1.4 Protecting Assets

Module Summary
While housing counseling involves assisting clients to build and manage their finances, it is also important for housing counselors to understand how to protect assets. In this module, you’ll learn about types of predatory lending to avoid and how to protect identity information against theft and fraud. You’ll also learn about bankruptcy, including how to describe the difference between Chapter 7 and 13 bankruptcies, explain the impact to financial health, and address appropriate times to discuss bankruptcy.

2.1 Renting vs. Buying

Module Summary
To assist clients with housing options, housing counselors can help clients determine what type of housing may be most appropriate depending on their circumstances. In this module, you’ll learn to calculate housing and debt-to-income ratios using information about income and credit. You’ll also learn to evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of renting versus owning a home, including scope of payments, upfront costs, and tax implications.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this module, counselor will be able to: