Go to main content
Personal Finance & Savings |
Retirement Savings & Planning |
Loans & Credit Cards |
Auto Calculators |
Mortgage Calculators |
Age 12 & Under |
Age 13-17 |
Scholarships |
Educational Articles |
Personal Finance |
Car Buying |
Home Buying |
Free Financial Seminars |
Local Landmark Relies on SLFCU
Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm, located in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM, was originally founded in 1934.
Help Teens Prepare for Financial Success
The teenage years are an ideal time to introduce young people to hands-on financial experiences and help them develop smart money habits.
Five Great Times to Buy a Vehicle
If you’re planning to buy a new vehicle, carefully timing your shopping may help you secure the best deal.
SLFCU Supports Habitat for Humanity
SLFCU, Greater Albuquerque Habitat for Humanity, Sandia Retirees, and Friends House celebrated the dedication ceremony in June with new homeowners.
Annuities for Retirement Income
Why seniors choose them and what prospective annuity holders should consider.
Online Tools for Finding Your Dream Home
When you register with the HomeAdvantage® program, you can take advantage of many home buying benefits.
Achieve Your Savings Goals with SLFCU
SLFCU members can create savings goals in online banking. Start a savings goal to buy a home, plan a wedding, or make charitable donations.
Security Resources on the Federal Trade Commission Website
The FTC website is a helpful resource for SLFCU members who are searching for information on ways to avoid scams, and how to protect yourself as a consumer.
Back to School Supplies Drive
Sandia National Laboratories kicks off its annual school supply drive on July 2 (ending August 7).
Mortgages May Trigger Unsolicited Mail
If you closed on a new home loan, refinanced your mortgage, or opened a Home Equity CreditLine, you may receive multiple solicitations in the mail.
Access Your SLFCU Accounts Anywhere
Free services give you access to your accounts everywhere life takes you, saving you both time and money.
Teach Saving Habits Early
With the SLFCU Savings Laboratory®, teaching your child positive financial habits can be both fun and rewarding.
When is a Credit Union Not Like a Bank?
Because members are our first priority, we focus on service and financial education, better rates, and lower fees.
Insurance Built for Credit Union Members Like You
SLFCU partners with TruStage Insurance Agency to offer members competitive rates, quality products, and helpful advice without sales pressure.
Review Your Credit Report
The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires that your credit report be made available to you for free.
Summer Real Estate Report
Learn about the current real estate market in the Albuquerque and Livermore areas.
The Benefits of Refinancing Your Auto Loan
In many situations, refinancing your auto loan can help you meet your financial goals or save you money.
Online & Mobile Banking Tips
SLFCU staff in branches and at our Contact Center can answer your questions about our new online and mobile banking.
Kirtland Branch Restricted Access Procedures
Members needing access to the SLFCU branch on Kirtland AFB must request and obtain a Defense Biometric Identification System pass.
Smart Ways to Pay for College
What to do when school grants, scholarships and government loans don’t cover the costs of attending college.
Six Tips for Creating an Effective Budget
If you're building a new budget or updating an existing one, these tips could help you better manage debt.
Save for a Down Payment with Online and Mobile Banking
SLFCU's online and mobile banking make it simple to create and track your progress toward saving for a down payment.
An Estate Plan or a Wealth Transfer Strategy?
Basic estate planning documents may not communicate your intentions.
Planning for Travel with Your SLFCU Credit or Debit Card
While planning is usually done before booking a vacation, it’s also important to plan for using your SLFCU credit or debit card while you’re traveling.
Teen Article: A Lesson in Giving
I will be making a tangible difference in our New Mexico community, and I know that someone’s life is improving.
Move Your Money to a Free SLFCU Checking Account
Our free checking accounts have no minimum deposit requirement, no monthly fees, and may pay dividends on balances of $500 or more.
A Tradition of Support
Dale Marsh has seen a lot of changes during his years as a Sandian and SLFCU member.
Additional Account Opening Requirements
Beginning in May, SLFCU must collect additional information about account holders when members open a new account.
SLFCU Scholarship Competition: $3,000 Top Prize
Members of SLFCU attending college in 2018-2019 are invited to enter our annual essay scholarship competition.
The Borrower Protection Plan
Peace of mind for your auto loans, credit cards, and signature loans.
