You’ve made the decision to buy a new home. Or maybe this is your first time. You’re probably excited and can’t wait to go house hunting. If the market is a “Buyer’s Market,” one in which supply exceeds demand, you’ll have plenty of time to get your financing in order and look at as many homes as you like. But what if demand is high and supply is low? Then you’re in a “Seller’s Market.” During a seller’s market, homes…
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5 Tax Deductions and Credits to Consider During the 2021 Tax Season
Money Management
Since 1913, Americans have been paying taxes to the federal government with states adopting similar tax programs in 1930. Though this annual process has continued for decades, many Americans have been feeling anxious about taxes in recent years. According to a 2019 Nerd Wallet Report on taxes, 26 percent of Americans feel stressed or anxious about filing their taxes. Part of that negative outlook may come from the perception that they may end up needing to pay the government. Only…
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Starting February 1st, our physical lobbies will be open to members once again. A few things to note: The Main office will go back to normal hours in the drive-thru and lobby. Bryan will remain closed on Saturdays, and open normal hours Monday thru Friday. Napoleon will be drive-thru only on Saturdays, and open normal hours Monday thru Friday. We will continue to keep up with our daily lobby cleanings, every 2 hours. For a complete listing of locations and…
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What to Do With Your Stimulus Check
Money Management Spending/Saving
The CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) provides needed assistance to businesses, expansions to unemployment insurance, and direct relief checks to many Americans. If you qualify for a stimulus check, you may be wondering what to do with the money—or what the wisest thing to do might be. Here are a few things to consider. Fill in Financial Gaps Many Americans have found themselves struggling financially due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Those who have had their hours cut…
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How to Go Branchless with Midwest Community FCU
Money Management
The acceptance of totally branchless banking has increased lately with COVID-19 restrictions, but some are still skeptical. Way back in 2014, Bankrate released a study saying that more than 30% of Americans haven’t visited a branch in the last six months, and that number has only climbed from there. With the rise of mobile technology, financial security and digital communication, it’s possible to never step foot in a branch again. But you don’t have to use a fintech startup with…
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Starting Monday, November 30, our lobbies at the Main and Napoleon offices will be closed temporarily due to COVID-19. You can still use the drive-thru at these locations, or feel free to use any of the available e-services. In Bryan, the lobby will be open Monday through Friday and the office will be completely closed on Saturdays. While our lobbies might be closed, members can still access services and their accounts using the following safe and secure methods: Drive-thru services…
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Considering a car purchase in 2020?
Life Goals Spending/Saving
Purchasing a car can be complicated, and perhaps an even more difficult decision to manage during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the ongoing economic challenges, consumers appear more eager than usual to make a vehicle purchase. As people have shifted their lives to a more virtual environment, consumers continue to shop for cars online. According to a recent Cars.com survey, which polled around 3,000 respondents earlier this year, 48% of consumers said they’re interested in handling price negotiations online, while 42%…
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We’re saying goodbye to our Deerwood building After a great long-term relationship, the time has come for Midwest Community to move on from our building on Deerwood Drive (Defiance). The decision isn’t related to COVID in any way, it’s just a simple strategic move to manage our resources in the best way possible. The closing date for Deerwood is slated for October 30, 2020. The Deerwood location has served as a drive-thru and administrative office space for years. But with…
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Preventing Elder Fraud and Financial Exploitation
Fraud Money Management
Financial loss from elderly fraud is in the billions annually. Seniors are the fastest-growing population segment in Ohio and the Scripps Gerontology Center projects more than 1 in 4 Ohioans will be age 60 and older by 2025. Unfortunately, that growth has contributed to high rates of fraud and financial exploitation targeting the elderly in our state. The national rate of elder financial abuse is also high, with 1 in 20 cases of seniors falling victim to the crime, according…
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Managing Your Finances During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Money Management Spending/Saving
The COVID-19 pandemic is not only causing fear and uncertainty about our health, but our livelihood as well. Many wonder “What happens to me and my family if my employer has to lay off people or my hours are cut?” Now more than ever, it’s important to keep track of your expenses to make sure you’re not spending more than you make or increasing your credit card debt. If you feel like you live paycheck to paycheck, then now is…
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