How safe are you online?

While the Internet has proved to be a useful tool for transferring and obtaining information, it can also be a dangerous place at times. Sadly, there are criminals lurking around waiting for their opportunity to steal your information.

As we continue to provide information to our members on ways to prevent Internet crime and how to stay safe online, we have developed an Online Safety Checklist. With over 20 points to remember when using the Internet, we hope it will help you and yours determine how safe you are online based on the precautions you are currently taking, and what you can do in the future to have extra protection.

A few of the checkpoints include:

• My computer is password protected.
• My web browsers are up to date.
• I know where to report cyber crime.

View the PDF of our Online Safety Checklist Now

Mortgage Market Seminar Summary

On Wednesday, April 25, First Financial hosted a free Mortgage Market Seminar at its Neptune Branch. The seminar was intended for anyone looking to buy or sell a home in the current state of the economy. Presenter Nancy Culp, First Financial’s Assistant Vice President of Lending and Sales, provided those in attendance with detailed descriptions of the home buying and mortgage application process as well as answered questions about how to choose a realtor and lending institution.

Nancy began the presentation with an overview of the home buying process. She emphasized that it is important not to be intimidated by the long process or be worried about credit score. By finding and choosing the right financial institution with an appropriate lending product and a realtor that one feels comfortable with, this process can be much easier. In order to choose the right financial institution, it is necessary for one to understand all the costs of owning and maintaining a home and determining how much he or she can afford. Some of the most common expenses of owning a home are the mortgage payments covering principal and interest, taxes and insurance, and upkeep. It is recommended that homeowners also set aside a reserve of cash for unforeseen expenses or emergencies.

Once a financial institution has been found, the potential home buyer needs to be approved. The difference between pre-approval and pre-qualification is that the first is a formal commitment from the lender and requires verification of income, funds on deposit, and credit report. When choosing a realtor and attorney, Nancy recommends choosing someone with whom you are comfortable with and not make a decision based solely on fees.

Nancy stressed to those in attendance at the seminar that no one should ever allow themselves to be persuaded into an agreement or contract about which they feel doubtful or uncomfortable with. She also encouraged people to ask for closing credits and make their purchase offers contingent upon things such as affordable financing and satisfactory home inspection.

On that note, Nancy highly recommended potential home owners to have the house inspected. She said it might cost you a few hundred dollars now, but it gives peace of mind and might potentially save you from thousands of dollars in costs that could have accidentally been overlooked.

Nancy concluded the seminar by describing the differences between a fixed and an adjustable rate and closing costs. If you or anyone you know has any questions regarding a mortgage or a future seminar at First Financial, contact us.

 

Where to Shop for Mom in Monmouth and Ocean Counties This Mother's Day

Last minute shoppers - are you still stumped on where to shop this Mother’s Day to get your favorite lady the perfect present? The following areas offer stores with a variety of shops to help you find a gift she’ll love, to fit any budget.


Collingwood Flea Market - Rt. 33/34 in Farmingdale
This indoor and outdoor flea market offers 600 vendors with new and used products. According to its website, it's a bargain hunter's paradise.

Downtown Freehold
If your mom enjoys coin collecting, you may want to check out the Superior Rare Coinage and Collectable Shop in Downtown Freehold. There's also the Past and Present Antiques Shop for the antique collecting mom, among others. View the full listing of stores.

Englishtown Auction
This auction offers an abundance of items including 40 acres of shopping with over 300 vendors. Plus, it’s a great place to find many homemade items.

The Grove in Shrewsbury
There are more than 30 stores with everything from beauty products, home furnishings, clothing, footwear, and jewelry.  

Historic Ocean Grove
This town has more than 20 small shops and boutiques with books, music, unique jewelry, home décor, and more. View a listing of shops.

Manasquan
Along Main St. in Manasquan, there are several stores with many beach themed items. Timm's Beach Variety is among them. What I've found that my mother personally enjoys, and perhaps yours would too, are the plaques with quotes and various sayings.


Pier Village in Long Branch
For the mom who loves the beach, there’s the Aloha Grove shop that sells beachwear and accessories. For the mom with the sweet tooth, there’s the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory that sells candy, caramel apples, fudge, and more. There are over 15 shops to choose from.

Point Pleasant
There are many antique shops throughout this town in addition to gift shops. Just to name a few, there are: Antique Emporium on the corners of Bay and Trenton Avenues, Shore Antique Center on Rt. 35, and Wildflower Antiques on Bay Ave. Plus, for the artsy mom, you may be interested in purchasing a gift certificate to Git' Fired Up on Bay Ave. so she could explore her artistic side as she paints pottery.
 
