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

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August is packed with free or inexpensive activities to help you soak up every last bit of the summer sun without draining your wallet!

August 1

Clamfest (Highlands) – If you want to feel like you’re at the beach without all the sand in your shoes, head over to Clamfest at Huddy Park – taking place from August 1st through August 3rd at various times. Though the name might suggest otherwise, you don’t have to be a self-proclaimed seafood lover to enjoy the weekend. In addition to the array of seafood offerings – there will be food trucks selling festival favorites, a beer, wine, and sangria garden (for those ages 21+), live music, and a fireworks display on Saturday. There is no entry fee to attend. You can find more information here.

August 2

Latino Festival (New Egypt) – Bring your friends and family to Laurita Winery to enjoy a weekend of Latin culture and cuisine, taking place from 12pm-9pm on Saturday and 12pm-7pm on Sunday. There will be an array of food trucks, live music, and local vendors to enjoy all weekend – with a side of wine (for those ages 21+). Supervised children are welcome and can enjoy a clown and facepainting artist, as well as an outdoor playground. Admission is $14, and there will be various wine and dine options available for purchase. Click here to learn more and to buy tickets online.

August 5

Cardboard Boat Regatta (Manahawkin) – See how far cardboard, tape, and creativity can take you at Manahawkin Lake Park beginning at 4pm. Your vessel (constructed only of cardboard and tape), will be put to the test to make a successful voyage across Manahawkin Lake. Boats will be inspected at 4pm and sailing will begin at 5pm. There is no fee to race or spectate, but you must register before the event to participate. Click here to learn how to register your boat and make a prize (and bragging rights) yours.

National Night Out (Howell) – Join Howell Township Police Athletic League for National Night Out at Soldier Memorial Park from 5pm-8pm. National Night Out is an annual event celebrated across the United States to promote safety and foster positive connections between citizens and local law enforcement – and an easy way to keep your young ones busy and having fun on a summer night. There will be live demonstrations, music, giveaways, and more. There is no entry fee to attend. Learn more here.

National Night Out (Little Egg Harbor) – National Night Out is also making its way to Little Egg Harbor, taking place at Pinelands Regional High School from 6pm-9pm. There will be a K-9 demo, live music, food trucks, face painting, bounce houses, a petting zoo, and more. There is no entry fee to attend. Learn more here.

August 6

Family Movie Night (Freehold) – There is a free family movie to enjoy every Wednesday through August 20th at the Hall of Records, beginning at 8:30pm. All you need is a lawn chair or blanket! This movie showing will be The Lion King 1 & 1/2. Click here to see the rest of the movies you can catch this summer.

Italian Festival (Oakhurst) – If you’re looking to mangia, mingle, and make memories with the whole family – explore the Italian Festival at Joe Palaia Park, taking place from August 6th through 11th at various times. It wouldn’t be an Italian festival without the chance to sample traditional foods, enjoy wholesome family fun, and immerse yourself in Italian-American heritage and culture – and this festival offers exactly that. There is no entry fee to attend. There will be food and ride tickets available for purchase. Click here to learn more.

August 8

Sidewalk Sale (Red Bank) – The pavement isn’t only sizzling from the heat of the sun – there’s also hot bargains at the Annual Sidewalk Sale, taking place August 8th through 10th from 10am-6pm. The Sidewalk Sale will get you strolling along the sidewalks of Red Bank to shop and support local businesses at the same time. There is no entry fee to attend, but we can’t promise you won’t shell out your wallet for something that catches your eye! Learn more here.

August 10

Funky Flea Market (Long Beach Island) – Calling all thrifters, vintage-lovers, and garage-salers – come on down to the St. Francis Community Center Gym from 9:30am-3pm for an event that is part garage sale, part craft show, and all treasure hunt! Whether you are drawn to garage sales for the charm, craft fairs for the creativity, or thrifting for the vintage finds – the Funky Flea Market promises to help you find your next favorite thing or inspiration for your next project. Admission is $3. Click here for more information.

August 13

Summer Concert Series (Howell) – Catch the final performance of Howell Township’s Summer Concert Series at Soldier Memorial Park, beginning at 5pm. A DJ will be spinning tracks to enjoy as you arrive, check out the food vendors and beer & wine garden (for those ages 21+), and gear up for the band to take stage at 7pm. The final performance is by Garden State Radio, who promises a night that feels more like a stadium concert than a local cover band in the park. The concert ends with a fireworks display. There is no entry fee to attend, but there will be food and alcoholic beverages (for those ages 21+) for purchase. Click here to see how you can enjoy a fun-filled night of music.

