How to Actually Stick to Your Holiday Budget

Posted on by
Reply

It’s almost that time of the year again, and the holiday season is right around the corner. While the last few months of the year are usually all about laughter and celebration, it is also one of the most expensive times of the year as well. With traveling expenses and gifts, your budget can quickly get out of hand.

Before you get stressed out about holiday budgeting, start a plan. The earlier you begin thinking about holiday spending, the more time you’ll have to actually enjoy the season. Here are five tips to help you stick to your holiday budget:

Start Early

The early bird gets the worm! While you might think it’s too early to start planning for the holidays, think again. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself scrambling for last minute gifts. Start your planning now before you stress yourself out. Begin making your list of people you need to get gifts for and jot down ideas of what you might want to get them. Once you have your list ready, you can start hunting for steals and deals well in advance. You might even get your shopping done early!

Tackle Black Friday Deals

You either love Black Friday or you hate it. If you plan to Black Friday shop this year, then prepare yourself for the big day. Many retailers will release a list of their sales the week prior so you can start making your list ahead of time. Be sure to research when stores open as you might want to get there early in case inventory sells out. If you don’t get exactly what you want on Black Friday, there’s always Cyber Monday – when you can find plenty of deals online without the crowds.

DIY Your Gifts

Store-bought gifts aren’t always the best. Homemade items carry a lot of significant value and you can personalize them and make them exactly how you want. Consider DIY-ing your gifts if you have the talent. Not only will your friends and family appreciate the thought and effort you put into their gifts, but you’ll also save a significant amount of money.

Set Limits

It would be amazing if we could buy all our loved ones the perfect gift, but most of us can’t afford to do that. While you’re making your list and shopping, be sure to be realistic with what you can afford. Decide what your limits are for each person and stick to it. Even if you find the “perfect” gift for someone on your list, it’s not going to work if it will break your budget. It’s the thought that really counts, so don’t worry about buying the most expensive gift.

Spend on Experiences

Most of the time it’s better to gift an experience if you can’t find the perfect gift for someone. Think about what they really enjoy doing. For instance, tickets to a local play or a gift certificate to their favorite restaurant can be great ideas. Plus, you might also be able to tag along – so not only do you get to enjoy the gift, but you also get to spend time with the recipient too.

The holidays are quickly approaching. While shopping and sticking to your budget is important, also remember to take a few moments to enjoy time with family and loved ones this season.

Article Source: Connie Mei for Moneyning.com

The Best Things to Buy in November

Posted on by
Reply

When it comes to deals, there’s plenty to be thankful for this month. With discount shopping days like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Travel Deal Tuesday – November offers a buffet of savings opportunities for shoppers.

Start making your list, and check to see what offers your favorite stores, warehouse outlets and online retailers have planned for Veterans Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Here are just a few of the best buys to jumpstart your holiday shopping savings.

Electronics: Look for deals on everything from televisions, smartwatches, gaming systems, laptops, tablets, desktop computers, and smartphones. It may also be a good time to give a few smart home devices a try.  Experts at DealNews.com and ConsumerReports.org say maximizing savings means waiting until Black Friday, November 23. If the crowds aren’t part of your post-Thanksgiving plans, you can always safely shop online.

Video games: Just in time for the holidays, you’ll find discounted games across all platforms through December.

Vacuums and appliances (both large and small): Time to get that InstantPot or finally replace your dishwasher. There are plenty of opportunities to save throughout the month – especially around Veterans Day, Black Friday, or Cyber Monday. You’ll find the deepest appliance discounts at home improvement stores toward the end of November.

Wedding dresses: According to GoBankingRates.com, with the latest designs hitting the runway, brides-to-be open to considering “older” inventory can score discounts of up to 70% off their dream gown.

Happy Shopping!

Article Source: Myriam DiGiovanni for Financialfeed.com

First Financial Foundation Awards Classroom Grant to Shark River Hills Elementary School

Posted on by
Reply

Press Release

(Pictured Above L to R: Superintendent of Neptune Schools Dr. Crader, Grant Recipient Stephanie Huff, and Principal Williams).

FREEHOLD, N.J. – Shark River Hills Elementary School Pre-K teacher, Stephanie Huff, was surprised by members of the First Financial Foundation with a $500 Erma Dorrer classroom grant for the 2018-2019 school year. Ms. Huff has been an early childhood educator within Neptune Township Schools for 20 years.

