Category Archives: Holiday and Seasonal Finances

Hosting Thanksgiving on a Budget

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Thanksgiving is a time for family, tradition, and, of course – lots of food. But if you’ve ever hosted a Thanksgiving dinner, you know the holiday can be a bit stressful and expensive. Between buying all the ingredients, spending time cooking, and making sure your home is ready to accommodate others – there’s a lot to plan and budget for.

The holiday season might already be a burden on your budget, and throwing inflation into the mix doesn’t make it any easier this year. According to the USDA, grocery prices have increased by over 13% from 2021 to 2022. That’s why it’s so important to consider cost-effective alternatives to the traditional Thanksgiving meal.

Here are 4 ways you can host Thanksgiving on a budget this year.

Plan your budget and menu

Before hosting any party or gathering, you should always create a budget. Don’t just consider which ingredients you need, but rather what you can reasonably afford. Start by listing out your expenses and income to determine what you have left to spend. From there you’ll have a better idea of what your menu will look like based on your budget.

Ahead of going to the grocery store, you should know what your main course will be and the types of sides you’ll be serving. Knowing any guest dietary restrictions will be helpful before you shop as well.

Shop generic brands

According to News 12 New Jersey, Thanksgiving turkeys typically take up 40% of the holiday budget and are one of the most expensive parts of the meal. And while turkey may be a holiday staple, you can always find a more affordable bird when comparing brand prices. For example, a ShopRite 24-pound fresh turkey could cost $40, Butterball is $52, and organic brands cost around $77. If you’re feeding fewer people, consider buying a turkey breast instead of the full bird. Also, don’t forget about your grocery store rewards or coupons. If you frequent ShopRite, be sure to take advantage of the free frozen turkey or ham you may be able to get this time of year.

Try something new

With a 28% cost increase per pound this year, you might want to consider nixing buying a turkey entirely. Sure Thanksgiving is all about traditions, but what better opportunity to start a new ritual with your loved ones – especially if it’s saving money? We recommend trying a different cut of meat like roasted duck, beef, or even plant-based options – all of which won’t be as heavily priced this time of year. You can even challenge yourself to try new cuisines by making Native American staples to honor the history of the holiday.

Turn it into a potluck

Get your guests involved and host a potluck! Sharing the burden of cooking not only saves you time, but it’s also easier on your wallet. Even if you don’t want to do a full-blown potluck, you can ask your guests to bring beverages or desserts. Start a conversation with your group to see what they would be comfortable bringing and make sure you have all the fixings for the main course, sides, and appetizers.

No matter what your plans are this Thanksgiving and holiday season, the team at First Financial is here to help with financial resources, accounts, loans, and more. Talk to us about becoming a member by calling 732-312-1500 or stop by our local branches.

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$5 in a base savings account is your membership deposit and is required to remain in your base savings account at all times to be a member in good standing. All credit unions require a membership deposit.

Managing Debt Ahead of the Holiday Season

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Holiday music is starting to play on repeat in stores. Neighbors and friends will soon be lighting up their homes with festive decor. Shoppers are beginning to pick up gifts for everyone on their lists. The holiday season is almost here! And while this is an exciting time of the year, it can certainly be stressful on your wallet – especially if you have some lingering debt to pay off.

According to the National Retail Federation, the average person spent around $1,000 during the 2021 holiday season. And with inflation, it’s expected those prices will only go up. That’s why making sure your debt is under control before you start your shopping – will be key for many individuals. Here are our top recommendations for managing debt ahead of the holiday season.

Make and keep a holiday budget

Before you dive into those Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, it’s best to understand your holiday budget. Not only do you need to consider what you’ll have to buy, but also what you can afford. This is how you can make a holiday budget based on your financial situation:

  • Determine your spending limit: Map out your regular expenses and see what you have left over. The goal is to stay within your means, so that means having a clear picture of your finances.
  • Create a list: Start by categorizing what you need to purchase (this includes gifts and wrapping, decorations, travel, food, etc.), and then build a list of who you need to get gifts for and what the items would be.
  • Research prices: Start looking online for how much these gifts should cost and then see where you can cut back.

