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.

Heat Up Your Small Business Marketing This Summer

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As temperatures rise, so should your marketing efforts. Summer presents an excellent opportunity for small businesses to boost visibility, build community connections, and drive seasonal sales. From refreshed branding to local partnerships, now is the time to get creative with your marketing strategy. Here are seven effective ways to turn up the heat on your marketing this summer.

1. Get Involved in Local Summer Events

Summer is packed with community festivals, outdoor concerts, markets, and parades – making it the perfect season to amplify your brand’s local presence. Whether you sponsor a local event, set up a vendor booth, or simply volunteer your services – showing up for your community builds trust and increases visibility. Be sure to promote your participation on social media, in your email newsletter, and with signage or print ads. Event involvement gets your name in front of more people while creating content opportunities you can use all season long.

2. Collaborate with Other Local Businesses

Nothing says summer like community, and that includes local business partnerships. Team up with complementary businesses in your area to launch co-branded promotions, bundle deals, or offer seasonal giveaways. You’ll increase your exposure to new audiences while reinforcing local connections that customers value. For example, a gym could partner with a smoothie shop for a “sweat and sip” deal, or a bookstore and coffee shop could offer joint loyalty discounts. Think creatively and lean into what your community loves most during the warmer months.

3. Tap into Wedding Season

Between May and September, wedding season is in full force and the marketing opportunities are endless. Even if your business doesn’t fall directly into the wedding industry, there’s likely a way to get involved. Promote custom gifts, beauty products, catering, rehearsal dinner spaces, dessert options, and more. Market services to the bridal party or newlyweds – such as florals, financing, or travel planning. Tailor your messaging to speak to this massive audience, including wedding guests looking for last-minute accessories, gift ideas, or travel accommodations. Any business can also offer small discounts to newlyweds and/or bridal parties.

4. Refresh Your Ad Designs for Summer

Give your advertising a seasonal facelift by incorporating summer themes into your visuals and messaging. Bright colors, sunny imagery, and seasonal motifs like beaches, fruit, or backyard barbecues can help your ads feel fresh and relevant. If you’ve been running the same creative for months, this is a great time to re-engage customers who may have started to tune it out. A simple refresh can make your business feel more vibrant and top-of-mind.

5. Give Your Social Media a Seasonal Makeover

Update your profile banners, imagery, and content calendar to reflect the fun and relaxed tone of summer. Whether you’re using tropical color palettes, summer puns, or photos of your products outdoors – embrace the vibe of the season to strengthen emotional connections with your audience. Don’t forget to adjust your posting schedule for summer habits. People tend to scroll more in the mornings or evenings, so time your posts accordingly – and consider batching content in advance to keep up with vacation schedules.

6. Launch a Summer Contest or Sweepstakes

Rather than cutting prices during a peak sales season, consider running a contest or giveaway to boost engagement and incentivize purchases. For example, customers who spend over a certain amount and follow your social channels would be entered to win a grand prize revealed at the end of the summer. This boosts sales during busy months, while helping you gather leads and keep customers engaged as the season winds down.

7. Don’t Overlook Back-to-School Marketing

When summer draws to a close, smart businesses start shifting their focus to back-to-school needs. The best part? Nearly every business can find a relevant angle. Cafés can offer grab-and-go breakfast deals or boxed lunches. Fitness studios can promote classes designed to help parents decompress. Tailors can market uniform alterations. Whatever your niche, look for creative ways to support families preparing for the fall.

Fuel Your Business Growth with First Financial

First Financial is here to help your small business succeed. From business checking accounts to newsletters and virtual retirement planning seminars, we offer the resources you need to grow through every season. To learn more about our business services or to speak with a representative, visit your local branch. Don’t forget to subscribe to the First Scoop Blog for more expert tips on financial wellness and small business success!

Spring 2025 Newsletter

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We hope you’re enjoying the longer, warmer days and the blossoming of the world around you!

In a continued effort to go green, we’re publishing our quarterly member newsletter electronically – it can also be found on our website and social media sites. Paper copies will be available in our branches.

The Spring First Edition Member Newsletter features the following articles:

To view a copy of the newsletter, click here.

We wish you a fulfilling and prosperous rest of the spring season!

Financial Milestones to Reach in Your 20s

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Your 20s are a time of major transitions – you may be graduating from college, starting a career, moving into your own place, and taking on new responsibilities. While the future might feel far away, this is one of the most important decades to lay the foundation for long-term financial health. At First Financial, we’re here to help you make the most of it. Here are some key financial milestones to aim for in your 20s.

1. Build an Emergency Fund

Life in your 20s can be unpredictable. Whether it’s to cover a surprise car repair, medical bill, or job loss – a financial safety net is crucial at all stages of life. Aim to save three to six months’ worth of expenses in a savings account that doesn’t get touched unless it’s a true financial emergency. This emergency fund will offer peace of mind and keep you from relying on high-interest credit cards or loans in a pinch. Start small — automate savings transfers from each paycheck, even if it’s not much at first. Every dollar saved is a step toward financial stability.