Upgraded Online Banking Brings Requested Functionality
With our recent online banking upgrade, we’re happy to be able to provide many updates that members have requested.
A Focus on Education
SLFCU scholarship winner Bella Starkweather is following in her sisters’ footsteps by attending the University of New Mexico.
No Credit History: Not Just a Problem for Young Adults
A lack of credit history can be an issue for financially established individuals who opt to pay cash instead of getting loans or using credit cards.
Reduce Monthly Vehicle Payments with SLFCU's Financing Options
A longer loan term can be a great option for those who need lower monthly payments to fit within a budget.
One Mortgage, No PMI
SLFCU’s new home loan option streamlines the mortgage process by allowing homebuyers to borrow up to 95% of the value of their home with a single loan.
Looking to the Future with Aligned Values
Danlar Collision's partnership with SLFCU Business is built upon shared values like respect, service, and support.
New Online Banking - How to Transfer Money
Learn about transfers in the new online banking system.
Online Banking Budgeting and Savings Tools
SLFCU’s online banking gives you access to tools that can help you build a monthly budget, and more.
How Much Should You Save By Age 30, 40, 50, or 60?
What number should you strive to reach?
Building a Career Based on the Credit Union Difference
When Card Services Manager Jeff Morris was 20 years old, his sister – branch manager of a bank in Amarillo – suggested he look for a job with a financial institution.
College Scholarship Opportunity for New Mexico Students
The New Mexico Credit Union Education Foundation (NMCUEF) is accepting scholarship applications for the 2018–2019 school year.
Don't Give Your Account Information to Scammers
Cyber criminals create fake accounts or hack into real social media accounts and try to trick you into giving them money by asking for your account information.
Turbo Tax Discounts
SLFCU members can receive discounts on select TurboTax® products.
Should You Freeze Your Credit?
A credit freeze restricts creditors from accessing your credit report, which prevents both legitimate and fraudulent loans and accounts from being opened in your name.
Teen Article: The Bro Business
This past summer my friends and I started a neighborhood yard business. The four of us called it the Bro Business.
Tax Document Mailing Schedule
2017 IRS tax forms will be mailed by these dates.
Manage Your Money Wisely in 2018
Setting up a budget can help you manage the money you earn and develop a plan to meet your future goals.
SLFCU Visa Cards Offer Benefits for Travelers
If you have a credit card from SLFCU, you may be able to take advantage of extra benefits that could save you money and make travel easier.
What is a CreditLine?
A CreditLine, also known as a line of credit, is a loan that allows you to borrow money and pay it back repeatedly, without having to apply for a new loan each time.
Mail Your Holiday Checks at the Post Office
Mail theft tends to increase over the holidays. Follow these tips to reduce the chances of having your mail stolen.
Holiday Help for Those in Need
SLFCU partners with two Albuquerque non-profits to help collect donations during the holiday season.
Teen Article: College Saving: A Long Term Reward
Although most teenagers' first instinct with money is to spend it, saving money is ultimately the most beneficial action in the long run.
Keep Your Cards Working While You Travel
SLFCU debit and credit cards may be able to detect unusual activity patterns. Transactions might be blocked unless you verify legitimacy.
Protect Yourself Against Data Breaches
Recent security breaches, particularly the September announcement by Equifax that data for 143 million Americans was compromised, have caused intense concern.
An Estate Planning Checklist
What to Check (and Double-check)
Skip a Payment on Select Loans
SLFCU allows members in good standing to skip up to two months of payments on your auto loan, signature loan, or Signature CreditLine in any rolling 12-month period.
SLFCU Cards Offer Benefits for Shoppers
If you have a debit or credit card from SLFCU, you may be able to take advantage of extra benefits that could save you money and make life easier.
Equifax Breach Information
Equifax has announced a cybersecurity incident potentially impacting approximately 143 million U.S. consumers.
Build Your Credit and Your Future with Smart Debt
Bigger purchases in life can require financing, and to qualify, you’ll need to have a credit score.
Lock Your Cards with Your Smartphone
Help protect your debit and credit cards from fraud.
More Convenience for Automatic Credit/Debit Card Payments
Beginning in October 2017, updated card information will be provided to billers that automatically charge your card.
SLFCU Members Buy Their First Home
When Lesley and Kurtis Caldwell decided they were ready to buy a home, they turned to SLFCU for a quality mortgage and great service.
