Author Archives: Business Development Rep Samantha

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.

Get Your Business Disaster Ready

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It is often said that the one predictable thing about life is that it’s unpredictable, and emergencies and natural disasters are no exception. Disasters can take many different forms but can all potentially have the same impact – unexpected, costly damage to your business and disruptions to your day-to-day operations. Despite the unpredictable nature of emergencies, you can put yourself and your business in a better position to recover if you are prepared. Here are some ways you can be ready if disaster were to strike.

Consider the Risks to Your Business

Approximately 25% of businesses do not reopen after disasters – but the ones that consider the risks to their business ahead of time are often better prepared to face and overcome them.

Businesses aren’t all affected by disasters in the same way. Each business has unique circumstances that can have an impact on how a disaster will affect their operations and financial position, and what their road to recovery will look like.

Additionally, businesses aren’t all affected by the same disasters. For example, a business in California might want to dedicate more resources toward earthquake preparedness than a business in New Jersey. Although earthquakes can happen anywhere without warning, devastating earthquakes are infrequent in New Jersey – making it less likely that one would cause a business there to sustain major damage. On the same note, emergencies don’t always have to occur from the environment specific to your area. Your business should also prepare for emergencies like cyberattacks or supply chain disruptions, where may not be able to access the resources needed to meet your customers’ needs.

It is important to consider the disasters that are more common in your area and industry so you can target your preparation and resources.

Make a Plan

Once you have considered the specific risks to your business, it’s time to formulate a response plan – or how you will effectively manage those risks.

Emergency plans are not one-size-fits-all; they should be tailored to your business and its specific strengths, weaknesses, and operations. An emergency plan, sometimes referred to as a business continuity plan, will help you prepare an effective response to recovering from a disaster before it happens. A few areas that should be addressed are critical functions, the potential disasters your business could face, immediate priorities, responsibilities of key employees, and strategies and timelines for recovery.

It is important to consider the key staff your plan includes. In small businesses, it is common for team members to wear many hats and have several responsibilities. In the face of an emergency, this could make it difficult for your staff to know which area to immediately prioritize. It could also make it difficult for them to be trained in the most important recovery areas, as they might have conflicting responsibilities. It is commonly said that a fence is only as strong as its weakest link – therefore, every team member should have clearly defined responsibilities and be effectively trained on how to prioritize them.

This plan should be stored in a place that is easy to access – and not where it can be destroyed in a disaster. The SBA Business Resilience Guide is a resource that can help you identify how to prepare for and recover from disasters, which can be included in your plans.

A business continuity plan will look different depending on the emergencies that are addressed. Consult the following resources from Ready.gov to better understand the different risks various disasters pose to your business’ finances and operations.

Practice the Plan

You don’t necessarily have to wait for disaster to strike to execute the plan. It’s a good idea to set aside time to run through the plan with your staff on an annual basis so that they are ready should a disaster occur.

Having an emergency plan in place can make a big difference in the outcome of your small business following a disaster. For more small business tips and resources, subscribe to our First Scoop Blog.

Saving Money on Your Child’s Extracurricular Activities

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When the neighborhood kids start putting on shin guards and lacing up their cleats for their first soccer game, your child might want to join in too. These extracurricular activities are a great way to get children involved with peers their age who share similar interests and often come with newfound excitement – but they also come with extra costs. Although creating these memories for your child is priceless, they don’t have to crush your budget. Keep reading to learn five tips for saving money on your child’s extracurricular activities without compromising on their experience.

1. Set a Budget

The costs of extracurricular activities can add up fast, so it’s important to come up with a budget before enrolling your little one in any and every activity that catches their eye. This budget should include more than just the registration fees of the teams they wish to join, as the costs don’t stop there. Do some research to find the final sticker price, including hidden costs like equipment, uniforms, and travel. This can help you manage your budget (and ensure it doesn’t take you by surprise) and stick to spending only what you are comfortable with.

