Author Archives: VP of Marketing and Business Development Jessica

6 Tips to Financially Plan for a Career Change

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Embarking on a new career path is both exhilarating and daunting, requiring not just a leap of faith – but also financial preparation. Whether you’re venturing into entrepreneurship or transitioning to a field you’ve always been passionate about, the journey ahead demands strategic planning. First Financial is here with several pivotal tips to ensure your financial health remains strong as you pursue your career dreams.

1. Evaluate Your Emergency Fund

An adequate emergency fund is your financial safety net during a career transition. A good rule of thumb is to build your emergency fund to cover 6 to 12 months of living expenses. This fund can provide relief in case the transition takes longer than expected or if unforeseen expenses arise. Review and bolster your savings as soon as possible before your transition, as peace of mind is invaluable when stepping into the unknown. First Financial offers a variety of Savings Account options to help you reach your emergency fund goals and start your next chapter confidently.*

2. Budget for Health Insurance Costs

Health insurance is a critical consideration when leaving an employer-sponsored plan and can become a hefty expense if not planned for properly. Before accepting a new job, be sure to ask about a probationary period. Often new employees will not be able to receive some or all of their benefits until they have been employed for a certain amount of time, commonly 90 days. If this is the case, assess all your available options – including COBRA for temporary continuation of your current plan and options through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Also ensure the pricing can fit into your budget.

3. Life and Disability Insurance Coverage

Don’t overlook life and disability insurance, as losing these benefits can leave you vulnerable. Determine if your current plan allows for portability or if you’ll need to secure alternative coverage to protect against unexpected events. Ensuring continuous coverage is key to safeguarding your family’s financial future during and after your career change. If you find you’ll be left without coverage, First Financial offers options through our TruStage Insurance Program – with competitive rates and your protection in mind.

4. Retirement Savings Considerations

A career change can impact your retirement planning, especially if you’re leaving behind employer-matched contributions. Before making a move, check up on your retirement savings. Options for your existing retirement accounts include leaving the funds with your former employer or rolling them over into a new employer’s plan or an IRA. The First Financial Investment & Retirement Center can help you navigate your transition assistance options.**

5. Conduct a Financial Reality Check

Now is the time to scrutinize your spending, especially on hidden or unnecessary fees that can drain your resources. Regularly review your statements to identify and eliminate these financial leaks. Simplifying your financial obligations by consolidating debt can also free up more funds for your career transition, making it smoother and more manageable.

Small daily expenses often go unnoticed, but can cumulatively have a significant impact on your budget. Keeping a close eye on these can help identify opportunities to save, such as opting for home-cooked meals over dining out. Every dollar saved is one more dollar toward supporting your career change and maintaining financial stability. With First Financial online and mobile banking you can easily access your cards and statements to take a closer look at daily, weekly, and monthly charges easily eliminating unnecessary fees and expenses.

6. Create a Job Transition Budget

Planning for a career change involves more than just anticipating loss of income, it’s about adjusting to a new financial norm. A detailed transition budget will help you navigate this change, ensuring that you can account for all possible expenses and income changes. This foresight will allow you to adjust your lifestyle as needed, minimizing financial stress as you move toward your new career. Easily create a budget for your transition with our home budget calculator. Simply plug in your income, withholding amounts and expenses – and the tool will generate a detailed budget customized to your situation.

Embarking on a career change is a journey that involves financial preparation that can be overwhelming when navigated alone. At First Financial, we offer products and services designed to support you through every stage of your career transition. For more personalized assistance, call 732.312.1500 to schedule an appointment at your local branch today.

*A $5 deposit in a base savings account is required for credit union membership prior to opening any other account. All personal memberships are part of the Rewards First program and a $5 per month non-participation fee is charged to the base savings account for memberships not meeting the minimum requirements of the program. Click here to view full Rewards First program details. Some restrictions apply, contact the Credit Union for more information.

