Mortgages & Housing Guides

Plain-English explainers on paychecks, taxes, saving, debt and retirement in the U.S. — 57 guides and growing every day.

All Career & Income (1) Credit (2) Everyday Money (1) Loans & Debt (3) Mortgages & Housing (5) Paycheck (3) Paycheck Basics (4) Paycheck Guides (16) Retirement (3) Saving & Budgeting (3) Saving & Investing (5) State Taxes (2) Tax Forms (1) Taxes (8)

How to Refinance a Mortgage: Steps, Costs and When It Pays Off

Steps to refinance a mortgage, what it costs and how to know if it is worth it.

Mortgages & Housing

What Is PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) and How to Avoid It

PMI explained: costs, when it goes away and ways to avoid it.

Mortgages & Housing

Fixed-Rate vs Adjustable-Rate Mortgage: Pros, Cons and Who Each Suits

Pros and cons of fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages and how to choose.

Mortgages & Housing

How Much House Can I Afford? A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Use the 28/36 rule, your down payment and hidden ownership costs to find a home price you can truly afford.

Mortgages & Housing

How Mortgage Interest Works: Amortization Explained

Why your first mortgage payments are mostly interest and how extra payments shorten your loan.

Mortgages & Housing