Author Archives: VP of Marketing and Business Development Jessica

Looking to Buy Your First Home? Here’s Where to Start

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Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. However, don’t let that scare you. While purchasing a home is a big deal that will ultimately help shape your future, it’s also an excellent investment. The value of most homes increases over time and may come along with helpful tax benefits too. As a potential new homeowner, there’s a lot to learn about the home buying process and we’re here to help! Here are some useful tips for first-time home buyers.

Figure out what you can afford

Before you start house hunting, you’ll need to know what your budget is. Our loan officers can help you determine a price range through a pre-qualification process, which involves using financial information to get an estimate of the maximum mortgage you should be able to obtain. As a rule of thumb, we recommend your monthly house payment be about 30% of your total monthly gross income. Our mortgage calculator can also help you determine your monthly payments as you plan out your budget.

Make a wish list for your dream home

Now, this is the fun part! Before creating a home wish list, ask yourself, “Where do I see myself in the next 5 to 10 years or longer?” Having a vision for you and your family will help put the details of your dream home into perspective. With this in mind, you’ll need to figure out the must-haves of your ideal home, including backyard requirements, size of the home, and neighborhood. All of these factors will have an impact on the overall cost of your home and whether or not it fits your budget.

Find the right mortgage

Many lenders offer a variety of home financing options to choose from. The type of mortgage you end up using will affect what you’ll need to qualify for the loan, and how you’ll pay it back. That’s why it’s important to understand your options before making a decision.

Here are the main types of mortgages that are out there:

  • Conventional: This mortgage is a typical home loan contract between the lender and the borrower, at the lender’s risk. The borrower’s property is security, which means the lender can take your home for non-payment of the mortgage. Conventional mortgages are the most common type of mortgage loan (averaging about three quarters of U.S. mortgages).
  • FHA (Federal Housing Administration): The FHA will insure the loan for the lender against loss, in case the buyer cannot make payments. This mortgage requires the buyer to carry mortgage insurance through the FHA.
  • VA (Veterans Administration): These home loans are backed by the federal government and offered by private lenders to qualified members of the armed forces, active military personnel, veterans, or their widows.
  • Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM): The interest on an ARM may vary up or down based on the market. ARMs often offer a lower beginning interest rate. However, this rate will go up over time.
  • Fixed Rate Mortgage: The interest rate on this agreement stays the same for as long as you hold your mortgage, no matter how interest rates change in the financial markets.

When it comes to understanding your financing options, we recommend consulting with one of our mortgage experts to learn more about the mortgage process.

Work with a realtor

The home buying process is already stressful enough, so why not take some of the work off your plate? A realtor can help you save time by pre-selecting homes within your price range and requirements. Not to mention – they’ll be fully immersed in market trends, tax information, and area considerations like school districts. As you get closer to purchasing a home, they will be your go-to for handling negotiations and arranging for a home inspection and appraisal. Once you’re ready to make an offer on a home, they can help with that too.

There are many important steps to the home buying process, even after your offer has been approved. Rest assured knowing a First Financial mortgage expert is here to help you along the way, should you be looking to purchase a home in Monmouth or Ocean Counties, NJ.*

Are you ready to get started? Apply for a mortgage loan today, call our Loan Department at 732.312.1500 Option 4, or visit a First Financial branch. Also be sure to check out our home buyer’s guide to help you through the research and application process.

Happy home buying!

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Subject to credit approval. Credit worthiness determines your APR. Rates quoted assume excellent borrower credit history and are for qualified borrowers. Your actual APR may vary based on your state of residence, approved loan amount, applicable discounts and your credit history. Higher rates may apply depending on terms of loan and credit worthiness. Available on primary residence only. The Interest Rates, Annual Percentage Rate (APR), and fees are based on current market rates, are for informational purposes only. Mortgage insurance may be required depending on loan guidelines. This is not a credit decision or a commitment to lend. If mortgage insurance is required, the mortgage insurance premium could increase the APR and the monthly mortgage payment. See Credit Union for details. A First Financial membership is required to obtain a Mortgage and is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties.

