Blog

Credit unions may not immediately come to mind when thinking about history. But the truth is, credit unions have played an important role in shaping financial identity through the ages.

If a loved one has recently passed in your life, all of us here at American Heritage offer you and your family our sincerest condolences. Loss is never easy, and we are here to support you all as you go through this difficult time.

Whether it’s a pile of them on your dresser or a lucky one you find out and about, pennies are everywhere. Recently, the penny has been a major point of discussion after the current U.S. administration’s call to end penny production. But what exactly does this mean for consumers? Will one cent make much of an impact?

On the surface, credit unions and banks may seem similar. But when you become a member of a credit union, you'll enjoy fewer fees, better loan rates, higher earnings averages, and peace of mind knowing you're working with an institution that is here for your financial journey.

Lawmakers and the current administration are currently discussing tax reform and are considering changing the credit union federal income tax status. As a member of a credit union, this isn’t just a tax on your financial institution—it’s a tax on you.

We’ve all heard of inflation, whether that be in a high school history class or through a news program of the past few years. But what about deflation and disinflation? At first glance, they may sound like improvements over inflation. However, both terms carry their own weight and, in some respects, consequences.

For many, our biggest life goals are accomplished through banking. The ability to save, borrow, and invest money is key to most aspects of modern life and independence. However, fair banking had not always been available for everyone through the course of history. Know your rights and celebrate these championships of justice by learning about these historic laws.

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.

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?

You may have seen in the news that there is a “new” tax for mortgage borrowers with higher credit scores. Before we get into things, know this: You will not get a better deal on a mortgage rate if your credit score is lower. Don’t ruin your credit score for a myth. Continue reading to understand the facts and the whys surrounding these fee adjustments.

International Credit Union Day ®, also known as ICU Day®, is celebrated on the third Thursday of October. This year marks the 74th anniversary of the day, with the theme “Empower Your Financial Future with a Credit Union™.” This special day is brought to you by World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) and Credit Union National Association (CUNA). The third Thursday of October is also known as National Get Smart About Credit Day. Knowing how credit works and how your score is calculated is a great way to live this year’s theme and empower your financial future.

You might be familiar with some of the things that make credit unions unique. They’re democratically controlled, not-for-profit financial cooperatives that are owned by their members. Instead of being driven by profits, credit unions are built on the philosophy of “people helping people” and focused on supporting their members’ financial well-being.

The Federal Reserve raised interest rates again, but what does that mean for the average American and their finances? By knowing what United States Federal Reserve is and what power it has over our country’s economy, you can make more informed financial decisions that directly affect your future.

International Credit Union (ICU) Day® has been celebrated on the third Thursday of October since 1948. For its 73rd anniversary, this year’s theme is “Building financial health for a brighter tomorrow.” ICU Day® is brought to you by World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) and Credit Union National Association (CUNA), two organizations that have helped support the credit union mission for decades.

The only way to check the status of your Economic Impact Payment is to use the Get My Payment tool found on IRS.gov. The tool updates once per day, usually overnight. The associates at American Heritage do not have information about your payment beyond what you are able to view on IRS.gov.

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.

Life as we were used to it has changed drastically all across the world over the last several months. For some, these changes may feel sudden, as the public opinion and government reaction to it seem to have shifted overnight. Just over two weeks ago, on March 11, 2020, COVID-19 was officially characterized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization.

Credit unions and banks provide the same types of services, but certain characteristics set credit unions apart. Here are some of the most common misconceptions about credit unions, debunked.

If you own or work for a local business, you understand how important your community is to the success of your business. At American Heritage Credit Union, we do too. As a credit union with deep local roots, our commitment to serving members’ financial needs goes hand-in-hand with our work to support our community.

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.