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Level-up your financial literacy by taking advantage of our free blog! Enjoy topics ranging from money lifestyle tips to fun local activities for the whole family. 

5 Facts that Show How Education Leads to Better Pay

By: American Heritage 08.08.19 2 minute read

We all want to live comfortably and build a secure financial future. Whether you’re supporting yourself or a big family, you deserve this financial freedom. Unfortunately, earning a good salary can be a challenge for many Americans. In today’s competitive job market, being a skilled and valuable employee is the best way to ensure a great paycheck. And this usually depends on a great education.

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New to Credit Cards? Learn How to Use Them Responsibly and Avoid Debt

By: American Heritage 08.01.19 3 minute read

If you just got your first credit card, or soon will, you have probably heard that credit card debt is a major risk to avoid. While that is true, you shouldn’t be afraid to properly use your credit card. The fact is that like most tools, credit cards can be helpful when used responsibly and can lead to problems when used irresponsibly.

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Four Ways Credit Unions Create Economic Opportunity

By: American Heritage 07.18.19 2 minute read

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.

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How to Finance Your Next Vehicle

By: American Heritage 07.11.19 3 minute read

We all need reliable, affordable transportation. For many of us, an auto loan is essential when it’s time to buy our next new or used vehicle. The type of financing you choose and the lender you turn to for your loan is a bigger deal than you might think. Over your lifetime, you’ll probably own many different vehicles. You will likely spend more money on these vehicles and related expenses than you’ll spend on your home. In fact, an AAA study suggests you’ll spend between $6,000 and $9,000 per year on fuel, maintenance, repairs, insurance, fees, depreciation, and interest. That’s a lot of money.

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7 Key Questions to Ask About Your Finances

By: American Heritage 07.05.19 2 minute read

Your finances are much more than your monthly bills and account statements. They reflect your day-to-day needs, long-term goals, and overall relationship with your money. Because your finances are constantly changing, financial habits that worked last year might need some adjustments this year. Staying financially healthy is a lifelong process.

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5 Tips for How to Handle Unexpected Expenses

By: American Heritage 07.02.19 2 minute read

We’ve all been there. You a have car that needs repair. You have a leaky roof in your new home. You have ANOTHER out-of-town wedding invitation, which means shelling out money for hotel, travel, etc. These are just a few examples of unexpected expenses that we all endure, many of which seem to occur at the most inopportune times.

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4 Programs that Can Open the Door to Your First Home

By: American Heritage 06.20.19 2 minute read

If you dream of owning your own home, you’re not alone. Generations of homeowners have enjoyed the opportunity to put down roots in their community, build wealth, and experience the pride of having their own place. A mortgage is usually key to buying a house, but many people struggle to qualify for this essential loan. Fortunately, there are many federal and state programs designed to make homeownership possible for more people. Before discussing these programs, let’s look at how conventional mortgage lending works.

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9 Ways to Improve Your Credit Score

By: American Heritage 06.18.19 2 minute read

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.

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How to Entertain on a Budget

By: American Heritage 06.13.19 2 minute read

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. Entertaining on a budget can be as simple as an outdoor picnic or evening game night. Even though food, drink, and décor are important, the key to a great party is the people. After all, your friends will remember the laughs and conversations, not your discount tablecloth.

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Rates, APRs, and Dividends: What They Are & Why They Matter

By: American Heritage 06.06.19 3 minute read

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).

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