Easy Ways to Improve Your Finances this Year

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Have you already forgotten about or blown all those new year’s resolutions that you set for yourself last month? If you have, don’t worry – it’s still early enough in the new year to set some additional financial goals and attain them. In the process, you may even save yourself some money! Keep reading to see how you can remain on a great financial path for 2022, even if you already took a small detour.

Refinance your mortgage. Mortgage rates are still low. Do the math, and check out your current mortgage rate. If it’s on the high side, you may want to consider refinancing to a lower rate and lower monthly payments. This will allow you some wiggle room in your budget to put in your savings account, pay toward other bills, or even apply more to your mortgage principal and pay your home loan down sooner.

Did you know First Financial has recently brought back our Dream Decade 10-Year Mortgage? If you’re considering refinancing to a shorter term, this may be the perfect solution for you!*

Pay down debt. If you racked up a lot of credit card debt recently, make this the year you vow to pay it off and finally be financially free. Getting out of debt takes a lot of discipline, but you can do it! An easy way to start is by creating a spreadsheet and listing out all your balances owed, interest rates, and minimum monthly payments. Then you’ll need to create a debt repayment plan for yourself, to decide which to tackle first (usually the one with the highest interest rate and you’ll need to make more than the minimum payment each month to get it under control). If you need some help with a debt repayment plan, check out our credit management and debt reduction guide.

Create a budget and stick to it. No matter how much you bring home, creating a spending budget can still be a challenge. However, sticking to a budget that you set for the new year can really pay off in the end. If you need help getting started, check out our useful budgeting worksheet.

Stop overspending. If you’re using the budget you created and learning to automate savings by having extra funds sent to a special savings account from your paychecks, it should be a little easier to stop overspending. Here’s an eye opening spending challenge to try: don’t spend even one penny on anything you haven’t budgeted for the week (this includes morning coffee stops, lunch out, even a lottery ticket purchase or a pack of gum). At the end of the week, see how much more is left in your bank account by not purchasing all those little extras that can really add up.

Plan ahead, but don’t forget to look back too. Do you have any big life events coming up (weddings, births, vacations, retirement) that could definitely affect your bottom line? If so, start thinking about them now and putting some money away. This is also a good time of year to review all your current accounts and ensure you have up to date beneficiaries listed. Besides planning ahead, it’s also a good idea to look back on the previous year and take note of what might have gone wrong financially. If you didn’t have enough in your emergency savings account (or if you don’t have an emergency savings at all), this should be the year you start one or add some extra funds to it.

As always, if you need help creating and sticking to a financial plan – don’t hesitate to setup an appointment at your local First Financial branch. We’re happy to help!

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Subject to credit approval. Credit worthiness determines your APR. Rates quoted assume excellent borrower credit history and are for qualified borrowers. Your actual APR may vary based on your state of residence, approved loan amount, applicable discounts and your credit history. Higher rates may apply depending on terms of loan and credit worthiness. Available on primary residence only. The Interest Rates, Annual Percentage Rate (APR), and fees are based on current market rates, are for informational purposes only. Mortgage insurance may be required depending on loan guidelines. This is not a credit decision or a commitment to lend. If mortgage insurance is required, the mortgage insurance premium could increase the APR and the monthly mortgage payment. See Credit Union for details. A First Financial membership is required to obtain a Mortgage and is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties. 

Article Sources:

https://www.cuinsight.com/4-personal-finance-resolutions-for-2022.html

https://www.cuinsight.com/4-ways-to-improve-your-financial-situation-in-2022.html

Financial Tips for Pet Owners

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Welcoming a new pet to the family can be exciting, but also very expensive. While there are so many benefits to adopting a pet, it’s important to consider the financial obligations as well. As a pet parent, it is your responsibility to care for your furry family members in sickness and in health. But with a bit of financial planning, you can care for your dog, cat, or critter more comfortably. Here are our recommended cost-saving tips for pet owners.

