Social Security: Five Facts You Need to Know

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Social Security can be complicated, and as a result, many individuals don’t have a full understanding of the choices they may have. Here are five facts about Social Security that are important to keep in mind.

1. Social Security is a Critical Source of Retirement Income

Some have the perception that Social Security is of secondary importance in retirement. But according to a recent report by the Employee Benefits Research Institute, Social Security represents a major source of income for 66% of retirees.1

Keep in mind that Social Security makes annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) based on the Consumer Price Index, and under current laws, pays income for life and the life of your spouse.2

2. You Can Choose When You Take Social Security

You have considerable flexibility regarding when you can begin receiving your benefits. You may begin receiving benefits as early as age 62; however, your benefits will be reduced at a rate of about one half of 1% for each month you begin taking Social Security before your full retirement age.3

The full retirement age is 67 if you were born in 1960 or later. If you were born before 1960, your retirement age will be reduced depending on the year in which you were born.

You may choose to delay receiving benefits until after reaching your full retirement age; in which case, your benefits are scheduled to increase by 8% annually. This increase under current law will be automatically added each month from the moment you reach full retirement age until you start taking benefits or reach age 70 – the age at which these delayed retirement credits stop accruing. Plus, your benefit also will increase by any cost-of-living adjustments applied to benefit payment levels during that time.4

If you intend to continue working, you may still receive the full benefit for which you are eligible. Working beyond full retirement age can increase your benefits. However, your benefits will be reduced if your earnings exceed certain limits. If you work and start receiving benefits before full retirement age, your benefits will be reduced by $1 for every $2 in earnings above the prevailing annual limit ($24,480 in 2026).5

If you continue to work during the year in which you attain full retirement age, your benefits will be reduced by $1 for every $3 in earnings over a different annual limit ($65,160 in 2026) until the month you reach full retirement age.5

Once you have attained full retirement age, you can keep working, and your benefits under current law will not be reduced regardless of how much you earn.5

3. Social Security May Be Taxable

Depending on your income level, your Social Security benefit may be subject to taxation. Your combined income (adjusted gross income + your non-taxable interest + one half of your Social Security benefit) can impact whether your Social Security retirement benefit is subject to taxation.6

This potential income tax exposure may have substantial implications for whether you choose to work during retirement, how your assets are invested, and the timing of withdrawals from other retirement accounts. For instance, a withdrawal from a traditional IRA may lift your income beyond the thresholds described above, subjecting a higher proportion of your Social Security to income tax.7,8

The same is true of investment earnings in non-retirement savings. Retirees who have investment earnings in excess of their current spending needs may be subjecting their Social Security income to taxation. Shifting a portion of those assets to a tax-deferred instrument may be one way to manage taxation on your Social Security benefit.9

4. Social Security Can Be a Family Benefit

When you start receiving Social Security, other family members may also be eligible for payments. A spouse (even if they did not have earned income) qualifies for benefits if they are age 62 or older – or at any age if they are caring for your child. (The child must be younger than 16 or disabled).

Benefits may also be paid to your unmarried children if they are younger than 18, between 18 and 19 and enrolled in a secondary school as a full-time student, or age 18 or older and severely disabled.

Each family member may be eligible for a monthly benefit that is up to half of your retirement (or disability) benefit amount. There is a family limit, which varies, but is generally between 150% to 188% of your retirement (or disability) benefit. Should you die, your family may be eligible for benefits based on your work record.10

Family members who qualify for benefits include:

  • A widow or widower
    • age 60 or older;
    • age 50 and older if disabled; or
    • any age if they are caring for your child who is younger than 16 or disabled and entitled to Social Security benefits on your record.
  • Unmarried children can receive benefits if they are:
    • under 18 years of age;
    • between 18 and 19 and are full-time students in a secondary school; or
    • age 18 or older and severely disabled (the disability must have started before age 22).

