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Posts about Savings & Budgeting (8)

A young man one on knee proposing by a lake shore

5 Things to Discuss Before You Tie the Knot

By: American Heritage 02.11.21 3 minute read Savings & Budgeting Family

Getting married is an exciting time. From announcing the news to your friends and family, to planning a wedding and honeymoon during these uncertain times, you’ve got a lot to think about. So it can be easy to overlook one of the most important subjects that affects newly married couples: money. Whether you are recently engaged or about to say “I do,” make sure that you and your significant other are on the same page when it comes to your financial future as a couple.

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A woman with a pen, paper, and a laptop works on her finances.

Tips to Simplify & Organize Your Finances

By: American Heritage 02.04.21 3 minute read Savings & Budgeting

Bills, account statements, insurance notices, credit card offers… chances are, your financial life comes with a lot of clutter. What do you do with all of it? Have you ever accidentally thrown away or misplaced an important document? How do you make sure you don’t miss a payment due date or forget a password?

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A woman reviewing receipts with cash and paperwork across the table

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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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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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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