Category Archives: Holiday and Seasonal Finances

Last Minute Halloween Costumes on a Budget

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Halloween is almost here and that means your time to find a costume is limited. If you are like many Americans, a Halloween costume is something that seems to slip to the bottom of the list every year. Whether you are putting together a last-minute fix for your child or a low-key costume for the neighborhood party, we have a few options for you.

Stick with the classics.

Everyone knows Charlie Brown. While his dreary disposition may not seem like the ideal inspiration for a fun Halloween costume, it is important to remember that Charlie always keeps it simple. Stock up on the following materials and create your own Peanuts ghost costume. You’ll need:

  • 1 white bed sheet
  • 5 sheets of black cardboard paper
  • 1 pair of scissors
  • 1 container of glue

Punny is priceless.

Everyone knows someone who doesn’t like to dress up. If you are that person, you’re in luck, this one’s for you. This costume commandeers the style of our Canadian friends and relies heavily on denim (also known as: the Canadian tuxedo). Grab your favorite pair of jeans, a denim jacket or shirt, and one “HELLO MY NAME IS” name tag. Fill out the name tag with the name “Jean” and you’re good to go. As a bonus, this costume will definitely keep you warm even on a cool October night. Costume supplies:

  • 1 pair of jeans
  • 1 denim top
  • 1 “HELLO MY NAME IS” name tag
  • 1 marker
  • Denim shoes or hat (optional)

Kick it old school.

Style is always changing and with decades of life experience comes decades of outdated apparel lining the back of your closet. Dig into your closet and revitalize one of your favorite old-school looks. From the bell-bottoms and big collars of the 70’s to the big hair and bright colors of 80’s – your Halloween costume is probably hiding in your closet, you just have to find it. This one’s easy – you’ll need:

  • Willingness to relive past fashion mistakes (and have fun with it!)

At the end of the day, Halloween is about having fun. Keep the stress and the cost low this year and handle the whole process in-house with these easy last minute costume ideas. Happy Halloween!

Ways to Make Back to School Shopping Happy and Frugal

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Summer is winding down and the school season has arrived. Whether it’s for new clothes, backpacks, technology or books, the back to school season is one where there is a ton of shopping. Furthermore, no one ever wants to disappoint their children, so this is a time when you can really break the bank without even realizing it. If you are stressing about how you can frugally (and happily) get your kids back to school, keep reading!

1. Check Out Bargains All Year

Stocking up is always a great way to save money, and back to school supplies are no different. Throughout the year, school supplies are constantly sold at a discount. If you spend some time to stock up when things are on sale, all you need to do is bring those supplies out in August and give them to your kids.

2. The Dollar Store is Your Friend

This is one of the best kept back to school shopping secrets. A lot of the time, you can even find name brand merchandise for a dollar. Don’t underestimate hitting up your local dollar store before you shop for school supplies anywhere else.

3. Do Everything Online

Shopping online is convenient and frugal. Not only can you buy things for less, it also gets delivered to your door. Plus, many merchants offer free shipping too (depending on what you spend). If you plan in advance, this is probably the easiest way to shop.

4. Shop Late

There are always last minute deals and back to school time is no different. If you can wait on the items you need to buy, you might just be rewarded.

5. Shop Alone

Kids can be amazingly talented at wanting more than you can afford. In order to resist the temptation to satisfy them, shop alone. This way, they won’t be tempted by all the advertising in the stores and you can zip through and buy only what you actually need.

6. Shop Around

Sound shopping advice tells us to always compare prices. You can most likely find a place where the item you’re looking for is being sold for less, so be sure to check all sources first.

7. Second Hand is Not Second Class

Go to garage sales and see if you can pick up items for less. You just might find something very useful for the school year.  Another idea is to organize a back to school exchange program.  Do you live in a neighborhood with a lot of kids? Get all the parents on board and list out available items and see if other parents can take advantage of what someone else bought previously and is no longer using. If you can work out a deal where you can all trade amongst each other, it’s a win-win situation.

If you need additional help paying for back to school supplies and clothing, First Financial offers some of the lowest credit card rates around. To learn more about First Financial’s VISA® Credit Cards and apply today, please visit our credit cards page.*

*APR varies up to 18% when you open your account based on your credit worthiness. These APRs are 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.

