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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. 

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.

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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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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:

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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.

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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.

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14 Affordable Valentine’s Day Date Ideas

By: American Heritage 02.10.22 3 minute read

February 14 is Valentine’s Day – the perfect opportunity to celebrate romance and spend quality time with your special someone. But the traditional trappings of the holiday – red roses, fancy restaurants, giant heart-shaped boxes of chocolate – can really add up. In fact, the average American spent over $160 on Valentine’s Day last year. If you’re looking for some fresh ideas that are easier on your wallet, read on!

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