How’s Your Credit? Mid-Year Credit Score Check-In

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As the year hits its halfway point, it’s also the perfect time to hit pause and check in on your financial health – especially your credit. Your credit score plays a big role in determining your eligibility for loans, credit cards, rental applications, and more. While most people wait until they need credit to check on it, a mid-year review can help you stay ahead of any surprises. Not sure where to begin? Here are some things to consider that may help improve your credit score.

 Pull Your Credit Report and Review it Carefully

You can access your credit report at no-cost on AnnualCreditReport.com. Look for:

  • Any accounts you don’t recognize (this could be a sign of identity theft).
  • Inquiries you didn’t authorize.
  • Payment history and status of accounts.

Review Credit Card Balances, Utilization, and Rates

One of the biggest factors affecting your credit score is credit utilization, or how much available credit you’re using. The general rule is to keep this below 30%, but the lower the better. For example, if you have a $5,000 credit limit – aim to carry no more than a $1,500 balance. Make a list of all your credit cards, their current balances, and limits. Create a payoff plan to reduce any high balances if they’re creeping up toward that 30%.

Some credit card companies will change interest rates based the market (prime rate), or your credit profile. Review your most recent statements or contact your card issuer directly, if you are unsure of your current APR. If your rate has increased and your credit is still in good standing, consider transferring your balance to a lower-rate card (First Financial has some great options!).

Monitor Progress Toward Paying Off Debt

If paying off debt was one of your 2025 goals, now is the time to assess your progress. Look at:

  • How much you’ve paid off so far this year.
  • What your current payoff timeline looks like.
  • Whether you can increase your monthly payments, even slightly.

Consider using debt payoff methods like the avalanche method (tackling the highest interest debt first) or snowball method (paying off the smallest balance first for motivation), to cut down on debt and increase your credit score.

First Financial is Here to Help

Whether you’re looking to pay off high-interest debt, consolidate balances, or build credit from scratch – First Financial offers tools to support your journey:

Visit firstffcu.com, call 732-312-1500, or stop by your local branch to take the next step in your credit health journey.

*A First Financial membership is required to obtain any loan and is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, volunteers or attends school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties. See credit union for details. A $5 deposit in a Base Savings Account is required to establish membership prior to opening any account/loan.

Do’s and Don’ts for Personal Loans

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If you’ve ever had a financial emergency, considered consolidating debt, or needed to make a big purchase – you might have considered a personal loan as an option to quickly help you meet your financial needs. A personal loan is a type of installment loan that can be used for nearly any purpose and usually comes with a fixed rate and monthly payment. Personal loans are typically unsecured, meaning they are not backed by any collateral and approval is based on your creditworthiness. Personal loans are popular among borrowers for numerous reasons, such as having interest rates that are typically lower than credit cards, knowing the exact dollar amount owed and end date of payments, and the flexibility with which the funds can be used. Consider these do’s and don’ts if you are deciding if a personal loan is right for you.

Don’t Forget to Evaluate Your Finances

Although it’s recommended to regularly check your credit report, it is especially important when applying for loans. A key consideration for lenders when qualifying you for a personal loan is your credit score. If your credit report has any inaccuracies that could be lowering your credit score, it is best to resolve these before applying for a loan. Additionally, a higher credit score will help you receive a more favorable interest rate. By reviewing your credit report before applying for a personal loan, you can look for areas of improvement – such as paying down debt or making on-time payments.

Do Compare Lenders

Getting a second opinion applies when you’re shopping for lenders, too. Taking the extra time to compare lenders and their offerings will help you pick the personal loan that is right for you. Factors that you might want to consider when comparing lenders are loan type, requirements for approval, available terms, annual percentage rate or interest rate, and fees. A common fee is a pre-payment penalty, which is an additional fee charged if you pay your loan off early.

Don’t Borrow More Than You Can Afford

Just because a lender approves you for a certain loan amount, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s right for your budget. In the case of an unsecured personal loan, a lender will qualify you for the loan based on your credit score and income – among other factors. Your lender doesn’t know your financial obligations that don’t appear on your credit report, or how your budget currently feels without this additional monthly payment – only you do. Before you sign and make your personal loan official, consider how this new monthly payment will impact your budget.

