YOUR NEXT STEP TOWARD HOME
Financial Peace University & Your Mortgage Plan
A credit plan works better when your budget supports it. Financial Peace University can help you build that foundation.
A recommended resource for budgeting and debt habits
For people who want a structured approach to money, I recommend looking into Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey and Ramsey Solutions. The course covers budgeting, debt reduction, saving and longer-term money planning.
Review the current course format, cost and approach on the official site to decide whether it fits your household.
Explore Financial Peace University →
It is a separate paid educational program. Participation is optional and is not a condition of working with Mike or applying for a mortgage. This recommendation does not imply that Dave Ramsey or Ramsey Solutions endorses Mike or Leeward Point.
Debt freedom and mortgage preparation can use different priorities
The Ramsey approach emphasizes reducing debt, including a debt snowball that pays smaller balances first for momentum. A mortgage credit review may identify a heavily utilized credit card as a payment to consider first.
The highest-interest-first approach may save interest; the smallest-balance-first approach may help motivation; lowering a nearly maxed-out card may address utilization. None guarantees the fastest score increase.
Discuss your mortgage timeline before closing accounts, opening credit or making large payoffs. General budgeting advice is not tailored to your mortgage file.
Build a budget you can maintain
- Cover housing, food, utilities, transportation and other essentials.
- Keep all required minimum payments on time.
- Choose a realistic extra-payment amount.
- Protect a cash cushion and money needed for home buying.
- Review the plan regularly and adjust when circumstances change.
You do not need to pay interest to build good credit. Avoid borrowing simply to chase a score.
Connect your budget to your next home
Tell Mike your buying timeline, what you want to improve and what you can comfortably pay. You can start with questions before you have everything figured out.
Next: review your reports and compare payoff options with AI.
You do not need to have it all figured out.
Tell Mike what you want to accomplish and when you hope to buy.
Ask Mike about my credit and mortgage plan → · Call 616-319-1640
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Educational information, not individualized legal advice, a score guarantee or a commitment to lend. Loan approval depends on the complete borrower and property file. Mike Alkema, NMLS #642953 · Leeward Point Mortgage LLC, NMLS #1823590 · Equal Housing Opportunity. Verify AI output independently.