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If your budget feels tighter lately, you’re not alone.

Everyday essentials are taking up more of our household income, while higher interest rates have made it harder to access home equity the traditional way — even as U.S. homeowners sit on nearly $30 trillion in home equity. The wealth is there, and yet most of it stays put.

If you had more flexibility in your budget, what would it change for you? ✨

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Behind many lessons, late-night projects, and moments of support is a dad showing up in both big and small ways. Today, we celebrate the fathers, father figures, and role models who help make it all work. Happy Father’s Day 💙

Ray's worn a lot of hats. Marine. Basketball coach. Athletic director. In every role, knowing where he was headed kept him grounded. Then retirement arrived, and the path got blurrier. As costs rose while he was still caring for his kids financially, he needed to weigh his options.

So Ray took a closer look at something he'd already built: the equity in his home. Tapping it through a Home Equity Agreement (HEA) gave him a way to access cash today in exchange for a share of his home's value at the end of the agreement, and it turned out to be the move that cleared his path.

Read his story: https://www.unlock.com/blog/funding-your-goals/homeowner-success-story-ray/

NMLS # 2657081 www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org

Did you know? Self-employed borrowers often face more hurdles when applying for a HELOC than W-2 employees.

While salaried workers may qualify with pay stubs and W-2s, self-employed borrowers are frequently asked to provide two years of tax returns, business financials, and profit & loss statements to verify income.

That's one reason some homeowners explore a Home Equity Agreement (HEA). Unlike traditional borrowing options, HEAs don't require monthly payments and place less emphasis on income when determining eligibility.

For business owners who have wealth built up in their home, but a variable income, that can make a meaningful difference.

NMLS # 2657081 www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org

For the 63% of homeowners who use Shared Equity Product proceeds to pay down high-interest debt, the most important comparison is often between the cost of the product and the cost of the debt they're eliminating.

For example, if you're carrying credit card balances with interest rates of 24% or more, accessing home equity may be a more cost-effective alternative than continuing to pay high interest month after month.

Every financial situation is different, but understanding the true cost of your options can help you make a more informed decision.

What financial goal would you prioritize first? 👇

Why are my utility bills so different every month? 🤔 The seasons may be why…

☀️ Summer often brings:
• Higher electricity bills from A/C use
• Higher water bills from lawn and garden watering

❄️ Winter often brings:
• Higher heating costs
• Increased energy use from water heaters

🍃 Spring & Fall can be the "sweet spot" in many areas, with less need for heating, cooling, or irrigation.

Want more predictable monthly bills?

Many utility companies offer:
✅ Levelized Billing: Your bill is based on a rolling average of your past 12 months of usage.
✅ Budget Billing: You pay the same estimated amount each month, then settle any difference at the end of the year.

It won't lower your total energy costs, but it can make budgeting a lot easier.

Paul didn't just access his equity. He put it to work. That's the kind of momentum a Home Equity Agreement (HEA) can help make possible. Thank you, Paul, and every homeowner who shares their story.

NMLS # 2657081 www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org

U.S. consumer debt has reached nearly $19 trillion.

When costs rise, homeowners find ways to adapt. For many, that has meant relying on credit cards to help bridge the gap.

But credit cards aren't the only option.

👇 What financial tools or strategies have you been exploring lately? Share in the comments.

NMLS # 2657081 www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org

Childcare costs in the U.S. have jumped 85%* since 2018. 💸 For a lot of families, that's not a statistic, it's a monthly reality. Some homeowners are finding that the equity they've built in their home can help cover rising costs. Worth knowing your options. 🏡

NMLS # 2657081 www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org