{"id":960,"date":"2026-08-12T13:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-12T13:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thirstier.news\/?p=960"},"modified":"2026-08-12T13:30:00","modified_gmt":"2026-08-12T13:30:00","slug":"national-financial-awareness-day-financial-pitfalls-veteran-homebuyers-should-avoid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=960","title":{"rendered":"National Financial Awareness Day: Financial pitfalls Veteran homebuyers should avoid\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-6 fusion-flex-container nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-padding-top:64px;--awb-padding-top-medium:32px;--awb-padding-top-small:18px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap\">\n<div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:1456px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 )\">\n<article class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-7 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-padding-top:1rem;--awb-padding-right:1rem;--awb-padding-bottom:1rem;--awb-padding-left:1rem;--awb-padding-right-medium:4%;--awb-padding-left-medium:4%;--awb-padding-right-small:4%;--awb-padding-left-small:4%;--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:56%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:3.4285714285714%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:3.4285714285714%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:1;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:1;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%\">\n<div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\">\n<div class=\"fusion-content-tb fusion-content-tb-1 prose\" style=\"--awb-font-size:1.125rem;--awb-line-height:1.5;--awb-text-font-family:var(--awb-typography4-font-family);--awb-text-font-weight:var(--awb-typography4-font-weight);--awb-text-font-style:var(--awb-typography4-font-style)\">\n<p>Buying a home\u00a0can be\u00a0one of the most significant financial decisions\u00a0you\u2019ll\u00a0ever\u00a0make. Since 1944, the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.benefits.va.gov\/homeloans\/index.asp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">VA\u00a0Home Loan Program<\/a>\u00a0has helped more than 29 million Veterans,\u00a0service members and\u00a0surviving\u00a0spouses achieve that milestone. But\u00a0long-term success as a homeowner often depends on understanding\u00a0the\u00a0financial responsibilities that come with owning and\u00a0maintaining\u00a0a home.\u00a0\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<br \/>This is the second story in a series\u00a0focusing on financial awareness, and August 14 is\u00a0National Financial Awareness Day. In this story, we share how to<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>avoid\u00a0common financial pitfalls. <\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Buying\u00a0more\u00a0home\u00a0than\u00a0your\u00a0budget\u00a0can\u00a0comfortably\u00a0support\u00a0<\/h2>\n<p>Just because you qualify for a certain loan amount doesn\u2019t mean that amount fits comfortably within your monthly budget.\u00a0After getting pre-qualified with a VA-approved lender, review your budget carefully to make sure the mortgage payment is affordable; this can help you avoid financial strain later.\u00a0You can also use an online mortgage calculator\u00a0to\u00a0estimate\u00a0your monthly payment\u00a0and then input that number\u00a0into\u00a0your budget. Use the 28% rule:\u00a0monthly housing costs shouldn\u2019t exceed 28% of your gross income.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Before shopping for a home, build a realistic monthly budget based on your current income, recurring expenses, an emergency fund and future financial goals.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Not\u00a0understanding the\u00a0full\u00a0cost of\u00a0homeownership\u00a0<\/h2>\n<p>A mortgage payment is only one part of the cost of owning a home. These are some\u00a0other\u00a0expenses\u00a0homeowners should\u00a0expect:\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Property\u00a0taxes:\u00a0These fluctuate and usually\u00a0rise over time.\u00a0If\u00a0property taxes\u00a0are\u00a0included in your house payment, your mortgage payment will rise when property taxes increase.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Homeowners\u00a0insurance:\u00a0This covers repairs and replacement\u00a0if your home\u00a0is damaged or destroyed. Premiums\u00a0generally\u00a0increase\u00a0each year.\u00a0If\u00a0your premium is included in your house payment, your mortgage payment will rise when your premium increases.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Homeowners\u00a0association (HOA)\u00a0fees:\u00a0Some\u00a0condos\u00a0and planned developments charge residents\u00a0monthly or annual dues\u00a0to cover maintenance of\u00a0common areas, shared utilities, insurance and community\u202fservices. These fees usually\u00a0increase every year.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Utilities:\u00a0Utility bills, including electricity, cable, water, gas and waste disposal,\u00a0generally\u00a0rise\u00a0over time.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Maintenance\u00a0and\u00a0repairs:\u00a0The average cost of maintenance and repairs is more than $8,000 each year.