Balancing Life in the Sandwich Generation

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Are you a middle-aged adult juggling raising children and providing care for an aging parent? If so, you’re not alone. Welcome to the “sandwich generation,” a growing group of people supporting both their children and elderly parents at the same time.

While caring for others can be rewarding, the day-to-day demands of supporting multiple generations can take a financial, emotional, and physical toll on sandwiched caregivers. But with some planning and support, you may be able to achieve a workable balance.

Communicate and set boundaries

Start by opening the lines of communication with both your kids and your parents in order to set expectations and limitations. If you have younger children, you may need to explain to them why you need to divide your time and attention between them and your parents. To help them feel included, look for ways to involve them in less difficult caregiving activities, such as visiting with their grandparents or helping out with household chores. You’ll also want to try to build time into your schedule to do some of the activities that they enjoy.

When talking to your parents, having an upfront and honest discussion about their day-to-day support needs and your ability to meet them – can prevent misunderstandings down the road. When the time comes, you may need to discuss more sensitive topics such as the possibility of having them move to an assisted-living facility, a nursing home, or dedicated space in your home.

If you have siblings or other family members willing to help, set up regular family meetings to discuss how you can all share in the financial, emotional, and time commitments of caregiving.

Leverage community resources

It’s important to realize that you don’t have to carry the burden of caregiving alone. Contact your local senior center – which can provide information on meal delivery services, transportation assistance, adult day programs, and even respite care.

If your parents’ needs are great enough, you might consider hiring a geriatric care manager who can develop a personalized care plan for them. They can also make recommendations for and help coordinate services, housing, and support.

If you need childcare, explore local resources and referral agencies to help you find licensed childcare providers. Contact your children’s school and/or local parks and recreation departments regarding sports leagues, before and after school programs, and/or summer camps.

Prioritize self-care

Putting your own needs first will allow you to be in a better frame of mind to care for those around you. Try to set aside time to rest and recharge your batteries. Even small daily rituals — a walk, exercise class, or meditation — can provide much needed relief.

Your physical and mental health should also be a priority. Stay on top of your own medical appointments and don’t hesitate to seek out counseling if the demands of caregiving become too great.

Explore flexible or remote work arrangements

Nearly 48 million Americans provide care to an adult family member or friend, and 61% also have jobs.1 Talk to your employer about the possibility of flexible or remote work arrangements. Being transparent with your employer about your caregiving responsibilities can help build understanding and possibly lead to creative work solutions that can help alleviate some of the pressures of working while caregiving.

In addition, research the family medical leave options available to you. While the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides some protections, your state or company may offer additional benefits.

Stay on track with your finances

When you are busy taking care of others, it is easy to fall behind financially. In addition to being responsible for your children’s financial needs, you may also find yourself shouldering some of your parents’ financial responsibilities. Nevertheless, it’s important to stay on track with your own finances. This includes sticking to your budget, paying off debt, maintaining an emergency fund, and continuing to invest toward your retirement.

Questions about this topic or need help planning your financial future? 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:

The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax planning or legal advice. We suggest that you consult with a qualified tax or legal professional. LPL Financial Representatives offer access to Trust Services through The Private Trust Company N.A., an affiliate of LPL Financial. Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly. CRPC conferred by College for Financial Planning. This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the state(s) of CT, DE, FL, GA, MA, NJ, NY, NC, OR, PA, SC, TN and VA. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside the specific states referenced.

1) AARP and S&P Global, May 2024

Prepared by Broadridge Advisor Solutions Copyright 2025.

Don’t Fall Victim to Task Scams

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In today’s digital world, scams are constantly evolving and one of the newest schemes gaining traction online is known as a “task scam.” These scams often appear innocent at first, offering quick and easy ways to make money from your phone or laptop. But behind the promise of fast cash, lies a setup designed to steal your personal information or your hard-earned money.

At First Financial, your financial security is our top priority. Here’s what you need to know about how task scams work and how to protect yourself.

What is a Task Scam?

