As the year comes to a close, it is essential to address your financial needs before the holiday rush begins and set yourself up for a successful 2025. Here are four steps to help you establish a solid financial foundation and enjoy a stress-free start to the new year.
SESLOC Education Grants helped local teachers make the 2023–2024 school year extra special. Here’s how a few recent recipients used their grants:
With the Federal Reserve having lowered interest rates, you may be thinking that now is the perfect time to consider purchasing a home. If you are ready, it is best to proactively position yourself in an advantageous spot as a buyer by completing a mortgage pre-approval before you begin house hunting.
Saving money is essential for financial stability and preparedness. One of the first steps in saving is to build an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs. Here are a few tips for building an emergency fund and planning for future expenses.
SESLOC is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15th to October 15th and the important contributions Hispanics and Latinos make to strengthen our community. To join in the celebration, check out some festive local celebrations planned for 2024.
The current housing market presents unique challenges, including rising home prices and tight inventory. Here are 3 steps to help you overcome these hurdles and achieve your homeownership goals.
In today’s digital age, the rise of influencers has reshaped how we perceive ourselves and our financial standing. Social media platforms and reality TV shows often portray a glamorous lifestyle that many aspire to also achieve. However, beneath the surface, there’s a subtle yet powerful pressure to keep up financially, which can lead to significant challenges.
Have you noticed your insurance bills skyrocketing lately? If so, you’re in good company. According to Policygenius, the average home insurance premium increased by 21% between May 2022 and May 2023. Combine this with rising housing costs, property taxes, and high interest rate debt, and it’s no wonder why so many Americans are struggling in today’s market.
There’s a new phishing scam targeting iPhone users that aims to steal Apple ID information. These scams, known as “smishing”, are increasingly being sent via text messages, tricking users into revealing sensitive information.
If you’re getting tired of the same dining food and looking to spice up your lunch routine, hop on a quick bus ride to these fantastic spots in Downtown SLO. You can use your HomeFREE debit or Visa Signature credit card at these participating Local Rewards¹ businesses to earn bonus rewards points² redeemable for cash back, gift cards, and more.
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!
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.
We’re partnering with News Channel 12 to honor nonprofit volunteers who make our community thrive. Each month, we’re choosing a different nonprofit and asking them to select a valuable volunteer to receive the SESLOC Cares for Community Award. We’re thrilled to introduce Len Hoskins, from the DANA Adobe.
October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and we’re offering tips, webinars, and services to help make the internet safer and more secure.
We’re partnering with News Channel 12 to honor nonprofit volunteers who make our community thrive. Each month, we’re choosing a different nonprofit and asking them to select a valuable volunteer to receive the SESLOC Cares for Community Award. We’re thrilled to introduce David Cook, from Community Partners in Caring.
