Budget

With just a little work, you can map out your financial goals for the upcoming year. With money, it can seem overwhelming or tricky to know where to begin. Luckily, The Middlefield Banking Co. is here to help! We’ve come up with some of our favorite ways you can create your money goal for 2020. Figure Out Your Finances The first step you should take is to calculate how much income you take in each month after expenses. You may feel that you have a good estimate, but once you start racking...
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It’s the holidays! As they come closer, you’ll want to be preparing your budget for the food and presents you’re buying. But, be careful not to overspend! Here are our top sanity-saving holiday hacks to follow. Be Frugal Online Use cashback apps like Ibotta and Ebates when you shop online for the holidays to save money and earn bonuses. There are also ways to earn free gift cards online when you take surveys, such as using a program like Swagbucks. Simplify Your Giving Don’t...
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The holidays set back many Americans into debt every year. Last year, the average incurred per person was around $1,000. It’s never too early to start deciding what your holiday budget will be so that you aren’t fretting over overwhelming debt in the new year. If you haven’t set up a budget before, the holidays are a perfect place to start.  1. Start with what you have.  Every budget should begin by calculating what you have. This means having an exact tally on what...
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Fall into the season without falling into debt! You can have a cozy autumn vibe without breaking the bank. The pictures that you look fondly on in magazines doesn’t have to be a “someday” home goal if you follow these simple tips.  1. Nature’s Touch It’s a beautiful time of year. Take it indoors! The simplest touches of nature can bring the best parts of fall into your home. Keep an eye out for twigs, leaves and even acorns. Twigs can be put in tall vases...
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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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