August 15

Feel Good Fest (Toms River) – Feel Good Fest is bringing “feel good” vibes at Brew Grounds Café from 4pm-8pm. We mean it when we say Feel Good Fest has something for the whole family to enjoy – it’s not every day you come by a festival that has a car show, farmers market, family-fun activities, food trucks, yoga & wellness, massages, and more – all in one place! There is no entry fee to attend. You can find additional information here.

Sunflower Festival (Lacey) – The Sunflower Festival has bloomed at Argos Farm, open select Fridays through Sundays from 3pm-8pm between August 15th and 31st. The fields are budding with photo opportunities and sunflowers to be picked and displayed – or given to someone special. There will also be live music, farm-fun activities, and tasty treats to enjoy as you stroll through the fields. General admission is $12.95 in advance and $21.95 at the gate, children ages 2 and under are free to attend. You can learn more here.

August 16

Butterfly Tent Event (Toms River) – Fly over to the Butterfly Tent Event at Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Ocean County from 11am-3pm if you want to incorporate science into your summer fun. You will have the chance to walk through a display tent and learn about everything butterflies. There will also be activities and educational stations for children of all ages. There is no entry fee to attend, but donations are welcome. You can find additional information here.

August 19

Summer Concert Series (Toms River) – Bring a blanket or a chair to rock out to some tunes at this installment of Toms River’s Summer Concert Series at Shelter Cove Beach at 7pm. You will enjoy the musical talents of The Benjamins, followed by a fireworks display. There is no entry fee to attend. Click here for more information and the list of bands you can enjoy through August 26th.

August 23

Kidchella by the Monmouth Moms (Holmdel) – This family-friendly spin on the Coachella Music Festival is kicking off at Bell Works at 5pm. Kidchella is replacing the beer gardens with inflatables and the fashion with face painting – but staying true to its name with a DJ, live music, and a dance party. There will also be a petting zoo, crafts, lawn games, and an indoor night market with bites, sips, and activities from local vendors for the whole family to enjoy. Tickets are $20 per person, and children ages 2 and under are free to attend. Click here to see how you can give a kid-friendly Coachella experience to your little ones.

August 24

Movies on the Beach (Seaside Heights) – Enjoy the last installment of Seaside Heights’ Movies on the Beach at 8:30pm. Audience members will be seated on the beach in the vicinity of Beach Patrol North Headquarters for a free showing of Sonic 3. Viewers are welcome to bring snacks. Learn more here.

August 28

Kites and Castles (Lavallette) – Head over to Philadelphia Avenue at 7pm if you have sand castle skills or kite flying that you want to show off. Whether you’re building a sand fortress, taking your kite soaring high into the sky, or simply spectating – this event will bring out the whole family’s competitive edge as you compete for the grand prize. There is no entry fee to attend, but you must bring your own sand castle building materials, props, or kite. Click here to learn more about this family-fun evening.

August 30

BBQ & Craft Beer Festival (Oceanport) – Saddle up for a weekend of barbecue and craft beers at the Monmouth Park Racetrack, taking place August 30th through September 1st from 11am-5pm. There will be over 40 craft beers and 20 barbecue food vendors to peruse – oh, and there will be horse racing, too! If there are too many craft beers to choose from, you can partake in beer sampling if you are 21 or older. There will also be family-fun activities to enjoy like live music, face painters, pony rides, and a bounce house. Tickets for beer sampling and general admission to the racetrack can be purchased in advance for $18, or on the day of ($15 for beer sampling and $6 for general admission) to the racetrack. Children ages 12 and under are free to attend. Click here for additional information and to purchase tickets online.

Shred It or Set It and Forget It? A Guide on Documents to Keep vs. Shred

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From simple pieces of paper like sales receipts, to those that encapsulate your identity like a birth certificate – deciding how to classify personal documents can be a challenge. Properly identifying documents to keep or shred, not only declutters your life – but also plays an important role in protecting your identity. Let’s take a look at what documents you should consider shredding or keeping, and how you should store the ones you aren’t parting with.

Immediately Shred

The below documents can generally be discarded as soon as you receive them or are notified of their expiration, so long as they are shredded.

  • Sales receipts – Unless you anticipate that you will need to make a return.
  • ATM receipts
  • Expired warranties
  • Expired credit cards and driver’s licenses

Keep for a Year – Then Shred

  • Bank statements
  • Pay stubs
  • Paid, undisputed medical bills
  • Credit card and utility bills
  • Deposited checks

Pro tip: If you can access these documents electronically, you should consider shredding your paper copies.

