How Much Do Your Financial Vices REALLY Cost?

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What is one thing you just can’t live without? That little indulgence that helps you make it through the day. For some of us, it’s a jolt of caffeine. For others, Netflix and Hulu offer a sweet escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. What we sometimes fail to think about, is these little escapes can be a drain on our wallets. Here are some ways you can cut those costs.

Coffee/Energy Drinks

The mid-morning slump, the mid-afternoon slump, and the post-mid-afternoon slump. The idea is that sometimes the day seems to drag on for way longer than seemingly possible. Some people reach for the nearest Starbucks to replenish their energy reserves, while some crack open an energy drink in the hopes of pushing through the rest of the day. What neither often considers, is that these sources of liquid energy can really add up. The average price of a cup of regular (non-latte) coffee from Starbucks is $1.89, and that’s only the average – some areas will be much higher. That may not seem like much, but consider this: an American who drinks coffee at home will save approximately $427 per year over those who regularly visit coffee shops. When we look at energy drinks, on average they cost anywhere between $2-$4. They can be almost double the cost of coffee. A cheaper alternative – green tea! If saving money is high on your priority list, put your at-home barista skills to work.

Subscription Services

From snacks to pet toys, a new wardrobe, and everything in between, there is a subscription service for it all these days. Many in fact, sometimes forget what they have subscribed to, leading to a big bill each month. Arguably the most common subscription is Netflix, which will cost you around $12.99 a month (if you only want the standard package). Add in Hulu ($5.99), BarkBox ($22), and StitchFix ($20), and you now have a monthly subscription bill of slightly over $60. See how fast that adds up? Not to mention the ever-popular meal subscription services can run you about $200 a month. While these modern conveniences are well…convenient, they are also pricey. Most of us don’t want to give up our Netflix, and that’s fine. Take a hard look at all your subscriptions. Are you getting your money’s worth? Do you eat all the meals from the meal kit? Do you keep enough from StitchFix that the $20 a month fee is worth it? Odds are, you’ll find one or two subscriptions you can live without. Your quality of life will stay the same, and you’ll save money too.

Take Out

Do you look at a recipe and instantly get woozy? Cooking isn’t for everyone, and take out can taste great and you barely have to lift a finger to get it nowadays. Before you pull up DoorDash or GrubHub, consider that the average household spends $3,000 a year dining out. That’s no small amount. On closer look, a prepared meal at a restaurant costs on average, $13. Compare that to the average cost of groceries per person for an at-home meal…$4. Yes, that is a $9 savings just from eating at home. The good news is that anyone can cook. All it takes is a little preparation. Plan your meals, choose easy recipes, and don’t expect every meal you prepare to be a Michelin-star experience. Casseroles are an easy meal that is also inexpensive and tasty. If you are completely opposed to cooking, be responsible with your take out. Choose locally-owned businesses and restaurants so that your money is stimulating the local economy. When you use a delivery service, you aren’t just paying for the food. Your total also includes a service fee, tax, a delivery fee, and a tip. Many times your order total will be double. A recent study showed that your meal will cost you 32.8% more when you order food from DoorDash vs ordering directly from a restaurant.

Online Shopping

“Add to Cart.” The temptation is always just a click away. Surfing the net can bring some expensive side effects as you see a constant flood of targeted ads. It’s like they know exactly what you’re looking for. When an online retailer meets your wants and needs (and at such a deal), it becomes hard to pass it up. And free shipping? It can more than likely be a trap to get you to continue to spend. Sure, you are getting good deals on your online purchases, but this can also make you feel like you can buy just one more thing. Soon, your whole budget has been blown on online shopping. There are many ways you can curb this habit. For starters, make sure to delete your payment information from auto-populating in services like PayPal and Amazon. Secondly, set strict limits for yourself. In your budget, set aside some funds for online shopping. If you know this is the only money you have to splurge, you might think twice before clicking “complete purchase.”

