Red Flags in Rescue: Don’t Fall for a Pet Adoption Scam

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At First Financial, we know how much joy a new furry friend can bring. If you’re looking to adopt a pet online, be cautious. Pet adoption scams are on the rise, and can leave aspiring pet owners with their hearts broken, wallets drained – and one big financial headache.

These scams typically occur online through fake websites, social media posts, or classified ads. Scammers will post adorable photos of animals that aren’t real or aren’t available – to lure you into paying for adoption fees, shipping costs, and/or vaccinations. Once you send the money, the scammer will disappear or “ghost” you, and you’ll unfortunately never get your desired pet.

According to the Better Business Bureau, thousands of aspiring pet parents fall victim to puppy adoption scams and similar fraud each year. Victims report losing anywhere from $500 to $2,000 per scam, often without any recourse for recovery.

Whether you’re searching for a rescue or a purebred pet, it’s important to understand the red flags of fraudulent listings before sending any money.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Be sure to watch out for these common warning signs of a scam:

  • Too-good-to-be-true offers. Purebred puppies or exotic pets listed at a low cost or as “free to a good home.”
  • Unusual payment methods. Scammers will often ask for wire transfers, gift cards, Venmo, or Zelle – all methods that are hard to trace.
  • No video calls or visits. The “seller” avoids letting you see the pet in real time or meet in person.
  • Pushy tactics. You’re pressured to pay quickly before someone else “claims” the pet.
  • Shipping costs. Many times, the scammer will want to ship the pet – charging you more for shipping fees, vet clearance, etc.

How to Avoid Pet Adoption Scams

Before you click “send” on any payment, follow these tips to protect yourself:

  1. Research the rescue agency or breeder. Look for reviews, verify their business license, and check for complaints on BBB.org.
  2. Never pay with untraceable methods. Use a credit card or secure payment system that offers fraud protection.
  3. Insist on an in-person meetup. There are plenty of animals waiting to be adopted. Only adopt one that you’ve met in real life.
  4. Avoid emotional decisions. Scammers will prey on your love for animals. Take your time and don’t let urgency cloud your judgment.
  5. Adopt locally when possible. Visit your local animal shelter or reputable rescue organization in person.

What To Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you think you’ve been the victim of a pet adoption scam, take immediate action:

  • Report the fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (ftc.gov) and Better Business Bureau.
  • Contact your financial institution to try to reverse or stop any payments.
  • File a police report, especially if significant funds were involved.

Protecting You & Your Finances

First Financial cares about your financial safety and well-being. Before you adopt, take a moment to ensure you’re working with a trusted source. If you ever have questions about suspicious transactions on any of your First Financial accounts or protecting your financial information, our team is here to help. Contact us, stop into your local branch, or visit our website for more financial wellness tips.

529 Plans Can Help With More Than Just College

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529 plans were originally created in 1996 as a tax-advantaged way to save for college. Over the past several years, Congress has expanded the ways 529 plan funds can be used, making them a more flexible and versatile savings vehicle.

College – Plus Other Education Expenses

A 529 savings plan can be instrumental in building a college fund — its original purpose. Funds contributed to a 529 savings plan accumulate tax-deferred and earnings are tax-free if the funds are used to pay qualified education expenses, which now include:

  • College expenses: the full cost of tuition, fees, books, and equipment (including computers) and, for students attending at least half time, housing and food costs at any college in the U.S. or abroad accredited by the U.S. Department of Education
  • Apprenticeships programs: the full cost of fees, books, and equipment for programs registered with the U.S. Department of Labor
  • K-12 tuition expenses: up to $10,000 per year

If 529 funds are used to pay a non-qualified education expense, the earnings portion of any withdrawal is subject to ordinary income tax and a 10% penalty.

Estate Planning Tool

529 plans offer grandparents an opportunity to save for a grandchild’s education in a way that accomplishes estate planning goals, while still allowing grandparents access to those funds if needed.

Specifically, due to an accelerated gifting feature unique to 529 plans, grandparents (or other relatives) can contribute a lump sum to a 529 plan of up to five times the annual gift tax exclusion and avoid gift tax by making an election on their tax return to spread the gift equally over five years. In 2025, the gift tax exclusion is $19,000, so grandparents could gift up to $190,000 to a 529 plan for their grandchild ($19,000 x 5 years x 2 grandparents) and avoid gift tax. These funds are not considered part of the grandparents’ estate for federal estate tax purposes (unless one or both grandparents die in the five-year period, in which case special allocation rules apply). And if a grandparent is also the account owner of the 529 plan (529 plan rules allow only one account owner), then the grandparent will retain control of the 529 plan funds (even though the funds are not considered part of the estate) and can access them for health-care needs, an emergency, or any other reason (but the earnings portion of any non-qualified withdrawal will be subject to ordinary income tax and a 10% penalty).

