Money Matters Blog

Now that cooler weather is rolling in, it’s time to review your energy saving strategy. Farmers & Merchants Bank & Trust is here to offer you plenty of fantastic ideas to increase your savings this season.

Humidifiers offer health benefits as well as bigger savings! Humidity keeps your warm, forced air trapped in the living area in the house longer, thus satisfying your thermostat longer.

Even though it’s a little...

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Sticking to a budget is always a challenge, especially when it comes to a home remodel. That’s why we’re here to give you the financial framework you need for your next renovation. Before you pull out the hammer, get ready for your home remodel the right way with these 6 budgeting tips.

Many people have a long list of improvements they’d like to make to their home, but most can’t tackle everything at once. What needs to get done first or what has...

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October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Cyber fraud is constantly on the rise, and hackers are always evolving their tactics. Putting these 10 habits into place can help you remain one step ahead of the bad guys:

A long password is better than an overly complex password. Try to create unique passwords for all of your logins and change them periodically. Of course, the more passwords you have and the more often you change them,...

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Finding free or inexpensive activities for your kids can be a challenge. It’s great to get them active and out of the house, but at this point, you’re out of ideas. We have crafted the perfect list of kid-friendly things to do that won’t break the bank!

If it’s chilly outside and the kids are looking to wind down, a movie marathon is a great idea! Make a theme of it by making snacks to go with the movies you decide to watch. Think popcorn “snowballs”...

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Uh oh, the unthinkable happened: a car accident, medical event, or job loss. You had to dip into your emergency fund. The good news is you had prepared for the unexpected by keeping an emergency fund. The bad news is that you had to spend  it. Where do you go from here and how do you rebuild what you had? Here are some tried and true ways to rebuild your emergency fund for the next rainy day.

That gym membership and streaming subscription...

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Technology is everywhere and used on a daily basis nowadays, so how do we protect our children when online? Now more than ever is the most important time to sit down with your kiddos and spend time really explaining the importance of being safe while online. That’s why Farmers & Merchants Bank & Trust wanted to offer some main points to touch on with your kids when discussing online safety.

These 8 simple rules are a great starting point for family discussions...

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While college remains one of the best ways you can invest in yourself and your future, it doesn’t change the fact that the costs of attending college only continue to grow. Focusing on your education should be your top priority while you’re in school. However, developing strong saving habits can not only cut costs while you’re attending college, but those habits can also help you be more responsible with your money once you’ve graduated.

While...

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Let’s get back to the basics! Cybersecurity is important for everyone, no matter if you use the internet on a daily basis or just once in a while. If you’ve never considered the best security tactics for the cyber world, hold on tight as we run through seven pillars of cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity is the act or process of protecting devices, networks and programs from theft or damage. Everyone has something to lose, whether it be their identity,...

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School is back! While you’re working on gathering those school supplies, be sure you aren’t overspending on some of the essentials. We’re here to give a little advice on ways you can save on supplies, while making sure you still get everything on the list.

Start by shopping at home. You have drawers full of unused highlighters and almost-new pencils. Yes, your child may whine that they NEED the new 144 pack of crayons, but they will be just fine with the boxes...

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Blankets, gliders and toys galore, the items you need for baby’s arrival seem like a mile long. The good news is that while some items like diapers and wipes are essential, baby can get along just fine without the matching crib and dresser set. What’s more important is planning for the days far ahead. From braces to college, you can give your child a head start in life by saving for their future now. Here are some ways to start bulking up the savings!

Insurance...

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