Free Tools to Strengthen Your Path to Homeownership
May 28, 2026
Homeownership shouldn’t feel out of reach – and with the right tools, it doesn’t have to be.
UnitedOne Credit Union’s partnership with GreenPath Financial Wellness gives members access to free resources that build confidence, strengthen financial habits, and make the journey to buying a home more manageable.
On the latest episode of the “At Home on the Lakeshore” podcast, the Local Home Loan Experts are joined by Tisha O’Dell, UnitedOne’s Community Financial Wellness Specialist, to discuss how GreenPath is a valuable resource to use in preparing to purchase a house.
Members can access GreenPath’s online resources at no cost, including recorded webinars, worksheets, and online courses. The self?paced courses are designed to help people strengthen their financial habits and prepare for major milestones.
“It’s really beneficial for first?time homebuyers who know they want to purchase a home but don’t know where to start,” said O’Dell. “They have courses on budgeting, using tax refunds wisely, redesigning financial habits, and understanding credit – all things that help set you up for success.”
One of the biggest challenges for first-time homebuyers is understanding what they can truly afford. While gross income is used to determine mortgage qualification, that number doesn’t always reflect a person’s real financial picture.
“A lot of times the questions we get are: Where do I start? How do I know what I can afford?” said UnitedOne Mortgage Specialist Julie Peot, NMLS # 441412. “Because we use gross income for qualifying, it’s so important to stress what your personal budget actually is. People forget that gross income is before taxes, insurance, or retirement deductions. Your take?home pay is what matters when you’re planning your budget.”
That’s where GreenPath can help bridge the gap between what’s technically affordable and what’s comfortable.
“That pre?approval amount might not be what fits within what you have coming in and going out,” O’Dell said. “GreenPath helps you prepare not just for the mortgage, but for everything else that comes with homeownership – unexpected expenses, property taxes, all of it.”
For many people, the hardest part of preparing for homeownership is simply asking for help.
“Sometimes people feel embarrassed and don’t know where to start,” Peot said. “With GreenPath, they don’t have to talk to us face?to?face right away. They can work with someone who helps them, and then come to us feeling more confident.”
GreenPath counselors excel at creating a supportive environment.
“They’re completely judgment?free and confidential,” O’Dell said. “A lot of people feel embarrassed, but you don’t have to – you’re not the only one in that situation, and there are ways to work through it.
“Between the counselors and the Learning Lab (courses), they have so many really cool tools to help you almost change your mindset around money so that you're ready for those major purchases.”
GreenPath also helps members stay accountable by setting follow?up steps and checking in on progress.
“They’re not just for people who don’t know where to start,” O’Dell said. “They’re there for every life stage – whether things are good, stressful, or somewhere in between.”
Whether you're dreaming of a vacation home or simply trying to break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, GreenPath and UnitedOne are here to help you take the next step toward financial wellness.?