Blog

Feb
14,
2024

As we step into February, the momentum of New Year’s resolutions still lingers, and there’s no better time to align your goals with a financially savvy mindset. Join us as we unveil practical strategies that won’t disrupt your daily routine, from energy-efficient upgrades and cord-cutting to DIY home maintenance and mindful meal planning. Explore how […]

Jul
26,
2023

budget / homebuying / Video

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or looking to make a move, understanding how down payments work is essential to achieving good financial health with homeownership. You likely have heard that you must have 20% down to purchase a home, but the truth is that standard down payment amounts usually range from 3% to 20% of […]

Nov
2,
2021

budget / home improvement / Home Ownership

The financial responsibilities of homeownership go beyond saving for a down payment and qualifying for a mortgage. They also require being prepared for the ongoing, and sometimes unexpected, costs that can result from owning a home. While most buyers realize the importance of budgeting for the purchase of a home, they can overlook the ongoing […]

Sep
28,
2021

budget / homebuying / Saving Money / tips

Shopping for a mortgage means finding the right lender, but it’s not the only important decision. While interest rates, origination fees, and comfort with the loan officer are all critical factors, there’s another difference to consider — and it might need to be at the top of your list. Before you seek out a pre-approval […]

Apr
13,
2021

budget / debt / homebuying / tips

Married or not, applying for a mortgage as a couple means twice the credit scores, twice the financial histories, and sometimes twice as many paychecks. When a joint application comes with a higher income, it can be an appropriate way to increase your buying power. But, it can also have a downside. If you’re shopping […]

Apr
6,
2021

budget / first time homebuyers / homebuying / mortgage

Shopping for a mortgage and a home can be an overwhelming experience for many people. In each case, there are many options to consider and lots of terms that you may not have encountered before. These circumstances can make it easy to overlook details while you try to focus on the bigger picture. During the […]

Dec
19,
2019

budget / first time homebuyers / tips

New homeowners work incredibly hard when hunting for the perfect home. Rarely do they overlook finding the best mortgage rates or lenders, and they never move forward without getting a green light from a trusted home inspector. One neglected home-buying practice, however, is taking a personal inventory of financial responsibilities. Failing to prepare financially after […]

Apr
18,
2019

budget / mortgage / mortgage payment

Understanding your mortgage payment is essential to your budget. Despite the name, it likely encompasses more than just paying back your lender, so comprehending what it’s comprised of is important for the future. What are the pieces to the mysterious puzzle that will hold your checkbook captive for the next 15-30 years? Let’s break it […]

Jan
8,
2019

budget / finance / spending

If you’ve ever wanted to start a weight loss plan and been terrified to step on the scale, starting a budget can feel the same way. Seeing the truth laid bare means we can’t hide our heads in the sand anymore, which feels comforting but is detrimental in the long run. The truth is, we […]

Jun
19,
2018

budget / first time homebuyers / lifestyle / neighbors

It’s an exciting time in your life. You’ve worked hard, you saved up — you’re considering buying your first home. But the road between first time homebuyers and the dotted line can be full of rookie mistakes. To help you spot these pitfalls before you’re in them, here’s three things to consider when going from […]

Blog

5 Easy Ways to Save Money Around The House

Diving into Mortgage Down Payments

Building a Budget for Homeownership

Choosing the Right Loan Length

A Couple of Things about a Couple’s Mortgage

Don’t Let Private Mortgage Insurance Surprise You

Financial Mistakes for New Homeowners to Avoid

What’s In a Mortgage, Anyway? We Break it Down.

Face Your Financial Fears: Learn to Budget

3 Things First Time Homeowners Wished They Knew Before Buying