Dan Rafter's blog

4 Ways to Make the Most of Your Student Loan Grace Period

A student loan grace period isn't a pass to spend your first big paychecks willy-nilly. Be smart, save up, and prepare to tackle your loan.

5 Negotiation Tricks That’ll Win a Home Bidding War

With slimmer pickings in the housing market, bidding wars abound. Don't let your dream home get swept out from under you with these negotiation tricks.

6 Scary Facts About Credit Card Debt

Halloween is coming right up and we've got a real fright — these super scary facts about credit card debt.

7 Signs You Have a Serious Spending Addiction

Spending addiction is real, damaging, and scary. If you recognize yourself in any of these signs, you may need to seek help.

4 Ways a Home Energy Audit Will Save You Money

Those drafty windows and ancient appliances are costing you, big time. This is one audit you'll be happy to endure.

4 Surprising Things Lenders Check Besides Your Credit Score

It's no secret your credit score is important. But when it comes to getting a home loan, it's not the only determining factor.

What You Need to Know About HOAs

Living in an HOA has its pros and cons. Here's what to consider before you move in.

5 Ways to Prevent a Debt Spiral

Be the master of your fate when it comes to conquering credit card debt.

4 Reasons Millenials Should Invest in a Home

Media may paint Millennials as anti-homeowners, but the numbers say otherwise. Millennials are snapping up homes for good reason. Here's why.

What Is Student Loan Forbearance, Anyway?

Student loans are a burden, no question about it. Find out if deferment or forbearance can help.

You're Ready to Make an Offer on a House: Now What?

You've found your dream home, secured a lender and a mortgage — now comes the hard part.

Is Long Term Care Insurance Worth It?

Nursing homes aren't cheap. Long-term care insurance may be one way to help afford your future senior care.

Everything You Need to Know About Flood Insurance

When it rains, it pours — and when it does, that flood insurance you've hated paying for will seem like a pretty smart investment.

The Self-Employed Person's Guide to Getting Credit

Being self-employed is amazing — until you find yourself struggling to get financing. These tips will have lenders loving you.

6 Money Moves to Make the Moment You Decide to Buy a Car

You're ready for a shiny new set of wheels. All you need to do is make these important money moves, first.

5 Things You Need to Know When Renting-to-Own a Home

Rent-to-own can be a lifeline for those with poor credit. Before snagging the keys to your soon-to-be dream home, brush up on what you need to know.

Avoid These 5 Common Mistakes While Rebuilding Your Credit

It takes hard work to give your credit score a kick in the pants. Don't sabotage it with these five screw-ups.

5 Powerful Reasons Companies Should Offer More Wellness Programs to Keep Their Employees Healthier and Happier

Healthy, happy employees are great for the bottom line. Boost morale and productivity with an employer-sponsored wellness program!

When Should Single People Get Life Insurance?

Life insurance is for people with dependents and stuff, right? Yep, and sometimes that applies to singles, too.

5 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Second Home in Retirement

A vacation home is a lifetime dream. For retirees, living the dream comes with an extra dose of reality.