Find ways to spend less

It’s easy to talk about finding all the good deals during the holiday season, but when the time comes – you might be tempted to get everything on your list as fast as you can. If you’re on a tight budget though, it will be worth it to put in the time and research. Retail experts say the pandemic has changed the way sales function during the holidays and the best deals won’t come just on Black Friday. Instead, they will happen on an item-by-item basis.

To catch these savings, we recommend downloading price-tracking apps like Honey and ShopSavvy so you don’t miss out. Other ways to save on holiday expenses are to shop at dollar stores for cards, gift wrap, and party supplies. If you plan to get anyone a gift card, you can find discounts on sites like Coingate, Raise, GiftCards.com, CardCash, and Gift Card Granny.

Debt repayment strategies

Before you start shopping, let’s make sure you’re addressing any unpaid debt you may have. The goal is to make sure you don’t put yourself further in debt when purchasing gifts for everyone on your list. Plus, you’ll want to have a plan for paying your holiday expenses off – rather than figuring it all out as you go. These strategies can help you pay off your debt faster.

  • Pay more than the minimum: Only paying the minimum on your credit card statement each month will make debt repayment take much longer. Plus, you’ll end up paying more in interest than what you initially borrowed.
  • Consolidate your debt: If you owe money on multiple credit cards, you should consider consolidating your debt into one credit card or loan with a lower interest rate.
  • The avalanche method: If you do have multiple cards with balances, try using the avalanche method – which focuses on paying off the card with the highest balance first.
  • The debt snowball method: This method will have you start by paying off the smallest debt first. Once paid in full, you would take those monthly payments and put them toward the next smallest outstanding debt.

At First Financial, we offer consolidation loans to streamline paying down debt so you can focus on one bill at a time.* Plus, you won’t have to worry about fees and interest rates from multiple credit cards! Apply online or stop by a branch location to learn more about our loan options. You may even want to consider transferring your other higher rate credit card balances, to one of our credit cards. We offer lower interest rates, plus cash back and rewards credit cards too!**

We wish you a fun, safe, and happy holiday season!

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*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Actual rate will vary based on creditworthiness and loan term. Subject to credit approval. Personal Loan repayment terms range from 12 to 60 months, and minimum loan amount is $500. A First Financial Federal Credit Union membership is required to obtain a Personal Loan or Line of Credit, and is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, volunteers or attends school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties. A $5 deposit in a base savings account is required for credit union membership prior to opening any other account/loan.

**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. A $5 deposit in a base savings account is required for credit union membership prior to opening any other account/loan.

 

 

 

Inexpensive Halloween Costume Ideas

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Let’s face it – no one wants to buy an expensive Halloween costume they’ll only wear once. Sure, it might be easier to quickly put one together on the day of – but all those costume pieces can really add up. Plus, store-bought costumes can sometimes be of lesser quality and expensive at the same time. If you’re looking for cheap Halloween costume ideas for you and your family, we’re here to help. Here are some budget-friendly tips to get you inspired.

Consider a DIY costume

Put those artistic skills to good use by making your own costume this year! There are many ideas out there that you can work off of, no matter your skill level. While making a costume from scratch is a bigger time commitment, you’ll be extra proud of your finished product. Here are some themes to get you started.

  • Bag of ice costume: Use plastic bags to create the look of a bag of ice and make it into a family-friendly “ice ice baby” costume.
  • Butterfly costume: Whether you choose to create wings with fabric or by painting cardboard cutouts, you can certainly generate something unique.
  • Operation board game costume: Use felt fabric to create shapes inspired by the board game and then glue them to the costume.
  • Bat costume: Cut a black umbrella in half and use it as wings. Make sure to wear all black and add in ears as well.
  • Spooky ghost: Use white sheets and cut out eyeholes, or use white makeup and gauze to make yourself look extra eerie.
  • Mummy costume: Wrap yourself from head to toe in toilet paper and bandages to achieve this look.
  • Bob Ross and Happy Little Tree: You might have to buy some art supplies for this one, but the rest of this couple’s costume is pretty simple to put together.

Work with what you have

Sometimes the inspiration comes directly from your closet. Chances are, with a little creativity, you can put together a costume based on what you already have. Use some of these ideas for encouragement or take an inventory of your closet and see what you can come up with.

