Blog

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. 

How to Budget and Save Wisely with American Heritage Credit Union

By: John Lutz 02.27.25 4 minute read

When did you last deposit money into your savings account? Do you have a budget in place to help pay off your credit card? This week is National America Saves Week, so now is the perfect time to consider these questions and more! National America Saves Week marks a time to explore savings account options, evaluate your budget, and work towards reducing your debt. Beginning in 2007, National America Saves Week was introduced by the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) to encourage Americans to save money and work towards financial stability and wellness. While it may sometimes be difficult to take a hard and in-depth look at your finances, this week presents an excellent opportunity to set yourself up for financial success in 2025 and beyond!

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Ready to Buy a Home? Start Here

By: American Heritage 02.20.25 5 minute read

Buying a home is exciting, but it’s also one of the biggest financial decisions you will make. Whether you’re planning to buy your first home or looking to relocate, now is a great time to start preparing for homebuying season. Follow these strategies to reduce stress and increase your chances of a successful home purchase this season.

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Top 5 Things to Do in Philadelphia In Winter 2025

By: John Lutz 02.06.25 3 minute read

Have you and your family been searching for that perfect budget-friendly activity this winter? There are plenty of fun, educational activities and venues to explore around Philadelphia. And as an added plus, none of these events will break your wallet! Some even provide a discount for American Heritage members.

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Understanding Identity Theft and How to Protect Yourself

By: John Lutz 01.30.25 4 minute read

Identity theft, as well as other types of fraud, are far too common. In fact, more than 230,000 reports of identity theft were received by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the fourth quarter of 2023 alone. But as with any type of fraud, you can protect yourself by understanding hacker’s methods and the ways in which you can protect yourself and your personal data.

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Debunking 9 Common Credit Union Myths

By: American Heritage 01.30.25 3 minute read

If you’re a member of a credit union – or thinking about joining one – you’ve probably heard a well-meaning friend or relative tell you something negative they “heard” about credit unions. Unfortunately, the public sometimes gets its facts wrong about credit unions, even though our movement has millions of members worldwide. Credit unions have been around for more than 100 years, but there’s still a lot of confusion about the difference between a credit union and a bank, how credit unions work, and the benefits we offer our members. Credit unions and banks provide the same types of services, but certain characteristics set credit unions apart. Here’s the biggest difference: While banks are for-profit companies that need to earn profits for their stockholders, credit unions are not-for-profit organizations owned and operated by members. Their earnings go right back to members in the form of lower rates on loans, higher dividends on savings, fewer fees, and great service. Because each credit union member owns a share of the organization, they have equal voting rights in decisions that might affect the credit union. Members aren’t customers; they’re the boss.

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Understanding Your Credit Score & How to Improve It

By: John Lutz 01.23.25 4 minute read

If you’ve ever applied for a loan or a credit card, chances are you have had your credit score looked at. Lenders assess your credit score as a measure of the kind of borrower you are—how likely you are to pay them back, keep up with monthly payments, etc. But what exactly is a credit score, and what factors impact whether you have a good or a poor score?

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How to Build an Emergency Fund Faster: Tips and Strategies

By: American Heritage 01.16.25 3 minute read

It doesn't need to be a new year to set goals and start fresh. Are you making plans for a brighter, more financially secure future? Building or strengthening your emergency fund is a great place to start. While saving for an emergency may not sound as exciting as splurging on a luxury item, putting aside enough for a robust backup fund will help you achieve financial peace of mind.

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Six Tips for Buying Your First Car

By: John Lutz 01.09.25 5 minute read

Once you earn your driver’s license, chances are you’ll have your eyes set on purchasing your first car. But there’s a lot more to this than just knowing your dream car’s make and model. You’ll need to know your budget, explore insurance options, and decide whether to buy a new or used car.

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