Last Minute Ways to Celebrate Independence Day on a Budget

If you’re in search of life, liberty, and the pursuit of budget-friendly Independence Day fun – there are plenty of ways to celebrate and get in the star-spangled spirit without breaking the bank. From DIY-ing patriotic decorations to taking advantage of the great outdoors, here are some last-minute ways to celebrate like it’s 1776 while sticking to your 2025 budget.

1. Make Patriotic Decorations

You don’t need to spend a lot to let freedom ring this Fourth of July. There are plenty of patriotic decorations that can be made from materials you might already have at home. For example – if you have three mason jars, red/white/blue paint, a paint brush, and tealight candles, you can create July 4th mason jar lanterns. You would simply paint the jars, place a tealight candle at the bottom of each one, and voilà – you have a lit centerpiece. You can also check out local dollar stores if you’re low on supplies at home. Pilar Newman of Loud Money Moves made a list of some Fourth of July crafts that can be made with supplies you can commonly find at the dollar store.

2. Bake Red, White, and Blue Treats

Making homemade Fourth of July themed treats is an affordable way to get in the spirit and get the family involved at the same time. Red, white, and blue food coloring can easily be applied to any treat for a patriotic look. Some inexpensive and simple ideas are an American flag cake, Rice Krispie-inspired star pops, and star spangled parfaits. The internet is your oyster if you’re still in search of more holiday baking inspiration (psst … Pinterest)!

3. Catch a Free Fireworks Show

Nothing says Fourth of July like fireworks – and there are plenty of free or inexpensive ways to watch fireworks in a town near you. Check out the websites or social media accounts of local to you towns, schools, and parks to see if they are hosting a Fourth of July celebration that includes fireworks. If you’re local to our native Monmouth and Ocean Counties in NJ, Jessica Norton of The Jersey Shore Girl graciously made a list that’s growing by the day – of where you can catch fireworks displays in Monmouth and Ocean this year. If your holiday weekend travels will be taking you out of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, check out New Jersey Family’s list of various fireworks displays happening across the Garden State in 2025.

4. Host a Pot Luck

If you’re looking to entertain guests while keeping costs down, consider hosting a pot luck. Invite friends and family to bring their favorite summer dish, while also making sure you have all of your bases covered – drinks, appetizers, entrees, and dessert. A pot luck allows your guests to get involved and show off their favorite recipes, without leaving your wallet to take the hit.

5. Hold a Patriotic Scavenger Hunt

If you have little ones, or are looking for an activity that will get the whole family involved – consider organizing a patriotic scavenger hunt. The hunt can happen out-and-about or wherever your Fourth of July travels may take you, or even right from the comfort of your home. Creativity goes a long way with this one – have your participants search for whatever you put on your list of patriotic items they should uncover. Some ideas are an American flag, red/white/blue buttons, and a hot dog (just to name a few). The Teach Beside Me Blog made a free printable patriotic scavenger hunt list if you are looking for inspiration – all you need to do is print it out, grab pens for those doing the searching to cross off items as they go, and get looking.

6. Learn Some Local History

Have you ever explored the town or region you call home? Although Independence Day celebrates our nation, it offers the perfect opportunity to explore your piece of it. Your town’s history is not only a part of our national history – it offers a glimpse into what events, people, and culture have shaped it into the municipality you know today. You can explore local history by visiting area museums and historic sites, finding nearby events, taking an organized or self-guided walking tour, going to a state park, or borrowing books from your community library. You can also contact your local historical society, if your town has one – they are a wealth of knowledge in preserving history and making it accessible.

We hope that you and your loved ones have a fun, safe, and budget-friendly Independence Day!

Things to Do on a Budget in Monmouth & Ocean Counties this July 2025

Summer is in full swing, so in addition to celebrating Independence Day – we hope you can celebrate the sunshine and long days of July with these free and inexpensive activities in Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

July 1

Festival of the Sea (Long Beach Island) – Celebrate at the Festival of the Sea, taking place at the St. Francis of Assisi Parish & Center parking lot from Tuesday, July 1st through Saturday, July 5th from 6pm-10pm. The festival has something for everyone, from games and rides the whole family will love to classic carnival fare. Unlimited ride bracelets are $45, and the fairground games and food service have varying prices. You can find more information here.

Pre-Teen Tuesdays (Long Beach Island) – Boredom doesn’t stand a chance with those ages 10-14, taking place at Bayview Park Pavillion on select Tuesdays from 7pm-8pm through August 19th. Each week offers a new chance for your pre-teen to participate in a different activity – such as a murder mystery, bingo, and trivia – and will give your wallet a break. There is no entry fee to attend. For additional information, click here.