Teen Article: The Value of Earning Your Own Money
I'm 14 years old, and while most of my friends slept late over the summer, I decided to get my first job.
SLFCU Supports Habitat for Humanity
Greater Albuquerque Habitat for Humanity celebrated the groundbreaking of two new homes.
2017 Scholarship Winners
Congratulations to SLFCU’s scholarship winners, and thank you to the members who volunteered their time as judges. This is the 23rd consecutive year SLFCU has awarded scholarships.
Shredding Tips
Shredding unneeded documents is one way to help protect yourself from identity theft.
SLFCU and KFCU No Longer Merging
In 2016, we announced plans to pursue a merger between SLFCU and Kirtland Federal Credit Union. The boards of directors of both credit unions have decided to terminate that merger agreement.
Investing Basics for Teens
Although investing isn’t a necessary skill to master in order to become financially stable or independent, it may provide benefits to someone looking for a smart way to grow their extra cash
Find Surcharge-free ATMs at Convenient Locations
SLFCU belongs to a nationwide network of nearly 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs.
One Couple, Two Different Retirements?
After many years together, some retired spouses may find their daily routines far apart.
Share the Benefits of Credit Union Membership
As a member and owner of SLFCU, you get great service, competitive rates, and products designed to fit your financial needs. And you can share the credit union advantage with your family and friends.
Teen Article: The Importance of Saving
Setting aside perfectly good spending money is the basis for a much broader world of opportunities.
Printable Loan Payment Coupons
Now you can print loan coupons from SLFCU's website to mail with your loan payments.
Edgewood Branch Meets Member Needs
David Stout joined SLFCU in 1976 after starting a new job with Sandia National Laboratories. He had just left the military and was interested in buying a house with his wife.
Access SLFCU Accounts Wherever You Are
SLFCU offers all of the financial services you need, even if you are unable to visit or do not live near a branch.
Take Advantage of Your Card's Many Benefits
Most credit and debit cards come with benefits that encourage consumers to choose that particular card over the other options available to them.
Family Finds Value for All Ages at SLFCU
The Maki parents make sure their kids have regular opportunities to think about saving and spending money.
Ensure Direct Deposit Information is Current
It's important to verify that your account information is up to date in order to ensure your direct deposits don’t experience problems or delays.
Access Financial Resources on SLFCU's New Website
SLFCU's new website provides members easier access to information about products, services, and financial education.
What Do Teens Need to Know About Credit?
Good credit is the key to a solid financial foundation. It can help you secure a loan for school and a car, often at a better rate than someone with a low score would receive.
New Fixed Rate Mortgages with Low Down Payments
It’s a common misperception that lenders require a down payment of at least 20% of the price of the home.
Avoiding Mail Theft and Check Fraud
Mail theft and check fraud are causing increased concern for individuals trying to keep their financial information safe.
Tell Your Beneficiaries About Your Accounts and Policies
Will your heirs receive a fair share of your wealth?
Online Help with Buying Your Next Car
SLFCU has resources to help you navigate the car buying process so you can make informed decisions.
Meet Your Livermore Downtown Branch
For 33 years Livermore members of SLFCU were served by just one branch, located near Sandia National Laboratories’ Livermore site.
Support for School: SLFCU Scholarship Recipient Provides Community Support
Caroline Stapleton was one of 12 recipients of SLFCU’s 2016 Scholarship.
Changes to www.slfcu.org
SLFCU has launched a new website with a more modern design and layout. The new look has expanded menus so you can find information quickly and more easily.
New Fixed Rate Mortgages are Serviced by SLFCU Staff
SLFCU now offers fixed rate mortgages that are processed, approved, closed, and serviced by SLFCU professionals.
How SLFCU Sets Rates
SLFCU strives to price our products in a way that both benefits members and keeps their money safe. Robert Chavez, President/CEO, explains three factors that determine the pricing of deposits and loans at SLFCU.
Teen Article: Stay Alert to Prevent Card Fraud
Since I was a little girl, my parents have drilled in the importance of being smart with money.
Avoid Checking Account "Oops" Situations
SLFCU can help you set up your checking account to avoid Non Sufficient Funds (NSF) fees, returned checks, and declined cards.
