First Financial Member Spotlight: Brian Jackson

“If you’re looking for a bank where you can feel at home, choose First Financial.”

Welcome back to our First Financial member spotlight – a series featuring some of our valued credit union members who have happily worked with us over the years. Next up is our long-time member, Brian Jackson.

Brian has been banking with us for over 35 years. He was even a member back when we were known as Mon-Oc Teachers Federal Credit Union, 28 years ago! Brian takes full advantage of our membership benefits and has a savings and checking account with us.

Watch the video to learn how we exceeded Brian’s expectations throughout the pandemic and as he works toward retirement!

How to join First Financial

If you live, work, worship, volunteer, or attend school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties in NJ, you’re eligible to become a member. Businesses in Monmouth or Ocean Counties and our community partners are also eligible for membership. To join, all you have to do is open a savings account with $5. It’s that easy! Once you’re a member, your immediate family can also sign up. To get started, call us at 732.312.1500, email info@firstffcu.com, or stop by any of our local branches.

First Financial Member Spotlight: Lauren Griffin

“First Financial knows their members. And that really makes a huge difference.”

Welcome to our First Financial member spotlight – a series where we feature some of our personal and business credit union members who we’ve happily worked with over the years. Next up is Freehold/Howell Branch member, Lauren Griffin.

Lauren initially came to First Financial when she was a new teacher looking for good rates and a safe place to put her money. After a positive experience obtaining a car loan, Lauren continued her membership with checking and savings accounts. Watch the video to learn more about her experience with us!

How to join First Financial

If you live, work, worship, volunteer, or attend school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties in NJ, you’re eligible to become a member. Businesses in Monmouth or Ocean Counties and our community partners are also eligible for membership. To join, all you have to do is open a savings account with $5. It’s that easy! Once you’re a member, your immediate family can also sign up. To get started, call us at 732.312.1500, email info@firstffcu.com, or stop by any of our local branches.

First Financial Member Spotlight: Susan West Hebert

“I’m treated with dignity and respect. What really speaks to me is the respect they have for the community.”

Welcome to our First Financial member spotlight – a series where we feature some of our personal and business credit union members who we’ve happily worked with over the years. Next up is long-time member, Susan West Hebert.

As a former employee of the Freehold Regional High School District (one of our community partners), Susan became interested in banking with a credit union once she learned about it through her employer. After being warmly welcomed at our Freehold branch, Susan knew First Financial was the place where she wanted to put her money. Over the years, she acquired a mortgage with us and also an auto loan when she decided to buy out her car lease. At First Financial, we take pride in offering loans with low rates, flexible terms, and quick approval decisions.

How to join First Financial

If you live, work, worship, volunteer, or attend school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties in NJ, you’re eligible to become a member. Businesses in Monmouth or Ocean Counties and our community partners are also eligible for membership. To join, all you have to do is open a savings account with $5. It’s that easy! Once you’re a member, your immediate family members can sign up too. To get started, call us at 732.312.1500, email info@firstffcu.com, or stop by any of our local branches.

Top Reasons to Join First Financial Federal Credit Union

When it comes to banking, it’s always better to work with a financial institution that has your best interest in mind. At First Financial, we don’t have customers, we have members. Meaning, our community is fully owned and operated by our members. Simply put, we care about you and putting your financial dreams first.

If you’re considering switching banks or are interesting in joining First Financial, here are some of the top reasons to become a member.

Better rates and lower fees

What exactly is a credit union? It’s like a bank, but better. At a credit union, you belong to and own part of the financial institution. And since we’re a not-for-profit, we don’t pay our stakeholders as other banks do. Instead, our profits go back to you in the form of lower interest rates and helpful products. We work with our members to provide customized loans and personalized services too. Whether you’re shopping for auto loans, starting a savings account, opening a credit card, or buying a home, we’re here to help!

