savings

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...
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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...
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Welcome to the exciting world of travel hacking, where every purchase can bring you one step closer to your next dream destination. At Middlefield Bank, we understand the wanderlust that drives you and the savvy that guides you. This beginner’s guide is designed to help you navigate the realm of travel rewards and turn everyday spending into extraordinary experiences. Understanding Travel Rewards Travel rewards programs are typically linked to credit cards and loyalty programs....
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With the school year returning in August, the back-to-school buzz is in the air. We know that gearing up for the new academic year can be an exciting yet daunting task for college students and their parents alike. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of smart shopping strategies to help you navigate the sales and save big on dorm essentials. Budget Before You Buy Create a budget before you start shopping. List out all the items you need, from textbooks to toiletries, and allocate...
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As the summer sun blazes, it’s not just the temperature that rises. Energy bills often soar with the mercury, leaving many of us searching for ways to stay cool without breaking the bank. At The Middlefield Banking Company, we’re not just about financial services; we’re about serving our community. So, we’ve put together some energy-saving tips to help you beat the heat and save money this summer.  1. Use Energy-Efficient Appliances  Energy-efficient appliances...
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Debt can be a burden and a hindrance to financial success. Eighty percent of Americans have consumer debts, and the average debt is $38,000, excluding mortgages. Paying off debt will help you to improve your credit rating, save you on interest payments, and make you financially secure in the short term. On the other hand, saving for retirement can offer a long-term return on investment that is not guaranteed by paying off debt. The longer you wait to save, the less you may earn. You may need...
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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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Don’t let the winter freeze your bank account! Lower temperatures often mean higher bills, but with some simple moves you can keep a cool head about your finances this winter. 1. Open Your Home to Sunshine The winter is often a little more gray and dreary. Take advantage of every sunny day you can. Open up the curtains and let the natural light warm your home. Take a moment to bask in the warmth of the sun and get a good dose of vitamin D while you’re at it.  2. Switch the...
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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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