more time with them. At the same time, you're worried about how you're going to keep them entertained without draining your pockets. Here are a few ideas to have a fu...

Are you looking into buying your first home? Are you excited to create some equity after years of renting? Getting your first mortgage can be your most significant financial leap. Through all the success stories, we have learned tips and tricks for those in the homebuying process. ...

The housing market has been very buyer-heavy, making purchasing one of the few homes on the market very competitive. How can you get ahead of some of the competition? We're here to tell you "How To Get A Head Start On The Home Buying Process." ...