A task scam occurs when someone contacts you, often through social media platforms, messaging apps, or online job boards – offering to pay you for completing simple online “tasks.” These might include:

  • Liking or following social media pages.
  • Writing fake product reviews.
  • Rating services or apps you never actually used.
  • Boosting a company’s “online reputation.”

Scammers usually start by sending you a small payment to gain your trust. Once you’re convinced the opportunity is legitimate, they may ask you to “unlock higher commissions” by paying a small fee or completing more tasks that require personal information or banking details.

Unfortunately, once you send the payment or share sensitive information – the scammer will disappear and your money (and sometimes sensitive data) may be gone.

For more details on how these scams work, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently published an alert on How to Spot and Avoid Task Scams. It’s a great resource for learning how scammers operate and what red flags to watch out for.

Common Red Flags of a Task Scam

Be cautious if you notice any of these warning signs:

  1. You’re contacted out of the blue by someone offering easy money for simple online work.
  2. You’re asked to pay a fee or make a deposit before receiving more tasks or a larger payout.
  3. The company has no verified website or contact information.
  4. Payments come through gift cards, crypto, or unfamiliar apps.
  5. You’re asked to share banking or personal details to receive payment.

If it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is.

How to Protect Yourself

  • Research the company or contact. Look up names, email addresses, and websites before engaging.
  • Never pay to get paid. Legitimate employers will never ask you to send money to start earning.
  • Avoid sharing personal information. Do not provide bank account or credit card details.
  • Be cautious on social media. Scammers often use fake profiles and impersonate real companies.
  • Report suspicious activity. If you think you’ve been targeted, contact your financial institution right away. You can also report scams directly to the FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you believe you’ve sent money or information to a scammer:

  1. Contact your financial institution immediately. Your bank or credit union can help secure your accounts and prevent further loss.
  2. Change your passwords. Protect your email, banking, and social media accounts.
  3. Report the scam. Notify the FTC and your local authorities.

Taking quick action can minimize damage and protect others from becoming victims.

We’re Here to Help

Your online safety matters. We’re committed to helping our members protect their finances. If you ever receive a suspicious message or request involving one of your First Financial accounts, please contact us. Our team can help you verify legitimate communications, secure your accounts, and guide you through reporting fraud safely.

Stay up to date on the latest in scams by subscribing to our First Scoop Blog, and following along with our Important Alerts and Scams articles.

How to Use Your Credit Card Responsibly as the Holiday Season Approaches

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The holiday season is just about upon us, as decorations go up, shopping lists grow, and with travel, gifts, dining out and year-end fun – your credit card usage may begin to spike. At First Financial, we want to help you make the most of having a credit card without letting it become a source of stress or debt. With a few smart habits, you can enjoy the convenience and rewards of a credit card and protect your financial health this upcoming holiday season.

1. Pay Your Balance in Full and On Time

When you carry a balance month to month, interest creeps in – and that can turn a festive purchase into a long-term burden. Experts recommend paying the full statement balance whenever possible (or at least more than the minimum) to avoid interest charges. Setting up automatic payments will help ensure you never miss a due date and get charged a late fee, which is one of the largest factors in your credit profile.

Holiday tip: Before you swipe or tap for that festive party or outing, ask: “Will I be able to pay this off when the bill arrives?” If yes, go ahead. If not, consider adjusting your plan.

2. Keep Credit Utilization Under 30%

Credit utilization is the percentage of your available credit that you’re using and it’s one of the key drivers of your credit score. Experts suggest keeping it under 30%.

Holiday tip: If you have one card with a $5,000 limit, aim to keep the balance below $1,500. If you plan on heavy seasonal spending (gifts, travel), consider spreading purchases across multiple cards or paying down running balances before the statement posts.

3. Understand Your Card’s Terms and Fees

Before you rush into holiday spending, take a moment to review your card’s terms, interest rate, penalty fees, foreign transaction fees (if traveling), cash advance fees, and any annual fees or promotional offers. You want to avoid surprises. For example, some cards may charge more if you miss a payment and trigger a higher penalty rate.