Keep for Seven Years – Then Shred

You might notice that the below list of items are all tax-related. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) can audit you at any time in certain circumstances, so it’s best to hang onto your tax return documents for at least seven years.

  • W-2s
  • Tax-related receipts and cancelled checks
  • Records for tax deductions taken

If you have questions related to tax documents you should hang onto, consult an accountant or your local Taxpayer Assistance Center office.

It Depends

The below items have varying dates on how long to keep the paperwork around.

  • Loan documents. In the case of certain loans, such as auto loans or student loans – it is generally recommended to keep paperwork related to the loan until it’s paid off. This can include the loan agreement and a record of your payments.
  • Property records. You will want to keep the title and deed to your home as long as you own the home. Additionally, you will want to keep records of expenses related to major home improvements until you sell your home, as this will become important should you decide to sell.
  • Sales receipts and warranty information for major appliances. Keep the receipt and warranty information while you own the particular appliance, should anything go wrong.
  • Title to your vehicle. Keep the title while you own the vehicle to prove ownership. When you decide to sell or trade-in the vehicle, you will be required to give the title to the dealership or the new owner.

Forever Documents

There are some documents that you should never part with – and lock up while you’re at it.

  • Birth certificate or adoption papers
  • Social Security cards
  • Valid passports and citizenship or residency papers
  • Marriage licenses and divorce decrees
  • Wills, living wills, power of attorney, retirement and pension plans
  • Death certificates of family members
  • Vital health records (especially records that aren’t stored electronically)

Looking to Shred Documents?

Properly disposing of documents with personal or financial information can help protect your identity. Here are some ways you can safely shred your documents.

  • Local shred events. There are various organizations that will host shred events, such as banks, credit unions, and local municipalities. Check your town’s website or local Facebook groups to see when one nearby may be taking place.
  • Several retailers such as Staples, FedEx, and UPS Stores – offer shredding services. Call the local retailer you select in advance, to ensure the service is available at that particular location.
  • Purchase your own shredder. Research shredders that might be right for you, depending on the volume, type, and security requirements of the documents you expect to shred.

It is important to note that the above guidelines for keeping and shredding certain documents are general suggestions, with experts sometimes offering varying advice. The guidelines depend on various factors, such as the type of document and the legal requirements or expectations associated. If you are ever unsure, it might be best to err on the side of caution and keep and safely store the document in question longer than might be necessary. You can also consult the issuer of the document for questions.

If you have questions related to documents associated with your First Financial accounts – don’t hesitate to call us at 732.312.1500 or visit your local branch.

Getting Married or Cohabitating Later in Life

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Sometimes life gets in the way of love, keeping people from “walking down the aisle” until later in life. If you’re middle-aged or older and are planning to get married or cohabitate with your partner, there are some potentially awkward issues you should probably talk about to make sure you’re on the same page.

Later-in-life marriages often come with strong tethers to people, places, accounts, and things that can complicate decisions and actions—whether it’s your ex-spouse, kids, grandkids, aging parents, debt, personal goals, or something else. It’s a good idea to be sure your trusted partner knows where you stand on these—and that your partner is willing to share similar information with you. Find a comfortable place to sit, chat, and share information about your assets, your goals and expectations. Also, talk about income, bills, and who will pay what—and when—while you’re living together.

Bowling Green State University’s National Center for Family & Marriage Research reports that 28% of 45-to 64-year-olds, and 31% of those 65 plus—are remarried.1 Whatever the reason, there are both advantages and disadvantages to getting married later in life—or to cohabitating, which increased 75% for those 50 and older between 2007 and 2017, according to Pew Research.2

The potential benefits of marrying later in life include:3

  • Problem solving: Your experience and maturity give you and your partner better problem-solving skills and a stronger understanding of the importance of working together to accomplish goals, and overcome difficulties.
  • Combined incomes: Combining incomes and assets—and potentially selling or renting your home or your partner’s home—can create a healthier financial situation.
  • Tax benefits: Getting married gives you and your partner substantial financial and tax benefits. Also, married spouses can receive an unlimited amount of assets from their spouse without having to pay estate taxes.
  • Longer lives: Single men and women don’t stay as healthy or live as long as their married counterparts, according to a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology.4

The potential problems that can be created by marrying later in life include:5

  • Lack of communication and financial agreements: Some older adults are reluctant to share information about their assets out of concern that the information may influence their partner’s decisions—including about their own healthcare if they become severely ill or incapacitated. For this and other reasons—including the potential for a “gray divorce”—a prenuptial agreement and a well-thought-out estate plan can give you confidence.
  • Higher medical costs: Medical expenses rise as we age, and you will be responsible for your spouse’s debts. Eventually you and/or your spouse may need to go into an assisted living/nursing home.
  • Responsibilities for children from previous relationship: If one spouse has children from a past relationship, the other spouse might have to share the financial responsibility, as a couple.

