Saving money can often be a challenge—especially during times of financial uncertainty. As humans, we’re wired to take care of our needs now, and worry about later… well, later.
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Financial Basics
Financial success starts with a solid foundation. Get started today by learning about budgeting and financial basics.
15 Clever Ways to Cut Costs
During our recent webinar presentation, Money Management in Turbulent Times, we asked our attendees to collaborate and share their top tips for cutting costs. Cutting costs is an important strategy for stretching your budget so you can pay your debt down faster or hit your savings goals quicker.
Understanding Tax Brackets
There are many misconceptions about how marginal tax brackets work and how they impact your federal tax return. This is what you need to know:For the 2020 tax year (to be filed by in 2021), the IRS set marginal rates of 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35% and 37%. Your tax rate depends on your filing status (single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, or head of household) as well as your taxable income.
Auto Accident Checklist
An automobile accident can be a confusing and stressful event, but being prepared can help you remain calm. It’s important to know what to do immediately after an accident and what to do in the days following.
7 Tips to Stay Safe While Online Holiday Shopping
As we abide by stay-at-home orders, many of us spend hours in front of the computer each day for work and school. Online retail associations expect online holiday sales to surge by 25% – amounting to between $182 billion and $196 billion. Add this to a 15% increase in online sales from 2018 to 2019.
The ABCs of Auto Insurance
Whether you already have auto insurance or are considering buying some, you may be wondering how much is enough and which types of coverage you need. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Managing Emotional Spending
Does spending lift your spirits when life gets you down? Many of us turn to “retail therapy” when we feel down or stressed, and for a good reason. Studies show that shopping can trigger dopamine, which is a chemical in our brains that makes us feel good and fulfilled.
The Lowdown on Credit Counseling
Have you ever wondered if credit counseling might help you? Most of us have never stopped to even think about what credit counseling is until we find ourselves facing a financial roadblock. Credit counseling isn’t just for those who need to improve their financial health — it can also help you to be more proactive in maintaining your finances as well.
The Dark Web — A Gateway to Criminal Activity
We’ve recently taken a deep dive into the dangers of the Dark Web. We continue our series by shedding light on how transactions happen in the Dark Web and the criminal enterprise that exists in this mysterious, hidden place. Why is this important? The more you understand about how criminal activity works, the better prepared you will be to protect yourself and your family from this growing threat.
The Dark Web + You
Criminals use the Dark Web, an anonymous region of the internet, for buying and selling stolen identity information, among other things. But what does this have to do with you?
Recent News
Top 5 Places to Earn Bonus Rewards Points Near Cal Poly Campus
Did you know that SESLOC credit union members earn rewards points on eligible debit card purchases that can be redeemed for gift cards, cash back, or to cover purchases (like your textbooks) in the form of a statement credit? You also earn bonus points by swiping your...
What to Know About Bank Failures
We want to share with you how SESLOC and other credit unions stand out as a reliable and secure option for consumers and small businesses in our local communities.
GreenPath Debt Management Plans Reduced Member Debt by 36% in 2022
We partner with GreenPath Financial Wellness to offer unbiased, empathetic, one-on-one financial advisement to our members. GreenPath’s certified credit counselors offer free assistance with budgeting, general financial wellness, debt counseling, foreclosure prevention and support, and student loan payment. GreenPath also offers a Debt Management Program where they negotiate with creditors on behalf of members enrolled in the program to reduce interest rates and help them repay debts faster. In 2021, GreenPath’s certified counselors assisted 8 SESLOC members with a combined $161,488 in debt pay off $55,656 through the program — that’s a reduction of outstanding debt by 34% in under a year!
More Than $20,000 Save to Win Prizes Awarded
SESLOC members are saving — and winning! Since the program launched, more than $20,000 in prizes have been awarded.
5 Easy Ways to Boost Your Savings
What are your savings goals? Whether you’re trying to boost your emergency fund or get ready for a summer vacation, we have some tips to help you reach your goals: 1. Change it Up Who says you can’t save and spend? Enroll in SESLOC’s new Change it...