Welcome to sefcu.com!
We're changing lives every day.
How can we change yours?
HOME
ATTENTION: Some members have reported receiving texts saying they have “received a $1,200 direct deposit from COVID-19 Treas Fund.” This is a scam and you shouldn’t click any links in unsolicited texts. Learn more.
We’ve been voted the Best for 14 straight years. Click here to see how we are thanking you!
COVID-19 (coronavirus) updates and Relief Program information - Last updated 9/15/2020
Welcome! We’re glad to meet you.
Why do so many people join SEFCU? We think it’s because we look out for our members and community, helping them make their dreams possible.
DID YOU KNOW?
You don’t have to work for the state to be a member.
If you can check one of these boxes, you’re eligible for membership!
- Employee (current or retired), member or volunteer of a participating SEFCU member group
- Live, work, attend school or worship in one of our communities
- Someone in your immediate family* is a SEFCU member or qualifies for membership
*Defined as parent, grandparent, spouse, child, grandchild, sibling, stepparent, stepsibling, stepchild, and adoptive relationships.
Join SEFCU
We’re fighting hunger with the Freight Farm, which could help grow 36,000+ heads of lettuce/year to be distributed to those in need.
Our annual Monopoly® tournament raises money for the Center for Disability Services, where people get better at life™.
Together, we’ve raised $400,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters, creating life-changing relationships for “littles”.
Get involved in local events.
From annual fundraisers to weekly seminars, check out upcoming seminars and events near you.
SeminarAll RegionsFraud Prevention: Isolating Your Personal Information and Side-Stepping Scams
Recommended for Ages 18+
Learn to identify ways to protect personal financial information from scam artists and identity thieves. Explore the tactics used to steal an individual’s identity, information, and money. Practice resolving identity theft issues and become familiar with the steps it takes to report a scam.
To create the optimal experience, each session is limited to 100 participants.
This online webinar is also available for private coordination for schools, groups, businesses and community organizations. Please contact [email protected] to learn more.
Please choose a date and time:
| Wednesday, September 2 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Register |
| Thursday, September 17 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Register |
| Thursday, October 15: 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Register |
| Thursday, November 12: 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Register |
| Thursday, December 10: 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Register |
SeminarAll RegionsChange Your World: Make a Positive Impact
Recommended for ages 9 - 12
Participants discuss making responsible financial decisions while looking at their personal aspirations in the context of how to make the world a better place. They contemplate trade-offs, emergency funds, and the importance of planning and designing a budget. Participants learn key financial concepts and form positive attitudes and behaviors that can help them become financially capable young adults.
To create the optimal experience, each session is limited to 100 participants.
This online webinar is also available for private coordination for schools, groups, businesses and community organizations. Please contact [email protected] to learn more.
Please choose a date and time:
| Wednesday, October 14: 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Register |
| Wednesday, December 9: 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Register |
| Wednesday, December 16: 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. | Register |
SeminarAll RegionsBudgeting Basics: Mad City Money™ Simulation
Recommended for ages 15-18
Participate in the creation and implementation of a realistic budget through a simulated experience. An occupation, income, and obligatory expenses are assigned with a spending plan. Learn to record all transactions using a spend/debit register. Debrief on personal experiences and skills acquired to create and enhance your own budget.
To create the optimal experience, each session is limited to 100 participants.
This online webinar is also available for private coordination for schools, groups, businesses and community organizations. Please contact [email protected] to learn more.
Please choose a date and time:
| Tuesday, September 22: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Register |
| Tuesday, October 20: 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Register |
| Tuesday, November 17: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Register |
| Tuesday, December 15: 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Register |
SeminarAll RegionsHome Buying 101
Recommended for Ages 18+
Become familiar with several elements of home buying, such as: the roles of the realtor, home inspector, loan officer, buyer and seller. Explore the broad impact a home purchase can have on personal finances and identify financial preparation steps needed for success. Tips related to the property, the transaction, and the move, as well as advantages/disadvantages of home buying are covered.