July 2

Ice Cream Social & Magic Show (Toms River) – You may be able to easily convince the whole family to attend something if ice cream is involved, and magic shows are no exception! Bring everyone down to Mathis House for an ice cream sundae building buffet and a magic show by Mr. Ron Owens, beginning at 6:30pm. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children. Click here to learn more and purchase tickets online.

Independence Day Celebration (Howell) – Let freedom ring at Soldier Memorial Park from 5pm-9:30pm. From free family-friendly games, rides and activities, to a live band and a DJ providing round-the-clock entertainment and fireworks at dusk – there’s no better way to celebrate Independence Day in Howell. There is no entry fee to attend, but there will be food and alcoholic beverages (for those ages 21+) for purchase. Click here for more information.

Free Movies on the Beach (Belmar) – Beginning on July 2nd through August 27th, there will be a free family movie on 7th Avenue Beach which begins at dusk. Be sure to bring your blankets or chairs and snacks, and sit back and relax. Shrek will be shown on July 2nd. View more details and the rest of the summer movie line-up here.

4th of July Celebration (Ocean Township) – This annual celebration will take place from 6pm-10pm at Joe Palaia Park. There will be food trucks, activities for kids, live music by the Eddie Testa Band, and fireworks will begin at 9:30pm. You won’t want to miss it! Find out more.

July 3

Independence Day Celebration (Colts Neck) – Make your way to Bucks Mill Park at 6pm to celebrate the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. There will be tunes from the Colts Neck Community Band, an apple pie contest, a flag ceremony with the Colts Neck ROTC Color Guard, and classic Fourth of July food favorites (think hot dogs, hamburgers, and cotton candy). There is a $10 donation/cost for parking. Click here for additional information.

Independence Day Fireworks (Hazlet) – Celebrate freedom and free fun at the Independence Day fireworks at Veterans Park from 6pm-10pm. You are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets, and enjoy the free fireworks and live entertainment. There is no entry fee to attend, but there will be food for purchase. You can find more information here.

Independence Day Fireworks (Lacey) – There is another chance to enjoy stars, stripes, and fireworks at Lacey High School – beginning at 7:30pm. There will be a free fireworks display and live entertainment, along with food available for purchase. Click here to learn how you can join in on the patriotic fun in Ocean County.

July 4

Fourth of July Parade (Pine Beach) – If you don’t have plans for the Fourth of July, look no further – head down to Pine Beach Chapel for a Fourth of July parade, beginning at 9am. Aside from an array of floats and a ceremony at Vista Park, there will be races and games for the whole family to join in on.  For additional information, as well as instructions on pre-registering for the events you wish to partake in – click here.

Oceanfest (Long Branch) – Head down to the Promenade Boardwalk from 1pm-10pm to join in on what is widely regarded as the biggest Independence Day celebration at the Jersey Shore. This family-friendly festival is a melting pot of Fourth of July activities – from performances by dancers and musicians, to a smorgasbord of food vendors. There will also be a spectacular fireworks display beginning at 9pm. There is no entry fee to attend, but there will be food available for purchase. You can find more information here.

Independence Day Fireworks (Pt. Pleasant Beach) – Celebrate Independence Day at Jenkinson’s spectacular fireworks show on the beach at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk at 9:30pm. Be dazzled with the stunning views of the fireworks from the boardwalk or the beach. This Independence Day fireworks display is an experience that the whole family can enjoy! Learn more.

July 6

Movies on the Beach (Seaside Heights) – Seaside Heights will turn the beach into a movie theater every Sunday through August 24th at 8:30pm. Audience members will be seated on the beach in the vicinity of Beach Patrol North Headquarters for a free showing of various movies the whole family will love. The first movie showing will be Jaws. Viewers are welcome to bring snacks. Click here to view the summer schedule of selected movies.

July 9

Ocean County Fair (Berkeley Township) – Come see what Ocean County is all about at the Ocean County Fair, held at Robert J. Miller Air Park from Wednesday, July 9th through Sunday, July 13th at various times. This five-day celebration features something for everyone – from livestock displays and 4-H showcases, to thrilling rides and live music. There is an entry fee of $10 per person, with ride wristbands available for purchase. Pre-sale wristbands are $35 through July 8th and regular price wristbands are $45 on-site. Click here to see how you can experience the fun, spirit, and community of Ocean County.

