Category Archives: Holiday and Seasonal Finances

How Small Businesses Can Use Valentine’s Day to Boost Engagement

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Valentine’s Day is a powerful seasonal opportunity for small businesses to connect with customers, build emotional loyalty, and boost engagement. When approached strategically, the holiday can help businesses stand out, attract new customers, and strengthen relationships that last well beyond February 14th. Here are a few smart ways small businesses can use Valentine’s Day to create meaningful engagement and drive results.

Think Beyond Romantic Love

Valentine’s Day has evolved. Today’s consumers celebrate many forms of love, such as friendships, family, coworkers, pets, and even self-love. Expanding your messaging beyond romantic partners allows your business to appeal to a wider audience and feel more inclusive.

Consider promoting:

  • Galentine’s Day gifts or experiences.
  • Self-care services or “treat yourself” offerings.
  • Gifts for family members or pets.

When customers see your business as part of their meaningful moments, engagement naturally increases.

Create Limited Time Offers

Seasonal promotions give customers a reason to take action. Valentine’s Day is a great time to introduce themed bundles, special pricing, or limited time packages that feel timely and thoughtful.

Ideas may include:

  • Pairing complementary products or services.
  • Offering Valentine’s Day gift bundles.
  • Creating a short-term promotion that encourages early purchases or that lasts throughout this year’s long holiday weekend.

These offers add urgency and keep your business top of mind during a busy shopping period.

Use Social Media to Spark Conversation

Valentine’s Day generates strong activity on social media, making it a great time to engage your audience. Interactive content encourages participation and helps extend your reach organically.

Try these out:

  • Asking customers to share who or what they love.
  • Hosting a simple giveaway or themed contest.
  • Running polls or questions related to Valentine’s plans.

These campaigns help build community while increasing visibility for your brand.

Partner with Other Local Businesses

Collaborating with other local businesses can amplify your Valentine’s impact. Cross-promotions or shared packages introduce your brand to new audiences, while also strengthening relationships within your community.

Examples can include:

  • Joint promotions with complementary businesses.
  • Co-hosted events or giveaways.
  • Shared marketing efforts across social channels or via joint emails.

Local partnerships can make the experience more valuable for customers and reinforce your role in the community.

Personalize Your Messaging

Valentine’s Day is rooted in connection, making it the perfect time to personalize your communication. Thoughtful messages will show customers that you value them beyond the transaction.

This could include:

  • A Valentine’s Day email with a personalized offer.
  • Special recognition for loyal customers.
  • Tailored recommendations based on past purchases or services.

Personal touches help customers feel seen and appreciated, in turn increasing engagement and trust.

Start Early and Stay Consistent

Valentine’s Day marketing works best when it starts early. Many customers plan ahead, especially when it comes to gifts, experiences, or reservations. Beginning your outreach in late January or early February allows you to stay visible and relevant throughout the decision-making process. Multiple touchpoints leading up to the holiday help reinforce your message and keep your business top of mind. If you missed the opportunity this year, save these ideas for next year or another upcoming holiday your business may be able to benefit from in 2026.

Turning Seasonal Moments into Long-Term Growth

Valentine’s Day gives small businesses the opportunity to lean into creativity and emotional connection. When done well, it’s not just about a single day or weekend of sales, it’s about building relationships that support long-term success.

At First Financial, we’re proud to support small businesses as they grow and adapt. Our Business Checking Accounts are designed to help Monmouth and Ocean County business owners manage their cash flow, streamline operations, and prepare for seasonal opportunities. With the right financial tools in place, you can focus more on engaging your customers and building a business you love.

Ready to get started? Visit your local branch, call 732.312.1500, or check out our website to find out how you can become a business member today.*

*A First Financial membership 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. Other terms & conditions may apply, see credit union for details.

Five Valentine’s Date Ideas Under $25

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Valentine’s Day is often associated with fancy flower bouquets, pricey dinners, and big price tags – but when it comes to love, it’s really the thought that counts. A little creativity can make any budget go a long way in making your Valentine’s Day feel special, thoughtful, and romantic. Check out these five Valentine’s date ideas that celebrate love without spending more than $25.

