Category Archives: Vacation and Traveling Finances

8 Tips for Planning a Budget-Friendly Vacation

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It’s summer and vacations are a wonderful way to create lasting memories with your family, but they often come with a hefty price tag. At First Financial, we understand the importance of balancing fun and finances. Here are some practical tips to help you plan a memorable vacation without breaking the bank.

1. Set a Realistic Budget

Before you start planning your vacation, it’s essential to determine your overall budget. A good rule of thumb is to follow the 50/30/20 rule: allocate 50% of your income to fixed costs, 30% to discretionary spending (which includes your vacation), and 20% to savings. This approach helps you identify how much you can afford to spend on your trip. Next, outline all vacation-related expenses including travel costs, accommodations, food, activities, and souvenirs. This will give you a clear picture of the total trip cost and how it aligns with your budget. Don’t forget to set aside funds for unexpected expenses!

2. Plan and Book in Advance

Booking your travel and accommodations in advance can save you a significant amount of money. Airlines and hotels often offer early-bird discounts. According to Hopper, airfare prices tend to rise as the travel date approaches – so it’s best to book your tickets early to secure lower rates. Additionally, consider traveling during the off-season or mid-week to take advantage of cheaper rates.

3. Use Credit Card Rewards

One of the best ways to save on vacation costs is by utilizing credit card rewards. First Financial’s Visa Cash Plus Credit Card, linked to the uChoose rewards program – allows you to earn points on everyday purchases that can be redeemed for travel expenses like flights, hotels, and rental cars.* Make sure to check your rewards points and use them strategically to offset vacation costs.

4. Choose Affordable Accommodations

Instead of staying at expensive hotels, consider more affordable options like rental houses, Airbnb, or even camping. Traveling with friends or family and sharing the cost of accommodations can also reduce expenses. If you prefer hotels, look for deals on third-party travel sites or book directly with the hotel to take advantage of any special offers.

5. Save on Food and Drinks

Eating out for every meal can quickly add up. Save money by bringing food, groceries, and drinks if possible, especially for breakfast and snacks. If you’re flying, consider stopping at a local grocery store once you arrive. Cooking some of your meals can be a fun way to spend time with those you’re traveling with too. When dining out, be aware of prices before ordering and research restaurants and menus beforehand.

6. Plan Budget-Friendly Activities

Look for free or low-cost activities at your destination. Many cities offer free museums, parks, and public attractions. Hiking, beach days, and exploring local landmarks are great ways to enjoy your vacation without spending much. Research which activities are available in advance and prioritize those that fit your budget. Facebook events and town/city websites are great places to find lists of free and affordable upcoming local events.

7. Manage Souvenir Spending

Souvenirs can be a fun part of your vacation, but can also lead to overspending. Set a strict budget for souvenirs and consider using cash to avoid charging them to your credit card. Limit everyone to one souvenir each (and think about – do you really need to buy any souvenirs at all?) and before purchasing – make it a point to think about whether it is something the recipient will use and cherish, or if it will end up gathering dust on a shelf.

8. Consider Travel Agents

If planning a vacation feels overwhelming, consider using a travel agent. They often have access to exclusive deals and can help you stay within your budget. Provide them with a clear budget, and they can plan a trip that meets your needs without the stress of overspending. Often, travel agents do not charge you anything for their services as they are compensated by the companies they book with.

A budget-friendly vacation is achievable with careful planning and smart spending. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy a memorable vacation without financial strain. Start planning your next getaway with this advice in mind and make the most of your time away without breaking the bank.

For more personalized assistance and tailored solutions call 732.312.1500, visit a branch, or explore our services online.

*APR is 18%, 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. uChoose Rewards is a registered trademark of Fiserv Inc. Login to uChoose Rewards through Online Banking, by clicking on your Cash Plus Credit Card account to view current offers.

7 Tips to Keep Your Money Secure While Traveling this Spring Break

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As spring break approaches, the anticipation for a much-needed getaway grows. This time of year marks a popular time for students and families to embark on travel adventures – seeking sun, relaxation, and time away from daily routines and colder weather. However, amidst the excitement of choosing destinations and packing essentials, it’s paramount to prioritize one critical aspect of your travel preparation – ensuring the security of your money.

Traveling, especially to unfamiliar destinations, can expose you to risks such as ID theft and fraud. Protecting your finances requires thoughtful planning and practice. To help you maintain peace of mind during your spring break travels, follow these comprehensive tips for keeping your money safe.