Your survivors receive a percentage of your basic Social Security benefit – usually in the range of 75% to 100% for each member. However, the limit paid to each family is about 150% to 188% of your benefit rate.10

5. A Divorced Spouse May Be Eligible for Benefits

If you are divorced, you may qualify for Social Security benefits based on your ex-spouse’s work record. To be eligible for benefits, your ex-spouse must have reached the age at which they are eligible to begin receiving benefits (although they do not necessarily need to be receiving them).10

To qualify, you need to:

  • have been married to your ex-spouse for at least 10 years;
  • have been divorced for two years or longer;
  • be at least 62 years old;
  • be unmarried; and
  • not be entitled to a higher Social Security benefit based on your own work history.

If your former spouse is deceased, you may still receive benefits as a surviving divorced spouse (irrespective of the age they died), assuming that your ex-spouse was entitled to Social Security benefits, your marriage was at least 10 years, you are at least 60 years old, and you are not entitled to a higher benefit amount based on your own work history. If you remarry before the age of 60, you will lose the ability to receive a survivor benefit from your deceased ex-spouse.10

If your former spouse is living, the maximum amount that you are eligible to receive is 50% of what your former spouse is due at full retirement age. To receive the maximum benefit, you will need to wait until you have reached your own full retirement age.10

Your benefits are unaffected should your former spouse elect to take Social Security before reaching full retirement age or if your ex-spouse starts a new family.10

Questions about Social Security? Contact First Financial’s Investment & Retirement Center

You can also register for our no-cost virtual seminar on Social Security and Your Retirement, taking place on Tuesday, April 28th at 6pm

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Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker/dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. First Financial Federal Credit Union (FFFCU) and First Financial Investment & Retirement Center are not registered as a broker/dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using First Financial Investment & Retirement Center, and may also be employees of FFFCU. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from and not affiliates of FFFCU or First Financial Investment & Retirement Center.

Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are:

1. EBRI.org, 2025

2-6, 10. SSA.gov, 2025

7. In most circumstances, once you reach age 73, you must begin taking required minimum distributions from a Traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA). You may continue to make tax-deductible contributions to a Traditional IRA past age 70½ as long as you meet the earned-income requirement.

8. Once you reach age 73 you must begin taking required minimum distributions from a Traditional Individual Retirement Account in most circumstances. Withdrawals from Traditional IRAs are taxed as ordinary income and, if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty.

9. The guarantees of an annuity contract depend on the issuing company’s claims-paying ability. Annuities have contract limitations, fees, and charges, including account and administrative fees, underlying investment management fees, mortality and expense fees, and charges for optional benefits. Most annuities have surrender fees that are usually highest if you take out the money in the initial years of the annuity contact. Withdrawals and income payments are taxed as ordinary income. If a withdrawal is made prior to age 59½, a 10% federal income tax penalty may apply (unless an exception applies).

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

What Are Closing Costs? What Homebuyers Can Expect

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Buying a home is an exciting milestone, but beyond your down payment – there’s another important expense to plan for: closing costs. Understanding what they are, how much it may cost you, and what’s included can help you avoid surprises and feel confident on closing day.

What Are Closing Costs?

Closing costs are the fees and expenses required to finalize your mortgage and complete your home purchase. These costs are separate from your down payment and are typically paid when you officially “close” on your home and receive the keys.

They cover everything from lender and title services, to appraisal fees, escrow, legal paperwork, and local county property-related recording and notary expenses that ensure the transaction is secure and legally complete.

How Much Are Closing Costs?

Most homebuyers can expect closing costs to range from 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price.

For example:

  • $250,000 home → approximately $5,000 to $12,500
  • $350,000 home → approximately $7,000 to $17,500

The exact amount also depends on factors such as:

  • Location
  • Loan type
  • Lender fees
  • Property taxes and local regulations

What Do Closing Costs Include?

