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Practical insights to help you understand debt and make better financial decisions.

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I Paid Off $80,000 in Debt in 3 Years—Here's the Exact Strategy I Used
Strategy 6 min read

I Paid Off $80,000 in Debt in 3 Years—Here's the Exact Strategy I Used

No inheritance. No six-figure salary. Just a spreadsheet, a plan, and relentless execution. Here's how I did it and how you can too.

January 5, 2026 Read
The Break-Even Rule That Could Save You $50,000 on Your Mortgage
Mortgage 4 min read

The Break-Even Rule That Could Save You $50,000 on Your Mortgage

Lower rates don't automatically mean refinancing is smart. Here's the simple calculation that reveals whether refinancing will actually save you money.

January 2, 2026 Read
HELOC vs Cash-Out Refinance: One Could Cost You Your Home
Home Equity 5 min read

HELOC vs Cash-Out Refinance: One Could Cost You Your Home

Both let you tap your home equity, but they work very differently. Choose wrong, and you could end up underwater—or worse, in foreclosure.

December 29, 2025 Read
Why Your Mortgage Lender Doesn't Want You to Make Biweekly Payments
Mortgage 4 min read

Why Your Mortgage Lender Doesn't Want You to Make Biweekly Payments

One simple change to your payment schedule could save you $30,000+ and cut years off your mortgage. Here's why banks won't tell you about it.

December 26, 2025 Read
Your Credit Card Company Hopes You Never Learn This Payment Timing Trick
Credit Cards 4 min read

Your Credit Card Company Hopes You Never Learn This Payment Timing Trick

When you pay matters almost as much as how much you pay. This simple timing strategy can save you hundreds in interest every year.

December 23, 2025 Read
Snowball vs Avalanche: Which Debt Payoff Strategy Is Right for You?
Strategy 6 min read

Snowball vs Avalanche: Which Debt Payoff Strategy Is Right for You?

Two popular methods for paying off debt, but which one saves more money and which keeps you motivated? We break down the math.

December 20, 2025 Read
The 20/4/10 Rule: Why 84-Month Auto Loans Are Financial Suicide
Auto Loans 5 min read

The 20/4/10 Rule: Why 84-Month Auto Loans Are Financial Suicide

That 7-year car loan makes the payment "affordable." But you'll be underwater for years and pay thousands more than the car is worth.

December 17, 2025 Read
SAVE Plan vs Standard Repayment: The $30,000 Decision Most Borrowers Get Wrong
Student Loans 5 min read

SAVE Plan vs Standard Repayment: The $30,000 Decision Most Borrowers Get Wrong

Income-driven repayment isn't always the answer. Here's how to know which student loan strategy will actually cost you less over time.

December 14, 2025 Read
Dealer Financing vs Bank Loan: The $3,000 Difference Nobody Mentions
Auto Loans 4 min read

Dealer Financing vs Bank Loan: The $3,000 Difference Nobody Mentions

0% APR sounds unbeatable—until you see what it actually costs. Here's how dealerships make money on "free" financing.

December 11, 2025 Read
Your Debt-to-Income Ratio Is Lying to You—Here's What Lenders Actually See
Basics 4 min read

Your Debt-to-Income Ratio Is Lying to You—Here's What Lenders Actually See

You think your DTI is 30%. Lenders see something different. Understanding this gap could save your mortgage approval.

December 8, 2025 Read
APR vs Interest Rate: What's the Difference and Why It Matters
Basics 4 min read

APR vs Interest Rate: What's the Difference and Why It Matters

These terms are often used interchangeably, but they're not the same. Learn how APR includes fees and why it's the better comparison tool.

December 5, 2025 Read
When Does Refinancing Your Mortgage Actually Make Sense?
Mortgage 5 min read

When Does Refinancing Your Mortgage Actually Make Sense?

Lower rates don't automatically mean refinancing is smart. Here's how to calculate your break-even point and make the right call.

December 2, 2025 Read

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