Budget

If you have a teenager who doesn’t quite understand how important good financial habits are, it’s time to teach them! Giving your child the building blocks on saving, budgeting and understanding debt will help make them into responsible adults. Here’s some financial literacy 101 for your teenager.  Bank Accounts  Explaining the different types of bank accounts to your child is crucial. Start by opening a savings account with them so they can understand...
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During 2021, we want everyone to focus on a few ways to enhance their life and habits. Financially, you are generally able to make a change for the better and increase your savings. The Middlefield Banking Company offers helpful tips to break these five bad financial habits this year.  1. Impulse Buying  When you see an item you think you need to have and buy it instantly, that hurts your bank account. That item may be on sale somewhere else and that...
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Believe it or not, giving back and donating doesn’t have to cost you a penny. Maybe you’re torn between two New Year's Resolutions: to save more money or to give back to those less fortunate. Good news – you can do both! Make 2021 extra special and try some of these ways you can donate without breaking the bank.   1. Donate Blood/Plasma  This is a win-win when it comes to donating while saving money. Donating plasma is actually a...
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If you haven’t decided on a New Year’s resolution, we have some ideas for you! Whether you’re saving up for a big purchase or have a pile of debt to work on, make 2021 the year you focus on your funds. Below are some ideas of financial goals you can set.  Short-Term Goals  When you set a short-term goal, you normally aim to accomplish it within 1-12 months. The following examples are goals you should aim...
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The holidays are right around the corner which means it’s time to start crossing items off the gift list. Whether you’ve fallen victim to these mistakes before or are trying to avoid them this year, this list will tell you exactly what not to do when holiday shopping.  Not saving in advance  The holiday season has a way of sneaking up on customers, leading to lots of last minute shopping. We all are aware of when these gifts need to be bought, so why not set money...
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Just because your student loan payments don’t start right after you graduate, the sooner you start making payments, the better. Paying for the college student life is tricky enough, so paying off debt at the same time might seem impossible, but it’s doable with a few lifestyle adjustments. Continue reading to find out the best ways to make payments before you even graduate. Make it Automatic One of the best ways to be dedicated to setting money aside is to set up automatic payments....
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The holidays often sneak up faster than expected along with the many Christmas gift purchases. This year, go easy on your wallet by making extra income to set aside just for gifts. Life is always busy, but with some hard work and dedication there’s always time to make a little extra cash. Continue reading for some money-making ideas! De-clutter and Sell Odds are, there are countless items in your house that either don’t get used enough or aren’t necessary. Now’s a great...
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While saving money isn’t the easiest task, the first step is often the hardest part. If you’re new to the finance scene and are hoping to learn about some basic, money-saving tips, you’re in the right place! Setting realistic and doable goals is the key and we’re here to help give the push you need to get going. Track Your Spending  The first step to knowing how to save is figuring out what your spending habits...
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Did you know it’s possible to cut your grocery bill in half by making some simple changes? Many consumers are spending much more on food than is necessary and those grocery bills can add up faster than expected. Before you take your next trip to the store, read these five helpful tips.  Always plan ahead and stick to the plan.  The grocery store is the prime place for impulse purchases to rack up. Rather than figuring out what you need once you get there, plan...
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Whether you’ve had children head off to college in the past or this is your first child to do so, these financial tips are a great refresher for everyone. College students are known to live off of very little money, but there are ways to change that. Going into college with a financial plan will help your child avoid worrying about money while in school and can lower the amount of debt he or she might...
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