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Housing & Utilities

Mortgage Interest Deduction: How Much You Can Deduct and the Limits

November 6, 2026November 2, 2026 by L. Leonard
Couple reviewing household costs on a laptop

Learn how much mortgage interest you can deduct in 2026, the $750,000 loan limit, grandfathered rules, and when itemizing beats the standard deduction.

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Section 8 Voucher vs Public Housing Application: Which Should You Apply For First

November 6, 2026October 29, 2026 by L. Leonard
Woman outside a municipal housing office

Section 8 voucher or public housing: which to apply for first? Compare wait times, flexibility, and eligibility to decide your best strategy.

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Section 121 Home Sale Exclusion: How Much Capital Gains You Can Exclude Tax-Free

November 6, 2026October 28, 2026 by L. Leonard
Older couple looking at a house from the lawn

Learn how the Section 121 home sale exclusion lets you exclude up to $250,000 ($500,000 married) in capital gains tax-free on your primary residence sale.

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First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit vs Mortgage Credit Certificate: What’s the Difference

November 6, 2026October 25, 2026 by L. Leonard
Young couple standing in the empty living room of their new home

First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit vs Mortgage Credit Certificate: learn why the old IRS credit expired and how MCCs still offer real savings in 2026.

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FHA Loan vs Conventional Loan: Which Down Payment Option Saves More

November 6, 2026October 19, 2026 by L. Leonard
Young couple looking at a house from the sidewalk

FHA loan vs conventional loan: compare down payments, credit scores, and mortgage insurance costs to find which option saves you more.

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Emergency Rental Assistance Programs: Where to Find Help Paying Rent

November 6, 2026September 29, 2026 by L. Leonard
Woman standing in her apartment doorway

ERA funds have wound down, but rent help still exists. Learn where to find emergency rental assistance programs near you, from 211 to local nonprofits.

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Public Housing vs Section 8 Vouchers: What’s the Difference

November 6, 2026September 28, 2026 by L. Leonard
Woman walking up to a brick apartment building entrance

Public housing vs Section 8 vouchers: learn how each program works, who qualifies, and which offers more flexibility for your housing needs.

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First-Time Home Buyer Programs: Grants and Assistance That Still Exist

November 6, 2026September 18, 2026 by L. Leonard
Young couple standing outside a modest suburban house

See which first-time home buyer grants, loans, and down payment assistance programs are still active in 2026 — and how the 3-year rule may qualify you.

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Social Security Children’s Benefits: How Much Kids Get When a Parent Retires, Dies, or Becomes Disabled

November 6, 2026September 17, 2026 by L. Leonard
Grandmother laughing on the couch with two young grandchildren

Learn how much children can receive in Social Security benefits when a parent retires, dies, or becomes disabled, including family maximum rules.

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USDA Rural Home Loan vs FHA Loan: Which Fits Your Situation

November 6, 2026September 16, 2026 by L. Leonard
Farmhouse on rural acreage at golden hour

USDA Rural Home Loan vs FHA Loan: compare eligibility, down payment, and costs to find which option fits your income, location, and budget.

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