**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:

Begin Investing While Young

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You’re never too young to begin building an investment portfolio. In fact, investing when you’re young can have the potential to produce impactful earnings gains. And that’s because of a simple concept: compounding.

Like a snowball that grows as it rolls down a hill, compounding gives your money the opportunity to grow, continually reinvesting your investment earnings. With compounding, the more you invest – the greater opportunity you have to create long-term value. We’re going to give you some hypothetical examples to illustrate the power of compounding.

  • Let’s say that you invest $1,000 at age 20 and don’t add anything to the principal. You just compound earnings for 50 years until you turn 70. If you take a 7.2% annual rate of return, by age 70, your $1,000 would have grown to $32,000. Not bad.
  • Now let’s say you take the same approach, but delay investing until you’re 30. So that $1,000 has 40 years to grow. And assuming the same annual rate of return of 7.2%, your $1,000 investment will have grown to $16,000. Not nearly as good. In fact, that’s a decrease of 50%.
  • Finally, if you invest $1,000 at age 20 and contribute an additional $83 a month – or $1,000 a year until you turn 70, assuming that same 7.2% annual rate of return, your total savings will reach $465,000. Wow! That’s nearly 15 times the first example, and 30 times the second example.

To be clear, these were hypothetical examples and aren’t representative of any specific situation. They’re just to illustrate the power of compounding. The hypothetical rates of return used do not reflect the deduction of fees and charges inherent to investing. So, your results will vary.

There’s a fairly accurate formula called the rule of 72 that can help you estimate how long it would take for compounding to double an investment: Just divide 72 by the annual rate of return. The answer is the approximate number of years it would take to double your investment’s value, assuming a fixed rate of return.

  • As an example, if you earn 9% annually – it would take 72 divided by 9, or 8 years to double the value of your investment. Please note that this formula does not guarantee investment results and is just to give you an approximate idea of how quickly your savings can grow when compounding is at play.

For help putting together an investment strategy that works for you, reach out to one of our financial professionals listed below.

Questions? 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:

This material is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. There is no assurance that the views or strategies discussed are suitable for all investors or will yield positive outcomes. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal.

The rule of 72 is a mathematical concept and does not guarantee investment results nor functions as a predictor of how an investment will perform. It is an approximation of the impact of a targeted rate of return. Investments are subject to fluctuating returns and there is no assurance that any investment will double in value.

This material was prepared by LPL Financial, LLC

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7 Tips to Keep Your Money Secure While Traveling this Spring Break

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As spring break approaches, the anticipation for a much-needed getaway grows. This time of year marks a popular time for students and families to embark on travel adventures – seeking sun, relaxation, and time away from daily routines and colder weather. However, amidst the excitement of choosing destinations and packing essentials, it’s paramount to prioritize one critical aspect of your travel preparation – ensuring the security of your money.

Traveling, especially to unfamiliar destinations, can expose you to risks such as ID theft and fraud. Protecting your finances requires thoughtful planning and practice. To help you maintain peace of mind during your spring break travels, follow these comprehensive tips for keeping your money safe.

1. Bring Only What You Need

Simplify your wallet by carrying only the essentials. Select one or two credit cards that offer broad acceptance and robust fraud protection for your main expenses. A debit card is useful for accessing cash at reputable ATMs if necessary. Lighten your load by leaving behind any cards or documents not needed for your trip, reducing the risk of significant personal information exposure.

2. Notify Financial Institutions & Enable Account Alerts

Before you set off, inform your bank and credit card issuers about your travel plans. This pre-emptive step helps prevent your accounts from being frozen due to unexpected transactions outside of your usual location, which could be flagged as fraud. Enhance your financial security by setting up alerts for transactions, withdrawals, or activities that deviate from your typical spending patterns. These alerts can be a lifeline, enabling you to respond swiftly to unauthorized access to your accounts. You can easily manage your cards and create travel notifications in our mobile banking app, so you can enjoy your itinerary without worry.

