From Broke to Budgeting: How Down Payment Assistance Helps First-Time Buyers Buy a Home

On this episode of Mortgage Matters, hosts Roland Daniels and Heidi Griffith build on last week’s conversation with guest Jill Avilez, whose journey from a cash-only, credit-free lifestyle to building financial stability highlights how everyday financial habits can change the path toward homeownership.Roland and Heidi discuss practical budgeting strategies that can help people take control of their finances - from tracking spending and reviewing recurring bills to cutting unnecessary subscriptions and reducing delivery spending. Small adjustments can create room to save and move closer to long-term goals like buying a home.They also highlight an upcoming Nevada Housing Division homebuyer education class, where attendees can learn about down payment assistance programs, credit requirements, and the homebuying process.In recognition of Women’s History Month, the episode also shares a powerful statistic: single women have purchased more homes than single men every year since 1981, reflecting the growing role women play in building financial stability through homeownership.Mortgage Matters is a weekly public radio show hosted by Roland Daniels and Heidi Griffith that airs Sunday mornings on KUNV 91.5 in Las Vegas. The show focuses on housing, financial literacy, community conversations, and helping people understand the path to homeownership.