Author Archives: Business Development Rep Samantha

Things to Do on a Budget in Monmouth & Ocean Counties this June 2025

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Soak up the sun while taking it easy on your wallet with these free or inexpensive activities in Monmouth and Ocean Counties this June.

June 5

Bayshore Greek Fest (Holmdel) – If you’re looking for a passport to the Mediterranean without the cost of airfare, bring your family and friends to the Bayshore Greek Fest at 20 Hillcrest Road (Kimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church) – running from Thursday, June 5th through Sunday, June 8th at various times. All of your senses will be transported with various Greek food and pastries, music and dancing, specialty vendors, games, and rides. There is no entry fee to attend, but there will be various food and specialty items for purchase. For more information, click here.

Thursday Summer Concert Series (Freehold) – Rock out to the tune of a different band every Thursday this summer at the Hall of Records, beginning at 7:30pm. The Summer Concert Series features different well known and local talent, promising performances that the whole family will enjoy. There will also be a Court Street Vendor Market to shop at before, during, and after the performances. There is no entry fee to attend. Click here for more information and a sneak-peak of the performers you can expect to rock out with this summer.

June 6

AsburyFest (Asbury Park) – Head down to the park across from the Convention Hall in Asbury Park to support the local community and enjoy all things Asbury, taking place from Friday, June 6th through Sunday, June 8th at various times. There will be food, drinks, and crafts available for purchase from local vendors – as well as live music to enjoy as you explore. Admission is $5 per person on Saturday and Sunday, and children ages six and under are free. To honor local heroes, AsburyFest is offering free admission to Veterans, Active-Duty Military, and First Responders. Click here to learn more.

June 7

Hooked on Fishing Derby (Howell) – Cast your fishing rod and reel in the fun and prizes at the Hooked on Fishing Derby at Echo Lake, starting at 8am. In addition to the fishing derby contest, there will be grab and go breakfast, a picnic style lunch, and learning stations. Following the conclusion of the fishing derby, there will be trophies, awards, and prizes at 11:15am. There is no entry fee for children or adults to participate in fishing, and certain bait is provided. Participants are encouraged to bring their own fishing pole and supplies. Click here to learn how to join in on the friendly competition.

Point Pleasant Summerfest – Give summer a warm welcome, taking place at Community Park from 11am-7pm. There is a kick-off party the night before at 6pm for those interested in getting a head start. Nothing screams “summer” like all-day live music, food trucks with outdoor seating areas, a beer and wine garden for those ages 21+, and inflatables for the kids. There is no entry fee to attend, but there are food and drinks available for purchase and $10 wristbands for children to enjoy the kids’ activity area. Click here for additional information.

June 8

Juneteenth Celebration (Freehold) – Head over to Main Street in Downtown Freehold between 12pm and 5pm for a Juneteenth Celebration. You can enjoy tasty food, shop from local vendors, and listen to the sounds of Valerie Adams & The Dimension Band. There is no entry fee to attend. Click here for more information.

June 11

Cruisin’ Downtown (Toms River) – Whether you’re a car-lover or know one – cruise over to 101 Washington Street from 6pm-9pm to view rare and iconic vehicles from decades past. There will be a live band and DJ to enjoy as you explore a lifetime’s worth of cars in one night, as well as downtown businesses and restaurants to visit throughout the evening. There is no entry fee to attend. You can find additional information here.

June 15

Father’s Day at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk (Point Pleasant Beach) – Dad plays free has a nice ring to it, so celebrate Father’s Day by gifting the dads in your life free admission to various activities at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk from 12pm-8pm. Dads receive free admission with a paying child to various attractions, including the amusement park, aquarium, Adventure Lookout Ropes Course, Castaway Cover Mini Golf, and more. You can find more information here.

Father’s Day at the Track (Oceanport) – Race into Father’s Day by celebrating with a day of family fun and horse races at the Monmouth Park Racetrack from 12pm-5pm. In addition to horse races, there will be activities, various dining options and concession stands, and a chance to enjoy the picnic area. Admission is $6 for those ages 12 and older, with gentlemen being free to attend. Click here to learn more so you can bet on having a fun-filled Father’s Day.

