Blog

You’ve seen the commercials explaining how important it is to check your ever-fluctuating credit score. You’ve investigated, learned your score, but now what? Knowing your score is the first step to having good credit, but having a good score takes further steps.

When you’re applying for a loan, shopping for an account, or listening to a finance pro, you’re bound to come across a lot of financial jargon – but rarely a clear explanation of what these terms mean. A solid understanding of key banking concepts like rate, APR, and dividend is crucial to making smart financial decisions – and can help put more money in your pocket (and keep it there).

Get-togethers with friends and family are often the biggest highlights of the summer. But if you’re the one hosting that graduation party, Fourth of July barbecue, or family reunion, you may also wind up with a big bill. Fortunately, your next gathering doesn’t have to be an expensive affair.

Looking forward to getting outdoors this summer? Whether your ideal adventure takes you across the country or “down the shore,” a new motorcycle, RV, or boat could be a dream come true. But a significant price tag and the cost of upkeep are realities you’ll need to prepare for.

Memorial Day is right around the corner — a holiday dedicated to remembering and honoring those people who have died serving in the armed forces. As part of our commitment to veterans and to the greater Philadelphia community, our team at American Heritage Credit Union likes to take this time of year to pause and honor those who have served, as well as other charitable organizations in the region.

Your budget doesn’t have to keep you from socializing. You just have to think about different ways to have fun with your friends. Remember, a budget isn’t really about dollars and cents. It represents what you want from life. With that in mind, here are a few money-saving ways to have a great social life without going broke.

American Heritage Credit Union has made the news many times lately — and the pace of breaking developments is only going to speed up as the esteemed Philadelphia institution continues growing at a rapid clip. Yet the financial institution’s focus will never change a key aspect of its operations, according to CEO and President Bruce K. Foulke.

If you’re like most Americans, you probably spend more money than intended when you’re on vacation. But it’s entirely possible to avoid overspending – and still have a great time – if you plan in advance. Whether you’ve booked inexpensive vacations over long weekends or a once-in-a-lifetime overseas extravaganza, our four simple steps to having fun on vacation while spending less are a blueprint for a stress-free time away.

When it comes to financial education, earning is learning. Whether your young child is getting an allowance, your 13-year-old makes money walking neighborhood dogs, or your older teen has a lead on an amazing summer job, seek out any opportunity to have meaningful discussions about financial literacy — especially the essential skills of saving, spending, giving, and planning.

To make your dreams a reality and bring your vision to life, it’s important to plan ahead. That’s why we’ve compiled the list of our top five steps for first-time home buyers, to help as you look to purchase a new home.

Most people know, or can learn, how to do some basic home improvements and repairs. But unless you work as a contractor AND have tons of spare time, you probably will not be able to tackle every project yourself. The line between which renovations you can do and which you should pay a professional to do is different for different people, but here are some general guidelines – along with information about the best way to finance your next major home improvements.

We’re in the height of "kitten season," when rescue shelters fill up with furry faces. It’s a popular time to adopt a cat, dog, or another kind of pet. While the benefits of pets are many, the expenses may be something to growl about. The more you know about the cost of pet ownership, the better prepared you’ll be for everything from initial costs through emergencies.

Buying a home is a journey – and your real estate agent is your guide. Your agent’s knowledge, skills, and level of support will have a big impact on your homebuying experience, so it is important to have the right person by your side. So who is the best real estate agent for you?

If you want to prepare your child to live a happy and independent life as an adult, teaching them personal finance is a must. It’s never too early – or late – to help your child learn about financial literacy.

Whether you receive a large or small refund check this tax season, a check from Uncle Sam is an added bonus to the beginning of spring and new possibilities. One fun way to spend your tax refund check? Home renovations!

If you’re looking for a great financial partner that’s also great for your community, local credit unions are the best option. Unlike the big national banks and online-only banks, credit unions are member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperatives that directly contribute to your hometown.

A certificate or money market account (MMA) from your local credit union can be a smart, safe way to grow your money faster – and reach your savings goals sooner. Unlike stocks, both account options are federally insured, and they often pay much higher dividends than typical savings accounts. Certificates and MMAs are both good options, but they have some key difference you should know about when deciding which to choose.

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.

Your 20s are a time of discovery. That includes discovering how to make, spend, and save money (and be less dependent on Mom and Dad). But the journey toward understanding your finances can be a bumpy one. Here are five financial mistakes people often make in their 20s and how to avoid them.

Whether you are a first time home buyer or just want to freshen up your current house, decorating a home can be exciting, inspiring, and often times, expensive. The good news is that if you plan ahead and follow some of our budget-friendly tips, you can continue to pinch your pennies and still turn your house into a Pinterest-worthy home.