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Without the right support and preparation, buying a home can feel a lot like putting together a puzzle with only half of the pieces: time-consuming and frustrating. From house-hunting to closing, the homebuying process takes 4 to 6 months on average and involves multiple moving parts, so it’s no surprise that many homebuyers find it overwhelming. If you want to simplify and streamline your experience, you can take steps to better prepare and set yourself up for a smooth road to homeownership.

When comparing potential auto loan lenders to refinance with, the main factors to consider are the loan amount (how much money you’re borrowing), the annual percentage rate (or APR, the interest rate on the loan), and the loan term (time to pay back the loan in full). We know refinancing a loan can be a bit daunting—that’s why we answered some of the most common questions buyers have when it comes to deciding when and how to refinance your auto loan.

We understand that changes to your financial situation are not always in your control and can be difficult to overcome, especially at the start of a new year. To help you take back control of your financial journey, we’ve created a list of financial practices to either embrace or leave behind this year with actionable steps you can take immediately to start seeing positive changes in your finances.

As the holiday season wraps up, many of us face the financial aftermath, a period marked by reviewing expenses and recalibrating budgets. The start of the new year presents a crucial opportunity to assess and rejuvenate your financial health, setting a solid foundation for the months ahead.

From Winter Wonderland activities to educational exhibits and sporting events, there’s something for everyone. Let’s dive into all the activities you can do your kids to kick off 2024!

Financial clutter does more than frustrate you and waste your time. It can hurt your credit score, lead to higher interest payments, and keep you from growing your money for the future. The good news is that you can declutter your finances and make them easier to manage for the future. All you need to do is follow these steps to organize, consolidate, and automate your way to clutter-free finances.

It’s no secret that interest rates on everything from auto loans to home loans have risen significantly over the past year. But there’s a bright side to rising rates: Savings accounts have also increased their interest rates, making it easier to grow your savings. Whether you’re stashing cash to boost your emergency fund, buy a new car, or save for a down payment on a house, consider opening a high-yield savings account. It’s an excellent option for anyone looking to stay ahead of inflation and watch their money grow effortlessly.

Economic downturns, looming recessions, and rising inflation can shake your financial stability. In these times, credit cards can seem like an immediate solution, but leaning too heavily on them might set you up for future pitfalls. When it’s time to batten down your financial hatches, making wise choices regarding credit card use is more important than ever. Here are 6 credit card mistakes to avoid when times are tough.

Want your savings to earn more than they would in a traditional savings account, without taking on risk? Then you may want to look into opening a certificate. If you do your banking at a credit union, you may also know them as share certificates, or as certificates of deposit (CDs) at a bank.

Do people still carry cash? The answer is a resounding YES. While most transactions can be handled with your digital wallet, credit card, or debit card, cash is still useful, especially in an emergency, when digital or card payment options might not be available. As with most things in life, it’s smart to be prepared. Let’s look at how much cash you should have on hand and how to keep it safe.

Small businesses are the backbone of the economy and a vital part of our cultural identity. However, when it comes to holiday shopping, many consumers rely on retail giants, missing out on the opportunity to discover distinctive offerings and invest in their communities. Held each November, Small Business Saturday is a chance for Main Street enterprises to capture a little more yuletide magic and market share. Here’s what small business owners need to know.

‘Tis the season to be wary. The holidays are a busy time for shoppers, travelers, and helping hands. Unfortunately, the cold weather months are also when scammers turn up the heat. A recent study found that nearly one in four Americans have fallen prey to fraud during the holidays. In this article, we’ll cover seven costly scams that are currently on the rise and offer a few tips for staying safe.

If you feel overwhelmed by your finances, you’re not alone. In fact, nearly half of all Americans live paycheck to paycheck, struggling to pay bills or save for the future. By adopting healthy financial habits, you can help reduce financial stress, increase financial security, and enhance peace of mind. We’ve compiled eight important financial habits that can help you master your money. Try to embrace those that will best fit your needs.

That’s why promoting family literacy is something we’re passionate about here at American Heritage. Thanks to all our members who have become Book Buddies during our Books for Kids campaigns, we’ve donated over 35,000 to local hospitals, community centers, and shelters. Plus, when November rolls around, we like to celebrate National Family Literacy Month by raising awareness about the importance of reading together and sharing a few fun tips for upping your household’s daily dose of words.

For many people, the colder months are a time for giving: giving thanks, giving gifts, and giving back to help the less fortunate. However, when finances are tight, the desire to support great causes can sometimes be overshadowed by budgetary concerns.

Join your fellow members of American Heritage Credit Union on Thursday, October 19, 2023, as we celebrate International Credit Union Day and a major milestone. International Credit Union Day (ICU Day) is a chance to highlight the accomplishments and aspirations of the worldwide cooperative banking revolution. Held annually since 1948, this is a banner year.

When compared to other financial institutions, credit unions are the masters of keeping members’ funds secure and stable. This is due in no small part to the National Credit Union Administration, which regulates credit unions and provides insurance for member deposits. But what exactly does that mean, and how does it compare to the safeguards in place for banks?

Whether you find out you’re expecting or you get a call from your adoption agency, your first response is probably an instant rush of emotions. That is likely to be followed by a dawning realization of how much needs to be done—and spent—before the baby comes home. Raising a child from a newborn to an adult can cost over $300,000, not including college, according to a Brookings Institution analysis of data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

You’ve probably heard about people making money and hitting it big in the stock market. Some are traders and some are investors. That might sound like the same thing, but the differences between the two are glaring. In this article, we’ll examine each and show you how to trade and invest wisely.

More than 150 million Americans were victims of credit card fraud last year, according to this Security.org's 2023 Credit Card Fraud Report. It’s a serious issue that can impact financial well-being and personal security. Credit card fraud often leads to unauthorized transactions, which may result in financial losses for the victim. Fraudulent activity on credit cards can also negatively affect victims’ credit scores if the unauthorized charges are not resolved promptly. This can make it harder to secure loans or credit in the future and lead to higher interest rates.