1. Bring Only What You Need

Simplify your wallet by carrying only the essentials. Select one or two credit cards that offer broad acceptance and robust fraud protection for your main expenses. A debit card is useful for accessing cash at reputable ATMs if necessary. Lighten your load by leaving behind any cards or documents not needed for your trip, reducing the risk of significant personal information exposure.

2. Notify Financial Institutions & Enable Account Alerts

Before you set off, inform your bank and credit card issuers about your travel plans. This pre-emptive step helps prevent your accounts from being frozen due to unexpected transactions outside of your usual location, which could be flagged as fraud. Enhance your financial security by setting up alerts for transactions, withdrawals, or activities that deviate from your typical spending patterns. These alerts can be a lifeline, enabling you to respond swiftly to unauthorized access to your accounts. You can easily manage your cards and create travel notifications in our mobile banking app, so you can enjoy your itinerary without worry.

3. Use Credit Cards for Big Purchases

Leveraging credit cards for significant expenses not only offers convenience, but also adds a layer of financial protection. Credit cards generally come with comprehensive fraud protection policies, minimizing your liability in case of unauthorized transactions. Additionally, using credit cards can provide benefits such as reward points and travel insurance, enhancing the overall value of your purchases. Remember to keep track of your spending to avoid post-vacation financial surprises. Our VISA Cash Plus Credit Cards offer travel rewards and benefits like travel accident insurance, and can be a great option for both safety and perks!

4. Use Only Reputable ATMs & Avoid Frequent Visits

ATMs can be a hotspot for skimming devices and other fraudulent mechanisms designed to steal your card information. Prioritize using ATMs located in secure, well-lit areas such as banks, airports, or hotel lobbies. By planning your cash needs in advance, you can minimize the number of times you need to withdraw cash, thereby reducing your risk exposure. If an ATM appears tampered with or offers an unusually complicated user interface, trust your instincts and find another machine.

If you are traveling abroad, First Financial offers convenient foreign currency exchange. You can have the currency delivered to your home or a branch before your trip, and easily avoid foreign ATM use.

5. Beware of Pickpockets and Thieves

Tourist areas are often targeted by pickpockets and thieves due to the high concentration of distracted travelers. Stay vigilant by keeping your cash and valuables in secure, hard-to-reach places, such as money belts or inner jacket pockets. Consider using bags with tamper-resistant features such as RFID-blocking materials and locks. Regularly check your belongings, especially in crowded places – and practice situational awareness.

6. Be Mindful of Scams

Scammers often exploit the vulnerability of tourists, employing various tactics to deceive them out of their money. Familiarize yourself with common scams at your destination – including fake tour offers, counterfeit goods, and overly aggressive street vendors. Always exercise caution when engaging with strangers and verify the authenticity of any service or product before making a purchase. By staying informed and skeptical of too-good-to-be-true offers, you can avoid falling victim to scams and identity theft.

7. Travel Insurance

Investing in travel insurance with coverage for theft or loss of personal items can be a prudent decision. Such policies not only provide financial compensation in case of unforeseen losses, but can also offer assistance that can be invaluable during stressful travel situations. Review different travel insurance options to find a policy that best suits your needs, ensuring it covers the specific risks associated with your travel itinerary and activities.

First Financial is here to keep you informed and ensure your finances are kept safe. For more financial tips and advice, be sure to subscribe to our First Scoop blog. For member travel questions and assistance related to an upcoming trip, call 732.312.1500 or visit a branch today.

Tips for a Last Minute Vacation on the Cheap

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There are (unfortunately) just a few more weeks left of summer. If you’re looking to plan a last minute getaway without breaking the bank, follow our money saving vacation tips!

Stay with Family or Friends – Do you know any family or close friends who live in or near a great vacation spot or a city you’ve always wanted to visit? If so, staying with those you know gives you a chance to catch up and spend time with them, as well as it’ll spare you the cost of paying to stay in a hotel. Be sure to not wear out your welcome though. During your stay – offer to buy groceries, help out around the house, clean up after yourself, and cook for or take your host out for a decent meal or two. Another idea is to rent a house or cabin with friends or family. This will allow you to split the cost of wherever you decide to stay with however many other groups there are in your party.

