Summer has a way of bringing family and friends together, and what better way to enjoy the season than an outdoor bash? Stress less as you prepare for your summer party with our four-step plan. You’ll be ready to turn your humble abode into the perfect place for entertaining. 1. Ready the Yard The surest… Read more »
When you retire, you have more time on your hands to see the world. However, with a fixed budget, planning your expenses out ahead of time is of utmost importance. Traveling during retirement is something that you can achieve with responsible budgeting and a sound strategy. Know Your Fixed Budget and Current Expenditures A good… Read more »
According to National Geographic contributors Samantha Cohen and Eric Estroff, Americans throw out an average of $165 billion of food every year. Not only is excess food waste a problem for people’s wallets, it also has a detrimental effect on the environment. Fortunately, there are several ways that you can reduce the amount of food… Read more »
Everyone gets distracted from time to time. For those running small businesses, distractions are not only more frequent but also more detrimental to success. Staying focused is a key tool every small-business owner should have in their toolbox. Starting is Easy – but Finishing is Hard Most successful business owners agree that starting something is… Read more »
Whether you’re playing catch-up or fine-tuning established investments, your thirties are crucial years for strengthening your financial future. Consider these tips to help make your road to retirement a bit smoother. Know Your Investment Options Whether you’ve already been saving for retirement or you want to get started, it’s important to be aware of your… Read more »
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 »