2. Rank Activities

Help your kiddo rank the activities they want to try and enroll them in the one or two they marked the highest to start. Not only will this help you save on costs, but it will encourage your child to identify the activities they are most passionate about and prevent them from becoming overscheduled. Overscheduling your little one can put a strain on your wallet, as well as take time away from other important activities – like schoolwork and spending time with family and friends.

3. Find Activities Offered Through the Community or Local Schools

Many counties and townships offer activities at discounted rates to members of the community. Be sure to check out your local and state park system, library system, and community or recreational centers to see what they are offering. For example, your local library might host a free youth book club that would be well-suited for your little book worm.

Furthermore, encourage your child to explore different after-school clubs and activities that are offered at their school. Oftentimes, these clubs and activities are free or inexpensive to join.

4. Buy Secondhand Gear

Enrollment fees are just the tip of the iceberg when thinking about the cost of extracurricular activities. They often don’t include the costs of uniforms or equipment that your child will need to actually do the activity.

Buying secondhand gear from an athletic or thrift store can help you save. You can also find secondhand gear on online marketplaces, such as your local Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, or eBay. Additionally, if you know someone whose child used to participate in the activity or may have outgrown their gear – you can ask if they are willing to sell or donate the used equipment to you. You can also consider posting your inquiry to a local community board or group and see if anyone is able to help.

5. Find Creative Ways to Get Discounts

Many leagues and organizations offer discounts to parents and guardians who volunteer their time to their child’s team. Whether you volunteer to be the “team parent” and organize team-bonding activities, manage or coach the team, or help in another capacity – the time and commitment you give may earn your child a discount.

Another way to try and find a bargain is to register your child for their activity as soon as the registration window opens. Several leagues and organizations offer discounts if you are one of the first to register or register within a certain timeframe. Although these discounts may not always be steep, every dollar counts.

With some planning and budgeting, you can help your child pursue their interests without letting your wallet take a hit.

If you’re looking for more money saving tips, subscribe to our First Scoop blog by entering your email address at the top right. And if you’d like some no-cost budgeting tools, be sure to check out our fillable PDF budgeting worksheet on our website, as well as our financial calculators.

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

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You won’t be-leaf how easy and affordable it is to enjoy fall with these free or inexpensive (and sometimes spooky) events in Monmouth and Ocean Counties this October!

October 3

Jacks & Lights (Lacey) – Embark on an enchanting jack o’ lantern-lit stroll at Argos Farm on select Thursdays through Sundays until November 2nd at various times. Once the sun sets, the lights of thousands of jack o’ lanterns will lead you on an adventure through a glowing pumpkin trail. You can end the night by trick or treating yourself to one of the many pumpkin-themed treats that the eateries will be serving. Your general admission ticket includes access to the lighted pumpkin trail, flashlight corn maze, access to spook-easy (for those ages 21+), pumpkin patch, and photo ops. The ticket price varies depending on the date and purchase method. Click here to learn more and purchase tickets.

October 4

Fall Festival (Lacey) – The Fall Festival at Argos Farm is still here to give you a day that looks like it’s straight out of a movie on select dates at various times through November 1st. You can stroll through the pumpkin patch, find your way through a corn maze, sample tasty seasonal treats, enjoy live music, check out fun farm attractions, and more. General admission is $19.95 in advance and $23.95 at the gate, and children ages 2 and under are free. Learn more and purchase tickets here.

Fall Fun Fest & Bull Riding Rodeo (Manalapan) – From farm fun attractions to a bull riding rodeo show (and of course, pumpkins) – this Fall Fun Fest at Maple Leaf Farms has it all. The farm is open every weekend through November 1st from 10am-5pm, giving you plenty of opportunities to enjoy this ultimate autumn adventure that the whole family will love. There will be live country music, bull riding and pig races, unique activities, and more. Tickets are $26 for those ages 2 and above and can only be purchased at the door. Click here to learn how you can saddle up for this fun-filled fall experience.

