Is there a way to change Keyboard Shortcuts?

Open System Preferences->Keyboard. In the Keyboard pane click on the mini tab Select 'Keyboard Shortcuts. Highlight 'Application Shortcuts' and then make Finder shortcut to symbol you want to assign.

 

The method posted only works for shortcuts to accessing stuff in the menu bar for programs. I'm not sure there's a method included in OS X for what you're trying to do. Someone might have a recommendation for a 3rd party program though somewhere.

 

Why not use a text expander app, such as one of these?