Closing costs are made up of several categories. While they will vary by transaction, below are the most common ones:

1. Lender Fees

Charged by your mortgage lender for processing your loan:

  • Loan origination fee
  • Application and underwriting fees
  • Credit report fee

2. Property-Related Fees

Ensures the home is properly valued and legally transferred:

  • Appraisal fee
  • Title search and title insurance
  • Survey fees (in some cases)

3. Government & Legal Fees

These fees are tied to recording by your local government and transferring ownership:

  • Recording fees
  • Transfer taxes
  • Attorney fees (required in some states)

4. Prepaid Costs

Any upfront payments for ongoing homeownership expenses:

  • Property taxes
  • Homeowners insurance
  • Prepaid interest

These prepaid items aren’t necessarily “fees,” they’re typically expenses that are initially collected upfront at your closing.

Who Pays Closing Costs?

Both buyers and sellers will have closing costs, but buyers typically will pay the majority of loan-related fees, while sellers usually often cover agent commissions and potentially some taxes.

In some cases, you may be able to negotiate:

  • Seller concessions (the seller covering certain costs)
  • Lender credits
  • Local or state assistance programs

Be sure to discuss this with your lender and your real estate attorney throughout the homebuying process, so that you will be informed and prepared along the way.

When Are Closing Costs Paid?

Most closing costs are due on closing day, when you sign your final paperwork.  However, a few expenses like the appraisal or a credit check, may be paid earlier on in the homebuying process.

How to Prepare for Closing Costs

Planning ahead can make a big difference. Here’s how to stay prepared:

  • Review your Loan Estimate & Closing Disclosure to understand the expected costs
  • Budget beyond your down payment
  • Shop around for lenders and servicing providers
  • Ask about assistance programs if you’re a first-time buyer
  • Negotiate where possible

Even small differences in fees can add up to significant savings.

We’re Here For Your Homebuying Needs

Closing costs are a normal and important part of buying a home. While they can feel overwhelming at first, understanding what’s included and planning ahead will help you move through the mortgage process with confidence.

At First Financial, we’re here to guide you on your homebuying journey every step of the way, from pre-approval to closing day – so there are no surprises, just smart financial decisions. If you live, work, worship, volunteer, or attend school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties in NJ and would like to learn more about the homebuying process or schedule a call with one of our mortgage experts with no commitment required, start here.

*Subject to credit approval. Credit worthiness determines your APR. Your actual APR may vary based on your state of residence, approved loan amount, applicable discounts and your credit history. Higher rates may apply depending on terms of loan and credit worthiness. Minimum mortgage loan amount is $100,000. Available on primary residence only. Interest Rates, Annual Percentage Rate (APR), and fees are based on current market rates, and are for informational purposes only. Mortgage insurance may be required depending on loan guidelines. This is not a credit decision or a commitment to lend. If mortgage insurance is required, the mortgage insurance premium could increase the APR and the monthly mortgage payment. See Credit Union for details. A First Financial membership is required to obtain a Mortgage and is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, volunteers, or attends school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties.

What to Do if You’re Not Approved for an Auto Loan

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Hitting the “submit” button on an auto loan application can feel exciting (and maybe a little nerve-wracking). However, that excitement can quickly turn into confusion and frustration if you find out your loan application was not approved. Although this can be discouraging, you’re not alone – and it doesn’t mean you won’t qualify for one in the future. Here’s what to do before applying for an auto loan, to help increase your chances of getting approved and in the driver’s seat of your new wheels.

Reasons Your Auto Loan Application May Have Been Denied?

Below are some common reasons why car loans may not get approved.

  • Low credit score, poor credit history, and/or limited credit history.
  • High debt-to-income ratio.
  • Income below the minimum requirement set by the lender.
  • Irregular employment or a recent job change.
  • Incomplete or inaccurate application.

Step 1: Find Out the Reason You Weren’t Approved

If you were just denied, take a step back and wait to receive a letter from your lender. According to federal law, lenders must send you a letter when your auto loan application is declined (or, if it is approved on less favorable terms than you requested). You can expect this letter to tell you the reasons that drove the decision and next steps. Review the reasons in the letter – making improvements in these areas can help boost your future approval odds. Don’t hesitate to contact the lender if you have any questions about the information within letter, or if you haven’t received one.

