Family Fun for Less: Tips to Help Cut Costs on Your Next Vacation

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Rising prices can make planning a budget-friendly family vacation challenging. In fact, the average cost for a week-long vacation for a family of four to a theme park can easily run upwards of $6,000.1 Consider these saving strategies when planning your next family getaway.

Set a budget. Your first step should be to set a realistic budget for your vacation. Start out by determining the amount of money you are able to spend on your trip. Next, identify your vacation expenses. These include travel to and from your destination, accommodations, food, and activities. Don’t forget to include a little extra for any unexpected costs that may arise.

A good way to make sure that you stay on budget is to set expectations for vacation expenses ahead of time. Start with a family meeting to discuss the overall budget and how much you are willing to spend on each component of the trip, such as food, activities, and even souvenirs. It may also help to create a daily vacation budget for your family to help manage expenses and prevent overspending.

Plan ahead. Book flights, accommodations, and tickets to attractions well in advance to secure the best rates. Sign up for price alerts and use online comparison tools to find deals and track price fluctuations.

Be flexible. You might save big on your vacation if you’re flexible with your travel dates and destination. Be open to traveling during the off-season or at off-peak times, and consider traveling to lesser-known destinations in order to maximize your savings.

Look for additional ways to trim expenses. If you find that your vacation might run over budget, consider these ways to further reduce expenses:

  • Explore alternative options for accommodations by searching online websites for vacation home rentals or think about staying with family/friends.
  • Try to save money on food by shopping at a local grocery store and dining in and/or looking online for restaurants that offer dining specials and discounts.
  • Look for affordable or no-cost activities, including discounted or free entry to local museums/festivals, or enjoy outdoor recreation (e.g., beaches and hiking) in the area.
  • Reduce transportation expenses by comparing the cost and feasibility of flying versus driving to your vacation destination. Consider utilizing public transportation or ride-share apps instead of renting a car once you arrive.

Questions about saving and planning ahead for your financial future? Contact First Financial’s Investment & Retirement Center by calling 732.312.1534. You can also email mary.laferriere@lpl.com or maureen.mcgreevy@lpl.com

Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker/dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. First Financial Federal Credit Union (FFFCU) and First Financial Investment & Retirement Center are not registered as a broker/dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using First Financial Investment & Retirement Center, and may also be employees of FFFCU. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from and not affiliates of FFFCU or First Financial Investment & Retirement Center.

Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are:

Participation in a 529 plan generally involves fees and expenses, and there is the risk that the investments may lose money or not perform well enough to cover college costs as anticipated. The tax implications of a 529 plan can vary significantly from state to state. Most states offering their own 529 plans may provide advantages and benefits exclusively for their residents and taxpayers, which may include financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors. Before investing in a 529 plan, consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses, which are available in the issuer’s official statement and should be read carefully. The official disclosure statements and applicable prospectuses contain this and other information about the investment options, underlying investments, and investment company and can be obtained from your financial professional.

The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax planning or legal advice. We suggest that you consult with a qualified tax or legal professional. LPL Financial Representatives offer access to Trust Services through The Private Trust Company N.A., an affiliate of LPL Financial. Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly. CRPC conferred by College for Financial Planning. This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the state(s) of CT, DE, FL, GA, MA, NJ, NY, NC, OR, PA, SC, TN and VA. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside the specific states referenced.

1) NerdWallet, 2025

Prepared by Broadridge Advisor Solutions Copyright 2025.

Mid‑year Check-in: Keeping Your Small Business on Track

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As the year reaches its halfway point, it’s the perfect time for small business owners to take a step back and assess where things stand so far. A mid-year check-in is a powerful strategy to realign your goals, improve operations, and finish the year strong.

Here are five essential tips to help guide your mid-year business review:

1. Reevaluate Your Goals and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Remember those big goals for your business you set at the start of the year? Now’s the time to ask:

  • What progress have you made so far?
  • Are your current targets still relevant?
  • What adjustments are needed to hit your year-end objectives?

Whether you’re ahead of schedule or need to pivot, revisiting your KPIs ensures that you stay focused and aligned with your vision.

