Financial Education Center

Learn how vacation home mortgages differ from primary residence loans. Understand qualification requirements, down payment needs, interest rate differences, and strategies to finance your second home.

Boost your credit score 50+ points in 90 days with strategic tactics designed for mortgage applicants. Learn what to do (and what NOT to do) before applying.

Master your DTI ratio to qualify for better mortgage rates. Learn exact calculations, what lenders want, and 5 proven tactics to lower your DTI in 30 days.

A day-by-day action plan to get pre-approved for your first home. Includes document checklist, credit prep, and exactly what to do before applying.

Quick financial wins that prepare you for homeownership. Each move takes less than a month but can save you thousands on your mortgage.

A month-by-month, step-by-step roadmap to help you save, plan, and purchase your first home. Includes checklists, milestones, and links to all key resources.

Compare different mortgage options like fixed-rate, adjustable-rate, FHA, and VA loans to find the best fit for your home purchase.

Compare all major mortgage types side-by-side, see pros and cons, and use our quick quiz to find your best fit. Includes a visual table and decision helper.

Learn how MIP adds thousands to your FHA loan costs. See exact calculations for upfront and monthly premiums, and discover when refinancing to remove MIP makes financial sense.

Discover why 30-year mortgages offer better flexibility than shorter terms. Learn when shorter terms make sense and how to effectively pay off your mortgage early without the risk of higher required payments.

Learn how to save for your down payment efficiently, understand minimum requirements by loan type, and discover down payment assistance programs that could help you buy a home sooner.

Get a detailed breakdown of all closing costs, learn which fees are negotiable, and discover strategies to reduce your closing costs. Includes a comprehensive closing cost calculator.

Use our suite of mortgage calculators to estimate payments, compare loan options, and plan your home purchase. Includes principal and interest, extra payment, and refinancing calculators.

A step-by-step guide to purchasing a home, from securing financing and finding the right property to closing the deal.

Learn how to maximize rewards, minimize interest, and use credit cards as effective financial tools rather than debt traps.

Discover how USDA loans make homeownership possible with no down payment, low fees, and flexible eligibility. Includes official resources, eligibility map, and step-by-step application guide.

Learn when refinancing makes financial sense, how to calculate potential savings, and explore different refinancing options including rate-and-term, cash-out, and streamline refinances.

Discover how to maximize your short-term savings with high-yield accounts, including features to look for and potential pitfalls.

Learn how to properly distribute your investments across different asset classes to optimize returns and manage risk.

Understand the fundamentals of real estate investing, from rental properties to REITs, and how to evaluate potential investments.

Understand how credit scores work, what factors influence them, and how to improve your credit health.

Divides after-tax income into needs (50%), wants (30%), and savings/debt (20%) for a balanced financial life.