Teen Article: The Right Way to Both Save and Spend
As a teen it can be hard to know how to spend and also save at the same time.
Reward Kids for Saving
Designed to help encourage savings habits and financial responsibility at an early age, the SLFCU Savings Laboratory program offers an engaging way for kids to get excited about saving.
Comprehensive Financial Planning: What It Is, Why It Matters
Your approach to building wealth should be built around your goals and values.
Is It Time for Life Insurance?
Important life events may call for it.
Choosing the Right Account Type for Children
When opening a savings account for a child, it's important to consider what purpose the account will serve.
Financing Your Vehicle
Buying a vehicle doesn't have to be stressful. Once you've found the car that best meets your needs, follow these tips for smooth shopping.
Keep Your Mobile Device Secure
The amount of malware targeting mobile devices tripled in 2015. Smartphones and tablets are as powerful as many desktop computers, and security is just as important.
Buying a Home: What to Save and How to Get There
There are three things you need to consider when saving for a home: a down payment, closing costs, and insurance and taxes.
Protect Yourself from Online Sales Fraud
A number of SLFCU members have been targeted by online sales scams, mainly in the form of bad checks. SLFCU recommends that you never accept a check from someone you don’t know.
Teen Article: The Snowball Effect of Saving
The way you spend and save money when you are a teenager can help you in your future. Some teens spend money as soon as they get it.
Starting a Career
Starting a career can be an exciting time, and it’s important to think about what a steady income means for your financial goals.
MasterPass Simplifies Online Shopping
Shopping online can be tedious – check out as a guest, and you're entering card and shipping information; set up an account, and now you have another username and password.
Teen Article: Weighing the Cost of College Tuition
Sierra Robinson is a senior at Eldorado High School in Albuquerque and the first winner of SLFCU’s teen article competition.
Convenient Account Access When Traveling
Just because you're away from home doesn't mean you have limited access to your accounts.
What Makes Up Your Credit Score?
If you want to see your credit score increase, there are several strategies to boost it.
Automated Phone Banking Provides An Individualized Experience
Call SLFCU's responsive phone system to check balances and history, make transfers, pay loans, and more.
Minimize Risk of Identity Theft
Identity theft is a growing problem that is a potential risk to everyone. Take steps to reduce the chances of having your identity stolen.
Budgeting Strategies for Kids and Teens
When teaching finances to children, it can be difficult to point out the distinction between needs and wants, since many needs are handled by their parents.
Preparing Your Accounts for the Future
Preparing your finances so others may assist you if necessary can be an important step in making sure your finances are handled the way you want.
Checking Account Questions Answered
There are a lot of features that comprise a checking account. We've answered some frequently asked questions to help you get the most out of your checking account.
Heading to College
For most people, college is the first time you'll be fully responsible for your finances. During college a budget is critical.
Can You Afford a Home?
Buying a house can be daunting, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed. You probably have many questions: Which neighborhood is right for you? Is an appraisal different from an inspection?
$2,000 of Insurance Coverage
To help you protect the people who matter most in your life, SLFCU endorses TruStage Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance from CMFG Life Insurance Company.
Buying a New Car?
AutoSMART has the tools to guide you through the entire car buying process, saving you time and helping you make informed decisions.
Start Building Credit
Building credit is a common concern for teens and young adults. You need a good credit history in order to get an auto loan or credit card, and sometimes even contractual items like phone plans.
Maintaining a Healthy Credit Score
Your credit score and credit report are typically reviewed by lenders before they’ll approve you for a loan.
5 Things to Look for in a Checking Account
It’s important to select a checking account that helps you meet your goals.
Getting Married
Marriage marks a big turning point in life, and finances are often a significant consideration. Here are some topics you and your partner should discuss.
What Data Breaches Mean for You and SLFCU
Data breaches at retail merchants are occurring more frequently than in the past. However, members can be assured that SLFCU is ready to help if your data is compromised.
SLFCU Can Help in Difficult Situations
SLFCU offers solutions for managing difficult financial situations. You can rely on SLFCU to provide personal, caring service and professional guidance.
Starting a Family
Having a baby is expensive. Obvious costs include medical bills, baby gear, daycare, and lost wages. But there are many other financial considerations when it comes to starting a family.
Mastercard Identity Theft Alerts
Mastercard's Identity Theft Alert program monitors your online identity and sends you an alert if it detects that your personal information has been exposed to potential fraud or theft.
