BUYING A HOME (http://www.karensimpsonhankins.com/) is usually one of the biggest dreams we have as adults. But signing and closing on a mortgage loan is really just the beginning of your homeowner responsibilities! Once you close, it’s always important to factor into your life the unpredictable or unexpected things that can show up and sometimes blindside you if you’re not prepared.   Items such as: * A sudden illness or family emergency * A loss of job * Change in your family or relationship status * Maintenance, upkeep, and repair of items in your home   We all know these types of things can limit your ability to pay your financial obligations and mortgage payment on time. Making late payments results in late fees and will negatively affect your credit in the future. It’s important to always have a back-up plan to handle these types of financial headaches. Having an emergency bank account or an emergency Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) (http://www.karensimpsonhankins.com/guide/) will give you the confidence that you can handle anything that comes your way, but don’t make your home an ATM machine!   Today on Surviving the Credit Crisis, I will be addressing some of those Questions and Answers, so that when you get caught in your next financial storm, you’ll be prepared!