Subscriptions surround us. Our daily lives have shifted from making a one-time purchase to continually paying for content that promises to be the most convenient, most up-to-date, and, at one point, the most comprehensive. As the competition has grown, many of these larger companies have splintered off into individual apps with individual costs. Consider how many of these services may call you a subscriber.
By: Holly Benedetto02.20.20
Credit
Sometimes, we get lucky and are offered a 0% interest rate promo for a specific term. This rate is frequently seen at auto dealers, mattress stores, furniture stores, and for credit card promotions. For these big-ticket items, paying no interest could mean a massive savings on each payment. However, should you ever pay off a 0% interest loan early?
We have all heard it before — start saving now, so you can enjoy retirement on your terms. Unfortunately, if you’re like most 20-somethings, contributing to a retirement account is a task that tends to fall down your ever-growing list of to-dos. From student loans to rent and bills, it’s easy to understand how retirement planning, like selecting a Roth vs. traditional IRA, can be neglected.
Whether you’re new to filing taxes or just need a refresher, we want to help you file with more confidence and less confusion. Understanding the basic tax terms and concepts will be key to filing your return quickly and accurately – and without overpaying. So, before you file your 2019 tax return, make sure you know these nine essential terms.
Having a great home is key to enjoying a great quality of life. Choosing a home that fits your lifestyle, goals, and budget often begins with one big question: Should you rent or buy?
Credit unions and banks provide the same types of services, but certain characteristics set credit unions apart. Here are some of the most common misconceptions about credit unions, debunked.
The best way to make college affordable is to start saving as soon as possible. And the best way to build your college fund is with a tax-advantaged account or savings plan, which can help you grow your savings faster and keep more money available for what’s important: your child’s education.
Credit cards are a valuable tool for building credit, making large purchases, or earning rewards. Still, a tool this powerful must be used carefully to prevent avoidable or unmanageable amounts of debt. If you ever find yourself in deeper than expected, don’t worry – there are several ways to tackle credit card debt, one way being debt consolidation.
If you’re looking for a simple solution that offers both steady earnings and protection for your funds, an IRA certificate could be right for you. While you may not have heard of this type of account, you’re probably familiar with the two accounts it combines: an individual retirement account (IRA) and a certificate (the credit union equivalent of a bank CD). Here’s why an IRA certificate could be a smart approach to your retirement savings.
Every January, people across the world set New Year’s resolutions — from saving money to losing 15 pounds, the start of a new year is a chance to plan for the future and reach new milestones. One resolution that should be at the top of your list? Retirement planning.
Choosing a partner to support your financial planning is one of the best ways to accomplish more with your money, reach important goals, and stay prepared for the future.
Is your home feeling a little cluttered? Want to get through the holidays, or start the new year, with a little extra cash in your pocket? If there are unused or seldom-used items taking up space in your home, consider selling them. Whether you’re purging your attic, decluttering your whole house, or getting ready to move, periodically selling off old things helps you simplify your lifestyle while earning quick cash – sometimes more than you might expect.
You have a right to privacy and having your secure information protected from prying eyes. But why is privacy so important? You may think that you have nothing to hide or that your life is not interesting enough to be kept a secret. However, a carefree mentality can lead to identity theft, stolen banking information, unauthorized account access, and more.
By: Holly Benedetto12.10.19
Auto
Don't get stuck in the snow this season! It's important to get your vehicle ready for heavy weather as soon as temperatures start to drop, since you never know when the next storm will hit. Not sure where to start? Use these ten steps as a checklist towards safer winter driving.
By: American Heritage12.05.19
Think about everything you buy each month. Now, imagine if each dollar you spent helped you earn something you really want – like an awesome vacation, designer handbag, or more money in your pocket. In addition to the convenience and security they provide, debit and credit cards may let you earn valuable rewards like these. But there are some important facts you should know in order to choose the card that’s best for you.
By: American Heritage11.21.19
Holiday
The fact is, the average American can easily spend between $800 – $1000 on the holidays each year. Unfortunately, many people don’t save in advance and put it all on the credit card. This leaves them with a savings shortfall, or worse, a large credit card balance that they’ll be paying off well into the following year. The good news is that you can avoid these traps with a little planning and by applying these six holiday budgeting tips.
By: American Heritage11.14.19
Holiday
The holidays are one of the most enjoyable times of the year. But if you’re like many of us, they may also be one of the most expensive. Whether you’re heading out of town or heading to the mall, the cost of gifts, travel, and entertaining can leave you in the red come January. The secret is to start saving for the holidays as soon as possible.
It’s the season of pumpkin spice, Thanksgiving feasts – and big grocery bills. If you’re looking to make the most of your time with family and friends, while saving money on food, shopping for groceries online could be your solution.
By: Holly Benedetto10.31.19
Credit
With so many types of credit cards on the market, it’s more important than ever to find the right card for you. Since credit card features are fairly easy to compare and contrast in a grid format, it should be easy to figure out what the best card is, right? But, as it turns out, there is no such thing as the “best” card for all credit card users. What determines the best card for you is the type of spender you are, how often you pay off your balances, and how you like to be rewarded.
Few things are as important as our relationships with friends and family. The last thing you want is for money issues to get between you and your loved ones. While it’s a wonderful thing to be there for a friend, awkward money dilemmas can put your relationships in jeopardy if you aren’t careful. Here are a few common situations you may encounter, and ways to handle them.