Savings

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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Ready to upgrade your home in a wallet-friendly way? We’re here to give you lots of ideas for your next project. Rather than explaining each idea in detail, we’re going to list out 12 projects that you can take and make your own. Let’s get started!  1. Add a fresh coat of paint.  One of the simplest and cheapest ways to upgrade a room in your home is to pick a nice paint color for the walls. This can brighten and modernize your space in less than 24 hours.  2....
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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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Debt can seem intimidating at first, especially when you’re looking at all the different balances across various accounts and credit cards. Paying off your debt will allow you to increase your income and have a little extra room in your budget for other things. By following a few simple strategies, you can pay off your debt faster than you think.  Follow the tips we’ve provide below to pay off your debt faster.  Review the Amount of...
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Buying a home is a major achievement—and investment! Mortgage payments help build up equity in your home over time, but there are changes and upgrades you can make to your home in order to increase its value, resulting in a bigger return on your investment.  Homeowners should look for simple, cost-effective ways to increase their home’s value, especially if they plan to sell in the future. Take a look at these 5 ways to increase your home’s...
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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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How much can I reasonably spend on a home? This is a question every single prospective homeowner asks before purchasing a house, and this is exactly what we want them to be asking! While buying a home is a great financial investment to start building equity and wealth, no one wants to be house poor. Create a budget for yourself by using the tips below or jump straight to our mortgage calculator.  Save for a Down Payment and Closing Costs  A...
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Becoming a homeowner for the first time is no easy task! You’ve probably heard horror stories from friends about overpaying or missing a crucial piece of information before committing to an offer. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for buying your first (or next) home so you feel confident in the home buying journey! Before You Buy  Start Saving Early – the earlier you start saving, the better! Many first-time homeowners assume they just need to save...
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