APM BLOG

Springtime often comes with unpredictable weather, which also describes our current financial and economic outlook. Proposed import tariffs for China, Canada and other countries may result in increased prices across the board. These and other concerns resulted in the Federal Reserve's recent decision to keep current interest rates unchanged.

Qualifying for a mortgage can feel more complicated for small-business owners and self-employed individuals. Many mortgage lenders rely on tax returns to verify self-employed income, but these documents don’t always reflect the earnings of business owners, freelancers, or independent contractors.

Qualifying for a mortgage when you’re self-employed doesn’t have to be a pain. It all comes down to organization. Whether you’re self-employed, commission-based, or a full-time or hourly employee, lenders are all looking for the same thing when you apply for a mortgage: a high likelihood you will be able to pay. 

Unlike a W-2 employee, however, it takes a little more legwork to verify self-employed income. This is why you want to plan ahead and make sure all your ducks are in a row before you start the mortgage process.

Let’s be real for a second: Mortgages are not cookie-cutter because borrowers are not all the same. There are, of course, some mortgage programs that can serve larger populations—hello, conventional mortgage and FHA loans—but there are plenty of people who aren’t accommodated by these programs for one reason or another.

REACH YOUR GOALS

A New Strategy for Managing Financial Stress

There are plenty of reasons for money-related stress these days, with sticky inflation and higher interest rates causing many Americans to acquire debt. Unfortunately, it also contributes to a potentially life-threatening condition: stress. Recently, the American Heart Association reported that 82% of us are stressed about money.

Qualifying for first-time home buyer programs may not be as hard as you think. These programs are specifically designed to help qualified first-time homebuyers like you overcome some of the more common hurdles people face when buying a home. Those hurdles, of course, include saving for a down payment and the closing costs.

If you could use some assistance as a first-time homebuyer—and who couldn’t—then this article is for you.

This month saw the return of something we all hate: inflation. The Consumer Price Index went up by 0.5%, which was its biggest increase since summer 2023. This brought overall inflation up to 3%, which means that the Federal Reserve will probably postpone any reductions in interest rates for the foreseeable future. Recent changes within the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) are also causing concern within consumer advocacy groups and the banking industry, although for very different reasons.

One of the biggest hurdles for many first-time homebuyers is getting that down payment together. We understand, especially if you’re trying to scrape together 20% of a home’s purchase price (insert large gulp here).

As a medical professional, you’ve dedicated countless hours to building your career and caring for others. Whether you’re a newly graduated doctor, dentist, or veterinarian, or an experienced professional, owning a home can feel like a distant goal. Student debt, limited credit history, and the high costs of buying a property add hurdles to achieving this milestone. Fortunately, the Doctor Loan program is here to change that.

One of the obstacles that keeps first-time homebuyers out of the housing market is the misconception that they need to have a 20% down payment.

You’ve decided you want to buy a home. You are ready to look at listings, view the next open house, and pick your favorite paint colors—but not so fast! You need to make sure you are financially ready first.

REACH YOUR GOALS

Are You Saving Too Much for Retirement?

Saving for our retirement is the #1 financial priority for Americans, with over half of us putting away at least 9% of our annual income for it. However, quite a few of us are actually overdoing it.

Many people think of an existing single-family home when they think about homeownership or buying residential real estate. Purchases of this type of property are common, after all. But there are other residential real estate purchases that might be perfect for your lifestyle and/or financial situation. 

You’re drawn to condo living, and it’s easy to see why. Maybe you’re excited about living in that perfect downtown location, just steps from your favorite cafes and shops. Or perhaps you’re looking forward to saying goodbye to yard work and exterior maintenance. For many first-time buyers, condos offer an attractive path to homeownership, often at a lower price than single-family homes.

However, buying a condo is different from buying a house. You’re buying into a community with rules, financial obligations, and a management structure. 

February is the perfect time to check in on your financial goals and make sure you're staying on track for the year. Whether it's budgeting smarter, saving more, or planning ahead, building strong financial habits now can set you up for success all year long. In this edition, you'll find practical tips and tools to keep your financial fitness in peak condition. Let's get to it!

Single-family homes aren’t the only game in town when it comes to homeownership, building wealth, and fulfilling the American dream. In today’s housing market, where prices continue to challenge affordability, prospective buyers are exploring alternatives that offer value without sacrificing convenience or lifestyle.

REACH YOUR GOALS

How To Think Wealthy If You're Not Into Numbers

If you've been avoiding investing, you're not alone. Nearly half of America's adults report owning no investable assets, according to a 2024 survey. However, it isn't because they don't have the funds: it's their mindset that's holding them back. Investing seems too complicated to consider, which isn't surprising as math is not a popular subject for students.

There may be some positive things for potential homebuyers during 2025, especially more properties for sale. Shopping's always less stressful when you have more choices, and homes are no different. Lastly, when you're finished unwrapping gifts, you may want to spend an hour or two making a list and checking it twice...especially one for your 2024 taxes. If you need help, scroll down to check out our links to free tax guides and checklists.