Fall Harvest Festival Arts & Crafts Show (Ocean Grove) promises a day full of family-friendly fun, food, and live music at Auditorium Square Park from 10am-4pm. Plus, there will be arts and crafts to peruse and purchase from local vendors. There is no entry fee to attend, but there will be items available for purchase. Learn more here.

October 5

Oktoberfest (Freehold) – For the third year in a row, Freehold Borough is shutting down West Main Street from 12pm-7pm for a family-fun Oktoberfest celebration. The street will transform into a lively festival – featuring live music all day, delicious food and beverages, a beer garden for ages 21+, vendors selling specialty craft items, family games, and more. There is no entry fee to attend, but there will be items available for purchase. Click here to learn more.

October 10

Night of Frights (Wall) – When the sun sets, the ghouls, ghosts, and monsters at the Historic Village at Allaire come out! Beginning at 6pm – the village grounds and historic buildings will be home to glow-in-the-dark bubble shows, appearances from a fire juggler and sword swallower, scary displays and scenes, frightful storytelling at the chapel, live ghosts and goblins, and more. Although this is a family-friendly event, there may be stories or displays that could give young ones a fright – so please be aware. Admission is $20 for those ages 13 and older, $15 for children ages 4 to 12, and children 3 and under are free. You can find more details and purchase tickets here.

October 11

Oktoberfest (Red Bank) – Red Bank is bringing a taste of German cuisine and culture to town in Edmund Wilson Plaza from 1pm-5pm. There will be tastings of beer, wine, and spirits (for those ages 21+), authentic food, live music and entertainment, a craft vendor market, a kid’s zone, and more. There is no entry fee to attend, but there will be items available for purchase. Learn more here.

October 17

Dark History & Hauntings of Freehold – Take a leisurely and spooky walking tour to learn about the dark history, ghost stories, and urban legends of downtown Freehold – happening on various nights in October from 7pm-8:30pm. Meet at the Battle Monument near the courthouse to begin the tour, if you dare. Admission is $25 for those ages 13 and older, and $20 for children ages 12 and under. Although this is a family-friendly event, there could be stories that spook your little ones – so please be aware. All sales are final – the walking tours will happen rain or shine. Click here to see the various event dates and purchase tickets.

October 18

Fall Fest & Optimist Annual Car Show (Howell) – Enjoy the cool weather and rides at the Fall Fest & Optimist Annual Car Show in Soldier Memorial Park from 11am-4pm. This festival is the perfect pit stop to check out unique cars, enjoy live entertainment, sample food trucks, sip on beer/wine (for those ages 21+), sit around a fire pit, and more. There is no entry fee to attend, but there will be items available for purchase. Click here to see how you can enjoy the unique mashup of a fall festival and car show.

Harvest Arts Festival (Toms River) – Head over to Washington Street from 11am-5pm for a festival that features the best of family-friendly fall fun. Downtown Toms River will be jam-packed with free kids’ games and activities, live bands, merchandise and handcraft vendors, food trucks, and more. There is no entry fee to attend, but there will be items available for purchase. Click here to see how you can fall into fun with the whole family.

October 19

Trunk or Treat (Aberdeen) will be held at Matawan Regional High School from 1pm-5pm. Come trick or treat, check out the decorated trunks, hop on a hayride, visit the vendors, and more. If you are interested in decorating your trunk, you must sign up here in advance. The trunks will go head-to-head, and the winner of the best trunk design will win a prize. There is no entry fee to attend, but guests are asked to donate one bag of candy upon entry. Click here for more information.

