Dan Rafter's blog

6 Ways You Can Cut Costs Right Before You Retire

With retirement right around the corner, it's more important than ever to start cutting your daily living costs. You'll thank yourself later.

Millennials are late to the homebuying game, but they're bringing some valuable lessons we all can learn from.

There are different types of chronic overspenders. Which one are you?

If you have enough cash to buy a house, that's great! It still doesn't mean it's always the smartest financial move.

Truly owning your home takes time and money. If you want a bigger piece of the homeownership pie, here's how to build equity.

A home sounds like a wonderful gift for your adult children. But before you hand over the keys, there are a few things to consider.

One money mishap can wreck your credit score. A simple goodwill letter just might help.

If the only thing your realtor is offering is stress, it's time to break up. It's not you — it's them.

A lost Social Security card is easy to replace. Things become a little dicier, though, if your number falls into the wrong hands.

You're responsible with your credit cards, but you sure have a lot of them. Is that a bad thing?

Does your high-interest debt count as an "emergency?" Well, yes, but not one worth draining your entire emergency fund.

Insurance offers peace of mind, but it doesn't make you indestructible. Beware these costly gaps in coverage.

Losing a loved one is hard enough. Managing their unfinished money matters makes it tougher.

A balloon mortgage has its upsides, but it sure leaves a lot up in the air.

Target-date funds are a common way to help you save for retirement. But what happens when they actually hit their target?

Just because you can start claiming Social Security benefits, doesn't necessarily mean you should. Ask yourself these questions first.

Many factors can sway a mortgage approval. Your student loan debt is one of them.

Being a single parent is hard work. Being a single parent and adequately funding your retirement is extra hard. But you can do it.

When you retire, many of life's little worries melt away. Unfortunately, worrying about your credit score doesn't.

A hefty home loan doesn't have to be a burden. Here's how you can trim dollars from your monthly mortgage payment.