Happy New Year to all our members and friends! On behalf of all the Self-Help staff, we’d like to extend our best wishes for an excellent 2024.  

In the coming year, we’re excited to continue serving our members and investing in our communities. Here’s some of what we’re looking forward to:  

• New green products: We began offering loans for solar panels in 2023 and will be rolling out an expanded suite of new products in 2024 to make it easier and more affordable to pursue climate-friendly energy choices. Whether you’re thinking about an electric vehicle, solar panels or green improvements for your home, we’re here to help you save money AND energy.  
• Continued improvements to member service: In 2023, we rolled out our new mobile app to make it easier than ever to bank from anywhere, and we opened branches in Sacramento, CA and Oak Park, IL. In the coming year we’ll continue to improve our member service, starting with expanded contact center hours and member PIN selection in early 2024.  
• Accessible home loans: It’s a tough time to be a homebuyer, but we were privileged to help hundreds of families buy a home in 2023. No matter where you are in your homeownership journey, we’re here to make the process easier. In 2024, we’ll continue to offer no-down payment home loans and free financial coaching services to help more people achieve the dream of homeownership.  
• Advocating for fairness: Through our nonpartisan research and advocacy arm, the Center for Responsible Lending, we’ll continue to push for policies that create financial fairness and economic opportunity for all.  

Most of all, this year we’re looking forward to continuing to invest in our members and our communities. It’s truly a privilege to be able to connect with partners, borrowers and members like you to create strong communities where everyone has the chance to thrive.  

Sincerely,  

Do you know a student who’s passionate about making the world a better place? Let them know about our scholarship program!  

Each Self-Help branch is now accepting applications for $1,000 scholarships. We encourage applications from any student pursuing higher education who is committed to bringing out the best in their community.  

Submit applications online here. The deadline is March 31, 2024. 

Cheers to the next generation of community leaders and entrepreneurs!

Free Tools for Improving Your Financial Health  

Financial wellness is the key to being able to pursue your dreams. Through our partnership with the national nonprofit GreenPath Financial Wellness, we’re connecting you with free tools and resources for improving financial health:  

• Get out of debt. 
• Build credit. 
• Set a budget. 
• Get help with housing.  

Take the first step and call GreenPath. It’s free, no pressure, and 100% confidential: GreenPath.com/selfhelpfcu | 877.337.3399

Holiday Branch Closures

Self-Help Federal Credit Union will observe the following holiday: 

• Presidents Day: February 19 

Gerardo Sainz knew that becoming a homeowner can be a long process, but he was ready for the challenge. In 2021, Mr. Sainz met with Self-Help’s home lending team to learn about home loan options and the mortgage process. Together, Mr. Sainz and his loan officer put together an action plan to build up his savings and improve his credit.  

Last year, Mr. Sainz’s hard work paid off. We were thrilled to approve him for a loan in 2023 for a beautiful home in Reedly, CA. Congratulations to Mr. Sainz on achieving his goal! 

Are you ready to become a homeowner? Explore our home loan program, give us a call or stop by your local branch. We’re here to help you make it happen.