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A couple sits down to sort out their budget before planning anything. Keep your goals top of mind "The main point of financial planning is to use your money as a tool for life. As far as the budget goes, understanding what you actually want to do in your life is very important to build that plan." — Eric Roberge, certified financial planner and founder of Beyond Your Hammock Find out where your money is going already "I would say that the first step — I'm always surprised at how many people either discount this or put this off or just don'...

Cavan Images/Getty Planning for both expected and unexpected costs can make the transition to first-time homeownership smoother. In addition to the down payment, you might also need furniture, yard equipment, or cash for immediate repairs or renovations. Beyond the upfront costs, you'll probably spend between 1% and 4% of your home's value on maintenance each year.  Shoring up a cash emergency fund before you move in is a smart way to build a buffer into your budget. First-time homeownership has been a bright spot for many Americans in an otherwise dismal year.�...

A down payment might be the biggest upfront cost of buying a home, but there are other things you'll need cash for tloudenback@businessinsider.com (Tanza Loudenback) © Provided by Business Insider You might as well go into homeownership as financially prepared as possible. Cavan Images/Getty Planning for both expected and unexpected costs can make the transition to first-time homeownership smoother. In addition to the down payment, you might also need furniture, yard equipment, or cash for immediate repairs or renovations. Beyond the upfront costs, you'll probably spend bet...