Why Interest Rates Matter

Interest rates are the financial lever behind every home loan. While listing prices grab attention, your mortgage rate is a critical factor in determining how much you’ll actually pay each month and over the life of the loan. Even a modest change in interest rates can cost or save you tens of thousands of dollars. That’s why understanding how rates work is critical to understanding your eventual monthly mortgage payment.

Keeping a close eye on rate trends means you can better time your purchase, lock in a favorable rate and maximize your long-term financial position. Whether you’re buying your first home or refinancing, the interest rate will shape your entire housing budget.

What Is Home Equity?

Home equity is the portion of your home that you truly own — the difference between your home's current market value and the outstanding balance on your mortgage. To be clear, it is not the percentage of the house that you own. Legally, you own your whole house; but the question is, how much wealth have you built up after taking the remainder of the mortgage out of the equation?

The Big Financial Dilemma: Invest or Pay Down Debt?

At some point in your financial journey, you may find yourself with extra money and face a crucial decision: Should you use it to pay off debt or invest for the future? Both choices have benefits and potential drawbacks and the right answer depends on your unique financial situation.

Why Saving While Renting Feels So Challenging

Saving for a down payment is a tall order—especially when rent keeps climbing. For many renters, it feels like just keeping up with monthly bills leaves little room to put money aside. Add in inflation, rising costs of living and existing debt and it’s no wonder so many renters feel stuck between paying rent and building toward homeownership.