On Thursday, December 10, PFCU’s Accredited Financial Counselor Erin Ellis hosted a webinar for PFCU members that focused on paying for college, specifically the most common costs associated with college. She also discussed the important role the FAFSA plays in the financial aid process; the Student Aid Report (SAR) for members to have better understanding of how much money the school can/will give them; and the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) so members can figure out how much money their family is expected to pay. In addition, Erin discussed the various differences between federal and private student loans and showed members some additional strategies that can help them become a responsible borrower.
On Wednesday, December 16, Erin held part three of a three-part money management webinar series exclusively for employees at The Four Seasons. During the final webinar of the series, Erin discussed how to create a cash flow budget, which includes not only the amount for each budget item, but also the timing of your income and expenses over the week or month. During the first webinar in October, Erin talked about savings and goals, and during the second webinar in November, she dove into the basics of budgeting, specifically as it relates to income and expenses.
Throughout the month of December, PFCU held its annual Giving Tree Initiative to support individuals and families in need during the holiday season. Every year, PFCU employees partner with a local organization to connect employees with opportunities to give gifts to others as a way to spread some holiday cheer throughout the Greater Philadelphia Area. This year, PFCU partnered with Lutheran Settlement House (LSH), a local non-profit organization that works tirelessly to support vulnerable populations through its family shelter, Jane Addams Place, and its Bilingual Domestic Violence program. PFCU employees were especially eager this year to participate and give back, purchasing and donating gifts like toys and games for kids, gift cards to stores such as Amazon and Dunkin’, and cash donations. PFCU’s efforts provided gifts to about 200 families impacted by domestic violence, and early 100 people experiencing homelessness (70 of which are children). And in the spirit of giving, PFCU’s Board of Directors generously matched all cash donations that employees made, donating a total of $6,450 to LSH. This money helped families make their holidays a little brighter, and even gave the children an opportunity to shop for their parents!
Children receiving their gifts from PFCU at Jane Addams Place’s holiday event in December.
We know your priority is keeping you and your family safe and healthy—and it should be—but if you are able to do so, take a moment to try to make a difference for the other families in your community who may not be able to do so this season.
If you’d prefer to ship any donations rather than drop them off in person, please see below for mailing addresses and contact information:
Lutheran Settlement House
1340 Frankford Ave
Philadelphia, PA, 19125
Office: (215) 426-8610, ext. 1218
DV Hotline: (866) 723-3014
Lutheran Settlement House Contact:
Erica Zaveloff MA, MSW
Director of Development and Communications
Preferred Pronouns: She/Her
Support LSH today! Make your gift online.
United Way # 00079