Southern California Wildfires

In recent days, Southern California has been devastated by wildfires, causing heartbreaking losses of homes, businesses, and lives. We are profoundly grateful for the tireless efforts of first responders and volunteers who are working around the clock to combat the fires and protect our communities. Many of our Members and team have been personally affected, and we are committed to putting our values into action by offering support and resources to those in need, ensuring that we are there for everyone during this difficult time.

HELP FOR IMPACTED MEMBERS

If you're a Member affected by the fires, we offer financial relief programs and support to help you through this crisis.
Please call (800) 462-8328 ext. 8059.

What if I need help with immediate expenses?

We may have options, including loans to assist with unexpected expenses and help give you peace of mind. Call us at (800) 462-8328 ext. 8059 to speak to a trusted advisor.1

What if I can’t make my SchoolsFirst FCU loan payments?

You may be able to delay or reduce payments for select SchoolsFirst FCU loans.

  • You may qualify to skip or defer one or more payments² or temporarily reduce some payments up to 50%³ on consumer loans, such as auto, personal and other loans.
  • You may qualify to skip one or more credit card payments.⁴

What if I can’t make my SchoolsFirst FCU home loan payments?

You may be able to delay payments for select SchoolsFirst FCU home loans.

  • You may qualify to temporarily suspend home loan payments.
  • For help with your first mortgage loan, please call (866) 227-4394.
  • For help with your home equity loan or home equity line of credit, please call (800) 462-8328, ext. 8723.

Do I have access to my retirement account?

The financial professionals at SchoolsFirst Investment Services5 can help you evaluate your retirement plan distribution options. Call (800) 462-8328, ext. 4116.

Can I make an early withdrawal from my share certificates?

We’ll waive the early withdrawal penalty on withdrawals you make from a share certificate before the maturity date.6

Where can I get money management advice?

We partner with GreenPath Financial Wellness™ to offer advice and one-on-one financial coaching for Members.7

  • Certified counselors are available to answer your questions about your finances and help find solutions.
  • Call a certified GreenPath counselor at (844) 572-5923 or visit schoolsfirstfcu.org/greenpath for more information.

Helpful tips during this difficult time

Get the help you need. 

There are many organizations offering resources to those in need. Visit 211la.org, dial 2-1-1 or (800) 339-6993. They have verified resources to help you and are available 24/7.

Contact your other creditors.

If you’re worried that you’ll fall behind with your bills, contact your creditors now. Many will work with you to create affordable payment plans, especially if you contact them before you miss payments.

Try to avoid payday loans.

Fast-cash offers, like payday loans, often have incredibly high interest rates. Before considering this type of loan, reach out to us for possible options that won’t cause greater financial harm down the road.

Be aware of scams targeting fire victims.

Scammers take advantage of people when they are most vulnerable. Be wary of anyone reaching out to offer help or to collect donations via text, email, phone, online or in person.

  • Be aware of online scams. Cyber criminals are setting up fake websites and social media profiles to collect donations or offer support to victims. In reality they are creating forms where they can steal your personal information, like account credentials. There are many legitimate organizations offering help to those in need, visit 211la.org, dial 2-1-1 or (800) 339-6993 for verified resources.
  • Don’t reply if you receive a text, email or phone call requesting you provide a utility payment, account details or any personal information. Contact the company through a verified phone number on their official website or your statement.
  • Be aware of in-person scams. Official employees should be able to show official identification. You can always call the company directly and refuse service until they are verified.
  • To verify companies or contractors, check official resources like the Better Business Bureau® or state licensing boards.
  • To verify charities, use the IRS’s Tax-Exempt Organization Search.
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Saturday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

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Disclosures

Rates and programs valid as of 1/15/2025 and subject to change. All loans subject to approval. You must be a Member in good standing.

  1. All loans subject to approval.
  2. Interest will continue to accrue monthly. You won’t be charged late fees and there won’t be a negative impact on your credit. Once payments resume they will be applied to interest first. Skipped payments also result in extended maturity dates and increased total interest. Other fees may apply. If participating in Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) coverage, please review your disclosure as loan may not be covered beyond the original maturity date.
  3. Loans with reduced payments will continue to be serviced in accordance with your loan agreement. Interest will continue to accrue, late charges may be assessed on late payments and the loan may be reported to consumer reporting agencies. Reduced payments may result in extended maturity dates, increased total interest and a larger final payment. Other fees may apply. If participating in Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) coverage, please review your disclosure as loan may not be covered beyond the original maturity date.
  4. Interest will continue to accrue monthly. You won’t be charged late fees and there won’t be a negative impact on your credit.
  5. Securities are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered broker-dealer (member FINRA/SIPC).

    Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union and SchoolsFirst Investment Services are not registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor.

    Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using SchoolsFirst Investment Services, and may also be employees of SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from, and not affiliates of, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union or SchoolsFirst Investment Services.

    Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are:

    Not Insured by NCUA or Any Other Government Agency Not Credit Union Guaranteed Not Credit Union Deposits or Obligations May Lose Value

    Your Credit Union (“Financial Institution”) provides referrals to financial professionals of LPL Financial LLC (“LPL”) pursuant to an agreement that allows LPL to pay the Financial Institution for these referrals.
    This creates an incentive for the Financial Institution to make these referrals, resulting in a conflict of interest. The Financial Institution is not a current client of LPL for advisory services. 
    Please visit lpl.com/disclosures/is-lpl-relationship-disclosure.html for more detailed information
  6. Certificate will be closed if its balance falls below the required minimum opening balance.
  7. GreenPath Financial Wellness is not affiliated with SchoolsFirst FCU, SchoolsFirst Investment Services or LPL Financial.