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Posts about Savings & Budgeting

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Money Skills for Real Life: A Guide for High School and College Students

By: American Heritage 04.02.26 3 minute read Savings & Budgeting Family

April is Financial Literacy Month and Credit Union Youth Month, a time to spotlight something that doesn't get nearly enough attention in high school: real-world money skills. Whether you're a high school senior counting down to graduation, a college student juggling classes and a part-time job, or a parent watching your teen open their first account, this stage of life is full of financial firsts: first paycheck, first debit card, first credit card offer, first apartment lease, and first taste of independence.

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What Are Certificates, and How Do They Work?

By: John Lutz 03.26.26 4 minute read Savings & Budgeting

You’ve most likely heard of savings accounts, but are there other tools and strategies you can use to save? Certificates are a perfect option to consider for both short-and long-term goals. Your money will be stored away and there (plus interest) when it’s needed most.

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A hand works on the calculator app of a mobile phone, with an open laptop and coffee cup nearby

Spring Cleaning Your Finances: A Checklist for a Fresh Start

By: American Heritage 03.19.26 4 minute read Savings & Budgeting

Spring is a season of fresh starts. We clean closets, clear countertops, and open windows to let in new energy. While you're decluttering your home, consider decluttering your finances too.

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A young couple sit at their dining room table with a laptop in front of them, reviewing finances

Love and Money: Resolving Conflicts in Couples' Finances

By: American Heritage 02.05.26 3 minute read Savings & Budgeting Family

Money conversations aren't exactly candlelit dinner material, but they're one of the most important discussions couples must have. Regardless of how long you've been a couple, different spending styles can create financial friction, and that's completely normal—and solvable.

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New Year, New Money Habits: Small Tweaks for a Big Impact

By: American Heritage 01.08.26 3 minute read Savings & Budgeting

After the ball drops and the confetti settles, there’s something refreshing about the blank slate of a new year. January invites us to dream bigger, declutter our routines, and set goals, including those aimed at improving our financial health. However, lofty ambitions often fade fast.

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The Best Time of Year to Purchase a Home, Car, and More

By: John Lutz 12.31.25 5 minute read Auto Mortgage

With the new year approaching, you may have your eyes set towards your goals for the upcoming year. Perhaps you’re hoping to buy a new home, or the next car for your family. Or maybe this will be the year you buy your partner the engagement ring they deserve. The truth is, no matter what your major purchases will be in the months ahead, there are certain times of the year where it’s better to buy these items than others.

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A young couple sitting in their kitchen looking at a laptop, managing finances

Micro-Resolutions for a Healthier Financial Year

By: American Heritage 12.23.25 3 minute read Savings & Budgeting

As the holidays come and go and the calendar flips to a new year, many of us start thinking about fresh starts, including financial ones. But if you’ve ever set lofty New Year’s resolutions and felt disappointed when they didn’t stick past January, you are not alone.

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A young mother decorates cookies for the holidays in her kitchen with her two young children

7 Simple Ways to Reduce Holiday Stress and Save Money

By: American Heritage 12.11.25 3 minute read Holiday Savings & Budgeting

The holidays are a time for joy, connection, and celebration, but can also bring added financial pressure and emotional stress. With high expectations for gift-giving, hosting, and traveling, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. The good news? A little planning and a thoughtful approach can go a long way toward creating a more meaningful and financially manageable holiday.

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A father shopping during the winter holidays with his young son

Your Six Tips for Being a Smart Shopper This Holiday Season

By: John Lutz 11.26.25 4 minute read Savings & Budgeting Credit

If the ads, songs, and lights weren't proof enough, the holiday season is officially upon us. And with the holiday season comes lots of shopping—for relatives, friends, kids, and even maybe yourself. With the increase in shopping activity, especially around Black Friday and the December holidays, the potential for you to overspend also increases.

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A young family sits around their dining room table for Thanksgiving dinner

8 Ways to Save on Your Thanksgiving Dinner This Year

By: John Lutz 11.13.25 5 minute read Savings & Budgeting Credit

While there’s a lot to be thankful for with the Thanksgiving holiday, one item that may not be so appreciative is your wallet. Between the meal itself, travel, decorations, and more, it may feel like the taps, swipes, and purchases never stop. However, with the proper budget and strategy in place, you can pull off a successful Thanksgiving that won’t empty your bank account.

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