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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. 

9 Ways to Improve Your Credit Score

By: American Heritage 06.18.19 2 minute read

You’ve seen the commercials explaining how important it is to check your ever-fluctuating credit score. You’ve investigated, learned your score, but now what? Knowing your score is the first step to having good credit, but having a good score takes further steps.

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How to Entertain on a Budget

By: American Heritage 06.13.19 2 minute read

Get-togethers with friends and family are often the biggest highlights of the summer. But if you’re the one hosting that graduation party, Fourth of July barbecue, or family reunion, you may also wind up with a big bill. Fortunately, your next gathering doesn’t have to be an expensive affair. Entertaining on a budget can be as simple as an outdoor picnic or evening game night. Even though food, drink, and décor are important, the key to a great party is the people. After all, your friends will remember the laughs and conversations, not your discount tablecloth.

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Rates, APRs, and Dividends: What They Are & Why They Matter

By: American Heritage 06.06.19 3 minute read

When you’re applying for a loan, shopping for an account, or listening to a finance pro, you’re bound to come across a lot of financial jargon—but rarely a clear explanation of what these terms mean. A solid understanding of key banking concepts like rate, APR, and dividend is crucial to making smart financial decisions—and can help put more money in your pocket (and keep it there).

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Buying a Motorcycle, RV, or Boat? Follow These 3 Tips.

By: American Heritage 05.30.19 3 minute read

Looking forward to getting outdoors this summer? Whether your ideal adventure takes you across the country or “down the shore,” a new motorcycle, RV, or boat could be a dream come true. But a significant price tag and the cost of upkeep are realities you’ll need to prepare for. When you’re ready to purchase an outdoor “toy” such as a bike, RV, or power watercraft, these three tips can show you how to choose the right option for your budget and simplify the purchasing process.

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Veterans Organizations to Support This Memorial Day Holiday

By: American Heritage 05.23.19 2 minute read

Memorial Day is right around the corner—a holiday dedicated to remembering and honoring those people who have died serving in the armed forces. As part of our commitment to veterans and to the greater Philadelphia community, our team at American Heritage likes to take this time of year to pause and honor those who have served, as well as other charitable organizations in the region.

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Having a Social Life – Even on a Budget

By: American Heritage 05.21.19 2 minute read

Evenings out with friends are always a good time. However, if those in your social circle have expensive taste, or you live in a pricey town, nights out can be a real budget buster. Whether you’re sticking to a budget to afford a major purchase or trying to pay down debt, you may think it’s impossible to both save money and enjoy a social life. Don’t worry. Your budget doesn’t have to keep you from socializing. You just have to think about different ways to have fun with your friends. Remember, a budget isn’t really about dollars and cents. It represents what you want from life. With that in mind, here are a few money-saving ways to have a great social life without going broke.

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How to Spend Less Money on Vacation

By: American Heritage 05.09.19 3 minute read

If you’re like most Americans, you probably spend more money than intended when you’re on vacation. But it’s entirely possible to avoid overspending—and still have a great time—if you plan in advance. Whether you’ve booked inexpensive vacations over long weekends or a once-in-a-lifetime overseas extravaganza, our four simple tips to having fun on vacation while spending less are a blueprint for a stress-free time away.

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When Should My Child Start Earning Money?

By: American Heritage 05.02.19 3 minute read

When it comes to financial education, earning is learning. Whether your young child is getting an allowance, your 13-year-old makes money walking neighborhood dogs, or your older teen has a lead on an amazing summer job, seek out any opportunity to have meaningful discussions about financial literacy—especially the essential skills of saving, spending, giving, and planning. At American Heritage, we encourage saving at all ages, which means there’s no bad time to start earning.

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5 Steps to Buying Your Dream First Home

By: American Heritage 04.25.19 3 minute read

Have you ever spent hours watching a marathon of shows like Fixer Upper or Property Brothers? If yes, then you’ve probably also daydreamed about the “must haves” and “nice-to-haves” for your very first home. From open floor plans to a home office, one of the best parts of looking to buy your first home is watching HGTV shows and scrolling through Pinterest boards for inspiration.

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Home Improvements: DIY or Pay a Pro?

By: American Heritage 04.18.19 3 minute read

Most people know, or can learn, how to do some basic home improvements and repairs. But unless you work as a contractor AND have tons of spare time, you probably will not be able to tackle every project yourself. The line between which renovations you can do and which you should pay a professional to do is different for different people, but here are some general guidelines – along with information about the best way to finance your next major home improvements.

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