Student Loan Repayment

Nearly 43 million borrowers have student loans, and the average loan balance is approximately $38,000.1 To help families who might have leftover 529 funds after college, Congress expanded the approved use of 529 plan funds in 2019 to include the repayment of qualified education loans up to $10,000 for the 529 beneficiary or a sibling of the beneficiary. This includes federal and private loans.

Retirement Builder: Roth IRA Rollover

As of 2024, 529 account owners can roll over up to $35,000 from a 529 plan to a Roth IRA for the same beneficiary. Any rollover is subject to annual Roth IRA contribution limits, so $35,000 can’t be rolled over all at once. For example, in 2025, the Roth IRA contribution limit is $7,000 (for people under age 50) or 100% of annual earned income, whichever is less, so that is the maximum amount that can be rolled over in 2025.

There are a couple of other caveats. For the rollover to be tax- and penalty-free, the 529 plan must have been open for at least 15 years. And contributions to a 529 account made within five years of the rollover date can’t be rolled over — only contributions outside the five-year window can be rolled over.

Questions about this topic? Contact First Financial’s Investment & Retirement Center by calling 732.312.1500, Option 2.

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:

Participation in a 529 plan generally involves fees and expenses, and there is the risk that the investments may lose money or not perform well enough to cover college costs as anticipated. The tax implications of a 529 plan can vary significantly from state to state. Most states offering their own 529 plans may provide advantages and benefits exclusively for their residents and taxpayers, which may include financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors. Before investing in a 529 plan, consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses, which are available in the issuer’s official statement and should be read carefully. The official disclosure statements and applicable prospectuses contain this and other information about the investment options, underlying investments, and investment company and can be obtained from your financial professional.

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) educationdata.org, 2024

Prepared by Broadridge Advisor Solutions Copyright 2025.

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

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

June 5

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

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

June 6

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

June 7

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

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

June 8

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

June 11

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

June 15

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

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

June 17

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

June 20

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

June 24

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

June 25

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

June 28

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

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

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

Smart Ways To Use Your Credit Card Rewards This Summer

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Summer is all about soaking up the sunshine, making memories, and — ideally — sticking to your budget. If you have a rewards credit card, you may already hold the key to a more affordable and enjoyable summer. At First Financial, our Visa Signature Cash Plus Credit Card allows members to earn cash back and uChoose Rewards points that can be redeemed in various fun, practical, and rewarding ways.* Here are some great ideas to help make the most of your credit card rewards this summer.

1. Book Your Dream Vacation

Whether heading to a tropical beach or planning a relaxing weekend close to home, travel expenses can add up quickly. Luckily, your uChoose Rewards points can help offset big-ticket items like flights, hotel stays, and even cruises. With your travel partially or fully covered, you can use more of your travel budget for experiences and relaxation, without compromising on fun.

2. Live in the Moment without Breaking the Bank

Fortunately, cash back rewards can help take the sting out of seasonal expenses. Our Visa Cash Plus Credit Card allows you to earn rewards on everyday purchases, then redeem them later to help offset credit card expenses. Whether it’s gas for a weekend getaway, supplies for your next BBQ, or your weekly grocery haul – those daily swipes add up to future savings on purchases you would have made anyway.

3. Treat Yourself

Summer is the perfect time to indulge a little. Maybe it’s a fancy dinner out, a gadget you’ve been eyeing, or a spontaneous day trip down the shore. Use your earned cash back rewards as a statement credit to be applied to your next credit card bill, and turn those treats into guilt-free fun. You’ve already earned that cash back, so use it on a treat for yourself!

4. Share the Joy with Friends and Family

Your rewards can go even further when you use them to celebrate others. Use your uChoose Rewards points to find the perfect gift for a birthday, graduation, or other summer milestone. From merchant gift cards, to electronics, home goods, and accessories – you’ll have plenty of ways to spread the love. Plus, you can also redeem your rewards directly through the Apple Store for the latest Apple products, as well as on various merchant websites to reduce your total cost when PayPal is selected as a payment option during checkout.

