Category: Personal Finance

How to Organize and Store Your Online Passwords

Middle-aged man in blue denim shirt enters secure password in a browser site while using his laptop computer.

This blog was originally published in 2019, and it was updated in 2022. According to a survey by Digital Guardian, 70 percent of people reported they have more than 10 password-protected accounts on the web. And 30 percent of people reported they have “too many passwords to count.” Does that sound like you? It can… Read more »

Financial Basics: How to Write a Check

Woman writes a bank check to pay household bills.

When it comes to financial literacy basics, knowing how to write a check is a must. Although paper checks aren’t used as frequently as they once were, they still have their place. Some common scenarios that might require you to write checks for payment include: • Rent • Utilities (electricity, natural gas, water, etc.) •… Read more »

Financial Benefits and Drawbacks of Homeschooling

Woman and daughter home school after reading Minster Bank blog on homeschooling pros and cons.

Homeschooling is an increasingly popular choice for parents who want to customize their children’s education outside the traditional system. In addition, some parents also prefer the health and safety advantages of homeschooling their children. However, homeschooling also requires careful budgeting and planning. Consider the following financial pros and cons as you weigh your decision. ✅… Read more »

College Student Values Convenience and Mobile Accessibility at Minster Bank

Lisa Adams, left, uses Minster Bank's online and mobile banking features while at college at Ohio State University in Columbus.

Between school and work, college student Lisa Adams enjoys a busy, active lifestyle. Minster Bank has been there for her in more ways than one, but what she appreciates most is the convenience of Minster Bank’s online and mobile banking options. Lisa was a Class of 2021 Minster Bank Scholarship recipient and is currently a student… Read more »

How to Prepare for Filing Your Individual 2021 Tax Return

Latina woman wearing pale pink sweater with calculator in hand prepares to file her personal and business taxes on her laptop computer at home.

NOTE: The Internal Revenue Service is expecting delays in accepting and processing 2021 tax returns and urges taxpayers to take extra caution and file accurate tax returns electronically. As you gear up to file your 2021 tax return, you may be wondering where to start and what to expect. Similar to tax year 2020, you… Read more »

Why Should I Budget? Here are 5 Top Reasons

Black woman creates budget on her desktop computer based on budgeting tips from Minster Bank blog.

Merriam-Webster defines the word “budget” as “the amount of money that is available for, required for or assigned to a particular purpose.” Hearing this word can often make us cringe, but in reality, having and following a budget is one of the most useful tools in personal finance. If you’re still on the fence, think… Read more »

4 Easy Ways To Make Family Budgeting Fun

Father and daughter save money together with piggy bank

Setting spending limits and crunching numbers isn’t a traditional recipe for family fun. But it is possible to make the process of creating, maintaining and benefiting from family budgets an enjoyable one. You can also involve kids to start teaching them about the value of money and how saving works – important lessons that can… Read more »