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Do you ever wonder how your spending habits compare with those of other Americans? Wonder no more. Here are a few of the everyday purchases that account for a large portion of what we spend our money on – along with some tips on how to save money in these key areas and set aside more for the future.

No matter your idea, there are plenty of tools and resources to help you start your dream business – and keep it growing – if you know where to look. For many budding entrepreneurs, credit unions can be an irreplaceable partner when starting a small business.

Life takes money. And sometimes, it takes a lot of money at once. Whether you are planning a wedding, updating your kitchen, or fixing your car, having affordable access to cash is often essential. After all, you don’t want to wipe out your savings. When it’s time to look for a loan or line of credit, one of the first questions to ask is: secured or unsecured?

Whether you’re starting your kids in pre-school or returning to grad school, back to school is an exciting time for anyone starting something new. While fall can add a lot of expenses to your plate, there are plenty of ways to get what you need, get the maximum value for your dollar and stay within your budget.

We all want to live comfortably and build a secure financial future. Whether you’re supporting yourself or a big family, you deserve this financial freedom. Unfortunately, earning a good salary can be a challenge for many Americans. In today’s competitive job market, being a skilled and valuable employee is the best way to ensure a great paycheck. And this usually depends on a great education.

If you just got your first credit card, or soon will, you have probably heard that credit card debt is a major risk to avoid. While that is true, you shouldn’t be afraid to properly use your credit card. The fact is that like most tools, credit cards can be helpful when used responsibly and can lead to problems when used irresponsibly.

If you’ve been declined for a loan, don’t worry – you’re not alone. The average American household has an estimated $6,741 in carried credit card balances, so it’s no surprise that many of us need help with large expenses. Unfortunately, some loans get declined. If you’ve recently applied for a loan and didn’t get the answer you were hoping for, your best tool is education.

During a recent branch visit, you may have been asked to try the PAT (Personal Automated Teller) machine. Whether you decided to try it or not, you may have lingering questions about the machines and wonder why we’ve added them into our branches. We sat down with the experts here at American Heritage on all things PAT, Meg Kenny (PAT Supervisor) and Alicia Jordan (Assistant Branch Manager), to get answers directly from the team behind the machines.

If you own or work for a local business, you understand how important your community is to the success of your business. At American Heritage Credit Union, we do too. As a credit union with deep local roots, our commitment to serving members’ financial needs goes hand-in-hand with our work to support our community.

We all need reliable, affordable transportation. For many of us, an auto loan is essential when it’s time to buy our next new or used vehicle. The type of financing you choose and the lender you turn to for your loan is a bigger deal than you might think.

It’s a good idea to do a midyear financial checkup. Think of it as an informal self-review of your personal finances that will help you determine how effectively you’re spending, saving, and managing money and supporting a bright financial future.

There are unexpected expenses that we all endure, many of which seem to occur at the most inopportune times. While it’s impossible to know what’s ahead, the good news is that you have the ability to take control of your finances and better prepare yourself, and your wallet, for the unexpected. To help, we’ve outlined 5 ways to handle unexpected expenses.

Philadelphia is known for its sweet, salty, and savory foods. From tomato pies to butterscotch krimpets and "wooder" ice, Philly certainly has a way of satisfying the food cravings you didn't even know you had. It's possible to go an entire day eating a famous Philadelphia food at every meal, sampling historic well-known restaurants and small vendors alike. While you've certainly enjoyed one of the following treats (if not, get to Philadelphia ASAP!), have you ever wondered about the history behind them?

If you dream of owning your own home, you’re not alone. Generations of homeowners have enjoyed the opportunity to put down roots in their community, build wealth, and experience the pride of having their own place. A mortgage is usually key to buying a house, but many people struggle to qualify for this essential loan. Fortunately, there are many federal and state programs designed to make homeownership possible for more people.

You’ve seen the commercials explaining how important it is to check your ever-fluctuating credit score. You’ve investigated, learned your score, but now what? Knowing your score is the first step to having good credit, but having a good score takes further steps.

Get-togethers with friends and family are often the biggest highlights of the summer. But if you’re the one hosting that graduation party, Fourth of July barbecue, or family reunion, you may also wind up with a big bill. Fortunately, your next gathering doesn’t have to be an expensive affair.

When you’re applying for a loan, shopping for an account, or listening to a finance pro, you’re bound to come across a lot of financial jargon – but rarely a clear explanation of what these terms mean. A solid understanding of key banking concepts like rate, APR, and dividend is crucial to making smart financial decisions – and can help put more money in your pocket (and keep it there).

Looking forward to getting outdoors this summer? Whether your ideal adventure takes you across the country or “down the shore,” a new motorcycle, RV, or boat could be a dream come true. But a significant price tag and the cost of upkeep are realities you’ll need to prepare for.

Memorial Day is right around the corner — a holiday dedicated to remembering and honoring those people who have died serving in the armed forces. As part of our commitment to veterans and to the greater Philadelphia community, our team at American Heritage Credit Union likes to take this time of year to pause and honor those who have served, as well as other charitable organizations in the region.

Your budget doesn’t have to keep you from socializing. You just have to think about different ways to have fun with your friends. Remember, a budget isn’t really about dollars and cents. It represents what you want from life. With that in mind, here are a few money-saving ways to have a great social life without going broke.