Huff submitted a grant application to purchase equipment for the betterment of her students’ gross motor skills. The grant money will be used to benefit the 60 Pre-K children at Shark River Hills Elementary School for years to come. Currently, the school uses equipment from a gym cart – however there is not enough to go around and it was purchased 16 years ago. With the grant funds, Ms. Huff plans to purchase new kickballs, basketballs, foam balls, a hopscotch rug, a mesh tunnel, a bowling set, handkerchiefs and ribbons, a set of scooters, and more.

(Pictured above L to R: AVP of Business Development at First Financial, Grant Recipient Stephanie Huff, and VP of Marketing and Business Development at First Financial).

“We are required to provide our students with 45 minutes of gross motor activities each and every day.  Gross motor skills are defined as the abilities required in order to control the large muscles of the body for walking, running, sitting, crawling, and other activities,” said Huff. “In order to develop and strengthen those gross motor skills, equipment is needed to do so. Fred Rogers, beloved creator of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood and dedicated child advocate, poignantly said: Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood. I can personally attest to the value and worth of play in children’s learning.”

Since First Financial began with a group of Asbury Park schoolteachers back in 1936, the credit union has not forgotten its educational roots. That is why its Foundation offered current Monmouth and Ocean County educators six (6) classroom grants to use at their schools for the 2018-2019 school year.

“Education has and always will be a pivotal piece of our organization, and we’re delighted to be able to help our local educators enhance their classroom experience,” noted First Financial President & CEO, Issa Stephan.

Stephan also noted that the Foundation committee had a tough job of choosing just six winning teachers out of the numerous applications received this year. “We received dozens of heart warming essays and videos from educators hoping to use the grant money to implement or maintain a variety of creative programs in their schools such as flexible seating, virtual reality glasses, book stands and shelving, new classroom cabinets, and interactive books and games – to name a few,” said Stephan. “We wish we were able to reward each and every one of our participants, and after extremely careful consideration we selected the six classrooms in which we felt the grant money would have the largest impact.”

About the First Financial Foundation: Since 1994, First Financial has supported the Monmouth & Ocean communities with the Erma Dorrer Scholarship Program. Today, that program has been extended into the First Financial Foundation to assist charitable organizations of the Monmouth & Ocean County Communities.  The First Financial Federal Credit Union Foundation is a non-profit working to support a variety of community programs and organizations throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties.  We direct 100% of your contributions to programs because all administrative expenses are paid for by First Financial Federal Credit Union.  To learn more, visit www.firstffcu.com.

How to Save Money While Staying Healthier Through Cold and Flu Season

Posted on by
Reply

Fall is the time of year known for vibrant colors, crisp weather, pumpkin patches, and spiced cider — but it’s also known as the beginning of cold and flu season.

Whether you blame it on the changing weather patterns, the lack of daylight, or spending more time in close quarters with other people, getting sick can impact not just your health, but your wallet. Between missed work and medical costs, sickness can get expensive very quickly.

1. Get More Paranoid About Germs

You don’t have to be a germaphobe, but basic things like washing your hands frequently (for a full 20 seconds) — and using hand sanitizers, provide a first line of defense against getting sick. It’s also wise to avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth throughout the day.

2. Consider a Seasonal Flu Shot

Many employers will offer or pay for flu shots for their employees, and if you have public health insurance, the Affordable Care Act requires providers to pay for the cost. Seniors with Medicare Part B can get free flu shots, as well.

Even out of pocket, you can usually find flu shots for $15 or less from retail-store pharmacies, school programs, and health department clinics.

3. Take Preventative Care to Boost Your Immune System

There are also many natural, low-cost ways to stay healthy during cold and flu season — without buying into pricey immune-boosting OTC products. The first tip is to eat a whole food-based diet, exercise regularly, avoid unnecessary stress, and get enough sleep. Secondly, be sure you’re getting enough of these key nutrients through the foods you eat:

  • Protein
  • Zinc
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin A

4. When You Get a Cold, Save Money with Generics and Natural Remedies

We all know there’s no cure for the common cold, but many home remedies and basic medications can help you deal with the symptoms and recover faster.

With medications, remember that the effective ingredients are what matters — not the brand name. Don’t hesitate to try the store brand of an antihistamine or decongestant. If you’re not sure whether there are generics for a name brand drug, check with a pharmacist.

