They say there’s no place like home, but does that mean you have to purchase one to get the benefits? Just like everything else, buying a home has its pros and cons. Pros of Buying a Home Fulfilling a DreamThere’s a reason buying a home is considered a major part of the American Dream. It’s
Home Equity Line of Credit Calculator HOW IT WORKS A HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) is a line of credit that allows you to tap into your home’s equity and borrow against it. This calculator will help you estimate the limit you could be approved for. Start by entering the value of your home. Next, enter the
One of the most tedious parts of home buying is gathering the right documentation, but prepping beforehand makes it that much easier. The documents required for a mortgage application can be categorized by type: Proof of Income/Employment, Proof of Assets, Credit History, and Residential History. These give potential lenders a glimpse into your situation so
Calculator: Rent Affordability HOW IT WORKS Rent will likely be a substantial part of your monthly budget. If you’re on the lookout for a new place, this calculator can help you determine what you can afford. Start by entering your gross monthly income. Next, enter averages for your expenses each month. This will let you know
"How much does college cost?" It’s not to say this question isn’t answerable, but grouping college into one huge expense can be a little deceiving. The cost of a degree is so much more than a singular bill—especially if you factor in questions like where you’ll be living, how you’ll get from point
Most home renovation projects are done in the spring and summer, and we have some helpful advice on how to pay for them! Summer is here, and you might be noticing some things you would like done around the house. From simply painting the living room a new color or building a porch
Coach: Repairing Credit HOW IT WORKS Not sure where to begin repairing a less-than-ideal credit score? In this Coach session, get ideas for repairing your credit score in the short- and long-term and create an actionable list. To begin, select Get Started. Follow the prompts, answer the questions, and provide information when asked.
Coach: How Do I Build Credit? HOW IT WORKS A good credit score has a major impact on your finances, so it’s important to start out strong. In this Coach session, learn how to build a credit score for the first time or boost an already decent score, and create a plan with options that work for
Coach: Financial Wellness Assessment HOW IT WORKS The Financial Wellness Assessment lets you take a step back, analyze your spending, budgeting, and saving habits so you can reflect on how you’re currently managing personal finances. This assessment addresses your individual financial decisions and goals before giving you recommendations on where you can improve and how to get
Calculator: Refinancing Your Mortage HOW IT WORKS When interest rates drop or market values rise, it’s a good time to think about refinancing. First, enter the loan balance, payment, and interest rate for your current loan. Then, select a focus: do you want to reduce your term length or monthly payments? Adjust the term length, interest
Calculator: Mortgage Estimator HOW IT WORKS When you’re thinking about a new mortgage, why not start with what will impact you the most day-to-day: your monthly payment? This calculator shows you the best-case scenario for a mortgage, beginning with your preferred monthly payment. Enter your ideal monthly payment, potential down payment, preferred loan term, and interest
For many, picking the right house or apartment in a tight rental market is daunting, but by preparing in advance, you're more likely to find the perfect place to call home. While renting requires less immediate cash and fewer obligations than owning a home, that doesn't mean that it's cheap or easy, or