To create the optimal experience, each session is limited to 100 participants.
This online webinar is also available for private coordination for schools, groups, businesses and community organizations. Please contact [email protected] to learn more.
Please choose a date and time:
| Thursday, August 6: 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Register |
| Tuesday, September 22 4:00 p.m - 5:30 p.m. | Register |
| Tuesday, October 20: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Register |
| Tuesday, November 17: 4:00 p.m - 5:30 p.m. | Register |
| Tuesday, December 15: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Register |
SeminarAll RegionsTackle Your Debt
Recommended for Ages 18+
Develop an effective debt pay-down strategy. Gain an understanding for debt levels and reflect on what is considered good debt and bad debt. A basic budgeting framework is also discussed.
To create the optimal experience, each session is limited to 100 participants.
This online webinar is also available for private coordination for schools, groups, businesses and community organizations. Please contact [email protected] to learn more.
Please choose a date and time:
| Thursday, October 1: 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Register |
| Thursday, October 8: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Register |
| Thursday, October 29: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Register |
| Thursday, November 5: 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Register |
| Thursday, December 3: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Register |
SeminarAll RegionsGrowing Your Grit: Strengthening Your Talents to Create a Positive Social Impact
Recommended for ages 9 - 12
Create and explore your feelings and ideas on basic financial decisions and philanthropy. Self-reflect to determine how you can share your skills and talents to make a positive impact in your community.
To create the optimal experience, each session is limited to 100 participants.
This online webinar is also available for private coordination for schools, groups, businesses and community organizations. Please contact [email protected] to learn more.
Please choose a date and time:
| Thursday, September 3: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Register |
| Thursday, October 1: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Register |
| Thursday, October 29: 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Register |
SeminarAll RegionsPaying for Higher Education
Recommended for ages 15-18
Explore costs related to funding higher education. Navigate the financial aid process (FAFSA) and develop strategies to pay for college by evaluating current and future financial means as compared to anticipated financial commitment. Discussion on the hidden costs of college and possible financial resources available are outlined. Parents or guardians of the student who will be applying for financial aid are strongly encouraged to attend.
To create the optimal experience, each session is limited to 100 participants.
This online webinar is also available for private coordination for schools, groups, businesses and community organizations. Please contact [email protected] to learn more.
Please choose a date and time:
| Thursday, September 3: 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Register |
| Thursday, September 24: 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Register |
| Thursday, October 21: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Register |
| Thursday, November 19: 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. | Register |
| Thursday, December 16: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Register |
SeminarAll RegionsBudgeting Basics: How to Grow Your Dough
Recommended for ages 18+
Apply the 50-30-20 rule for determining fixed expenses, flexible spending, and financial goals. Explore the benefits of developing a written spending plan, how to track income and expenses, and strategies for record keeping through a scenario-based applied learning approach.
To create the optimal experience, each session is limited to 100 participants.
This online webinar is also available for private coordination for schools, groups, businesses and community organizations. Please contact [email protected] to learn more.
Please choose a date and time:
| Tuesday, August 11: 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Register |
| Tuesday, September 8: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Register |
| Wednesday, September 30: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Register |
| Tuesday, October 6: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Register |
| Wednesday, October 28: 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Register |
| Tuesday, November 3: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Register |
| Tuesday, December 1: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Register |
SeminarAll RegionsMy Vehicle to Freedom
Recommended for ages 16+
Apply a planned buying process to identify needs and wants in making an informed automobile purchase. Compare earnings to vehicle cost and identify guidelines for using debt responsibly. Evaluate loan and insurance terms, and the potential for fraud.
To create the optimal experience, each session is limited to 100 participants.
This online webinar is also available for private coordination for schools, groups, businesses and community organizations. Please contact [email protected] to learn more.
