Tag Archives: Saving Money

Don’t Let Thanksgiving Leftovers Go to Waste

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

Why it matters

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

Easy recipes using common Thanksgiving leftovers

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

1. Turkey and stuffing skillet hash

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

2. Turkey and vegetable soup with mashed potato dumplings

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

3. Leftover cranberry turkey wrap or sandwich

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

Smart tips for leftover management and your budget

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

Tying it all to affordability and financial wellness

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

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

How to Save Big by Shopping Off-Season

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

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

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

Common Items That Cost Less Off-Season

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

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

Tips for Successful Off-Season Shopping

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

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

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

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

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

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

Small Strategy, Big Savings

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

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

Am I Subscribed to Too Much?

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From music and streaming platforms to meal kits and fitness apps, subscriptions are everywhere – and they can add up fast. What starts as a $5.99 per month deal, can quietly balloon into hundreds of dollars in recurring charges over time. Here’s how to take control of your subscriptions, make smarter choices, and maybe even keep more of your hard-earned money in your account.

Step 1: Take Inventory of All Your Subscriptions

The first step to fixing a problem is seeing it clearly. Make a list of every recurring subscription you’re currently paying for, including:

  • Streaming services (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Spotify, etc.)
  • Software (Microsoft 365, Canva, Adobe, etc.)
  • Fitness or wellness apps
  • Online memberships or communities (Amazon Prime, etc.)
  • Meal delivery kits or subscription boxes
  • News, magazine, or content subscriptions (Kindle Unlimited, etc.)

Pro Tip: Check your bank statements and credit card transactions from the past 2–3 months to catch any others that you might have forgotten, or that you initially signed up for on a free trial and forgot to cancel after the trial period ended.

Step 2: Cancel What You Don’t Use Regularly

Now that you’ve got your list, ask yourself:

  • Have I used this in the past 30 days?
  • Is this subscription improving my life or making it easier for the money I am paying for it?
  • Do I have multiple services doing similar things?

You might be surprised at how many apps or services you’re subscribed to “just in case,” or haven’t actually opened and used in weeks. Be honest with yourself, if it’s not bringing consistent value to your life – cancel it.

Step 3: Consolidate or Share Subscriptions

Some services allow shared family plans or bundled options. Examples include:

  • Sharing streaming services among household members.
  • Bundling platforms like Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+
  • Family plans for Apple, Spotify, or Google services.

Sharing or consolidating services can reduce your monthly costs without sacrificing access.

Step 4: Look for Discounts, Cash Back, or Annual Plans

Before renewing any subscription:

  • See if there’s a student, military, or family discount.
  • Look into cash back rewards or promotions through your credit card provider. (Side note that all First Financial Cash Plus Credit Cards come with uChoose Rewards, where you’ll receive 1% cash back on all of your purchases!).*
  • If you love the service, check if switching to an annual plan saves you more money in comparison to monthly billing.

Step 5: Build a Subscription Strategy

Once you’ve trimmed the fat, create a plan to help keep you on budget in the future:

  • Reevaluate subscriptions every 3–6 months.
  • Set spending limits for monthly recurring charges.
  • Use a free budgeting tool or app to track subscriptions and what you are spending each month in real time.

Some apps will even send you alerts when subscriptions renew or increase in cost, making it easier to stay in control of your money.

First Financial Can Help You Stay on Track

Subscriptions are convenient, but they shouldn’t quietly drain your wallet. With a little time and strategy, you can align your spending with what you actually use and thoroughly enjoy. Visit your local branch to learn more about how we can help you manage your finances confidence.

*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. uChoose Rewards is a registered trademark of Fiserv Inc. Login to uChoose Rewards through Online Banking, by clicking on your Cash Plus Card account to view current offers.

Timeless Ways to Live Frugally

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Sure, we might be living in 2024 – however, there are ways to live economically that will never go out of style. Last month we gave you some frugal habits you might enjoy – but keep reading to find out even more simple, yet effective ways to live frugally.

Cook at Home with What You Have: Cooking at home instead of going out to eat or buying takeout, will undoubtedly save you money. Not to mention, it can become a fun family activity that’s inclusive of everyone in the household and something that you can all look forward to doing. It’s also a good idea to use simple recipes with fewer ingredients, as well as plan your meals around what you already have in your fridge, freezer, and pantry before going out to the store for additional ingredients. Use any refrigerated food that will go bad quicker, first. Waste not, want not!

Declutter and Organize: Getting rid of clothing items you no longer use and posting them on apps like Poshmark and Mercari, or books and furniture no longer needed and selling these items at a yard sale – can bring in a little bit of income that you can put into your savings account or use to pay a utility bill. In addition, organizing and going through what you already have may save you from purchasing a new item when you either can’t find the original – or think you don’t already have it.

Plant a Garden: With spring coming soon, it’s the perfect time to learn how to experiment with growing your own vegetables and herbs. If successful, you can go right into your backyard and pick your own – rather than purchase them at the grocery store. Not to mention, spending time outdoors in the fresh air and learning a new hobby can be therapeutic.