Step 2: Review Your Credit Report

It’s generally recommended to review your credit report before applying for a loan. Your credit report is a key factor that lenders consider when making a lending decision – and it’s in your best interest to know the information they are basing the decision on. You’ll want to review your credit report to ensure all the information is accurate and up to date. It isn’t unheard of to find mistakes on your credit report – such as incorrect balances or credit limits, or accounts that were inaccurately reported as late or delinquent.

Any of the above errors could contribute to a loan denial, and you would want to have them corrected before applying again. Understanding your credit score and report can also help you make more informed financial decisions. You’ll also want to be aware that different lenders have different requirements and restrictions.

Did you know you are entitled to a free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each credit reporting bureau? Visit AnnualCreditReport.Com to request your free copy today.

Step 3: Improve Your Credit Score or History

Improving your credit score is always beneficial – it increases approval odds for loans and credit cards, and may even qualify you for better interest rates on those products. You can improve your credit score by making on-time payments, lowering any outstanding balances on credit cards, and avoiding applying for new credit – especially prior to applying for an auto loan again.

There are certain actions that can positively impact your credit score quicker than others. For example, the result of paying down balances can be seen in as little as a few months, whereas a late payment can have a negative impact on your score for longer.

If you have limited credit history, lenders might not have enough information about you to determine your likelihood to repay your auto loan – which could also lead to a denial. If you have limited credit history, consider applying with a co-signer to help increase your chances of loan approval. We’ll cover this in the next step.

Step 4: Consider Adding a Co-Signer

A co-signer is someone who applies for a loan with you and agrees to make the payments if you are unable to. This provides more reassurance to the lender that the loan will be repaid. Your chances of qualifying for a loan might improve if you select a co-signer with a strong credit score, long credit history, and sufficient income. You’ll want to be sure the co-signer is someone you trust, and that you both fully understand the responsibilities and risks up front.

Step 5: Consider Saving for a Larger Down Payment

Consider saving for a larger down payment if your financial situation allows for it. This can improve your approval odds by reducing the amount of money the lender will need to lend to you. In the end, by putting more money down you’ll likely pay less interest over the life of the loan.

Step 6: Explore Other Vehicle Financing Options

If you only applied for an auto loan through one lender such as a large national bank, consider other options – like your local credit union or a community bank. You might find more flexibility and more personalized lending decisions.

If you live, work, worship, volunteer, or attend school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties and are exploring your auto loan options – visit one of our local branches or call us to make an appointment at 732.312.1500.*

If you had your eyes set on driving off with a new or new-to-you vehicle and you recently received an auto loan denial, don’t worry – it isn’t necessarily the end of your car buying journey. Remember to be prepared, make informed decisions, improve your credit profile, and try again when the time is right.

*Not all applicants will qualify, subject to credit approval. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Actual rate may vary based on credit worthiness and term. First Financial FCU maintains the right to not extend credit, after you respond, if we determine you do not meet our guidelines for creditworthiness. Current loans financed with First Financial FCU are not eligible for review or refinance. A First Financial membership is required to obtain an Auto Loan and is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, volunteers or attends school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties. See credit union for details. A $5 deposit in a Base Savings Account is required to establish membership prior to opening any other account/loan.

Received a Call Saying You’ve Won a Prize? That’s a Scam

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Imagine this: your phone rings, and on the other end is someone telling you that you’ve just won a prize, maybe a brand new car, a big cash payout, or the latest tech. Sounds exciting, right? Unfortunately, it’s almost always a scam. These “you’ve won!” messages are one of the oldest tricks in the book, and they’re unfortunately still fooling people today. Keep reading to learn how to prevent this scam from happening to you, and how to protect your finances from scammers.

How the Prize Scam Works

Scammers will reach out by phone, text, email, or even social media claiming you’ve won something valuable. Sometimes they pretend to represent well-known companies or sweepstakes organizations to sound legitimate. But there’s a catch.

