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Every time you swipe your card, pay a bill, or donate to a charity, you have the power to create positive change. Your financial decisions, no matter how big or small, can make a meaningful impact on your community and beyond. In this post, we’ll explore how mindful choices in banking, shopping, and giving can help you make a difference.

Banking Locally: Supporting Your Community

Banking locally isn’t just about managing your money – it’s about actively investing in your community’s growth. Unlike big banks, which often prioritize shareholder profits, local credit unions are deeply invested in the well-being of the communities they serve. Through local banking, you help keep money circulating within your community, which supports local jobs, small businesses, and community development projects.

At American Heritage Credit Union, we offer more than just convenience – we provide a real financial advantage advantage. Compared to traditional banks, American Heritage consistently offers fewer and lower fees, lower rates on loans, and higher rates on savings, money market, and interest-earning checking accounts. On average, our loan interest rates are half to a full percentage point lower than conventional bank rates, which can result in significant savings over the lifetime of a loan.

Additionally, while banks return their profits to external investors, credit unions, like American Heritage, return profits to their members. This means better rates and fewer fees for members because our focus is on maximizing value for the community rather than maximizing profits.

Giving Wisely: Research Charities Before You Donate

Donating to charity is a wonderful way to make a difference, but to ensure that your donations make the biggest impact, you need to do your homework. Not all charities use funds effectively, and some organizations might not align with your personal values. To make sure your donation is impactful, start by researching the charity’s transparency and financial health. Start by seeing if the charity has a social media profile or website, and see if you resonate with their message and content.

One of the best ways to evaluate a charity is by using platforms like Charity Navigator or GuideStar, which provide detailed reports on how charities spend their money and the impact of their work. Look for charities that are transparent about their operations, have a clear mission, and provide data to support their impact claims. Charities that are financially responsible will spend the majority of their funds on programs that directly support their cause rather than on overhead or administrative costs.

Once you identify a worthwhile charity, make giving easy by setting up automated monthly donations. Not only does this help you stay consistent, but it also spreads your generosity throughout the year, making budgeting simpler. Many charities offer automatic payment options so you can support the causes you care about without the hassle of manual donations.

If you’re looking for a simple way to make a difference every day, our Independence Debit Card Debit Card makes it easy. Through the “A Penny A Purchase” program, American Heritage donates $0.01 to the Kids-N-Hope Foundation Foundation for every purchase made with your debit card. Each time you use your card, you’re helping to support a local nonprofit dedicated to improving children’s health and life services in our community. Plus, you’ll earn ScoreCard® Rewards on all your transactions, giving you even more value with every purchase.

With Giving Tuesday right around the corner, start exploring worthwhile charities to support today!

Shopping With a Purpose: Supporting Local and Socially Responsible Businesses

Where you choose to spend your money can have a profound effect on the world around you. Every dollar you spend with local and socially responsible businesses promotes economic growth, sustainability, and fair labor practices.

Local businesses are the backbone of communities, often reinvesting their profits into the local economy. When you shop local, you’re not just buying a product or service – you’re helping a neighbor, supporting job creation, and contributing to the vitality of your community. This Saturday, November 30, is Small Business Saturday, and a great way to get our and support small businesses!

In addition to shopping locally, consider prioritizing businesses that follow socially responsible practices. These companies often go beyond profit to prioritize environmental sustainability, fair wages, and ethical sourcing. Businesses with certifications like B Corp, Fair Trade, or LEED are good examples of companies committed to making a positive impact.

Financial Literacy and Education: Empowering You to Make Informed Decisions

At the heart of making a positive impact with your money is financial education. Understanding how to manage your finances effectively allows you to make smarter, more informed decisions that benefit both you and your community. Whether it’s creating a budget, saving for the future, or understanding loan options, financial literacy is key to achieving your financial goals and making your money work for you.

American Heritage Credit Union is dedicated to helping our members achieve financial success. We provide a wealth of resources to enhance financial literacy, including webinars, events, and the Zogo app – an engaging, gamified platform where you can learn and grow your financial knowledge. Our educational programs cover everything from budgeting basics and saving strategies to complex topics like retirement planning planning and homebuying, ensuring you have the knowledge you need at every stage of your financial journey.

Take the Next Step

Your financial journey is about more than just money – it’s about making choices that align with your values and contribute to a better future. Learn how how we can help you achieve your financial goals while making a lasting impact, as well as how you can become a become a member of American Heritage of American Heritage today.