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Major\u00a0repairs:\u00a0These can include heating and air conditioning failures ($5,000-$10,000), roof replacements ($8,000-$15,000) and other costs to repair or replace expensive features of your home.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Lawn\u00a0care\u00a0and\u00a0landscaping:\u00a0Seasonal care, including snow removal and lawn care, can add up.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Financial awareness means understanding that these costs are part of the long-term commitment of owning a home.\u00a0Choosing a home that stretches your finances too thin can create long-term financial stress.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Not\u00a0shopping\u00a0around for VA-approved\u00a0lenders\u00a0<\/h2>\n<p>If you accept the first loan offer that you receive, it could\u00a0potentially cost you thousands of\u00a0dollars over the life of your loan. Obtain several offers and review your options carefully.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Interest rates, fees and closing costs vary by\u00a0lender.\u00a0While VA\u00a0home\u00a0loans\u00a0generally offer\u00a0lower, competitive rates compared\u00a0with\u00a0conventional mortgages, the specific rate you receive depends on several factors.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Each lender\u00a0uses their own risk assessment and pricing, which is why shopping around for rates is\u00a0so important.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Draining\u00a0savings for\u00a0upfront\u00a0costs\u00a0<\/h2>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/news.va.gov\/?s=home+loan\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/news.va.gov\/?s=home+loan\">VA Home Loan Program<\/a> often lets eligible borrowers buy a home with little or no down payment, but buyers should still be careful not to spend all their savings during the homebuying process.\u00a0Plan for closing costs, moving expenses, immediate repairs, and\u00a0other\u00a0unexpected needs.\u00a0Maintain an emergency fund\u00a0to\u00a0help you stay financially stable as you transition\u00a0to homeownership.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>VA encourages all Veterans to negotiate\u00a0for\u00a0sellers to\u00a0pay\u00a0some or all\u00a0loan closing costs.\u00a0A\u00a0real estate professional with working knowledge of the current market\u00a0can\u00a0help\u00a0you\u00a0negotiate\u00a0seller contributions.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Making\u00a0major\u00a0financial\u00a0changes\u00a0before\u00a0or\u00a0after\u00a0closing\u00a0<\/h2>\n<p>The period between\u00a0submitting\u00a0your loan application and closing\u00a0your loan is especially important.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Opening new credit accounts, financing furniture, buying a vehicle, or taking on\u00a0additional\u00a0debt can affect\u00a0your\u00a0creditworthiness and debt-to-income ratio. Even well-intentioned purchases can create complications late in the process.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Try to keep\u00a0your\u00a0financial activity stable\u00a0until\u00a0after the loan closes.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Not\u00a0paying\u00a0attention to\u00a0your\u00a0credit\u00a0health\u00a0<\/h2>\n<p>Credit\u00a0remains\u00a0an important part of mortgage readiness.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Late payments, rising balances, or overlooked obligations can affect\u00a0your\u00a0loan terms and borrowing power. Reviewing\u00a0your\u00a0credit early gives\u00a0you\u00a0time to correct errors, pay down debt and strengthen\u00a0your\u00a0financial position before\u00a0you\u00a0begin the purchase process.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u00a0Focusing\u00a0only\u00a0on\u00a0today\u2019s\u00a0costs\u00a0<\/h2>\n<p>Homeownership is a long-term commitment.\u00a0You\u00a0should think beyond current monthly affordability and consider future changes,\u00a0such as:\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Career transitions\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Family growth\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Relocation needs\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Changes in income\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Long-term maintenance needs as a home\u00a0ages\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Planning ahead can help ensure a home\u00a0remains\u00a0affordable over time.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Financial preparation builds stronger homeownership\u00a0<\/h2>\n<p>For many Veterans, the VA Home Loan Program\u00a0helps\u00a0make homeownership more achievable. Sustainable success begins before the loan application,\u00a0with thoughtful budgeting, realistic expectations and careful planning.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Avoiding common financial pitfalls can help\u00a0you\u00a0make confident decisions, protect\u00a0your\u00a0long-term financial health and build a stronger foundation for the future.