Do Consider a Secured Loan Option

Unlike an unsecured loan, a secured loan requires you to pledge an asset as collateral. This allows the lender to seize the collateral if you default on your loan, helping to recoup a potential loss. An auto loan is a type of secured loan, since the lender can repossess the vehicle if you default. Since you are pledging a valuable asset, you will likely get a lower interest rate with a secured loan option. You may also choose to consider a Home Equity Loan as another option, instead of an unsecured personal loan. However, it is important to be aware of the risks of secured loans – if you were to default on a secured loan, you risk losing your collateral (i.e. your home or your vehicle).

Do Be Cautious of Payday Loans

Payday loans are short-term loans of small amounts (typically $500 or less), and are meant to hold borrowers over until the next payday. Although this may not seem harmful to borrowers on the surface, these loans typically have large fees and extremely high interest rates. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, fees can be upwards of $15 per $100 borrowed, or $45 on a $300 payday loan – which is equivalent to an interest rate of 400%. Payday loans are meant to have terms of two to four weeks, just enough time for the borrower to repay the loan by their next payday. This gives the borrower very little time to repay – potentially causing the loan to rollover into another payday or be assessed with additional hefty fees. Although the instant funding and lax borrowing requirements may be appealing – payday loans can get you into a cycle that is very difficult to break, so it’s best to be leery of these.

For anyone who lives, works, worships, volunteers, or attends school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties – First Financial does have a payday alternative loan option with a lower interest rate, a personalized savings plan, and no-cost financial counseling options.** You can apply online 24/7 or give us a call at 732-312-1500, Option 4 – if you have additional questions.

If you need to borrow money for a large or unexpected purchase, or are looking to consolidate high-interest rate debt – a personal loan could be exactly what you are looking for. Our personal loans are an easy an affordable option, with interest rates starting at 10.24% APR.* For more information on any First Financial loan, you may visit a local branch or our website at firstffcu.com.

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Actual rate will vary based on creditworthiness and loan term. Subject to credit approval. Personal Loan repayment terms range from 12 to 60 months, and APRs range from 10.24% APR to 18% APR. Minimum loan amount is $500. Loan payment example: A $2,000 Personal Loan financed at 10.24% APR for 24 months, would have a monthly payment amount of $92.51. A First Financial Federal Credit Union membership is required to obtain a Personal Loan or Line of Credit, 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. 

**Loans of $200 to $1,000 available for terms of one to six months. An application fee of up to $20 will be charged; other fees and charges may apply. At least one month of First Financial Federal Credit Union membership is required to obtain a Payday Alternative 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. Not all applicants qualify, subject to credit approval. Rates vary based on creditworthiness, but will not exceed 28%. Terms and conditions of this offer may be subject to change at any time.

Am I Subscribed to Too Much?

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From music and streaming platforms to meal kits and fitness apps, subscriptions are everywhere – and they can add up fast. What starts as a $5.99 per month deal, can quietly balloon into hundreds of dollars in recurring charges over time. Here’s how to take control of your subscriptions, make smarter choices, and maybe even keep more of your hard-earned money in your account.

Step 1: Take Inventory of All Your Subscriptions

The first step to fixing a problem is seeing it clearly. Make a list of every recurring subscription you’re currently paying for, including:

  • Streaming services (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Spotify, etc.)
  • Software (Microsoft 365, Canva, Adobe, etc.)
  • Fitness or wellness apps
  • Online memberships or communities (Amazon Prime, etc.)
  • Meal delivery kits or subscription boxes
  • News, magazine, or content subscriptions (Kindle Unlimited, etc.)

Pro Tip: Check your bank statements and credit card transactions from the past 2–3 months to catch any others that you might have forgotten, or that you initially signed up for on a free trial and forgot to cancel after the trial period ended.

Step 2: Cancel What You Don’t Use Regularly

Now that you’ve got your list, ask yourself:

  • Have I used this in the past 30 days?
  • Is this subscription improving my life or making it easier for the money I am paying for it?
  • Do I have multiple services doing similar things?

You might be surprised at how many apps or services you’re subscribed to “just in case,” or haven’t actually opened and used in weeks. Be honest with yourself, if it’s not bringing consistent value to your life – cancel it.

Step 3: Consolidate or Share Subscriptions

Some services allow shared family plans or bundled options. Examples include:

  • Sharing streaming services among household members.
  • Bundling platforms like Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+
  • Family plans for Apple, Spotify, or Google services.