Natural remedies can also provide effective relief at very little expense: try a neti pot to relieve and prevent sinus infections, herbal teas to boost your immunity, and salt water gargling to relieve a sore throat. Hot soup also works wonders.

Cold and flu season may be here, but it doesn’t mean your health or finances need to suffer. Use these tips to prevent sickness, reduce your medical costs, and save money even when you do succumb to the common cold.

Article Source: Jessica Sommerfield for moneyning.com

4 Ways to Save Money During Football Season

Posted on by
Reply

If you love football, this is probably one of your favorite times of year. As fun as it is, it can also be expensive. Here are a few things you can do to enjoy yourself and save a few bucks.

Fund your football addiction. 

If you’re going to spend a lot of money during football season, try figuring out a way to raise some dough before the season starts. It might be too late for this year, but you can start planning ahead for next year right now. Having a yard sale next spring and summer could be a great way to raise some pocket cash for a ticket you want or that party you want to throw. Have an old guitar or piece of workout equipment you don’t use anymore? Sell it online and turn it into cash.

Go big or stay home.

We all love the big games, especially when our team is involved. When those weeks roll around, do it big but plan ahead! If you’re throwing a party, stock up ahead of time and see what you can buy on sale. If you’re going to the game, plan out an exciting tailgate and do it up right. When your team is in a less exciting matchup, watch your game – but keep it light and try not to spend any more cash than you would on a non-football Sunday.

Split season tickets.

Feel the need to be at the stadium as much as possible? Try splitting season tickets with a friend or family member. You can go to games together or divide the games and take other friends and family. Even that way, you’ll still get to see 3 or 4 games for a decent price.

Involve everyone in your party plans.

If you love to constantly have people over on game days, just make sure you’re not footing the bill every weekend. Make it a potluck and get your guests to all contribute to the spread. It’s a lot easier to have a great party week after week, if it’s not costing you hundreds each time.

Article Source: John Pettit for CUInsight

3 Simple Suggestions for a Budget-Friendly Halloween

Posted on by
Reply

Think back to when you were a kid. What was your favorite thing about Halloween? Was it the costumes? The candy? The spooky decorations around your neighborhood? All the above? Now, think about your little ones. Which Halloween traditions excite them most? There’s a pretty good chance they love the same things you did.

That timeless trio of candy, decorations, and costumes account for more than 80% of Halloween spending. How much do people actually spend on Halloween? According to a National Retail Foundation survey, Americans spent an estimated $9.1 billion in 2017, and the number is expected to top $9 billion again in 2018.

From shopping for the newest costume to overspending on premium candy for trick-or-treaters, it’s easy to get caught up in the fright-filled fun and spend more than you intended. So, how do you give your little ones a Halloween filled with fantastic childhood memories without blowing up your budget in the process? We’ve got a few ideas.

By following these tips, you can save money on candy, decorations, and costumes and help your kids enjoy a Halloween that’s a little less trick and a lot more treat:

Candy

Based on the survey mentioned above, a whopping 95% of Americans plan to buy candy this Halloween. If you’re looking for easy ways to save, steer clear of the brand name selections and buy in bulk. If you’re trying to be that house, the one all the kids talk about because you’re the ones that give out the “good stuff,” be sure to scan local sales and be patient. Stores will often discount candy on Halloween morning. A little last-minute shopping can give you the chance to get more for your money.

Decorations

Hosting a Halloween party for neighborhood friends? Instead of rushing out to a specialty store and buying elaborate displays and mass-produced trinkets, add a personal touch by letting your kids design decorations of their own. Your children will love showing off their handiwork to all their guests! Need some suggestions to get your family’s creative juices flowing? The home decorating experts at HGTV can help you scare up a great idea!

Costumes 

When it comes to finding great deals on Halloween costumes for your children, thrift stores are your friend. If you shop early enough, many secondhand stores will have a selection of costumes that were only worn once or twice before the previous owners outgrew them. If you’re getting down to crunch time and you don’t have your kiddo’s costume figured out, Pinterest is a great place to find creative DIY ideas.

Now, before you get carried away with crazy ideas about how to spend all the money you saved this Halloween, remember, Halloween savings can help ease the financial stress of holiday shopping. That’s right – once Halloween is over, there are only 32 shopping days until Hanukkah and 54 shopping days until Christmas. Now, THAT is scary!