What are some of your favorite places to shop at in the area for Mother's Day gifts?

Be sure to use your First Financial Visa Platinum Card to buy your gifts for mom. The more you shop with it, the more rewards points you'll get. Learn more.

Select Employee Group Spotlight

Situated in the small coastal-shore community of Manasquan, Gammon Technical Products is the source of aviation testing products that has a big impact on the industry it serves. Gammon’s products serve the U.S. military, as well as domestic and international oil companies, airlines and fueling contractors world-wide.

Pictured left, Howard Gammon, chairman and James Gammon, president.

Gammon manufactures and distributes equipment for the handling and testing of aviation fuels. Products manufactured by Gammon include a wide variety of innovative, state-of-the-art equipment that ensures the fuel delivered to aircrafts is clean and water-free. This includes everything from field testing equipment, sampling, fuel recovery systems, valves, gauges, grounding cables and grounding clips, to specialized aviation fuel additive injection systems and water detectors - all manufactured in their Manasquan/Wall Township factory.

In addition, Gammon distributes products from other manufacturers, including filters, valves, nozzles and pumps – in addition to various other types of equipment used in handling aviation fuels from the refinery to the aircraft. Gammon is also committed to education, and produces an educational publication known as the GamGram for use by customers in their training classes, as well as oil companies and fueling companies who want to sharpen their knowledge about jet fuel handling.

A Gammon employee hard at work.
In addition, the company hosts an annual Symposium and Open House that gives participants a chance to learn more about fuel quality. Last year’s open house featured a well-attended Fuel Quality and Fuel Equipment Maintenance Symposium, with in-house and guest speakers who provided insight and information to those in attendance from international oil companies and standard organizations.

It’s part of the expertise that makes Gammon a leader in its industry, and serves as evidence that Manasquan is home to a company that makes a major impact all over the world.

“Our strength is in our engineering,” said company president, Jim Gammon. “Those in the aviation industry know our reputation and trust that we offer a reliable source for products that ensure their fuel is clean and water-free when it reaches their aircraft.”

Kathleen Zimmer, Director of Business Development at First Financial, said of the credit union’s relationship with Gammon, “Gammon Technical Products is a family run business and has had a local presence within our community for several years. We are proud to have Gammon as a valued financial partner. They understand the importance of offering their employees financial benefits provided by First Financial Federal Credit Union. We have also enjoyed offering financial literacy programs to the Gammon staff and will
continue to offer new and innovative programs that provide
true benefit to the organization.”

The relationship between First Financial and Gammon has not only benefited the company, but has also helped to give the community the presence of a strong employer and manufacturer that boosts the local economy. The company’s strength, aided by First Financial’s support, should keep the community benefiting from those factors for many years to come. For more information about Gammon Technical Products, visit www.gammontech.com.

Learn more about Select Employee Groups at First Financial and inquire to become one today.

First Financial Wins Marketing Award

PRESS RELEASE

Pictured above from First Financial Federal Credit Union: L to R: Kathy Zimmer (Business Development Director), Megan Shull (Business Development Officer), Jessica Revoir (Marketing Manager) and Marisa Sanfilippo (E-Marketing Specialist).

Wall, N.J. (May 7, 2012) –  First Financial Federal Credit Union was chosen by the National Association of Federal Credit Unions (NAFCU) as the recipient of a 2012 Marketing Award for Best Promotional Event.  The event the credit union was awarded for was for their “Turkey Shuffle” event (a Thanksgiving variation of shuffleboard), which took place in November 2011 at First Financial’s Howell branch. First Financial and other winners in NAFCU’s 2012 Marketing Awards program were honored in conjunction with NAFCU’s Strategic Growth Conference in FireSky Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Ariz., March 13-15.

“First Financial’s marketing and business development teams work diligently to promote our products and services with clarity and creativity,” said Issa Stephan, First Financial’s President/CEO. “This recognition speaks to our commitment to excellence and outstanding member service.”

The Annual Awards Competition recognized eight successful promotions in two credit union asset-size categories. First Financial was a winner among credit unions with $150 million or more in assets.

First Financial is a member of NAFCU, which is the only national organization that focuses exclusively on federal issues affecting credit unions, representing its members before the federal government and the public. For more information, visit www.nafcu.org.

Things to Do in Monmouth County, Ocean County This May

Saturday, May 5th
The Sea Girt Library will celebrate its 20th Anniversary with activities for children, hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, and cake. There is a $10 donation per adult and $5 per child. The celebration begins at noon.

