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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. 

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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Travel Tips for Planning Your Next Vacation

By: Holly Love 07.14.22 4 minute read
 

Vacations are the perfect opportunity for some well-deserved relaxation and making new memories. Get the most out of your getaway by planning your trip in advance. This way, you can spend your vacation time stress-free!

The last thing you should worry about on vacation is money. In this article, we offer tips or mindful spending and planning for travel.

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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, 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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Start Now: Key Terms for Young Adults Beginning their Financial Education

By: Kirstin Wilson 06.23.22 4 minute read
 

For most young adults at the beginning of their financial wellness journey, the phrase “start right now” can be intimidating and can leave you wondering, “Where do I start?”

Before you jump into a world of potentially unfamiliar financial products and plans, let’s look at the most relevant terms you’ll need to know before you kickstart your financial independence.

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Here’s How Credit Card Interest Is Calculated

By: Holly Love 06.16.22 3 minute read
 

Credit card interest is often discussed, but not always understood. Despite the number of people who keep a credit card (or several) in their wallet, not everyone can explain the math that goes on behind the scenes.

Understanding how your monetary tools work is an important part of financial literacy, which is why in this article, we’ll break down credit card interest into basic dollars and cents.

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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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