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"align-self: center;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:16px;width:100%\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"align-self: center;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:16px;width:100%\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"--awb-flex-grow:0;--awb-flex-grow-medium:0;--awb-flex-grow-small:0;--awb-flex-shrink:0;--awb-flex-shrink-medium:0;--awb-flex-shrink-small:0;width:104% !important;max-width:104% !important;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 )\">\n<div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-4 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-padding-top:64px;--awb-padding-bottom:32px;--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:0px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%\">\n<div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-center fusion-content-layout-column\">\n<div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-3 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-center fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\" style=\"--awb-margin-bottom:.5rem;--awb-margin-top-small:0px;--awb-margin-right-small:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-small:20px;--awb-margin-left-small:0px;--awb-font-size:1.3rem\">\n<h2 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-center\" style=\"font-family:var(--awb-custom_typography_1-font-family);font-weight:var(--awb-custom_typography_1-font-weight);font-style:var(--awb-custom_typography_1-font-style);margin:0;font-size:1em\">Topics in this story<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-4 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-center fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-paragraph post-tags\" style=\"--awb-margin-top-small:0px;--awb-margin-right-small:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-small:20px;--awb-margin-left-small:0px;--awb-font-size:1rem\">\n<p class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-center title-heading-tag\" style=\"font-family:var(--awb-custom_typography_11-font-family);font-weight:var(--awb-custom_typography_11-font-weight);font-style:var(--awb-custom_typography_11-font-style);margin:0;font-size:1em\"><a href=\"https:\/\/news.va.gov\/tag\/home-loan-guaranty\/\" title=\"Home Loan Guaranty\">Home Loan Guaranty<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/news.va.gov\/tag\/home-loans\/\" title=\"Home Loans\">Home Loans<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/news.va.gov\/tag\/va-home-loan\/\" title=\"VA Home Loan\">VA Home Loan<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-7 fusion-flex-container nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap\">\n<div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-justify-content-center fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:1456px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 )\">\n<div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-9 fusion_builder_column_4_5 4_5 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-padding-top:4rem;--awb-padding-right:4rem;--awb-padding-bottom:4rem;--awb-padding-left:4rem;--awb-padding-top-small:1rem;--awb-padding-right-small:1rem;--awb-padding-bottom-small:1rem;--awb-padding-left-small:1rem;--awb-overflow:hidden;--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-border-color:var(--awb-color3);--awb-border-style:solid;--awb-border-radius:.5rem .5rem .5rem .5rem;--awb-width-large:80%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:2.4%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:2.4%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%\">\n<div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\">\n<div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-6 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-center fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\" style=\"--awb-margin-top-small:0px;--awb-margin-right-small:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-small:20px;--awb-margin-left-small:0px;--awb-font-size:1.6rem\">\n<h2 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-center\" style=\"margin:0;font-size:1em\"><i class=\"fa-sharp fa-regular fa-comments fa-fw icon-left\"><\/i>Leave a comment<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-justify-content-center fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"--awb-flex-grow:0;--awb-flex-grow-medium:0;--awb-flex-grow-small:0;--awb-flex-shrink:0;--awb-flex-shrink-medium:0;--awb-flex-shrink-small:0;width:104% !important;max-width:104% !important;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 )\">\n<div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-5 fusion_builder_column_inner_2_3 2_3 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-padding-top:1rem;--awb-padding-right:1rem;--awb-padding-bottom:1rem;--awb-padding-left:1rem;--awb-bg-color:var(--blue-5v);--awb-bg-color-hover:var(--blue-5v);--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:66.666666666667%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:2.88%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:2.88%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%\">\n<div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\">\n<div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-8\" style=\"--awb-font-size:1rem\">\n<p>The comments section is for opinions and feedback on this particular article; this is not a customer support channel. If you are looking for assistance, please visit <a href=\"https:\/\/ask.va.gov\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Ask VA<\/a> or call 1-800-698-2411. Please, never put personally identifiable information (<abbr title=\"social security account number\">SSAN<\/abbr>, address, phone number, etc.) or protected health information into the form \u2014 it will be deleted for your protection.