BYO Food – Dining out during a week of vacation can rack up a hefty bill fast. While it’s nice to not have to cook for yourself and eat out at a trendy restaurant or two while on vacation, if you do so three meals per day for a whole week – it can really blow your budget. If you’re staying with someone you know or renting a house/condo for the week, bringing your own groceries is easy and will help you keep your costs down. Even if you’re staying in a hotel, you can still pack some food items to keep on hand so you don’t have to buy extra during your trip. For example, if your hotel has a small refrigerator – you can bring some small groceries to store in there (think milk for cereal or coffee creamer to make your own coffee in the room), or stretch your restaurant leftovers out and have them for lunch the next day. You can also bring some non-perishable snacks like protein bars, to keep on you for during the day to avoid having to purchase a big breakfast or lunch out. If you find that you are dining out quite a bit, try to make dinner a lower cost meal such as checking out one of the local pizza spots. You’ll spend less money on dinner, and who doesn’t love pizza?!

Hit up Free or Low Cost Attractions – If you’re visiting a new city, sometimes it’s fun to just walk around and explore the area without spending a dime. Or if you’re near a beach, lake, or park – this is usually a relatively inexpensive day if you plan it out right and bring your own drinks, food, and snacks in a cooler. Some beaches charge entrance or parking fees for the day, but they are generally pretty affordable. Local museums are another low cost alternative, which also will provide an educational experience and fun for the whole family. Do some research before your trip, and find out which attractions you’d like to see and how much they cost. Community calendars or area Facebook groups may also help give you some more ideas from locals.

Transportation – Is it absolutely necessary to rent a car on your trip? If you’re staying with someone you know, can they let you borrow theirs for the day or drop you off and pick you up? Also, look into whether there are modes of public transit like a bus you can take to get around, train, rent a bicycle – or are there things to do within walking distance? If you do need to rent a car, see if there’s an online promotional coupon code you can use when you book or a first-time customer discount.

There you have it, you can still plan an end of summer vacation and save money in the process. To stay updated on the latest financial insights as well as money saving tips and strategies – be sure to subscribe to our First Scoop blog or our monthly e-newsletter. Wishing you enjoyable end of the season travels!

How to Avoid Summer Vacation Scams

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Summer is upon us, and after a long year – most of us are more than ready for a vacation. However, while we all look forward to that long-awaited break, it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks that can arise – such as summer vacation scams.

Scammers have developed sophisticated tricks to exploit travelers, especially during high-demand periods like the summer vacation season. Here’s how you can avoid being their next victim, and ensure a relaxing and trouble-free vacation.

Research Thoroughly

It’s no surprise many of us are looking online for travel deals — especially as inflation continues. According to a new McAfee Report, 56% of travelers say they’re using the internet to search for travel bargains, with 35% saying they would try new booking sites in order to snag a good price.

But in the world of the digital age, it’s easy to fall for ‘too good to be true’ deals or discounts when you’re eager for a break.

Make sure you are booking through a reputable travel agency or website. Look for reviews and ratings of the service or property you are interested in. Keep in mind, scam websites can often look quite legitimate – so make sure to look for secure URLs that begin with ‘https’ and be cautious of those asking for a bank transfer as the only payment method.

Be Wary of Unsolicited Offers

One common scam tactic involves sending unsolicited emails, texts, or even calls offering unbeatable vacation deals. These offers may look like they’re from well-known travel agencies or airlines, complete with logos and official looking email addresses. For instance, you may receive an email stating that you’ve “won a free trip” or “you’ve been selected for a heavily discounted luxury vacation.”

Be particularly cautious if these messages include a sense of urgency, such as “limited time offer” or “claim within the next 24 hours.” These are red flags that the offer could be a scam. Instead of clicking on any links or replying to these unsolicited offers, go directly to the travel company’s official website or contact them directly to verify the legitimacy of the offer. This extra step can save you from falling into a well-laid scam trap.

Use Secure Payment Methods

Scammers often ask for payment methods that are hard to trace, such as wire transfers or prepaid gift cards. Always use secure payment methods when booking your vacation. Credit cards offer the best protection against fraud, as they have built-in safeguards and allow you to dispute charges if you become a victim of a scam. At First Financial, we offer zero fraud liability for all our credit cards so you can have added backup on all your purchases. You can even earn perks like points for travel-related purchases when you use the First Financial Cash Plus Credit Card.*

Double Check Rental Listings

Renting a private home or apartment for your vacation can provide a more personal and unique experience than a hotel. However, it also comes with its risks. Scammers often list properties that they don’t own or that don’t even exist. To protect yourself, never pay outside of the platform you are booking through and always check for multiple photos and reviews of the property.

Get Everything in Writing

Avoid verbal agreements and get all details, including the total cost, cancellation policies, and what the package includes – in writing. This provides a record and helps you avoid unpleasant surprises during your vacation.