Please choose a date and time:
| Wednesday, September 23: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Register |
| Thursday, October 22: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Register |
| Wednesday, November 18: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Register |
| Thursday, December 17: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Register |
SeminarAll RegionsHeroes with Heart: Making Financial Decisions to Create a Positive Social Impact
Recommended for ages 9 - 12
Create a heart map as you explore your own passion and drive to make a positive social impact. Apply elements of math and art to make informed financial decisions while following your passion. Discuss trade-offs and budgeting and share ideas and solutions for real-world challenges.
To create the optimal experience, each session is limited to 100 participants.
This online webinar is also available for private coordination for schools, groups, businesses and community organizations. Please contact [email protected] to learn more.
Please choose a date and time:
| Tuesday, September 1: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Register |
| Tuesday, September 29: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Register |
| Tuesday, October 27: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Register |
SeminarAll RegionsOpen a Checking or Savings Account: How to Start or Rebuild Personal Banking
Recommended for ages 14+
Familiarize yourself, family, or friends with the benefits of using a bank or credit union, how you can open an account, features of a checking versus a savings account, and benefits to having a personal bank account. Explore eligibility requirements, challenges that may arise when opening an account, and key questions to ask a financial institution prior to opening an account.
To create the optimal experience, each session is limited to 100 participants.
This online webinar is also available for private coordination for schools, groups, businesses and community organizations. Please contact [email protected] to learn more.
Please choose a date and time:
| Wednesday, October 14: 6:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. | Register |
| Monday, October 26: 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. | Register |
| Tuesday, October 27: 4:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. | Register |
NewsAll RegionsFarming With a Purpose During COVID-19
This is a difficult time for so many in our community and with massive layoffs, many people in the Capital Region are turning to food pantries more than ever to feed themselves and their families. In the month of March, the SEFCU Freight Farm responded to this growing need. Our Freight Farm, which has been in operation since early 2018 at the corporate office at 700 Patroon Creek Blvd in Albany, regularly donates about half of its produce to organizations that have weekly pickups such as the Food Pantries for the Capital District. But in March when SEFCU sent many of its staff to work from home, the produce from our Freight Farm went solely to non-profits instead of the hybrid model of feeding staff and the community that we have followed since beginning community donations.
/Farming-With-a-Purpose-During-COVID-19
SeminarAll RegionsNavigating Retirement with GPS: Growing, Protecting and Saving Your Funds for Retirement
Recommended for Ages 18+
Planning for a secure financial future can be overwhelming. A variety of topics regarding growing, protecting, and saving funds for retirement will be discussed. Common ways to prepare for retirement are identified, along with an introduction to the basics of wills, trusts, and social security earnings. Topics will help in understanding the importance of early planning for retirement. This session is an overview and non-advisory.
To create the optimal experience, each session is limited to 100 participants.
This online webinar is also available for private coordination for schools, groups, businesses and community organizations. Please contact [email protected] to learn more.
Please choose a date and time:
| Tuesday, September 1: 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Register |
| Wednesday, September 16: 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Register |
| Wednesday, October 14: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Register |
| Wednesday, December 9: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Register |
SeminarAll RegionsH.A.B.I.T.S℠ for Smart Consumer Spending
Recommended for ages 11-13
Learners will explore how to make informed consumer decisions through role-playing exercises. They will learn to build positive spending habits with real-world practice examples.
To create the optimal experience, each session is limited to 100 participants.
This online webinar is also available for private coordination for schools, groups, businesses and community organizations. Please contact [email protected] to learn more.
Please choose a date and time:
| Wednesday, October 7: 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Register |
| Thursday, October 15: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Register |
| Wednesday, November 4: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Register |
| Thursday, November 12: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Register |
| Thursday, November 12: 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Register |
| Wednesday, December 2: 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Register |
| Thursday, December 10: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Register |
SeminarAll RegionsFraud and Scams: How to Protect Yourself
Recommended for ages 18+
Explore current scams and review practical tips to better understand and identify the difference between a scam, fraud, and identity theft. Learn what to avoid, how to protect yourself, and take positive action to report incidents and file a complaint.
