Managing Money as a Couple

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It’s February, and Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. While this might be the month to celebrate love, it could also be a good time to go over your finances with your Valentine. When you marry or share a household with someone, your life changes—and your approach to managing your money may change as well. The good news is it’s usually not so difficult.

At some point, you will have to ask yourselves some money questions—questions that pertain not only to your shared finances but also to your individual finances. Waiting too long to ask (or answer) those questions might have some consequences. It’s also good habit (even if you’ve been together for a long time) to review these questions annually as well.

How do you propose setting priorities? One of your first priorities should be simply setting aside money that may help you build an emergency fund. But there are other questions to ask. Should you open joint accounts? How should you title assets that are owned by both of you?

How much will you spend and save? Budgeting can help you arrive at your answer. A simple budget, an elaborate budget, or any attempt at a budget can prove more informative than you realize. A thorough, line-item budget may seem a little over the top, but what you learn from it may be truly eye-opening.

How often will you check up on your financial progress? When finances affect two people rather than one, statements can become more important. Checking in on these details once a month (or at least once a quarter) may keep you both informed, so that neither one of you have misconceptions about household finances or assets. Arguments can be avoided when money misunderstandings are resolved through check-ups.

What degree of independence do you want to maintain? Do you want to keep some money separate? Some spouses need individual financial “space” of their own. There is nothing wrong with this approach.

Can you be businesslike about your finances? Spouses who are inattentive or nonchalant about financial matters may encounter more financial trouble than they anticipate. Watch where your money goes, and think about ways to pay yourself first. Set shared short-term, medium-term, and long-term objectives.

Communication is key to all this. Watching your progress together may well have benefits beyond the financial, so a regular conversation should be the goal.

If you still have questions, or you’d like more information on how to best manage your finances as a couple – we’re here to help. You can call or email the financial professionals in the First Financial Investment & Retirement Center at 732-312-1534, 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:

This material is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

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

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Love is in the air, and you might be looking for some fun ways to enjoy spending time with your loved ones this February. Although the cold might make you think twice about leaving the house, here are some free or inexpensive activities to enjoy in Monmouth and Ocean Counties all month long. 

February 1

Winter Fire & Ice Celebration (Cream Ridge) will take place at the New Egypt Flea Market on February 1st from 10am-7pm and February 2nd from 8am-4pm. You can enjoy ice sculptures and demonstrations, cozy fire pits, food trucks and wine tastings (for attendees 21+), local vendors, and more. Admission is $5 per person, and children ages 10 and under are free. To learn more about this ultimate winter celebration, click here.

February 2

Valentine’s Pop-Up Makers Market (Asbury Park) – Head over to Porta with your family and friends to enjoy a creative shopping experience from 12pm-4pm. Enjoy food and drinks while you visit the stations of various local artisans selling gifts made with love. Admission is free for all ages. You can find more information here.

February 7

Valentine’s Bazaar (Asbury Park) – Stop by Convention Hall from 3pm-8pm Friday, or 12pm-5pm Saturday, to enjoy all things love. If you are just getting started on your Valentine’s Day shopping, local and regional vendors will be selling gifts that your family, friends, or special someone will be sure to cherish. There will also be live music, food and beverages, a Valentine’s Day photo wall, a fresh flower bar, kid and pet activities, and more. Admission is free for all ages. Click here to learn more.

February 8

Galentine’s Brunch Event (Point Pleasant Beach) will be hosted by Blooms on Point Floral Boutique from 12pm to 2pm. Along with gushing over your “galentines,” you will have access to a breakfast buffet and charcuterie board, mimosa bar (BYO bubbly), custom box of assorted chocolates, and a 10-minute chair massage or reiki session. Tickets are $50 per person and must be purchased in advance online. To read more information and learn how to purchase tickets, click here.

Valentine’s Sweet Stroll (Red Bank) is just what the name suggests—an afternoon of walking downtown Red Bank to shop for sweet treats and other vendor items, and enjoy “sweet” experiences, from 11am-2pm. Downtown Red Bank encourages attendees to wear Valentine’s colors. Admission is free, and additional details are to follow. To stay up to date on the latest details, visit this webpage.