Find out if you can afford a pet

If you’re desiring a little company around the house, start by creating a budget of all the expenses to consider throughout your pet’s life. According to the ASPCA, a dog will likely cost between $1,500 and $2,000 for the first year, while you can expect to spend around $1,175 for a cat. And that’s only in the first year. You’ll also need to prepare for more expenses as your pet ages, since more serious health conditions can come with hefty bills.

Adopt, don’t shop

There are so many benefits to adopting a pet through your local shelter, including reduced adoption fees. While many organizations still charge fees, they are usually significantly cheaper than adopting through a breeder. By adopting through a shelter, you’re also saving a pet’s life. It’s estimated that more than one million adoptable dogs and cats are euthanized in the United States each year, since shelters can only house so many pets at a time.

Schedule regular check-ups with your vet

It’s much more affordable to prevent an illness than treat one. As a pet owner, it’s crucial to regularly check in on your pet’s health – and that includes scheduling their yearly exams. Don’t skip out on researching local veterinary clinics as well – you might be surprised when you compare fees for preventative care.

Consider pet insurance

While pet insurance might not be right for every dog or cat, it could help you cut costs on emergency vet visits or treating a serious illness. It’s best to start shopping for pet insurance policies while your pet is young and healthy, for the best rates and coverage.

Groom your pet at home

It’s no surprise grooming visits can get pricey over time. That’s why we recommend doing nail trimmings, baths, brushings, and more at home. Your pet’s oral hygiene is important to stay on top of as well, since a lack of dental cleaning can lead to large health concerns and bigger vet bills down the line.

Build a savings account for pet expenses 

Rather than relying on insurance or dealing with expenses as they come, building a savings account dedicated to pet bills can be the best way to fund hefty fees in the future. Start by putting away at least $5 per paycheck into a pet savings account. You’ll be surprised how fast the account grows, and will thank yourself later when the next vet bill comes.

Want to open a new savings account to cover pet expenses? We can help! Visit a First Financial branch or contact us to speak with a representative today.

*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.

 

Budget-Friendly Date Ideas for Valentine’s Day

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Valentine’s Day is approaching fast! Have you planned a date with your significant other yet? If you’re like many Americans still recovering their finances after the holiday season, you’re likely looking for inexpensive date ideas that still show your special someone how much they mean to you. The good news is there are so many low-budget ideas out there that only need a bit of creativity and time to pull off.

Keep reading for four budget-friendly Valentine’s date ideas to try this year.

Cook their favorite meal

Does your partner have a favorite meal they like to eat? Instead of going out for dinner on Valentine’s Day, recreate that meal at home. Not only will you save money by skipping high-priced dinner and drinks, but you’ll also be able to make enough for leftovers. Not to mention you’ll get to avoid crowded restaurants! Try cooking the meal in advance and surprise your significant other with a romantic, candlelight dinner. Make the dish together if you’re looking for an activity to do alongside one another, and if you both enjoy cooking.

Have a movie marathon

Skip the movie theater and buttery popcorn, and opt for an at-home movie marathon instead. Is your special someone a big Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, or Twilight fan? All the more reason to surprise them with hours of their favorite movies at the comfort of their own home! Plus, you can have endless snacks, soda, and candy that are way more affordable at your local grocery store.

Get crafty together

You don’t have to be a professional artist to enjoy making arts and crafts with your partner! Enjoy the artistic process together by bringing paint-and-sip to your home or creating a memory book of your relationship. No matter what you make together, you’re guaranteed to remember it and have a fun keepsake of your crafty evening together.

Play games

Embark in some friendly competition this Valentine’s Day with a couples game night. Create a scavenger hunt, play your favorite two-person board and video games, or even create your own game. This could be a great way to learn more about your partner and experience something new together – all while on a budget.

No matter what you decide to do on Valentine’s Day, your financial wellness should always be top-of-mind. That’s where we can come in and help! At First Financial, we put our members’ financial needs first by offering useful products and services that are customized to their lives. To get started, call us at 732.312.1500, email info@firstffcu.com, or stop by any of our local branches.