1. Heart-Shaped Pancake or Waffle Bar

Make heart-shaped pancakes or waffles for breakfast or breakfast-for-dinner. Whether you’re making pancakes or waffles, all you’ll need is pancake mix or basic pantry staples to whip up a quick and delicious batter. If you want to take it a step further, pick up extra fixings – such as whipped cream, chocolate chips, or fruit.

To form the heart shapes for pancakes, use a pastry bag with a tip or a resealable plastic bag. Stand the pastry or resealable plastic bag up in a glass (folding the ends over the top) and fill it with the batter.

When you’re ready to cook, draw an outline of a heart on a heated, greased griddle and then fill in the center. If you’re using a resealable plastic bag, fill it with batter and then snip off one of the bottom corners (about 1/4”).

To make heart-shaped waffles, consider purchasing a heart-shaped waffle maker. Buying this waffle maker will still keep your budget under $25!

2. Shopping Challenge

Turn Valentine’s gift giving into a date itself with a shopping challenge. Set a spending limit you are both comfortable with, we’ll say $25 to keep within the parameters of this article – and head to a local dollar store, discount store, or department store together. The challenge is that you will set a time limit to shop separately and pick out items you think your partner will love, keeping within your budget. Think a book by their favorite author, an item they can put together (like a puzzle or LEGOS), or an assortment of their favorite snacks. After you’re done shopping, head home to do a gift exchange of the items you picked out. To make it even more thoughtful, you can take turns explaining why you picked out each item and why you thought your partner would love it.

If you have room left in your budget, consider stopping at a local coffee shop or bakery to pick up a coffee or sweet treat to enjoy together while you exchange gifts.

3. Make Candles Together 

Light the mood with homemade candles this Valentine’s Day. We found a step-by-step tutorial from Joys of Homemaking for how to make homemade candles, and some of the materials can even be found at home. We included a basic guide below, but be sure to visit the tutorial for full instructions.

Materials Needed: Wax melts or flakes (soy wax flakes are recommended and can be found at Hobby Lobby for $10.99) | Essential oils | Candle wicks (traditional or natural) | Disposable wooden stick or spoon, for stirring | Mason jars | Wick anchor (like a clothespin or chopsticks)

Steps:

  • Place the wax in a pot and set the pot on low to medium heat. Stir gently to ensure even melting. If you’re cautious about damaging your pot, a double boiler is the way to go. Simply fill the bottom pot with water and place the wax in the top pot.
  • Once the wax has fully melted, add in the essential oil(s) you selected. The number of drops will depend on the type of oil you are using and its potency – so be sure to do some research.
  • Secure your wick in place. One easy method is to use a small amount of melted wax, or you can choose pre-made wick stickers or anchors available at most craft stores. Once your wick is anchored, it’s time to stabilize it. Lay a chopstick (or a pencil) across the rim of the jar and tape the upright wick to it.
  • Let the wax cool down and then pour it into the jars. As you fill each jar, remember to leave a bit of space at the top.Once you have filled your jars, wait about an hour or so – until the wax solidifies. After the wax has completely hardened, it’s time for the final touch – cutting the wick to your desired length.

4. Game Night for Two

A game night is the perfect way to spend quality time together, have some friendly competition, and create an affordable date right at home. Take inventory of the board games you have, or card games you know how to play – and make a line-up for the evening. If you don’t have any games or cards at home, stick to the $25 budget and purchase one within the spending parameter. To make your game night even more Valentine’s themed, consider buying a couple’s game that tests your knowledge of each other or two-person board games that require you to put your heads together! If video games are more your thing, you can create a game night for those too.

5. Take a Trip Down Memory Lane

If you and your partner have been together for some time, you might have a box stashed under the bed or in a closet – stuffed with mementos and tokens throughout your relationship. Consider pulling this box out to take a trip down memory lane, reminiscing on the good old days. This gives you a chance to connect with your partner and remember exactly what you love about your relationship, which is what the true spirit of the holiday is all about!  If you don’t have a box like this, consider making one together and add photos, love letters, or tickets from events you’ve been to.

If you’re local to Monmouth or Ocean Counties in New Jersey and in search of other affordable ways to get out of the house this Valentine’s Day, or throughout the year – check out our monthly Things to Do on a Budget blog posts. These blog posts are an easy way to stay updated on local, budget-friendly happenings all year round.

