Planning any New Year’s resolutions for 2023? Along with goals like eating healthier and exercising more, money-related resolutions are common. If you’ve committed to tackling debt or saving more in the coming year, that’s great news. Here’s how you can take this goal even further: Try becoming more mindful about your money. It’s a personal change that could really pay off, and not just financially.
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The brisk changing of the seasons and the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday gives us a chance to look back at the year and reflect on the things we’re most grateful for. Here at American Heritage Credit Union, 2022 has brought us many new experiences, relationships, and opportunities to advance our mission in the communities we serve. Here are some memorable highlights:
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The holidays are right around the corner, and you likely already started your holiday shopping. As much as you’d like to give your loved ones everything on their wish list, the cost of gifts, decorations, travel, and other holiday festivities can really add up. However, with a little bit of planning and responsible spending, you can celebrate the holiday season and keep your budget intact.
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Ghosts, goblins, witches, and vampires – everyone knows All Hallows’ Eve is full of creepy creatures. But the scariest of them all may be scammers who try to trick you into revealing your sensitive personal information. Millions of Americans have their identities stolen or compromised each year, and dealing with the aftermath of identity theft and fraud is no treat. In honor of both Halloween and Cybersecurity Awareness Month, check out these tips to stay safe online and protect yourself from cybercriminals.
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When you think of credit unions, what’s the first thing that pops into your mind? Maybe it’s the great deal you got on your auto loan or the great rate you earn with your savings. Maybe you think of your credit union’s strong ties with its community. All these things are hallmarks of the credit union experience. But your local credit union is also part of something much bigger. It’s a worldwide movement. You might be familiar with some of the things that make credit unions unique. They’re democratically controlled, not-for-profit financial cooperatives that are owned by their members. Instead of being driven by profits, credit unions are built on the philosophy of “people helping people” and focused on supporting their members’ financial well-being. It’s an idea that goes way back. In feudal Japan, lending cooperatives helped members pool money to access interest-free short-term loans. By the late 1800s, the earliest examples of modern-day credit unions were springing up across Europe. In both cities and rural communities, these cooperatives helped everyday people participate in a banking system for the first time.
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You already have lots of reasons to love your home. Here’s one more: Your home is also one of your most powerful financial tools — because of your home equity. Your equity is the portion of your home that you own (as opposed to your mortgage lender). If you’ve been making mortgage payments for some time, you’ve probably built significant equity. And thanks to home equity financing options, you can take advantage of your investment without selling your place.
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Money can’t buy happiness — is that even true? When it comes to wealth and well-being, great minds think differently. Arthur Schopenhauer once declared, “Money alone is absolutely good,” while Seneca the Younger cautioned, “Money has never yet made anyone rich.” Perhaps a balanced perspective is needed — and as the legendary financial commentator Louis Rukeyser once quipped, “The best way to keep money in perspective is to have some.” Indeed, while most research confirms that the constant pursuit of riches leads to diminishing returns, achieving financial stability can definitely make life better. Probably the best-known study on this topic, conducted by Nobel laureates Daniel Kahneman and Angus Deaton, found that Americans’ emotional well-being rises with annual income up to about $75,000, at which point more cash doesn’t equal more laughter or less stress. Meanwhile, other researchers have discovered that the relationship between money and happiness has less to do with how much you make than what you make of it. Wondering what financial habits are most likely to bring you joy? Here are five smile-inducing strategies to consider:
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If you did a double-take the last time you checked out at the store or paid at the pump, you’re not alone. Right now, inflation is in overdrive, and people are feeling the pinch in their wallets. Inflation may be out of your control, but you can act to take the sting out of rising prices. But first, let’s look at a few basics.
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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.
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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:
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