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-comments-tb fusion-comments-tb-1 fusion-order-comment-form avatar-hide\" style=\"--awb-border-size:1px;--awb-padding:40px\">\n<div id=\"respond\" class=\"comment-respond\">\n<div class=\"fusion-title fusion-title-size-two\">\n<h2 id=\"reply-title\" class=\"comment-reply-title\">Leave A Comment <small><a rel=\"nofollow\" id=\"cancel-comment-reply-link\" href=\"https:\/\/news.va.gov\/148629\/financial-pitfalls-veteran-homebuyers-should-avoid\/#respond\" style=\"display:none\">Cancel reply<\/a><\/small><\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p><!-- #respond -->\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-8 fusion-flex-container 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style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%\">\n<div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\">\n<div class=\"fusion-post-cards fusion-post-cards-1 fusion-grid-archive fusion-grid-columns-3\" style=\"--awb-column-spacing:32px;--awb-columns:3;--awb-row-spacing:32px\" data-post-type-label=\"posts\">\n<ul class=\"fusion-grid fusion-grid-3 fusion-flex-align-items-stretch fusion-grid-posts-cards\">\n<li class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-12 fusion-flex-column fader-card post-card fusion-grid-column fusion-post-cards-grid-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-color:var(--awb-color1);--awb-bg-color-hover:var(--awb-color1);--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-border-color:var(--awb-color3);--awb-border-top:1px;--awb-border-right:1px;--awb-border-bottom:1px;--awb-border-left:1px;--awb-flex-grow:0;--awb-flex-shrink:0;--awb-flex-grow-medium:;--awb-flex-shrink-medium:;--awb-flex-grow-small:;--awb-flex-shrink-small:\">\n<div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\">\n<div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"--awb-flex-grow:0;--awb-flex-grow-medium:0;--awb-flex-grow-small:0;--awb-flex-shrink:0;--awb-flex-shrink-medium:0;--awb-flex-shrink-small:0;width:104% !important;max-width:104% !important;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 )\">\n<div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-6 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-border-color:var(--awb-color2);--awb-border-bottom:1px;--awb-border-style:solid;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:0px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%\">\n<div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\">\n<div class=\"fusion-image-element\" style=\"--awb-aspect-ratio:16 \/ 9;--awb-caption-title-font-family:var(--h2_typography-font-family);--awb-caption-title-font-weight:var(--h2_typography-font-weight);--awb-caption-title-font-style:var(--h2_typography-font-style);--awb-caption-title-size:var(--h2_typography-font-size);--awb-caption-title-transform:var(--h2_typography-text-transform);--awb-caption-title-line-height:var(--h2_typography-line-height);--awb-caption-title-letter-spacing:var(--h2_typography-letter-spacing)\"><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-2 hover-type-none has-aspect-ratio\"><a class=\"fusion-no-lightbox\" href=\"https:\/\/news.va.gov\/148526\/national-financial-awareness-day-homeownership\/\" target=\"_self\"><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"--awb-flex-grow:0;--awb-flex-grow-medium:0;--awb-flex-grow-small:0;--awb-flex-shrink:0;--awb-flex-shrink-medium:0;--awb-flex-shrink-small:0;width:104% !important;max-width:104% !important;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 )\">\n<div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-7 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-padding-top:2rem;--awb-padding-right:2rem;--awb-padding-bottom:3px;--awb-padding-left:2rem;--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-border-color:var(--awb-color3);--awb-border-style:solid;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:0px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%\">\n<div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\">\n<div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-8 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\" style=\"--awb-margin-top-small:0px;--awb-margin-right-small:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-small:1em;--awb-margin-left-small:0px;--awb-link-color:var(--awb-color8);--awb-link-hover-color:var(--awb-color4);--awb-font-size:clamp(1.2rem, 0.429vw + 1.114rem, 1.5rem)\">\n<h2 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left awb-responsive-type__disable\" style=\"font-family:var(--awb-typography1-font-family);font-weight:var(--awb-typography1-font-weight);font-style:var(--awb-typography1-font-style);margin:0;font-size:1em\"><a href=\"https:\/\/news.va.gov\/148526\/national-financial-awareness-day-homeownership\/\" class=\"awb-custom-text-color awb-custom-text-hover-color\" target=\"_self\">National Financial Awareness Day: Preparing for homeownership with your VA home loan benefit\u00a0<\/a><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-9\" style=\"--awb-font-size:clamp(1rem, 0.286vw + 0.943rem, 1.1rem);--awb-text-font-family:var(--awb-typography4-font-family);--awb-text-font-weight:var(--awb-typography4-font-weight);--awb-text-font-style:var(--awb-typography4-font-style)\">\n<p>As we approach National Financial Awareness Day, we want to remind you how important it is to prepare for homeownership!