Family

You want to give your friends and family something special for the holidays, but you don’t have hundreds of dollars to spend. Don’t worry because there are still lots of thoughtful gifts that won’t hurt your wallet. Plus, these are all practical gifts that your loved ones will get lots of use out of!  Self-care products: Throw a cute stocking together including holiday-themed facemasks, lotion, lip balm, a candle and whatever else you think they may like.   Jewelry: A...
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Whether you already have kids or are just preparing for the future, navigating the world of parenting may seem overwhelming. Don’t stress too much, as parenting is often a “learn from experience” kind of process. But, as a primary role model in your child’s life, it’s important to have important conversations early on so you can prepare them for life on their own.  Be a Positive Example  Don’t overlook this step because it’s one of the most...
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Congratulations on your engagement and wedding! Whether you are recently engaged or have already tied the knot, talking about finances is extremely important in order to set you both up for success. The Middlefield Banking Company wants to offer a married couple’s guide to finances, so you can live happily ever after.   How will bills be split?   There are many day-to-day and monthly expenses that arise. You’ll want to talk about how these will be...
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The housing market is ideal for both buyers and sellers at this time of year. Things are moving quickly so in order to sell your home fast; you need to be ready to move and groove! We’ve created this blog with tips and helpful advice on how you can sell your home fast.   Choose FSBO or Realtor   Choose if you will be selling the home yourself (for sale by owner) or if you will be using a realtor. The realtor knows the process and can get things rolling –...
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How much to save is a subject that gets much discussion and a variety of answers in the world of personal finance. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all dollar amount because it all depends on your situation, goals, budget, and ultimately, income. That being said, let’s take a look at some general guidelines on how much you should be saving in different stages of your life. The 50/30/20 Rule A popular answer to “how much to save” is the 50/30/20 Rule, from a book...
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There is no doubt that we could all use a vacation after this year! But that doesn’t mean we’re ready to blow the entire bank account on a trip. You just need to know how you can get savvy about saving on your vacay. Check out these tips for planning a summer vacation on a budget!  Set a Budget Before You Plan  Just like we suggest not searching for houses or wedding dresses before you set a budget, you’ll save yourself some heartbreak if you set a budget...
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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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With each new addition to the family, expenses rise and finances can become more difficult to handle. That’s no reason not to enjoy having a big family, though! With these simple and effective money-saving tips, you can maintain peace of mind knowing you’re handling your money in the best way possible.  Check the Discount Stores  Going to a thrift store or discount store is especially helpful when shopping for kids’ clothing. Since the day...
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Teaching your kids about saving money can be quite the undertaking. Luckily, there are games and fun ways to help your children engage with this learning process. Check out these 5 games that will help your kids learn more about saving.  1. Monopoly  Not only is Monopoly a fun family game, but it’s also a great game to teach kids about money. The game can get lengthy, but it teaches some valuable lessons. Not only do you learn how to save your money, but you also learn...
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If you or someone you know has a pet, you understand there are lots of factors that go into purchasing one. How do you know if getting a furry friend is the right decision for you? Keep reading to learn about the one-time pet costs you might not have thought about.  Initial Adoption Cost  The most obvious payment you’ll make when purchasing a pet is the cost of actually adopting one. What you’ll spend for adoption completely depends on the breed,...
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