Common Cents: Money and Homebuyer Education Class

Knowing about money, how to budget it, how to reduce debt, and how to save enough to buy a home or other assets is a huge accomplishment. In this 12-hour free, engaging, and interactive class, you will learn how to manage your money, improve your credit, and budget to buy a home. This class is open to everyone and required for people in the FAIM 3:1 Matched Savings program. 

In this class, you will learn: 

• Budgeting to create savings 

• Understanding credit cards 

• What's in a credit report 

• Improving your credit score 

• Getting out of debt 

• Dealing with collectors 

• Avoiding predatory lending 

• Getting a mortgage 

• Preventing identity theft 

• You'll also earn a Homebuyer Education Certificate 

Nearly everyone who has taken this class has said they wish they had done it sooner.  

There is no charge for the class. Sections of the course rotate between online by Zoom and in-person each month. 

Eligibility 

This class is open to anyone interested in improving their financial skills or curious about buying a home. 

How to Connect 

If you would like more information about Common Cents or to schedule a housing counseling appointment, please call our office at 218-726-1665 or email us at bhansen@communityactionduluth.org.  

Framework Homebuyer Course 

Are you looking for a class that is less of a time commitment or only interested in a homebuyer education certificate? As an alternative option to Common Cents, we are happy to be partnering with Framework to provide an alternative homebuyer course. This course requires only 8 hours of your time and can be completed online at your own pace. After completing the course, you will need to have an advising session with your assigned HUD-Certified Homebuying Counselor to receive your certificate. Prior to completing the course, we recommend checking with your lender to verify that a Framework certificate qualifies you for your mortgage. 

Buying a home is a big deal, whether you're doing if for the first time or getting back into the ever-changing market. When you educate yourself for smart homeownership with  

Framework, you'll navigate every step of the process with confidence. The Framework course is affordable too: just $75. 

To get started, visit caduluth.frameworkhomeownership.org. Click here for a video preview!