February 9

All About Kids Fair (Toms River) – If you’re looking to help the whole family escape the winter blues, join Toms River Macaroni Kids for their 9th annual fair at Ocean County Mall from 11am-2pm. Parents can meet the faces of local family-friendly businesses while the children are off enjoying activities such as face painting, crafts, character appearances, and more. The event is free for all to attend. More information can be found here.

Historic Valentines (Allentown) – Travel back in time at Historic Walnford from 1pm-3pm to discover how penmanship has changed through letters and valentines from the 18th and 19th centuries. In case any of the centuries-old penmanship inspired you, the session will end with creating a valentine or letter of your own using historically-inspired materials. The event is free for all ages, however children under 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Click here for more information.

Winter Fresh Farmers Market (Ocean Grove) will allow you to shop your favorite Asbury Fresh food vendors from the comfort of the warm indoors at the Jersey Shore Arts Center from 10am-1pm. Admission is free for all ages, so don’t be shy—the vendors are looking forward to saying hi and showing you what they have to offer. You can find additional information here.

February 15

Allaire Flea Market (Wall) – The Historic Village at Allaire wants to bring you out of the house with a chance to hunt for bargains from 8am-2pm. This flea market will feature vintage treasures, thrifted items, books, art work, knick knacks, and more. Admission to the flea market is $5 per person ages 12 and up, and includes free admission to the Historic Village at Allaire. Click here to find more information.

February 16

MAC’s Art of Chili Cook Off (Middletown) – Whether you love chili or love some good ol’ friendly competition, check out the Chili Cook Off at Middletown Arts Center from 12pm-2pm. The fifteen amateur and five restaurant contestants will prepare chili and battle it out for first, second, and third place prizes. Admission is $15 and includes a tasting kit to sample all of the chili and vote in the People’s Choice Award. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

Singo Game Night (Manahawkin) – Unleash your inner “theater kid” at the Bay Avenue Community Center at 5pm. This game night will put you to the test by challenging you to recall all the showtunes you know. Admission is $10 per person. There will be food and drinks available for purchase. Find additional information here.

February 19

Bingo Dinner Party (Union Beach) – Dinner paired with any activity is sure to be fun, so bring your friends and family down to The Goat by David Burke, to enjoy a night of dinner and bingo. For $45 per person, you will enjoy a 3-course dinner and various rounds of bingo with prizes. Click here to reserve your spot and find out additional information.

February 22

Polar Bear Plunge (Seaside Heights) – If you’re not afraid to jump into the frigid waters of the Atlantic in the spirit of supporting the Special Olympics of New Jersey, register for the Annual Polar Bear Plunge. Registration is $25 with different fundraising tiers; however, your $25 registration fee is counted toward your fundraising goal. If plunging isn’t your speed, you can dress up, join other spectators on the boardwalk, and cheer the plungers on. Casino Pier is also offering a $30 arcade card for half off and drink specials at the Wave Bar (for those 21+) to enjoy the plunge day. Learn how to register and get ready to take the plunge here.

February 28

Family Fun Friday (Point Pleasant Beach) – When the workday is over, let the fun start at Jenkinson’s Aquarium from 5pm to 8pm. Enjoy family fun with a scavenger hunt, crafts, and a bedtime story with one of Jenkinson’s beloved animals. These activities are included in a general admission ticket, so you can visit Jenkinson’s aquatic friends between activities. Admission prices are $18 per adult (ages 12+), $12 for children ages 3-11, and children age 2 and under are free. You can buy aquarium tickets and learn more about the event here.

February is the shortest month of the year, and it is also the home stretch of the frigid winter months. We hope these activities help you find the fun and enjoy the love amidst the cold in February!

Setting Your Business Up for Success in 2025

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As the new year unfolds, many business owners begin looking for ways to accelerate success by developing fresh goals and aspirations. Laying a solid foundation now can help create clarity, direction, and momentum to achieve your strategic objectives. Here are six practical strategies to set your business up for success in 2025.