 

 

Starting a Business: Financial Advice for Entrepreneurs

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Starting a new business can be stressful no matter how seasoned of an entrepreneur you are. There are many factors to consider when planning to launch and maintain a business, especially when it comes to finances. Whether you’re planning to launch a new tech start-up, restaurant, or consulting firm, there are steps you should take to ensure the long-term financial success of your business.

Create a Business Plan

Before sharing your business idea with potential partners, investors, or employees, make sure you have a business plan first. A plan will be crucial to guiding you through the first few years of your business journey. The process of writing a business plan will help you understand industry risks, start-up costs, and other key elements to sustain your idea. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has helpful resources for building a business plan.

Track and Organize Your Finances

Think of a balance sheet as the foundation of your finances. This sheet provides a snapshot of your business financials and helps you keep track of your assets, liabilities, and equity. As a business owner, it’s important to organize your financial records so it’s not a hassle to track expenses down the line. Entrepreneurs can use a balance sheet to help separate financial data into categories, thus making the information easily accessible for you and your business partners.

Spend Wisely

Does your business need a large office space and new furniture right away? Depending on the type of business, fancy decor can likely wait. First, plan on buying exactly what’s needed and then keep track of future wish-list items. The same goes for products you’re selling – no need to have hundreds of items available in stock unless you know that product is in high demand.

Now think about the services you’ll need to help get your business started. It’s important to consider the value a service adds to your business and if it saves you time. For example, entrepreneurs may want to outsource their logo design to a professional. If the business owner has design skills, they could save money by creating a logo in-house. However, if hiring a designer saves you hours, then the extra investment might be worth it.

Plan for Tax Season

Tax season will look very different for new entrepreneurs. New business owners will need to plan ahead for taxes both in financial preparation and budgeting to avoid overlooking any tax obligations. Everything from choosing between an LLC and an S-corporation to the timing of hiring employees and purchasing equipment – will impact your taxes. It’s also recommended you save money each year to use toward tax payments. Overall, it’s a good idea to consider hiring a CPA to assist with filing business tax returns.

Work with a Professional

It’s always recommended new business owners work with professionals to help map out financial considerations. At First Financial, we can not only provide loans and accounts to eligible businesses, but we also offer business services to help entrepreneurs kick start their professional dreams.

Ready to get started? Call our Business Development Department at 732-312-1500 or email business@firstffcu.com with any questions.

Top Reasons to Join First Financial Federal Credit Union

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When it comes to banking, it’s always better to work with a financial institution that has your best interest in mind. At First Financial, we don’t have customers, we have members. Meaning, our community is fully owned and operated by our members. Simply put, we care about you and putting your financial dreams first.

If you’re considering switching banks or are interesting in joining First Financial, here are some of the top reasons to become a member.

Better rates and lower fees

What exactly is a credit union? It’s like a bank, but better. At a credit union, you belong to and own part of the financial institution. And since we’re a not-for-profit, we don’t pay our stakeholders as other banks do. Instead, our profits go back to you in the form of lower interest rates and helpful products. We work with our members to provide customized loans and personalized services too. Whether you’re shopping for auto loans, starting a savings account, opening a credit card, or buying a home, we’re here to help!

Exclusive member promotions

At First Financial, we reward our members with promotions and deals that help them save on loan payments, tax filing, mortgages, and more. Additionally, we offer virtual seminars aimed at educating individuals on financial management and retirement. This is all part of our promise to make your financial wellness our first priority!

Community matters to us

We’re proud to be part of the Monmouth and Ocean County communities and actively support area businesses, individuals, and families through a variety of initiatives. The First Financial Foundation, for example, assists charitable organizations through classroom grants, scholarships, and more. We’re also committed to supporting our community by participating in donation drives and fundraisers.

How to join First Financial

If you live, work, worship, volunteer, or attend school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties in NJ, you’re eligible to become a member. Businesses in Monmouth or Ocean Counties and our community partners are also eligible for membership. To join, all you have to do is open a savings account with $5. It’s that easy! Once you’re a member, your immediate family members can sign up too. To get started, call us at 732.312.1500, email info@firstffcu.com, or stop by any of our local branches.