Posts by Francisco Saenz
Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.: Financial Empowerment and the Credit Union Movement
As we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this month, we’re reminded of his unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and the empowerment of communities. While Dr. King is most renowned for his leadership in the civil rights movement, his vision extended beyond social equality to include economic empowerment—a principle that aligns closely with the mission of credit unions like SRI Federal Credit Union.
Drive Smarter with SRI Federal Credit Union Auto Loans
Are you thinking about upgrading your ride? Whether you’re eyeing a fuel-efficient commuter car, a family-friendly SUV, or an electric vehicle (EV) to help both the planet and your wallet, SRI Federal Credit Union is here to help you hit the road with confidence. With competitive rates, flexible terms, and a commitment to our members, we’re making it easier than ever to finance your dream vehicle.
New Year, New Financial Goals: Start 2025 with Confidence
As we step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to set new financial goals and take control of your future. At SRI Federal Credit Union, we’re here to support you every step of the way with products and services designed to help you save, grow, and manage your finances more effectively. Whether you’re looking to build a stronger savings habit, make home improvements, or lower your auto loan payments, we’ve got you covered!
Give Yourself the Gift of Financial Flexibility This Holiday Season with Skip-A-Pay!
The holiday season is here—a time for joy, celebration, and giving. But with festive gatherings, gift shopping, and travel plans, the expenses can quickly pile up. At SRI Federal Credit Union, we want to make your holidays a little brighter by giving you the option to free up extra cash when you need it most with our Skip-A-Pay Program!
Buying a Car in December 2024: Why Financing with SRI Federal Credit Union is the Smart Move
December is one of the best months to purchase a car. Dealerships are eager to hit their year-end sales quotas, which means you can take advantage of deep discounts and special promotions. Whether you’re buying a used or new vehicle, this is the perfect time to find great deals. However, securing the right financing is just as important as finding the right car. That’s where SRI Federal Credit Union comes in.
#1 in California and #5 in the nation!
Credit unions are known for delivering exceptional value to their members through competitive products, personalized services, and meaningful community engagement. Measuring that value, however, is a complex challenge. Over 20 years ago, Callahan & Associates developed the Return of the Member (ROM) calculation to provide a comprehensive assessment of member value. ROM evaluates three core credit union functions:
Ease Holiday Stress with an SRIFCU Personal Loan at a Special Rate
The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and making memories with loved ones, but it can also bring financial challenges. Whether you’re planning festive gatherings, shopping for gifts, or traveling to visit family, those extra expenses can quickly add up. To help make this season as stress-free as possible, SRIFCU is offering a Special Holiday Rate Personal Loan at 8.99% APR, fixed.
Get Ready for the Holidays with Smart Savings!
As the holiday season approaches, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the festivities, from gift-giving to family gatherings and travel plans. While it’s a time to celebrate, these activities can quickly add up and put a strain on your wallet. At SRI Federal Credit Union, we’re here to help you prepare for a joyful, stress-free holiday season by planning and making the most of your budget. Here are some practical tips to keep your finances in check, so you can enjoy all the magic of the holidays without the financial hangover.
Stay Spooky and Secure: Halloween Safety Tips to Protect Your Finances
1. Beware of Phishing Tricks
During Halloween, you might notice an increase in promotional emails and pop-up deals for costumes, treats, and haunted attractions. Be cautious of “too good to be true” offers, which could be phishing attempts designed to collect your personal or financial information. Look out for emails with poor grammar, misspelled URLs, or suspicious attachments. As a rule of thumb, never click on unsolicited links or enter your login details on websites unless you’re certain they’re legitimate.
Pro Tip: When in doubt, go directly to a retailer’s official website instead of clicking on email links. For added safety, SRIFCU provides fraud monitoring on all credit and debit cards. Contact us if you notice anything suspicious.
2. Watch Out for Skimmers at Haunted and Pop-Up Locations
The Halloween season brings with it many pop-up stores and temporary events like haunted houses and pumpkin patches. Be vigilant at these locations, as they can sometimes be targets for card skimming devices. Skimmers capture your card’s data, which can be used later for fraudulent charges.
Pro Tip: If you’re paying at an outdoor or temporary location, consider using a digital wallet or contactless payment, which reduces your exposure to skimmers. Many of our credit union cards support secure contactless payments for this very reason.
3. Secure Your Accounts with Strong Passwords and Alerts
Even though costumes change with each Halloween, one thing shouldn’t: your online security. Make sure your online banking account has a strong, unique password and set up alerts to notify you of any unusual activity.
Pro Tip: At SRIFCU, you can enable real-time alerts that notify you of any suspicious transactions or login attempts. It’s a simple way to stay informed and act quickly if anything looks out of place.
4. Be Wary of Social Media Scams and “Free” Halloween Deals
Social media is buzzing with Halloween-themed quizzes, costume contests, and freebies. However, some of these could be traps to steal personal information. Avoid sharing sensitive information or clicking on unfamiliar links, even if they appear to come from friends or trusted sources.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about the legitimacy of a deal or contest, visit the official website of the company offering it. Many reputable organizations post their contests and promotions there as well. Your credit union’s fraud team is also available to answer questions about suspicious activity.
5. Protect Your Kids’ and Family’s Data
If your kids are trick-or-treating or participating in Halloween events, ensure they’re only visiting safe and trusted locations. Additionally, many Halloween apps and games aimed at kids can request excessive permissions or data.
Pro Tip: Monitor what information is being shared through apps and encourage your family to avoid downloading unknown apps without checking reviews and privacy settings. As your credit union, we take your family’s privacy seriously and can offer tips on safe digital habits.
6. Keep Your Credit Card Contact Info Handy
Halloween can be hectic, and losing track of your credit or debit card while out and about can happen to anyone. If you do lose your card, report it immediately to prevent unauthorized use.
Pro Tip: Make a note of your credit union’s card contact information and have it saved on your phone. SRIFCU offers 24/7 support for lost or stolen cards, so you can be confident that we’re here to help when you need it.
This Halloween, let’s all take a little extra care to avoid the scams that can take the fun out of the season. For any questions about account security, fraud protection, or safe online banking tips, contact us at connect@srifcu.org Stay safe, stay spooky, and remember—your credit union is here to keep the financial “tricks” away!
All You Need to Know About Overpayment Scams
Great news – you’ve just received a check, and you’ve been overpaid! But there’s a catch: the check writer wants you to send the surplus back to them. Unfortunately, though, if you follow these directions, you’ll be buying right into a scam.