Author Archives: VP of Marketing and Business Development Jessica

5 Simple Steps to Stop Overspending

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You probably have the best intentions when it comes to saving money. With all the temptations out there, it can be hard to keep your finances in line. Splurging here and there every once in awhile is okay – but the habit of overspending can become a much bigger problem if you don’t keep things in check. Check out these five steps to stop overspending, before it gets out of hand.

Understand Your Triggers

Overspending is often caused by impulse shopping. When you’re out shopping, do the small items in the checkout aisle get you? Do you always pick something up while waiting at the checkout line, even though you don’t actually need anything? Ask yourself why. It’s important to understand what your triggers are. Do you spend because it gives you a thrill or because you’re bored and have nothing else to do while waiting in line? Understanding exactly why you overspend will help you get to the root of the problem and find lasting and realistic solutions.

Track Your Budget

The most important thing you can do to stop overspending is to actually have a budget and track your expenses. It’s not enough to just have a rough idea of how much you’re spending. You need to know exactly where your money is going and what you’re spending on everything. Start logging expenses in the budget whenever you buy something or pay a bill. At the end of the month, sit down and analyze your spending habits. You might be surprised at what you find out, and even more surprised when you realize you can cut a lot out without feeling much of a sacrifice.

Learn to Say No

Overspending has a lot to do with social pressures. Sometimes it’s just really hard to say no. You might be trying to keep up with the Joneses, or maybe your friends are just constantly asking you to go out. Think about your priorities before you agree to anything. Is the decision going to hurt your finances and should you really be making that commitment? Learning to say no is a big part of being financially responsible. The sooner you learn what you can and can’t afford, the closer you will be to financial independence.

Live Within Your Means

Here’s a simple thing you can do to improve your finances: don’t spend more than you have. Getting into the habit of spending every paycheck is dangerous even if you never get into debt, because emergencies do happen and you will need savings to fall back on. It’s even worse if you overspend and fall into debt to make purchases. Once you owe money, you not only have to pay for what you buy, but you also need to pay interest on what you owe – effectively making your paycheck smaller for the foreseeable future. Learn to live within your means. It’s certainly not easy at the beginning, but scaling back little by little will set you up for long term success.

Allow Small Rewards

Personal finance is serious business, and most of the time it may not seem very fun. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself in the process though. Don’t forget to budget for a “YOU” fund. Allow yourself small rewards from your paycheck. Just make sure the “YOU” fund doesn’t cause you to go over your budget.

Article Source: Connie Mei for moneyning.com

5 Reasons You’re in Debt

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Are you in debt and not sure how you got there? Some of these reasons may be the culprit.

1. You justify your purchases

Don’t try to rationalize unnecessary purchases. On some level, we are all guilty of this. Between “I deserve this” and “I need this,” we’re constantly making excuses for spending money. This doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself, but do it affordably and make sure you budget for it.

2. You refuse to address your debt

The first stage of grief is denial, and dealing with debt can look very similar. Do not ignore your debt. As difficult as it is, you need to face your debt head on. Understand what you owe and create a plan of attack.

3. You are an impulse spender

With next day shipping and one-click shopping, this has never been a more prevalent issue for consumers. These purchases are beyond trying to justify, and that impulse is what is hurting your wallet. Try holding off on some purchases unless you’ve given them some thought, or saved up first.

4. You assume you are going to make more later

A great example of this is taking on student loans. Most students don’t have a choice if they want to go to college, and are now graduating with debt upward of $40,000 in hopes that they can land a job that will pay them enough to pay it back. In other cases, people are making purchases because they think they will be up for a promotion or have a raise around the corner. Even if all of these things do come to fruition, you will still be paying more in interest than if you’d waited.

5. You often dip into savings for expenses

J.P. Morgan once said, “if you have to ask how much it is, you can’t afford it.” When you look at a price tag and immediately start thinking about how to move money around, take a step back. Once that money goes into your savings, it should disappear from your thoughts. The only time you should ever spend money from savings is when there’s an emergency and you need to use your emergency fund.

Article Source: Tyler Atwell for CUinsight.com

Mind the GAP: Understanding the Value of GAP Coverage

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Picture the following scenario: After months of research and planning, you take the plunge and buy a new car. Once the financing is secured and your auto insurance is in place, you’re ready to hit the road. You’re so excited about your sparkling new ride that you’re not even worried about the fact that most new cars depreciate by as much as 10% the moment you drive them off the lot—and up to 20% in the first year.

Now, imagine that after just a few weeks, you’re involved in an accident that badly damages, or worse yet, totals your car. (Don’t worry—unlike your car, you emerge from this imaginary situation without a scratch). Fortunately, you did the responsible thing and secured good auto insurance. Once all the proper claims have been filed, you find out that insurance will only cover your car’s market value—which, due to the depreciation, is several thousand dollars less than the amount you actually owe on your auto loan. If only there were a type of loan protection that would help you make up that difference. Fortunately, there is. It’s called Guaranteed Asset Protection—or GAP, for short.