July 10

Movies Under the Stars (Howell) – Bring your family and friends to the Howell Library hill for free showings of family-friendly movies select Thursdays this summer. There will be activities beginning at 6:30pm and the movie will begin at dusk. All you need to enjoy the movie are lawn chairs and blankets – and some snacks. The first movie showing will be Ghostbusters. Click here to view the summer schedule of selected movies.

July 12

Concerts in the Park (Bradley Beach) – Bring a seat to rock out to some tunes at this free concert series at Riley Park, every Saturday through August 30th from 6pm-8pm. You will hear the sounds of local talent, playing a mix of musical favorites that the whole family is sure to enjoy. Click here for more information and the list of the bands that will be playing each week.

Freehold Township Day – Don’t miss this annual fun-filled festival from 4pm-11pm at Michael J. Tighe Park. There will be free rides for kids, a free teen center with a DJ, live performances throughout the day, food trucks & local vendors with items for purchase, and a free fireworks display starting at 9pm. Learn more here.

July 15

Pirate School Family Show (Seaside Heights) – Your little buccaneers will learn how to talk, laugh, and act like a pirate, and most importantly – sail a ship without sinking your budget at Pirate School. This free show takes place on Pier Stage on Tuesday, July 15th and Wednesday, July 16th – with two shows each night beginning at 6pm and 7pm. A swashbuckling adventure is promised, along with audience participation, exciting props, and magic. Click here for additional information.

July 19

Summer Stroll (Ocean Grove) – Take a stroll through stunning fine art pieces in Ocean Grove’s Business District, along Main Avenue between Central and New York Avenues – from 4pm-8pm. The sidewalks will be lined with art that is on display and for sale. There will also be live jazz music and refreshments to enjoy. There is no entry fee to attend, but you may purchase any of the art that is for sale. Click here for additional information.

July 20

Family Nature Day (Middletown) – You can explore more and spend less at a Family Nature Day held at Huber Woods Park Environmental Center from 10am-11:30am. You will enjoy an animal presentation, a guided nature walk, and a craft suited for children of all ages. You can visit this webpage to learn about the Environmental Center or call (732) 872-2670 (ext. 0336) for information regarding the event.

July 23

Monmouth County Fair (Freehold) – If you didn’t quite get your fill of fairs for the summer, the Monmouth County Fair is taking place from Wednesday, July 23rd through Sunday, July 27th at various times at the East Freehold Showgrounds. There will be unique exhibits, thrilling rides, classic games, live music, food vendors, and more. There is an entry fee of $10 per person – and children ages 12 and under, veterans, and active military with ID – are free to attend. Ride wristbands are available for purchase at $30 Wednesday-Friday, and $35 Saturday & Sunday. You can find more information here.

July 26

Italian Festival & Wine Tasting (Oceanport) – Say ciao to a taste of Italy without leaving the Jersey Shore – at Monmouth Park on Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27 from 11am-5pm. Along with the chance to purchase mouth-watering Italian favorites of the area, you can also partake in an Italian wine tasting if you are 21 or older. There will be family-friendly activities in the picnic area, as well as races on the racetrack. Wine sampling tickets are $15, and general admission to the racetrack is $6 the day of the event – and children ages 12 and under are free to attend. Click here for additional information and to purchase tickets online.

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

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

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

Understanding Digital Wallets: The Modern Way to Pay

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

Benefits of using a digital wallet:

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

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

Stay Smart About Security

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

1.    Don’t Use Website Card Storage

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

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

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

3.    Enable Multi-Factor Authentication

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

4.    Keep Your Apps Updated

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

First Financial Tools to Help You Go Cashless with Confidence

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

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

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

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

Protect Yourself from Social Security Scams

With millions of Americans receiving Social Security benefits – whether it’s retirement, disability, or others – fraudsters have found impersonating the Social Security Administration (SSA) to be a lucrative scam. With the countless methods of communication in today’s day and age, it can be challenging to distinguish between legitimate messages and those from scammers. Whether you or someone you know currently receives Social Security benefits, or will one day soon – understanding the different Social Security scams and how to spot them is a powerful tool in protecting yourself and those you love.

What are Social Security Scams?

Social Security scams involve a fraudster impersonating Social Security employees to obtain personal or financial information. They will say there is a problem with your benefits and pressure you to take immediate action to resolve it, whether that is handing over your Social Security Number or providing payment in a specific form – such as gift cards or cryptocurrency.

It’s important to note that anyone who contacts you first and asks for a form of payment to resolve a personal or financial issue, especially when they are requesting gift cards or crypto (methods of payment that are nearly impossible to trace) – is always a scam.