3. Use Credit Cards for Big Purchases

Leveraging credit cards for significant expenses not only offers convenience, but also adds a layer of financial protection. Credit cards generally come with comprehensive fraud protection policies, minimizing your liability in case of unauthorized transactions. Additionally, using credit cards can provide benefits such as reward points and travel insurance, enhancing the overall value of your purchases. Remember to keep track of your spending to avoid post-vacation financial surprises. Our VISA Cash Plus Credit Cards offer travel rewards and benefits like travel accident insurance, and can be a great option for both safety and perks!

4. Use Only Reputable ATMs & Avoid Frequent Visits

ATMs can be a hotspot for skimming devices and other fraudulent mechanisms designed to steal your card information. Prioritize using ATMs located in secure, well-lit areas such as banks, airports, or hotel lobbies. By planning your cash needs in advance, you can minimize the number of times you need to withdraw cash, thereby reducing your risk exposure. If an ATM appears tampered with or offers an unusually complicated user interface, trust your instincts and find another machine.

If you are traveling abroad, First Financial offers convenient foreign currency exchange. You can have the currency delivered to your home or a branch before your trip, and easily avoid foreign ATM use.

5. Beware of Pickpockets and Thieves

Tourist areas are often targeted by pickpockets and thieves due to the high concentration of distracted travelers. Stay vigilant by keeping your cash and valuables in secure, hard-to-reach places, such as money belts or inner jacket pockets. Consider using bags with tamper-resistant features such as RFID-blocking materials and locks. Regularly check your belongings, especially in crowded places – and practice situational awareness.

6. Be Mindful of Scams

Scammers often exploit the vulnerability of tourists, employing various tactics to deceive them out of their money. Familiarize yourself with common scams at your destination – including fake tour offers, counterfeit goods, and overly aggressive street vendors. Always exercise caution when engaging with strangers and verify the authenticity of any service or product before making a purchase. By staying informed and skeptical of too-good-to-be-true offers, you can avoid falling victim to scams and identity theft.

7. Travel Insurance

Investing in travel insurance with coverage for theft or loss of personal items can be a prudent decision. Such policies not only provide financial compensation in case of unforeseen losses, but can also offer assistance that can be invaluable during stressful travel situations. Review different travel insurance options to find a policy that best suits your needs, ensuring it covers the specific risks associated with your travel itinerary and activities.

First Financial is here to keep you informed and ensure your finances are kept safe. For more financial tips and advice, be sure to subscribe to our First Scoop blog. For member travel questions and assistance related to an upcoming trip, call 732.312.1500 or visit a branch today.

First Financial Employee Spotlight: Nancy Culp

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At First Financial, we deeply value the dedication and hard work of our employees, who play a crucial role in making our services personalized and impactful. Their commitment to our members and the community is what sets us apart. In this spirit, we are thrilled to shine the spotlight on another one of our remarkable team members of 32 years – Nancy Culp, Chief Lending Officer. Nancy’s passion for service and her unwavering dedication to our members’ financial well-being, truly embodies what First Financial is all about. Her approach to banking is deeply rooted in the values of community and personalized touch. Nancy goes beyond loan transactions – she is passionate about building relationships and a close-knit, hometown feel that fosters trust. Keep reading to check out our interview with Nancy.

What was your background/work or education experience in your field before you began working at the credit union? I can hardly remember my life before the credit union. Prior to that I was a collections supervisor for the First National Bank of Toms River. I attended Ocean County College and Seton Hall University.

Can you walk us through one of your most important tasks and explain why it’s significant for our members? The credit union is all about members, as a cooperative the more members we have sharing in these benefits makes us different than big banks. Giving our members great service and products gives me personal satisfaction. Knowing that I make a difference in someone’s financial life is what drives me.

What personal values do you bring to your role here at the credit union and how do you see these values reflected in the work of First Financial? I believe the most important values I bring to my role are authenticity, determination, ethics and leadership. Team work in the organization has been tremendous.