  • Lumberjack costume: If your closet is stocked with flannels, this look will be easy for you to achieve.
  • Hippie costume: Got some 70’s inspired clothes in your wardrobe? Create a hippie-inspired costume and add in some temporary butterfly or flower tattoos.
  • Nerd or gamer: Go the traditional route with glasses and suspenders, or dress up like a gamer with headphones and a game controller.
  • ‘Men in Black’ costume: You’ll need a black suit and sunglasses to look like you’re walking out of the popular Will Smith movie.
  • Bread winner costume: Got a few loaves of bread around and some old trophies or medals? Together they can make a truly ‘punny’ costume.
  • Brawny man costume: All you’ll need is a fresh roll of paper towels, a red flannel, and jeans!

Rely on costume makeup

Not all costumes need accessories to make a statement. Sometimes it’s the makeup that brings a costume to life. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a professional makeup artist to achieve some of these looks. You can make it as simple or as detailed as you’d like!

These looks can be easily achieved with a bit of makeup:

  • Any animal costume (cat, dog, mouse, deer, etc.)
  • A skeleton costume
  • Pop art character
  • Zombie costume
  • Alien costume
  • A (haunted) doll

No matter what you decide to wear or how you’re celebrating, we hope everyone has a safe and happy Halloween! Want more budget-friendly tips? Subscribe to First Financial’s monthly newsletter for all the latest financial resources and advice.

Backyard Cookout Ideas on a Budget

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The smell of a sizzling barbecue, sunscreen, and freshly mowed grass fills the air – summertime is indeed in full swing. And chances are, you’ve already been to a backyard cookout or pool party this season. If you’re looking to host friends and family for some grilling and fun, there are plenty of ways to have a party without breaking the bank.

Here are our top inexpensive grilling ideas for your next summer cookout!

Start budgeting and planning

Before you start shopping for grilling and party supplies, it’s always a good idea to start with a list of what you need to budget for. You may even want to consider having a maximum amount you can spend. Once you have a rough starting point of what you’d want for your cookout, you can determine what is essential and what is a wish list item.

Your cookout shopping list might look something like this:

  • The main course: Hamburgers, hotdogs, meatless alternatives, rolls, and buns
  • Side dishes: Vegetables, potato or pasta salad, coleslaw
  • Condiments: Ketchup, mustard, relish, and other grilling staples
  • Starters: Dips, chips, crackers, cheese platters
  • Desserts: Watermelon, ice cream, cookies
  • Beverages: Soda, water bottles, seltzer, iced tea, beer, wine, and fixings for cocktails
  • Utensils, napkins, cups, and paper plates
  • Insect repellent
  • Decorations & games
  • Grilling accessories
  • Cooler(s) and ice

Do you already have condiments at home? Or perhaps you don’t need to buy new decorations and outdoor games. Try to think where you can cut back from your list, and figure out how much you can afford for party expenses.

Stick to the grilling basics

Grilling enthusiasts might hand you a detailed list of pricey grilling accessories, but don’t be fooled. You actually don’t need as much as you think (even if those items are helpful). The only essential tool for grilling is wood, which enhances the flavor of the food you’re grilling or barbecuing. Another helpful instrument is a meat thermometer, which is relatively inexpensive. The internal temperature of your meat is the best way to ensure it’s cooked properly.

Consider alternatives and shop sales

If you’ve been in a grocery store recently, you’re likely aware that meat prices are soaring. This is forcing many shoppers to consider alternative options for their barbeque parties and meal plans. Don’t get discouraged just yet, though. There are a few different ways you can approach saving on meat costs.

Here are a few we recommend:

  • Explore meatless options: Stock up on veggie burgers, and look into cooking vegetable-based entrees (grilled portobello mushrooms are delicious, and some are as big as a burger anyway!). Also, have you ever tried grilled pineapple or watermelon? If not, it’s a must!
  • Make your own patties: Instead of getting more expensive pre-made patties for convenience, consider using ground beef and making your own.
  • Shop sales: This may go without saying, but you should always keep an eye out for sales on meat products – and try to buy less expensive cuts like chicken and turkey.