Holiday tip: If you’re traveling during the holidays or giving gifts internationally, make sure your card doesn’t charge extra fees for foreign transactions.

4. Automate Payments and Use Alerts

One of the simplest ways to stay on top of your card: Turn on alerts for due dates, when you approach your credit limit, or when a charge posts. These alerts can help you avoid missed payments and the resulting fees.

Holiday tip: Since your schedule may be hectic with shopping, travel, and events, automation and alerts can help ensure that you won’t forget a payment in the rush of the season.

5. Use Rewards Responsibly

Rewards cards are a great perk, they can make your regular spending work for you. But they truly pay off when you’re paying off your balance regularly. Otherwise, the interest you pay may outweigh the reward value.

Holiday tip: Use your First Financial Cash Plus Credit Card to earn rewards on essentials you’d be buying anyway (groceries, travel, gifts) but avoid charging “just for points,” unless you can pay it off right away.

Don’t have one of our Cash Plus Cards? Apply today.*

6. Don’t Miss Out on Welcome Offers, But Don’t Overspend to Chase Them

Many cards offer attractive sign-up bonuses or introductory offers. These can be worth it, as long as you don’t buy more than you can afford just to qualify. Overspending may cost you more than the bonus is worth.

7. Create a Holiday Spending Plan

Because holiday spending tends to spike, it’s wise to create a mini-budget specifically for the season. Estimate the cost of gifts, travel, meals out, décor, shipping, etc. Then decide how much you’ll put on your credit card and ensure you can pay it off as quickly as possible. Keeping this in mind helps you avoid accumulating a balance that you’re still paying off after the decorations come down.

8. Choose the Right Card and Talk to Us

We offer credit cards designed with your financial well-being in mind. We provide competitive rates, transparent terms, rewards programs, and flexible payment options.* If you don’t already have a credit card with us, or if you’d like to compare your current card to see if we’re a better fit, now’s a great time to reach out.

Why go with First Financial?

Here at First Financial, we’re not just issuing a credit card – we’re also partnering with you in your financial journey.

The holiday season is a wonderful time for giving, gathering, and making memories, and shouldn’t be marred by financial stress. By sticking to a holiday spending plan, you can enjoy the season and maintain strong credit health.

Let us help you make the most of your credit card this holiday season. Visit your local branch to review your options, set up automated payments and alerts, or simply get advice tailored to your spending plan. Here’s to a happy, financially healthy holiday season!

*APR varies up to 18% for the Visa® 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® 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.

How to Save Money at the Vet

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f you’re a pet owner, you know how important it is to keep them happy and healthy – and sometimes, that can be costly. Whether it’s a routine checkup or an emergency that requires treatment, vet bills can quickly drain the savings of even the most-prepared pet owners. However, there are ways to manage both the expected and unexpected expenses that come along with owning a furry friend without sacrificing care. Keep reading to learn five tips on how to potentially save money on vet bills.

1. Keep Up with Routine Exams, Vaccinations, and Preventative Care

Routine exams are an essential part of responsible pet ownership. This is the pet-equivalent of an annual physical exam for us – a comprehensive check-up meant to assess overall health and catch any potential issues. Early identification can help pet owners avoid the often high costs associated with emergency care or the treatment of more severe conditions. Plus, early diagnosis typically comes with better outcomes for your furry friends, too.

Routine vaccinations and parasite preventatives may also be administered at these exams. Certain vaccines are required to be administered every year, while others may be optional – which can help you plan for costs. In the case of parasites, there are many that can affect your pet and cause diseases that are expensive to treat. Vaccines and preventatives are often relatively inexpensive compared to the treatment for the diseases and illnesses they are designed to prevent.