Halloween Spooktacular Haunted Hayride (Freehold) – Scare or be scared at the Halloween Spooktacular Haunted Hayride, with rides starting at the West Main Street Wells Fargo Parking Lot at 1pm. The community comes together to decorate homes, act out spooky scenes, and haunt the passengers who dare to get on the hay wagon and embark on the haunted route. The hayrides are on an approximate schedule. Wristbands will be distributed starting at approximately 12:30pm and are free, though the hayride line will be closed once all wristbands are given out. There will be no-cost family fun activities to enjoy in the parking lot after you return. Learn more here.

October 25

All Hallows Eve Along the Burlington Path (Colts Neck) – A spooky night is brewing at Colts Neck Firehouse #1 from 5pm-8pm. The spirit of Halloween will come alive with activities like a pick-your-own pumpkin patch, spooky tales by the bonfire, hayrides, costume contests, and more. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children, and children 2 and under are free. Click here to learn more about how you can celebrate Halloween a week early.

Halloween Moonlit Market (New Egypt) – If trick-or-treating isn’t for you, go treasure-hunting instead at the Halloween Moonlit Market – happening at the New Egypt Flea Market Village from 5pm-9pm. The Moonlit Market is the perfect opportunity to show off your Halloween costume, shop for local treasures, and enjoy the autumn air. There is no entry fee to attend, but there will be items available for purchase. Learn more here.

Trunk or Treat (Manchester) – Fill your Halloween basket (or pillowcase) with candy a week early at the Manchester Trunk or Treat, taking place at Manchester Township High School from 7pm-9pm. Aside from early trick-or-treating – you can enjoy a haunted bus, face painting, and more. Admission is $2 per person. Click here to learn how you can add even more treats to your spooky season!

October 26

Halloween Spooktacular Costume Parade (Freehold) – The streets of Freehold will turn into a runway to show off your Halloween costume for a chance to win a prize, beginning at 12pm at the Freehold Raceway parking lot Manalapan Avenue entrance. Participants must check-in at noon and will be given a number to be pinned to their costume. Judges will be on the lookout for the best costumes and decide whose costume takes home the top treat. The participants will then follow the parade route as members of the community watch from the sidelines. There will be complimentary refreshments in the Hall of Records after the parade. There is no entry fee to participate in or watch the parade. You can learn more here.

October 31

Fall Friday Outdoor Movie Night Series (Red Bank) – Celebrate Halloween with a twist by catching the last installment of this movie night series at Coffee Corral, beginning at 6:30pm. In the spirit of Halloween, the selected movie will be Ghostbusters. Cozy up with a blanket or beach chair, grab a treat from the Corral, and enjoy the film under the crisp autumn air. There is no entry fee to attend, but there will be popcorn and other snack items available for purchase. Click here to learn more.

Halloween Party & Watch the Parade (Toms River) – Celebrate the spookiest night of the year at the Mathis House from 5pm-9pm. Break out your costume and enjoy music, an outdoor buffet, kids’ activities, and more. Plus, you’ll have the perfect view of the Downtown Toms River Halloween Parade as it goes by. Tickets are $25 for adults, and $15 for children ages 12 and under. You can find additional information here.

Renting Your First Apartment: The Process, Costs, and Everything in Between

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If you’ve decided that you’re ready to rent your first apartment, you might be excited – but you might be equally as nervous. With the number of factors there are to consider, even seasoned renters should brush up on the steps to take before they begin the search for a new place to call home. Keep reading for a step-by-step guide on how to secure your first apartment, from start to finish.

1. Create a Budget

Whether you’re going out on your own or renting with a roommate, it’s time to crunch the numbers. Creating a budget before searching for an apartment – is important for a few reasons. You’ll first want to find an apartment that you can currently (and hopefully continue to) comfortably afford. This will also help during your search by setting parameters and narrowing down your options. If the maximum rent you can afford to pay is $1,800 per month, you wouldn’t tour a unit that’s going for $2,500 a month. Many landlords also have income requirements that must be met to be approved for a rental. A common income requirement is the tenant(s) having a combined monthly income of at least three times the monthly rent. For example, if you are renting a $1,500 per month apartment by yourself – you would need a monthly income of at least $4,500 to qualify. However, just because you meet the landlord’s income requirements doesn’t mean the apartment is a good financial fit for you – only your budget can tell you that. Aside from the cost of rent, also consider your new monthly expenses like utilities and groceries.

