Buying a home for the first time is a big life moment, and so is marriage. So if you're considering tying the knot and buying a home, there are a few things you should consider before deciding which you do first. Mortgage companies won't use the highest credit score between you and your partner or even the average of your scores. They will focus on the lowest credit score, so if your spouse has a credit score that would keep you from getting the best rate possible, you may want to apply before you get married. For dual-income couples, getting a mortgage with both spouses on the loan usually means you will qualify for a bigger home loan. However, if your spouse isn't on the loan with you, then your lender won't consider your spouse's income. That means you'll probably have to settle for a smaller, less-expensive home. You also need to take into consideration your spouse's debt-to-income ratio. Watch to find out what that means, and how it could impact your chances of getting the mortgage you want.

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Small grocers and convenience stores feel an impact as customers go without SNAP benefits
Some small grocery stores and neighborhood convenience stores are eager for the U.S. government shutdown to end and for their customers to start receiving federal food aid again. Late last month, the Trump administration froze funding for the SNAP benefits that about 42 million Americans use to buy groceries. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says about 74% of the assistance was spent last year at superstores like Walmart and supermarkets like Kroger. Around 14% went to smaller stores that are more accessible to SNAP beneficiaries. A former director of the United Nations World Food Program says SNAP is not only a social safety net for families but a local economic engine that supports neighborhood businesses.
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