Purchasing a home is a big step, but it's not the first one. Before a homeowner secures their keys, there are several important steps they must take to manage their finances wisely and build long-term stability.
If you’ve grown up in a family where homeownership was the norm, you’ve been exposed to household budgets, credit scores, mortgage terms, and long-term financial planning. But if you haven’t owned a home or known people who have, the process can be downright daunting. Especially in the Wasatch Back, where homeownership costs are high and outpace wages for many people who work here.
Habitat for Humanity of Summit and Wasatch Counties bridges that gap with financial education. It’s a core component of our homeownership program, preparing prospective homeowners to thrive in their homes for years to come.
Financial Education: A Smart Step Toward Homeownership
Habitat homeowners are not simply given keys and left to manage household expenses on their own. As families go through our homeownership program, they complete 200 hours of “sweat equity,” working alongside Habitat staff and volunteers on home construction or at Park City’s ReStore, and taking our financial education courses. These free courses prepare individuals and families for long-term financial stability and successful homeownership by covering topics including budgeting, credit, and mortgage basics.
The financial education curriculum includes the basics but also goes further. It includes our Affordable Housing How-To course, which walks participants through qualifying for our homeownership program, applying when units become available, how deed restrictions work, and preparing for affordable housing opportunities. It is designed to demystify a process that can feel out of reach for many working families in the Wasatch Back.
The goal is to clear the path to homeownership for working individuals and families in our area. Without this financial education, homeownership can bring difficult challenges. With it, homeowners can manage their mortgages, put aside money for unexpected expenses, and build generational knowledge by educating their kids about what’s involved in homeownership.
Open to Everyone
We also offer educational courses for anyone in the community seeking a stronger financial foundation in a supportive, judgment-free environment, including a course specifically for women who may not have had access to financial education or who are looking to build greater confidence and skills in managing their own finances.
These courses cover topics such as spending plans, saving strategies, credit improvement, fraud protection, investing basics, mortgage navigation, and affordable housing options. Participants will also be guided in setting achievable financial goals and understanding their personal relationship with money.
Whether you are saving for your first home, working to improve your credit, or simply looking to make smarter financial decisions, Habitat's classes offer practical guidance to help you on your path toward financial wellness.
Learn About Upcoming Courses
Find out more about our financial education courses, and follow us on Instagram and Facebook to learn about upcoming classes and other opportunities to get involved with Habitat.
