Credit Cards

A new year brings new opportunities to take control of your finances. Whether you’re aiming to pay down debt, save for a big purchase, or plan for retirement, a financial reset can help you start fresh and stay on track. Here are seven practical tips — complete with examples — to make 2026 your best financial year yet. 1. Review Your Current Financial Picture As the old saying goes, you must walk before you can run.  Start by gathering your bank statements, credit card...
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Your credit score is one of the most important aspects of your financial health. A strong score can save you money and open doors to new opportunities, from qualifying for loans to securing lower interest rates. If you’re looking to improve your credit in 2026, here are five helpful tips to get you started on the road to financial freedom. 1. Pay Bills on Time, Every Time Payment history is the single biggest factor in your credit score. Late payments can stay on your report for years,...
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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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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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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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The holiday season is upon us, and Ohio is buzzing with festive cheer! From twinkling light displays to festive markets, and from snow-filled wonderlands to merry performances, there's something for everyone to enjoy. As your trusted banking partner, Middlefield Bank is excited to share our top picks for holiday events and activities throughout Ohio this December. Cleveland/Akron and Northeast Ohio Wild Winter Nights Stroll through an illuminated winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling...
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Welcome to the exciting world of travel hacking, where every purchase can bring you one step closer to your next dream destination. At Middlefield Bank, we understand the wanderlust that drives you and the savvy that guides you. This beginner’s guide is designed to help you navigate the realm of travel rewards and turn everyday spending into extraordinary experiences. Understanding Travel Rewards Travel rewards programs are typically linked to credit cards and loyalty programs....
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Building credit is not a one-size-fits-all journey; it is a personal and transformative process. Middlefield's approach to financial success is rooted in empowering individuals to build credit, make informed financial decisions, and turn their dreams into reality. As you embark on this journey, trust Middlefield to be your reliable partner, guiding you toward a future of financial empowerment and success. Join us as we dive into Middlefield's approach to financial success, emphasizing the...
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Online shopping provides convenience and so many possibilities, but it's important to remember that it comes with its own set of security risks. In this blog, we'll walk you through essential cybersecurity steps, making sure your online purchases are made with peace of mind. Get ready to shop with confidence by following these simple tips.  Shop Only on Trusted Sites Before you begin entering your personal and financial information, you must ensure that the site is secure and legitimate....
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Do you have existing debt you’re looking to consolidate? Debt can be a major stressor in our lives and a huge factor in the wellness of our financial profiles. As helpful as loans and credit cards can be for building credit and allowing a financial buffer, if not managed properly, they can allow you to accumulate large amounts of debt. Let’s ditch the debt with these ten helpful tips below!  Create a Realistic Budget Plan  If it’s time to address consolidating...
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