Saturday, May 12th
Arts, Crafts, and Music Festival that features the Toms River Food Festival in Downtown Toms River. Attendees can expect many activities for the whole family including food demos, arts and crafts, inflatables, street entertainment, and more. It's being held from 11am to 5pm and is free to attend. For more information, view the event flyer.

Friday, May 18th
Howell's Department of Senior Services will hold a free health fair for Howell seniors ages 60 and older at 251 Preventorium Rd. Carol Zur, Director of Senior Services for Howell Township, said that it will include free screenings for blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, oral cancer, balance, vision, and others. There will also be professionals on site to offer information about senior services such as senior safety, legal issues, veterans' services, and more. For more information, give the department a call at 732-938-4500, ext. 2550.

Saturday, May 19th
The International Chili Society will hold its 23rd Annual Chili and Salsa Cook-off on Washington St. in Toms River. In addition to chili and salsa, there will be live entertainment, vendors, and crafters. It's being held from 11am to 5pm. Admission is free and for $7 at the door or $6 in advance, attendees can purchase a tasting kit.

Saturday, May 26th and Sunday, May 27th
The town of Bradley Beach will be hold a weekend long festival that will be kicked off with its Memorial Day Parade on Ocean Ave. at 10am Saturday. The town’s new police dog, high school bands, and other area organizations will be featured in the parade. It's free to attend. According to George Bacher, one of Bradley's Memorial Day weekend committe members, the festival will consist of more than 100 vendors. Among the vendors, there will be food stands, video game trailers where kids can play video games, arts and crafts, a DJ, and more. The events will be held at the Bradley Beach Gazebo and will conclude at 8pm each day.

Monday, May 28th
The town of Freehold will hold its 138th Annual Memorial Day Parade beginning at Brinkerhoff Ave. and Main St. at 10am. This parade is also free to attend. According to Alice McCobb, the parade's chair, attendees can expect horses, bands, fire trucks, a Civil War reenactment group walking in true 1800s fashion, and much more.

First Financial Foundation Holds Cutest Pet Photo Contest

The First Financial Foundation continues to hold fundraisers to raise money for scholarships and teacher classroom supply grants this year.

The latest fundraiser is a Cutest Pet Photo Contest. With a $5 donation to the Foundation, pet owners can enter their cutest pet photos for the chance to win a $50 gift card to Petco.*

“To enter, we are asking for an entry form to be filled out and submitted,” said Jessica Revoir, First Financial’s Marketing Manager and the Foundation’s Secretary. “Forms are available at any of our branches, on the Foundation’s website, and on First Financial’s website.

Photos and entry forms can be emailed to the Foundation at foundation@firstffcu.com, mailed in to the Foundation at PO Box 1172 – Toms River NJ 08754, or turned in at any First Financial branch. Donations must be made via cash or check (made out to the First Financial Federal Credit Union Foundation), at a branch or mailed in. There is no limit on entries, as long as a $5 donation to the Foundation accompanies each pet photo submitted. All contest entries must be received in full by 5pm on May 24th in order to be eligible to win.

From May 25th through May 31st, the credit union’s Facebook fans will vote on who they think is the cutest pet. The winning pet owner will be notified on June 1st. Anyone can become a fan at facebook.com/firstfinancialnj to vote. The winning pet will receive a $50 Petco gift card, as well as the photo will be featured in the credit union’s Fall 2012 newsletter.


Since 1994, First Financial has supported the Monmouth & Ocean communities with the Erma Dorrer Scholarship Program. Today, that program has been extended into the First Financial Foundation to assist charitable organizations of the Monmouth and Ocean County Communities. The First Financial Federal Credit Union Foundation is a non-profit working to support a variety of community programs and organizations throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties. It directs 100% of your contributions to programs because all administrative expenses are paid for by First Financial Federal Credit Union. To learn more, visit www.firstfinancialfoundation.org.   

