Budget

Even if you don’t want to admit it, you’re an adult. Some parts of adulthood are fun and exciting, while others are not. Part of being an adult is to become financially independent and embrace some of the less adventurous tasks. We’re here today to help give you four simple ways you can make adulting less difficult when it comes to finances.  Create a Budget You’ve heard this before and you’ll hear it again, but it really is important. Nowadays, there are...
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Now that the heat is finally getting less intense, it’s time to switch up your energy-saving strategy. The Middlefield Banking Co. offers plenty of fantastic solutions for you to increase your savings this season when the air begins to get cooler and cooler. Buy A Humidifier Humidifiers offer health benefits as well as bigger savings! Humidity keeps your warm, forced air trapped in the living area in the house longer, thus satisfying your thermostat longer. Switch Out The Air Filters Even...
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School is back! While you’re working on gathering those final school supplies, be sure you aren’t overspending on some of the essentials. We’re here to give a little advice on ways you can save on supplies, while making sure you still get everything needed that’s left on your list. Re-use Start by shopping at home. You have drawers full of unused highlighters and almost-new pencils. Yes, your child may whine that they NEED the new 144 pack of crayons, but they will be...
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You can’t plan on what bad times will come your way, but you can unfortunately count on the fact that there will be a bad day in your future that can impact your bottom line. Make it a little less painful by preparing for the costs ahead of time! Here are some creative ways you can start saving today for unexpected events. 1. Know What The Fund Is For Don’t start a big life adjustment if you don’t really understand the purpose behind it. This is true of just about every big...
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While college remains one of the best ways you can invest in yourself and your future, it doesn’t change the fact that the costs of attending college only continues to grow. Focusing on your education should be your top priority while you’re in school. However, developing strong saving habits can not only cut costs while you’re attending college, but those habits can also help you be more responsible with your money once you’ve graduated. Set a Budget While this may...
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Blankets, gliders and toys galore - the list of items you need for your baby’s arrival seem like a mile long. The good news is that while some items like diapers and wipes are essential, baby can get along just fine without the matching crib and dresser set. What’s more important is planning for the days ahead. From braces to college, you can give your child a head start in life by saving for their future now. Here are some ways to start bulking up the savings! Get Insured Insurance...
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Is your current car on the fritz or have you been eyeing that shiny new Jeep you see parked at a dealership on your way to work every morning? If you’ve been hesitant to buy a new vehicle because you’re worried about it costing too much, here are some ways that you can get the car you’ve had your eye on while still saving money. Sell Your Current Car Many times the dealerships will ask for you to trade in your vehicle in order to get a “better” deal on the new...
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It’s finally house hunting season and you could not be more excited to get the ball rolling on your big purchase! Before you hit the road or the search bar, take these 7 tips into consideration. 1. Know Your Limits Before signing the papers or falling in love with the first home you see be realistic about what is in your budget. We recommend spending no more than 25 percent of your monthly income on the mortgage. When you know what this number is, be sure to stick with homes in that price...
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While budgeting for a fluctuating income can be difficult, The Middlefield Banking Co. is here to help offer a few strategies to lessen the madness. Finding a process to help soften the blow of the months where revenue drops is a perfect solution. Check out the following rules you should follow when living on an inconsistent income. Know Your Baseline Always having an idea of your lowest point for income will help you prepare for the months where fewer dollars come through the door. You’ll...
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It’s that time of year when you’re likely to see ‘for sale’ signs on every block. Maybe you already have your eye on one and go out of your way to drive past it on your way home from work. Before you leap into purchasing a home, be sure to take these four steps before signing the bottom line. 1. Understand Your Monthly Expenses Alarmingly, many Americans don’t have a true understanding about what money they have coming out each month. This can be a dangerous territory...
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