2. Strengthen Your Credit Score

A good credit score is your ticket to future financial opportunities — from renting an apartment to getting approved for a car loan. The earlier you start building credit, the better. Make on time payments, keep your credit utilization low, and avoid opening too many new accounts at once. Using First Financial’s First Step Credit Card responsibly is a great way to build credit when you are just starting out.*

3. Explore Additional Income Streams

Looking to boost your savings or pay off debt faster? Your 20s are a great time to start a side hustle or find creative ways to earn extra income. Whether freelancing, teaching a skill online, or starting a small business – building an additional income stream can provide more financial flexibility. Even better, if you can create a source of passive income, like selling digital products or affiliate marketing – you can earn a little extra while you sleep. Find something you enjoy that fits with your lifestyle.

4. Align Spending with Your Values

A smart budget doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your money — it just means you can spend in ways that reflect what matters most to you. Start by tracking your current spending. Then, create a realistic budget that covers your essentials – rent, groceries, debt payments, and leaves room for the things you care about like travel, experiences, or giving back. Use our free Home Budget Calculator to get started and adjust your financial plan as your goals evolve.

5. Tackle Debt Strategically

Many young adults carry some form of debt, especially from student loans, credit cards, or car payments. Create a repayment strategy that prioritizes high-interest debt like credit cards first, then work your way down. Always try to pay more than the minimum so you can start seeing a decrease in that debt faster. Be sure to set-up automatic payments from your paycheck to make things even easier.

6. Invest in Yourself

The best investment you can make in your 20s? You. Whether it’s continuing education, attending industry conferences, learning a new skill, or simply building a strong professional network – these investments can lead to higher earning potential down the line. Think of personal development as an essential part of your financial plan. The earlier you invest in growth, the more you’ll gain over time.

Start Your Financial Journey with Confidence

Building a strong financial foundation in your 20s sets you up for a lifetime of success. At First Financial, we’re here to help — whether you’re starting your first budget, applying for your first credit card, or planning your next big goal. Visit us at your local branch, call 732.312.1500, or explore our online resources to get started. And don’t forget to subscribe to our First Scoop Blog for more expert tips and advice.

*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.

How to Negotiate with Wedding Vendors

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The days leading up to the happiest day of your life can quickly become stressful as the costs of your wedding vendors start to add up. Let’s face it – weddings are expensive. If you and your partner are fronting the bill, it might be among the costliest purchases you will ever have to make as a couple. It’s common to negotiate on the price of certain big ticket item purchases, such as your car or a home – why not negotiate with your wedding vendors, too? As with many things in life, there is a right way and a wrong way to go about it. While you want to have the wedding of your dreams, wedding vendors also rely on their business for their livelihood. Here are some ways to thoughtfully and respectfully negotiate with wedding vendors for your special day.

Do Your Research

Before you contact any potential wedding vendors, and certainly before you negotiate with them – do your research. Once you have identified potential vendors, read their reviews. Reviews will offer a glimpse into the vendor’s offerings, the quality of their services, and the prices that others have paid. Finding out the average price you can expect to pay – will set your expectations as to what an appropriate price range is, ensure that you approach any negotiations thoughtfully, and know when to identify a good deal.

The research doesn’t stop when you begin meeting with wedding vendors. Collect quotes from several that you are considering working with. Whether the vendor is offering a package or individual services, compare prices to identify which has the best-priced option. This can be beneficial if you are considering a counteroffer, as you can explain what you were expecting for the service they are offering.

Honesty is the Best Policy

When you begin meeting with potential wedding vendors, be truthful about your budget. Also ask the vendor to be upfront with you about what is included in their service, as it would not be recommended to negotiate without having a clear understanding about what you are being offered. Being honest with a vendor will ensure that you are not only being respectful of their time, but will also allow you to make an appropriate decision about hiring them and determining if negotiating on the price is appropriate. If you find that a vendor isn’t being clear about their pricing, take control of the situation and ask specific questions. For example – asking a florist, “Can you provide a flower package that fits the parameters we’ve discussed for $5,000?” will force a yes or no answer.

In discussing your budget and expectations, it is important to be considerate of the vendor and their business. This is where good research comes in – don’t meet with wedding vendors that clearly won’t be able to make your dreams a reality within your desired price range. If you were to suggest a budget that is much lower than what their services are typically priced at, it might suggest that you haven’t considered the time, effort, and expertise which go into the vendor’s offering. The more honest you are about your budget and expectations, the more likely it is that you can find one who can provide the service you are looking for.

Don’t Be Afraid to Compromise

Being willing to compromise can help you save when negotiating with wedding vendors. This can be done in two ways – by identifying things you do not need or by substituting for more affordable options. A good way to identify parts of the vendor’s offering you do not need can be creating a wants vs. needs list. Anything you identify as a need, you probably won’t want to compromise on for your special day. However, those wants can help you identify areas of potential savings and where you can cut back. For example, if you don’t have a preference as to having sit-down service or a buffet as catering options – go with the less expensive option. Or if you need a wedding photographer, but don’t want the pictures to be in any specific format – getting digital copies as opposed to printed copies could save you some money.

