Category Archives: Saving Money

What to Buy After the Holidays: Smart Savings Tips

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The holidays are over, but the savings season is just beginning! What savvy shoppers know is that the weeks right after the holidays are some of the best times of the year to stretch your money. Retailers are now discounting seasonal goods and popular products to clear space for new inventory, and you can really benefit. Keep reading to learn what you should consider buying right after the holidays to save big.

1. Wrapping Paper and Gift Bags

As soon as the holidays end, stores slash prices on wrapping paper, gift bags, bows, and tags – often 50% to 75% off. These supplies are perfect to stock up on for the next year. Keep them organized in a clear container labeled by size and occasion so you’re always ready when gift season rolls around again.

2. Holiday Decor

Everything from artificial trees to outdoor inflatables, ornaments, and string lights drop in price after December 25th. If you decorate every year, buying ahead can save you a bundle. Only buy decor you truly love or will use again though. Quality holiday items can last for many seasons.

3. Winter Clothing and Gear

Post-holiday markdowns extend to winter apparel such as coats, boots, gloves, hats, and cold-weather gear. Retailers know demand dips after gift buying, so discounts can be significant.  Buying winter gear on clearance in January means you’re set for the remainder of this winter and to kick off the next.

4. Fitness Items and New Year Essentials

While prices on gym equipment and activewear are often high in December, starting in January – retailers begin discounting items tied to New Year’s resolutions like fitness gear, yoga mats, home-gym equipment, and sports apparel. You’ll want to make a list before heading to the store so you don’t overspend.

5. Holiday Candy and Treats

After the holidays, seasonal candies and packaged treats are heavily discounted, sometimes up to 70% off. Because many of these items have a long shelf life, they can be great for stocking your pantry. Use these for baking, party platters, or as affordable treats throughout the year.

6. Toys and Gift Items

Toy discounts skyrocket as retailers prepare for new seasonal assortments. Whether it’s board games, building sets, or action figures – you can often find quality gifts at a fraction of original price. Now is the perfect time to pick up gifts for upcoming birthdays or do early holiday shopping for next year!

7. Baking and Pantry Staples

Some stores also discount holiday baking supplies like flour, sugar, spices, and chocolate chips once the season ends. Because they store well, you can buy in bulk now and save. Stock up on what you know your household will use before expiration.

How This Fits Your Financial Plan

Shopping smart after the holidays can be a helpful strategy for managing your household budget.

  • Stretch your dollars. Buying items at steep discounts means more money stays in your savings or goes toward debt reduction.
  • Plan ahead. If you know what you’ll need later in the year, after-holiday sales offer a chance to check those off at lower prices.
  • Avoid impulse buys. Not every discount is a bargain. Stick to your list and only buy what aligns with your financial goals.

A Chance to Save

The post-holiday period isn’t just about ending one season, it’s a chance to save and get ahead for the next. Whether you’re replacing last year’s decor, prepping for birthdays, or stocking up on essentials – thoughtful spending now can pay off big in the months ahead.

Ready to make your finances go further in 2026? Subscribe to our First Scoop Blog and learn more ways to save throughout the year.

How to Save for the Holidays Year Round

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Saving for the holidays year round can help reduce stress, avoid last minute debt, and give you more flexibility to enjoy the season. With the right plan and the right savings tools, you can make holiday saving simple and automatic. The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to start!

Why Saving for the Holidays All Year Long Makes Sense

Spreading holiday expenses out over the course of the year has real financial benefits:

  • Less stress during the holidays: You’ll already have funds set aside when the season arrives.
  • Avoid high-interest debt: Planning ahead can help reduce reliance on credit cards or loans.
  • More room in your monthly budget: Smaller, consistent deposits are easier to manage than one large expense at the last minute.
  • Greater flexibility: Having holiday funds ready allows you to enjoy experiences, traditions, and generosity without guilt.

Starting early puts you in control before holiday costs pile up.

How Our Holiday Club Account Helps You Stay on Track

First Financial’s Holiday Club Account is designed specifically to help you save consistently for holiday expenses throughout the year.* Instead of trying to remember to set money aside, this account makes saving structured and simple.

Here’s how it works and why it’s effective:

  • Open at any time: You don’t have to wait for a specific season to get started.
  • Automatic renewal: Your account will renew each year, so holiday saving becomes an ongoing habit.
  • Annual dividends: Dividends are posted annually on balances of $100 or more.
  • Dedicated purpose: Keeping holiday savings separate helps prevent spending these funds on everyday expenses.

By the end of October, your Holiday Club funds will be deposited directly into your First Financial account, ready for you to use.

