

May is Affordable Housing Month, a time to recognize the importance of safe, stable, and affordable housing — and to celebrate the individuals and families who have achieved the dream of homeownership. It’s also a reminder that successful homeownership is an ongoing journey that benefits from education, planning, and support. Becoming a homeowner is a…

Hannah talked about buying a home for years. The idea first took root in 2019 when her oldest daughter was born. But, like so many big plans, life pushed it further down the list. Six years later, baby No. 3 came into the picture, and this time buying a home couldn’t wait. Still, the process…

There’s been a lot of talk about the housing market over the past few years. The record-low interest rates of 2021 quickly soared close to 8 percent by 2023. Housing prices jumped to new highs while the number of available homes on the market plummeted. The good news is that housing inventory is climbing now…

Stephanie had everything lined up for the future: A doctoral degree and a dream job that she had worked hard to get. Then domestic violence derailed her life. “In my case, I just didn’t have the family support to deal with a series of misfortunate events and then it just spiraled for me,” she said.…

Let’s be honest—budgeting doesn’t exactly sound exciting. But, having a plan for your money is one of the best ways to reduce stress, protect your home, and feel more in control of your future. The good news? It’s easier than you might think. We’ve rounded up a few simple tools to help you build a…

Owning a home is rewarding, but it can also bring a few surprises. A sudden repair or higher-than-expected utility bill can throw off even the best budget. That’s why setting aside a small cushion can make a big difference—it’s a safety net that helps keep you prepared and stress levels low. Why a Cushion Matters…

Your home isn’t just a place to live—it’s an investment. And one of the most powerful ways it impacts your finances is through home equity. But what exactly is equity, and why should you care about it? What is Home Equity? Simply put, equity is the portion of your home that you actually own. It’s calculated like…

Heidi has done a lot of building over the last few years. First, the single mother of three had to rebuild her finances, getting out of debt and improving her credit score. That enabled her to tackle her next project: Building her own home. “At the time it felt like this is going to take…

It took a friend to tell Alisa she had a problem. The mother of three was working at the Mountain Home School District when a coworker began to notice something was not right in Alisa’s life. Once she figured out what was happening, her message to Alisa was clear; you need to leave your abusive…