If the wedding vendor is open to substitutions, consider replacing some of the pricier options for more cost-effective ones. For example, if your florist came up with the idea of putting roses in your centerpieces, but you were looking for a more cost-effective flower – consider asking your florist to make that substitution.

Negotiating can be uncomfortable at first, but if you approach the conversations with respect, consideration, and sincerity – you might be surprised at the different ways wedding vendors may be willing to work with you. If you have been considering options to help with your wedding budget, consider our Financial Helper Loan. With low rates, fixed payments, and personalized service – you can say “I do” with less worry. For more information, contact First Financial’s Loan Department at 732.312.1500 Option 4 or visit a local branch.

*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 APRs range from 10.24% APR to 18% APR. Minimum loan amount is $500. Loan payment example: A $2,000 Personal Loan financed at 10.24% APR for 24 months, would have a monthly payment amount of $92.51. 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. 

How Much Should You Spend on Work Clothing?

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Whether you are building your professional wardrobe from scratch or trying to keep up as rules and trends surrounding workplace attire evolve – purchasing work clothes can get tricky. Aside from figuring out how to budget for your work wardrobe, you are likely considering what clothing pieces will make you look and feel your best – and what apparel fits into your company’s dress code. Although it’s important to “dress for success,” it is equally important to set a clothing budget that doesn’t break the bank.

What’s a Good Clothing Budget?

The clothing you wear is one of the first things someone will notice about you, and can make a significant impact on their first impression of you. A clothing budget can help ensure that you won’t go into debt while curating that first impression. According to Business Insider, personal finance experts suggest that your clothing budget should not exceed 5% of your take home income. This means that you should aim to spend 5% or less of your take home income on work and casual clothing every year. For example, someone who takes home $1,500 every two weeks ($3,000 per month) should not spend more than $150 per month ($1,800 per year) on clothing. The simple equation of your monthly take home pay multiplied by 5% – can help you figure out just what that monthly figure is. You can then multiply it by 12 to figure out the maximum you should spend in a given year. Understanding what 5% of your take home income is on a monthly and yearly basis, can help you track your spending on clothing.

For those who are building their professional wardrobe from scratch, expect to spend more on clothing initially. This can include “the basics,” which are core, versatile pieces of clothing that will become essential to your wardrobe (for example: a pair of black pants or a cardigan that you can mix and match with different blouses). Lauren Bowling of Financial Best Life suggests you can spend 7% of your take home income, only if you are shopping for an entirely new wardrobe. After you build out your new work wardrobe – you will simply be doing “maintenance,” and likely won’t need to purchase as many new items all at once.

How Can I Save When Shopping for Clothing?

Limiting your clothing budget to 5% of your take home income might sound like a challenge, but it’s a challenge that can be made easier with some simple tips.

  • Take Inventory of Your Wardrobe Before You Shop: Having a clear idea of what’s in your closet can help you stick to your clothing budget. It can help you avoid making impulse purchases, keep the pieces you really need top-of-mind, and help you avoid buying items you already own. Additionally, by identifying items that are missing from or need to be replaced in your wardrobe – you can act on any good deals you might see.
  • Shop Secondhand: Not only is shopping secondhand eco-friendly, but it’s also budget-friendly. Shopping secondhand can help you find high-quality items for a fraction of their original sticker price. Pre-owned clothing items aren’t necessarily being sold because they were bad quality or damaged – they might have simply served their purpose to their original owner, who now wants someone else to enjoy it as much as they did!
  • Invest in Quality, Not Quantity: Purchasing low quality items will have you running to the store more frequently to replace them. In the end, the $20 shirt you purchased might cost you $40 if you only wear it for six months before having to purchase a new one. Investing in more expensive, high-quality pieces can ensure you go longer without having to replace items you frequently wear.
  • Take Advantage of Credit Card Rewards: Credit card rewards are a great way to get a bonus for the things you’re already doing – most likely including shopping for clothes. Those points or cash back really add up, and can be put toward your shopping bill. First Financial’s Signature Cash Plus Credit Card offers 1% cash back on unlimited purchases, along with uChoose Rewards – redeemable for travel, merchandise, gift cards, and more.* Your points can turn into a gift card at a major retailer, be used through PayPal when you add your card to your wallet, and reduce the “damage” from your next shopping trip.

It’s inevitable that you will need to spend money on work clothing – especially when starting a new job, but a budget can help make the inevitable more manageable. Remember, the 5% rule is a general rule of thumb. Although 5% of your take home income might seem like it won’t go a long way, those budget-conscious shopping trips will eventually have your wardrobe – and wallet, feeling fuller.

For more money management tips – make an appointment at your local branch, check out our website resources page, or subscribe to our First Scoop blog.

*APR varies up to 18% for the Visa® Signature Cash Plus Card 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. Your First Financial Visa® Signature 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.