How Much Can You Spend?
The balance in your checking account isn't necessarily the true amount of money you have available to spend. Your account balance only captures actions that have involved SLFCU.
Credit Card Basics
A credit card allows you to borrow money to make purchases. You can make a large purchase and pay it off in small amounts.
Avoid ATM Fees & Surcharges
There are two costs you might incur for using an out-of-network ATM. An ATM surcharge is assessed by a financial institution for using one of their ATMs when you are not a customer.
Improved Security with eStatements
Using eStatements instead of getting statements by mail is more secure. Paper statements can be a prime target for criminals looking to steal your identity.
Manage Money with Your Child
Children can be introduced to the concept of money at a young age. Whether it’s spending birthday money on a new toy or helping a parent at the grocery store, there are many opportunities.
Car Shopping Tips
When buying a new car, there are a lot of things to keep in mind. The Credit Union National Association recommends these six tips:
Pays Bills on Time in Online Banking
SLFCU's online banking will automatically determine how much lead time is needed to process and send your bill payments.
Shop Safely Online
The holidays are fast approaching, and many of us will shop online. Credit card fraud and online scams spike over the holidays; here are some steps you can take to help keep your personal information and finances secure.
Managing Student Loans
If you graduated from college in the spring, grace periods for your federal and private student loans are probably coming to an end. Most student loans have a six-month grace period before entering the repayment stage.
Rent or Buy: What Makes Sense for You?
Many people are opting to delay buying a home in favor of renting in the short-term. However, the rental market is shifting.
How Much Should You Pay for an Allowance?
My 10-year-old earns $5 a week for taking care of regular tasks and for helping without complaint, ideally, with chores like yard work and washing the car.
Security Reminders for Your SLFCU Accounts
To create a secure username, choose something that you have never used on another site. Your username should include numbers and letters and should be difficult to guess.
Money Management Strategies for Teens
Managing money wisely isn’t just a concern for adults – teenagers with jobs receive paychecks, and many high school graduates receive monetary gifts.
Caring for an Aging Relative
Being a caregiver for an aging or incapacitated relative or friend can be stressful and challenging.
Using Allowance as a Financial Tool
Here are some common approaches that some families take towards allowances.
Consumer Tips for Data Breaches
Recent data breaches have caused intense concern from consumers. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recommends the following steps to protect yourself:
Why Your Card May be Declined
Card fraud is becoming increasingly common. If your debit card or credit card is used fraudulently, it can be costly for both you and SLFCU – in terms of time, energy, and money.
Deposit Insurance
Through coverage provided by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF), your deposits at SLFCU are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government, up to the insured limit.
How to Get the Best Car Deal
There's more to getting a good deal on your next vehicle than just negotiating with a salesperson.
Find Your Next Vehicle with AutoSMART
Shop online and compare prices for actual dealer inventory at AutoSMART.
14 Household Budgeting Tips
Putting together a realistic and helpful budget can be harder than it looks. Here are 14 tips.
Preventing Credit and Debit Card Fraud
As card fraud increases, so do SLFCU’s efforts to combat it. The safeguarding of our members’ cards is a top priority.
Disputing Credit Report Errors
A 2013 study on credit report accuracy found that one in five of the participating consumers had an error on at least one of their three credit reports.
Tips for Improving Your Credit
If you're planning to get a loan or just want to strengthen your financial standing, improve your credit with these six tips.
Members Often Ask: Savings Transfer Limits
Why am I limited to six unsigned savings withdrawals or transfers each month?
Stick With SLFCU When You Move
SLFCU offers all the financial services you need, even if you live far from a branch. These resources will help you keep track of your finances anywhere you go.
Keep Cards Working During Travel
Your SLFCU credit cards and debit card are protected by a system that detects unusual patterns of activity and may block transactions unless you verify that the transaction is legitimate.
Depositing Checks from Home
Many SLFCU members have taken advantage of mobile deposit through online banking.
Tips for Surviving the Post-College World
No more days and nights studying for exams and applying for scholarships. Now it's time for job hunting and paying student loans.
Think Twice Before Moving IRAs
Rolling over a distribution from your employer-sponsored retirement plan account to a traditional IRA isn't difficult. Still, it's easy to make a mistake that could cost you.