Exclusive member promotions

At First Financial, we reward our members with promotions and deals that help them save on loan payments, tax filing, mortgages, and more. Additionally, we offer virtual seminars aimed at educating individuals on financial management and retirement. This is all part of our promise to make your financial wellness our first priority!

Community matters to us

We’re proud to be part of the Monmouth and Ocean County communities and actively support area businesses, individuals, and families through a variety of initiatives. The First Financial Foundation, for example, assists charitable organizations through classroom grants, scholarships, and more. We’re also committed to supporting our community by participating in donation drives and fundraisers.

How to join First Financial

If you live, work, worship, volunteer, or attend school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties in NJ, you’re eligible to become a member. Businesses in Monmouth or Ocean Counties and our community partners are also eligible for membership. To join, all you have to do is open a savings account with $5. It’s that easy! Once you’re a member, your immediate family members can sign up too. To get started, call us at 732.312.1500, email info@firstffcu.com, or stop by any of our local branches.

5 Ways Technology Can Save You Money

Overhead view marble counter top with male hand holding cup of coffee with computer keyboard, cell phone, reading glasses, and bagel on plate. Work at home concept.

In this world of instant gratification, technological advancements sure can make life easier. If you use technology correctly, it can also save you a lot of money. Here are some ways technology can save you more than a few bucks.

Smartphone apps

There are a ton of apps available that can save you money. There are apps that will help you monitor your budget, find travel discounts, find the cheapest gas prices, as well as loyalty apps that will help you earn rewards for what you spend. Do a search for these topics in your phone’s app store and start saving!

Doing everything online

All the best deals are online. If you spend time in line at the store buying birthday presents, you’re wasting time, and time is money, so you’re also wasting money. Shop online. If you’re driving to your bank to deposit a check, you’re wasting gas and gas costs money, so you’re again wasting money. Deposit that check with your mobile banking app. If you’re mailing in a check to pay a bill, you’re spending money on checks and postage and that’s also wasting money. Pay that bill online!

Get rid of that landline

We all remember that phone on the wall in the kitchen that had the super long cord that would allow you to talk and walk to the other side of the house. These days, landlines aren’t as popular. Some people like the security and reliability they provide, but they are probably few and far between. But if you’re looking to save a few bucks on something you’re probably not using as much as your cell phone, it may be time to disconnect.

Get a smart thermostat

Some of the more advanced thermostats know when the house is empty and will adjust your heating or AC accordingly. Thanks to GPS, they also can see when you’re heading home and re-adjust the temperature for your arrival. This may sound a little creepy, but it’s also super cool and cost effective.

Cut those cable cords

If you’re still paying for cable or satellite tv, you may as well go outside and light your wallet on fire. With all of the available streaming options out there these days, you can almost get the exact same channels for half the price.

 

3 Tips for Saving Money During Cold and Flu Season

A young woman lying on her couchEven if we wash our hands and try our hardest to stay healthy, the reality is that winter and cold and flu season are upon us and often can’t be avoided. Even if you’re not feeling well you don’t have to let your wallet feel the pain too. Here are three tips to help save a few bucks when you’re dealing with a cold.

Buy generics

You may lean toward buying the name brand, and more expensive, over-the-counter cold and flu medicines thinking they will work better. Before you do, compare the ingredients with that of the store brand products. More often than not, you will find that they are identical and the generic brand can save you a great deal.

Try home remedies

When your symptoms first show up and before you rush to the pharmacy, be patient and try the remedies you learned from mom. Sometimes a sore throat can be caused by the change in seasons so first try vitamins, hot tea with honey, or gargling with salt water. You may be able to nip it in the bud before it gets worse and you end up at the doctor.

Clip coupons

Remember the last time you checked out at the pharmacy and received a long sheet of coupons along with your receipt? It may seem annoying at the time, but hold on to them for the future. Saving even the smallest amount when you’re not feeling well can make your illness seem just a little bit better.

Article Source: Wendy Bignon for CUInsight.com