Housing & Stability

1 — Build the real monthly number

Add housing payment, average utilities, insurance, required fees and transportation. Include irregular costs by dividing their yearly total by 12.

2 — Test the pressure point

Ask what changes if income falls for one month, transportation becomes unreliable, or a major bill arrives. Identify the first cost that would become difficult to carry.

3 — Compare a workable alternative

Put staying, moving, lowering one major expense, or changing transportation side by side. Compare the actual monthly difference, up-front cost and effect on access to work before choosing a direction.