 2. Consider Pet Insurance

Depending on your policy, pet insurance can help you pay for major out-of-pocket expenses in the event your pet is diagnosed with an illness or sustains an injury. With most policies, you are required to pay a monthly premium and any veterinarian expenses up front. After the visit to the vet, you are typically required to submit a claim and are later reimbursed for a percentage of veterinary expenses relating to covered illness or injury. Your pet insurance may have a deductible that must be met before coverage begins, but then pays for covered medical expenses depending on the set rate you select once the deductible is met. For example, if your reimbursement rate is 80% – the insurer will pay 80% of vet expenses, while you pay the remaining 20%. Different types of pet insurance offer different premiums depending on the coverage you need and deductible you select, making it easy to adjust different aspects of the plan to fit your budget.

Pet insurance is not required, but can be a good option for many pet owners. In exchange for paying a low monthly premium, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you can more comfortably pay for care that may be otherwise expensive.

 3. Comparison Shop

Don’t be afraid to shop around for veterinarians, as not all charge the same prices for the same services. Prices can vary for numerous reasons, and while it might not make a big difference to the cost of a routine exam – it could make one if your pet needs to undergo complex surgery.

The same goes for prescriptions. You may be able to find the medication your pet needs for a cheaper price at an online pet pharmacy – just be sure to do your due diligence to avoid scam websites. You may also find any specialty diets or preventative treatments your pet needs for less online.

Unfortunately, your pet may one day have an illness or injury that warrants emergency care. You may consider comparison shopping if you are unsure of whether your pet’s situation requires a visit to the emergency clinic, which is typically more expensive since this is typically for after-hours care. Calling emergency clinics, or doing an online vet consultation – can help you determine which type of care is best for your pet.

4. Be Honest with Your Veterinarian

While it might feel awkward to discuss your financial situation, being honest about it with your veterinarian might put them in a better position to help you. For example, if your vet knows you are working with limited funds – they might be able to help you identify the care that is necessary versus optional, or help find the most cost-effective solutions. They may even have a payment plan to help you split up the cost of a visit or treatment into more affordable monthly payments. At the end of the day, you both want the same thing – what’s best for your pet.

5. Consider a Sinking Fund for Pet Expenses

A sinking fund is a way to save money over time for a specific, anticipated expense by regularly saving small amounts. In this case, you’d create a sinking fund for pet expenses – for that routine exam, illnesses your pet might face as it grows older, or both. While a sinking fund won’t necessarily save you money at the vet, it will help you avoid going into debt when these expenses arise. You can also look into one of our Special Savings Accounts for this purpose.*

If you’re looking for more money saving tips like these, subscribe to our First Scoop blog by entering your email address at the top right.

*A $5 deposit in a base savings account is required for credit union membership prior to opening any other account. All personal memberships are part of the Rewards First program and a $5 per month non-participation fee is charged to the base savings account for memberships not meeting the minimum requirements of the program. Click here to view full Rewards First program details. Some restrictions apply, contact the Credit Union for more information.

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

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This time of year is all about gathering with your loved ones and expressing gratitude. We hope you can find some budget-friendly ways to do both with these free or inexpensive activities in Monmouth & Ocean Counties this November.

November 7

Fall Festivities (Cream Ridge) – Take some time to soak up the last bit of fall before the holidays set in at Stone Tavern Orchard from 9:30am-4:30pm, through mid-November. You will embark on a hayride that will take you to the orchards, pumpkin patch, flower patch, corn maze, and corn pit. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 4-11, and children ages 3 and under are free. You will also have to pay for anything you pick. Call 609.223.0051 ahead of the day you intend to visit to ensure the festivities are happening, as they are discontinued after mid-November. Learn more here.

November 8

Fall Craft Show (Tinton Falls) – Get crafty and avoid the holiday rush by getting a head start on your holiday shopping at the Fort Monmouth Recreation Center from 9am-2pm. With over 40 vendors selling handmade items and one-of-a-kind finds, you’ll be sure to find the perfect gift for someone on your list – and maybe something for yourself, too! There is no entry fee to attend, but there will be items available for purchase. Click here to learn more.