Before you can “claim” your prize, they’ll tell you that you need to pay a fee – which will be used to cover any of the following:

  • Taxes
  • Shipping and handling
  • Processing or insurance

Here’s the truth, real prizes are free. If someone asks you to pay to receive any portion of a prize, it’s a scam.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Scammers rely on urgency, excitement, and confusion to get you to act quickly. Here are the biggest scam warning signs:

  • You didn’t enter anything: You can’t win a contest you never signed up for. If it feels random, it probably is.
  • You’re asked to pay upfront: Legitimate sweepstakes never charge fees to collect any portion of the winnings.
  • They request personal or financial information: No real prize requires your Social Security Number, bank account information, or credit card details.
  • You’re pressured to act fast: Scammers may say it’s a “limited time offer” to rush your decision to claim the “prize.”
  • They pretend to be someone you trust: The scammer might claim to be from a government agency or a well-known company, but in reality it’s just a tactic to gain your confidence.

Common Prize Scam Tactics

Scammers may seem creative, but their strategies often follow familiar patterns:

  • Fake big wins: “You’ve won $1 million!” or a luxury prize.
  • Impersonation: Pretending to be from companies like Publishers Clearing House.
  • Phishing links: Asking you to click a link to “claim” your reward.
  • Fake checks: Sending a check and asking you to send money back.
  • Foreign lottery scams: Claiming you’ve won a lottery you didn’t enter (and couldn’t legally play).

At the core, the goal is always the same – to get access to your money or your personal information.

How to Protect Yourself

Staying safe from scams comes down to a few simple habits:

  • Slow down, and don’t let urgency push you into a decision.
  • Never pay to claim a prize.
  • Don’t share personal or financial information.
  • Research the company or offer online.
  • Ignore unexpected “winning” messages.

If something feels too good to be true, it probably is.

What to Do if You’re Targeted

If you receive a suspicious call or message:

  • Hang up or delete the message.
  • Do not engage or click links.
  • Block the number or sender.
  • Report it to ftc.gov

If you already sent money or shared any personal information, contact your financial institution immediately so they can help protect your accounts.

Final Thoughts

Scammers count on excitement and distraction to succeed. But with a little awareness, you can stop them in their tracks. At First Financial, we’re here to help you protect your financial well-being. When in doubt – pause, verify, and contact us, because your financial safety is always worth a second look.

Spring Clean Your Spending in 30 Minutes

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Spring cleaning usually means refreshing your home, but your finances deserve a spring refresh too! If your spending has felt a little unorganized lately, the good news is it only takes 30 minutes to get back on track and feel more in control of your finances. Here’s how to spring clean your spending – fast.

Minutes 1-5: Review Your Budget

The foundation of a successful spending refresh often starts with your budget. Review your income, expenses, and what you had left (or how much you went over budget) last month. If your income was higher than your expenses, there’s a good chance you’ll have money left to save each month. If your expenses were higher than your income, this is a great opportunity to see where your money is going and which expenses you can cut.

Don’t have a budget? Now would be a good time to create one before you continue with the rest of this guide. Check out our fillable PDF Budget Worksheet to quickly see how your income and expenses stacked up this month.

Minutes 5-10: Get a Clear Snapshot of Your Spending

Now we’ll take a deeper dive into the expenses part of your budget. You probably don’t need to spend as much time reviewing essential expenses like your rent/mortgage or car loan, since those are likely fixed month-to-month. What we really want to look at is your discretionary spending, or spending on non-essential items that can be adjusted or postponed. Examples of this spending include any daily coffee purchased on the way to work, takeout on nights you don’t feel like cooking dinner, or subscription services.

Start by opening your recent bank statements and credit card transaction history. Quickly scan your transactions and take note of what you’ve been spending money on over the last month. As you look through, ask yourself the following questions:

  • Is there anything non-essential you’re buying almost daily or weekly? If so, do those purchases feel small in the moment but look like they’re starting to add up?
  • Are there any recurring charges for subscriptions, and do you use the subscriptions?
  • What spending feels valuable vs. wasteful?

It’s important to remember that spending is personal. That daily coffee might be a non-negotiable to you, but it might fall lower on the list of spending priorities to someone else – and that’s okay. The point of this exercise is to increase your awareness as to where your money is going, whether you end up being content with what you see or identify areas for improvement.