If you do any of the things above, the first thing to remember is not to get discouraged. A cup of coffee or a new shirt never hurt anyone. With most things in life, our financial vices are all about moderation. We wouldn’t expect you never to visit a Starbucks or get take out ever again. Set realistic goals for yourself and hold yourself accountable, you’ll be amazed at the savings. At First Financial, we are here to help you reach your goals and attain financial stability. To get started, check out our handy budgeting guide.

Money Saving Ideas for Your End of Summer Staycation

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If you’re trying to make the best of the last few weeks of summer while vacationing at home and saving money – keep reading. With a bit of creativity and an open mind, spending your time off at home can still be just as fun and just as rewarding. Plus, you won’t have airfare or hotel bills to pay!

Turn Your House into a Hotel

You can enjoy the experience of staying in a hotel right at home. Indulge in hot chocolate at night with a fresh baked cookie, create a mini bar in your bedroom, and leave a folded luxurious robe and new pair of slippers out for yourself and enjoy a bubble bath. To add to the vacation resort feel, turn on the spa station on Pandora or find a relaxing music station on TV and keep it playing in the background. You can also buy tropical beach or spa scented candles or essential oils to increase the resort getaway feel, without ever leaving your house.

Around the World Theme Night Dinners

Convert your kitchen into a foreign destination with a themed dinner – a different one for every night of the week, if you so choose. Research the cuisine of each country you pick, play cultural music in the background, and serve drinks, appetizers, dinner and dessert all from the nationality of the day. To add to this idea, you might choose to get a bit competitive with other family members. Have each person make a certain dish, set a time limit, and vote on the best one!

Backyard Camping

Put up a tent in your backyard, and have a family camping experience equipped with sleeping bags, flashlights, cook on the grill, tell ghost stories, and make s’mores. You can also still have just as much fun with a living room camping experience with sleeping bags and flashlights too!

Hold a Yoga Retreat

This can also take place in your living room or outside in the backyard with yoga mats, infused water, and relaxing music. Search on YouTube or Google for simple poses and how-to videos to help guide you.

Watch a Broadway Show – Virtually

Did you know that https://www.broadwayhd.com/ includes a free 7 day trial? There are also monthly and annual subscription service options if you want to watch them all!

Hold a Movie Marathon

Rent movies or create a line-up of ones you’ve wanted to see but haven’t had the time for. Stock up on popcorn and other movie theater style snacks. If the weather is nice, you could even hold an outdoor marathon using a projector and screen and watch from the backyard.

Get Creative

Reconnect with your inner child (or your actual children), and hold a drawing or painting class. You will probably need to order some supplies in advance (paint, canvas, drawing pencils). The most important thing to remember is to be creative. If the weather is nice, paint or draw outside! If your creations turn out better than you hoped – you’ll even have new artwork to display inside.

Go Outside

Visit a local park, beach, go for a bike ride – just get outdoors. If you plan to spend the day outside, bring supplies like sunscreen, snacks, water, and other necessities.

Learn a Skill

Was there ever something you have always wanted to learn but just never found the time? Maybe you’ve always wanted to focus more on baking or cake decorating, grow a garden, etc. See if you can find a local class during your staycation and make your dream a reality.

Assist a Charity

There are many charities and non-profit organizations who can use your help no matter the season. Seek out one that’s local to you and spend the day volunteering. You’ll feel internally rewarded!

Travel Virtually

You might not be able to get on a plane and tour world landmarks or go on an island getaway right now, but you can travel virtually. If you’re a museum enthusiast, many museums around the globe also are featuring virtual online tours. Zoos, aquariums, and even theme parks have virtual experiences too – get out your laptop or tablet and start searching for the spots that interest you the most.

Article Source: TowerFCU.org

NJ Day Trip Ideas for a Local Staycation in Summer 2020

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As summer starts to come to an end, are you realizing you won’t get to vacation like usual this year but still want to experience something out of the ordinary and save money at the same time? Check out the following New Jersey day trip landmark ideas for a day of summer family fun (during a pandemic).

