2. There are down payment assistance programs like Neighborhood Gold or Nehemiah program. These programs basically aid seller in helping you with a down payment. Receiving a down payment from seller of property is illegal, but through these programs, it is legal. There are also other down payment assistance programs which are grants and do not need to be repaid or paid for by anyone. To find out about these, do a search on “down payment assistance” with your favorite search engine.

3. You could cash out a 401K or another investment and like in first example, repay yourself with a 2nd or 3rd mortgage after loan has closed.

Mortgage loans after bankruptcy are getting to be much easier to obtain these days. If you would like to see a list of our preferred bad credit mortgage lenders, visit this page: Bad Credit Mortgage Lenders.

I hear so many people saying that they want to enjoy life. They utter things such as "You only live once", or "I deserve it", or my favorite, "I work hard for it, I should be able to spoil myself!" These are just excuses for not taking financial responsibility for your actions. This is what puts consumers at a disadvantage.

Here are some suggestions to help ease buyer's burden.

1- Ask yourself, "Is this a need or want?"

2- Can I afford this without putting myself or my family into debt?

3- Is there an cheaper alternative that will fulfill my desires?

4- Do I need this now or can I put it off till I have planned for expense?

5- Are there more pressing needs that I must look at first?

6- What do I have to give up to be able to afford this?

Being a conscious money saver allows you to plan for each purchase. Most of time, if you ask these questions, cooler heads will prevail and you will realize you don't need item after all.

Don't let society dictate what you need or don't need. Base your purchase on your own criteria and stick to your decision. Just because everyone else has put themselves into debt to buy a 60 inch plasma TV doesn't mean you have to follow. Those that plan their purchases are ones that will always have money when they need it.

Be that person... whether it's old fashioned or not!