Colleen Stefanek is the SESLOC Young Change Maker for August 2025 for her work with Habitat for Humanity and other volunteer causes.
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Team SESLOC
What 2025 Tax Changes Mean for Your Wallet
Starting in the 2025 tax filing year, a new federal law will allow some borrowers to deduct the interest paid on qualifying auto loans. But there are a few important details to understand before making decisions.
Recent Expansion of our Home Equity Line of Credit Program
SESLOC is making it possible to access more of the value in your homes, giving you more options to unlock cash when you need it.
Strategies for Managing Financial Stress and Anxiety
Everyone can learn from missteps and change financial habits. Consider these money moves to help reduce the stress over finances.
How to Figure Out if Your Hobby is a Business
When does your hobby become a business? There are two answers to that question: Your answer and the one in the language set out by the IRS.
What to Watch For in Natural Disaster Scams
How can you protect yourself from additional loss? Here’s what you need to know about impersonation scams after a natural disaster.
Making Sense of Mortgage Interest
Interest affects your mortgage payments in a big way, and not understanding how it works can negatively impact your path to home ownership.
Jenn Foss Named SESLOC Young Change Maker for Southern California Horse Rescue Efforts
Jenn Foss is an Atascadero business owner, dirt bike rider, and is well known for her support of community events. However, one of her greatest achievements was organizing a supply drive for those affected by the Southern California wildfires and rescuing two ponies from the burn zone
Rebuilding Your Finances After a Natural Disaster
The road to recovery after a natural disaster can feel overwhelming, but taking a few key steps can help you begin the rebuilding process.
SESLOC EverFi Financial Scholars Program Reaches 1,200 Students in 2024-25 School Year
In the 2024-2025 school year, SESLOC was proud to partner with high schools to help students get a head start on building good money habits.
Recent News
SESLOC Takes Home Two Top Honors
SESLOC is pleased to announce that we have received two prestigious awards this year. The recognition we have earned serves as a testament to our commitment to excellence and dedication to providing exceptional financial services to our valued member-owners. We are proud to share this achievement with you, as it highlights our ongoing efforts to deliver top-tier products and services that meet and exceed the financial needs of our community.
Reduction in Overdraft Fees: Helping Members Save Today, and Everyday
SESLOC is pleased to announce that as of November 1, 2024, there has been a reduction in overdraft fees. This change is part of our commitment to providing cost-effective solutions for our membership and community. These savings will be extended to members but will have the greatest impact on those facing financial challenges, who need a break from fees to begin saving and building healthy financial habits.
2024 Shred Days Smash Records While Supporting the Local Community
SESLOC’s 2024 Shred Day events break nine years of records by serving 746 visitors and shredding nearly 42,000 pounds of paper! Thanks to our members who attended the events at our San Luis Obispo, Atascadero, Arroyo Grande, Paso Robles and Santa Maria branches, plus our new Lompoc event location. In total, we recycled 133 total bins with about 21 tons of shredded paper— saving 357 trees, 147,000 gallons of water, 63 cubic yards of landfill space, and 84,000 kilowatts of electricity!
Establishing Financial Foundations: SESLOC Equips High Schoolers with Budgeting Skills
On Friday, October 11, SESLOC returned to Pacific Beach High School in San Luis Obispo for a second year to engage 55 students in the Bite of Reality simulation. This hands-on event immerses students in a realistic budgeting app, providing them with valuable insights into managing finances. Through interactive scenarios, participants learn to navigate the distinction between needs and wants, equipping them with essential budgeting skills for real life.
Shred Days Promote Sustainability, Safeguard Against Identity Theft
Did you know that recycling one ton of paper saves 17 mature trees, 7,000 gallons of water, 3 cubic yards of landfill space, and 4,000 kilowatts of electricity? Thanks to members at this year’s SESLOC’s Shred Days at our SLO, Atascadero and Santa Maria branches, we recycled 113 total bins with 17.79 tons of shredded paper— saving 302 trees, 124,530 gallons of water, 53.37 cubic yards of landfill space, and 71,160 kilowatts of electricity!