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Posts about Savings & Budgeting (6)

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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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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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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How to Escape 8 Financial Terrors

By: American Heritage 10.29.20 3 minute read Savings & Budgeting Credit

Every horror movie has a moment where one of the soon-to-be victims does something foolish like saying the killer’s name in the mirror three times, going upstairs to investigate, or saying the infamous phrase, “I’ll be right back.” As audience members, we groan at these mistakes and shake our heads as each character meets a grisly fate. But when it comes to managing finances, too many of us make terrifying mistakes that can cost us money, hurt our credit and impact our financial future. In order to survive, we offer this brief list of financial terrors. Avoid them, and you may get out alive.

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A young couple look at their finances together in the kitchen

Is a Joint Account Right for Your Relationship?

By: American Heritage 10.08.20 3 minute read Savings & Budgeting Family

If you’re newly married or in a serious relationship, the opportunity to build a life together can be exciting. But as your lives become intertwined, so do your responsibilities—particularly when it comes to your finances. For many couples, opening a joint checking account or a joint savings account is the first step. In fact, some studies have found that couples who pooled their money in shared accounts had happier long-term relationships.

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Lower Your Cell Phone Bill With These 8 Tips

By: American Heritage 08.13.20 3 minute read Savings & Budgeting

Right now, staying connected is more important than ever. But for many people with pricey cell phone plans, it’s also more expensive than ever. On average, Americans are paying more than $1,300 a year for their cell phone service, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. While carriers all claim to offer the best cell phone deals, finding ways to lower your cell phone bill can be challenging. To help, here are eight proven tips to help you save on your cell phone.

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a couple looking interested in refinancing

Big Purchases: When to Save & When to Borrow

By: American Heritage 07.23.20 3 minute read Auto Savings & Budgeting

When you’re looking at a big-ticket purchase, one question always comes up: Should you pay with your savings or finance it? Or, if it’s a new home or car, how much of the purchase price should you pay up front, and how much should you borrow? There is no simple answer. On the one hand, paying in cash can keep you out of debt. On the other hand, large cash purchases could wipe out much of your savings, while borrowing can help ensure you have more savings available for emergencies. There are many factors to consider. Ask yourself these eight questions to figure out whether you should pay cash or use financing for your next big purchase.

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5 Ways to Help a Friend Going Through Financial Hardship

By: American Heritage 07.09.20 3 minute read Savings & Budgeting

A good friend is always there to help, in good times and bad. But if a close friend of yours is struggling with financial problems such as a job loss, overwhelming debt, or major expenses like medical bills, it can be hard to know how to help. Often, giving or lending money is not the best solution. While there may be situations when providing a small amount of cash is harmless, this isn’t always the case. A friendship can quickly get complicated once money is involved, especially if this leads to resentment over an unpaid debt or if this gets in the way of your own financial needs. Fortunately, there are plenty of other ways you can help. In honor of the International Day of Friendship, which is July 30, we’ll show you how to help a friend who’s struggling financially without having to spend your own money.

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A Financial Checklist for Newlyweds

By: American Heritage 06.12.20 3 minute read Savings & Budgeting

Getting ready to tie the knot? The opportunity to take on life as a team is exciting, but having your lives so closely intertwined also means big changes for your lifestyle. Especially when it comes to managing your finances. Unfortunately, money can be a tricky topic for couples. In fact, it’s the number one thing married couples fight about. But this doesn’t have to be the case. As you begin this next step in your relationship, one of the best moves you can make for your marriage is to sit down and talk about money. Then start taking the steps in this financial checklist for couples. Your relationship – and finances – will be all the better for it.

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Digitize Your Budget with These Online Tools

By: Holly Love 05.21.20 2 minute read Savings & Budgeting

Notebooks, graph paper, and saved receipts have played their part, but now digital budgeting tools have taken center stage. With the ability to track and sort your purchases in real time or pay bills automatically on your behalf, these handy tools are a necessity for getting your budget back on track. You can't argue that there's nothing more frustrating than trying to find a missing receipt or important document. Overwhelmed by your options or don’t know what’s out there? We’ve compiled a list of some popular recommendations – including a few tools of our own!

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