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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While the COVID-19 pandemic brings many uncertainties, your membership at Midwest Community shouldn’t be one of them. Your deposits at Ohio credit unions are safe and secure due to prudent management, strong regulation, and deposit insurance protection. Your deposit is protected by the NCUA, with deposits insured up to at least $250,000 per individual depositor. Credit union members have never lost a penny of insured savings at an insured credit union. Additional information on National Credit Union Association (NCUA) share insurance…
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Tax Benefits for College Students
Money Management Spending/Saving
Did you know you can take advantage of special tax breaks just for college students and their parents? These benefits come in the form of tax credits and deductions when you file your income tax return. What’s the difference? A credit reduces the amount of income tax you have to pay. A deduction reduces the amount of your income that is taxed, which also typically lessens your tax bill. In other words, you could get a bigger tax refund! Filing Your Taxes…
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Does a new car top your holiday wish list?
Life Goals Spending/Saving
If you’re looking to drive into the new year on a new set of wheels, the timing is right to save some money on this big purchase! According to Kelley Blue Book, you can benefit from both year-end sales events and, if you wait until the end of the month, automakers and dealers looking to meet monthly sales targets. But according to Automotive News, more Americans are likely to turn toward a used car for their next purchase. Both escalating…
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