Canning: Learning how to can and preserve your own food in glass jars is another old-fashioned way to save money by making your own sustenance. This skill will allow you to store fruit, vegetables and make flavorful jams and sauces that could last you months at a time. Certain items like making your own jelly, can even be given as gifts. You’ll need to initially invest in some supplies, but over time the initial cost will make up for itself.

Buying Secondhand Clothes or Swapping: Checking out your local thrift store or an estate sale might score you some real bargains on quality pieces. Another idea to save money on clothing that won’t cost you a dime, is to trade or swap them out with a friend or family member. Find someone who is the same size, and borrow some new items for your wardrobe to expand it without having to buy anything new.

As you can see, these ways to live frugally will never expire. Your great-grandparents and your grandparents experienced them – as well as your ancestors before that. They’re proven to stand the test of time and can be passed down to future generations, which is a win-win in financial literacy for all.

For more money-saving tips and insights into managing your finances, don’t forget to check out our website and subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter.

Ways to Manage Price Inflation and Increasing Costs

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You’ve most likely noticed increasing prices as you check out at the grocery store and fill up your gas tank lately. Last month, consumer prices on goods took a huge jump and increased by 7% from the previous year. This is the highest inflation rate our country has seen in 40 years!

Here are some ways you can manage the current inflation environment and help your bottom line at the same time:

Shop Your Cabinets and Pantry First. Before you hit the store – check your cabinets, pantry, and shelves to see what non-perishable items you already have at home. This will allow you to see what you have already bought previously, shorten your grocery list, and save you some money on your food shopping bill. This also goes for checking toiletry items and cleaning supplies you already have at home, as well as look in your freezer too. It’s easy to forget what you may have already purchased and didn’t realize you had!

Meal Prep. Planning your meals ahead and making a grocery list based on the ingredients you’ll need for the week, will allow you to (hopefully) stick to the list in front of you and not buy extras. Try not to deviate from your list, oftentimes these additional purchases end up spoiling before you get a chance to use them and then end up in the garbage can.

Reduce Waste. This goes hand in hand with meal prepping. Plan out your meals and ingredients for the week ahead. Try to find recipes and ingredients that you can use in multiple meals. For example, say you purchase and cook a whole chicken on Sunday. Use the leftovers for lunches for the week ahead by making a grilled chicken salad on Monday, chicken noodle soup on Tuesday, and a chicken burrito bowl on Wednesday.

Try Using Store Brand Products. Most of the time, you’re going to pay more for a name brand product. While in the store, comparison shop. Typically, you’ll find that the generic store brand is cheaper and is essentially the same exact item.

Buy in Bulk. When you can and if you have the storage space, it’s usually cheaper to buy items in bulk. Think toiletries and household cleaning supplies, pasta, rice, cereal, etc. If you don’t have the space or need that much at the moment, see about splitting the items and costs with a friend or family member.

Cut Back on Meat. Meat tends to increase one’s grocery bill. Try going meatless once or twice a week if you can, and switch to less expensive protein alternatives on those days like beans, lentils, and cheese.

Save on Produce. Try to buy produce that’s in season, which will be cheaper – or buy from your local farm market. Also buying frozen fruit and vegetables will help you save money too.

Try to Save on Gas Prices. Can you carpool to the office or work from home at all? If not – look into signing up for a fuel rewards program, use a credit card that offers cash back on gas purchases, or download a comparison app to see which gas stations near you are the cheapest.

Share. Instead of making large purchases during these times, for items that you probably won’t use every day – see if you can share with or borrow from a friend or family member for expensive tools, appliances, or equipment.

While it may seem that prices and cost of living continues to increase, the suggestions above can certainly help you save some hard-earned money these days. Don’t forget to review this list before you visit the store next!

Article Source: The Penny Hoarder

3 Ways to Stop Overspending During These Times

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Given the current pandemic that continues, you’re most likely more mindful of your finances these days. Even if you have a budget set up, you may still find that money feels a little tight right now. The last thing you want to do in these current times, is rack up unnecessary debt or spend too much money. Here are 3 easy ways to stop overspending.

Cut back on takeout: It’s great to support local businesses right now, but don’t overdo it. Have you been consistently making trips to your favorite fast food drive thru or ordering takeout/delivery? If your takeout budget has increased, your grocery budget needs to decrease. Be mindful of what you are spending on food and if the takeout is taking over your budget.

Pay with cash: After you pay your bills for the month, try to use cash for anything else. Other than necessities that you may still want to purchase online for health and safety reasons, are you shopping online and using a card just to pass the time or buy items you don’t really need? Using cash may prevent you from adding that one extra item to your Amazon or other online shopping cart.

Make do with what you have: Delayed events are happening all over. Movies and concerts have either been pushed back or cancelled. As much as you might want to spend money you normally would spend on summer concert tickets on something else, keep it in your savings account. For now – watch a movie on Netflix you haven’t seen yet, or on your cable network’s free on demand movies. You can also login to YouTube and view a past live concert at no cost. There are many ways to improvise and save money!

Article Source: John Pettit for CUInsight.com