2. Assess Your Financial Health

Strong financials are the backbone of any successful business. Now is a good time to take a deep dive into:

  • Cash flow: Are you consistently in the black?
  • Expenses: What recurring costs can you reduce or eliminate?
  • Profitability: Are your margins improving, and what can you optimize?

Analyze the numbers – identifying small adjustments now, can lead to major improvements by year-end.

3. Check-in with Your Team

Your team plays a crucial role in executing the vision. Use mid-year as an opportunity to:

  • Have one-on-one conversations to understand team needs and goals.
  • Gather feedback on processes, tools, and workload.
  • Recognize accomplishments and plan for professional development.

A motivated, aligned team will always outperform a disengaged one.

4. Review Your Tools and Systems

Technology should be working for you, not against you. Ask yourself:

  • Are there any tools slowing your team down?
  • Could automation or new systems increase productivity?
  • Are your invoicing, payroll, or inventory processes efficient?

Even minor tech upgrades can save time, cut costs, and improve the customer experience.

5. Measure Customer Satisfaction and Retention

Happy customers are the key to long-term success, and mid-year is a great time to find out how well you’re meeting their expectations.

  • Look at customer retention, repeat purchases, and feedback.
  • Analyze survey responses, support tickets, and online reviews.
  • Use this information to improve your service and offerings.

Use these insights to fine-tune your approach and ensure your customers stick with you through the rest of the year and beyond.

A mid-year check-in is more than a to-do item on a checklist. It’s your chance to reset, refocus, and finish the year with purpose. Learn more about how First Financial can help support your small business by emailing us at business@firstffcu.com and checking out our small business services.

How Much House Can I Actually Afford?

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If you’re finally ready to buy a house after years of saving for a down payment, congratulations – this is an accomplishment worth celebrating. Now that you’re officially on the hunt for your dream home, you might be wondering exactly how much you should spend. You don’t ever want to be “house poor,” a situation in which you spend such a large portion of your income on homeownership – that you are not be able to afford much else. So what’s the best guidance on what is potentially the biggest purchase of your lifetime? Here’s the truth: Just because a lender approves you for a loan, doesn’t mean that figure is right for your budget.

Your Lender Doesn’t Know it All

Lenders work with the financial information you provide on paper, as well as your credit history. They won’t know how tight your budget might already feel. In other words, you are the only one who can make sure you’re not overextending yourself.

Additionally, buying a home is different from most other purchases because it requires you to look far into the future. You’re not just thinking about what you can afford right now, you’re planning for the next 5-10 years and even beyond that. Will your income change? Will you start a family or your own business? Many loan decisions are often made with the assumption that everything in your financial life will go perfectly. Unfortunately, that’s not how real life works. It’s important to leave yourself some financial breathing room, and plan for the unexpected.

Don’t Count on Future Salary Increases to Make it Work

Even if you’re not earning a large income yet, lenders could still approve you for a bigger mortgage than you might be ready for. Counting on future raises can leave you stretched too thin today. The smarter move is to buy a home that fits your current budget. Your home should not only be a comfortable place to live, but it should also be a place you can comfortably afford.

Be Cautious with Loan Terms

When you first start shopping for a home loan, you may come across different types of mortgages – and it’s important to understand exactly what you’re signing up for. For most buyers, the safest bet is a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. With this type of loan, your interest rate stays the same for the entire life of the loan. That means your monthly principal and interest payments will remain consistent for three decades, making it easier to plan and budget for the long haul.

Think Beyond Your Monthly Payment

When you think about how much you’ll owe every month as a homeowner, it’s easy to focus just on your monthly mortgage payment – but homeownership actually includes much more. You’ll need to pay property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, utility bills, maintenance, and potential repairs – and that’s not the end of it. We recently published a blog discussing some common expenses associated with homeownership, so that you can more accurately budget for the “true cost” of your home.

How Do You Figure Out What You Can Afford?

Know Your Why: Start with your personal goals. Are you looking to stop renting, start building equity and put down your roots? Do you want to settle down in a specific neighborhood or school district? Your “why” will shape your decision just as much as your finances.