June 17

Red Bank Tango on BroadWalk – Put your dancing shoes on and get ready to dance the night away on the Red Bank BroadWalk from 7pm-9pm. Professional instructors will perform the Argentine Tango to a live band and teach anyone who would like to get on their feet. There is no entry fee to attend and the event is open to dancers of all skill levels. Click here for more information.

June 20

Blueberry and BBQ Festival (Lacey) – Enjoy all things blueberry and barbeque at Argos Farm, open select dates between June 20th and July 7th from 3pm-8pm. There will be pick your own blueberries, live music, farm fun attractions for kids, tasty blueberry and barbeque treats, and more. Pricing will be available at this page. Click here for more information.

June 24

Krafty Kid Tuesdays (Long Beach Island) – School may be out, but getting crafty is in at the Bayview Park Pavillion every Tuesday at 10am from June 24th through August 26th.  The first installation of Krafty Kid Tuesdays will have your little ones learning how to stay healthy while having fun in the sun. There is no entry fee to attend and no sign-ups – but please note that most programs can accommodate 30 children. Click here to learn how to keep those hands and imaginations busy this summer.

June 25

Family Movie Night (Freehold) – You won’t want to miss this free Family Movie Night at the Hall of Records, beginning at 8:30pm. Family Movie Nights will take place every Wednesday from June 25th through August 20th, promising to play a different family-friendly movie that will bring a smile to the face of your loved ones every week. The first movie showing will be Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. All you need to enjoy the movie is lawn chairs and blankets – and some snacks. Click here to learn more and view the summer schedule of selected movies.

June 28

Battle of Monmouth Reenactment (Manalapan) – Friends of Monmouth is calling all history buffs to the Battle of Monmouth Reenactment in commemoration of the 247th anniversary of the battle, held on both June 28th and 29th beginning at 10am. In addition to reenactments of scenarios of the battle – there will be presentations and lectures, tours of the camps, and more. There is a suggested donation of $10 per vehicle. Click here to learn about how you can travel back in time to the 1770s and see the Battle of Monmouth, reenacted.

Manchester Day – Bring your family and friends, and your swim suits – to Harry Wright Lake for a fun-filled day in the outdoors beginning at 2pm. In addition to free swimming for the day, there will be free rides, games, live entertainment, fireworks, and more. Click here to find out how you can join in on the fun and celebrate what makes Manchester special.

Summer Kick-Off Beach Campfire (Barnegat) – You and your marshmallows can get toasty at the Summer Kick-Off Beach Campfire at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park from 7pm-9pm. In addition to marshmallow roasting, you can also get cozy by the campfire and enjoy live music. There is no entry fee to attend. Click here for additional information.

Spring 2025 Newsletter

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We hope you’re enjoying the longer, warmer days and the blossoming of the world around you!

In a continued effort to go green, we’re publishing our quarterly member newsletter electronically – it can also be found on our website and social media sites. Paper copies will be available in our branches.

The Spring First Edition Member Newsletter features the following articles:

To view a copy of the newsletter, click here.

We wish you a fulfilling and prosperous rest of the spring season!

How to Negotiate with Wedding Vendors

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The days leading up to the happiest day of your life can quickly become stressful as the costs of your wedding vendors start to add up. Let’s face it – weddings are expensive. If you and your partner are fronting the bill, it might be among the costliest purchases you will ever have to make as a couple. It’s common to negotiate on the price of certain big ticket item purchases, such as your car or a home – why not negotiate with your wedding vendors, too? As with many things in life, there is a right way and a wrong way to go about it. While you want to have the wedding of your dreams, wedding vendors also rely on their business for their livelihood. Here are some ways to thoughtfully and respectfully negotiate with wedding vendors for your special day.

Do Your Research

Before you contact any potential wedding vendors, and certainly before you negotiate with them – do your research. Once you have identified potential vendors, read their reviews. Reviews will offer a glimpse into the vendor’s offerings, the quality of their services, and the prices that others have paid. Finding out the average price you can expect to pay – will set your expectations as to what an appropriate price range is, ensure that you approach any negotiations thoughtfully, and know when to identify a good deal.

The research doesn’t stop when you begin meeting with wedding vendors. Collect quotes from several that you are considering working with. Whether the vendor is offering a package or individual services, compare prices to identify which has the best-priced option. This can be beneficial if you are considering a counteroffer, as you can explain what you were expecting for the service they are offering.