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-13 fusion-flex-column fader-card post-card fusion-grid-column fusion-post-cards-grid-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-color:var(--awb-color1);--awb-bg-color-hover:var(--awb-color1);--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-border-color:var(--awb-color3);--awb-border-top:1px;--awb-border-right:1px;--awb-border-bottom:1px;--awb-border-left:1px;--awb-flex-grow:0;--awb-flex-shrink:0;--awb-flex-grow-medium:;--awb-flex-shrink-medium:;--awb-flex-grow-small:;--awb-flex-shrink-small:\">\n<div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\">\n<div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"--awb-flex-grow:0;--awb-flex-grow-medium:0;--awb-flex-grow-small:0;--awb-flex-shrink:0;--awb-flex-shrink-medium:0;--awb-flex-shrink-small:0;width:104% !important;max-width:104% !important;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 )\">\n<div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-8 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-border-color:var(--awb-color2);--awb-border-bottom:1px;--awb-border-style:solid;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:0px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%\">\n<div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\">\n<div class=\"fusion-image-element\" style=\"--awb-aspect-ratio:16 \/ 9;--awb-caption-title-font-family:var(--h2_typography-font-family);--awb-caption-title-font-weight:var(--h2_typography-font-weight);--awb-caption-title-font-style:var(--h2_typography-font-style);--awb-caption-title-size:var(--h2_typography-font-size);--awb-caption-title-transform:var(--h2_typography-text-transform);--awb-caption-title-line-height:var(--h2_typography-line-height);--awb-caption-title-letter-spacing:var(--h2_typography-letter-spacing)\"><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-3 hover-type-none has-aspect-ratio\"><a class=\"fusion-no-lightbox\" href=\"https:\/\/news.va.gov\/148481\/standing-strong-after-the-storm-natural-disasters-fraud-prevention\/\" target=\"_self\"><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"--awb-flex-grow:0;--awb-flex-grow-medium:0;--awb-flex-grow-small:0;--awb-flex-shrink:0;--awb-flex-shrink-medium:0;--awb-flex-shrink-small:0;width:104% !important;max-width:104% !important;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 )\">\n<div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-9 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-padding-top:2rem;--awb-padding-right:2rem;--awb-padding-bottom:3px;--awb-padding-left:2rem;--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-border-color:var(--awb-color3);--awb-border-style:solid;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:0px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%\">\n<div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\">\n<div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-9 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\" style=\"--awb-margin-top-small:0px;--awb-margin-right-small:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-small:1em;--awb-margin-left-small:0px;--awb-link-color:var(--awb-color8);--awb-link-hover-color:var(--awb-color4);--awb-font-size:clamp(1.2rem, 0.429vw + 1.114rem, 1.5rem)\">\n<h2 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left awb-responsive-type__disable\" style=\"font-family:var(--awb-typography1-font-family);font-weight:var(--awb-typography1-font-weight);font-style:var(--awb-typography1-font-style);margin:0;font-size:1em\"><a href=\"https:\/\/news.va.gov\/148481\/standing-strong-after-the-storm-natural-disasters-fraud-prevention\/\" class=\"awb-custom-text-color awb-custom-text-hover-color\" target=\"_self\">Standing strong after the storm: Natural disasters fraud prevention<\/a><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-10\" style=\"--awb-font-size:clamp(1rem, 0.286vw + 0.943rem, 1.1rem);--awb-text-font-family:var(--awb-typography4-font-family);--awb-text-font-weight:var(--awb-typography4-font-weight);--awb-text-font-style:var(--awb-typography4-font-style)\">\n<p>After a natural disaster, scammers often target Veterans and their families when they are most overwhelmed. Learn how to report and protect against fraud.