1. Look at the Past Year’s Lessons

To move forward effectively, start by reflecting on the past year. What worked well for your business in 2024? Celebrate those wins and look for ways to build on them. On the flip side, identify areas where things didn’t go as planned. What lessons can you take from these experiences, and how can they inform your goals for 2025? By analyzing successes and challenges, you gain valuable insights that help you refine your strategy for the year ahead.

2. Critically Assess What’s Working and What’s Not

Begin with a candid evaluation of your current operations. What’s driving growth and success in your business? Lean into these strengths while addressing inefficiencies, distractions, or low-impact projects that aren’t contributing to your goals. It is okay if a project or idea you were excited about last year didn’t pan out. Now is the time to reallocate resources or find a way to put a new spin on those forgotten ventures. Empower your team by involving them in discussions and listening to their thoughts on current processes and their ideas for the future. By prioritizing intentional actions and cutting what’s not working, you create a roadmap for long-term success.

3. Set Three to Five Strategic Goals

Rather than overloading your to-do list, focus on three to five high-impact goals for the year. Begin with a strategic review of 2024’s outcomes and identify priorities that align with your big picture vision. Break each goal into quarterly milestones, assign accountability, and determine what resources or support are needed to achieve them. This clear and structured approach ensures progress without overwhelming your team.

4. Start with Your People

Your team is your greatest asset, so prioritize building and maintaining strong relationships. Whether you’re a solopreneur or managing a large team, connect with key stakeholders like investors, loyal customers, suppliers, and trainers. Communicate your vision for 2025 clearly and involve others in the planning process. By fostering collaboration and strengthening connections, you create a solid foundation for success.

5. Derive Annual Goals from Financial Discussions

Your financial outlook should guide your strategic planning. Assess your current financial position and consider factors like growth stage, market opportunities, and resource allocation. Use this information to set operational and strategic goals for 2025. For expert support, check out First Financial’s business services, including resources and informative newsletters designed to help businesses thrive.

6. Align Goals with the Larger Vision

Start the year by asking, “Where do we want to be in three years?” Align your 2025 goals with this larger vision to maintain focus and momentum. If your vision is to move your business into a larger space or fully renovate your current space, then set goals such as increasing brand awareness by 20% or increasing yearly sales by 15%. Choose goals that can act as stepping stones on the way to the bigger vision. Engaging a mentor, board member, or trusted advisor for an external perspective can provide invaluable insight and keep your plans on track.

Plan for Success with First Financial

Setting your business up for success in 2025 starts with intentional planning and the right support. At First Financial, we offer resources and services to help your business thrive – from financial tools to expert advice. For more business tips and assistance, email business@firstffcu.com or visit a branch today. Don’t forget to subscribe to our First Scoop Blog for ongoing insights and strategies to help your small business achieve its goals in 2025 and beyond.

Your Utility Company or a Utility Scam?

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There isn’t a single person who wants to receive the dreaded notification that due to missing a payment, their service—whether it be electric, gas, or even cell phone, is about to be shut off. Whether you are the most organized person in the world or have a tendency to miss payments here and there, this notification would likely send you searching through your bank account statements or bills to confirm if it’s really true. However, if you have someone claiming to be employed by your utility company on the other end of the line, you may not think you have the time to sift through your own records and feel compelled to make the situation “right” then and there. With utility scams on the rise, take a moment to consider these scenarios and red flags that can alert you to a scammer pretending to be your utility company.