Set a Real Budget: One of the best tools to help you get started, is a home affordability calculator which includes taxes and insurance. There are some great examples of mortgage comparison and budget calculators available on our website.

Beyond online tools, take a closer look at your real-life spending. How much of your income goes to necessities? What if anything, are you saving? Do you have other debt? Many of us don’t have a real picture of how much we’re spending every month on non-essentials, and being aware of that is one of the best ways to save for what really matters.

Additionally, mortgage interest rates impact how much house you can afford. Right now, rates are hovering around 6.8% nationally, which may feel steep compared to the lower rates we saw just a few years ago.  Historically, 6% is an average mortgage rate. The key is to determine what monthly payment feels most comfortable for you.

Research: Your personal finances are only one part of the equation. Local real estate markets vary widely, so it’s important to thoroughly look into the details of the area where you’re looking to make your home purchase. Research real estate trends, property taxes, and the availability of homes within your price range.

Also consider expanding your search area. Some “hidden gem” neighborhoods might offer better value than the ones the majority are targeting. Working with a trusted real estate agent and/or a financial planner can help you make smart choices and stay grounded.

First Financial is here to help you navigate the homebuying process and buy the right house for you, so you can turn your house into a home without financial strain. If the area you’d like to call home is within Monmouth or Ocean Counties in New Jersey, you can begin our mortgage application process online – or get a pre-approval if you’re just starting to shop.* You can also visit a local branch, call 732.312.1500 – Option 4, or complete our quick inquiry form and a mortgage expert will set-up a phone call to answer your homebuying questions (no commitment required). Happy house hunting!

Article Source:

https://www.crossstate.org/about/communications/blog/how-much-house-can-i-afford/

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Subject to credit approval. Credit worthiness determines your APR. Rates quoted assume excellent borrower credit history and are for qualified borrowers. Your actual APR may vary based on your state of residence, approved loan amount, applicable discounts and your credit history. Higher rates may apply depending on terms of loan and credit worthiness. Minimum mortgage loan amount is $100,000. Available on primary residence only. The Interest Rates, Annual Percentage Rate (APR), and fees are based on current market rates, are for informational purposes only. Rates and APRs listed are based on a mortgage loan amount of $250,000. Mortgage insurance may be required depending on loan guidelines. This is not a credit decision or a commitment to lend. If mortgage insurance is required, the mortgage insurance premium could increase the APR and the monthly mortgage payment. See Credit Union for details. A First Financial membership is required to obtain a Mortgage and is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, volunteers, or attends school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties.

Red Flags in Rescue: Don’t Fall for a Pet Adoption Scam

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At First Financial, we know how much joy a new furry friend can bring. If you’re looking to adopt a pet online, be cautious. Pet adoption scams are on the rise, and can leave aspiring pet owners with their hearts broken, wallets drained – and one big financial headache.

These scams typically occur online through fake websites, social media posts, or classified ads. Scammers will post adorable photos of animals that aren’t real or aren’t available – to lure you into paying for adoption fees, shipping costs, and/or vaccinations. Once you send the money, the scammer will disappear or “ghost” you, and you’ll unfortunately never get your desired pet.

According to the Better Business Bureau, thousands of aspiring pet parents fall victim to puppy adoption scams and similar fraud each year. Victims report losing anywhere from $500 to $2,000 per scam, often without any recourse for recovery.

Whether you’re searching for a rescue or a purebred pet, it’s important to understand the red flags of fraudulent listings before sending any money.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Be sure to watch out for these common warning signs of a scam:

  • Too-good-to-be-true offers. Purebred puppies or exotic pets listed at a low cost or as “free to a good home.”
  • Unusual payment methods. Scammers will often ask for wire transfers, gift cards, Venmo, or Zelle – all methods that are hard to trace.
  • No video calls or visits. The “seller” avoids letting you see the pet in real time or meet in person.
  • Pushy tactics. You’re pressured to pay quickly before someone else “claims” the pet.
  • Shipping costs. Many times, the scammer will want to ship the pet – charging you more for shipping fees, vet clearance, etc.