Make Saving Easy with Automation

One of the biggest reasons people struggle to save is simply forgetting, or feeling like there’s never extra money left at the end of the month. Automation removes that barrier.

With a Holiday Club Account, deposits can be made in ways that fit your lifestyle:

  • Payroll deductions: Automatically direct a portion of your paycheck into your Holiday Club Account.
  • Direct deposit: Set up recurring transfers from your income.
  • In-person or mail deposits: Add funds whenever it’s convenient.

Even small, regular contributions can add up over time. For example, saving $20–$25 per week throughout the year can create a meaningful holiday fund by the time the season arrives.

The Power of Starting Early

Opening a Holiday Club Account early in the year gives your savings more time to grow and removes pressure later on. Instead of scrambling in the fall, you’ll already be prepared with less financial strain and more peace of mind.

Saving year round also allows you to adjust as life changes. You can increase or decrease contributions, plan ahead for travel, or prepare for larger holiday goals without feeling rushed.

Plan Ahead and Make the Season More Enjoyable

The holidays should be about connection, celebration, and enjoying time with loved ones – not worrying about finances. Saving year round helps you plan ahead, stay organized, and feel confident when the holiday season arrives. A little planning today, can make a big difference tomorrow.

Stop into your local branch, call 732-312-1500, or contact us to get started today!

*A First Financial membership 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. 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.

Money-Saving Meals: Recipes to Try in the New Year

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The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to reset your budget and find ways to cut costs – and one of the easiest places to start is right in your kitchen. The rising cost of groceries and expensive food delivery services can quietly drain your wallet. Swapping out takeout for low-cost pantry essentials can help you save more money without sacrificing any of the flavor. Check out these simple meals made of typically inexpensive ingredients – you can just taste the savings!

Mushroom Ramen Noodles

Ramen is already a staple among college students because it is a budget-friendly, convenient option. It’s a great base that can turn into a satisfying meal for you, too – with the help of a few inexpensive additions!

Yield: 1 serving

Ingredients: 1 pack instant ramen noodles (any flavor) | 1 lb. wild mushrooms, sliced | 2 Tbsp vegetable oil | 1 Tbsp butter

  1. Set aside the flavor packet provided with the ramen. Soak the packet of instant ramen noodles in warm water for 5 minutes. Drain the noodles and set aside.
  2. In a skillet, stir fry together the sliced wild mushrooms and the ramen flavor packet with vegetable oil for 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
  3. Add the butter and noodles to the skillet and toss for one minute. Add the mushrooms and combine.
  4. Optional: Add any other toppings you would like to the noodles. Common favorites are diced green onions or sriracha sauce.

Check out the full recipe here.

Spicy Penne Pasta

This is an affordable twist on a classic Italian dish, still packed full of flavor.

Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients: 1 lb. box of penne pasta | 1/4 cup olive oil | 3 cloves garlic, chopped | 28 oz. chopped tomatoes | 1/2 tsp red chili flakes | 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning | Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste | 6 leaves fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish if desired) | Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, optional (for garnish)

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt to the boiling water, then add the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, for about 9 minutes.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and heat until the oil starts to shimmer. Add the garlic and cook, stirring until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes.
  3. Add the chopped tomatoes, red chili flakes, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the chopped basil.
  4. Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce. Garnish with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and more basil if desired. Serve warm.

Get the full recipe here.

Black Bean Burgers

Swapping ground beef for black beans is one of the easiest ways to keep a classic burger dish low in cost and high in protein.

Yield: 1 big or 2 small patties

Ingredients: 2 cups of black beans, drained and mashed | 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs | 1/4 cup grated onions | 1/2 tsp chili powder | 1 egg | Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste | Canola oil, for oiling grill pan | 1-2 kaiser rolls | Desired toppings, optional

  1. Mix together the beans, breadcrumbs, onions, chili powder, egg, and some salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Form the mixture into 1 big (or 2 smaller) patties.
  2. Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat and add the canola oil. Cook the burger for 4 minutes per side. Serve on a kaiser roll with desired toppings.

Learn how to make these black bean burgers here.

Bistro Egg Sandwiches

These sandwiches can be made at home for just a fraction of the price – and taste just as good as ordering one out.

