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Celebrate National Family Literacy Month

By: American Heritage11.02.23 Education Youth
That’s why promoting family literacy is something we’re passionate about here at American Heritage. Thanks to all our members who have become Book Buddies during our Books for Kids campaigns, we’ve donated over 35,000 to local hospitals, community centers, and shelters. Plus, when November rolls around, we like to celebrate National Family Literacy Month by raising awareness about the importance of reading together and sharing a few fun tips for upping your household’s daily dose of words.
Senior woman and home caregiver together in kitchen

Celebrate International Credit Union Day With Us

By: American Heritage10.19.23 Policy & Economy
Join your fellow members of American Heritage Credit Union on Thursday, October 19, 2023, as we celebrate International Credit Union Day and a major milestone. International Credit Union Day (ICU Day) is a chance to highlight the accomplishments and aspirations of the worldwide cooperative banking revolution. Held annually since 1948, this is a banner year.
Closeup of a man's hands while he holds his open wallet

Federally Backed Finances: The NCUA, Credit Unions & You

By: American Heritage10.12.23 Security Policy & Economy
When compared to other financial institutions, credit unions are the masters of keeping members’ funds secure and stable. This is due in no small part to the National Credit Union Administration, which regulates credit unions and provides insurance for member deposits. But what exactly does that mean, and how does it compare to the safeguards in place for banks?
A smiling baby reaches toward the camera

What a Baby Costs in the First Year

By: American Heritage10.05.23 Savings & Budgeting
Whether you find out you’re expecting or you get a call from your adoption agency, your first response is probably an instant rush of emotions. That is likely to be followed by a dawning realization of how much needs to be done—and spent—before the baby comes home. Raising a child from a newborn to an adult can cost over $300,000, not including college, according to a Brookings Institution analysis of data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Common Scams Targeting Credit Cards

By: American Heritage09.21.23 Security Credit
More than 150 million Americans were victims of credit card fraud last year, according to this Security.org's 2023 Credit Card Fraud Report. It’s a serious issue that can impact financial well-being and personal security. Credit card fraud often leads to unauthorized transactions, which may result in financial losses for the victim. Fraudulent activity on credit cards can also negatively affect victims’ credit scores if the unauthorized charges are not resolved promptly. This can make it harder to secure loans or credit in the future and lead to higher interest rates.

How Much Should You Spend on Rent?

By: American Heritage09.14.23 Home & Mortgage Savings & Budgeting
If you’ve checked out rental listings lately, you know that rents are going up, up, up. Demand for apartments has surged, making many markets super competitive. Finding a place to call home at a reasonable price can be challenging. The burning question is: how much of your income should go toward a rent budget?
Teenage boy attaching a corsage to his prom date

Tips for Teens & Parents to Save on Senior Year Expenses

By: American Heritage09.07.23 Education Savings & Budgeting
For many high school students, senior year is an exciting time—and an expensive one. Between car shopping, campus tours, and prom night, there’s a lot going on during the time leading up to graduation. During this transition period to independence and adulthood, it’s essential to build key life skills. Learning how to budget and manage money now will help set students up for a lifetime of financial success.

Your Student Loan Repayment Options

By: Kirstin Wilson08.10.23 Education
The Department of Education’s pause on federal student loans and interest accrual ends September 1, 2023. Payments will start back up in October 2023, so if you haven’t selected a repayment plan yet or are looking to adjust your payments to fit your current circumstances, now is the time to do your research.

8 Simple Ways to Reduce Food Waste and Save Money

By: American Heritage08.03.23 Savings & Budgeting
Does this happen to you? You toss out mystery leftovers from the back of the fridge or throw away a half-eaten bulk box of cereal that’s gone stale. Food waste is a bigger problem than most people realize, and when you throw away food, you’re also throwing away money. Want to learn how to waste less and save more? In this article, we’ll show you eight simple ways to reduce your food waste.

Tips to Break the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle

By: American Heritage07.27.23 Savings & Budgeting
Between the rising cost of groceries, gas, and general life expenses, it can be hard to stay on top of all your bills, let alone get ahead. If you’re struggling to make your money last until your next payday, you’re not alone. This survey found that more Americans than ever are living paycheck to paycheck – including a third of people who make six figures a year.

What Happens If I Miss a Loan Payment?

By: Holly Benedetto07.20.23 Credit Home & Mortgage
Life is unpredictable. An emergency, unexpected illness, or a bout of forgetfulness can all end in a missed loan payment. While missing a single payment may come with unwanted consequences like fees or penalties, it will not result in financial ruin. Stay calm and keep reading to learn what happens if you miss a loan payment.

Is Now the Right Time to Buy Out My Auto Lease?

By: American Heritage07.13.23 Auto
These days, the used car market is greased lightning, with prices soaring by 44% over the last five years. As your lease comes to an end, you’ll find yourself at a crossroads: Should you return the car for a different model or buy out your lease to own the car you’ve already got? In this article, we’ll help you determine which route to take.

How to Use a Secured Credit Card as a Stepping-Stone to Better Credit

By: Kirstin Wilson07.06.23 Credit Product Spotlight
If you’re new to borrowing, your first step is to establish credit. Secured credit cards can be an alternative to unsecured credit cards with the same conveniences. Secured credit cards are designed to help borrowers take positive steps towards financial freedom. The best candidates for secured credit cards are high-risk borrowers, those with damaged or insufficient credit history, those who are just starting out with credit, and those looking to avoid overspending.

 

 

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