To create the optimal experience, each session is limited to 100 participants.
This online webinar is also available for private coordination for schools, groups, businesses and community organizations. Please contact [email protected] to learn more.
Please choose a date and time:
| Friday, October 16: 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. | Register |
| Monday, October 26: 6:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. | Register |
| Thursday, October 29: 4:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. | Register |
SeminarAll RegionsJoe the Monkey Saves for a Goal
Recommended for Ages 5-8
Using the book, Joe the Monkey Saves for a Goal by John Lanza, youth will make decisions about how to spend, share, and save money. Following reading and discussion, children are encouraged to create their own save jar and to establish a financial goal.
To create the optimal experience, each session is limited to 100 participants.
This online webinar is also available for private coordination for schools, groups, businesses and community organizations. Please contact [email protected] to learn more.
Please choose a date and time:
| Tuesday, October 6: 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | Register |
| Wednesday, October 21: 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | Register |
| Tuesday, November 3: 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | Register |
| Wednesday, November 18: 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | Register |
| Tuesday, December 1: 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | Register |
| Thursday, December 10: 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Register |
| Wednesday, December 16: 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | Register |
SeminarAll RegionsHow Do I Pay for That?
Recommended for Ages 14-17
Explore the key differences between wants and needs and discuss opportunity costs and trade-offs. Learn to write personal checks and record transactions in a check register. Key differences and appropriate uses of debit cards, credit cards, and cash are discussed.
To create the optimal experience, each session is limited to 100 participants.
This online webinar is also available for private coordination for schools, groups, businesses and community organizations. Please contact [email protected] to learn more.
Please choose a date and time:
| Thursday, September 10: 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Register |
| Thursday, September 24: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Register |
| Thursday, October 8: 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Register |
| Thursday, November 5: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Register |
| Thursday, November 5: 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. | Register |
| Thursday, November 19: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Register |
| Tuesday, December 3: 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Register |
SeminarAll RegionsMy Car, My Future, My Money
Recommended for ages 11 - 13
Explore what it takes to be an entrepreneur by creating your own business or product concept. Learn basic banking and terms associated with savings and checking accounts. A metaphoric visioning activity is incorporated to help with future financial aspirations.
To create the optimal experience, each session is limited to 100 participants.
This online webinar is also available for private coordination for schools, groups, businesses and community organizations. Please contact [email protected] to learn more.
Please choose a date and time:
| Thursday, October 22: 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Register |
| Thursday, December 3: 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Register |
| Thursday, December 17: 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Register |
SeminarAll RegionsYour Credit Score: How to Repair, Maintain, and Build Up a Credit Score
Recommended for ages 18+
Learn key terms and about the many variables that are used to calculate a credit score. Create a plan to develop positive financial habits to build a positive credit score. Discover how to maintain your credit history and keep it working favorably into your financial future.
To create the optimal experience, each session is limited to 100 participants.
This online webinar is also available for private coordination for schools, groups, businesses and community organizations. Please contact [email protected] to learn more.
Please choose a date and time:
| Monday, October 19: 6:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. | Register |
| Tuesday, November 3: 4:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. | Register |
| Friday, November 6: 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. | Register |
SeminarAll RegionsCreate Your World: Your Business Makes a Difference
Recommended for ages 9 - 12
Learn what it means to be a business owner and how entrepreneurship is an available career option. Expand your ability to solve problems and think critically while learning relevant vocabulary, the role of a financial institution (i.e.: a credit union or bank), essential financial concepts, and how to project costs and establish product pricing for your start-up business.
To create the optimal experience, each session is limited to 100 participants.
This online webinar is also available for private coordination for schools, groups, businesses and community organizations. Please contact [email protected] to learn more.