Honesty is the Best Policy

When you begin meeting with potential wedding vendors, be truthful about your budget. Also ask the vendor to be upfront with you about what is included in their service, as it would not be recommended to negotiate without having a clear understanding about what you are being offered. Being honest with a vendor will ensure that you are not only being respectful of their time, but will also allow you to make an appropriate decision about hiring them and determining if negotiating on the price is appropriate. If you find that a vendor isn’t being clear about their pricing, take control of the situation and ask specific questions. For example – asking a florist, “Can you provide a flower package that fits the parameters we’ve discussed for $5,000?” will force a yes or no answer.

In discussing your budget and expectations, it is important to be considerate of the vendor and their business. This is where good research comes in – don’t meet with wedding vendors that clearly won’t be able to make your dreams a reality within your desired price range. If you were to suggest a budget that is much lower than what their services are typically priced at, it might suggest that you haven’t considered the time, effort, and expertise which go into the vendor’s offering. The more honest you are about your budget and expectations, the more likely it is that you can find one who can provide the service you are looking for.

Don’t Be Afraid to Compromise

Being willing to compromise can help you save when negotiating with wedding vendors. This can be done in two ways – by identifying things you do not need or by substituting for more affordable options. A good way to identify parts of the vendor’s offering you do not need can be creating a wants vs. needs list. Anything you identify as a need, you probably won’t want to compromise on for your special day. However, those wants can help you identify areas of potential savings and where you can cut back. For example, if you don’t have a preference as to having sit-down service or a buffet as catering options – go with the less expensive option. Or if you need a wedding photographer, but don’t want the pictures to be in any specific format – getting digital copies as opposed to printed copies could save you some money.

If the wedding vendor is open to substitutions, consider replacing some of the pricier options for more cost-effective ones. For example, if your florist came up with the idea of putting roses in your centerpieces, but you were looking for a more cost-effective flower – consider asking your florist to make that substitution.

Negotiating can be uncomfortable at first, but if you approach the conversations with respect, consideration, and sincerity – you might be surprised at the different ways wedding vendors may be willing to work with you. If you have been considering options to help with your wedding budget, consider our Financial Helper Loan. With low rates, fixed payments, and personalized service – you can say “I do” with less worry. For more information, contact First Financial’s Loan Department at 732.312.1500 Option 4 or visit a local branch.

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Actual rate will vary based on creditworthiness and loan term. Subject to credit approval. Personal Loan repayment terms range from 12 to 60 months, and APRs range from 10.24% APR to 18% APR. Minimum loan amount is $500. Loan payment example: A $2,000 Personal Loan financed at 10.24% APR for 24 months, would have a monthly payment amount of $92.51. A First Financial Federal Credit Union membership is required to obtain a Personal Loan or Line of Credit, and is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, volunteers or attends school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties. A $5 deposit in a base savings account is required for credit union membership prior to opening any other account/loan. 

How Much Should You Spend on Work Clothing?

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Whether you are building your professional wardrobe from scratch or trying to keep up as rules and trends surrounding workplace attire evolve – purchasing work clothes can get tricky. Aside from figuring out how to budget for your work wardrobe, you are likely considering what clothing pieces will make you look and feel your best – and what apparel fits into your company’s dress code. Although it’s important to “dress for success,” it is equally important to set a clothing budget that doesn’t break the bank.

What’s a Good Clothing Budget?

The clothing you wear is one of the first things someone will notice about you, and can make a significant impact on their first impression of you. A clothing budget can help ensure that you won’t go into debt while curating that first impression. According to Business Insider, personal finance experts suggest that your clothing budget should not exceed 5% of your take home income. This means that you should aim to spend 5% or less of your take home income on work and casual clothing every year. For example, someone who takes home $1,500 every two weeks ($3,000 per month) should not spend more than $150 per month ($1,800 per year) on clothing. The simple equation of your monthly take home pay multiplied by 5% – can help you figure out just what that monthly figure is. You can then multiply it by 12 to figure out the maximum you should spend in a given year. Understanding what 5% of your take home income is on a monthly and yearly basis, can help you track your spending on clothing.