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-14 fusion-flex-column fader-card post-card fusion-grid-column fusion-post-cards-grid-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-color:var(--awb-color1);--awb-bg-color-hover:var(--awb-color1);--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-border-color:var(--awb-color3);--awb-border-top:1px;--awb-border-right:1px;--awb-border-bottom:1px;--awb-border-left:1px;--awb-flex-grow:0;--awb-flex-shrink:0;--awb-flex-grow-medium:;--awb-flex-shrink-medium:;--awb-flex-grow-small:;--awb-flex-shrink-small:\">\n<div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\">\n<div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"--awb-flex-grow:0;--awb-flex-grow-medium:0;--awb-flex-grow-small:0;--awb-flex-shrink:0;--awb-flex-shrink-medium:0;--awb-flex-shrink-small:0;width:104% !important;max-width:104% !important;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 )\">\n<div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-10 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-border-color:var(--awb-color2);--awb-border-bottom:1px;--awb-border-style:solid;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:0px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%\">\n<div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\">\n<div class=\"fusion-image-element\" style=\"--awb-aspect-ratio:16 \/ 9;--awb-caption-title-font-family:var(--h2_typography-font-family);--awb-caption-title-font-weight:var(--h2_typography-font-weight);--awb-caption-title-font-style:var(--h2_typography-font-style);--awb-caption-title-size:var(--h2_typography-font-size);--awb-caption-title-transform:var(--h2_typography-text-transform);--awb-caption-title-line-height:var(--h2_typography-line-height);--awb-caption-title-letter-spacing:var(--h2_typography-letter-spacing)\"><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-4 hover-type-none has-aspect-ratio\"><a class=\"fusion-no-lightbox\" href=\"https:\/\/news.va.gov\/148277\/home-loan-first-time-homebuyer-benefits\/\" target=\"_self\"><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"--awb-flex-grow:0;--awb-flex-grow-medium:0;--awb-flex-grow-small:0;--awb-flex-shrink:0;--awb-flex-shrink-medium:0;--awb-flex-shrink-small:0;width:104% !important;max-width:104% !important;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 )\">\n<div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-11 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-padding-top:2rem;--awb-padding-right:2rem;--awb-padding-bottom:3px;--awb-padding-left:2rem;--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-border-color:var(--awb-color3);--awb-border-style:solid;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:0px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%\">\n<div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\">\n<div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-10 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\" style=\"--awb-margin-top-small:0px;--awb-margin-right-small:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-small:1em;--awb-margin-left-small:0px;--awb-link-color:var(--awb-color8);--awb-link-hover-color:var(--awb-color4);--awb-font-size:clamp(1.2rem, 0.429vw + 1.114rem, 1.5rem)\">\n<h2 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left awb-responsive-type__disable\" style=\"font-family:var(--awb-typography1-font-family);font-weight:var(--awb-typography1-font-weight);font-style:var(--awb-typography1-font-style);margin:0;font-size:1em\"><a href=\"https:\/\/news.va.gov\/148277\/home-loan-first-time-homebuyer-benefits\/\" class=\"awb-custom-text-color awb-custom-text-hover-color\" target=\"_self\">VA home loan first-time homebuyer benefits<\/a><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-11\" style=\"--awb-font-size:clamp(1rem, 0.286vw + 0.943rem, 1.1rem);--awb-text-font-family:var(--awb-typography4-font-family);--awb-text-font-weight:var(--awb-typography4-font-weight);--awb-text-font-style:var(--awb-typography4-font-style)\">\n<p>New here? The VA-guaranteed home loan offers numerous benefits, and VA has an entire homebuying section and can walk Veterans through the process.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<hr>\n<p class=\"tni-attribution\">Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/news.va.gov\/148629\/financial-pitfalls-veteran-homebuyers-should-avoid\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">VA News<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/news.va.gov\/148629\/financial-pitfalls-veteran-homebuyers-should-avoid\/\">VA News<\/a>. Review credited third-party material before publication.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The VA Home Loan Program has helped more than 29 million homebuyers and can help you avoid common pitfalls and protect your financial future.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":67,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[28,29],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-960","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-housing-home-loans","category-va-home-loans"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>National Financial Awareness Day: Financial pitfalls Veteran homebuyers should avoid\u00a0 - Its Veterans<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The VA Home Loan Program has helped more than 29 million homebuyers and can help you avoid common pitfalls and protect your financial future.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=960\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"National Financial Awareness Day: Financial pitfalls Veteran homebuyers should avoid\u00a0 - 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