Please choose a date and time:
| Thursday, September 3: 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Register |
| Wednesday, September 30: 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Register |
| Wednesday, October 28: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Register |
SeminarAll RegionsFinancial Well-Being: Goal-Setting for a Bright Financial Future
Recommended for ages 10-16
Identify what it takes to become financially independent by setting S.M.A.R.T.E.R. goals, creating a written financial plan, and distinguishing between needs and wants. Explore how investing in your own personal human capital can increase the likelihood of career success. Working in teams, participants will develop a creative presentation synthesizing their knowledge of the targeted financial and goal-setting concepts and skills.
To create the optimal experience, each session is limited to 100 participants.
This online webinar is also available for private coordination for schools, groups, businesses and community organizations. Please contact financial[email protected] to learn more.
Please choose a date and time:
| Tuesday, August 11: 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Register |
| Tuesday, September 15: 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Register |
| Tuesday, October 13: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Register |
| Tuesday, November 10: 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Register |
| Tuesday, December 8: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Register |
SeminarAll RegionsUnderstanding and Managing Credit
Recommended for Ages 18+
Financial decisions made today will greatly impact your future. When using credit you are spending your future income. This concept will be the backdrop of this session where learners will explore managing credit responsibly, how to obtain credit, and the meaning of credit scores and credit reports.
To create the optimal experience, each session is limited to 100 participants.
This online webinar is also available for private coordination for schools, groups, businesses and community organizations. Please contact [email protected] to learn more.
Please choose a date and time:
| Tuesday, September 15 : 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Register |
| Tuesday, October 13 : 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Register |
| Tuesday, November 10 : 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Register |
| Tuesday, December 8 : 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Register |
SeminarAll RegionsFinancial Goal Setting: How to Save and Create Meaningful Financial Goals
Recommended for ages 14+
Develop sustainable short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals that fit into your timeline for living a good life. Explore research around self-determination theory and learn how happiness plays into financial well-being and S.M.A.R.T.E.R. goals to help create financial security.
To create the optimal experience, each session is limited to 100 participants.
This online webinar is also available for private coordination for schools, groups, businesses and community organizations. Please contact [email protected] to learn more.
Please choose a date and time:
| Monday, October 19: 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. | Register |
| Wednesday, October 21: 6:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. | Register |
| Tuesday, November 10: 4:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. | Register |
SeminarAll RegionsFeed Your World: Planting Seeds for Change
Recommended for ages 9 - 12
Integrate math, science, and technology to create opportunities for making informed decisions and to explore solving social concerns, such as hunger. Seek answers on how to feed the community through growing sustainable food. Three types of gardens, concepts of money, and making trade-offs in relationship to a budget are discussed. Work in teams, share learning experience, brainstorm, and compare various ideas based on a common theme.
To create the optimal experience, each session is limited to 100 participants.
This online webinar is also available for private coordination for schools, groups, businesses and community organizations. Please contact [email protected] to learn more.
Please choose a date and time:
| Wednesday, September 2: 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Register |
| Tuesday, September 29: 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Register |
| Tuesday, October 27: 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Register |
Online Live Webinar
SeminarAll RegionsMy First Job: Paycheck Basics
Recommended for ages 14-17
Participants will be exposed to key concepts about paychecks, such as: the differences between gross and net income, details on pay stub (i.e. payroll deductions, and taxes), and payroll forms such as the I-9, W-2, and W-4.
To create the optimal experience, each session is limited to 100 participants.
This online webinar is also available for private coordination for schools, groups, businesses and community organizations. Please contact [email protected] to learn more.
Please choose a date and time:
| Wednesday, October 7: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Register |
| Wednesday, November 4: 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Register |
| Wednesday, November 18: 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. | Register |
| Wednesday, December 2: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Register |
Testimonials
The Institute is the recipient of both the national and statewide 2018 Desjardins Youth Financial Education Award (more than $1 billion asset category).
Ready To Join? Let's Get Started
Open your new SEFCU account and start taking advantage of all the benefits of SEFCU membership.
Feedback