At Members 1st of NJ FCU, we believe that being part of a community means more than just providing financial services. It means investing in people, sharing knowledge, and celebrating together. Our commitment goes beyond accounts and loans; it’s about building a stronger, more financially savvy community for everyone. From empowering young people with financial education services to simply saying “thank you” to our members, we are dedicated to making a positive impact.
Here’s a look at some of the ways we’re working to support and connect with our members and neighbors.
Learning About Money in the Real World: Reality Fairs
What if you could practice managing a monthly budget before your first paycheck even arrives? That’s the idea behind our Reality Fairs. These are interactive, hands-on financial education services designed to give teens, young adults, and anyone new to budgeting a realistic taste of financial decision-making.
Imagine you’ve just graduated and landed your first job. You have a monthly income, but now you need to pay for everything yourself. At a Reality Fair, participants are assigned a career and a starting salary. They then visit various stations to “purchase” necessities and wants.
Typical stations include:
- Housing: Will you rent an apartment or live with roommates?
- Transportation: Do you need a car payment, or can you use public transit?
- Groceries: How do you budget for food for the month?
- Insurance: What kind of coverage is essential?
- Savings: How much should you set aside for the future?
- Debt: Managing student loans or credit card payments.
- Unexpected Expenses: A “wheel of reality” might spin, landing on a surprise car repair or medical bill.
The goal is to end the simulation with a balanced budget. The key takeaway is a powerful understanding of needs versus wants, the importance of an emergency fund, and how credit choices affect your financial health. We regularly host these financial education services to empower the next generation.
We invite local schools and community organizations to partner with us to bring this valuable experience to more young people. Stay tuned for our upcoming events!
Free Financial Coaching with KOFE
Our Reality Fairs provide a fantastic foundation, but financial education is a lifelong journey. That’s why we offer all our members free access to KOFE (Knowledge of Financial Education), a powerful online resource designed to help you achieve your financial goals.
KOFE is a confidential and convenient platform that complements our in-person financial education services by providing ongoing support. Whether you’re buying a home, planning for retirement, or working to improve your credit, KOFE has tools to help.
Benefits for Members 1st members include:
- One-on-One Financial Coaching: Speak with certified coaches about your specific situation.
- Educational Webinars: Join live or watch recorded sessions on a wide range of financial topics.
- Self-Paced Courses: Learn about budgeting, investing, and more on your own schedule.
- Interactive Tools: Use budget calculators and other resources to manage your money effectively.
- Credit Report Reviews: Understand your credit score and learn how to improve it.
- Debt Management Strategies: Get expert guidance on creating a plan to pay down debt.
KOFE empowers you to take control of your finances with expert support right at your fingertips.
Celebrating Our Members: Appreciation Days
Our members are the heart of our credit union, and we love finding ways to show our gratitude. Each year, we host Member Appreciation Days to say a special thank you for being part of our family. These events are a chance for us to connect with you outside of regular banking and share a moment of community spirit.
This past year, we celebrated with two fun events. At our Vineland branch, we treated members to free pizza and a drink—a simple gesture to share a meal and a smile. At another event at our Thunderbolt branch, we helped members beat the heat with free iced lattes and some fun giveaways. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and catch up.
These days are all about you, and we are already looking forward to next year’s celebrations. Keep an eye out for more details on our 2026 events through our website, or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
Giving Back on CU Kind Day
The credit union philosophy of “people helping people” is something we take seriously. One day that truly embodies this spirit is CU Kind Day. This is a day when credit unions across the state and country come together to perform acts of kindness and service in their local communities.
This year, Members 1st participated by making a donation to a local soup kitchen. We believe that everyone deserves access to a warm meal, and we were honored to support an organization that provides vital assistance to our neighbors facing food insecurity. Supporting foundational needs like this is a crucial part of building a strong, healthy community for all.
Join a Community That Cares
Being a member of Members 1st of NJ FCU means you’re part of something bigger. You’re part of a community-focused organization that invests in your financial well-being through financial education services, celebrates you with fun events, and gives back to the neighborhoods we all call home. If you’re looking for a financial partner that offers personalized service and a genuine commitment to community, we invite you to join us.
Become a member today and experience the credit union difference!