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:
In the college savings game, all strategies aren’t created equal. The best savings vehicles offer special tax advantages if the funds are used to pay for college. Tax-advantaged strategies are important because over time, you can potentially accumulate more money with a tax-advantaged investment compared to a taxable investment. Ideally, though, you’ll want to choose a savings vehicle that offers you the best combination of tax advantages, financial aid benefits, and flexibility, while meeting your overall investment needs.
Happy birthday! How are you celebrating? Whether you’re going all out or keeping it low-key, your birthday is the perfect time for a financial wellness checkup. Check out these five tips:
Open enrollment is the window of time when employers introduce changes to their benefit offerings for the upcoming plan year. If you’re employed, this is your once-a-year chance to make important decisions that will affect your health-care choices and your finances.
If you are dealing with debt, you aren’t alone. The average American household has an average balance of about $6,600 in credit card debt, and that’s not taking into account home, auto, and student loans. Paying off your debt isn’t always easy, but having a plan can go a long way in achieving your financial goals.
No matter your age or stage in life, it pays to know the facts about personal finances. When you understand the basics, you can set yourself up for success and build a healthy financial future.
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.
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.”
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.
Shopping for your first car is exciting, but it can also feel intimidating. It’s a major commitment, but one that will give you the freedom to go where you want, when you want. Before you head to the car lot, set yourself up for success by following these steps:
At SESLOC, we’re introducing new ways to help SESLOC Members Save. Whether you are just starting your financial journey, are an everyday saver, or have more to invest, there is something for everyone at SESLOC. We hope these benefits make your holidays more merry and bright and help you reach your financial goals and dreams in the coming year.
Consider making moves to Level Up, with our new member benefits program.¹ Increasing benefits include select fee waivers, waived check orders, and rate discounts on new eligible consumer loans — all of which can help you save even more money and get ahead financially.
Here are the answers to common questions about Level Up, our new member benefits program.¹ Have more questions? Call us at (805) 543-1816 or visit any SESLOC branch:
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.
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.
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