Asbury Park Boardwalk

Asbury Park’s boardwalk includes a variety of shops, places to eat, and historic spots (such as Convention Hall). Don’t miss the iconic Asbury Park pedal boats on Wesley Lake either! Just past the pedal boats, head into Ocean Grove – a charming little beachfront town right next to Asbury Park.

Battleship New Jersey

Located in Camden, if you’ve never seen the 887-foot-long battleship in person – you might want to consider taking a drive. The ship is over 11 stories high and is one of the longest battleships ever built, as well as the most decorated in the country. The ship was closed during the pandemic but is now open everyday through Labor Day. Be sure to check it out!

Cape May Lighthouse

This lighthouse is 161 years old, and once you climb 199 steps – you’ll get amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean, Delaware Bay, and Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal. This is a sight located within Lower Township’s Cape May Point State Park that you won’t want to miss!

The Delaware River

If it’s a nice day and you’re looking to take a scenic drive – think about driving along the Delaware River in Hunterdon County through Lambertville, Frenchtown, Milford and Stockton. Don’t miss the New Hope-Lambertville Bridge for a gorgeous view, and outdoor dining in Lambertville and New Hope.

The Great Falls of the Passaic River

Why drive all the way to Niagara Falls when the Great Falls of the Passaic is practically right in your own backyard in Paterson? The Great Falls of the Passaic are part of the National Historic Landmark District. Park grounds are currently open, however the welcome center is still temporarily closed. Learn more here.

Lucy the Elephant

Located in Margate City on Atlantic Avenue – you can’t miss the 6 story, 90-ton elephant that boasts a 140 year old history. Perfect for keeping your social distance, Lucy the Elephant is one of the oldest roadside attractions in the country! Guided tours are also currently taking place, with proper protocols like face masks while inside or in the gift shop.

Palisades Parkway

Located in Alpine – you can take a scenic 42-mile drive along the Hudson River from the George Washington Bridge to the Bear Mountain Bridge. You’ll get to see the New York City skyline, and there are three different lookout areas to stop and get out to appreciate the gorgeous views. Find out more here.

Pinelands National Reserve

Located in South Jersey and touching 7 counties, you’re bound to hit a section of one million acres of berry farms, historic villages, forests and wetlands – plus fresh air. Find out more at https://www.nps.gov/pine/index.htm

Red Mill Museum

Located in Clinton in Hunterdon County, the Red Mill is a NJ icon which sits on the Raritan River and was built in 1810. While some of the grounds might be temporarily closed, the Red Mill is featuring live outdoor concerts and car shows on various dates. Learn more here. In town you’ll also find shops, eateries, and tree lined streets.

With great day trip ideas like these – you can hit them all during your end of summer New Jersey staycation!

Article Source: Mycentraljersey.com

How to Create a Space Saving Garden on a Budget

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Were you scrolling through Pinterest during quarantine and trying to figure out how to create your own garden, but you don’t have a lawn or much backyard space? Even if you only have a small area for plants or vegetables, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your Pinterest-worthy garden. Here’s how you can make the most your urban, space-saving, garden on a budget.

Seeds vs. Potted Plants

Did you know that buying plants and flowers from seeds is less expensive than buying a full-grown potted plant? When shopping for your urban garden, consider whether you want to splurge on the already grown plant or if you want to save some money and grow your garden and flowers from seeds. Your local garden shop, nursery, or home improvement store should have both seeds and potted plants for you to choose from.

Pro Tip: Save some green by using seeds from the vegetables and fruit you already eat!

Annuals or Perennials

Another thing to consider when choosing what plants to put in your urban garden is longevity. Plants and flowers that are considered annuals bloom once a year, and then their time is done. Perennials are plants that bloom once a year, but do not die. They re-bloom the following season and remain alive. In the long run, it is more cost effective to buy perennials that will last longer, however they may be more expensive than annuals. One way to look at this is to consider your garden as an investment.

