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. 

Want to Use Your Home Equity? You’ve Got Options.

By: American Heritage 09.15.22 3 minute read

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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Does Money Buy Happiness?

By: American Heritage 09.08.22 2 minute read

Money can’t buy happiness — is that even true? 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.

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Budgeting Tips to Stay Ahead of Inflation

By: American Heritage 08.04.22 3 minute read

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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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.

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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:

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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, roughly one in four Americans (about 7%) 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.

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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:

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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!

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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.

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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.

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