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Want to Use Your Home Equity? You’ve Got Options.

By: American Heritage09.15.22 Home & Mortgage
You already have lots of reasons to love your home. Here’s one more: Your home is also one of your most powerful financial tools — because of your home equity. Your equity is the portion of your home that you own (as opposed to your mortgage lender). If you’ve been making mortgage payments for some time, you’ve probably built significant equity. And thanks to home equity financing options, you can take advantage of your investment without selling your place.
Close up of a senior skydiver next to a plane.

Does Money Buy Happiness?

By: American Heritage09.08.22 Savings & Budgeting Culture
Money can’t buy happiness – is that even true? When it comes to wealth and well-being, great minds think differently. Arthur Schopenhauer once declared, “Money alone is absolutely good,” while Seneca the Younger cautioned, “Money has never yet made anyone rich.” Perhaps a balanced perspective is needed – and as the legendary financial commentator Louis Rukeyser once quipped, “The best way to keep money in perspective is to have some.”
Rear view of university graduate at sunset.

Student Loan Forgiveness: What We Know So Far

By: Holly Benedetto09.01.22 Education
On August 24, 2022, President Biden announced a three-part plan help federal student loan borrowers transition back to regular payment as pandemic-related support ended. The plan details $10,000 in canceled debt for those earning less than $125,000 per year and $20,000 for Pell Grant recipients, as well as future changes for loan repayment.

Product Spotlight: Digital Services

By: Holly Benedetto08.25.22 Product Spotlight
American Heritage offers convenient online banking tools. Our web browser-based Online Teller and smartphone app, Mobile Teller, are here to make your life more streamlined and accessible. If you have yet to try our digital experience, keep reading to find out why you should!

EXTENDED: Student Loan Relief During the Coronavirus Pandemic

By: Holly Benedetto08.25.22 Education
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed by Congress in March 2020 in order to help struggling Americans during the pandemic. Included in the plan were assistance programs for workers, families, businesses, state and local governments, and more. While many are familiar with the $2 trillion stimulus package distributed earlier this year, the CARES Act has another benefit: the federal student loan payment pause.

The Young Adult Financial Wellness Starter Kit

By: Kirstin Wilson08.18.22 Savings & Budgeting Credit
Now that we’ve created the Financial Wellness Dictionary for young adults to educate themselves on the most relevant terms to begin their financial wellness journey, the next step is to establish yourself at a financial institution. In today’s blog, we look at a handful of starter accounts, products, and services young adults should have or start familiarizing themselves with to continue towards financial independence.

7 Back-to-School Tips That Go Beyond Budgeting

By: Holly Benedetto08.11.22 Education
National Back-to-School Prep Day occurs annually on August 15, as the summer winds down and fall is just around the corner. While the hallmark of the back-to-school season is shopping for notebooks, backpacks, and supplies, there are plenty of lifestyle changes you shouldn’t forget. Whether your children are back in the classroom or on a hybrid model, here are seven smart tips for a smooth back to school transition this year.

Budgeting Tips to Stay Ahead of Inflation

By: American Heritage08.04.22 Savings & Budgeting
If you did a double-take the last time you checked out at the store or paid at the pump, you’re not alone. Right now, inflation is in overdrive, and people are feeling the pinch in their wallets. Inflation may be out of your control, but you can act to take the sting out of rising prices.

Travel Tips for Planning Your Next Vacation

By: Holly Benedetto07.14.22 Savings & Budgeting
Vacations are the perfect opportunity for some well-deserved relaxation and making new memories. Get the most out of your getaway by planning your trip in advance. This way, you can spend your vacation time stress-free! The last thing you should worry about on vacation is money. In this article, we offer tips or mindful spending and planning for travel.

9 Crucial Money Tips for Young Adults

By: American Heritage07.07.22 Education Savings & Budgeting
You’re not a kid anymore, and you’ve got some exciting things to look forward to. If you aren’t heading to college, you may be starting at a trade school or joining the workforce. No matter what your next step is after high school, making smart financial decisions will help you start strong. Learning how to successfully manage your money now is an essential skill that will pay off for decades — literally!
Blog 7 Strategies For Making Your Side Gig Full Time

7 Strategies for Making Your Side Gig a Full-Time Career

By: American Heritage06.30.22 Culture
More and more Americans are imagining new ways to earn extra income and achieve financial freedom. According to a recent survey, nearly half of all full-time workers in the U.S. are currently pursuing some type of employment or entrepreneurial venture in addition to their regular day jobs. And while many are happy to keep their side hustles on the side, others are dreaming bigger. Are you curious about growing your part-time passion project into a full-fledged business? Read on for seven valuable tips.

Start Now: Key Terms for Young Adults Beginning their Financial Education

By: Kirstin Wilson06.23.22 Education
For most young adults at the beginning of their financial wellness journey, the phrase “start right now” can be intimidating and can leave you wondering, “Where do I start?” Before you jump into a world of potentially unfamiliar financial products and plans, let’s look at the most relevant terms you’ll need to know before you kickstart your financial independence.

Here’s How Credit Card Interest Is Calculated

By: Holly Benedetto06.16.22 Credit
Credit card interest is often talked about, but not always understood. Despite the number of people who keep a credit card (or several) in their wallet, not everyone can explain the math that goes on behind the scenes. Understanding how your monetary tools work is an important part of financial literacy, which is why in this article, we’ll break down credit card interest into basic dollars and cents.

Should You Buy or Lease Your Next Car?

By: American Heritage06.09.22 Auto
Along with buying a house, getting an education, and starting a family, choosing a vehicle is one of the biggest financial and lifestyle decisions you’ll make. And whether you’re a new driver or you have millions of miles behind you, you might be wondering if it’s better to buy or lease your next ride.

Save on Your Summer Energy Bills: Tips From A to Z

By: American Heritage06.02.22 Savings & Budgeting
As the temperature outside starts to rise, so does the cost of keeping your home cool. Typically, electricity rates are higher during the summer due to increased demand, leading to higher summer electric bills. If you want to secure a lower electric bill (without feeling like you’re living in a sauna), check out these 26 energy-saving tips for summer. We’ve got ideas from A to Z!

6 Topics to Discuss Before Your New Grad Moves Back In

By: American Heritage05.19.22 Education
Many young adults are moving back in with parents after graduating. This is mostly for economic reasons; low entry-level salaries and high student loans can make moving back home a necessity while recent graduates gain their financial footing. And thanks to the pandemic and shortage of affordable housing, there are more fledgling adults living with parents than ever.

 

 

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