How to Avoid Pet Adoption Scams

Before you click “send” on any payment, follow these tips to protect yourself:

  1. Research the rescue agency or breeder. Look for reviews, verify their business license, and check for complaints on BBB.org.
  2. Never pay with untraceable methods. Use a credit card or secure payment system that offers fraud protection.
  3. Insist on an in-person meetup. There are plenty of animals waiting to be adopted. Only adopt one that you’ve met in real life.
  4. Avoid emotional decisions. Scammers will prey on your love for animals. Take your time and don’t let urgency cloud your judgment.
  5. Adopt locally when possible. Visit your local animal shelter or reputable rescue organization in person.

What To Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you think you’ve been the victim of a pet adoption scam, take immediate action:

  • Report the fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (ftc.gov) and Better Business Bureau.
  • Contact your financial institution to try to reverse or stop any payments.
  • File a police report, especially if significant funds were involved.

Protecting You & Your Finances

First Financial cares about your financial safety and well-being. Before you adopt, take a moment to ensure you’re working with a trusted source. If you ever have questions about suspicious transactions on any of your First Financial accounts or protecting your financial information, our team is here to help. Contact us, stop into your local branch, or visit our website for more financial wellness tips.

529 Plans Can Help With More Than Just College

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529 plans were originally created in 1996 as a tax-advantaged way to save for college. Over the past several years, Congress has expanded the ways 529 plan funds can be used, making them a more flexible and versatile savings vehicle.

College – Plus Other Education Expenses

A 529 savings plan can be instrumental in building a college fund — its original purpose. Funds contributed to a 529 savings plan accumulate tax-deferred and earnings are tax-free if the funds are used to pay qualified education expenses, which now include:

  • College expenses: the full cost of tuition, fees, books, and equipment (including computers) and, for students attending at least half time, housing and food costs at any college in the U.S. or abroad accredited by the U.S. Department of Education
  • Apprenticeships programs: the full cost of fees, books, and equipment for programs registered with the U.S. Department of Labor
  • K-12 tuition expenses: up to $10,000 per year

If 529 funds are used to pay a non-qualified education expense, the earnings portion of any withdrawal is subject to ordinary income tax and a 10% penalty.

Estate Planning Tool

529 plans offer grandparents an opportunity to save for a grandchild’s education in a way that accomplishes estate planning goals, while still allowing grandparents access to those funds if needed.

Specifically, due to an accelerated gifting feature unique to 529 plans, grandparents (or other relatives) can contribute a lump sum to a 529 plan of up to five times the annual gift tax exclusion and avoid gift tax by making an election on their tax return to spread the gift equally over five years. In 2025, the gift tax exclusion is $19,000, so grandparents could gift up to $190,000 to a 529 plan for their grandchild ($19,000 x 5 years x 2 grandparents) and avoid gift tax. These funds are not considered part of the grandparents’ estate for federal estate tax purposes (unless one or both grandparents die in the five-year period, in which case special allocation rules apply). And if a grandparent is also the account owner of the 529 plan (529 plan rules allow only one account owner), then the grandparent will retain control of the 529 plan funds (even though the funds are not considered part of the estate) and can access them for health-care needs, an emergency, or any other reason (but the earnings portion of any non-qualified withdrawal will be subject to ordinary income tax and a 10% penalty).

Student Loan Repayment

Nearly 43 million borrowers have student loans, and the average loan balance is approximately $38,000.1 To help families who might have leftover 529 funds after college, Congress expanded the approved use of 529 plan funds in 2019 to include the repayment of qualified education loans up to $10,000 for the 529 beneficiary or a sibling of the beneficiary. This includes federal and private loans.

Retirement Builder: Roth IRA Rollover

As of 2024, 529 account owners can roll over up to $35,000 from a 529 plan to a Roth IRA for the same beneficiary. Any rollover is subject to annual Roth IRA contribution limits, so $35,000 can’t be rolled over all at once. For example, in 2025, the Roth IRA contribution limit is $7,000 (for people under age 50) or 100% of annual earned income, whichever is less, so that is the maximum amount that can be rolled over in 2025.

There are a couple of other caveats. For the rollover to be tax- and penalty-free, the 529 plan must have been open for at least 15 years. And contributions to a 529 account made within five years of the rollover date can’t be rolled over — only contributions outside the five-year window can be rolled over.