Minutes 10-20: Cut Out the Clutter

There’s a reason you asked yourself the questions in the previous section – your answers are the very places you can probably declutter your spending. These “clutter” items are non-essential purchases you are spending money on that are slowly adding up, taking money away from your other financial goals.

Start by cutting:

  • Any unused subscriptions that took you by surprise (“I’m still subscribed to that?”), and possibly even all subscriptions for the time being – if you are continually exceeding the amount of money you bring in each month. A subscription service is a nice-to-have, it’s not a necessity – and should be one of the first things you can slash from your spending.
  • Purchases that feel wasteful to you.
  • Duplicate services (multiple music platforms or streaming services).

Even if you only have one monthly charge to cut, you’d be surprised at the difference it can make. Saving $20 a month for a whole year is an extra $240 in your account.

Minutes 20-25: Refresh Your Spending Habits

Did you notice patterns in your spending that you want to change? For example, were there impulsive online purchases you wish you hadn’t made, or items you bought and didn’t end up using? Were there nights you had groceries in the fridge and didn’t really need to order takeout? Below are examples of small swaps you can make:

  • Try making a meal out of what you already have at home instead of ordering takeout.
  • Return items you ordered and haven’t used instead of saving them “just in case.”

The key is intention – by noticing patterns you would like to change and intentionally changing them, you’ll feel more confident and in control over where your money is going.

Minutes 25-30: Set Goals

Now that you know where your money is going, you’re in a better position to set financial goals. Keep your goals specific, achievable, and realistic – you’re more likely to achieve them that way. For example, if you determined that you can realistically cut $30 in takeout spending each month – consider redirecting that $30 to your emergency savings. This is a specific, achievable, and realistic goal because you have the $30 and the means to redirect it each month. It’s important to remember that progress isn’t always linear – you might hit a setback from time to time, and that’s okay. Try to pick up where you left off in the following month.

If you’re looking for an in-depth guide to budgeting, check out our Budgeting 101 Guidebook. If you live, work, worship, volunteer, or attend school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties and want to discuss your financial goals further – visit one of our local branches or call to make an appointment at 732.312.1500.

Things to Do on a Budget in Monmouth & Ocean Counties this April 2026

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April showers bring May flowers – but April also brings budget and family-friendly activities to enjoy in Monmouth and Ocean Counties!

April 4

Brunch with the Bunny (Manahawkin) – The Easter Bunny is fueling up with a pre-Easter Brunch at Dolce Liberta and he’s inviting you to join, from 11am-12:30pm or 1pm-2:30pm. Enjoy a family-fun outing with a delicious meal, unlimited pictures with the Easter Bunny, and crafts for the kiddos. Admission is $35.98 per adult and $17.99 per child (including gratuity), and children ages 2 and under  are free. Click here to learn more and purchase tickets.

Easter Celebration (Wall) – You have one more chance to celebrate Easter like it’s the 19th century at the Historic Village at Allaire – and you won’t want to miss it! From 11am to 4pm, enjoy activities ranging from an egg hunt and egg dying, to finding the Easter Bunny during a scavenger hunt in the village. Plus, experience a throwback like no other with 19th century Easter activities such as historical egg dying methods and bonnet decorating. Admission is $13.58 for those ages 4 and up, and there is no cost for children 3 and under. Learn more and purchase tickets here.

Tuckerton Seaport Spring Kickoff – Hop into spring at Tuckerton Seaport, beginning at 10am. This is the perfect event to welcome both Easter and spring with family-friendly activities such as Easter Bunny Bingo (plus photo ops), spring-themed crafts, free boat tours, lighthouse walks, and tours of museum exhibits. There is no cost to attend. Learn more here.