Consider a Travel Agent or Insurance

In an era of DIY travel planning, it’s easy to overlook the benefits of working with a professional travel agent. Reputable travel agents have the expertise and insider knowledge to help you navigate the vast sea of vacation options. They have established relationships with hotels, airlines, and tour operators – which means they can often offer packages and deals that you wouldn’t find on your own.

More importantly, a reliable travel agent provides an additional layer of security against potential scams. They vet the companies they work with, ensuring the legitimacy of your accommodations, flights, and other travel arrangements. It’s also important to consider getting travel insurance to cover unforeseen events such as trip cancellations, delays, or medical emergencies. Make sure to read the policy carefully to know what it covers.

Summer vacations should be about relaxation, fun, and making memories, not dealing with scams. While the tips above can help you avoid most scams, always remember that if something seems too good to be true – it probably is.

Stay safe and travel smart with First Financial. Let us help you navigate your financial journey with ease and security. Check out our First Scoop blog for more fraud prevention tips.

Happy travels!

*Your First Financial Visa® 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 1.5% cash back based upon eligible purchases each quarter. APR varies up to 18%, 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.

Money Saving Ideas for Your End of Summer Staycation

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If you’re trying to make the best of the last few weeks of summer while vacationing at home and saving money – keep reading. With a bit of creativity and an open mind, spending your time off at home can still be just as fun and just as rewarding. Plus, you won’t have airfare or hotel bills to pay!

Turn Your House into a Hotel

You can enjoy the experience of staying in a hotel right at home. Indulge in hot chocolate at night with a fresh baked cookie, create a mini bar in your bedroom, and leave a folded luxurious robe and new pair of slippers out for yourself and enjoy a bubble bath. To add to the vacation resort feel, turn on the spa station on Pandora or find a relaxing music station on TV and keep it playing in the background. You can also buy tropical beach or spa scented candles or essential oils to increase the resort getaway feel, without ever leaving your house.

Around the World Theme Night Dinners

Convert your kitchen into a foreign destination with a themed dinner – a different one for every night of the week, if you so choose. Research the cuisine of each country you pick, play cultural music in the background, and serve drinks, appetizers, dinner and dessert all from the nationality of the day. To add to this idea, you might choose to get a bit competitive with other family members. Have each person make a certain dish, set a time limit, and vote on the best one!

Backyard Camping

Put up a tent in your backyard, and have a family camping experience equipped with sleeping bags, flashlights, cook on the grill, tell ghost stories, and make s’mores. You can also still have just as much fun with a living room camping experience with sleeping bags and flashlights too!

Hold a Yoga Retreat

This can also take place in your living room or outside in the backyard with yoga mats, infused water, and relaxing music. Search on YouTube or Google for simple poses and how-to videos to help guide you.

Watch a Broadway Show – Virtually

Did you know that https://www.broadwayhd.com/ includes a free 7 day trial? There are also monthly and annual subscription service options if you want to watch them all!

Hold a Movie Marathon

Rent movies or create a line-up of ones you’ve wanted to see but haven’t had the time for. Stock up on popcorn and other movie theater style snacks. If the weather is nice, you could even hold an outdoor marathon using a projector and screen and watch from the backyard.

Get Creative

Reconnect with your inner child (or your actual children), and hold a drawing or painting class. You will probably need to order some supplies in advance (paint, canvas, drawing pencils). The most important thing to remember is to be creative. If the weather is nice, paint or draw outside! If your creations turn out better than you hoped – you’ll even have new artwork to display inside.

Go Outside

Visit a local park, beach, go for a bike ride – just get outdoors. If you plan to spend the day outside, bring supplies like sunscreen, snacks, water, and other necessities.

Learn a Skill

Was there ever something you have always wanted to learn but just never found the time? Maybe you’ve always wanted to focus more on baking or cake decorating, grow a garden, etc. See if you can find a local class during your staycation and make your dream a reality.

Assist a Charity

There are many charities and non-profit organizations who can use your help no matter the season. Seek out one that’s local to you and spend the day volunteering. You’ll feel internally rewarded!

Travel Virtually

You might not be able to get on a plane and tour world landmarks or go on an island getaway right now, but you can travel virtually. If you’re a museum enthusiast, many museums around the globe also are featuring virtual online tours. Zoos, aquariums, and even theme parks have virtual experiences too – get out your laptop or tablet and start searching for the spots that interest you the most.

Article Source: TowerFCU.org