Sharing or consolidating services can reduce your monthly costs without sacrificing access.

Step 4: Look for Discounts, Cash Back, or Annual Plans

Before renewing any subscription:

  • See if there’s a student, military, or family discount.
  • Look into cash back rewards or promotions through your credit card provider. (Side note that all First Financial Cash Plus Credit Cards come with uChoose Rewards, where you’ll receive 1% cash back on all of your purchases!).*
  • If you love the service, check if switching to an annual plan saves you more money in comparison to monthly billing.

Step 5: Build a Subscription Strategy

Once you’ve trimmed the fat, create a plan to help keep you on budget in the future:

  • Reevaluate subscriptions every 3–6 months.
  • Set spending limits for monthly recurring charges.
  • Use a free budgeting tool or app to track subscriptions and what you are spending each month in real time.

Some apps will even send you alerts when subscriptions renew or increase in cost, making it easier to stay in control of your money.

First Financial Can Help You Stay on Track

Subscriptions are convenient, but they shouldn’t quietly drain your wallet. With a little time and strategy, you can align your spending with what you actually use and thoroughly enjoy. Visit your local branch to learn more about how we can help you manage your finances confidence.

*APR varies up to 18% for the Visa® Signature Cash Plus Card when you open your account based on your credit worthiness. This APR is 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. A $5 deposit in a base savings account is required for credit union membership prior to opening any other account/loan. Your First Financial Visa® Signature Cash Plus Credit Card will earn cash back based on your eligible purchase transactions. The cash back will be applied to your current credit card balance on a quarterly basis and be shown cumulatively on your billing statement. Unless you are participating in a limited time promotional offer, you will earn 1% cash back based upon eligible purchases each quarter. uChoose Rewards is a registered trademark of Fiserv Inc. Login to uChoose Rewards through Online Banking, by clicking on your Cash Plus Card account to view current offers.

Last Minute Ways to Celebrate Independence Day on a Budget

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If you’re in search of life, liberty, and the pursuit of budget-friendly Independence Day fun – there are plenty of ways to celebrate and get in the star-spangled spirit without breaking the bank. From DIY-ing patriotic decorations to taking advantage of the great outdoors, here are some last-minute ways to celebrate like it’s 1776 while sticking to your 2025 budget.

1. Make Patriotic Decorations

You don’t need to spend a lot to let freedom ring this Fourth of July. There are plenty of patriotic decorations that can be made from materials you might already have at home. For example – if you have three mason jars, red/white/blue paint, a paint brush, and tealight candles, you can create July 4th mason jar lanterns. You would simply paint the jars, place a tealight candle at the bottom of each one, and voilà – you have a lit centerpiece. You can also check out local dollar stores if you’re low on supplies at home. Pilar Newman of Loud Money Moves made a list of some Fourth of July crafts that can be made with supplies you can commonly find at the dollar store.

2. Bake Red, White, and Blue Treats

Making homemade Fourth of July themed treats is an affordable way to get in the spirit and get the family involved at the same time. Red, white, and blue food coloring can easily be applied to any treat for a patriotic look. Some inexpensive and simple ideas are an American flag cake, Rice Krispie-inspired star pops, and star spangled parfaits. The internet is your oyster if you’re still in search of more holiday baking inspiration (psst … Pinterest)!

3. Catch a Free Fireworks Show

Nothing says Fourth of July like fireworks – and there are plenty of free or inexpensive ways to watch fireworks in a town near you. Check out the websites or social media accounts of local to you towns, schools, and parks to see if they are hosting a Fourth of July celebration that includes fireworks. If you’re local to our native Monmouth and Ocean Counties in NJ, Jessica Norton of The Jersey Shore Girl graciously made a list that’s growing by the day – of where you can catch fireworks displays in Monmouth and Ocean this year. If your holiday weekend travels will be taking you out of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, check out New Jersey Family’s list of various fireworks displays happening across the Garden State in 2025.

4. Host a Pot Luck

If you’re looking to entertain guests while keeping costs down, consider hosting a pot luck. Invite friends and family to bring their favorite summer dish, while also making sure you have all of your bases covered – drinks, appetizers, entrees, and dessert. A pot luck allows your guests to get involved and show off their favorite recipes, without leaving your wallet to take the hit.