April 9

Dino Fest (Manalapan) – If you ever dreamed of roaming the Earth with creatures of our prehistoric past but thought it wasn’t possible – think again! Arrowhead Farm’s Dino Fest is teeming with life-size dinosaurs every Thursday through Sunday from April 9th through May 3rd. There will be live dinosaur entertainment, interactive exhibits such as a dino dig site, photo ops, and more. Plus, your admission ticket gives you full access to the farm’s tulip field (u-pick tulips are $1/stem). Admission is $28 per person for those ages 2 and up, and can be purchased online in advance. Click here to learn more about how you can experience a world where dinosaurs roam once more!

April 12

Spring Fling & America’s 250th Anniversary (Howell) – Get a head start on celebrating America’s 250th birthday with festivities at Soldier Memorial Park from 12pm-4pm. This free event is bringing the community together to enjoy delicious food trucks, rides and activities for kids, face painting, a petting zoo, live music, and more. If you’ve never seen an American Flag formed entirely out of classic cars – now’s your chance! Click here to learn more.

Yoga at Popcorn Park Animal Refuge (Forked River) – Unroll your mat and join a yoga session surrounded by serene nature and captivating animals, beginning at 9am. This one-hour session combines the benefits of yoga with the power of peaceful nature and wildlife for the mind and body. The class is suitable for all experience levels. Admission is $25 and includes access to the zoo following the session. The event is weather-permitting and outdoors, so please dress accordingly. Purchase tickets and learn more here.

April 16

Ladies Night (Point Pleasant Beach) – Grab your girlfriends and head to Downtown Point Pleasant Beach for a ladies night out from 4pm-8pm. The town will be bustling like it’s already summer at the Jersey Shore – with local businesses offering in-store specials, raffles, and discounts. Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served at many locations. There is no entry fee to attend, but there will be items available for purchase. Learn more here.

April 17

Spring Disco & Night Market (Asbury Park) – Head over to Asbury Park’s Convention Hall from 6pm-11pm for a groovy night! Expect disco-fueled dance floors, delicious local eats, themed cocktails, a carefully curated night market, photo ops that will make it look like you time traveled to the 70s, and more – all under one roof! The event is only for those 21+, allowing attendees to explore any of the multiple on-site bars. Tickets are $25 in advance at the Stone Pony Box Office or $30 on the day of the event, and $35.50 on Ticketmaster. Click here to view a sneak-peak of the Spring Disco.

April 18

Town Wide Garage Sale (Hazlet) – Clear your calendar, and your trunk – the Hazlet Town Wide Garage Sale is back from 9am-4pm! The number of residents registered to showcase their unique items is at 35 and still climbing. You can get a sneak peak of the registered participants and the items they plan to have for sale using this interactive Google Map. The list may change up to the first hour of the sale, as participants join or cancel. There is a rain date of April 19th.

April 25

Cattus Island Nature Festival (Toms River) – The great outdoors is calling at Cattus Island from 10am-3pm! Spend the afternoon exploring nature with experiences like fishing, getting out on the water on a kayaking tour, learning about local wildlife, joining in on crafts and games, and more. There is no entry fee to attend, but there will be items available for purchase from on-site vendors. Learn how you can connect with nature here.

EarthFest (Tinton Falls) – Head over to Sycamore Park from 11am-2pm if you’re looking for a down-to-Earth way to spend your weekend! EarthFest is bringing the community together to make a positive impact locally with park trail cleanup, interactive educational activities, chances for youngsters to participate in Earth Day trivia to win prizes, and more. There is no cost to attend. Learn more here.

Healthy Kids Day (Toms River) – The Ocean County YMCA is inviting local families to join them for a day of building healthy habits without adding extra strain to their wallet, from 10am-1pm. This no-cost community event helps to inspire healthy habits in kids and families, bringing together physical activities, nutrition education, and interactive STEM and art experiences. Click here to learn more.

April 26

United for Impact Food Truck Festival (Freehold) – Stop by the United for Impact Food Truck Festival in support of the United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties from 12pm-4pm. Check out the various food truck offerings over an ice-cold beer (for those ages 21 and up), while enjoying the sounds of live music from the Eddie Testa Band and the Joe Baracata Band. There is no entry fee to attend, but there will be items available for purchase. You can learn more here.