Holiday Craft Market (Manahawkin) – Local makers are working just as hard as Santa’s elves to give you a one-of-a-kind early holiday shopping experience at Southern Regional High School from 9am-3pm. There will be over 60 local vendors selling unique and thoughtful handmade items, free photos with Santa, holiday music to enjoy as you shop, food trucks, a 50/50 raffle, and more. There is no entry fee to attend but there will be items available for purchase. Click here to learn more.

Oktoberfest (Lacey) – If you haven’t attended an Oktoberfest yet this fall, you have one more chance at Lacey Township’s – taking place at Argos Farm from 2pm-6pm. You can enjoy live music by the Pickles, fire pits, a pig roast, adult beverages (ages 21+), and all the amenities that the farm has to offer. Ticket information will be available shortly. Learn more here.

November 15

Chili and Chowder Festival (New Egypt) – What’s better than chili and chowder on a chilly autumn day? Chili and chowder with a glass of wine (for anyone ages 21+) and a side of live music at Laurita Winery! Head over from 11am-9pm to warm up with chili, chowder, wine, or all three. Tickets are $16 plus tax online and $18 including tax at the door, and those under 21 are free. Supervised children are welcome and can enjoy the on-site playground, clown, and facepainting artist. Click here to learn more and purchase tickets to enjoy cozy autumn warmth.

November 16

5K Turkey Trot & 2 Mile Fun Run/Walk (Howell) – Walk or run through the crisp autumn air with your family and friends at Oak Glen Park, with race day check-in beginning at 8am and the race kicking off at 9am. Pre-registration is required to participate and is $25 per participant. The first 125 registrations will receive a free shirt and medal. You can learn more and pre-register here.

Cider Making Demonstration (Holmdel) – Autumn is in full swing and one of the best ways to enjoy the season is with fresh apple cider. You can enjoy all things apple cider at Historic Longstreet Farm from 12pm-2pm! Not only can you sample this fall classic, but you can help press this year’s apple harvest into cider and learn about its other uses. There is no entry fee to attend. Click here for more information.

November 21

U-Pick Tulips: Winter Wonderland (Cream Ridge) – Holland Ridge Farm is blooming into a Winter Wonderland from November 21st through January 4th. The entire farm will be lit up with twinkling holiday lights, windmill music and a light show, and 50,000 illuminated rainbow tulips. Hot cocoa stands will be sprinkled throughout the farm so you can sip as you stroll through the holiday magic. Santa will even make a trip down from the North Pole on select dates. Admission is $17 Monday through Thursday and $20 Friday through Sunday, and children ages 2 and under are free. Click here to purchase tickets and experience a winter event like no other.

November 22

Granny’s Attic Craft Show (Middletown) is back for the 44th year in a row at Thompson Middle School from 9am-4pm. Now a local tradition, over 250 vendors come together to help the community satisfy their holiday shopping needs. There will also be a Super 50/50 and a $1,000 Visa Gift Card raffle. Admission is $6 for those ages 4 and older, and children ages 3 and under are free. All the proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Thompson Middle School. You can find more details and purchase tickets here.

November 26

Open House Night of Shopping and Sing-Along (Toms River) – Kickoff the holiday season at the Mathis House from 6:30pm-8pm. This is the perfect time to wander through their beautifully decorated rooms as you sip on warm tea, enjoy holiday treats, and mingle with other guests. There is no entry fee to attend. Mathis House kindly requests that attendees RSVP in advance as a courtesy by calling 732-818-7580 or booking tickets at RESY. You can learn more here.

November 28

Outdoor Winter Wonderland Grand Opening (Middletown) – The Middletown Sports Complex is introducing a new way to enjoy the winter outdoors, beginning at 7pm. There will be a winter wonderland that you can enjoy all season long with festive music, lights, décor, an outdoor ice-skating rink, igloos and fire pits, food and specialty drinks, hot cocoa stands, and more. Ticket details and pricing are coming soon. Click here to be in the know and celebrate the grand opening.

