Family

Having our kids grow up in a world that becomes more and more digitized can be a scary thing. The best thing you can do for your kids is to teach them about cybersecurity and implement safe online habits early on. Here are some tips to outline with your kids to ensure safe cybersecurity practices.  Educate Yourself First  There is not a one size fits all approach to teaching your kids cybersecurity at a level they understand. Each kid is different and wants different things from...
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Eating out is sometimes more than just giving our body the nutrients it needs, it can be fun, different than the norm, and be a social outing. We all need to eat to live, but for those who live to eat out, here are some tips to lower your bill but still enjoy that meal out here and there.  Change Your Drink Order As much as we all love a good fountain soda here and there, the extra money spent on coffees, tea, and soda adds up. Most of the time, water is free so if your goal is to save...
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Thinking of selling your home shortly? We’re here to share some easy springtime renovations to provide you with the greatest return on your investment. Spring cleaning is lots of fun, but a spring renovation, that’s what will give you the biggest bang for your buck!   Replace the garage door.   Replacing the garage door not only contributes to fantastic curb appeal, but the functionality will grab the attention of potential buyers when you upgrade to a more modern...
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  Financial literacy might be attained easier for all of us if we were taught these vital lessons in our early years. A child’s view of money is formed at an early age. It is important to help your children build good behaviors and attitudes towards money as early as possible. Most kids get their own money through gifts or an allowance, so now is the perfect time to start teaching them about financial literacy. Here are some quick and easy ways to help you start the journey of responsible...
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  The coronavirus pandemic has been behind a plethora of undesirable changes — the cost of food staples rising being one of them. No one wants to spend more than necessary. While the expenditure depends greatly on where you shop and what you buy, there are many little things you can do to curtail unnecessary spending. These savings can add up over time. Sign up for a loyalty program Most if not all grocery stores have a loyalty program that is free to join, more often than not....
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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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