Dan Rafter's blog

5 Questions to Ask Before Applying for a HELOC

A HELOC offers a flexible way to tap your home equity. Just be sure to answer a few questions before applying.

The 5 Biggest Dangers of Credit Card Debt

Credit card debt isn't just a burden — it's a real danger to your finances.

6 Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Property Manager

Property managers can help you profit from rental property. Before you sign up, make sure you know what you're getting for their share of the profit.

4 Smartest Ways to Use a Home-Equity Loan

If you have the home equity to spare, you can borrow against it. Just be sure you're using the loan for something smart.

7 Fastest Ways to Recover From Holiday Overspending

Have you already blown the holiday budget for this year? Here's how to get back on track.

5 Brilliant Money Moves You Should Make on January 1

It's a new year! Ditch the unrealistic resolutions and make these smart, achievable money moves right on January 1.

Never Do These 5 Things When You're in Debt

Credit card debt is a tough cycle to break. If you're making these mistakes, it's only going to get tougher.

6 Things You Need to Do if You're Retiring in 2018

This is it; 2018 is the year you retire. Before you leave the working world, there are a fey key moves to make first.

6 Important Things to Look for in a Savings Account

Not all savings accounts are created equal. When it comes to stashing your savings, there are a few key features to look for.

The Best Age to Buy Long-Term Care Insurance

If you want to buy long-term care insurance, don't wait until it's too late.

How to Freeze Your Credit

A credit freeze can protect you from financial scammers. Here's how they work.

How Longevity Insurance Can Keep You From Outliving Your Money

People are living longer than ever. Longevity insurance promises you won't outlive your retirement savings.

8 Signs You're Making All the Right Moves for Retirement

It's hard to know if you're saving enough for a comfy retirement. Look for these indicators that you're on the right track.

The U.S. Savings Rate Has Tanked — Here's Why That Matters

The U.S. savings rate is the lowest since the Great Recession. Do you need to get your savings back on track?

How a Surprise Credit Limit Increase Can Harm You

You got a credit limit increase! Before you get charge-happy, there are a few important things to remember.

When Dropping Your Life Insurance Is the Right Decision

You know how important it is to have life insurance. But when is it OK to drop it?

How to Turn Your Buyer's Remorse Into Better Financial Habits

Believe it or not, there's a silver lining to buyer's remorse — it can help you adopt some smarter spending habits.

How to Revive an Old Retirement Fund

If you've been neglecting your nest egg, it's time to bring it back from the dead.

5 Investment Moves That Prove You're Finally a Grown-Up

It's time to stop investing like a kid.

Why You Should Ask for a CLUE Report Before Buying a Home

Wouldn't it be nice if you knew about a home's repeat problems before you bought it? There's a way; it's called a CLUE report.