Yield: 4 sandwiches

Ingredients: 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature | 1-2 tsp Dijon mustard | 1-2 tsp anchovy paste | 1 baguette, cut into 4 pieces and each halved lengthwise | 4 large eggs | Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste | 1/4 lb. country pate or ham, cut into 4 slices | 2 oz. cheese of choice, sliced (gruyere and Comte are favorites) | 1 cup frisee or other greens | Sliced chives, for garnish

  1. Preheat broiler to high. In a small bowl, mix together 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter with Dijon mustard and anchovy paste until smooth.
  2. Spread the anchovy butter on the cut sides of the bread. Place the buttered side up on a baking sheet and broil until toasted, 1 to 2 minutes. Set aside.
  3. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crack in the eggs. Season with salt and pepper and let cook until the yolks just begin to firm up and the edges are slightly crisp, about 3 minutes.
  4. Assemble the sandwiches by placing 2 bread halves on each of 4 plates, topping with a slice of pate, an egg, cheese, greens and chives.

Get the full recipe here.

Chicken Teriyaki Dump Dinner

This one-pan chicken teriyaki dinner is both quick to make and clean up – and is bursting with flavor.

Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients: Non-stick cooking spray | 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth | 3/4 cup teriyaki sauce | 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce | 2 Tbsp sesame oil | 2 tsp grated ginger | 3 cloves garlic, grated | 2 tsp salt | 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced | 1 red onion, sliced | 2 & 1/2 cups broccoli florets | 1 red bell pepper, sliced | 3 scallions, sliced

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Spray a 9-by-13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray.
  2. Whisk together the chicken broth, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic and salt in a medium bowl until combined. Add the chicken and stir to coat.
  3. Spread the rice evenly in the bottom of the prepared dish. Pour in the teriyaki mixture, scattering the chicken evenly. Scatter the onion, broccoli and bell pepper evenly over the top.
  4. Cover with foil and bake until the vegetables have softened but are still vibrant, about 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake until the juices have thickened and the chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes more. Let sit for 5 minutes to allow the rice to absorb more of the moisture.
  5. Top with sliced scallions.

Check out the full recipe here.

By keeping your pantry stocked with staples and keeping these or similar money-saving recipes handy – your kitchen can turn into a new source of savings in the new year.

Subscribe to our First Scoop blog if you’d like to see more money-saving hacks like this delivered right to your inbox.

Don’t Let Thanksgiving Leftovers Go to Waste

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After all that prep of your big Turkey Day meal, one of the best things you can do is make sure nothing goes to waste. With a little creativity, you can stretch your Thanksgiving bounty into great meals, reduce your grocery bill, and even give back to your community this holiday season. Here are some smart leftover strategies – and three easy recipes to keep things tasty, simple, and budget-friendly.

Why it matters

  • Food waste adds up. When we let leftovers go unused or toss items we bought, we also waste the money and time that went into them.
  • Stretching your leftovers means you buy less at your next grocery run – helping you save, which aligns with smart budgeting and good financial habits.
  • You can also turn leftovers into an opportunity to give back – many food pantries and charities accept unopened, unexpired non-perishable items so others don’t go hungry.
  • Budget-friendly meal planning is a winner all around. You can use affordable food dishes to feed a crowd or repurpose your leftovers.

Easy recipes using common Thanksgiving leftovers

Here are three simple ideas you can use in the days following Thanksgiving. Each uses typical leftovers like turkey, stuffing, vegetables, even mashed potatoes – and gives them new life.

1. Turkey and stuffing skillet hash

  • Chop leftover turkey and stuffing into bite-sized pieces.
  • Sauté both in a skillet with a little oil or butter, add in any leftover vegetables (e.g., roasted carrots or green beans) and a handful of shredded cheese if you have it.
  • Crack an egg or two on top and cover until the egg sets.
  • This gives you a hearty breakfast or brunch that uses what you already have (turkey + stuffing) and eliminates the need to buy separate hash browns or breakfast sausage.
  • Tip: If you have extra gravy, drizzle a little over the top. If you don’t use all the stuffing, you can even freeze portions in single-serve containers for later.
  • Recipe inspired by James Beard’s Turkey-and-Stuffing Hash

2. Turkey and vegetable soup with mashed potato dumplings

  • You can use the turkey carcass to make a simple bone broth (or heat up some leftover turkey stock).
  • Add chopped leftover turkey, diced carrots/green beans/leftover roasted vegetables, a cup of leftover stuffing broken into small pieces, and warm through.
  • For a twist: Mix a small scoop of leftover mashed potatoes with an egg and flour (or bread crumbs) to form little dumplings or “gnocchi-style” bites. Drop them into the simmering soup until cooked.
  • This transforms leftovers into a comforting meal and you’ll be less likely to go buy expensive take-out.
  • Recipe inspired by the “Spend with Pennies” Blog

