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ATM Safety Tips Everyone Should Know

By: American Heritage 03.09.22 3 minute read

There’s no doubt about it – we’re living in an increasingly cash-free society these days. Between credit cards and mobile wallets, you may spend long stretches of time without using actual cash. But eventually there will come a time when paying with plastic just won’t cut it. If you need to pay the babysitter, a vendor who doesn’t accept cards, or an unexpected toll on your next road trip, having cash in your wallet can definitely come in handy. And ATMs are a convenient way to get money when you’re out and about, without having to go into the branch during business hours. However, not all ATMs are created equal. Whether you’re using a stand-alone ATM, one inside a grocery store, or a drive-through ATM, here are some ATM safety tips that can help keep you, your money, and your financial information safe from would-be criminals.

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14 Affordable Valentine’s Day Date Ideas

By: American Heritage 02.10.22 3 minute read

February 14 is Valentine’s Day – the perfect opportunity to celebrate romance and spend quality time with your special someone. But the traditional trappings of the holiday – red roses, fancy restaurants, giant heart-shaped boxes of chocolate – can really add up. In fact, the average American spent over $160 on Valentine’s Day last year. If you’re looking for some fresh ideas that are easier on your wallet, read on!

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Buying a Home with an FHA Loan

By: American Heritage 02.03.22 3 minute read

If you have limited savings or less-than-perfect credit, the dream of owning your own home may feel out of reach. You’re not alone, but don’t think you’re out of luck either. FHA loans are designed to help people with these challenges achieve the goal of homeownership by providing a mortgage that may work with their financial situation.

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Home Upkeep: 4 Ways to Keep Your Costs Down

By: American Heritage 01.20.22 4 minute read

Your home is your castle—and castle upkeep can be expensive. But with a little know-how and effort, you can enjoy your home without emptying your wallet. Using less energy, decorating on a budget, taking care of small problems before they become big ones, and doing basic home renovations and repairs yourself can help you keep your home costs down. Sound good? Then this guide is for you.

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8 Banking Fees You Should Know About (and How To Avoid Them)

By: American Heritage 01.06.22 3 minute read

From monthly checking account fees to surprise ATM surcharges, Americans are paying way too much for their banking. If you’ve ever gotten an unexpected bank charge—or a few of them—you know how it feels. That money could be put to better use, whether it’s to pay for a nice meal or stash away in your savings. If your New Year’s resolution is to save money, knowing about these eight common banking fees and how to avoid them is a great first step.

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Spend Less, Save More, and Get Out of Debt in the New Year

By: American Heritage 12.30.21 3 minute read

Maybe you overdid it with the holiday spending. Between buying presents and traveling to see loved ones, it’s easy to lose track of exactly how much you’re spending. But when you get your January statements and see all your purchases in black and white… ouch. Seeing a lower balance than you’d like in your checking account and a higher credit card bill than you expected can be just the wake-up call you need to take control of your spending. If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to get out of debt and improve your finances, these tips can help.

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Feeling Thankful? Here are 8 Ways To Give Back on Thanksgiving

By: American Heritage 11.24.21 3 minute read

When you think of Thanksgiving, what do you think of first? Is it gathering with friends and family? Is it the food? Or is it your feelings of thankfulness for everything you have in your life? Whatever you associate the holiday with, there are others in the community who may not get to experience the same joy around the holidays. But you can help change that by finding ways to give back to your community. Here are a few simple ways to give back on Thanksgiving and spread some holiday cheer.

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Don't Wait to Get Your Estate Plan in Order

By: American Heritage 10.14.21 3 minute read

When should you start thinking about your estate plan? According to many experts, the answer is as soon as you’re an adult. However, only 1 out of 4 adults has taken care of estate planning essentials like creating a will. If you’re not one of them, it’s time to start thinking about your estate plan.

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6 Ways to Boost Your Smartphone's Security

By: American Heritage 10.07.21 3 minute read

Your smartphone is a fantastic tool. Where else can you stay in touch with friends, make a work call, manage your checking account, and book a vacation – all while on the go? These portable devices make everyday tasks quick and easy, but they certainly carry with them some risk. After all, they’re often used to enter or view personal and financial information, making them prime targets for identity theft and phone scamming. October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, so it’s the perfect time learn how to avoid identity theft by taking the necessary steps to safeguard your go-to device.

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