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Article - How the Wealthy Manage Home Equity to Safely and Conservatively Increase their Net Worth

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Mortgage Bankers Association of America Consumer Information
The Mortgage Bankers Association of America is the preeminent association representing the real estate finance industry. Their consumer information site contains several tools and guides to aid in purchasing or refinancing a home.
 
Federal Reserve Board Consumer Information
The Federal Reserve Board maintains a web page with consumer information, including a section on home mortgages. The section covers topics such as finding the best mortgage and understanding ARMs.
 
Homebuyer Education by Freddie Mac
Freddie Mac is a publicly held corporation chartered by Congress to increase the supply of funds that mortgage lenders, such as commercial banks, mortgage bankers, savings institutions and credit unions, can make available to homebuyers and multifamily investors. This Freddie Mac site offers a step-by-step tutorial on the home buying decision process and the mortgage application process.
 
United States Postal Service Official Movers Guide
What happens after you complete the purchase process? This U.S. Postal Service site provides all kinds of tools and tips to help make the moving process easier.
 
Opt Out/Out of Unsolicited Offers of Credit and "Trigger Event" Marketing
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the Consumer Credit Reporting Companies are permitted to include your name on lists used by creditors or insurers to make firm offers of credit or insurance. The FCRA also provides you the right to "Opt-Out", which prevents Consumer Credit Reporting Companies from providing your credit file information for firm offers of credit or insurance that are not initiated by you.

Through this website, you may request to:

  • Opt-Out from receiving firm offers for 5 years

  • Opt-Out from receiving firm offers permanently

  • Opt-In and begin receiving firm offers. This option is for consumers who have previously completed a request to Opt-Out.

If you choose to Opt-Out, you will no longer be included in firm offer lists provided by these four consumer credit reporting companies. If you are not receiving firm offers because you have previously completed a request to Opt-Out, you can request to Opt-In. In doing so, you will soon be among the many consumers who can significantly benefit from having ready access to product information on credit and insurance products that may not be available to the general public.

 
IRS Withholding (W-4 Form) Calculator
The purpose of this IRS Calculator is to help employees and wage earners ensure that they do not have too much or too little income tax withheld from their pay. This calculator will help those purchasing a home understand what adjustments can be made to their W-4 form as a result of the benefits of home ownership so they are not over or under withheld. Most people will find it more accurate and easier to use than the worksheets that accompany Form W-4. You may use the results of this program to help you complete a new Form W-4, which you will submit to your employer.
 
The Money Camp - Financial Literacy for the Whole Family!

 

Money Camp: Financial Literacy Fun for Everyone
 
Free Annual Credit Report

By law, consumers are entitled to a free copy of their credit report from each of the three bureaus once a year. The reports will not be sent automatically. Each consumer must request reports one of these three ways:

  • Go to AnnualCreditReport.com, which is the only authorized source for consumers to access their annual credit report online for free.

  • Call (877) 322-8228.

  • Complete the form on the back of the Annual Credit Report Request brochure, and mail it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281. The brochure, which can be ordered or printed, is available from the Federal Trade Commission. Click here for more information.