What Are Federal Student Loans? Federal student loans are loans established by the federal government and provided to students for college and graduate school.
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Life Stage: Parent
Enhanced Child Tax Credit for 2021
If you have qualifying children under the age of 18, you may be able to claim a child tax credit. (You may also be able to claim a partial credit for certain other dependents who are not qualifying children.) The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 makes substantial, temporary improvements to the child tax credit for 2021, which may increase the amount you might receive.
Beware of Lifestyle Creep
Lifestyle creep, or lifestyle inflation, happens to the best of us. As your standard of living improves, your non-essential discretionary purchases gradually increase. You might even start to think your “wants” are “needs.” Some creep is natural and to be expected, but excessive creep can derail your finances.
Singing the Comparison Blues is the Theft of Joy (and Your Savings)
Do you use others for the barometer of what you should have or deserve to have? Constant exposure to your friends’ vacations, experiences, dining out, luxury purchases, new cars, and house upgrades on social media amplifies “FOMO (fear of missing out)” and the desire to “keep up with the Jones’s.”
I’m a Credit Union Saver — Youth Activity & Coloring Book
Download I’m a Credit Union Saver, a fun activity book filled with coloring pages, puzzles, and more! I’m a Credit Union Saver is an introduction to credit unions and saving money. Check out more fun online tools to teach kids about money. ...
Financial Literacy for Kids
Practical money management skills learned at an early age can have a lasting impact on the rest of your child’s life. In fact, this is one of the most important areas where you can truly change the course of their life. Educating your children about financial wellness will help them build healthy spending habits for the future.
Should I Use My 401(k) to Fund My Child’s College Education?
You can, but it isn’t your best option. Your 401(k) plan should be dedicated primarily to your retirement. There are two primary drawbacks to using your 401(k) for college funding. First, if you withdraw funds from your 401(k) before you are 59½, you will owe a 10% premature distribution penalty on the withdrawal.
Financial Aid Changes on the Horizon
The U.S. Department of Education has designated February as Financial Aid Awareness Month, and this year there’s a lot to talk about. On December 21, 2020, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, another relief package in response to the pandemic. Included in the bill were several provisions related to education, including many changes to financial aid. Here are some key highlights.
Be Cybersmart — Youth Coloring & Activity Book
Download Be Cybersmart, a fun activity book filled with coloring pages, puzzles, and more! October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and being cyber smart is important for the whole family.
Financial Planning Issues for New Parents
As you prepare for life with your new child, it’s time to prepare a new financial plan for your family or make any necessary changes to your existing plan. You’ll want to consider how your baby will affect your budget, make sure you have adequate insurance, protect your child’s future with a well-thought-out estate plan, and determine how having a child will affect your income taxes.
Recent News
The Future is Financial: SESLOC Educates High School Students About the Importance of Budgeting
On Monday, May 20, SESLOC Credit Union hosted a hands-on, real-world living and budgeting simulation event for 70 students at Central Coast New Tech High School in Nipomo. For this event, SESLOC partnered with Bite of Reality, an app that presents real-life scenarios of maintaining a budget, to improve the financial health and wellness of the Central Coast.
SESLOC Cares for Community Award: Michael Camacho-Craft
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 Michael Camacho-Craft, from the Good Samaritan Shelter
SESLOC Cares for Community Award: Margot Olivarria
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 Margot Olivarria, from Shoes for Students
Take a Santa Maria Local Rewards Tour
Thank you for voting for us in the Santa Maria Times “Best Of 2024” contest. We are humbled! Here are our favorite Local Rewards¹ hot spots in the area, where you’ll earn bonus SESLOC Rewards points¹ on eligible debit and credit card purchases.
Contactless Cards FAQs
Everything you need to know about using contactless cards.
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