Blog

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. 

Tips to Break the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle

By: American Heritage 07.27.23 4 minute read

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. Maybe your finances are stretched thin because you’re living beyond your means, like if you bought a fancy new car with a budget-breaking payment. Or maybe you were getting by just fine – until an unexpected medical issue or urgent car repair popped up. Whatever the reason, if you’re having a hard time making ends meet, these tips can help you break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle and start making progress toward your financial goals.

READ THE ARTICLE

Retirement or College: Which Savings Goal Comes First?

By: American Heritage 07.15.23 3 minute read

As every parent knows, juggling is part of the job. When it comes to financial matters, though, knowing which ball to keep airborne is not always clear. Case in point: Should you prioritize saving for retirement or for your child's college education? Financial planning is similar to parenting in that the decisions are complex and not always straightforward. While the best choice for you will depend upon your unique situation and needs, a few general considerations can help you create an informed strategy.

READ THE ARTICLE

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

By: American Heritage 07.13.23 3 minute read

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.

READ THE ARTICLE

How Debit Cards and Credit Cards are Different

By: American Heritage 06.08.23 3 minute read

On the surface, debit cards and credit cards look alike, with a chip and a magnetic stripe, your financial institution's logo, and the card network (like Visa or Mastercard). They both give you a convenient way to make purchases online and in stores.

READ THE ARTICLE

What Happens When You Refinance Your Home Loan?

By: American Heritage 05.25.23 3 minute read

This could be the right time for you to refinance your home loan. You’ve had the same mortgage for several years now, and you’ve built up home equity. What will happen when you refinance? How do you get this process started, and what does it include? Here’s what you need to know about the process of refinancing your home loan.

READ THE ARTICLE

Teaching Kids About Money: 7 Mistakes to Avoid

By: American Heritage 04.13.23 3 minute read

Financial literacy is an essential life skill that lays the groundwork for a successful future. As parents, grandparents, or guardians, it’s crucial to teach children about money management since that’s often not covered in schools. To help you guide your little ones on this important journey, we've compiled a list of seven common mistakes to avoid when teaching your kids about money.

READ THE ARTICLE

Things to Consider Before Accessing Your Home Equity

By: American Heritage 03.30.23 3 minute read

Home is where the heart is… and it can also be a valuable source of low-cost funds you can use for just about anything. If you’re a homeowner who’s built up equity in your home, you may have the opportunity to access affordable financing through a Home Equity Loan or Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). Here are some things to consider before tapping into your equity.

READ THE ARTICLE

What is PMI?

By: American Heritage 03.25.23 3 minute read

Private mortgage insurance (PMI) is an often-overlooked cost that homeowners may need to pay when buying a home with a conventional mortgage or refinancing that loan. Understanding PMI can help you to avoid paying it or saving money in the long term. Here’s what you need to know:

READ THE ARTICLE