Blog

Graduation is an exciting milestone—and if you’re one of the many high school or college grads who received financial gifts from family and friends, you might be wondering: What’s the smartest way to use this money? Whether it’s $100 or a few thousand, how you use your graduation money can have a meaningful impact on your financial future. So, keeping that in mind—let's look at some smart, practical ways to put your graduation money to good use in 2025 and beyond. 1....
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Starting a business is exciting—but let’s be real: figuring out finances can feel like a confusing maze. One thing that often gets overlooked early on? Building business credit. Whether you’re launching your first side hustle or scaling your LLC, strong business credit can unlock opportunities—like better financing, bigger vendor limits, and more freedom to grow. And the best part? You don’t need to be a finance expert to get started. At Middlefield Bank, we work...
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Spring in Ohio is a time of renewal — longer days, warmer weather, and endless opportunities to get outside and enjoy the season. Whether you're looking for budget-friendly fun, local festivals, or ways to make the most of your Middlefield Bank rewards, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of exciting, affordable, and even free activities you can enjoy this spring! Outdoor Adventures: Enjoy the Fresh Air 1. Visit Ohio’s Beautiful State Parks (Free!) Ohio is home...
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Your home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, and refinancing your mortgage can be a smart financial move — if done correctly. Whether you’re looking to lower your monthly payment, reduce your interest rate, or tap into your home’s equity, refinancing can help you achieve your financial goals. At Middlefield Bank, we’re here to make the refinancing process easy to understand. This guide will walk you through how refinancing works, when it makes sense,...
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Tax season is here, and many of us are eagerly anticipating that much-awaited tax refund. According to the IRS, the average tax refund is around $2,910. Instead of letting that money sit idle or splurging on a big purchase, why not use it to enhance your financial health or upgrade your lifestyle? Let’s dive into some strategic ways to leverage your tax refund: 1. Start Paying Off Some of Your High-Interest Debt High-interest debt, such as credit card balances, can quickly accumulate...
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As a parent, you want to ensure your child is financially savvy and prepared for the responsibilities that come with managing money. One significant step in this journey is opening a checking account. But how do you know if your child is ready? Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make this important decision. Signs Your Child Might Be Ready for a Checking Account Before opening a checking account for your child, consider the following signs that they may be ready: Age and Maturity:...
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Managing finances effectively is crucial to avoid falling into common debt traps. Today, we'll explore some of the most common debt traps, provide tips for staying on track, and highlight common giveaways for scams. 8 Common Debt Traps Credit Card Debt High interest rates and hidden fees can quickly add up, making it difficult to pay off your balance. Tip: Pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges. If you can’t pay in full, aim to pay more than the...
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Home equity is a crucial concept for homeowners, offering a pathway to financial stability and opportunities for leveraging the value of your property. This guide will help you understand what home equity is, how it works, and how you can make the most of it. What is Home Equity? Home equity is the difference between the market value of your home and the outstanding balance on your mortgage. Essentially, it's the portion of your home that you truly own. For example, if your home is worth...
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Life is full of milestones, and while they’re exciting, they can also be... expensive. Whether you’re planning a wedding, sending your child to college—we know, we’re crying too—or getting the golf clubs ready to gear up for retirement, having a savings plan in place is essential. This guide is here to help you save for major life events in 2025, offering practical tips to make your financial goals feel achievable—and maybe even a little fun. 1. Weddings: Saying...
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Happy New Year! It’s officially 2025, which means it’s the perfect time to reflect on your financial progress in 2024 and set yourself up for success this year. A thorough financial review can help you identify opportunities to save, invest, and grow your wealth. Let’s dive into the steps you can take to prepare for a prosperous new year. Step 1: Reflect on Your 2024 Financial Goals What Did You Achieve? Review the financial goals you set at the beginning of the year. Did...
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