We hope you have an enjoyable (and affordable) Valentine’s Day!

What to Buy After the Holidays: Smart Savings Tips

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The holidays are over, but the savings season is just beginning! What savvy shoppers know is that the weeks right after the holidays are some of the best times of the year to stretch your money. Retailers are now discounting seasonal goods and popular products to clear space for new inventory, and you can really benefit. Keep reading to learn what you should consider buying right after the holidays to save big.

1. Wrapping Paper and Gift Bags

As soon as the holidays end, stores slash prices on wrapping paper, gift bags, bows, and tags – often 50% to 75% off. These supplies are perfect to stock up on for the next year. Keep them organized in a clear container labeled by size and occasion so you’re always ready when gift season rolls around again.

2. Holiday Decor

Everything from artificial trees to outdoor inflatables, ornaments, and string lights drop in price after December 25th. If you decorate every year, buying ahead can save you a bundle. Only buy decor you truly love or will use again though. Quality holiday items can last for many seasons.

3. Winter Clothing and Gear

Post-holiday markdowns extend to winter apparel such as coats, boots, gloves, hats, and cold-weather gear. Retailers know demand dips after gift buying, so discounts can be significant.  Buying winter gear on clearance in January means you’re set for the remainder of this winter and to kick off the next.

4. Fitness Items and New Year Essentials

While prices on gym equipment and activewear are often high in December, starting in January – retailers begin discounting items tied to New Year’s resolutions like fitness gear, yoga mats, home-gym equipment, and sports apparel. You’ll want to make a list before heading to the store so you don’t overspend.

5. Holiday Candy and Treats

After the holidays, seasonal candies and packaged treats are heavily discounted, sometimes up to 70% off. Because many of these items have a long shelf life, they can be great for stocking your pantry. Use these for baking, party platters, or as affordable treats throughout the year.

6. Toys and Gift Items

Toy discounts skyrocket as retailers prepare for new seasonal assortments. Whether it’s board games, building sets, or action figures – you can often find quality gifts at a fraction of original price. Now is the perfect time to pick up gifts for upcoming birthdays or do early holiday shopping for next year!

7. Baking and Pantry Staples

Some stores also discount holiday baking supplies like flour, sugar, spices, and chocolate chips once the season ends. Because they store well, you can buy in bulk now and save. Stock up on what you know your household will use before expiration.

How This Fits Your Financial Plan

Shopping smart after the holidays can be a helpful strategy for managing your household budget.

  • Stretch your dollars. Buying items at steep discounts means more money stays in your savings or goes toward debt reduction.
  • Plan ahead. If you know what you’ll need later in the year, after-holiday sales offer a chance to check those off at lower prices.
  • Avoid impulse buys. Not every discount is a bargain. Stick to your list and only buy what aligns with your financial goals.

A Chance to Save

The post-holiday period isn’t just about ending one season, it’s a chance to save and get ahead for the next. Whether you’re replacing last year’s decor, prepping for birthdays, or stocking up on essentials – thoughtful spending now can pay off big in the months ahead.

Ready to make your finances go further in 2026? Subscribe to our First Scoop Blog and learn more ways to save throughout the year.

How to Save for the Holidays Year Round

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Saving for the holidays year round can help reduce stress, avoid last minute debt, and give you more flexibility to enjoy the season. With the right plan and the right savings tools, you can make holiday saving simple and automatic. The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to start!

Why Saving for the Holidays All Year Long Makes Sense

Spreading holiday expenses out over the course of the year has real financial benefits:

  • Less stress during the holidays: You’ll already have funds set aside when the season arrives.
  • Avoid high-interest debt: Planning ahead can help reduce reliance on credit cards or loans.
  • More room in your monthly budget: Smaller, consistent deposits are easier to manage than one large expense at the last minute.
  • Greater flexibility: Having holiday funds ready allows you to enjoy experiences, traditions, and generosity without guilt.

Starting early puts you in control before holiday costs pile up.

How Our Holiday Club Account Helps You Stay on Track

First Financial’s Holiday Club Account is designed specifically to help you save consistently for holiday expenses throughout the year.* Instead of trying to remember to set money aside, this account makes saving structured and simple.