5. Hold a Patriotic Scavenger Hunt

If you have little ones, or are looking for an activity that will get the whole family involved – consider organizing a patriotic scavenger hunt. The hunt can happen out-and-about or wherever your Fourth of July travels may take you, or even right from the comfort of your home. Creativity goes a long way with this one – have your participants search for whatever you put on your list of patriotic items they should uncover. Some ideas are an American flag, red/white/blue buttons, and a hot dog (just to name a few). The Teach Beside Me Blog made a free printable patriotic scavenger hunt list if you are looking for inspiration – all you need to do is print it out, grab pens for those doing the searching to cross off items as they go, and get looking.

6. Learn Some Local History

Have you ever explored the town or region you call home? Although Independence Day celebrates our nation, it offers the perfect opportunity to explore your piece of it. Your town’s history is not only a part of our national history – it offers a glimpse into what events, people, and culture have shaped it into the municipality you know today. You can explore local history by visiting area museums and historic sites, finding nearby events, taking an organized or self-guided walking tour, going to a state park, or borrowing books from your community library. You can also contact your local historical society, if your town has one – they are a wealth of knowledge in preserving history and making it accessible.

We hope that you and your loved ones have a fun, safe, and budget-friendly Independence Day!

Things to Do on a Budget in Monmouth & Ocean Counties this July 2025

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Summer is in full swing, so in addition to celebrating Independence Day – we hope you can celebrate the sunshine and long days of July with these free and inexpensive activities in Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

July 1

Festival of the Sea (Long Beach Island) – Celebrate at the Festival of the Sea, taking place at the St. Francis of Assisi Parish & Center parking lot from Tuesday, July 1st through Saturday, July 5th from 6pm-10pm. The festival has something for everyone, from games and rides the whole family will love to classic carnival fare. Unlimited ride bracelets are $45, and the fairground games and food service have varying prices. You can find more information here.

Pre-Teen Tuesdays (Long Beach Island) – Boredom doesn’t stand a chance with those ages 10-14, taking place at Bayview Park Pavillion on select Tuesdays from 7pm-8pm through August 19th. Each week offers a new chance for your pre-teen to participate in a different activity – such as a murder mystery, bingo, and trivia – and will give your wallet a break. There is no entry fee to attend. For additional information, click here.

July 2

Ice Cream Social & Magic Show (Toms River) – You may be able to easily convince the whole family to attend something if ice cream is involved, and magic shows are no exception! Bring everyone down to Mathis House for an ice cream sundae building buffet and a magic show by Mr. Ron Owens, beginning at 6:30pm. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children. Click here to learn more and purchase tickets online.

Independence Day Celebration (Howell) – Let freedom ring at Soldier Memorial Park from 5pm-9:30pm. From free family-friendly games, rides and activities, to a live band and a DJ providing round-the-clock entertainment and fireworks at dusk – there’s no better way to celebrate Independence Day in Howell. There is no entry fee to attend, but there will be food and alcoholic beverages (for those ages 21+) for purchase. Click here for more information.

Free Movies on the Beach (Belmar) – Beginning on July 2nd through August 27th, there will be a free family movie on 7th Avenue Beach which begins at dusk. Be sure to bring your blankets or chairs and snacks, and sit back and relax. Shrek will be shown on July 2nd. View more details and the rest of the summer movie line-up here.

4th of July Celebration (Ocean Township) – This annual celebration will take place from 6pm-10pm at Joe Palaia Park. There will be food trucks, activities for kids, live music by the Eddie Testa Band, and fireworks will begin at 9:30pm. You won’t want to miss it! Find out more.

July 3

Independence Day Celebration (Colts Neck) – Make your way to Bucks Mill Park at 6pm to celebrate the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. There will be tunes from the Colts Neck Community Band, an apple pie contest, a flag ceremony with the Colts Neck ROTC Color Guard, and classic Fourth of July food favorites (think hot dogs, hamburgers, and cotton candy). There is a $10 donation/cost for parking. Click here for additional information.

Independence Day Fireworks (Hazlet) – Celebrate freedom and free fun at the Independence Day fireworks at Veterans Park from 6pm-10pm. You are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets, and enjoy the free fireworks and live entertainment. There is no entry fee to attend, but there will be food for purchase. You can find more information here.

