Things require a steady hand as families navigate climbing borrowing costs and surprise housing hurdles.

Today, the financial picture requires a steady hand as families navigate climbing borrowing costs. CBS MoneyWatch reported that mortgage rates have climbed back above 7%, pushing monthly payments higher for prospective buyers. Over on r/FirstTimeHomeBuyer, people are encountering surprise emergency reserve requirements right before closing. While these hurdles demand careful planning, exploring alternatives helps keep the purchase on track.