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Home Equity

Your Money’s Safety Net: Building an Emergency Fund, One Step at a Time

Your Money’s Safety Net: Building an Emergency Fund, One Step at a Time 4592 3064 Your Loan Officer for Life

Today, we’re talking about something that I believe is a cornerstone of financial stability—an Emergency Fund.

Now, I know we all like to think that we’re prepared for whatever life throws our way. But when the unexpected strikes—a busted water heater, an out-of-the-blue medical bill, or an unexpected layoff—that’s when an emergency fund goes from being a “good-to-have” to a “thank-goodness-we-have-it.”

Having an emergency fund gives you peace of mind knowing that you’re ready to tackle any financial surprises that come your way. Remember, every little bit counts! Start small, be consistent, and before you know it, you’ll have a robust safety net.

The Why Behind the Emergency Fund

Having an emergency fund is like wearing a seatbelt. You don’t plan to have an accident, but if it happens, you’ll be glad it’s there. When unexpected expenses pop up, having an emergency fund allows you to cover them without going into debt. This way, instead of panicking, you can focus on solving the problem.

So, How Much is Enough?

A good rule of thumb is to aim for three to six months’ worth of living expenses. The specifics will depend on your situation. If you’re a two-income household, or if your job is pretty stable, three months might do the trick. But if you’re a one-income family, or if your income varies, you’ll want to shoot for a bigger safety net—think six months or more.

Building Your Emergency Fund, Brick by Brick

Now, I know this might seem like a tall order. But like any big task, it’s manageable if you break it down. Here are my top tips:

Start Small: Don’t get overwhelmed by the total sum. Start with a mini-goal—say, $500—and build from there.

Make It a Habit: The best way to grow your fund is to contribute regularly. Find a rhythm that works for you—weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly—and stick to it.

Set It and Forget It: One of the best tricks in the book is automating your savings. Set up automatic transfers to your emergency fund, and watch it grow.

Save the Extra: Got a bonus or a tax refund? Consider tossing some of it into your emergency fund.

Trim the Fat: Take a look at your budget and see where you can cut back. The savings can be funneled straight into your fund.

Where to Stash Your Cash

Your emergency fund should be easily accessible but not too accessible. A high-yield savings account is a great option. It keeps your money out of sight but within easy reach when you need it and earns you a bit of interest to boot.

Adding an Emergency Fund to Your Financial Plan

Weaving your emergency fund right into your budget plan is a game-changer. Think of it as planting a little seedling in your financial garden every month. Speaking of growth and your monthly budget, a cash-out refinance is a great way to leverage the equity you have in your home to pay off high-interest debts with big monthly payments. Getting those big bills off your budget is a fast, smart way to cut monthly costs and create room for your money to grow. Before you decide how much equity to pluck from your cozy nest, consider how much you’d like in your emergency fund. It’s like picking apples from your tree: leave enough to ensure future growth.

So, next time you sit down to look over your budget, don’t just think bills and splurges. Sprinkle some love into that emergency fund. It’s your umbrella for those rainy days, and we all know they come!

As always, my team is here to help guide you through your financial journey. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help navigating these waters. Together, we’ll make sure that when life throws those curveballs, you’re ready to catch them without breaking the bank.

Start building your financial safety net today!

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What Exactly Is a HELOC?

What Exactly Is a HELOC? 540 282 Jason Breeland

HELOC stands for a home equity line of credit.  It is sometimes called a Home Equity Loan.

Question #1:  How is Home Equity Defined

Equity in a property is the difference between its market value and what you owe on it.  For example, a homeowner who has a property worth $150,000 and has a mortgage balance of $120,000 has $30,000 of equity in the property. To access some of this equity for your own use, you could look into taking out a HELOC.

Question #2:  Is a HELOC a Mortgage

A HELOC is a mortgage, separate from the one you may already have. Generally, a HELOC is a second mortgage.  To get one, you would go through a similar process as you would for a traditional first mortgage. Income, assets, and credit are all considered.

Question #3:  What are Common Uses for A HELOC

Common uses for HELOC funds include home improvements and college tuition. Because it is a line of credit, as opposed to a fixed term, a HELOC works more like a credit card.  As with a credit card, you are able to purchase items and then pay down the balance over time. As you reduce that balance, that money becomes available to you to use again and again.  While they operate in a similar fashion, HELOCs offer two advantages over credit cards. The first is a lower interest rate. The second concerns taxes. Often, the interest paid on a HELOC is tax-deductible.  You should consult a tax accountant or advisor for further information regarding the tax deductibility of interest and charges on a HELOC loan.

Question #4:  How Is A HELOC Different Than a Home Equity Loan

The HELOC is a line of credit, which is different from a fixed term loan. The fixed term loan has a fixed payment over a set period of time.  With a HELOC, the interest rate can fluctuate, so the payment amount can also change. This means that your qualifying income must be high enough that you can make the payments when 100% of the loan balance has been drawn out and the payments are at their highest amount.

Interest rates are also typically higher on HELOCs than they are on fixed-rate mortgages. This is because, in the case of default, the first mortgage lender will get paid back first. This puts more risk on the HELOC lender.

Contact Us

When searching for a “Home Equity Loan”, contact Milend, Inc. Our team of home loan experts would love to work with you and help you with any questions you may have. So don’t wait, call our office today at 855-645-3631 to get started.

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