Blog

Home equity is a crucial concept for homeowners, offering a pathway to financial stability and opportunities for leveraging the value of your property. This guide will help you understand what home equity is, how it works, and how you can make the most of it. What is Home Equity? Home equity is the difference between the market value of your home and the outstanding balance on your mortgage. Essentially, it's the portion of your home that you truly own. For example, if your home is worth...
Read More

Life is full of milestones, and while they’re exciting, they can also be... expensive. Whether you’re planning a wedding, sending your child to college—we know, we’re crying too—or getting the golf clubs ready to gear up for retirement, having a savings plan in place is essential. This guide is here to help you save for major life events in 2025, offering practical tips to make your financial goals feel achievable—and maybe even a little fun. 1. Weddings: Saying...
Read More

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...
Read More

As we welcome a new year, many of us are eager to get back in shape, literally and figuratively. Gym memberships are flying off the shelves, and we're all determined to stick to our resolutions... at least for a few weeks. But while we're focused on toning our bodies, let's not forget about the importance of getting our wallets in shape too! The Unhealthy Truth About Subscriptions We've all been there—signing up for a gym membership with the best of intentions, only to...
Read More

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...
Read More

When you’re thinking about buying a home, one of the key factors lenders consider is your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. But what exactly is this ratio, and why does it matter? In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about DTI, including how to calculate it, why it’s important, and how it impacts your mortgage or home loan application. What Is Debt-to-Income Ratio? Your debt-to-income ratio is the percentage of your monthly gross income that goes towards paying...
Read More

The holiday season is upon us once again, and for many businesses, it can be a double-edged sword. It's a time of amazing sales and increased revenue, but it can also be a challenging time for cash flow management. Seasonal fluctuations in sales, inventory, and accounts receivable can put a strain on a company's finances, making it difficult to meet financial obligations. So, let’s take a look at common cash flow issues businesses face during the holiday season and some tips on how...
Read More

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a perfect time to focus on protecting your small business from cyber threats. Small businesses are often targeted by cybercriminals because they typically have fewer resources dedicated to cybersecurity. To help you safeguard your business, Middlefield Bank has compiled 10 essential tips to enhance your cybersecurity posture. 1. Educate Your Employees Your employees are your first line of defense. Conduct regular training sessions to help them...
Read More

Planning for retirement is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll make. With so many investment options available, it can be challenging to determine which ones are best suited for your needs. Two popular choices are Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and Certificates of Deposit (CDs). Let’s explore the differences between IRAs and CDs, so we can help you decide which option is right for your retirement planning. Understanding IRAs What is an IRA? An Individual...
Read More

The journey to owning your dream home is an exciting one, but it comes with an important decision: should you build a new home from the ground up or buy an existing one? Both options have their advantages and challenges, and the right choice depends on your personal preferences, timeline, and budget.  The Case for Building Your Dream Home Building a home from scratch is a thrilling prospect, allowing you to create a space that’s truly your own. Here are some reasons why building...
Read More