When you’re laying out your budget, housing money is probably a pretty big chunk. But are you setting your housing budget wisely? Before you sign up for a new lease or mortgage, make sure the monthly payments won’t ruin your financial plans. Following the 28/36 Rule As with many financial concepts, there’s a rule to… Read more »
Small business owners need a bank that truly knows them and understands their company. That’s why Doug Moran, owner of Moran Refrigeration in St. Marys, Ohio, has been a Minster Bank customer for nearly 20 years. Moran’s company itself has been serving northwest Ohio’s appliance needs since 1947. Local Focus at a Community Bank Moran… Read more »
Budgeting is daunting, especially since it means cutting down on how much money you can spend on entertainment and leisure. But being smart about your spending doesn’t mean cutting out fun altogether. Remembering entertainment in your budget will help you stick to it and enjoy the times you do decide to spend. Setting a Realistic… Read more »
Financial troubles for your small business typically don’t happen overnight. By paying attention to the following warning signs, you’ll be better prepared to protect your business from serious financial ruin down the road. Problem #1: You Have an Unbalanced Cash Flow When the money you’re spending to cover operating costs starts to exceed the amount… Read more »
The term “small business” is more than just a title — it’s a government-defined designation that comes with unique benefits. If your company qualifies as a small business, it may be eligible for the Small Business Association’s programs, which include loans, grants and disaster assistance. Furthermore, the federal government sets aside contracts for competition among… Read more »
A college education can help you secure a sound financial future, yet securing that education often comes at a very high cost. Financial aid can help alleviate some of that cost, and it can come from a variety of different sources, depending on what works best for your needs. Why You Need to File Your… Read more »
Between medical expenses, car payments and rent, it can be hard to find room to give, no matter how much you want to contribute to a good cause. With the following tips, you can still help those in need even while on a tight budget yourself. Pick a Cause You Care About Before you decide… Read more »
During the 2018-19 school year, Minster Bank will reach around 2,000 students from kindergarten to high school through their financial literacy programs. Through these programs, which are held in each of the counties where Minster Bank branches are located – Auglaize, Shelby and Miami – Minster Bank representatives teach students financial skills in a fun… Read more »
So, what exactly is the 30 Day Rule? If you’ve never heard of it before, no worries! It’s an easy way to save money. The rule is this: when you’re out shopping and see something you want, don’t buy it. Instead, come home and write down the name of the item on a sticky note…. Read more »
Between understanding closing costs and filling out paperwork, buying a home for the first time can be daunting. But for Marge Meiring, a Minster Bank customer who took advantage of the Welcome Home program, it was much smoother. “I’m 67 and I had never bought a house, so I was a little overwhelmed with it… Read more »