Other Considerations for Older Couples

A growing number of older couples are choosing to cohabitate instead of get married. Between 2000 and 2020, cohabitation among couples older than 50 quadrupled.6 Reasons included their desire to pass their assets to their kids, and to be able to retain Social Security benefits or alimony from their former spouse.6

Because of potential financial complications for older couples, it’s a good idea to talk to a trusted advisor, accountant, and/or estate lawyer to help you and your partner navigate and avoid potential stumbling blocks that could send you down the road to “gray divorce.” According to the American Bar Association, couples 50 years old and older currently make up a 25% of all divorces, and those 65 and older make up 10%.7

Questions about this topic? Contact First Financial’s Investment & Retirement Center by calling 732.312.1534.  You can also email mary.laferriere@lpl.com or maureen.mcgreevy@lpl.com

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:

This material is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. There is no assurance that the views or strategies discussed are suitable for all investors or will yield positive outcomes. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal.

Prior to investing in a 529 Plan, investors should consider whether the investor’s or designated beneficiary’s home state offers any state tax or other state benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors that are only available for investments in such state’s qualified tuition program. Withdrawals used for qualified expenses are federally tax free. Tax treatment at the state level may vary. Please consult with your tax advisor before investing.

1. AARP, June 2, 2023: Financial Checklist for Remarrying After 50

2. Pew Research Center, April 6, 2017: Number of U.S. adults cohabiting with a partner continues to rise, especially among those 50 and older

3. and 5. Senior Care Lifestyles: The Pros and Cons of Marrying Later in Life

4. NBC News, August 18, 2011: Single people may die younger, new study finds

6. Time magazine, September 19, 2021: Why Older Couples Don’t Need Marriage to Have Great Relationships

7. American Bar Association, March 9, 2022: 70s are the new 50s: How Grey Divorce Differs from a Typical Divorce

This material was prepared by LPL Financial, LLC

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Avoid Scammers While You Job Hunt: Red Flags to Watch Out For

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In today’s job market – remote and freelance roles are more common than ever, but so are the scams that may come with them. From fake “work-from-home” gigs, to bogus job placement services – scammers are constantly evolving their tricks to exploit hopeful job seekers.

Red Flags of a Job Scam

There are some red flags to spot before you get reeled in, and ways to protect yourself and your finances while you hunt for your next opportunity.

  • You’re asked to pay upfront. Legitimate employers will never ask you to pay for training, supplies, or job placement. Scammers may call it a “processing fee,” but it’s a sure sign of fraud.
  • The offer comes out of nowhere. If you didn’t apply for a job, and suddenly get an “offer” via text, email, or social media – be skeptical, especially if it seems too good to be true.
  • They want your personal info immediately. Requests for your Social Security Number, bank account details for direct deposit, or ID early in the process are major red flags.
  • The job description is vague or inconsistent. Watch for generic descriptions or ones that are copied from other listings. Scammers often can’t describe the role or company clearly.
  • You’re offered big pay for little work. If it sounds like easy money, it’s probably a scam.

Common Job Scams

Here are some trending job scams targeting job seekers, especially those looking for remote or flexible roles:

1. Work-From-Home Scams

You’re told you can “set your own hours” doing simple tasks from your computer. But after you accept, you’re asked to pay for software or a training kit. The scammer then takes your money and disappears.

2. Virtual Personal Assistant Gigs

These often start with a text or email claiming the sender found your resume or profile online. You’re “hired” quickly and sent a check to buy office supplies – but it’s fake, and you’ll be on the hook with your financial institution for any money you spend.

3. Mystery Shopper Scams

You’re paid to “test” a service or retail store. The scammer sends you a check to deposit, asks you to buy gift cards, and then send them the gift card codes. When the check bounces, you’ll be left covering the cost.

4. Job Placement Services

Phony recruiters or companies will promise to place you in a job for a fee. Once you pay, the contact goes cold or gives you access to a database of outdated listings.