What is GAP?

GAP coverage is an optional protection plan offered with auto loans or leases, and depending on the plan coverage limits, it effectively waives most of, if not all, the remaining balance on your loan. While your auto insurance plan’s comprehensive and collision policies cover your vehicle’s value in the event that it is totaled or stolen, GAP coverage is designed to ensure you don’t get stuck making payments on a car you no longer own.

How do I know if I need GAP coverage?

While the product makes good financial sense for some, not everybody needs to get a GAP policy. According to the financial experts at NerdWallet, there are a few basic guidelines that will help you decide whether GAP coverage is right for you. You should strongly consider adding a GAP policy to your auto loan if you:

  • Made a small down payment on a new car, or none at all.
  • Agreed to a loan term longer than 48 months.
  • Drive a lot, which reduces a car’s value more quickly.
  • Lease your car.
  • Bought a car that depreciates faster than average.

Where do you get GAP coverage?

While a variety of companies provide GAP coverage for consumers, it often makes the most sense to obtain the protection plan from the same financial institution that will be financing your vehicle purchase in the first place (which is hopefully your local credit union). If you already financed your vehicle through a dealership, keep in mind that many GAP programs are refundable up to a certain number of days. This means that should you decide to refinance your auto loan through a credit union, they may be able to help you get a refund on your original GAP plan and secure a new plan at a lower cost.

Not only are credit union GAP plans traditionally less expensive than those available through finance companies, they can typically only be added to your loan at the time of closing (vehicle age and mileage limits also apply). Securing coverage through the financial institution that services your loan reduces the need to coordinate communication between multiple parties. It also increases the likelihood that you can put a frustrating accident experience behind you sooner rather than later—and that peace of mind is priceless.

If you have questions about Guaranteed Asset Protection or want to know how to add it to your auto loan before you close, contact a financial representative at First Financial. They can help you review your current financing situation and determine whether GAP coverage is right for you.*

*Your purchase of MEMBERS CHOICE™ Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) is optional and will not affect your loan application for credit or the terms of any credit agreement you have with us. Certain eligibility requirements, conditions, and exclusions may apply.

3 Habits of Highly Effective Savers

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When life changes, adjust.
Whether it is having babies, job changes, or the purchase of a new home, life is constantly changing. Every life changing event leads to an increase or decrease of your available funds. People who save effectively will look at these situations as opportunities to adjust the way they save. This may mean a temporary hold on saving, but always make sure you plan for a time when you can begin saving money again.

Play for keeps.
People who are great at saving don’t look at their paychecks as something to spend. They look at their paychecks as something to keep. Center your financial decisions around the question: How do I spend less, save more, and still obtain the things I need?

Set aside part of any extra earnings.
While your yearly income is (hopefully) predictable, we sometimes receive money we did not expect or budget for. This can be a tax return, bonus at work, birthday money, credit card rewards, etc. A great saver will put at least a percentage of each windfall they receive into their savings account.

If you’re looking to save, check out your local credit union like First Financial! We offer a great variety of options in savings accounts and savings certificates, which are Federally Insured by the NCUA.*

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.

Article Source: Robbie Young for CUInsight.com

10 Life Events That Require Financial Planning

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Sometimes even the best events in life – a birth, new job or dream relocation, need a financial plan. They might require more insurance coverage, a new budget, or guidance from a financial advisor. Here are 10 life events that should inspire you to do some financial planning:

1. The opportunity to buy a vacation home.

Summer rental homes can represent bliss, that great escape you have every year. Summer homes are often bought as emotions rise at the end of the season. But purchasing a vacation home can be a complicated long-term commitment. A financial planner, not a real estate agent, can tell you what to consider.

2. You got that big raise you’ve been counting on for years.

Pay raises are typically small and incremental, so getting a big raise is cause for celebration. They also mean it’s time to do some financial planning to determine how much you should be saving for the future, too. It might be time to bump up your retirement savings. Talk with your financial advisor ASAP!

3. Wedding bells are ringing, finally.

Couples might be marrying later these days than they used to. So when they finally do tie the knot, combining finances can be even more complicated. Prenups might be a buzzkill, but they can help protect each person’s savings and prevent any misunderstandings. They are especially important if either member of the couple is bringing children into the marriage.

4. You got your diploma.

Graduates might not think they have enough money to talk to a financial planner, but they face key money choices as they start repaying their share of the overall $1 trillion in college debt with “starter” jobs. They could certainly use help prioritizing payments for credit cards and student loans.

5. You’re relocating.

The 50 states can be as different as moving to another country. Tax rates differ and cost of living can shift dramatically. There are scores of moving-related expenses too. Make sure you do your homework and are prepared.

6. You just got an inheritance.

Baby boomers stand to inherit significant wealth in the coming years, and receiving lump sums also carries with it financial responsibility. It can raise questions about spending habits, charitable contributions, tax payments and a multitude of other concerns. You might want to get help from a professional as you figure out how to handle this money.