November 29

Holiday Open House (Toms River) – Santa and Mrs. Claus will be able to sneak away from the North Pole to hear your little ones’ wish lists and take pictures at the Ocean County Historical Society from 10am-3pm. Attendees will also have the chance to tour the Victorian style house – and met with festive decorations at every corner. There will also be holiday-themed refreshments and gifts for the children attending. There is no entry fee to participate. Please be advised that you must bring your own camera to take your picture with Santa home. Click here to learn more.

Santa’s Slay Murder Mystery (New Egypt) – Enjoy a murder mystery event with a festive twist at Laurita Winery, beginning at 7:30pm. An annual holiday party for Grinch International Factory of Toys took a not-so-jolly turn and Santa needs you to become one of his little helpers to solve this holiday mystery. Guests are encouraged to arrive 60-90 minutes in advance to be seated and enjoy wine (ages 21+) and food before the event begins. Tickets are $25, food and drinks are not included in this cost. Click here to learn more and purchase tickets.

Small Business Saturday (Ocean Grove) – Support local small businesses while finding the perfect gifts to wrap up for the holidays in the quaint town of Ocean Grove all day long. Every year on Small Business Saturday, Ocean Grove encourages shoppers to help the local community thrive – and is offering free photos with Santa on Main Avenue from 1pm-3pm. There is no entry fee to attend but there will be items available for purchase. Click here to find out more.

Small Business Saturday (Toms River) – Join the community in supporting local Toms River businesses by shopping small. This is the perfect opportunity to head Downtown and check out a local small business you have been meaning to visit! Toms River will be providing free 4-hour parking spaces in the Irons Street lot behind Wells Fargo Bank. Learn more here.

On behalf of the team at First Financial, we would like to wish you and your loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving! We hope your holiday is full of good company, delicious food, and an abundance of gratitude.

DIY Halloween Decorations on a Budget

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Halloween is the perfect time to get creative, and you don’t have to spend big bucks to make your home look festive. With a little imagination (and a few items you already have around the house), you can transform your space into a haunted masterpiece. Here are a few last-minute budget friendly DIY decoration ideas that are easy, fun, wallet approved, and that you can have done in time for tomorrow.

 

1. Ghostly Lanterns

What you’ll need: Empty milk jugs, a black marker, and string lights.

Rinse out plastic milk jugs and draw spooky faces with a marker. Cut a small hole in the back and stuff each jug with string lights. Line them along your walkway or porch for a glowing ghost parade that costs next to nothing.

2. Creepy Window Silhouettes

What you’ll need: Black construction paper or trash bags, scissors, and tape.

Cut out shapes of bats, cats, witches, or ghosts and tape them to your windows. When your home lights are on inside, they’ll cast eerie shadows for anyone passing by. Simple, bold, and surprisingly effective!

3. Floating Ghosts

What you’ll need: Cheesecloth, balloons or foam balls, and glue or starch spray.

Drape the cheesecloth over a balloon or foam ball, spray with the starch or apply the glue, and let it dry. Once hardened, remove the balloon or foam ball, and you’ll have a ghost that “floats” above your table or hangs from the ceiling.

4. Mason Jar Mummies

What you’ll need: Mason jars, gauze or white tissue, googly eyes, and a tea light.

Wrap gauze around the jar, stick on some googly eyes, and pop in a battery-operated candle. These glowing mummies make adorable centerpieces or window decorations!

5. Pumpkin Alternatives

What you’ll need: Paint, old jars or cans, or scrap paper.

Skip the carved pumpkins (or maybe you ran out of time to do this before Halloween), but have no fear – try these no-mess alternatives. Paint some spooky faces on jars, draw pumpkins on orange construction paper, or wrap cans in orange paper for a modern or last-minute twist on the classic jack-o’-lantern.

Save Money While You Get Creative

DIY holiday decorating isn’t just about saving cash, it’s about creating memories too. Before you buy new supplies or spend top dollar at the last minute, check what you may already have around the house. You’ll be surprised how far your creativity (and your budget) can stretch.

At First Financial, we love helping our members make smart financial choices that fit every season. Whether it’s saving for holidays, on home projects, or future goals, we’re here to help you plan and thrive.

Have a safe and Happy Halloween!