Make it a BYOB or potluck party

Don’t be afraid to ask your friends and relatives to bring their own beverages. Beer, wine, and liquor prices really add up fast – and your guests probably all have their own preferences. Another approach is to make your backyard cookout a potluck party. This way, each person can bring their favorite dish, and the guests can plan who’s responsible for bringing what. Either way, this will take some of the weight off your shoulders and will be easier on your wallet.

Make your own sauce

You don’t have to be a master chef to make a delicious rub or BBQ sauce. Plus, you likely already have all the ingredients in your kitchen. All you’ll need is salt, pepper, ketchup, vinegar, and mustard. For an easy to make rub – we recommend salt, sugar, pepper and paprika. Of course, your sauces can be a bit more flavorful if you’d like – try some of these homemade BBQ sauces for inspiration.

No matter the size of the cookout, there will always be ways to save on the final grocery bill. The first step is to determine how much you can actually spend, and then give yourself a cap. Without that max budget – your shopping list could get out of hand, and the idea is not to accumulate debt by having a fun summer get together. We hope you enjoy the rest of your summer and get to spend some backyard time with family and friends!

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Inexpensive Year End Gifts for Teachers

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Being that First Financial began as a teachers’ credit union over 85 years ago, we’re privy to one of our largest membership groups and can’t forget our educational roots. Now that the school year is coming to a close and summer is almost here – we thought we’d provide our readers with a list of budget savvy gifts for teachers under $10 (approved by teachers everywhere!).

Gift cards for coffee or inexpensive food options. Think Starbucks, Wawa, Wendy’s, Chick-Fil-A, Taco Bell, or Dunkin.’ $10 goes a long way at these locations too. See what’s local to the area your school is in, and choose the gift card location based on that.

Chocolate. Who doesn’t love chocolate? This one really doesn’t require an explanation, and will always go over well.

A nail kit. Put together a cute gift bag with a couple bottles of nail polish and an emery board. Your teacher will be able to show off great summer feet at the beach or pool this summer!

Ornaments. A personalized ornament or one unique to the student (homemade is always good too!) is a great gift. Every year at the holidays when your teacher is decorating their tree, they’ll be reminded of that special class or student.

Custom tote bag. Purchase a blank canvas tote. If your student is very young, have them (or their class) each place a painted handprint with their name under it in fabric marker. You can personalize this bag as much as you’d like, or include the teacher’s name on it too. Teachers always need tote bags, plus now that stores require reusable bags – it can even double as a grocery tote. Beach bags or a towel are another idea for this time of year as well, and can be used for the beach or pool!

Dog treats. Does your teacher have a pet? Buy a box of treats or find a Pinterest recipe to make your own. Put them in a plastic bag with a nice ribbon around it.

People treats. Homemade baked goods are usually always a hit. Think cookies, cupcakes, or muffins. If you have a different specialty like sauce, soup, or homemade salsa – this is another idea. Place the homemade food item in a decorated mason jar, and voila!

Emergency kit. You never know when your teacher might need one! Put together a little zippered bag or case with Advil, Tide to go, a bottle of water, a pack of gum, band aids, pocket tissues, a small packaged snack, and some chocolate.

Plants. Brighten your teacher’s day (and home for the summer) with a bouquet of flowers, bulbs that can be planted in the yard, or a decorative succulent. Your local Trader Joe’s store typically has beautiful plants and flowers for less!

School supplies. Did you know that many teachers buy their own classroom supplies from their pocket? Purchase some art supplies, teaching aids, or even a gift card to a store where your teacher can pick out their own classroom supplies.

Tea. Choose some different flavored tea bags, a bottle of honey, and some cute cocktail napkins and put them together nicely in a small tin or bucket.

Soap. Hit up your local Bath & Body Works and pick out some seasonally scented anti-bacterial hand soaps. Scented travel hand sanitizer always goes well in a post-Covid world too. Put the items together in a nice gift bag, and you certainly can’t go wrong!

Memory book. As a class gift, it might be a nice idea to put together a photo of each student on a different page, and have them write or tell you their favorite memory from the school year and something they learned.

A handwritten letter or note. This type of personalized gift is something a teacher can look back on and remember their individual students, what they taught them, and how many lives they truly touched.

Do you have another gift idea not mentioned here? Drop it in the comments!

Wishing all our educator members and students a wonderful and relaxing summer!

Article Source: The Penny Hoarder

 

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.