3 Easy Ways to Save Money this Summer

Posted on June 22, 2021 by Chief Marketing Officer Jessica

Wouldn’t you rather spend your money on making lasting memories with friends and family this summer? If you’re on a tight budget but still want to enjoy all that summer has to offer, here are three easy ways you can save.

Save up to $300 by packing your lunch. Making your lunch is usually healthier and cheaper than eating out. Instead of buying lunch every day, take a few extra minutes in the morning (or the night before) – and make your lunch at least two or three times a week. You could save $20–30 each week, which will add up to $200–300 throughout the summer!
Let Mother Nature dry your clothes. Give your dryer a break and let the warm summer air dry your clothes for free. You can also use cool water in the washer more frequently, which can clean your clothes just as well as warm or hot water. Changing up your laundry habits is an easy way to start saving money on summer bills.
Earn up to $100 by selling your old clothes. No time or space for a yard sale? Clean out your closets and take those clothes you “might wear… someday” to a consignment shop, or sell your clothes from home through an online marketplace like thredUP or Poshmark. Put the money you make toward a summer vacation.

How about one bonus way to save?

Did you know you’re not stuck with the car loan you got at the dealership? Dealers can make a good bit of profit by increasing the rate on customers’ initial auto loans. For example, Lender “A” offers a loan at 5% APR but you may end up paying 7% APR with the dealer. You may be able to save money and/or lower your interest rate by refinancing your vehicle loan with us.*

It costs nothing to find out if you could save, and you may then be able to pocket some big savings to use for a vacation this summer.

Get started by completing our quick Auto Loan Review Inquiry Form.

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Not all applicants will qualify, subject to credit approval. Additional terms & conditions may apply. Actual rate may vary based on credit worthiness and term. A First Financial membership is required to obtain a First Financial auto loan and is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, volunteers or attends school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties. Current loans financed with First Financial FCU are not eligible for review or refinance. See credit union for details. A $5 deposit in a base savings account is required for credit union membership prior to opening any other account/loan.

12 Ways to Enjoy Life Without Spending Tons of Money this Summer

Posted on August 2, 2019 by Chief Marketing Officer Jessica

The greatest things in life are those worthwhile experiences we often simply take for granted. While some may think that having expensive items are what leads to happiness, below are some ways you can still enjoy yourself without spending a fortune this summer.

1. Walk the Beach

Taking a walk along the beach not only clears your head, but it is a great way to relax amid any stress in your life. Feeling the sand beneath your feet as you navigate the coast is unlike anything else. Plus, depending on where you live – this is a low cost experience for the day. Or if you’re just walking after hours (dusk) or in the early morning, it’s free!

2. Explore Unknown Places Around Town

If you have the need for adventure, taking the time to explore around where you live is always fun. You never know what you are going to find – maybe your next frequent stop or go-to restaurant or shop.

3. Take a Nature Walk

Following a path in and out of the woods is always an exciting way to escape from the world and have some much needed time to yourself. If you wanted to take it to the next level, outdoor camping overnight is also another idea.

4. Ride Your Bike

Not only do you get some exercise, but this is a great way to explore the area and enjoy the outdoors while also exercising. Bike rides with friends or family is also a fun warm weather day time activity as well! Don’t own a bike? Find a local shop that will rent you one for the day.

5. Hang Out at the Boardwalk

Bringing you back to your childhood days is always a great experience, even if you don’t spend any money. As you walk along the boardwalk with some cotton candy, ice cream or a hot dog, you can’t help but smile.

6. Read a Book

Getting hooked on a book opens an entirely new journey as you turn each page. Reading outside on a summer night is even better!

7. Surf the Waves

Take a surf lesson or rent a surfboard for a day at the beach. Even if you don’t own or can’t rent a surf board, body boarding can be a great alternative.

8. Play a Board Game with Family

Remember how much fun you used to have when you beat family members in the game of Monopoly or Chess? Relive that past time as you relish the classical way to entertain yourself (prior to video games, computers and tablets).