Containers

Look around your home. Chances are you have old pots, glass bottles, or unique boxes and containers already there for you to use and plant your garden in. This will help you from having to pay for containers and pots at the store that are costly. Using what you already own is also eco-friendly as well as cost effective. Recyclable glass sauce jars are excellent for propagating plants you already own, or growing a new plant from the trimming of another plant.

Pro Tip: Leftover vegetable cans are great for growing herbs in the kitchen.

Now that you have chosen between seeds and potted plants, annuals or perennials, and found the perfect container – it’s time to talk about the placement and functionality of your urban garden.

Save Space

Save some room in your home and on your patio by planting vertically! Ferns are great for hanging from the ceiling or above, and any vining plant will grow well vertically in a hanging pot. Save room in style!

Pro Tip: Trendy macramé planters are not only beautiful, but extremely functional for a space saving option.

Another option to save room is to use a balcony railing. Use rail planter boxes to save room on the ground. This is also a great way to add additional privacy to your patio.

Lastly, put your potted stationary plants that are on the ground onto some rolling carts. Rolling carts for your plants are a great option to move your plants around for optimal sunlight, but also functionality. If you need to move a potted plant to have room, simply roll it to where it needs to go.

Privacy

If you’re looking for added privacy at your home, plant tall grasses and put them up against railings. This will add an extra level of privacy and create an outdoor oasis!

Pro Tip: Most grasses are perennials! Plus, if you use rail planter boxes – you’ll have more privacy.

You’re now ready to start a space saving garden on a budget! When you go out to shop for your plants and supplies, don’t forget to take your First Financial credit card with you, so you can earn rewards or cash back on all your purchases. Happy gardening.

*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.

Check Yourself Before You Rec Yourself – Tips for RV Purchases

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It is fair to say that summer 2020 is also shaping up to be…unconventional. It may seem as though your summer fun is quickly becoming summer none, but a solution may be in reach. Enter: A recreational vehicle. Whether it be a boat, an RV, or even an ATV – summer excitement may just be on the horizon.

How do you decide which one is right for you and your family?  Do you want to take to the road, the water, or forested trails? Here’s a little insight on this thrilling (but important) decision.

RVs

Picture this: You and your family are on the open road. Your destination is ahead of you. Your children laugh as they play a card game at the table behind you. Best of all, you don’t have to stop for bathroom breaks.

A recent study found that RV vacations cost much less than other travel, even when factoring in fuel prices and RV ownership cost. According to the study, there are cost savings of between 21-64% for a four-person travel party, while a two-person travel party may save 8-53%. That’s some serious savings if you do it right. You can instead spend that money on food, experiences, and souvenirs from your trip.

Before purchasing an RV, be sure to do your research. There are multiple packages and floor plans that may not be right for every family. Be sure to shop around to find the RV that fits your needs the best.

Keep in mind that, like all motor vehicles, an RV will also require maintenance and upkeep. This is an expense that must be factored into RV ownership.

Boats

Did you know, Vitamin D deficiency affects 50% of the population worldwide? What’s an excellent source of Vitamin D? Sunlight.

There are many ways to get under the sun, but one of the most fun is boating. Not only that, but taking to the water can be as relaxing or as exhilarating as you want. Gently float along soaking up that Vitamin D, or test your balance on a wakeboard. The possibilities are endless.

2019 saw a 6% increase in the number of people who purchased personal watercrafts, bringing the U.S. total to approximately 73,000 new boats on the water.

The next logical question, “what type of boat is right for me?” There are so many options you can choose from. Do you want a sailboat or one with a motor? If you opt for a motor, what horsepower should you choose? What size boat is perfect for your needs? Will you take your boat to the lake, river, ocean or all of the above? Consider all of these factors before purchasing a boat.

