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8 Ways to Prepare Your Finances for a Recession

By: American Heritage 01.07.21 3 minute read Investing & Retirement Savings & Budgeting

You’ve worked hard to earn your money, so naturally you want to grow your earnings and protect them when you can—particularly from bad economic news like a recession. Recessions are a normal part of the economic cycle. They happen when we experience two or more consecutive quarters of reduced overall economic activity. That reduction leads to job losses, home foreclosures, and a lot of uncertainty that can hit close to home, just like what happened during the Great Recession of only a decade ago.

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a publication about a HELOC sits among pens, a calculator, eyeglasses, a notebook, and cash

What is a Home Equity Line of Credit?

By: American Heritage 01.07.21 3 minute read Home Equity

Meet Ashley. Ashley is a 20-something year old homeowner who is interested in a home renovation project, and also has some debt that she may need to consolidate at some point in the future. She’s owned her home for a few years and has built up a nice bit of equity. Based on Ashley’s situation, she has a few financial options that she can explore. Two options at the top of the list? A home equity loan and a home equity line of credit, also known as HELOC. If you can relate to Ashley, continue reading below to see if one of these options is right for you.

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Creating your financial goals in the new year

Get Your Money in Shape With These New Year’s Resolutions

By: American Heritage 12.31.20 3 minute read Savings & Budgeting

As we begin a new year, many of us will take some time for self-reflection and to form one or two New Year’s resolutions. In many cases, these will involve financial goals. Unfortunately, whether your resolution involves eating healthier or saving more money, it can be tough to keep it going past January. Often, that’s because well-intentioned goals aren’t followed up with a clear, realistic plan. We want to help. Here are nine personal finance moves that could have a big impact on your financial wellness in the coming year – and suggestions to help keep your financial resolutions on track throughout the year.

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Rolled up cash on a table with a gift box

4 Ways to Make the Most of a Cash Gift

By: Holly Love 12.23.20 2 minute read Investing & Retirement Savings & Budgeting

Cash gifts are the perfect solution for the ones on your list who have it all. More flexible than a gift card, giving cash allows the recipient to make the important decision of how to spend it. Generally regarded as last-minute or impersonal, cash gifts can be a welcome relief among closer, familial relationships. Everyone has an idea for what they would do with an unexpected check or winning lottery ticket, so why not give the freedom of choice?

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Close up of a check with the word stimulus stamped on it

What the Second Stimulus Package Means for Americans

By: American Heritage 12.22.20 2 minute read Policy & Economy Coronavirus Pandemic

For nearly ten months, Americans have been feeling the effects of a lockdown designed to slow the spread of COVID-19. Unfortunately, the livelihoods of many were impacted by these lockdowns as small businesses, hospitality, live entertainment, and other industries closed their doors. Payment Protection Program Loans and unemployment benefits helped shoulder some of the burden, but many Americans were and are still struggling.

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7 ways to give back during the holiday season

7 Ways to Give Back This Holiday Season

By: American Heritage 12.10.20 3 minute read Holiday

The spirit of giving is always alive and well during the holidays, and we know that’s especially true this year. As so many people grapple with the hardships of COVID-19, many of us are looking for ways to lend a helping hand. But with new safety concerns, it can be a challenge to find ways to help others while safeguarding our own health. That’s why we’re sharing this list of seven ways you can make a difference in your community right now, without putting yourself at risk.

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man on his laptop being aware of scams this holiday season

Scams to Be Aware of for Holiday 2020

By: Holly Love 12.03.20 3 minute read Security

‘Tis the season to be careful. Amidst the holiday deals, package deliveries, and charity donations, danger lurks. No one wants to ruin their holiday cheer with a headache and a disputed credit card charge, but a little caution goes a long way. Due to current world circumstances, many are choosing to do the bulk of their shopping online this year. While avoiding the crowd can keep you safe in one way, you still need to protect yourself on the web. Here are some common scams you can expect to see this holiday:

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A woman shops on her tablet using her credit card

Creating Happy Holidays on a Budget

By: American Heritage 11.27.20 3 minute read Holiday Savings & Budgeting

There are lots of reasons to love the holidays: the lights, the gifts, the time with family. But here’s something you probably don’t love: a big credit card bill or low checking account balance to start the new year. By some estimates, the average American spends around $1,000 on holiday expenses. However, with a little planning and smart purchases, it’s possible to enjoy lots of holiday fun without spending lots of money.

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spending money during the holiday season

Careful Spending Tips for the Holidays

By: Holly Love 11.19.20 2 minute read Holiday

The holidays are a season of charity and generosity. With this spirit of giving, it is easy to overindulge and buy a gift for everyone in our lives. Though we never want to discourage kindness, overextending your finances for the sake of the holidays isn’t a wise financial decision. We've compiled some resources and tips to help navigate this potentially challenging holiday season:

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Close up of a woman preparing rice with vegetables for Thanksgiving dinner in the kitchen

6 Tips to Help You Spend Less on Groceries

By: American Heritage 11.12.20 3 minute read Savings & Budgeting

Whether you’re planning for an average weeknight dinner or a Thanksgiving feast, it can be hard to get your grocery bills to align with your monthly budget. The good news is that there are many great strategies for saving money on groceries that work for Thanksgiving and all year long. Here are some of our favorite tips.

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