Dan Rafter's blog

6 Pitfalls of Down Payment Assistance Programs

Before you apply for a down payment assistance program to help pay for a house, make sure you understand all the potential downsides.

How to Sell Your Home When You're Underwater on Your Mortgage

There are ways to sell your home even when you're underwater on your mortgage.

Debt Collectors Are Calling My Family — Now What?

Managing debt isn't easy. And it gets even more difficult when debt collectors start hounding your family members. Know your rights.

How to Get Rid of Your Credit Card's Annual Fee

Paying an annual fee on your credit card is a pain. Luckily, there might be a way to avoid paying this fee altogether.

How Much Money Do You Need in Savings When Applying for a Mortgage?

You've saved up the down payment and closing costs for a new house. But do you have enough cash reserves to get the green light from your lender?

5 Signs You Need to Come Out of Retirement

Retirement doesn't always deliver on the promise of easygoing days of rest and relaxation.

How to Use T-bills to Safely Boost Your Emergency Fund

Want a quick, easy, and safe way to boost your emergency fund? Federal government debt is the answer.

Are Starter Homes Still a Thing?

Starter homes used to be the norm. But in today's housing market, you might not need those homeowner training wheels.

6 Monthly Bills That Won't Affect Your Credit Score

It might seem like every little thing impacts your credit score, but these bills fly under the radar.

How to Stop Those Annoying Robocalls

Sick of the receiving an endless number of robocalls when you're just trying to live your life? We have good news for you.

5 Things to Do Right Now to Boost Your 600 Credit Score

A 600 credit score isn't bad, exactly, but it's not terrific, either. Here's what you can do to improve it.

5 Things a Homebuyer Shouldn't Say to a Seller's Agent

An open house is the perfect time to get the deets on your potential dream home. It's not the time to get chatty with the seller's agent.

5 Money Moves to Make Before Applying For a Credit Card

If you're feeling the urge to apply for a shiny new credit card, not so fast! Make sure these money moves get checked off first.

5 Things to Consider When Buying a Larger Home

When home gets a little cramped, bigger digs may be in order. Here's what you should consider before upsizing.

How New Grads Can Protect Their Credit

As a new grad, you have a lot on your financial plate. Nothing is more important than protecting your credit.

Is It Smart to Pay College Tuition With a Credit Card?

Putting your college tuition on plastic is certainly an option; but should you do it?

6 Common Homebuying Myths, Debunked

The first step toward easing your homebuying jitters is to stop faking yourself out with these falsehoods.

5 Signs You Aren't Ready for a Credit Card

You really want a credit card. But are you ready for one? These signs say no.

This Is the Difference Between a Loan and a Line of Credit

If you need to borrow money, you may wonder how a loan differs from a line of credit. Let's break it down.

5 Personal Finance Tasks That Aren't as Hard as You Think

Personal finance sounds tricky in theory. In practice, it's much easier than you might think.