Can you describe the team you work with and how you collaborate? The key to working with my different teams (the Branches and Loan Department) is constant communication.

What’s the best thing about being part of the team at First Financial? Each team member brings something to the table. First Financial is like a family and that translates to the personalized service we give to our members every day.

In your opinion, what sets First Financial apart from other financial institutions?Personalized service, and quick turnaround on questions and lending. Our employees really care about the members.

What’s something unique or surprising about you that members or other co-workers might not know? I am an amateur astronomer and an avid photographer.

If you could give one piece of financial advice to our members, what would it be?Don’t spend more than you can afford and always have an emergency fund.

Nancy’s vision for First Financial is clear – to build lasting relationships based on trust and financial education. By focusing on the well-being of our members and offering a listening ear, Nancy and her team ensure that our members feel valued and understood. We invite you to learn more about First Financial and how we, guided by employees like Nancy – are dedicated to providing exceptional service and support to our members. Visit our website to discover the First Financial difference.

Want to join the team at First Financial? Check out our careers webpage and apply online for current employment opportunities.

Subscribe to our First Scoop blog and keep an eye out for more stories and updates from us, as we continue to highlight the amazing people that make First Financial stand out.

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.

Financial Planning and Money Management for Seniors

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Navigating the financial landscape in retirement can be challenging. In the transition to living on a fixed income, understanding how to manage money becomes crucial for maintaining a comfortable lifestyle. First Financial is dedicated to helping those approaching or in retirement, gain the financial literacy and planning needed to fully enjoy it. Here are some key areas of focus for managing finances as a senior.

Creating and Managing a Budget

A budget is essential for anyone looking to manage their finances wisely, especially for seniors. It’s all about understanding where your money is going each month – and First Financial’s online budgeting resources can help. By tracking your spending, you can identify areas where adjustments can be made. This could mean finding more cost-effective insurance options or reducing utility bills. It’s also wise to allocate a portion of your income to savings, preparing you for unexpected expenses without worrying about where you’ll need to take that money from.

Digital Finance Management

The digital era offers convenient solutions for managing money and paying bills. Electronic banking tools such as the First Financial Mobile App and online bill payments can help avoid late fees and reduce the need for physical trips to a branch or the post office.

However, it’s crucial to stay vigilant by regularly checking bill accuracy and keeping online security measures up to date. It’s also important to watch out for digital banking scams, which often target seniors. If you’re unsure about a message you’ve received that appears to be from your bank or something isn’t sitting quite right – trust your instincts, don’t give out any personal information, and call your financial institution directly using the number on the back of your card or from their website.

Earning Additional Income

Retirement doesn’t mean the end of earning potential. Many seniors find joy and additional income in turning hobbies into part-time jobs or consulting in their prior field of expertise. It’s important to consider how this extra income might affect your overall financial plan, including taxes and healthcare costs. Consulting a tax professional can help you navigate these considerations.

Document Organization and Protection

Keeping financial records and personal documents secure yet accessible is important for seniors. It’s advisable to store essential documents in a safe place at home and consider a safe deposit box for irreplaceable items. Digital copies of important documents can also provide an additional layer of security and accessibility.

Enhancing Financial Literacy

The journey to financial literacy involves continuous learning and adaptation. Seniors can benefit from resources provided by federal agencies and consumer protection groups, which offer valuable information on managing finances, understanding banking products, and safeguarding against fraud.

Financial literacy is a vital tool for seniors aiming to live their retirement years to the fullest. By understanding how to budget, manage digital finances, and make informed decisions – senior adults can enjoy peace of mind and financial stability. First Financial is here to support you every step of the way with resources and guidance tailored to your unique needs. For more tips on managing your finances and preventing fraud all year long – subscribe to our blog. If you’d like to speak with a financial advisor in the First Financial Investment & Retirement Center, call 732-312-1534 or visit a branch near you.