What a Utility Scam Looks Like

You may or may not be expecting a phone call from your utility company. If you know you missed a payment to one of your utility providers, it is that scammer’s lucky day and they have you right where they want you. On the other hand – if you haven’t recently missed a payment, it might be a little trickier for the scammer to convince you. The person on the other end of the line would typically begin by telling you that you have missed a payment, which will cause your service to be shut off if you do not render payment immediately. The person is impersonating your utility company and would have no way of knowing this, but you likely don’t know that yet. As you begin to ask for more information, they become increasingly unprofessional and agitated. They take this tone with you in an effort to scare you into paying before you can ask questions. The scammer knows that the less time you have to doubt their intentions, the better. It is common for the scammer to impose a “time limit” on receiving payment before your service is shut off, with victims of utility scams frequently reporting that scammers give them 45-minutes to one hour. They are hoping you will be eager to make a payment before your service is turned off. Once the scammer receives payment, they will send you on your way – and it could be hours, days, or weeks before you realize you have been scammed.

Red Flags

  • Uncommon Payment Methods: A common red flag associated with utility scams is the use of payment methods that are hard to track, such as reloadable cards, gift cards, wires, or cryptocurrency. Scammers want to receive money through these payment methods because they have fewer protections for buyers in place, making it hard for you to get your money back and easy for the scammers to avoid detection. It is common for scammers to demand that you go to a specific store and buy a specific gift card, so be sure to listen for this request structure if you have a potential scammer on the line. They might request that you stay on the phone with them the entire time you are making the payment to ensure you don’t call anyone for help. Always follow the status quo and second guess anyone who wants to receive payment in non-conventional ways. If your utility company has only accepted payment through card, check, or online bill pay in the past—why would they change now? Furthermore, question why a large service provider would accept a gift card or cryptocurrency as payment.
  • Sense of Urgency: The scammer will display a sense of urgency since they know that their chances of receiving payment dwindle to 0% if you get off the line. They do not want you to call back, knowing that when you hang up you might confide in someone or contact the utility company they are impersonating. If you are truly behind on paying your utility company, they are more likely to work with you in establishing a payment plan to get you back on track as opposed to threatening to immediately terminate your service.
  • Unusual Method of Communication: In the day and age where every facet of our communication is becoming increasingly digital, receiving a text from your utility provider might not sound the alarm. You might be used to receiving a text reminding you of an upcoming bill, or a text confirming your bill was paid. However, be weary of someone claiming to be a representative that is tasked with collecting payment from you. Initiating payment over text is not safe, and a real utility company would not expect you to authorize a payment over text. When in doubt, call the number that you know belongs to the utility company and ask if they have recently initiated communication with you.

What to Do if You Encounter a Utility Scam

  • If You’ve Sent Payment to a Scammer: Unfortunately, scammers often have you make payments in ways that are nearly impossible to get refunded. Even if the situation feels hopeless, there are resources to help those who have sent payment to a scammer. The FTC’s page If You Paid a Scammer is dedicated to showing you the steps to take to get your money back, depending on the method you used to pay.
  • If You Want to Report Contact with a Fake Utility Company: You should first reach out to your utility company to alert them to the fact that a person or group is impersonating them. Obtain the contact method you use to reach them, such as a customer service phone number or email address, from a trusted source. You should then report it to the FTC at ftc.gov and to your state attorney general. Lastly, spread the word—if it happened to you, it could easily happen to someone you know.

First Financial wants to help you safeguard your personal and financial information. If you have any concerns or have reason to suspect that your sensitive information has been compromised, don’t hesitate to contact us at 732.312.1500 or visit us at your local branch.

Preparing for Tax Season

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Preparing for tax season can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right planning and advice, you can make the process smoother and maximize your returns. At First Financial, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, whether you’re filing as an individual, a couple, or a small business owner. Plus, take advantage of exclusive member discounts to make this tax season your most successful.

1. Preparing as an Individual

Filing your taxes as an individual doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start by gathering all necessary tax documents, such as W-2s, 1099s, and other relevant income statements. Double check that you’ve received all forms for your accounts – including savings, investments, and retirement. Utilize tools like First Financial’s online banking to access financial statements and other important documents. Consider tracking charitable donations, student loan interest, or medical expenses to maximize your deductions.

2. Preparing as a Married Couple Filing Jointly

For married couples filing jointly, communication is key. Sit down with your spouse to review all income sources, deductions, and credits you might qualify for. Common credits for joint filers include the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and if you have children, the Child Tax Credit.