Questions about this topic? Contact First Financial’s Investment & Retirement Center by calling 732.312.1500, Option 2.

Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker/dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. First Financial Federal Credit Union (FFFCU) and First Financial Investment & Retirement Center are not registered as a broker/dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using First Financial Investment & Retirement Center, and may also be employees of FFFCU. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from and not affiliates of FFFCU or First Financial Investment & Retirement Center.

Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are:

Participation in a 529 plan generally involves fees and expenses, and there is the risk that the investments may lose money or not perform well enough to cover college costs as anticipated. The tax implications of a 529 plan can vary significantly from state to state. Most states offering their own 529 plans may provide advantages and benefits exclusively for their residents and taxpayers, which may include financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors. Before investing in a 529 plan, consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses, which are available in the issuer’s official statement and should be read carefully. The official disclosure statements and applicable prospectuses contain this and other information about the investment options, underlying investments, and investment company and can be obtained from your financial professional.

The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax planning or legal advice. We suggest that you consult with a qualified tax or legal professional. LPL Financial Representatives offer access to Trust Services through The Private Trust Company N.A., an affiliate of LPL Financial. Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly. CRPC conferred by College for Financial Planning. This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the state(s) of CT, DE, FL, GA, MA, NJ, NY, NC, OR, PA, SC, TN and VA. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside the specific states referenced.

1) educationdata.org, 2024

Prepared by Broadridge Advisor Solutions Copyright 2025.

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

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Soak up the sun while taking it easy on your wallet with these free or inexpensive activities in Monmouth and Ocean Counties this June.

June 5

Bayshore Greek Fest (Holmdel) – If you’re looking for a passport to the Mediterranean without the cost of airfare, bring your family and friends to the Bayshore Greek Fest at 20 Hillcrest Road (Kimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church) – running from Thursday, June 5th through Sunday, June 8th at various times. All of your senses will be transported with various Greek food and pastries, music and dancing, specialty vendors, games, and rides. There is no entry fee to attend, but there will be various food and specialty items for purchase. For more information, click here.

Thursday Summer Concert Series (Freehold) – Rock out to the tune of a different band every Thursday this summer at the Hall of Records, beginning at 7:30pm. The Summer Concert Series features different well known and local talent, promising performances that the whole family will enjoy. There will also be a Court Street Vendor Market to shop at before, during, and after the performances. There is no entry fee to attend. Click here for more information and a sneak-peak of the performers you can expect to rock out with this summer.

June 6

AsburyFest (Asbury Park) – Head down to the park across from the Convention Hall in Asbury Park to support the local community and enjoy all things Asbury, taking place from Friday, June 6th through Sunday, June 8th at various times. There will be food, drinks, and crafts available for purchase from local vendors – as well as live music to enjoy as you explore. Admission is $5 per person on Saturday and Sunday, and children ages six and under are free. To honor local heroes, AsburyFest is offering free admission to Veterans, Active-Duty Military, and First Responders. Click here to learn more.

June 7

Hooked on Fishing Derby (Howell) – Cast your fishing rod and reel in the fun and prizes at the Hooked on Fishing Derby at Echo Lake, starting at 8am. In addition to the fishing derby contest, there will be grab and go breakfast, a picnic style lunch, and learning stations. Following the conclusion of the fishing derby, there will be trophies, awards, and prizes at 11:15am. There is no entry fee for children or adults to participate in fishing, and certain bait is provided. Participants are encouraged to bring their own fishing pole and supplies. Click here to learn how to join in on the friendly competition.

Point Pleasant Summerfest – Give summer a warm welcome, taking place at Community Park from 11am-7pm. There is a kick-off party the night before at 6pm for those interested in getting a head start. Nothing screams “summer” like all-day live music, food trucks with outdoor seating areas, a beer and wine garden for those ages 21+, and inflatables for the kids. There is no entry fee to attend, but there are food and drinks available for purchase and $10 wristbands for children to enjoy the kids’ activity area. Click here for additional information.

