For many years, research has shown that women in the U.S. are approved for less than men when they apply for credit products and are more likely to be denied outright. Perhaps because of this, women also put off applying for credit when compared to men, even when they need it to get on solid financial ground.
When you’re just starting out, there’s a lot to learn about your finances and it can definitely feel overwhelming — but we’re here to help. We recently sat with some local college students to talk money, and here are the answers to their questions:
With prices rapidly rising on everyday items, perhaps your savings plan has gone by the wayside. These tips will help you find more money in your budget –starting with saving at the grocery store.
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!
Unplanned expenses or emergencies are other common life events. A car or house repair, or even a weather-related emergency, can make a dent in our budget. Whether it’s the struggle of delaying immediate rewards for greater benefit in the future or an unexpected expense, people looking to build a successful savings habit often run up against these very human challenges. To help manage these realities, here are five tips we suggest to jump-start your savings.
When considered as one big New Year’s goal, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. To make it possible in the year ahead, here are five tips to commit to your financial health.
Kick off the new year with this 10 step financial wellness action plan. The best part? It’s easy!
Also known as a security freeze, this tool lets you restrict access to your credit report, which in turn makes it more difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. That’s because most creditors need to see your credit report before they approve a new account.
Another holiday season is upon us, and for the second year in a row, the impacts of COVID will likely color the celebrations. While the season is an opportunity to focus on the things that matter most in life, exchanging gifts is a long-standing tradition and a way to share joy with loved ones. Gift-giving is likely to be even more amped up this year, which might bring upon financial strain.
To get smart about credit cards, be aware of the common warning signs that might indicate issues with credit card usage: You are only able to make minimum payments on your credit card debt.
On the corner of People & Place, amazing things happen. Let’s take a look a back at what we’ve achieved together.
SESLOC employees cut back on nearly 10,000 miles this past quarter, saving 3.87 tons of carbon dioxide from entering our local air. Methods including like riding a bike, taking the bus or carpooling instead of driving alone, or telecommuting. Reducing our carbon...
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 Mike Byrd, from the 5Cities Homeless Coalition.
Take a tour of the Santa Maria valley with this Central Coast Holiday Road Trip & Shopping Guide. Get insider tips on where to shop, eat, and enjoy the holiday spirit. Bring along visiting friends and family and enjoy earning bonus points at each Local Rewards location mentioned!
If you’re planning on a holiday joy ride to Atascadero, then this Central Coast Holiday Road Trip & Shopping Guide is for you! Enjoy some local adventures, holiday festivities, and local shopping. Bring along visiting friends and family and enjoy earning bonus points at each Local Rewards location mentioned!
