First Financial Federal Credit Union's History
In 1936, during the Depression, a group of Asbury Park schoolteachers organized themselves into one of the earliest Credit Unions in America. It was named Monmouth County, NJ Teachers Federal Credit Union. Under the leadership of Harold “Pop” Shannon, this Credit Union grew to include employees of both Monmouth and Ocean County Boards of Education, at which time the name was changed to Mon-Oc Teachers Federal Credit Union.
From a small office in Asbury Park, over the years the Credit Union expanded its field of membership to include municipal employees (and the name changed to Mon-Oc Public Employees Federal Credit Union), employees of some local hospitals and nursing facilities, and several small businesses (when the name then became Mon-Oc Federal Credit Union). In April 2003, Mon-Oc became a community Credit Union, serving anyone who lives, works, worships, volunteers or attends school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties. The cooperative spirit that was created in the early days of Mon-Oc is still at the heart of our philosophy, as we became First Financial Federal Credit Union in July 2006.
What is a Credit Union?
You may have heard the term “Credit Union” before but do you really know what it is? Knowing and utilizing one can save you a ton of money!
Simply put, a Credit Union is like a bank, only better.
At a Credit Union, you belong to and own part of the Credit Union. You are not called a customer, but instead - you are called a member. Each member is connected through location of their employment, school, place of worship, where they volunteer, or where they live. A Credit Union is part of your community. We work to meet your needs. Since we are not-for-profit, we don't pay stakeholders like banks do. Instead, the money the Credit Union brings in, goes back to you - our members, in the form of lower interest rates and personalized services. In addition to being a place of banking, we are a financial resource center. Our staff is here to help you make smart and sound financial decisions. We care about you and we put your needs first!
What We Do
We provide banking services and much more!
First Financial is a community Credit Union serving Monmouth and Ocean Counties. We provide banking services and financial education, loans, free seminars, and more.
Our Promise
We Promise to:
- Give our personal best every day.
- Welcome you first and treat you as an honored guest.
- Treat you with first-class professionalism and address you by name.
- Deliver first-rate friendly service in an accurate and timely manner.
- Take ownership and make you our first priority.
- Identify your financial needs first and provide you with trustworthy and value-added solutions.
- Make a first-rate financial difference in our members' lives.
- Keep our first-rate facilities clean and operational to ensure your experience is pleasant.
- Thank you for your business at First Financial.
Our Vision
To be a long-term financial partner with our Members.
Our Mission
First Financial Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative whose goal is to provide the highest level of quality products and personalized services while maintaining financial integrity and stability, thus enriching the quality of our Members' lifestyles.
Value Statement
First Financial is part of your community. We provide value driven banking services with high-tech, low-cost convenience. We deliver customized lending decisions on the spot in our local branches, online or by phone. At First Financial, personalized service you can trust is only a click away.
The First Financial Member Experience
- Defining your dream goals and lifestyle
- Empowering you through financial education
- Building your wealth
- Planning for your retirement
- Managing your risk