What Does a Social Security Scam Look Like?

Scammers frequently change their tactics and messages to make themselves harder to spot, and easier to obtain the information they need to defraud you. Scammers impersonating Social Security personnel may attempt to contact you via phone, email, text message, or social media direct messages. The SSA is known to contact the public only by telephone call or direct postal mail, and will never text you or send you a message on social media. Below are common Social Security scams, based on mode of delivery.

  1. Phone Calls: Scam phone calls will involve a robotic voice, pretending to be from the SSA and will demand personal or financial information. The nature of these phone calls is often threatening, with pressure to take immediate action to resolve the issue or provide personal information. The SSA would never take a threatening tone with recipients of phone calls and if you receive this type of call, it’s a telltale sign that the call is fraudulent. Additionally, the scammer will often demand secrecy and ask that you don’t share the details of the call with those you trust. Lastly, if your caller ID shows the Social Security hotline number – that does not necessarily mean you are on the phone with a SSA employee. Scammers can spoof their phone number to make it look like the Social Security Administration on your caller ID.
  2. Emails: Scammers have been known to send emails with attachments that resemble official letters from the SSA or contain links to fake websites that looks like the Social Security Administration website. Within such an email – you will be prompted to enter your sensitive information into an online form that does not belong to the SSA, or click on a link that will download malware or a virus onto your device – which the scammer will use to steal your sensitive information.
  3. Text Messages: Social Security scam texts will often say there is a problem with your Social Security Number and will provide a call back number to resolve the issue. When you return the call, you will be on the phone with a scammer who will try to take your personal or financial information. There are very few instances in which you would receive a text from the SSA, which can be found here. In those cases, the SSA will never ask that you return a call to an unknown number – especially one that is not associated with the Social Security Administration.
  4. Social Media Direct Messages: Fraudsters have been known to create fake social media accounts pretending to be the SSA. They will then use those accounts to send direct messages asking for your personal or financial information. Once again, the SSA will never contact you through social media. These fake accounts will often have few followers, incorrect punctuation or spelling, and link to pages, forms, or documents that are not associated with the SSA. Visit ssa.gov/socialmedia for a directory of the social media channels the SSA uses for public information.

Stay Vigilant to Social Security Scams

The SSA will never demand that you share your personal information, such as your Social Security Number or bank account details, by contacting you out of the blue or in ways that are not secure. Additionally, Social Security employees will never demand payment, threaten arrest or legal action, or freeze your bank account or other assets if you refuse to divulge your personal information.

If you have received a suspicious communication or are worried you have fallen victim to a Social Security scam, you can report it to the Office of the Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov/report. It can also be reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

First Financial wants to help you safeguard your personal and financial information from fraudsters. If you are ever concerned that your First Financial accounts have been compromised, don’t hesitate to call us at 732.312.1500 or visit your local branch.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Questions about saving and planning ahead for your financial future? Contact First Financial’s Investment & Retirement Center by calling 732.312.1534. You can also email mary.laferriere@lpl.com or maureen.mcgreevy@lpl.com

Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker/dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. First Financial Federal Credit Union (FFFCU) and First Financial Investment & Retirement Center are not registered as a broker/dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using First Financial Investment & Retirement Center, and may also be employees of FFFCU. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from and not affiliates of FFFCU or First Financial Investment & Retirement Center.

Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are:

Participation in a 529 plan generally involves fees and expenses, and there is the risk that the investments may lose money or not perform well enough to cover college costs as anticipated. The tax implications of a 529 plan can vary significantly from state to state. Most states offering their own 529 plans may provide advantages and benefits exclusively for their residents and taxpayers, which may include financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors. Before investing in a 529 plan, consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses, which are available in the issuer’s official statement and should be read carefully. The official disclosure statements and applicable prospectuses contain this and other information about the investment options, underlying investments, and investment company and can be obtained from your financial professional.

The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax planning or legal advice. We suggest that you consult with a qualified tax or legal professional. LPL Financial Representatives offer access to Trust Services through The Private Trust Company N.A., an affiliate of LPL Financial. Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly. CRPC conferred by College for Financial Planning. This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the state(s) of CT, DE, FL, GA, MA, NJ, NY, NC, OR, PA, SC, TN and VA. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside the specific states referenced.

1) NerdWallet, 2025

Prepared by Broadridge Advisor Solutions Copyright 2025.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Assess Your Financial Health

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

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

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

3. Check-in with Your Team

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

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

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

4. Review Your Tools and Systems

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

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

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

5. Measure Customer Satisfaction and Retention

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

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

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

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