Article Source: David Ning for Moneyning.com

Create a Back to School Shopping Plan That Won’t Break the Bank

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It’s that time of year again!

Summertime is winding down. Teachers are prepping to return to their classrooms and start decorating. School supply lists are starting to surface. A new school year is right around the corner.

According to the Huntington Backpack Index, the amount parents paid in back-to-school supplies was estimated as follows:

  • $637 elementary school kids
  • $941 for middle school children
  • $1,355 for high school students

There’s no way around it – school shopping is expensive. But, it doesn’t have to be. Much like financial planning, saving on back-to-school shopping requires a plan as well. With the right planning and preparation, back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to break the bank.

Take inventory

Before you go shopping and buy tons of supplies, take inventory of your house. Check drawers and cabinets to see what supplies you have that can be used again. Look at backpacks, lunchboxes and even school clothes from last year to see what can be kept and what needs to be replaced. From there, make a list and determine what your child needs and what you have.

Get the school’s supply list

Generally, retailers like Target and Walmart usually have copies of local supply lists divided by grade, school, and district. Those lists are usually also available online before they’re in the store. Check the lists, do a little research regarding prices, and make a budget accordingly. You can even check with your child’s teacher to make sure you’re getting the most important items.

Don’t forget about discount stores and couponing

Do you want to save some real money? Purchase things like notebooks, pencils, and paper at discount stores or even your nearby dollar store. If you’re into couponing, you can save some big bucks there as well. Poke around the internet and see where the deals are before you hit the stores.

If you want to see actual savings, don’t go into back-to-school shopping without a plan. Rather than charging up your high interest credit card, talk with us about one of our credit card options or a low interest personal loan that works for you. You might be amazed at the savings you find.

Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. For help or questions about savings, check with any of our First Financial staff members. Stop by a branch or contact us today.

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Actual rate will vary based on creditworthiness and loan term. Subject to credit approval. A First Financial Federal Credit Union membership is required to obtain a loan, and is open 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. 

5 Ways to Save on Your Child’s Back to School Apparel

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Although it seems like summer just started, it’s already time for parents to start budgeting and planning their family’s back to school purchases. One big purchase that comes with going back to school is buying new clothes. Here are a few tips to help you save money.

Consignment

Does your city or town hold a big consignment sale in September or October? Get online and do some research to see if there is one near you. If not, search for a local consignment shop. You may be able to find a great back to school wardrobe or backpack at a fraction of the cost.

Don’t Buy Everything New

All of the clothing styles your kids are begging you to buy will probably go on sale by mid-October. If you can, wait for clothing to go on sale or clearance or a good store deal. For example, maybe your clothing budget for back to school is $100 for each child. Instead of spending all of it upfront, try splitting it up over the next few months to keep an eye out for better prices. Don’t forget that the holiday season is also a great time to ask for clothes for your kids too.

Coupons and Clearance

Many stores will also allow you to stack coupons on top of sale or clearance items. Some examples of stores that allow this are JCPenney, Target, Old Navy, and Kohl’s.

Hit Up Garage Sales

This is a great time of year to look for a garage sale in your local area. Try to find a yard sale that sells your child’s size. Search Craigslist the day before to screen which garage sales near you will be worth checking out.

Try Saving Money on Uniforms

If your child wears uniforms for school, then you already know they can be costly. It’s hard to find uniforms on clearance because they are usually made just for one particular school. Try getting in contact with parents of children older than yours, to ask them if you could buy their children’s outgrown uniforms. You can also ask the school if they have any uniforms that were donated and available for purchase. If there is not a system in place, think about starting one. Many parents would be thankful for the savings break.

Want to earn cash back on all your back to school purchases this year? Apply for a Visa Signature Cash Plus Credit Card from First Financial! You’ll earn 1% cash back, no restrictions.*

*APR varies up to 18% for purchases, when you open your account based on your credit worthiness. The APR is 18% APR for balance transfers and cash advances. APRs 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 Fee. Other fees that apply: Cash advance fee of $10 or 3% of the total cash advance amount—whichever is greater (no maximum), Balance transfer fee of $10 or 3% of the balance—whichever is greater (no maximum), 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, or attends school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties.

Article Source: Ashley Eneriz for Moneyning.com

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

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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

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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