Personal Loans

Many students and their families are starting to navigate the complex world of student loans. Whether you’re just starting your college journey or looking to refinance existing loans, understanding the ins and outs of student loans is crucial. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, from applying to refinancing. Let’s dive in! Applying for Student Loans The first step in securing student loans is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid...
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Your financial journey is unique, filled with aspirations, and opportunities. At Middlefield Bank, we understand the importance of having the right financial tools and support to navigate this journey with confidence. Whether you’re starting a savings plan, managing day-to-day expenses, or planning for major life milestones, our personalized banking services are here to help you achieve your goals.   Checking Accounts   Your checking account serves as the foundation...
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A regular checkup with your doctor or dentist is a time to make sure your health is on track, there are no big concerns, and things are functioning normally. You are making your health and well-being a priority, which is great because you want your body to function properly and effectively for many years to come. When it comes to your personal finances, how often are you doing a checkup? You need a banker just like you need your doctor or dentist. Keep reading to learn what a financial checkup is...
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A Home Equity Loan and Home Equity Line of Credit are both loans that use your home as collateral. Though they are very similar, they are different loans. Keep reading to learn what a Home Equity Loan and Home Equity Line of Credit are, their differences, and their benefits!  What Are They and How Do they Differ?  A Home Equity Loan or a Home Equity Line of Credit, commonly known as a HELOC, are both loans which use your home as collateral. Both are fantastic options for borrowing...
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We all know it is important to have a good credit score when in reality many people do not even know what a credit score is. This is ok, we are here to help! Having a good credit score is a lifeline for your future, so it is very important to know what a credit score is, how it can be positively and negatively impacted, and why it is so important to everyone. Take a few minutes to brush up on your knowledge of credit and how you can have a good credit score.  What is a Credit Score?  Credit...
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Paying off student loans isn’t going to happen overnight – it takes time, and most importantly, discipline. There are some steps you can take to speed up the process and be debt-free sooner rather than later. If you’re in need of some advice on this subject, you’re in the right place.    1. Pay MORE than the minimum.   If you’ve only been paying the minimum, odds are you haven’t seen a whole lot of progress. Plus, the interest you’re...
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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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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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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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