June 8

Juneteenth Celebration (Freehold) – Head over to Main Street in Downtown Freehold between 12pm and 5pm for a Juneteenth Celebration. You can enjoy tasty food, shop from local vendors, and listen to the sounds of Valerie Adams & The Dimension Band. There is no entry fee to attend. Click here for more information.

June 11

Cruisin’ Downtown (Toms River) – Whether you’re a car-lover or know one – cruise over to 101 Washington Street from 6pm-9pm to view rare and iconic vehicles from decades past. There will be a live band and DJ to enjoy as you explore a lifetime’s worth of cars in one night, as well as downtown businesses and restaurants to visit throughout the evening. There is no entry fee to attend. You can find additional information here.

June 15

Father’s Day at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk (Point Pleasant Beach) – Dad plays free has a nice ring to it, so celebrate Father’s Day by gifting the dads in your life free admission to various activities at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk from 12pm-8pm. Dads receive free admission with a paying child to various attractions, including the amusement park, aquarium, Adventure Lookout Ropes Course, Castaway Cover Mini Golf, and more. You can find more information here.

Father’s Day at the Track (Oceanport) – Race into Father’s Day by celebrating with a day of family fun and horse races at the Monmouth Park Racetrack from 12pm-5pm. In addition to horse races, there will be activities, various dining options and concession stands, and a chance to enjoy the picnic area. Admission is $6 for those ages 12 and older, with gentlemen being free to attend. Click here to learn more so you can bet on having a fun-filled Father’s Day.

June 17

Red Bank Tango on BroadWalk – Put your dancing shoes on and get ready to dance the night away on the Red Bank BroadWalk from 7pm-9pm. Professional instructors will perform the Argentine Tango to a live band and teach anyone who would like to get on their feet. There is no entry fee to attend and the event is open to dancers of all skill levels. Click here for more information.

June 20

Blueberry and BBQ Festival (Lacey) – Enjoy all things blueberry and barbeque at Argos Farm, open select dates between June 20th and July 7th from 3pm-8pm. There will be pick your own blueberries, live music, farm fun attractions for kids, tasty blueberry and barbeque treats, and more. Pricing will be available at this page. Click here for more information.

June 24

Krafty Kid Tuesdays (Long Beach Island) – School may be out, but getting crafty is in at the Bayview Park Pavillion every Tuesday at 10am from June 24th through August 26th.  The first installation of Krafty Kid Tuesdays will have your little ones learning how to stay healthy while having fun in the sun. There is no entry fee to attend and no sign-ups – but please note that most programs can accommodate 30 children. Click here to learn how to keep those hands and imaginations busy this summer.

June 25

Family Movie Night (Freehold) – You won’t want to miss this free Family Movie Night at the Hall of Records, beginning at 8:30pm. Family Movie Nights will take place every Wednesday from June 25th through August 20th, promising to play a different family-friendly movie that will bring a smile to the face of your loved ones every week. The first movie showing will be Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. All you need to enjoy the movie is lawn chairs and blankets – and some snacks. Click here to learn more and view the summer schedule of selected movies.

June 28

Battle of Monmouth Reenactment (Manalapan) – Friends of Monmouth is calling all history buffs to the Battle of Monmouth Reenactment in commemoration of the 247th anniversary of the battle, held on both June 28th and 29th beginning at 10am. In addition to reenactments of scenarios of the battle – there will be presentations and lectures, tours of the camps, and more. There is a suggested donation of $10 per vehicle. Click here to learn about how you can travel back in time to the 1770s and see the Battle of Monmouth, reenacted.

Manchester Day – Bring your family and friends, and your swim suits – to Harry Wright Lake for a fun-filled day in the outdoors beginning at 2pm. In addition to free swimming for the day, there will be free rides, games, live entertainment, fireworks, and more. Click here to find out how you can join in on the fun and celebrate what makes Manchester special.

Summer Kick-Off Beach Campfire (Barnegat) – You and your marshmallows can get toasty at the Summer Kick-Off Beach Campfire at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park from 7pm-9pm. In addition to marshmallow roasting, you can also get cozy by the campfire and enjoy live music. There is no entry fee to attend. Click here for additional information.