ENB Insights

College decision letters are on their way to a home near you. Maybe someone in your household is expecting one soon. What you might not be expecting is the lean financial aid award package that accompanies many college acceptance notifications.

Financial experts recommend households maintain an emergency savings account equal to six months of living expenses. A hefty savings balance ensures there's enough money to pay bills and buy groceries in the event of an unexpected job loss, health diagnosis, or significant expense that would otherwise derail your budget. Many Americans fall short of this savings ideal. A recent Economic Well-Being study found that four out of ten U.S. households would have trouble covering an emergency expense as small as $400. 

Rising property values and shrinking inventories make for a competitive housing market. You’ve probably witnessed homes that initially fell within your home buying budget succumb to a bidding war before vanishing from MLS listings, often within days. It can make you question whether homeownership is possible.

If you’re shopping for a new home, figuring out financing options is likely on your to-do list. The earlier you learn about your mortgage choices, the more time you have to prepare financially for closing. While this is good news, it doesn’t make reviewing home loan details feel less intimidating. A vast array of possibilities, lengthy explanations, and confusing terms can make it seem like you’ve enrolled in a college-level finance class against your will.