For those who are building their professional wardrobe from scratch, expect to spend more on clothing initially. This can include “the basics,” which are core, versatile pieces of clothing that will become essential to your wardrobe (for example: a pair of black pants or a cardigan that you can mix and match with different blouses). Lauren Bowling of Financial Best Life suggests you can spend 7% of your take home income, only if you are shopping for an entirely new wardrobe. After you build out your new work wardrobe – you will simply be doing “maintenance,” and likely won’t need to purchase as many new items all at once.

How Can I Save When Shopping for Clothing?

Limiting your clothing budget to 5% of your take home income might sound like a challenge, but it’s a challenge that can be made easier with some simple tips.

  • Take Inventory of Your Wardrobe Before You Shop: Having a clear idea of what’s in your closet can help you stick to your clothing budget. It can help you avoid making impulse purchases, keep the pieces you really need top-of-mind, and help you avoid buying items you already own. Additionally, by identifying items that are missing from or need to be replaced in your wardrobe – you can act on any good deals you might see.
  • Shop Secondhand: Not only is shopping secondhand eco-friendly, but it’s also budget-friendly. Shopping secondhand can help you find high-quality items for a fraction of their original sticker price. Pre-owned clothing items aren’t necessarily being sold because they were bad quality or damaged – they might have simply served their purpose to their original owner, who now wants someone else to enjoy it as much as they did!
  • Invest in Quality, Not Quantity: Purchasing low quality items will have you running to the store more frequently to replace them. In the end, the $20 shirt you purchased might cost you $40 if you only wear it for six months before having to purchase a new one. Investing in more expensive, high-quality pieces can ensure you go longer without having to replace items you frequently wear.
  • Take Advantage of Credit Card Rewards: Credit card rewards are a great way to get a bonus for the things you’re already doing – most likely including shopping for clothes. Those points or cash back really add up, and can be put toward your shopping bill. First Financial’s Signature Cash Plus Credit Card offers 1% cash back on unlimited purchases, along with uChoose Rewards – redeemable for travel, merchandise, gift cards, and more.* Your points can turn into a gift card at a major retailer, be used through PayPal when you add your card to your wallet, and reduce the “damage” from your next shopping trip.

It’s inevitable that you will need to spend money on work clothing – especially when starting a new job, but a budget can help make the inevitable more manageable. Remember, the 5% rule is a general rule of thumb. Although 5% of your take home income might seem like it won’t go a long way, those budget-conscious shopping trips will eventually have your wardrobe – and wallet, feeling fuller.

For more money management tips – make an appointment at your local branch, check out our website resources page, or subscribe to our First Scoop blog.

*APR varies up to 18% for the Visa® Signature Cash Plus Card when you open your account based on your credit worthiness. This APR is for purchases and will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. Subject to credit approval. Rates quoted assume excellent borrower credit history. Your actual APR may vary based on your state of residence, approved loan amount, applicable discounts and your credit history. No Annual Fees. Other fees that apply: Balance Transfer and Cash Advance Fees of 3% or $10, whichever is greater; Late Payment Fee of $29, $10 Card Replacement Fee, and Returned Payment Fee of $29. A First Financial membership is required to obtain a Visa® Credit Card and is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, volunteers, or attends school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties. A $5 deposit in a base savings account is required for credit union membership prior to opening any other account/loan. Your First Financial Visa® Signature Cash Plus Credit Card will earn cash back based on your eligible purchase transactions. The cash back will be applied to your current credit card balance on a quarterly basis and be shown cumulatively on your billing statement. Unless you are participating in a limited time promotional offer, you will earn 1% cash back based upon eligible purchases each quarter.

Home Sweet … Home Improvement Scam?

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Deciding to take on a home improvement can be a big commitment, especially when you have to entrust a contractor with turning your dreams into reality. Unfortunately, scammers posing as trustworthy contractors are promising to do the work – and leaving your home and wallet to take the hit. Before you hire a home improvement contractor, consider these red flags that could indicate that a home improvement scam is happening to you.

What is a Home Improvement Scam?