Independence Day Fireworks (Lacey) – There is another chance to enjoy stars, stripes, and fireworks at Lacey High School – beginning at 7:30pm. There will be a free fireworks display and live entertainment, along with food available for purchase. Click here to learn how you can join in on the patriotic fun in Ocean County.

July 4

Fourth of July Parade (Pine Beach) – If you don’t have plans for the Fourth of July, look no further – head down to Pine Beach Chapel for a Fourth of July parade, beginning at 9am. Aside from an array of floats and a ceremony at Vista Park, there will be races and games for the whole family to join in on.  For additional information, as well as instructions on pre-registering for the events you wish to partake in – click here.

Oceanfest (Long Branch) – Head down to the Promenade Boardwalk from 1pm-10pm to join in on what is widely regarded as the biggest Independence Day celebration at the Jersey Shore. This family-friendly festival is a melting pot of Fourth of July activities – from performances by dancers and musicians, to a smorgasbord of food vendors. There will also be a spectacular fireworks display beginning at 9pm. There is no entry fee to attend, but there will be food available for purchase. You can find more information here.

Independence Day Fireworks (Pt. Pleasant Beach) – Celebrate Independence Day at Jenkinson’s spectacular fireworks show on the beach at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk at 9:30pm. Be dazzled with the stunning views of the fireworks from the boardwalk or the beach. This Independence Day fireworks display is an experience that the whole family can enjoy! Learn more.

July 6

Movies on the Beach (Seaside Heights) – Seaside Heights will turn the beach into a movie theater every Sunday through August 24th at 8:30pm. Audience members will be seated on the beach in the vicinity of Beach Patrol North Headquarters for a free showing of various movies the whole family will love. The first movie showing will be Jaws. Viewers are welcome to bring snacks. Click here to view the summer schedule of selected movies.

July 9

Ocean County Fair (Berkeley Township) – Come see what Ocean County is all about at the Ocean County Fair, held at Robert J. Miller Air Park from Wednesday, July 9th through Sunday, July 13th at various times. This five-day celebration features something for everyone – from livestock displays and 4-H showcases, to thrilling rides and live music. There is an entry fee of $10 per person, with ride wristbands available for purchase. Pre-sale wristbands are $35 through July 8th and regular price wristbands are $45 on-site. Click here to see how you can experience the fun, spirit, and community of Ocean County.

July 10

Movies Under the Stars (Howell) – Bring your family and friends to the Howell Library hill for free showings of family-friendly movies select Thursdays this summer. There will be activities beginning at 6:30pm and the movie will begin at dusk. All you need to enjoy the movie are lawn chairs and blankets – and some snacks. The first movie showing will be Ghostbusters. Click here to view the summer schedule of selected movies.

July 12

Concerts in the Park (Bradley Beach) – Bring a seat to rock out to some tunes at this free concert series at Riley Park, every Saturday through August 30th from 6pm-8pm. You will hear the sounds of local talent, playing a mix of musical favorites that the whole family is sure to enjoy. Click here for more information and the list of the bands that will be playing each week.

Freehold Township Day – Don’t miss this annual fun-filled festival from 4pm-11pm at Michael J. Tighe Park. There will be free rides for kids, a free teen center with a DJ, live performances throughout the day, food trucks & local vendors with items for purchase, and a free fireworks display starting at 9pm. Learn more here.

July 15

Pirate School Family Show (Seaside Heights) – Your little buccaneers will learn how to talk, laugh, and act like a pirate, and most importantly – sail a ship without sinking your budget at Pirate School. This free show takes place on Pier Stage on Tuesday, July 15th and Wednesday, July 16th – with two shows each night beginning at 6pm and 7pm. A swashbuckling adventure is promised, along with audience participation, exciting props, and magic. Click here for additional information.

July 19

Summer Stroll (Ocean Grove) – Take a stroll through stunning fine art pieces in Ocean Grove’s Business District, along Main Avenue between Central and New York Avenues – from 4pm-8pm. The sidewalks will be lined with art that is on display and for sale. There will also be live jazz music and refreshments to enjoy. There is no entry fee to attend, but you may purchase any of the art that is for sale. Click here for additional information.

