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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.

If you’ve checked out rental listings lately, you know that rents are going up, up, up. Demand for apartments has surged, making many markets super competitive. Finding a place to call home at a reasonable price can be challenging. The burning question is: how much of your income should go toward a rent budget?

For many high school students, senior year is an exciting time—and an expensive one. Between car shopping, campus tours, and prom night, there’s a lot going on during the time leading up to graduation. During this transition period to independence and adulthood, it’s essential to build key life skills. Learning how to budget and manage money now will help set students up for a lifetime of financial success.

A growing family, by definition, means growing financial obligations—both present and in the future. Raising children can increase your insurance needs and heightens the urgency for being properly prepared.

You just purchased your new home—now what? Before you make the big move, there are important safety, maintenance, and convenience steps to take leading up to and right after making yourself at home.

With classes moving towards online or hybrid learning, the need to have access to a reliable machine becomes more and more necessary with each passing year. With so many options for performance, features, and of course price, how do you choose a machine that will fit your needs without burning your budget?

The Department of Education’s pause on federal student loans and interest accrual ends September 1, 2023. Payments will start back up in October 2023, so if you haven’t selected a repayment plan yet or are looking to adjust your payments to fit your current circumstances, now is the time to do your research.

Does this happen to you? You toss out mystery leftovers from the back of the fridge or throw away a half-eaten bulk box of cereal that’s gone stale. Food waste is a bigger problem than most people realize, and when you throw away food, you’re also throwing away money. Want to learn how to waste less and save more? In this article, we’ll show you eight simple ways to reduce your food waste.

Between the rising cost of groceries, gas, and general life expenses, it can be hard to stay on top of all your bills, let alone get ahead. If you’re struggling to make your money last until your next payday, you’re not alone. This survey found that more Americans than ever are living paycheck to paycheck – including a third of people who make six figures a year.

Life is unpredictable. An emergency, unexpected illness, or a bout of forgetfulness can all end in a missed loan payment. While missing a single payment may come with unwanted consequences like fees or penalties, it will not result in financial ruin. Stay calm and keep reading to learn what happens if you miss a loan payment.

These days, the used car market is greased lightning, with prices soaring by 44% over the last five years. As your lease comes to an end, you’ll find yourself at a crossroads: Should you return the car for a different model or buy out your lease to own the car you’ve already got? In this article, we’ll help you determine which route to take.

American Heritage Credit Union has enough planned for you to cover the remaining summer months. Take advantage of new and upcoming discounts exclusive to American Heritage Credit Union members this summer!

If you’re new to borrowing, your first step is to establish credit. Secured credit cards can be an alternative to unsecured credit cards with the same conveniences. Secured credit cards are designed to help borrowers take positive steps towards financial freedom. The best candidates for secured credit cards are high-risk borrowers, those with damaged or insufficient credit history, those who are just starting out with credit, and those looking to avoid overspending.

Buying a home is an exciting step that requires making many decisions, like picking the right mortgage to fit your financial goals and current situation. One option to think about is an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). ARMs have their advantages and disadvantages, so think carefully before deciding on a home loan.

There are many reasons why it feels difficult to save money. Economic circumstances, debts, emergencies, or impulse purchases can all wreak havoc on our savings accounts—or prevent us from building our savings in the first place. Tracking where your money is going is the first step to saving more of it. Continue reading to learn strategies for saving based on your individual challenges.

As every parent knows, juggling is part of the job. When it comes to financial matters, though, knowing which ball to keep airborne is not always clear. Case in point: Should you prioritize saving for retirement or for your child's college education? Financial planning is similar to parenting in that the decisions are complex and not always straightforward. While the best choice for you will depend upon your unique situation and needs, a few general considerations can help you create an informed strategy.

On the surface, debit cards and credit cards look alike, with a chip and a magnetic stripe, your financial institution's logo, and the card network (like Visa or Mastercard). They both give you a convenient way to make purchases online and in stores. So, what are the differences?