*All donations will go to the Foundation for 2012 scholarships and teacher grants. Pet photos and donations must be received in full by 5pm on 5/24/12 in order to be eligible for the contest. Photos and donations (cash or check only) can be dropped off at any First Financial branch location, mailed to the First Financial Federal Credit Union Foundation at PO Box 1172 - Toms River NJ 08754, or photos can be emailed to foundation@firstffcu.com – but the accompanying donation must be made at a branch or mailed. Checks can be written out to First Financial Federal Credit Union Foundation with Cutest Pet Photo Contest in the memo portion. The cutest pet will be chosen through a Facebook vote at Facebook.com/FirstFinancialNJ, and the voting period will begin at 12pm on 5/25/12 and end at 12pm on 5/31/12. In order to vote for the cutest pet photo, you must “like” First Financial on Facebook, and voting is open to all First Financial Facebook followers. There is no limit on pet photos and donations made, as long as each submitted pet photo has an accompanying $5 donation to the Foundation. Must be 18 years or older to enter. No substitution of the offered prize may be made and no cash will be given in lieu of the prize. Winner must pick up the prize from a branch location by the given deadline as coordinated by First Financial. Winning pet will also be featured in our Fall 2012 Newsletter Magazine. Donations made to the Foundation may be tax deductible.

Support the First Financial Foundation for a Chance to Win an iPad

The First Financial Federal Credit Union Foundation, a nonprofit that supports a variety of community programs and organizations throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties, is holding a fundraiser in the form of a raffle to win a new Apple iPad.  Tickets can be purchased at any First Financial Branch for $10 for one, or $20 for three. A winner will be drawn on May 11th, 2012 at 12pm.

The First Financial Foundation awards scholarships to students from the community to help pay for college tuition expenses, as well as the Foundation also assists local teachers by supplying classroom supply grants. All proceeds from this raffle will go toward 2012 teacher grants and scholarships.

*No substitution of the offered prize may be made and no cash will be given out in lieu of the prize. Ticket payment will be accepted in a branch by check or cash, only. Checks should be made out to the First Financial Federal Credit Union Foundation. Must be 18 years or older to enter. Winner must pick iPad up from the arranged First Financial Branch by given deadline, as coordinated by First Financial, or a new winner will be chosen. Tickets purchased are considered a donation to the First Financial Federal Credit Union Foundation and may be tax deductible.

Attend Our Newest Free Seminar: Managing Your Finances in an Unsettling Economy

First Financial Federal Credit Union's newest consumer seminar -- Managing Your Finances in an Unsettling Economy -- will make attendees budget and credit conscious.

For the first time ever, the experts at First Financial will combine three of the credit union's most popular seminars (Budgeting, Debt Reduction, and Credit Management) into one.

Attendees will learn ...

How to budget their finances by:

• Building an emergency fund to avoid money pitfalls
• Creating and maintaining a simple budgeting worksheet 
• Paying bills on time
• Paying themselves by saving money
  
  

Tips for reducing debt - including:

• Ways to cut spending
• How to track spending
• How to pay off debt
  
  

And, tips for managing their credit - including:

• Ways to keep their credit score where it should be
• What makes up and affects their credit score
• How to improve their credit score

Anyone who is struggling with their finances during this difficult time is encouraged to attend. It's free and is being held on Wednesday, May 23rd starting at 6:30pm at the credit union's Neptune Branch. As always, space is limited and registration in advance is recommended.

Attend an Advanced Facebook Seminar in Monmouth County

First Financial Federal Credit Union will be hosting a new social media seminar -- Facebook for Business, Advanced Techniques.

Attendees will learn from Social Media Consultant Deborah Smith:

• How to interpret and use Facebook Analytics
• How to get the Facebook landing pages and what applications to use for increased success
  
• How to take Facebook content creation to the next level

The seminar will be held on Tuesday, May 15th at the credit union's corporate office in Monmouth County located at 1800 Rt. 34 North, Building 3, Wall Township NJ, 07719. Networking and light breakfast will begin at 8:30am followed by the seminar that will begin at 9am. The cost to attend is $10 -- a fee that must be paid in advance. You may register with a Credit Card via PayPal, or send a check in advance to the address above. If you are sending a check, please list 5/15 Social Media Seminar in the memo portion and address it Attn: Marketing.

Space is limited. Proceed to PayPal and REGISTER NOW.

Deborah Smith is the owner of Foxtrot Media, LLC a Social Media Consulting and Management company. Deborah got her start in social media over 12 years ago when she launched an Ecommerce business which operated a network of websites serving the Nanny Industry. She began employing email groups, chat rooms and online message boards as marketing and networking tools well before the term "Social Media" was ever conceived. When the new tools like Blogs, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn emerged, Deborah was an early adopter and soon mastered these tools for her own business. In 2007, she launched her first blog, JerseyBites.com, a collaborative food blog with over 35 contributors throughout the state. Jerseybites now welcomes over 20,000 visitors per month and was recently named as WHYY's exclusively source for Food News in South Jersey. Deborah was also recently named one of 100 Constant Contact local experts in the Country. She is an experienced corporate trainer and social media consultant for businesses throughout the Tri-State area.