Getting married is an exciting time. From announcing the news to your friends and family, to planning a wedding and honeymoon during these uncertain times, you’ve got a lot to think about. So it can be easy to overlook one of the most important subjects that affects newly married couples: money.
Whether your current filing system includes spreadsheets or a shoebox stuffed with papers, we can help you simplify and organize your finances so you can focus on the things that matter to you, while reducing the stress and hassle from managing your finances.
Around here, winters can get cold. While it’s great to enjoy the sight of a winter wonderland (and a cup of hot cocoa) from inside a warm home, the cost of keeping your place comfortable can be significant. In the spirit of National Cut Your Energy Costs Day, which is January 10, here are eight strategies to improve your home’s energy efficiency, lower your energy bills, and help reduce your impact on the planet.
By: American Heritage01.25.21
Culture
Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy extends far beyond his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Throughout his time as a civil rights leader, both his words and actions spoke to the importance of joining together as a community to overcome injustice and create a fairer, kinder society for everyone. In that spirit, Martin Luther King Jr. Day has become a national day of service, and the Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service is one of its largest annual events.
In this new series, we take a look at the inner workings of the Credit Union and meet some of the champions who help our members in every facet of their financial lives. This month, we met up with experts Devon Yoak and Christian Suarez, who are working together to bring a new project to life. This project, known as Video Advisor, is an exciting new communication channel for members near and far.
For nearly ten months, Americans have been feeling the effects of a lockdown designed to slow the spread of COVID-19. Unfortunately, the livelihoods of many were impacted by these lockdowns as small businesses, hospitality, live entertainment, and other industries closed their doors. Payment Protection Program Loans and unemployment benefits helped shoulder some of the burden, but many Americans were and are still struggling.
A home equity line of credit (HELOC)lets you borrow what you need and works differently than a home equity loan. Learn about the differences between the two in this article.
By: American Heritage01.07.21
Even though we can’t tell when or if the next recession will happen, or how long it could last, we can prepare for that possibility. And being prepared is a win-win situation: You can ride out a recession with less personal financial impact, and you can be fiscally stronger if a recession does not occur. These tips will help you prepare, just in case.
By: American Heritage01.07.21
As proud Philadelphians (fun fact: we were founded in Pennsylvania over 70 years ago!), we enjoy exploring our city and all of the activities Philadelphia has to offer, especially in the summertime. That’s why we’ve compiled a summer bucket list of our top 5 things to do in Philadelphia this summer and encourage our members to check them out and share with us on our social channels!
As part of a 2-part blog series, and in an effort to help our members better understand both options, our team is reviewing the differences between a home equity loan and a home equity line of credit—both of which are potential options for those wanting to borrow on their home equity.
To get started, let’s review the following brief overview that explains what is a home equity loan—including how to use it, the benefits, and how to a secure a home equity loan.
Here are nine personal finance moves that could have a big impact on your financial wellness in the coming year – and suggestions to help keep your financial resolutions on track throughout the year.
Cash gifts are the perfect solution for the ones on your list who have it all. More flexible than a gift card, giving cash allows the recipient to make the important decision of how to spend it.
By: American Heritage12.10.20
Holiday
The spirit of giving is always alive and well during the holidays, and we know that’s especially true this year. As so many people grapple with the hardships of COVID-19, many of us are looking for ways to lend a helping hand. But with new safety concerns, it can be a challenge to find ways to help others while safeguarding our own health. That’s why we’re sharing this list of seven ways you can make a difference in your community right now, without putting yourself at risk.
‘Tis the season to be careful. Amidst the holiday deals, package deliveries, and charity donations, danger lurks. No one wants to ruin their holiday cheer with a headache and a disputed credit card charge, but a little caution goes a long way. Due to current world circumstances, many are choosing to do the bulk of their shopping online this year. While avoiding the crowd can keep you safe in one way, you still need to protect yourself on the web. Here are some common scams you can expect to see this holiday.
By: American Heritage11.27.20
Holiday
There are lots of reasons to love the holidays: the lights, the gifts, the time with family. But here’s something you probably don’t love: a big credit card bill or low checking account balance to start the new year. By some estimates, the average American spends around $1,000 on holiday expenses. However, with a little planning and smart purchases, it’s possible to enjoy lots of holiday fun without spending lots of money.
By: Holly Benedetto11.19.20
Holiday
The holidays are a season of charity and generosity. With this spirit of giving, it is easy to overindulge and buy a gift for everyone in our lives. Though we never want to discourage kindness, overextending your finances for the sake of the holidays isn’t a wise financial decision. We've compiled some resources and tips to help navigate this potentially challenging holiday season.
Whether you’re planning for an average weeknight dinner or a Thanksgiving feast, it can be hard to get your grocery bills to align with your monthly budget. The good news is that there are many great strategies for saving money on groceries that work for Thanksgiving and all year long. Here are some of our favorite tips.
Beyond the emotional toll of the loss of a loved one is a list of responsibilities. While paperwork and documentation may be the last thing on your mind, it is important to settle certain matters quickly, such as managing the deceased’s bank accounts.
At American Heritage, we strive to treat this sensitive topic with the respect it deserves by making the process smooth and uncomplicated. For the purposes of this article, the information provided will be written with American Heritage accounts in mind.
When it comes to managing finances, too many of us make terrifying mistakes that can cost us money, hurt our credit and impact our financial future. In order to survive, we offer this brief list of financial terrors. Avoid them, and you may get out alive.
By: Holly Benedetto10.22.20
Credit
A credit card balance transfer makes a high-interest credit card balance (or balances) more manageable by transferring that balance to a new credit card with a lower interest rate. For added savings, some balance transfer offers include a lower introductory rate for a limited amount of time or sometimes even the life of the balance. Balance transfers can help you get out of debt faster and make multiple payments easier to manage.