Four-Wheelers (ATVs)

Gritty. Dirty. Fun. Four-Wheelers can be a major source of excitement, but they can also be dangerous if you are not careful. Before purchasing an ATV, be sure to do your research and brush up on ATV safety. There are also other things to consider – like your four-wheeler brand, size, and tire size. Fun fact: At low speeds, a four-wheeler’s wheels move in opposite directions to make parking and maneuvering easier.

What will you do with your Recreational Vehicle Loan?

There are many things to consider when purchasing a recreational vehicle, and we are here to help with one of the most important – financing. We offer recreational vehicle loans that make funding your summer fun (and beyond) more accessible than ever, no matter which type you choose. We’re your credit union, contact us today if you have questions about RV loans – or you can learn more and apply online 24/7!*

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Not all applicants will qualify, subject to credit approval. Additional terms & conditions may apply. Actual rate may vary based on credit worthiness and term. A First Financial membership is required to obtain a First Financial RV, ATV, Boat or Motorcycle 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 for credit union membership prior to opening any other account/loan. Federally insured by NCUA.

Reasons Not to File Your Taxes Late

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Tax Day was July 15th this year, after a 3 month extension due to COVID-19. If you still haven’t filed your 2019 taxes, you’ll need to contact the IRS for an extension – as soon as possible. You can find out more information and how to file for an extension at IRS.gov

Here are several reasons why it’s important to try to always file your taxes well in advance of the Tax Day deadline:

Possible Penalty Fees – Did you owe the IRS and your payment arrived late or got lost in the mail? You could be charged interest on everything you owe for late payments. Be sure to pay on time if you owe the government money to avoid any and all late fees.

You’ll Be Waiting for Your Refund – If you file late and are getting a tax refund this year, it’s basically withholding your own money from yourself.

You May Have Trouble Paying – If you owe money on your taxes, and it’s in the thousands – you unfortunately still need to pay by Tax Day. Filing late doesn’t give you any extra time to come up with your payment.

Underestimating the Time it Takes – Don’t underestimate the amount of time it takes to file your taxes, especially if you had a life change (marriage, new baby, changed jobs, bought a home) within the past year. It’s important to give yourself ample time before the filing deadline.

Not All Tax Forms May Be Available – It’s much easier these days with tax forms available online, but which ones do you need and how do you fill them out? Are you really sure you know exactly what’s needed and that it will be available if you need it right away? This requires advanced planning.

You Could Need More Information – You almost never have all the documents ready when you file your taxes. What happens if you need to locate an important form (like your W-2) or speak to your accountant, hours before the filing deadline?

Unexpected Things Happen – You may get sick or an emergency may come up. Also, what if you have a technology failure like your printer stops working or your computer won’t turn on? It’s always best to prepare and file early.

You Might Overpay for Advice – Sometimes, requesting last minute advice and service will cost you more. Plus if you’re in a time crunch, you won’t have extra time to find a discount or deal on tax services.

If you do end up filing late, here are some tips:

File for an Extension – If you can’t get your taxes filed by Tax Day, there’s always the option to file for an extension. The down side is that if you owe the government money, you’re still responsible for paying the estimated taxes when you file for the extension. In other words, it’s an extension on filing your taxes, not on paying what you owe. What happens if you can’t pay now? Failing to file for an extension will result in a penalty on top of the bill you already have. The IRS often offers an option to set up a payment installment plan. You can get started online here.

File Your Taxes Online – Filing online is faster and easier, especially if you’re running late. If you’ve never filed your taxes online before, a quick search will lead you to various tax prep businesses that usually offer free e-file along with paid services (like having your return reviewed by a tax professional). If your gross earnings fall under $69,000, you can also use the IRS Free File Program. E-filing requires an electronic pin you’ll use for e-signing, and also – don’t forget to save digital and print copies of your taxes for your records.

Watch for Mistakes – You’re more likely to make mistakes when you’re in a hurry to meet a deadline. The following mistakes are common and costly: Missed deductions, incorrect account or social security numbers, and forgetting to sign and date your return.

The moral of the story: File early next year!

 

Article Source: David Ning for Moneyning.com