A home improvement scam begins with receiving a flyer in the mail, viewing an advertisement on social media, or being met with an unsolicited knock on the door from a contractor. The so-called “contractor” will say they were working on another project in your neighborhood and had leftover supplies or were looking for new projects to take on because they would be working “in the area” for the foreseeable future. They are hoping that you have a home improvement need, or that you have been waiting to find a contractor that can meet your requirements. The contractor will somehow check off all the boxes – whether it’s completing the project in a short timeframe or within your budget. However, before you hire the contractor and even after the contractor begins your project – the red flags will start to come out. In the end, your home improvement project might cause additional damage to your home or financial situation, or not be completed at all.

Signs of a Home Improvement Scam

It might seem difficult to tell the difference between a trustworthy and not-so-trustworthy contractor. Below are some red flags that can signal you’ve been approached by a scammer.

  • Pressure to Make an Immediate Decision: A real contractor knows that undertaking a home improvement project isn’t a decision that can always be made immediately. Whether it’s consulting others that should be involved in the decision-making process, or confirming that the project is in your budget – there are countless reasons to “sleep on it.” Plus, getting the green light from your partner and your budget – will make you confident in your decision. A fraudster will persuade you into making an immediate decision so you don’t have time to pick apart the interaction or analyze any red flags.
  • Unrealistic Budget or Timeframe: There might be a reason that the contractors before this one could not complete your project to your specifications. Be cautious if you are approached by a contractor who says they can complete your project in half the time or for half the price that other contractors have given you.
  • Asking for Payment Upfront or Only Accepting Cash: This could signal that a contractor is not planning on completing the project, or that they are not planning on completing the project correctly. If a contractor asks you for payment upfront to “buy the materials,” be cautious.

Tips to Avoid Home Improvement Scams

Here are ways you can protect your home, and your wallet – from home improvement scams.

  • Ask for References: Scammers will be reluctant to hand over references, namely because they do not have good ones. Additionally, scammers won’t want to wait around for you to do your homework because they know they won’t get your business based on what you find. Reputable contractors will gladly hand over references so you can confidently make the decision in hiring them to complete your home improvement project. Their references will speak to the quality of work you can expect if you hired them to take on your project. If someone you know and trust recently completed a home improvement project, consider asking them for recommendations.
  • Get Multiple Estimates: Obtain written estimates detailing the work to be completed, the materials needed, and the anticipated price and completion date. If one estimate is substantially lower than all of the others, consider why this estimate is the odd one out. It might be tempting to go with the lowest estimate. However, this low estimate might end up costing you more in the long-run if the work is completed poorly, is completed using substandard materials, or isn’t completed at all.
  • Do Your Research: Check with organizations, like your local Home Builders Association, to see if any complaints were made against a contractor. You should also look up the business or contractor’s name with words like “scam,” “fraud,” or “complaint.” The Better Business Bureau also has a tool to find BBB Accredited businesses near you.
  • Know the Law: Ensure that the contractor you hire has the proper identification, licensing, and insurance needed to complete the project in your state. Additionally, if you are signing a contract to complete work – ensure that the contract includes all the specifics of completing the project.

First Financial knows that finding the right contractor is important. If you believe that you have fallen victim to a home improvement scam and your financial information has been compromised, don’t hesitate to visit a local branch or call us at 732.312.1500.

If you have found the right contractor and are looking for a way to finance your home improvement project, be sure to check out our Home Improvement Loan. We’ve got great rates, up to 10-year terms, and fixed monthly payments.* Apply online 24/7!

*Available on primary residence only. A First Financial membership is required to obtain a Home Improvement Loan and is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, volunteers, or attends school in Monmouth of Ocean Counties. See credit union for details. Rate will vary based off of applicant’s credit rating. Not all applicants who apply will be approved, subject to underwriting guidelines and credit approval. Lien position and appraisal valuation may affect the maximum loan amount. Not all applicants will qualify for maximum Loan to Value (LTV) ratio. It will be based off of creditworthiness, property type, occupancy, lien position, and loan amount. Rates will be affected by LTV or combined LTV if there is another lien on the property. Loan amounts over $7,500.00 will be required to give First Financial FCU a security interest in their property. Rates will vary based off of lien position and whether the loan is mortgage secured or unsecured. For mortgage secured Home Improvement loans First Financial FCU (FFFCU) will waive closing costs at inception of loan. If loan is terminated within the first 2 years of opening, closing cost waiver is revoked and are required to b

The True Cost of Homeownership

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Achieving homeownership is a common goal amongst adults in the U.S., and is to some – considered to be a right-of-passage into the adult world. The home of your dreams might come with a hefty price tag – and that selling price is really just the tip of the iceberg.  From insurance to property taxes, maintenance and utilities – the total price you will pay to live in your home boils down to more than just your monthly mortgage payment. While you determine what you can afford to pay for your home, be sure to factor in these common expenses associated with homeownership so they don’t catch you off guard.

