Lifestyles over 50 Finance & Money
We are approaching the holiday season roller coaster that starts on Halloween and climbs up the big hill until it rapidly descends, starting at Thanksgiving, and leveling off on New Year’s Day. November is usually identified with Thanksgiving Day, but there is another very important day in the month that seems to come and go too quickly: Veterans Day.
There are many things to be thankful for — every day, we receive blessings that we take for granted. If you are reading this, be thankful that you can read. Did you have breakfast? Be thankful that you can eat and that you have something to eat. Did you vote? Be thankful that you are allowed to choose our leaders. Look around you (with gratitude that you can see) and take stock of what you have, from a bed to a bathroom to a body that still works. In the Bible, the apostle Paul said, “And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content” (1 Timothy 6:8). That is a pretty small list of blessings, and it doesn’t even include a place to live! Yet it is a good place to begin when we count our blessings.
Veterans Day is the one day a year when we honor those brave men and women who sacrifice 365 days a year to keep us safe and prosperous. These heroes deserve every benefit a grateful nation can offer. Sadly, many military veterans are discharged with little resources and have difficulty finding housing. Some are reduced to having only food and clothing, and sparse provisions at that. Is there help?
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers help of all types for veterans who need a hand up when looking to purchase, refinance, or remodel a home. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers home loans and grants. These programs help service members, veterans, and surviving spouses buy, refinance, or modify their home. The VA guarantees part of the loan, meaning they will cover a portion of the loan if you default. This allows lenders, such as banks and mortgage companies, to offer them more favorable terms.
Veterans with certain service-connected or aging-related disabilities can also get housing help. They may qualify for special housing grants from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). A Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) or a Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grant can be used to:
build an adapted home.
install ramps or widen doors.
make other modifications to help them live independently.
There is no reason for our veterans to be left out in the cold.
There is always something to be thankful for. You don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone, so be grateful for the things we take for granted. If you are looking to buy or sell a house, be grateful that you have a trained, dedicated, ethical expert to help you: Elissa Clausnitzer, with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Fox & Roach, REALTORS®, a well-known and reputable business. Elissa Clausnitzer, SRS, SRES, SMRS, is a local, experienced expert who is ready to serve you and make your next home a reality!