9. Spend Time with Family

Spending time with loved ones is always a great way to enjoy yourself, as each new experience you have with them becomes a memory that you can cherish forever.

10. Play an Instrument

For those who love music, playing an instrument is not only relaxing – it also helps to keep the mind focused and sharp. What a great way to entertain yourself while also enjoying the sounds of classical music.

11. Take a Friend Out for Ice Cream

Having fun with friends, especially when sharing a sweet treat is definitely the thing to do in the summer. The experience you have with friends is priceless. And the cost of ice cream won’t break the bank either.

12. Walk the Mall

Even if you don’t have any money to spend, “looking without spending money” is a great way to still enjoy yourself without dealing with the burden of that future credit card bill in the mail! Just be sure to only look.

Article Source: David Ning for Moneyning.com

How to Enjoy Summer Without Going Broke

Posted on June 21, 2019 by Chief Marketing Officer Jessica

Summer has arrived! Here are some less expensive alternatives to enjoying the season without breaking the bank.

Have a Picnic in the Park

Summer is a great time to be outside enjoying the warm weather. Gather your family, friends, or even just have a quiet day by yourself outdoors. Bring fruit, cheese, crackers, a blanket and a book. This is a great way to soak up the sun and relax. If you’re inviting a larger crowd – make it a potluck picnic, where everyone brings something to eat. Music, board games, and a Frisbee or ball to throw around also make great additions. A simple day at the park can be a lot of fun (and not too expensive either)!

Get Creative in the Kitchen

It’s nice to partake in buying yourself an iced coffee everyday, happy hour after work and trying new restaurants. But doing so several times a week can really add up. If you’re slightly strapped for cash this summer, think about getting creative in your kitchen at home. Make your own iced tea, iced coffee, and infused water. You can even add fruit and herbs to your ice cube tray, and freeze them to add refreshing flavor to your summer beverages. By working in your own kitchen instead of spending money out, you’ll save some cash and feel accomplished at the same time.

Enjoy Free Community Activities

In nearly every community, there are usually lots of activities in the summer ranging from free movies and concerts in the park, bike rides, festivals, craft shows, and more. Check out the various activities by looking at your community calendar, a local newspaper, as well as online. A little bit of research can result in a ton of free or low-cost activities that are fun for the whole family. If you’re in Monmouth or Ocean Counties in New Jersey – check out our monthly Things to Do on a Budget blog posts!

Go on a Summer Purge

If you didn’t partake in a major spring cleaning, now is a great time to go through all your clothing, paperwork, and items around the house. If you haven’t used it in six months, it’s probably a good idea to either throw it out, recycle it, donate it, or sell it. Having a purge in the summer is a wonderful time to have a garage sale and declutter. You can make some extra cash and learn to live with only what you need.

Write Letters to Family and Friends

Have you ever noticed that nearly all of your mail is typically either a bill or junk? The only time our mailboxes really get any love is during the holiday season. If you aren’t traveling for the summer to see friends or family, write them a letter and maybe include some photos. It will be an unexpected surprise for the receiver and also boost your mood!

Explore Your Neighborhood

You may think you know your neighborhood inside and out, but there may be certain hidden corners and areas that are undiscovered. Be a tourist in your own city. Go for a walk and get lost. Enjoy a bike ride on a different path. Make a wrong turn. Appreciate the little things and actively look for things you’ve never seen before. Having a new perspective can show you things you may have been missing out on, right in your own backyard.

Host a Themed Party

As fun as traveling is, it can definitely be pricey. If you can’t get away this summer to your desired destination, do the next best thing and host a themed party instead. If you are dreaming of going to Japan, have a sushi night and invite some friends and family over. If you are wishing for island beaches, make some Caribbean food, put on some island music, and print out some tropical photos. Having a themed event can be fun and inspire you to save, so you can make your dream trip happen in the future.

Summer is a great time to explore, get together with friends and family, and enjoy the outdoors. There are plenty of ways you can do it for less, so you can still have some summer fun without breaking the bank.

Article Source: Melanie Lockert for Moneyning.com