7. You’re expecting a new arrival in the family.

When a baby arrives, life inevitably gets way more complicated. It could be worth it to factor in some financial planning alongside baby naming or stroller shopping. You might want to open a 529 savings account (for future college), as well as take out additional life insurance policies.

8. You got your first real job.

Your college grad may act like they just want to have fun, but they often need guidance during this key life transition. Consider sending your child to a financial planner before they enter the workforce.

9. You get offered a generous severance package.

Emotions often run high when your employer offers a big severance package. It’s important to understand the complex financial issues associated with severance packages. You want to make sure you understand all the fine print before you sign on the dotted line.

10. You retire.

Retirement is considered the pivotal financial moment in a person’s life. If you haven’t already worked with a financial planner to figure out your plans and budget, then now is the time. In fact, financial advisors urge even clients in their 20s and 30s to start planning for this major life transition, to make sure they’re saving enough during their peak earning years. It’s also a good time to reflect upon what you’d like to do with your retirement.

To set up a complimentary consultation with the Investment & Retirement Center located at First Financial Federal Credit Union to discuss your savings goals with a Financial Advisor, contact us at 732.312.1500 or stop in to see us!*

 *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 The Investment & Retirement Center are not registered as a broker/dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using The 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 The Investment & Retirement Center.

Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are:

Not Insured by NCUA or Any Other Government Agency Not Credit Union Guaranteed Not Credit Union Deposits or Obligations May Lose Value

Article source: U.S. News Staff for money.usnews.com

Don’t Make These Tax Filing Mistakes

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From math errors to missing Social Security Numbers to forms that aren’t signed, there are plenty of common tax mistakes that taxpayers can make when filing their returns. These mistakes can lead to delays in processing returns and issuing refunds. If serious enough, they might even lead to an IRS audit. Fortunately though, the IRS does allow do-overs. You can usually file an amended return if you realize that you’ve made a mistake. But that’s the problem — you might not realize you’ve made a mistake. Brush up on the following tax fails before you file, so you can avoid making the same errors this tax season.

Waiting Until the Last Minute to File

Although plenty of people put off doing their taxes, waiting until the last minute to file a tax return can backfire.  Do you really want to be scrambling to make the tax filing deadline (April 15th)? In a rush to file, you may forget to actually pay your taxes if you owe – which can result in a late payment penalty from the IRS (0.5% of taxes owed each month the payment is late). File as early as possible and avoid this headache altogether.

Forgetting to Pay Taxes on a Cashed-Out IRA

Did you cash out IRA money last year or plan to roll one over and then never did? If you forget to do this, the amount that has been cashed out is taxable. You also need to report any IRA changes on your tax return. If you forget to do this, it could result in a tax audit. And once that happens, everything will be checked with a fine tooth comb. The moral of the story: don’t forget to report any retirement account changes you made in the last year.

Mailing the Tax Check to the Wrong Agency

If you owe taxes or have a situation in which you have to pay taxes on an employee during the year (you hired a nanny to watch your children and are paying taxes on the nanny’s wages), be sure your payment is going to the right place. Failure to do this can again result in late fees and a giant headache. The same goes for electronic payments. Double check the mailing address and then check again.

Not Knowing the Filing Deadline for Businesses

Are you an S corporation? Typically, an S corporation business must file a return by the 15th day of the third month — not the fourth month, according to the IRS. Failure to file by the correct deadline could result in a file penalty fine of $450.

Not Making Estimated Tax Payments

Because self-employed workers don’t have employers to withhold taxes from their paycheck for them, they have to make estimated tax payments to the IRS throughout the year.  A good habit to get into here if this pertains to you, is to set aside money each month and try to estimate as accurately as you can – should you owe more on taxes when you file.

Forgetting to Make Tax Payments

This is a pretty straightforward one – don’t forget to make your tax payments if you owe this year. And if you are self-employed, don’t forget to send in your estimated tax payments. If you are required to send in estimated tax payments and you forget, you could receive an underpayment penalty fee.

Trying to DIY Tricky Tax Returns

If your tax situation is simple enough to file the 1040 form, you don’t need to hire a professional to prepare your return. But if you don’t have a simple tax situation and have multiple sources of income, own a home (or two), have investments, a military pension, etc. – it might be a good idea to let a professional handle filing your return for you.  A tax accountant can help you identify expenses you hadn’t previously been claiming as deductions, which can ultimately lower your tax bill. They’ll also look at your withholding with you, and see if it can be adjusted if you always seem to owe the IRS money come tax time each year. Sure – you’re going to have to pay for this service, but if you have a complicated tax return it will probably end up saving you money (and aggravation) in the long run.

More sound advice: it’s best to prepare for tax season all throughout the year. As you collect receipts, paperwork, statements, and so forth during the year – put them in a file and take them out and go over them right at the start of each new year. This way you stay on top of any changes that come up throughout the year, and aren’t digging for items at the last minute. Be prepared and organized, and filing your taxes each year will become second nature.