July 20

Family Nature Day (Middletown) – You can explore more and spend less at a Family Nature Day held at Huber Woods Park Environmental Center from 10am-11:30am. You will enjoy an animal presentation, a guided nature walk, and a craft suited for children of all ages. You can visit this webpage to learn about the Environmental Center or call (732) 872-2670 (ext. 0336) for information regarding the event.

July 23

Monmouth County Fair (Freehold) – If you didn’t quite get your fill of fairs for the summer, the Monmouth County Fair is taking place from Wednesday, July 23rd through Sunday, July 27th at various times at the East Freehold Showgrounds. There will be unique exhibits, thrilling rides, classic games, live music, food vendors, and more. There is an entry fee of $10 per person – and children ages 12 and under, veterans, and active military with ID – are free to attend. Ride wristbands are available for purchase at $30 Wednesday-Friday, and $35 Saturday & Sunday. You can find more information here.

July 26

Italian Festival & Wine Tasting (Oceanport) – Say ciao to a taste of Italy without leaving the Jersey Shore – at Monmouth Park on Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27 from 11am-5pm. Along with the chance to purchase mouth-watering Italian favorites of the area, you can also partake in an Italian wine tasting if you are 21 or older. There will be family-friendly activities in the picnic area, as well as races on the racetrack. Wine sampling tickets are $15, and general admission to the racetrack is $6 the day of the event – and children ages 12 and under are free to attend. Click here for additional information and to purchase tickets online.

Adapting to a Cashless World: How to Use Digital Wallets Safely

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More and more businesses are going cashless these days. From coffee shops to online retailers, digital payments have become the norm. While this shift brings convenience and speed, it also calls for smart habits to keep your personal and financial information safe.

Whether you’re new to digital wallets or looking to level up your security, here’s how to navigate this increasingly cashless world with confidence.

Understanding Digital Wallets: The Modern Way to Pay

Digital wallets like Apple Pay®, Google Pay™, and Samsung Wallet™ allow you to make secure payments using your smartphone, smartwatch, or tablet. These apps store your debit or credit card information and use encryption and tokenization to protect your data.

Benefits of using a digital wallet:

  • Tap-to-pay convenience at checkout.
  • Added security through biometric authentication (like fingerprint or Face ID).
  • No need to carry multiple physical cards.

If you’re a First Financial member, your debit and credit cards can be added to most major digital wallets for fast, secure transactions in person or online.

Stay Smart About Security

While digital wallets are secure by design, it’s important to be aware of some things that could put you at risk. Here are some key tips to protect yourself:

1.    Don’t Use Website Card Storage

It might be tempting to save your card info on your favorite shopping apps or websites for faster checkout, but that opens the door to more risk if those platforms get hacked. Stick with secure digital wallets instead of storing payment details directly in online or retailer accounts.

2.    Avoid Saving Card Info When on Public Wi-Fi

Public networks at airports, coffee shops, and hotels are not secure. Never enter or save sensitive card information when connected to an unsecured network. If you must make a transaction on-the-go, use a personal hotspot or a trusted mobile connection.

3.    Enable Multi-Factor Authentication

Add an extra layer of protection to your banking and wallet apps with multi-factor authentication. This typically means entering a code sent via text or email in addition to your password.

4.    Keep Your Apps Updated

Outdated apps may lack the latest security protections. Keep your mobile banking app, digital wallet, and device operating system current to protect against vulnerabilities.

First Financial Tools to Help You Go Cashless with Confidence

As a First Financial member, you have access to a full suite of digital banking services to support a cashless lifestyle:

  • Mobile Wallet Compatibility for secure tap-to-pay transactions.
  • Mobile Banking App for your First Financial account monitoring, transfers, and alerts.
  • Card Controls to turn your First Financial cards on/off instantly if lost or stolen.
  • 1 Click Remote Deposit so you can deposit checks without a trip to the branch.

Going cashless doesn’t mean giving up control, it means gaining tools that work smarter and faster. If you have questions about setting up your digital wallet or using your First Financial cards safely online, our team is here to help. Visit firstffcu.com, give us a call at 732-312-1500, or stop by your nearest branch to learn how to make digital payments safely and confidently.

*You must have an account at First Financial Federal Credit Union (serving Monmouth and Ocean Counties in NJ), and be enrolled in First Financial online banking, to use our mobile application or digital wallet. Standard data rates and charges may apply.