Protect Yourself While You Job Hunt

  • Research the company. Google the company name with the words “scam,” “review,” or “complaint.” Check if they have a legitimate website, social media presence, and professional email addresses. Recruiters or legitimate Human Resources departments will email you from a corporate email account, not from a personal email address such as gmail.com or yahoo.com.
  • Never pay to get hired. If you’re being asked to send money for any job, stop and walk away immediately.
  • Guard your personal info. Share sensitive details only after confirming the job and company are real, going through a formal interview process with Human Resources, and accepting the position. Real employers won’t ask for this information before they’ve interviewed and hired you.
  • Use trusted job sites. Stick to reputable job platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, or company website career pages. Be wary of job ads on social media or unfamiliar websites.

Job hunting can be stressful enough, so don’t let a scam make it worse. Stay alert, trust your instincts, and remember – if it feels off, it probably is. For more tips on avoiding fraud and keeping your finances safe, subscribe to our First Scoop Blog or contact us today.

6 Tips for Downsizing Your Home and Finances

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Downsizing isn’t just about moving into a smaller space, it’s about creating room for what matters most, both physically and financially. Whether you’re preparing for retirement, looking to reduce expenses, or just ready for a simpler lifestyle, downsizing can be a powerful step toward financial freedom and peace of mind. Here are six essential tips to help guide your downsizing journey.

1. Identify Your Why

Start by identifying the reason behind your decision to downsize. Are you aiming to save money, reduce stress, or transition to a more manageable space? Knowing your purpose keeps you focused and motivated throughout the process.

2. Declutter with Intention

Don’t try to pack or remove things all at once. Go room by room and create categories – keep, donate, sell, toss. Start with closets, the kitchen, or storage spaces. Ask yourself, have I used this in the past year? Does it bring value or joy? Also consider digitizing photos and important documents to reduce physical clutter.

3. Measure Your New Space

If you’re moving, make sure to measure your new home to determine what furniture and belongings will fit. This helps avoid hauling items you won’t be able to use and encourages smarter decision-making.

4. Sell or Donate What You No Longer Need

Downsizing is a great opportunity to give your belongings a second life. Host a garage sale, use resale apps like Facebook Marketplace and Poshmark, or donate to local charities.

5. This is a Chance to Downsize Financially Too

 Downsizing isn’t just about your physical space, it can also apply to your finances:

6. Plan with Trusted Experts

From real estate to finances, downsizing involves big decisions. Connect with trusted professionals, like our team here at First Financial – to explore mortgage refinancing options, equity strategies, or budgeting tools to help you make the most of this transition.

Ready to downsize your space and upgrade your financial future? Let’s chat. We’re here to help you navigate the process with confidence and clarity.

*A First Financial membership is required to obtain any account or 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 account/loan.

How’s Your Credit? Mid-Year Credit Score Check-In

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As the year hits its halfway point, it’s also the perfect time to hit pause and check in on your financial health – especially your credit. Your credit score plays a big role in determining your eligibility for loans, credit cards, rental applications, and more. While most people wait until they need credit to check on it, a mid-year review can help you stay ahead of any surprises. Not sure where to begin? Here are some things to consider that may help improve your credit score.

 Pull Your Credit Report and Review it Carefully

You can access your credit report at no-cost on AnnualCreditReport.com. Look for:

  • Any accounts you don’t recognize (this could be a sign of identity theft).
  • Inquiries you didn’t authorize.
  • Payment history and status of accounts.

Review Credit Card Balances, Utilization, and Rates

One of the biggest factors affecting your credit score is credit utilization, or how much available credit you’re using. The general rule is to keep this below 30%, but the lower the better. For example, if you have a $5,000 credit limit – aim to carry no more than a $1,500 balance. Make a list of all your credit cards, their current balances, and limits. Create a payoff plan to reduce any high balances if they’re creeping up toward that 30%.

Some credit card companies will change interest rates based the market (prime rate), or your credit profile. Review your most recent statements or contact your card issuer directly, if you are unsure of your current APR. If your rate has increased and your credit is still in good standing, consider transferring your balance to a lower-rate card (First Financial has some great options!).

Monitor Progress Toward Paying Off Debt

If paying off debt was one of your 2025 goals, now is the time to assess your progress. Look at:

  • How much you’ve paid off so far this year.
  • What your current payoff timeline looks like.
  • Whether you can increase your monthly payments, even slightly.

Consider using debt payoff methods like the avalanche method (tackling the highest interest debt first) or snowball method (paying off the smallest balance first for motivation), to cut down on debt and increase your credit score.

First Financial is Here to Help

Whether you’re looking to pay off high-interest debt, consolidate balances, or build credit from scratch – First Financial offers tools to support your journey:

Visit firstffcu.com, call 732-312-1500, or stop by your local branch to take the next step in your credit health journey.

*A First Financial membership is required to obtain any 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 account/loan.