Discuss future financial planning as a team. Maximizing retirement contributions or taking advantage of education-related tax breaks could save you money now while setting you up for success down the road. Filing jointly often provides higher income thresholds for deductions, so do your research and take full advantage of these benefits.

3. Preparing as a Small Business Owner

Small business owners have unique tax considerations. Begin by organizing all receipts, invoices, and business-related expenses from the year. Key deductions include office supplies, travel expenses, and even home office deductions. Use accounting software or work with a tax professional to ensure accuracy.

If you’re self-employed, don’t forget to account for estimated quarterly tax payments made throughout the year. Staying organized and proactive can help you avoid penalties and make the filing process smoother. Organize documents throughout the year in a labeled file binder or cabinet so everything can be easily found when filing.

Exclusive Member Discounts

First Financial is here to help you file your taxes early with exclusive, member-only offers on tax services.

  • TurboTax: Save 20% and file confidently from the comfort of your home. TurboTax guarantees the maximum refund and provides access to tax experts to assist or file for you.
  • H&R Block: Save up to $25 with an H&R Block expert. Get the largest possible refund or your money back, with expert help available in person or remotely.
  • PLUS: After filing through one of the above ways, enter the Love My Credit Union Rewards Tax Time Sweepstakes for a chance to win $10,000 after 4/15/25. Don’t miss the opportunity to also win a monthly prize of $1,000 throughout tax season!*

General Tips for a Successful Tax Season

  • Check All Accounts for Tax Statements: Ensure you’ve received all necessary tax forms – including those for bank accounts, mortgage interest statements, investments, and retirement accounts.
  • Organize Your Documents Early: Staying organized helps streamline the filing process and reduces stress.
  • Plan Financially with Your Partner: Open conversations about maximizing deductions and credits can help everyone save.
  • File Early: Avoid the last-minute rush and reduce the risk of identity theft by submitting your taxes early.

Maximize Your Tax Season with First Financial

At First Financial, we’re committed to helping you make the most of tax season with exclusive member discounts and financial resources. Don’t forget to subscribe to our First Scoop Blog for ongoing financial advice and strategies to keep your finances on track.

*TurboTax Offer: Visit http://turbotax.intuit.com/ for TurboTax product guarantees and other important information. Limited time offer for TurboTax 2024. Discount applies to TurboTax federal products only. Actual prices are determined at the time of print or e-file and are subject to change without notice. Terms, conditions, features, availability, pricing, fees, service and support options subject to change without notice. Intuit, TurboTax and TurboTax Online, among others, are registered trademarks and/or service marks of Intuit Inc. in the United States and other countries. H&R Block Offer: H&R Block Offer: void if sold, purchased, or transferred and where prohibited. No cash value valid at participating U.S. offices only A new client is an individual who did not use H&R Block or Block Advisors office services to prepare their 2024 tax return. Discount valid only with or for preparation of an original 2024 personal Income tax return. Coupon must be presented prior to completion of initial tax interview. Discount may not be combined with any other offer or promotion. Expires October 15, 2025. OBTP# 13696-BR ®2024 HRB Tax Group, Inc. All tax situations are different. Not everyone gets a refund. See hrblock.com/guarantees for complete details. ©2024 Love My Credit Union Rewards Sweepstakes: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Legal residents of the 50 United States (D.C.) 18 years or older who are members or employees of a U.S. credit union. Ends 4/15/25. To enter and for Official Rules, including odds and prize descriptions, visit https://taxservices.lovemycreditunion.org. Void where prohibited.

Things You Can Do for Your Future as the Year Unfolds

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What financial, business, or life priorities do you need to address now that it’s a new year? Now is an excellent time to think about the investing, saving, or budgeting methods you could employ toward specific objectives, from building your retirement fund to considering an estate strategy. You have plenty of choices.

Remember that this article is for informational purposes only and not a replacement for real-life advice. The tax treatment of assets earmarked for retirement can change, and there is no guarantee that the tax landscape will remain the same in years ahead. A financial or tax professional can provide up-to-date guidance.