5. Prep for Back-to-School Season

Summer may have just gotten started, but back-to-school season will creep up before you know it. Redeem your rewards to stock up on school supplies, electronics, or even new clothes for the kids. Using points for these essentials can free up room in your budget for more summer fun or help you transition between seasons a little more smoothly.

Maximize Your Rewards with First Financial

No matter how you choose to use them, your credit card rewards are a smart way to stretch your money a little further. If you’re not already taking advantage of our First Financial Visa Signature Cash Plus Credit Card, now is the perfect time to apply! For more tips on using your credit card wisely or to explore our other credit card options, visit us at firstffcu.com, call 732.312.1500, or stop by a local branch.

 *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. 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.

Heat Up Your Small Business Marketing This Summer

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As temperatures rise, so should your marketing efforts. Summer presents an excellent opportunity for small businesses to boost visibility, build community connections, and drive seasonal sales. From refreshed branding to local partnerships, now is the time to get creative with your marketing strategy. Here are seven effective ways to turn up the heat on your marketing this summer.

1. Get Involved in Local Summer Events

Summer is packed with community festivals, outdoor concerts, markets, and parades – making it the perfect season to amplify your brand’s local presence. Whether you sponsor a local event, set up a vendor booth, or simply volunteer your services – showing up for your community builds trust and increases visibility. Be sure to promote your participation on social media, in your email newsletter, and with signage or print ads. Event involvement gets your name in front of more people while creating content opportunities you can use all season long.

2. Collaborate with Other Local Businesses

Nothing says summer like community, and that includes local business partnerships. Team up with complementary businesses in your area to launch co-branded promotions, bundle deals, or offer seasonal giveaways. You’ll increase your exposure to new audiences while reinforcing local connections that customers value. For example, a gym could partner with a smoothie shop for a “sweat and sip” deal, or a bookstore and coffee shop could offer joint loyalty discounts. Think creatively and lean into what your community loves most during the warmer months.

3. Tap into Wedding Season

Between May and September, wedding season is in full force and the marketing opportunities are endless. Even if your business doesn’t fall directly into the wedding industry, there’s likely a way to get involved. Promote custom gifts, beauty products, catering, rehearsal dinner spaces, dessert options, and more. Market services to the bridal party or newlyweds – such as florals, financing, or travel planning. Tailor your messaging to speak to this massive audience, including wedding guests looking for last-minute accessories, gift ideas, or travel accommodations. Any business can also offer small discounts to newlyweds and/or bridal parties.

4. Refresh Your Ad Designs for Summer

Give your advertising a seasonal facelift by incorporating summer themes into your visuals and messaging. Bright colors, sunny imagery, and seasonal motifs like beaches, fruit, or backyard barbecues can help your ads feel fresh and relevant. If you’ve been running the same creative for months, this is a great time to re-engage customers who may have started to tune it out. A simple refresh can make your business feel more vibrant and top-of-mind.

5. Give Your Social Media a Seasonal Makeover

Update your profile banners, imagery, and content calendar to reflect the fun and relaxed tone of summer. Whether you’re using tropical color palettes, summer puns, or photos of your products outdoors – embrace the vibe of the season to strengthen emotional connections with your audience. Don’t forget to adjust your posting schedule for summer habits. People tend to scroll more in the mornings or evenings, so time your posts accordingly – and consider batching content in advance to keep up with vacation schedules.

6. Launch a Summer Contest or Sweepstakes

Rather than cutting prices during a peak sales season, consider running a contest or giveaway to boost engagement and incentivize purchases. For example, customers who spend over a certain amount and follow your social channels would be entered to win a grand prize revealed at the end of the summer. This boosts sales during busy months, while helping you gather leads and keep customers engaged as the season winds down.

7. Don’t Overlook Back-to-School Marketing

When summer draws to a close, smart businesses start shifting their focus to back-to-school needs. The best part? Nearly every business can find a relevant angle. Cafés can offer grab-and-go breakfast deals or boxed lunches. Fitness studios can promote classes designed to help parents decompress. Tailors can market uniform alterations. Whatever your niche, look for creative ways to support families preparing for the fall.

Fuel Your Business Growth with First Financial

First Financial is here to help your small business succeed. From business checking accounts to newsletters and virtual retirement planning seminars, we offer the resources you need to grow through every season. To learn more about our business services or to speak with a representative, visit your local branch. Don’t forget to subscribe to the First Scoop Blog for more expert tips on financial wellness and small business success!

Spring 2025 Newsletter

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

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

The Spring First Edition Member Newsletter features the following articles:

To view a copy of the newsletter, click here.

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