Author Archives: VP of Marketing and Business Development Jessica

Adapting to a Cashless World: How to Use Digital Wallets Safely

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More and more businesses are going cashless these days. From coffee shops to online retailers, digital payments have become the norm. While this shift brings convenience and speed, it also calls for smart habits to keep your personal and financial information safe.

Whether you’re new to digital wallets or looking to level up your security, here’s how to navigate this increasingly cashless world with confidence.

Understanding Digital Wallets: The Modern Way to Pay

Digital wallets like Apple Pay®, Google Pay™, and Samsung Wallet™ allow you to make secure payments using your smartphone, smartwatch, or tablet. These apps store your debit or credit card information and use encryption and tokenization to protect your data.

Benefits of using a digital wallet:

  • Tap-to-pay convenience at checkout.
  • Added security through biometric authentication (like fingerprint or Face ID).
  • No need to carry multiple physical cards.

If you’re a First Financial member, your debit and credit cards can be added to most major digital wallets for fast, secure transactions in person or online.

Stay Smart About Security

While digital wallets are secure by design, it’s important to be aware of some things that could put you at risk. Here are some key tips to protect yourself:

1.    Don’t Use Website Card Storage

It might be tempting to save your card info on your favorite shopping apps or websites for faster checkout, but that opens the door to more risk if those platforms get hacked. Stick with secure digital wallets instead of storing payment details directly in online or retailer accounts.

2.    Avoid Saving Card Info When on Public Wi-Fi

Public networks at airports, coffee shops, and hotels are not secure. Never enter or save sensitive card information when connected to an unsecured network. If you must make a transaction on-the-go, use a personal hotspot or a trusted mobile connection.

3.    Enable Multi-Factor Authentication

Add an extra layer of protection to your banking and wallet apps with multi-factor authentication. This typically means entering a code sent via text or email in addition to your password.

4.    Keep Your Apps Updated

Outdated apps may lack the latest security protections. Keep your mobile banking app, digital wallet, and device operating system current to protect against vulnerabilities.

First Financial Tools to Help You Go Cashless with Confidence

As a First Financial member, you have access to a full suite of digital banking services to support a cashless lifestyle:

  • Mobile Wallet Compatibility for secure tap-to-pay transactions.
  • Mobile Banking App for your First Financial account monitoring, transfers, and alerts.
  • Card Controls to turn your First Financial cards on/off instantly if lost or stolen.
  • 1 Click Remote Deposit so you can deposit checks without a trip to the branch.

Going cashless doesn’t mean giving up control, it means gaining tools that work smarter and faster. If you have questions about setting up your digital wallet or using your First Financial cards safely online, our team is here to help. Visit firstffcu.com, give us a call at 732-312-1500, or stop by your nearest branch to learn how to make digital payments safely and confidently.

*You must have an account at First Financial Federal Credit Union (serving Monmouth and Ocean Counties in NJ), and be enrolled in First Financial online banking, to use our mobile application or digital wallet. Standard data rates and charges may apply.

Family Fun for Less: Tips to Help Cut Costs on Your Next Vacation

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Rising prices can make planning a budget-friendly family vacation challenging. In fact, the average cost for a week-long vacation for a family of four to a theme park can easily run upwards of $6,000.1 Consider these saving strategies when planning your next family getaway.

Set a budget. Your first step should be to set a realistic budget for your vacation. Start out by determining the amount of money you are able to spend on your trip. Next, identify your vacation expenses. These include travel to and from your destination, accommodations, food, and activities. Don’t forget to include a little extra for any unexpected costs that may arise.

A good way to make sure that you stay on budget is to set expectations for vacation expenses ahead of time. Start with a family meeting to discuss the overall budget and how much you are willing to spend on each component of the trip, such as food, activities, and even souvenirs. It may also help to create a daily vacation budget for your family to help manage expenses and prevent overspending.

Plan ahead. Book flights, accommodations, and tickets to attractions well in advance to secure the best rates. Sign up for price alerts and use online comparison tools to find deals and track price fluctuations.

Be flexible. You might save big on your vacation if you’re flexible with your travel dates and destination. Be open to traveling during the off-season or at off-peak times, and consider traveling to lesser-known destinations in order to maximize your savings.

Look for additional ways to trim expenses. If you find that your vacation might run over budget, consider these ways to further reduce expenses:

  • Explore alternative options for accommodations by searching online websites for vacation home rentals or think about staying with family/friends.
  • Try to save money on food by shopping at a local grocery store and dining in and/or looking online for restaurants that offer dining specials and discounts.
  • Look for affordable or no-cost activities, including discounted or free entry to local museums/festivals, or enjoy outdoor recreation (e.g., beaches and hiking) in the area.
  • Reduce transportation expenses by comparing the cost and feasibility of flying versus driving to your vacation destination. Consider utilizing public transportation or ride-share apps instead of renting a car once you arrive.

Questions about saving and planning ahead for 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:

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) NerdWallet, 2025

Prepared by Broadridge Advisor Solutions Copyright 2025.

Mid‑year Check-in: Keeping Your Small Business on Track

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As the year reaches its halfway point, it’s the perfect time for small business owners to take a step back and assess where things stand so far. A mid-year check-in is a powerful strategy to realign your goals, improve operations, and finish the year strong.

Here are five essential tips to help guide your mid-year business review:

1. Reevaluate Your Goals and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Remember those big goals for your business you set at the start of the year? Now’s the time to ask:

  • What progress have you made so far?
  • Are your current targets still relevant?
  • What adjustments are needed to hit your year-end objectives?

Whether you’re ahead of schedule or need to pivot, revisiting your KPIs ensures that you stay focused and aligned with your vision.

2. Assess Your Financial Health

Strong financials are the backbone of any successful business. Now is a good time to take a deep dive into:

  • Cash flow: Are you consistently in the black?
  • Expenses: What recurring costs can you reduce or eliminate?
  • Profitability: Are your margins improving, and what can you optimize?

Analyze the numbers – identifying small adjustments now, can lead to major improvements by year-end.

3. Check-in with Your Team

Your team plays a crucial role in executing the vision. Use mid-year as an opportunity to:

  • Have one-on-one conversations to understand team needs and goals.
  • Gather feedback on processes, tools, and workload.
  • Recognize accomplishments and plan for professional development.

A motivated, aligned team will always outperform a disengaged one.

4. Review Your Tools and Systems

Technology should be working for you, not against you. Ask yourself:

  • Are there any tools slowing your team down?
  • Could automation or new systems increase productivity?
  • Are your invoicing, payroll, or inventory processes efficient?

Even minor tech upgrades can save time, cut costs, and improve the customer experience.

5. Measure Customer Satisfaction and Retention

Happy customers are the key to long-term success, and mid-year is a great time to find out how well you’re meeting their expectations.

  • Look at customer retention, repeat purchases, and feedback.
  • Analyze survey responses, support tickets, and online reviews.
  • Use this information to improve your service and offerings.

Use these insights to fine-tune your approach and ensure your customers stick with you through the rest of the year and beyond.

A mid-year check-in is more than a to-do item on a checklist. It’s your chance to reset, refocus, and finish the year with purpose. Learn more about how First Financial can help support your small business by emailing us at business@firstffcu.com and checking out our small business services.

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.

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.