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Celebrate National Family Literacy Month

By: American Heritage 11.02.23 3 minute read Education

Kofi Annan, former secretary-general of the United Nations, had the whole world’s well-being in mind when he said, “Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope—it is a bulwark against poverty and a building block of development.” Astronomer Carl Sagan was thinking beyond our own space and time when he said, “Across the millennia, the author is speaking directly to you—proof that humans can work magic.” Unfortunately, not everyone in our communities gets to fully experience that magic. Nationwide, over half of adults read below a sixth-grade level, which has significant implications for health and financial wellness.

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A soup kitchen

Supporting Great Causes When Money Is Tight

By: American Heritage 10.26.23 3 minute read Holiday

For many people, the colder months are a time for giving: giving thanks, giving gifts, and giving back to help the less fortunate. However, when finances are tight, the desire to support great causes can sometimes be overshadowed by budgetary concerns. Fortunately, you don’t need deep pockets to make a meaningful impact. There are plenty of ways to give back and spread cheer while keeping your budget in check. After all, the true spirit of giving lies not in the cost of gifts but in the kindness of our hearts.

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close up of hands taking money out of a wallet

Federally Backed Finances: The NCUA, Credit Unions, & You

By: American Heritage 10.12.23 3 minute read Security

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? We’ve got answers for everything you need to know about the NCUA and NCUA insurance so that you can better understand how credit unions keep your finances secure.

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a baby in a crib next to a toy ring

What a Baby Costs in the First Year

By: American Heritage 10.05.23 8 minute read Savings & Budgeting Family

Whether you find out you’re expecting or you get a call from your adoption agency, your first response is probably an instant rush of emotions. That is likely to be followed by a dawning realization of how much needs to be done—and spent—before the baby comes home. Raising a child from a newborn to an adult can cost over $300,000, not including college, according to a Brookings Institution analysis of data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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older woman on the phone holding a credit card

Common Scams Targeting Credit Cards

By: American Heritage 09.21.23 4 minute read Security

More than 150 million Americans were victims of credit card fraud last year, according to Security.org's 2023 Credit Card Fraud Report. It’s a serious issue that can impact financial well-being and personal security. Credit card fraud often leads to unauthorized transactions, which may result in financial losses for the victim. Fraudulent activity on credit cards can also negatively affect victims’ credit scores if the unauthorized charges are not resolved promptly. This can make it harder to secure loans or credit in the future and lead to higher interest rates.

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How Much Should You Spend on Rent?

By: American Heritage 09.14.23 3 minute read Home & Mortgage

If you’ve checked out rental listings lately, you know that rents are going up, up, up. Demand for apartments has surged, making many markets super competitive. Finding a place to call home at a reasonable price can be challenging. The burning question is: how much of your income should go toward a rent budget? In this article, we'll explore some practical guidelines and steps to help you figure out how much rent you can afford without busting your budget.

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Tips for Teens & Parents to Save on Senior Year Expenses

By: American Heritage 09.07.23 4 minute read Education

For many high school students, senior year is an exciting time—and an expensive one. Between car shopping, campus tours, and prom night, there’s a lot going on during the time leading up to graduation. During this transition period to independence and adulthood, it’s essential to build key life skills. Learning how to budget and manage money now will help set students up for a lifetime of financial success. Check out this list of typical senior year expenses and ways parents and teens can work together to have a wonderful senior year without breaking the bank.

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Insurance Needs Assessment: Married With Children

By: American Heritage 08.31.23 2 minute read Investing & Retirement

A growing family, by definition, means growing financial obligations—both present and in the future. Raising children can increase your insurance needs and heightens the urgency for being properly prepared. If you haven't evaluated your family's insurance plans in a while, a new life milestone is a good opportunity to do so. Join us in walking through the different types of insurance you may hold and how your needs may change with time.

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