Here’s how it works and why it’s effective:

  • Open at any time: You don’t have to wait for a specific season to get started.
  • Automatic renewal: Your account will renew each year, so holiday saving becomes an ongoing habit.
  • Annual dividends: Dividends are posted annually on balances of $100 or more.
  • Dedicated purpose: Keeping holiday savings separate helps prevent spending these funds on everyday expenses.

By the end of October, your Holiday Club funds will be deposited directly into your First Financial account, ready for you to use.

Make Saving Easy with Automation

One of the biggest reasons people struggle to save is simply forgetting, or feeling like there’s never extra money left at the end of the month. Automation removes that barrier.

With a Holiday Club Account, deposits can be made in ways that fit your lifestyle:

  • Payroll deductions: Automatically direct a portion of your paycheck into your Holiday Club Account.
  • Direct deposit: Set up recurring transfers from your income.
  • In-person or mail deposits: Add funds whenever it’s convenient.

Even small, regular contributions can add up over time. For example, saving $20–$25 per week throughout the year can create a meaningful holiday fund by the time the season arrives.

The Power of Starting Early

Opening a Holiday Club Account early in the year gives your savings more time to grow and removes pressure later on. Instead of scrambling in the fall, you’ll already be prepared with less financial strain and more peace of mind.

Saving year round also allows you to adjust as life changes. You can increase or decrease contributions, plan ahead for travel, or prepare for larger holiday goals without feeling rushed.

Plan Ahead and Make the Season More Enjoyable

The holidays should be about connection, celebration, and enjoying time with loved ones – not worrying about finances. Saving year round helps you plan ahead, stay organized, and feel confident when the holiday season arrives. A little planning today, can make a big difference tomorrow.

Stop into your local branch, call 732-312-1500, or contact us to get started today!

*A First Financial membership 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. 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.

How to Rebuild Your Savings After the Holiday Season

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The holiday season is full of joy, connection, and extra spending. Between gifts, travel, hosting, and last-minute celebrations – it’s common to enter the new year feeling a little lighter in the savings department. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

The good news? Rebuilding your savings after the holidays doesn’t require drastic changes or financial stress. With a few intentional steps and realistic goals, you can regain momentum and set yourself up for a stronger, more confident financial year ahead.

Here’s how to get started.

1. Start With a Clear Financial Check-in

Before you can rebuild, it’s important to understand where you stand. Take a moment to review your bank accounts, recent statements, and outstanding balances. This isn’t about judging past spending, it’s about creating clarity.

Ask yourself:

  • How much do I currently have in savings?
  • Did I dip into savings during the holidays?
  • Are there credit card balances I need to prioritize?

A clear picture helps you make informed decisions and sets a realistic foundation for next steps.

2. Reset Your Savings Goals for the New Year

If your savings took a hit, your previous goals may need adjusting and that’s okay. Instead of aiming for a large number right away, focus on rebuilding consistency.

Consider breaking savings into smaller, achievable goals, such as:

  • Rebuilding an emergency fund to at least one month of expenses.
  • Saving $500–$1,000 as a short-term cushion.
  • Setting aside money for upcoming expenses like spring travel or home projects.

Smaller wins add up quickly and help rebuild confidence along the way.

3. Make Saving Automatic

One of the most effective ways to rebuild savings is to remove the guesswork. Setting up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings account ensures that saving happens consistently, even when life gets busy.

Start with an amount that feels manageable. Even $25 or $50 per paycheck can make a meaningful difference over time. Once it becomes routine, you can always increase the amount as your budget allows.

4. Adjust Your Budget Without Cutting All the Fun

Post-holiday budgeting doesn’t have to mean eliminating everything you enjoy. Instead, look for small adjustments that free up cash without feeling restrictive.

Try:

  • Reducing takeout or dining out (even by one meal per week, if you typically do this almost daily).
  • Pausing unused subscriptions.
  • Planning groceries and meals ahead of time.
  • Setting a short “reset period” for discretionary spending.

The goal isn’t perfection, it’s progress.

