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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. 

Product Spotlight: Bump-Up Certificates

By: Holly Love 03.24.22 2 minute read

When it comes to saving, the way you choose to save will greatly influence your return on investment. Aggressive options may have the highest yield while posing the greatest risk of loss, where conservative saving options offer a slower, but risk-free return. Certificates of deposit, also known as just certificates, are in the latter group and provide a safe way to grow your funds over time. To explore this savings option, continue reading.

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Get Your Vehicle Spring-Ready in 7 Steps

By: Kirstin Wilson 03.18.22 2 minute read

With the warmer months right around the corner, our spring-cleaning list usually includes tasks like decluttering closets, storing away snow supplies, and even organizing finances for the year. One task that should not go overlooked is keeping your vehicle up to date with the season! Getting your vehicle in tip-top shape can save you money down the road and can protect you and your family from preventable hazards. The outside of your vehicle will show the most noticeable effects of the winter months. Most of your vehicle’s mechanical work will need the help from a professional, but you can easily do your surface level cleaning yourself, like removing unnecessary items and trash, as well as shampooing and vacuuming the seats and floors. Additional repairs and updates your vehicle may need include:

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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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Product Spotlight: Personal Loans

By: Holly Love 02.17.22 2 minute read

In this series, we analyze the various product offerings at American Heritage to explain their benefits and uses. Taking either a product-first or problem-first approach, we aim to deepen your understanding of banking products and services for robust financial literacy. Loans have been around for millennia, with records dating back to early Mesopotamian farmers borrowing seeds and livestock and using their yields for repayment. Today, loans remain one of the most classic banking products available due to their simplicity, versatility, and usefulness. A personal loan is a sum of money borrowed from a credit union, bank, or other lender, paid back over a set amount of time in fixed monthly installments, with interest.

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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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Buying a Home with an FHA Loan

By: American Heritage 02.03.22 3 minute read

If you have limited savings or less-than-perfect credit, the dream of owning your own home may feel out of reach. You’re not alone, but don’t think you’re out of luck either. FHA loans are designed to help people with these challenges achieve the goal of homeownership by providing a mortgage that may work with their financial situation.

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Product Spotlight: Debt Consolidation Solutions

By: Holly Love 01.27.22 2 minute read

In this series, we analyze the various product offerings at American Heritage to explain their benefits and uses. Taking either a product-first or problem-first approach, we aim to deepen your understanding of banking products and services for robust financial literacy. Debt can be one of the biggest financial obstacles that keep dreams just out of reach. Reducing debt requires a well-thought-out strategy, self-discipline, and the right tools. Debt consolidation is a process in which multiple debts are combined into a single payment. Benefits of debt consolidation can range from reducing the number of individual payments to paying less over time with a lower interest rate. There are several ways a borrower can consolidate their debt, and some solutions are more suited to certain debts than others. If you’re considering debt consolidation as a tool for your financial situation, continue reading to see which method is best for your needs.

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Home Upkeep: 4 Ways to Keep Your Costs Down

By: American Heritage 01.20.22 4 minute read

Your home is your castle—and castle upkeep can be expensive. But with a little know-how and effort, you can enjoy your home without emptying your wallet. Using less energy, decorating on a budget, taking care of small problems before they become big ones, and doing basic home renovations and repairs yourself can help you keep your home costs down. Sound good? Then this guide is for you.

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