3. Leftover cranberry turkey wrap or sandwich

  • Use leftover slices of turkey and a smear of cranberry sauce and stuffing inside a tortilla, large lettuce leaf, or whole-grain wrap.
  • You can also add shredded lettuce or leftover roasted vegetables from the holiday table.
  • Roll up your wrap and lunch is done. Easy, portable, and uses up more in the fridge!
  • If you have leftover sweet potatoes or roasted root veggies, you can add them in too.
  • Bonus: If you already picked up a multi-pack of wraps or a loaf of bread, you’re getting more value out of what you bought.
  • Recipe inspired by the Kitchen Concoctions Blog

Smart tips for leftover management and your budget

  • Label and date your leftovers: Put the date on your containers so you use the oldest items first.
  • Portion and freeze: If you think you won’t use everything within a few days, freeze portions and mark them for post-holiday meal nights.
  • Plan your next grocery list around what you already have: Before buying new items, take stock of leftover turkey, stuffing, and vegetables. Build 1-2 meals around what’s in your fridge.
  • Donate what you won’t use: If you have unopened non-perishables find a local food pantry and drop them off. This helps your community and frees up space for items you will use.
  • Use leftovers to reduce your next shopping bill: If you plan ahead a little, you may be able to skip a meal out or purchase fewer items at the store because you’re “recycling” ingredients. This small savings can really add up.
  • Think of repurposing as part of your holiday budget: Just like you planned for the turkey and sides, plan for what happens after. This mindset helps you treat leftovers not just as an after-thought, but as part of the full financial plan for your holiday budget.

Tying it all to affordability and financial wellness

At First Financial, we believe that good money habits aren’t just about how much you make, but how you can use what you already have and also avoid unnecessary waste. The holidays can put extra pressure on your budget – more food, more guests, more chances to overbuy. But by being deliberate and resourceful, you can hold that budget steady. When you repurpose your leftovers, you’re effectively getting more meals from the same budget. That’s smart financial sense and it aligns with our commitment to help you achieve financial stability, even when the calendar says “holiday.”

When we make mindful choices, from leftovers to long-term planning – we can only reap the benefits. Get in touch with us if you have budgeting or financial planning questions, and subscribe to our First Scoop Blog to explore resources that will support your financial wellness year-round.

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.

How to Save Big by Shopping Off-Season

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Looking to make your money go further? One of the smartest and simplest ways to save money is by shopping off-season. From clothing and outdoor gear to holiday décor and even travel, buying items when demand is low can lead to major savings.

When something is in-season, whether it’s winter coats or beach chairs, retailers know consumers are willing to pay more – so prices tend to stay high. But once the season ends, stores typically need to make room for new inventory. That’s when discounts, markdowns, and clearance sales often come into play.

By planning your purchases, you can avoid paying peak prices and take advantage of deeply discounted deals on quality items you’ll use in the future.

Common Items That Cost Less Off-Season

Here are a few examples of how off-season shopping can save you money:

  • Clothing: Buy winter coats and boots in late winter or early spring. Grab swimsuits and sandals in late summer. Retailers often mark these down by 50% or more once the season passes.
  • Holiday Decorations & Gifts: Shop for holiday lights, wrapping paper, and decorations after the holiday season ends. You’ll save big and be ready for the following year.
  • Grills & Patio Furniture: Prices for outdoor gear tend to drop dramatically in fall and winter. Buy during the off-season and you’ll be set for next summer without the high price tag.
  • Travel & Airfare: Consider booking trips during early spring and late fall. You’ll often find cheaper flights, accommodations, and fewer crowds.
  • Home Appliances & Tools: Air conditioners will go on sale in the fall, and snow blowers will be less expensive in the spring. Plan ahead and buy before the next peak appliance season hits.

Tips for Successful Off-Season Shopping

Ready to start saving? Use these tips to make off-season shopping work for you:

1. Make a Year-Round Shopping Calendar: Plan out when major seasonal items will go on sale and mark your calendar. Being strategic can really pay off.

2. Buy Ahead, Not on Impulse: Just because something is on sale, doesn’t mean you need it. Focus on what you’ll actually use in the future.

3. Size Up for Kids: When buying clothes for growing children, purchase next year’s sizes at end-of-season sales.

4. Store Items Properly: Keep your off-season purchases organized and stored well so they’re ready to go when you need them.

5. Stack Savings with Coupons or Rewards: Combine clearance prices with loyalty programs or cash back credit card rewards (like our uChoose Rewards program for First Financial Visa Cash Plus Cardholders), for even more savings.

Small Strategy, Big Savings

Off-season shopping is one of the easiest ways to cut costs without cutting corners. With a little planning and patience, you can stock up on high-quality items for a fraction of the cost and free up more room in your budget for the things that matter most.

At First Financial, we’re here to help you save smart all year long. Looking for more financial wellness tips? Check out some of our other posts on our First Scoop Blog!