When to Refinance Your Mortgage

Mortgage rates continue to be at record lows — as of this writing, the average interest rate on a 30-year fixed home mortgage is 4.26% — so many homeowners are probably thinking about refinancing their home mortgages. Is it worth it? Sure, you’ll see an immediate savings on your monthly mortgage payment, but you have […]

Adjusting to a New Mortgage Payment

When you buy your first house, there are many expenses to consider when making your budget: fluctuating utility bills and emergency repairs are likely the first things you think of. But something I haven’t considered since we bought our home last year is the increase in the escrow portion of our mortgage due to increasing […]

Ask Rainy-Day Saver: Saving for a Down Payment

Occasionally, readers ask me for advice. The first thing I mention is that I am not a professional and that they should really consult a financial adviser before doing anything rash. But when a reader asked me a question about saving for a house, I knew I could help.

Dear RDS: My girlfriend and I […]