Ilyce Glink

A9: Build emergency fund (3-6 months), check/improve credit score, get insurance (renter's/homeowner's), review contracts carefully, and get pre-approved before house-hunting to strengthen offers. #creditchat @experian @bestmoneymoves @eCredable https://t.co/hGeYqXPPie

A8b: Research property tax trends, school district quality, local development plans, and flood zones. All impact future property values and living costs. Good research pays dividends for years. #creditchat @experian @bestmoneymoves #Students https://t.co/0PkvfLzn1f

A8: Evaluate schools, crime rates, commute times, shopping, amenities, and future development plans. These affect quality of life AND property values/rental increases, potentially saving/costing thousands long-term. #creditchat @experian @bestmoneymoves @ecredable https://t.co/oj5Mntv6sv

A7b: Hidden costs like HOA fees, property taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance can increase housing costs by 50%! Budget for these to avoid financial stress after moving in. #creditchat @experian @bestmoneymoves https://t.co/41zNcSlScM

A7: These "invisible" costs often add 30-50% to your base housing payment! Ignoring them leads to being "house poor" - owning a home but unable to afford living comfortably or handling emergencies. #creditchat @experian @bestmoneymoves @eCredable #Burning https://t.co/nT3XSJhaDm

A6b: Budgeting shows your true housing affordability, highlights saving opportunities, prevents surprise expenses, and ensures you maintain emergency savings even after making your housing move. #creditchat @experian @bestmoneymoves https://t.co/sDtKHmfsyW

A6: A detailed budget helps identify what you can truly afford, ensures you're saving enough, prevents overextending, and prepares you for all housing costs beyond just rent/mortgage payments. #creditchat @experian @bestmoneymoves @eCredableSB https://t.co/XmJEppCIs0

A5b: Try the 50/30/20 budget (50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings), eliminate high-interest debt, use savings apps, consider temporary lifestyle cuts, and research local homebuyer assistance programs. #creditchat @experian @bestmoneymoves https://t.co/wXIDxhNuHl

A5: Automate savings with direct deposit, use windfalls wisely, cut unnecessary expenses, explore side gigs, and look into first-time homebuyer programs or down payment assistance programs in your area. #creditchat @experian @bestmoneymoves @eCredableSB https://t.co/mzBrkpMK8W

A4b: Renters: Application fees ($30-100), security deposit (1-2 months' rent), first/last month's rent. Buyers: Down payment (3-20%), closing costs (2-5%), inspections ($300-500), repairs. #creditchat @experian @bestmoneymoves

A4: Renting: 1st/last month's rent, security deposit, application fees, pet deposits. Buying: Down payment (3-20%), closing costs (2-5%), inspection fees, moving costs, immediate repairs. #creditchat @experian @bestmoneymoves @ecredable https://t.co/c8jeUx1X0M

A3b: Lenders check credit scores, payment history, and debt levels. Higher scores mean better rates—saving thousands. Improve by paying down debt, disputing errors, and avoiding new credit applications. #creditchat @experian @bestmoneymoves

A3: Good credit unlocks better rates and rental approval. Aim for 700+ score, low DTI ratio, and clean payment history. Start improving 6+ months ahead with on-time payments and lower utilization. #creditchat @experian @bestmoneymoves @eCredableSB https://t.co/bKiS5EzLoL

A2b: Calculate total monthly costs (not just rent/mortgage). Lenders typically approve mortgages with payments under 28% of income. Include taxes, insurance, HOA fees, and maintenance in your budget. #creditchat @experian @bestmoneymoves https://t.co/LMj4UzzLYb

A2: Use the 30% rule as a starting point (housing ≤30% of income). For buying, factor in down payment, closing costs, taxes, insurance, maintenance. Pre-approval helps determine your mortgage limit. #creditchat @experian @bestmoneymoves @eCredable https://t.co/9Q0D4ljzKo

Someone I know likes to say "If you can rent, you can buy." Given how high rents have risen, I think that's truer than not. So, it depends on where you are in terms of job/location stability. #creditchat @bestmoneymoves @eCredable

I keep hearing how inflation is down. But the amount of money I spend at the grocery store is up. You? #financialwellness

Best Money Moves @bestmoneymoves

Between supply chain disruptions and rising consumer demand, prices for most household goods have risen at historic rates. Americans are struggling to keep up with new market prices. https://t.co/myXA4dm79M #Inflation #FinancialWellness https://t.co/ioSuWw1UkO