If this is your first time creating a budget, check out our recent blog post on how to get started with one. We also have a fillable PDF budgeting worksheet if you’re ready to jump right in.

2. Consider Any Additional Upfront Costs

You will have certain expenses you can expect to pay each month such as your rent, utilities, and groceries. Aside from your recurring expenses, you’ll also want to prepare for those one-time costs that are unique to moving into a rental unit.

  • Application Fee. This is collected when you apply for a rental and covers the landlord’s costs associated with making sure you meet the requirements to be a tenant. They will often check your credit and perform a background check.
  • Security Deposit. This is usually collected prior to moving in and is held by the landlord to cover any damages you may cause to the unit during your lease. It is usually returned in full if you left the rental in reasonably good shape.
  • Pet Fee/Deposit. For those of you who have (or will have) furry friends – a pet fee is usually non-refundable and typically applies to cats and dogs to cover any potential damages they may cause in the rental.
  • Pet Rent. The monthly fee you may be asked to pay on top of your rent if you have a pet.
  • Renters Insurance. This is renewed annually (and usually paid upfront or in monthly installments) and protects you from a wide range of covered problems.
  • Moving Expenses. This includes the cost to move your belongings to your apartment.
  • Unless your rental comes fully furnished, you will need to plan to buy furniture.

3. Check Your Credit Score

Aside from income, your credit score is another factor that landlords will consider when deciding whether to approve you. A general rule-of-thumb is to have a credit score of 600 or higher in order to be approved to rent an apartment. This varies based on landlord, location, and rental type – but the higher your score, the better. There are ways to boost your chances of approval if your score doesn’t quite meet the mark, such as getting a co-signer or offering to pay a larger security deposit.

4. Make a List of Your Requirements and Narrow Down Your Search

Once you have your budget and expenses planned out, it’s time to make a list of apartments that meet your requirements. Do you want in-unit laundry or an on-site laundry facility? Which floor do you want to live on? Once you know the things you can’t compromise on, start making a list of rental units that check off all your boxes. The hunt for an apartment is conducted almost entirely online now, and websites like Apartments.com and Zillow.com are good places to start.

5. Begin Touring and Applying for Apartments

When you have a shortlist of units to tour, begin scheduling appointments with the landlord or property management team. Come prepared with a list of questions to ask on tour day, especially if you were unable to find the answers online. For example, you’ll want to know how you would pay rent and how you would request maintenance.

Once you found the “one,” start the application. Landlords may have different application processes – some may conduct the application entirely through an online portal, and others may only have the good-old-fashioned way – on pen and paper. Aside from the application fee, you will typically also need to provide proof of income and identification.

6. Congratulations! You’re Ready to Sign a Lease

If your rental application gets approved – congratulations! Once you decide to move into a particular apartment, you will receive the lease. It is always recommended to review the lease prior to signing, as it is a contract between you and the landlord. It will outline what is expected of you during your time occupying the unit. Not abiding by the conditions within the lease could impact you later, such as not receiving your security deposit back.

This is also the time when many of those upfront expenses start coming due. For example, many landlords will require that you purchase renters insurance prior to moving in.

7. Move-in Day

Once the big day arrives, make sure you come prepared. Many people like to deep clean their apartment before moving any belongings in. You can also hire a company or individual to do this for you. The landlord or property management team will usually meet you on move-in day to wrap up any loose ends like providing you with keys, instructions for portal setup, or sometimes even a small welcome gift.

First Financial wishes you the best of luck if you are embarking on this new journey. Should you wish to talk to one of our financial experts to review your budget before you get started, call us at 732.312.1500 or visit your local branch.