Family

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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Are your kids ready to start earning money for themselves? As a parent, it can be worrisome trying to find a good first-time work environment for your son or daughter. Good news! There are many great ways for your kids to make some extra cash - even your youngest kids! 1. Babysitting Once your kid is old enough, he or she might be interested in taking care of younger kids. Sometimes the best way for someone to “practice” babysitting is by having them watch their siblings or relatives...
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Parenting isn’t easy, and we are here to help you in whatever ways we can. Keep reading to learn about these 5 simple and important things to teach your kids about money! 1. The Importance of Saving The easiest way to encourage your kids to save money is by getting them a piggy bank. Some kids are fascinated by the piggy banks that automatically count your change, and other kids would enjoy a lovely glass pig to keep their money in. Go to the store and let them pick out a piggy bank they...
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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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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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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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Enjoy the winter wonderland happening outside with your family! Don’t stay cooped up in the house all day - find something fun to do. Create quality time with those close to you with a few of the below ideas from The Middlefield Banking Company. Build a Snowman Frosty isn’t going to build himself. Get the kids outside and moving with this fun idea. See who can build a bigger snowman or have a competition to find out who the best fort builder is. Then, have a snowball fight! Encourage...
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