Here are a few ideas to consider:

Can you contribute more to your retirement plans this year? In 2024, the contribution limit for a Roth or traditional individual retirement account (IRA) remained at $7,000 ($8,000 for those who made “catch-up” contributions). Your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) may affect how much you can put into a Roth IRA. With a traditional IRA, you can contribute if you (or your spouse if filing jointly) have taxable compensation. Income limits are one factor in determining if a traditional IRA contribution is tax-deductible.1

Once you reach age 73, you must take the required minimum distributions from a traditional IRA. The IRS taxes withdrawals as ordinary income, and if taken before age 59½, they may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty.

Roth 401(k)s offer their investors a tax-free and penalty-free withdrawal of earnings. Qualifying distributions must meet a five-year holding requirement and occur after age 59½. Such a withdrawal also qualifies under certain other circumstances, such as the owner’s passing. Employer match is pre-tax and not distributed tax-free during retirement. The original Roth IRA owner is not required to take minimum annual withdrawals.

Make a charitable gift. You may be able to claim the deduction on your tax return, provided you follow the Internal Review Service guidelines. The paper trail can be important here. If you give cash, you should consider documenting it. A bank record can demonstrate some contributions, payroll deduction records, credit card statements, or written communication from the charity with the date and amount. Incidentally, the IRS does not equate a pledge with a donation. If you pledge $2,000 to a charity this year but only end up gifting $500, you may be able to only deduct $500.2

Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional before modifying your record-keeping approach or strategy for making charitable gifts.

See if you can take a home office deduction for your small business. You may want to investigate this if you are a small business owner. You might be able to write off expenses linked to the portion of your home used to conduct your business. Using your home office as a business expense involves complex tax rules and regulations. Before moving forward, consider working with a professional familiar with the tax rules related to home-based businesses.

Open an HSA. A Health Savings Account (HSA) works like your workplace retirement account. There are also some HSA rules and limitations to consider. In 2024, you were limited to a $4,150 contribution if you were single; $8,300 if you had a spouse or family. Those limits jumped by a $1,000 “catch-up” limit for each person in the household over age 55.3

If you spend your HSA funds for non-medical expenses before age 65, you may need to pay ordinary income tax and a 20% penalty. After age 65, you may need to pay ordinary income taxes on HSA funds used for non-medical expenses. HSA contributions are exempt from federal income tax – however, they are not exempt from state taxes in certain states.

Pay attention to asset location. Asset location is one factor to consider when creating an investment strategy. Asset location is different from asset allocation, which is an approach to help manage investment risk. Asset allocation does not guarantee against investment loss.

Review your withholding status. Should it be adjusted due to any of the following factors?

  • You tend to pay the federal or state government at the end of each year.
  • You tend to get a federal tax refund each year.
  • You recently married or divorced.
  • You have a new job with adjusted earnings.

Consider consulting your tax, human resources, or accounting professional before modifying your withholding status.

Did you get married? If so, it may be time to review the beneficiaries of your retirement accounts and other assets. The same goes for your insurance coverage. If you are preparing to have a new last name, you should get a new Social Security card. Additionally, retirement accounts may need to be revised or adjusted.

Are you coming home from active duty? If so, go ahead and check on the status of your credit. Check on any other orders that you might have pre-empted, too.

Consider the impact of any upcoming transactions. Are you preparing to sell any real estate this year? Are you starting a business? Might any commissions or bonuses come your way in 2025? Do you anticipate selling an investment held outside of a tax-deferred account?

Vow to focus on your overall health and practice sound financial habits in 2025. And don’t be afraid to ask for guidance from a professional who understands your situation. The First Financial Investment & Retirement Center is here to help. You can call or email the financial professionals in the First Financial Investment & Retirement Center at 732-312-1534, 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:

This material is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

Sources:

  1. TheFinanceBuff.com, August 10, 2023
  2. IRS.gov, June 5, 2023
  3. IRS.gov, September 5, 2023