Loans

What is Skip-A-Pay?
Skip-A-Pay is our way of helping you manage your budget during the holidays. It allows you to skip one payment every six months on most loans or Visa cards*, giving you extra breathing room to enjoy the magic of the season.

How Does It Work?
Participating in Skip-A-Pay is as easy as hanging up a stocking:

Check Eligibility: Your loan or Visa card must be current (not past due).
Complete the Form: Submit the Skip-A-Pay form—it’s quick and hassle-free!
Verification: A loan officer will contact you to verify your identification and confirm your new payment date.
Relax and Celebrate: Skip a payment and focus on what matters most this season—spending time with loved ones and spreading holiday cheer.
Best of all, there are no fees to participate, and you can skip one payment every six months. Keep in mind that interest will continue to accrue during the month the payment is skipped.

What Loans Qualify?
Most loans and Visa cards are eligible for Skip-A-Pay. Please note that real estate loans and HELOC’s are not eligible for this program.

Why Choose Skip-A-Pay This Christmas?

• 🎁 Stretch Your Budget: Free up funds for gifts, holiday meals, or travel plans.
• 🎄 No Fees: Unlike other programs, we don’t charge a fee to skip a payment.
• ⭐ Seasonal Flexibility: Take control of your finances when it matters most.

How to Get Started
This holiday season, treat yourself to the gift of financial flexibility. Click HERE to fill out our Skip-A-Payment loan form!

At SRI Federal Credit Union, we’re here to support you through every moment of the year. Whether you’re shopping for the perfect gift or making memories with family, Skip-A-Pay lets you focus on the joy of the holidays without the stress.

Questions? Contact us at 650-800-5434 or lending@srifcu.org for more information.

*Real Estate loans do not apply.

Why Buy a Car in December?
Dealerships are motivated to clear out inventory to make room for next year’s models. This often leads to:

• Year-End Sales Events: Discounts on both new and certified pre-owned vehicles.
• Low-Interest Promotions: Dealer incentives can reduce prices, but beware—these can sometimes come with high-interest financing.
• Negotiation Power: With lower foot traffic during the holidays, you have more leverage to negotiate the price you want.

While dealerships may offer tempting financing deals, credit union financing is often a smarter choice.

Benefits of Financing Through SRI Federal Credit Union

1. Competitive Rates
   We offer some of the most competitive auto loan rates (currently 4.99% APR* for new or used through December 2024) in the market, ensuring you pay less over the life of your loan.
2. Flexible Terms
   Choose a repayment plan that fits your budget, whether it’s short-term for quick payoff or longer-term for lower monthly payments.
3. Pre-Approval for Confidence
   Before stepping onto the lot, get pre-approved with us to know exactly what you can afford. Pre-approval also gives you more bargaining power with dealerships.
4. Personalized Service
   As a member of SRI Federal Credit Union, you’re not just another customer. We’re here to guide you through every step of the financing process with tailored advice and no-pressure service.
5. No Hidden Fees
   Unlike many dealership loans, our auto loans have transparent terms and no hidden costs plus, there is no markup on Gap or Micanical Breakdown insurance.

Ready to Start?
Financing your car through SRI Federal Credit Union is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps to drive away in your dream car:

1. Apply for Pre-Approval: Click HERE to apply online. You can also call or apply in branch.
2. Shop Smart: Use our pre-approval letter to shop with confidence and negotiate the best deal.
3. Close Your Loan: Finalize your auto loan with us, securing the best rate and terms available.

Don’t let year-end deals pass you by. Take the first step toward owning your next car with affordable financing that puts you in the driver’s seat—literally!

 At SRI Federal Credit Union, we’re committed to driving your financial success forward.

*APR=Annual Percentage Rate

At SRI Federal Credit Union, we’re here to help you make the most of your money with our Visa and account products. Here are 10 back-to-school hacks to beat inflation and make your finances work for you:

1. Set a Budget and Stick to It

Create a realistic budget for your back-to-school shopping and stick to it. Start with a list of essential items and set a target amount for each category. This will help you avoid impulse purchases and stay within your financial limits. Plus, using any of our SRI FCU Visa cards can help you track your spending easily.

2. Start Early and Plan Ahead

One of the best ways to save money is to start shopping early. This will help you take advantage of sales and avoid the last-minute rush when prices may be higher. Planning ahead also means you can use our SRI FCU Mobile App to manage your finances on the go.

3. Take Inventory of What You Already Have

Before heading to the stores, check out the inventory of supplies and clothes you already have at home. This can help you avoid buying more of what you already have and save a lot of money.

4. Shop During Tax-Free Holidays

Many states offer tax-free holidays, where certain items are exempt from sales tax. Plan your shopping around these dates to maximize your savings.

5. Buy in Bulk

For items you’ll need to buy many of, like notebooks, pens, and paper, buying in bulk can be cost-effective. You’ll generally find discounts on bulk purchases at warehouse stores and office supply retailers.

6. Use Price Comparison Tools

Harness the power of technology to find the best deals as you shop for school supplies, gear, and clothing this season. A price comparison website or app will automatically compare prices across different retailers to find the best deal.

7. Consider Secondhand Options

Thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces like eBay and Facebook Marketplace can be treasure troves for gently used clothing, backpacks, and other school supplies.

8. Choose Quality Over Quantity

While buying the cheapest option available may be tempting, investing in high-quality items can save you money in the long run.

9. Take Advantage of Student Discounts

Many retailers offer student discounts on many items, from clothing to electronics. Check out the sites of your favorite retailers to see what they offer before completing a purchase.

10. Leverage Cashback and Rewards Programs

Using an SRI Federal Credit Union Visa card can be particularly beneficial during back-to-school shopping. For example, our Visa Uchoose Rewards cards offer cashback and rewards on purchases, giving you a little extra back from your spending. Just remember to pay off the credit card bill in full to avoid interest charges.

By incorporating these tips and utilizing the financial products offered by SRI Federal Credit Union, you can navigate the back-to-school season with ease and keep your budget intact. Happy shopping!