5. Rebuild Before You Spend Unexpected Money

Tax refunds, bonuses, or cash gifts can feel like an invitation to splurge. While it’s fine to enjoy a portion of any extra money, consider prioritizing savings first.

A simple approach:

  • Save a percentage (such as 50%).
  • Use the rest for debt reduction or planned spending.

This helps accelerate your recovery while still allowing room to enjoy the reward.

6. Keep Your Savings Accessible, but Separate

Keeping your savings in a dedicated account can reduce the temptation to dip into it for everyday expenses. Many people find it helpful to separate emergency savings from short-term or “fun” savings goals.

First Financial savings accounts offer easy access for our members, and peace of mind that your money is waiting there for you without unnecessary risk.*

7. Check-in Regularly (and Celebrate Progress)

Rebuilding savings is a journey, not a one-time fix. Schedule monthly check-ins to review progress, adjust goals, and recognize what’s working (or what’s not). Even small milestones like your first $100 saved again, or a full month of consistent deposits – are worth celebrating.

Start Fresh with Confidence

The holidays may have passed, but the opportunity for a fresh financial start is right in front of you. With intentional planning, consistent habits, and support from a trusted financial partner, rebuilding your savings is absolutely within reach. At First Financial, we’re here to help you every step of the way, because your financial well-being matters all year long.

Ready to take the next step? Our team is always available to help you explore savings options, budgeting tools, and strategies designed with your financial goals in mind. Contact us today or visit your local branch.

*A First Financial membership 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. 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. View full Rewards First program details at firstffcu.com. Some restrictions apply, contact the Credit Union for more information.

Secret Santa Turned Scam: What to Know About the “Secret Sister” Gift Exchange

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The holidays are a time for generosity, connection, and giving back – which is exactly why scammers ramp up their activity this time of year. One scheme that resurfaces every holiday season is the “Secret Sister” gift exchange scam, often disguised as a Secret Santa-style tradition on social media.

While the idea sounds harmless and festive, this “gift exchange” is actually an illegal pyramid scheme designed to benefit only a few people at the top, while leaving most participants with empty hands and in some cases – lost money.

Here’s how the scam works, what to watch out for, and how to protect yourself and your family.

What Is the “Secret Sister” Scam?

This scam typically appears on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. A post usually invites you to join a gift exchange where you’ll:

  • Send one gift (often $10–$20 in value) to a stranger.
  • Add your name to a list.
  • Share the post with friends so more gifts come back to you.

The promise? If enough people join, you’ll receive multiple gifts in return.

In reality, very few participants ever receive anything. The system only works for the first few people at the top, making it a classic pyramid scheme – which is illegal in the U.S.

Why This Scam is So Dangerous

While it may seem like “just a gift,” this scam can lead to:

  • Financial loss.
  • Sharing personal information with strangers.
  • Increased risk of identity theft.
  • Friends unintentionally scamming friends.

Even worse, many people unknowingly help spread the scam by reposting it.

Common Red Flags to Watch Out For

If you see a post that includes any of the following, proceed with extreme caution:

  • Promises of receiving multiple gifts in return for sending just one.
  • Being asked to send a gift to someone you don’t know.
  • Instructions to copy and paste the post exactly as it appears.
  • Requests to share in multiple groups.
  • Pressure to act quickly.

If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is!

What to Do if You See the Scam

If you encounter a “Secret Sister” post:

  1. Do not participate.
  2. Do not share the post.
  3. Report the post on the social platform.
  4. Let the person who posted it know, as they may not realize it’s a scam.

Helping to stop the spread protects others in your community, too.

How First Financial Helps Keep You Safe

At First Financial, protecting your financial well-being is our top priority. Our team is always here to help you:

  • Spot common scams and fraud trends.
  • Secure your accounts.
  • Understand safe ways to give during the holidays.
  • Recover as quickly as possible if suspicious activity occurs.

If you ever have questions about a suspicious message or payment request – contact us right away. It’s always better to ask if you are unsure, than to risk your financial security.

The Bottom Line

The “Secret Sister” scam thrives during the season of giving because it taps into trust, generosity, and community – but true holiday spirit should never come with financial risk. This year, protect yourself and your loved ones by staying informed, trusting your instincts, and choosing safe, legitimate ways to spread holiday cheer.

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