Insurance

Homeowners Insurance protects homeowners from the cost of repairing or replacing damaged property, as well costs that would arise from someone getting hurt while on your property. Although different policies offer various levels of coverage, homeowners insurance is meant to protect you from the nearly impossible feat of paying out-of-pocket to replace your home if an incident should occur. It is important to remember that even the most comprehensive insurance policies exclude certain events, so it is important to try and expect the unexpected by also setting emergency funds aside. According to NerdWallet, the average annual cost of homeowners insurance is $2,110 per year, or approximately $176 per month – for $300,000 worth of dwelling coverage.

Property Taxes

Property Taxes are fees charged on real estate by state and local government to pay for services and upkeep. The amount of taxes you owe typically depends on your area’s tax rates and the assessed value of your property, usually based on an annual appraisal. Unfortunately, these are an unavoidable aspect of homeownership. However, do remember that your property taxes are to thank for services that aid the local community, such as schools and police.

HOA Fees

Homeowners Association (HOA) Fees are only charged if your home is part of a homeowners association. A homeowners association is an organization that enforces rules on properties and residents, as well as collects fees to maintain common areas and facilities. The HOA fees you may be charged depend on numerous factors, such as the type of property you own, the location, and the amenities that are made available to residents. For example, you may be charged higher HOA fees than someone in another local development because you have access to a community pool or gym. If you live in a major metro area, you can expect higher HOA fees due to location. According to Homes, the national average HOA fee is $243 per month.

Maintenance and Upkeep

A common expense associated with homeownership is maintenance on your home. If you have ever asked a homeowner to recall the price of replacing their roof or their hot water heater and they have reacted with absolute horror, it’s because those replacements cost a pretty penny.  According to Consumer Affairs, home maintenance costs can range from $50 to over $12,000 depending on what needs to be repaired or replaced. As you might expect, there is a big difference in the cost of repairing your roof versus replacing your roof. One way to save money on home maintenance costs in the long-run is to keep up with a regular maintenance schedule on various systems and appliances. This type of regular maintenance can catch a smaller issue before it becomes a bigger one – and keep costs more manageable. Additionally, certain manufacturer warranties require this regular maintenance for your warranty to remain in effect.

Utilities

The old saying goes that the people is what “makes a house a home,” but try making a home without electricity or running water. All joking aside, paying for utilities is necessary to keep your home running. The cost of utilities widely varies depending on the size, location, and age of your home. Older homes may be less energy-efficient, driving up your electric bill by letting in cold air in the winter and hot air in the summer. Additionally, the cost of certain utilities can fluctuate depending on the time of the year. For example, your electric bill can fluctuate based on how often you are using your air conditioning. The prices of certain utilities can fluctuate based on factors largely out of your control, like changes in regulations or supply and demand impacting the price of natural gas. Common utilities you can expect to pay for are electric, natural gas, water and sewer, trash removal, and cable/internet.

In today’s market, navigating homeownership can be tricky – even without the less obvious challenges and expenses to account for. That’s why the mortgage experts in First Financial’s Loan Department offer complimentary video chats and phone calls to assist with the homebuying process, no matter what stage you’re in.

If you’ve found your dream home and are ready to apply, we’re also here to help you through the mortgage application process, or provide you with a quick pre-approval if you’re just starting to shop.* You can also visit a local branch or call 732.312.1500 and select option 4. We’re happy to help you finance your home sweet home!

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Subject to credit approval. Credit worthiness determines your APR. Rates quoted assume excellent borrower credit history and are for qualified borrowers. 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. The Interest Rates, Annual Percentage Rate (APR), and fees are based on current market rates, are for informational purposes only. Rates and APRs listed are based on a mortgage loan amount of $250,000. 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.