So you've finally bought your own home . . . now you can lie back and relax in the sun.

Or can you? When you bought your home, you probably saved up for a down payment and got a mortgage that you'll be paying off for the next twenty years. So, even though the long business of actually buying a home may be over, you can't forget all about the dollars and cents. You'll want to keep an eye on your lender or mortgage service company to make sure you're not the victim of costly accounting errors. You'll want to make sure your family would have enough money to make mortgage payments if something happened to you. If interest rates are low, you may want to consider refinancing. If you run into financial problems, you'll want to know your legal rights and responsibilities, and what your lender can do to protect its interests. And when the glorious day arrives when you have enough money, you'll want to know how to pay off your mortgage so you'll own that home free and clear.

Subsections

1. Understanding Your Mortgage
2. Refinancing and Home Loans
3. Tax Considerations