Debt Payoff
Debt to Income Ratio Explained and the Numbers Lenders Use
Lenders divide monthly debt payments by gross income to decide what else you can borrow. How to compute yours, which payments count and how to lower it.
6 min read
The library
26 plain-English reads on budgeting, saving, investing, debt, credit and taxes. Newest first unless you say otherwise.
EverythingBudgetingSavingInvestingDebt PayoffBankingCreditTaxesRetirementCollege SavingsPassive IncomeMoney FoundationsEveryday SpendingInsuranceSocial Security & MedicareHousing & RentingStudent LoansMoney MindsetSide IncomeCareer & SalaryFinancial IndependenceEstate PlanningFamily FinancesLife EventsSmall BusinessFraud & Consumer ProtectionHealthcare CostsTravel & RewardsCars & TransportInflation & the EconomyMoney ToolsGiving
Insurance
Should You File a Small Insurance Claim or Pay It Yourself
A small claim can cost more in future premiums than it pays. How claims are recorded, how surcharges work and a simple rule for when to file.
6 min read
Housing & Renting
Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early or Invest Instead
Prepaying a mortgage earns its rate with no risk and ties the money up. How the rate, taxes and liquidity decide where each spare dollar goes.
7 min read
Housing & Renting
FHA vs Conventional Loans for First Time Home Buyers Today
FHA accepts lower credit scores but charges mortgage insurance that may never drop. Compare total borrowing costs, down payments and private insurance rules.
6 min read
Insurance
Flood Insurance and Why Your Home Policy Excludes Water
Home policies exclude flood damage and new flood insurance requires a thirty day wait. Learn how NFIP works, what coverage costs and who needs a policy.
7 min read
Housing & Renting
HELOC vs Home Equity Loan vs Cash Out Refinance Decisions
Borrowing against home equity puts your house on the line. Compare HELOC lines, fixed home equity loans and cash out refinancing to pick the safest option.
7 min read
Housing & Renting
Why Your Mortgage Payment Went Up After the Escrow Review
A fixed rate mortgage payment can rise when taxes or insurance increase. How annual escrow reviews work, what a shortage is and your two payment choices.
6 min read
Housing & Renting
The One Percent Home Maintenance Rule Tested Against Costs
The one percent rule fails older houses and overshoots new ones. Learn how property age, major mechanical systems and sinking funds set an accurate budget.
6 min read
Housing & Renting
Breaking a Lease Early and What It Really Costs a Tenant
Breaking a lease early can cost a buyout fee or remaining rent. How lease terms and landlord duty to mitigate set actual expenses before giving formal notice.
8 min read
Housing & Renting
How to Get Your Security Deposit Back When Moving Out Safe
Most deposit disputes are decided on move-in day. How state statutory deadlines, photographic evidence and demand letters recover your rental money.
7 min read
Insurance
Renters Insurance Explained and What It Really Protects
Renters insurance covers your belongings and liability, not the building. What policies pay and exclude, and why replacement cost endorsement is essential.
6 min read
Housing & Renting
The Landlord Forty Times Rent Rule and What You Can Spend
Landlords qualify applicants on gross income, but budgets run on net pay. How the 40x screening rule works and how to set a rent limit you can carry.
5 min read
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