Mortgage advice for home buyers during the holidays. In this holiday episode of The Mortgage Guy Podcast, we break down holiday credit card mistakes, credit score impacts, tax refund planning, and smart steps to protect your ability to buy a home in the new year. As the holiday season comes to a close and we head into a brand-new year, many buyers don't realize how holiday spending can quietly hurt their mortgage approval. In this episode, Adam Rose of Western Ohio Mortgage explains the most common financial mistakes made during the holidays—and how to avoid them if buying a home in 2026 is one of your goals. 🎄 What you'll learn in this episode: Why credit cards can be a silent mortgage killer How high credit utilization impacts your mortgage credit score Why opening store credit cards during the holidays is risky How buy-now-pay-later programs (Klarna, Affirm, Afterpay) affect loan approval Smart ways to use your tax refund when buying a home Mortgage and tax planning tips for self-employed borrowers How planning ahead can improve interest rates, buying power, and loan options Whether you're a first-time home buyer or planning your next move, this episode is packed with practical mortgage tips to help you start the new year on the right financial footing. 🎙️ Listen & Subscribe Subscribe to The Mortgage Guy Podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify for weekly mortgage advice, home buying tips, and real-world lending insights. 📞 Thinking about buying a home in the new year? Reach out to the team at Western Ohio Mortgage to build a smart plan before you make costly financial mistakes. 🎄 Happy Holidays & Happy New Year! Wishing you and your family a joyful holiday season and a successful, goal-driven New Year. If homeownership is part of your 2026 plan, now is the time to prepare. 📞 Questions about buying a home or improving your mortgage readiness? Reach out to the team at Western Ohio Mortgage—we're happy to help. 📲 Contact Adam Rose Western Ohio Mortgage MB #9601 Adam J. Rose NMLS #870301 📞 937-497-9662 📧 arose@westernohiomortgage.com 🌐 www.westernohiomortgage.com 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube for weekly mortgage insights 📱 TikTok: @the_mtg_guy 📘 Facebook: @TheMortgageGuy24 📸 Instagram: @adam.rose.92102