WALL, N.J.–First Financial FCU held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of its newest branch at 389 Route 9 North in Freehold, N.J., and, separately, has held a first-ever LIFE Fair.
In attendance were several Howell Chamber of Commerce members, including 2nd Vice President Tom Comer, Executive Director Susan Dominguez, John McGeehan from CentraState Health Care System, and Linda Apointe from Sam’s Club. Members of the First Financial Board of Directors and Supervisory Committee were also in attendance, as well as President/CEO Issa Stephan, Realtor Marshall Kern, Freehold/Howell Branch Manager Dan Dunn, and members of the First Financial corporate office staff and Freehold/Howell branch staff.
The week of the Grand Opening was highlighted with special offers and prizes for members and the community.
“Our first priority is achieving our members’ financial dreams by defining their financial goals and lifestyle, empowering them with financial education, helping them to plan their retirement, and manage their risk – and our newest branch will be a key vehicle in helping us to fulfill this promise with our membership,” said Stephan.
Separately, First Financial Federal Credit Union held the first LIFE (Learning Independent Financial Education) financial reality fair event for the students at Lakewood High School. While the credit union has hosted financial reality fairs in the past, this fair has been revamped and is specifically sponsored and developed by First Financial. Approximately 160 sophomore, junior, and senior students participated in this hands-on version of the “game of life,” during which they were required to make on-the-spot financial decisions.
The LIFE Fair consists of a full day hands-on experience where students, after identifying their career choice and starting salaries, are provided a budget sheet requiring them to live within their monthly salary while paying for basics such as housing, utilities, transportation, clothing, and food. Once the students visit all the booths, they balance their budget and sit down with a financial counselor to review their expenses and get a “financial reality check.”