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. 

Product Spotlight: Your Debit Card

By: American Heritage 07.21.22 3 minute read
 

It’s easy to take debit cards for granted. After all, they’ve been around since 1966 – the same year the Beach Boys released Pet Sounds. And just like the classic album, debit cards have stood the test of time.

It’s easy to see why. Debit cards are safer and more convenient than carrying around lots of cash. And because they’re usually connected to one of the big credit card networks – Mastercard® or Visa® – you can use your debit card like a credit card to make quick purchases in stores and online.

But unlike a credit card, which lets you charge purchases and pay them back later, you use your debit card to pay now by drawing funds directly from your checking account. If you’re budget-conscious, paying with your debit card is a smart way to track spending, skip credit card fees, and avoid racking up a credit card balance and interest charges that may be hard to repay.

Debit cards have evolved quite a bit over the years. Here at American Heritage, our Independence Debit Card just keeps getting better – with new features and perks to help you save time and get more for your money. Let’s take a closer look.

READ THE ARTICLE

9 Crucial Money Tips for Young Adults

By: American Heritage 07.07.22 4 minute read
 

You’re not a kid anymore, and you’ve got some exciting things to look forward to. If you aren’t heading to college, you may be starting at a trade school or joining the workforce. No matter what your next step is after high school, making smart financial decisions will help you start strong. Learning how to successfully manage your money now is an essential skill that will pay off for decades — literally!

Here are nine crucial steps for financial success every young adult should master:

READ THE ARTICLE

7 Strategies for Making Your Side Gig a Full-Time Career

By: American Heritage 06.30.22 3 minute read
 

Albert Einstein once said, “Logic will take you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”

More and more Americans are imagining new ways to earn extra income and achieve financial freedom. According to a recent  survey, nearly half of all full-time workers in the U.S. are currently pursuing some type of employment or entrepreneurial venture in addition to their regular day jobs. While many are happy to keep their side hustles on the side, others are dreaming bigger.

Are you curious about growing your part-time passion project into a full-fledged business? Read on for seven valuable tips.

READ THE ARTICLE

Should You Buy or Lease Your Next Car?

By: American Heritage 06.09.22 3 minute read
 

Along with buying a house, getting an education, and starting a family, choosing a vehicle is one of the biggest financial and lifestyle decisions you’ll make. And whether you’re a new driver or you have millions of miles behind you, you might be wondering if it’s better to buy or lease your next ride.

First off, let’s take a look at some numbers. If you have a make and model in mind and know the purchase price and lease price, you can use our free online buy vs. lease calculator to estimate your monthly payment for each scenario. For now, here’s a simplified example:

READ THE ARTICLE

Save on Your Summer Energy Bills: Tips From A to Z

By: American Heritage 06.02.22 3 minute read
 

As the temperature outside starts to rise, so does the cost of keeping your home cool. Typically, electricity rates are higher during the summer due to increased demand, leading to higher summer electric bills. If you want to secure a lower electric bill (without feeling like you’re living in a sauna), check out these 26 energy-saving tips for summer. We’ve got ideas from A to Z!

READ THE ARTICLE

6 Topics to Discuss Before Your New Grad Moves Back In

By: American Heritage 05.19.22 3 minute read
 

Spring is a beautiful time of year. The flowers blooming, the fresh air, the recent college grads moving back home… wait, what?

Many young adults are moving back in with parents after graduating. This is mostly for economic reasons; low entry-level salaries and high student loans can make moving back home a necessity while recent graduates gain their financial footing.  And thanks to the pandemic and shortage of affordable housing, there are more fledgling adults living with parents than ever.

No matter the reason your new grad is returning to their childhood home, it’s important to set boundaries and communicate them clearly to make the transition as smooth as possible for everyone involved. A little common courtesy will go a long way toward making cohabitating a pleasant experience for you and your new grad. These tips can help parents and their “boomerang” kids adjust to their new normal.

READ THE ARTICLE

How to Buy a Home in a Hot Real Estate Market

By: American Heritage 05.05.22 3 minute read
 

A hot real estate market can pose a real challenge for hopeful buyers – especially for those looking to buy their first home. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find a place you love and get your offer accepted. It just takes a combination of patience and fortitude, plus a little homebuying know-how.

Not sure where to start? Read on for some smart steps to follow.

READ THE ARTICLE

7 Home Improvement Projects That Won’t Break the Bank

By: American Heritage 04.28.22 3 minute read
 

Your home is likely your biggest investment – and it’s where you and your family should feel safe, comfortable, and connected. So, whether it’s your forever home or you’re planning to make a move in the near future, you might want to consider some home improvement projects that can deliver value, efficiency, and style.

Wondering where to start? Here are seven cost-effective home renovations to consider:

READ THE ARTICLE

Teach Your Children These Key Money Skills

By: American Heritage 04.06.22 3 minute read
 

As a parent, you’re responsible for teaching your kids important life lessons. You help them learn their ABCs, how to tie their shoes, and to look both ways before crossing the street. But do you teach them about saving money? Learning how to budget and save responsibly are key skills they’ll need to succeed later in life. In honor of Financial Literacy Month and National Credit Union Youth Month, here are six ways to cultivate smart savings habits as your child grows up.  

READ THE ARTICLE

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.

READ THE ARTICLE