Craig Johnson

Household Finances

The Only Times You Should Close a Credit Card (and How to Do It Right)

Close a credit card only for a good reason, and do it this way.

Mortgage Refinance

Mortgage Refi vs. Personal Loan to Escape Credit Card Debt

What are the pros and cons of these two popular debt consolidation strategies?

Getting Started

Choosing the Right Loan Product

So many options are out there, but one loan product is the best fit for you.

Home Loan

15-Year vs. 30-Year Mortgage: Making the Choice

No one has a crystal ball to see 15 years ahead, much less 30, but if your income is strong and stable, a larger monthly payment will get you to the finish line sooner.

Getting Started

Figure Your DTI in 3 Easy Steps

You should know your DTI when you shop for a loan just like you know your size when you shop for shoes.

Mortgage Refinance

Finally Enough Cash

Surging home values draw more to the cash-out refinance.

Home Improvement

Summer Home Improvement Projects: Bang for the Buck

Plans we have been dreaming up all winter now have the time and sunlight to be realized, but think small and smart so you don’t miss out on the season’s fun.

Mortgage Refinance

How a "No Closing Costs" Refinance Really Works

Though you may have the option to sweep closing costs out of sight, don't push them out of mind.

Mortgage Refinance

Do This If You Have 3+ Years Left on Your ARM

In a time of low rates, refinancing can put homeowners into a more comfortable, predictable fixed-rate mortgage.

Mortgage Refinance

Watch for These 3 Things When Shopping for a Refi

Comparing offers is most effective when you know what might be hiding in the details.

Home Equity

3 Pleasant Side Effects of Your Home's Increased Value

How your finances change when you suddenly own a lot more home than before.

Home Buying

Homes Are Growing Bigger Again

Reversing a 6-year trend, new single-family homes get bigger, so how are we using the extra space?

Home Buying

Beware the Mortgage Closing Scam

Criminals hijack the closing process to steal down payments, crushing people's dream of homeownership.

Getting Started

Have You Ever Gotten Bad Real Estate Advice?

People share their top picks for the worst real estate advice out there.

Household Finances

Money Right, Sleep Tight: 5 Tips to Destress Your Finances

Many people lose sleep worrying about money, while others practice these five strategies.

Mortgage Refinance

One Brilliant Way a Cash-Out Refi Can Pay the Mortgage

Boss-level home improvement: Build a tiny house on your property, and the renter pays your mortgage.

Getting Started

Shape Up Your Finances Prior to a Refi or Mortgage

Follow this 4-step financial fitness program so lenders will see you at your best.

Household Finances

Stop Wasting Money Buying Rental Car Coverage Twice

Insurance by your credit card, even if there's a flat fee, is bound to be cheaper than what's offered by the rental car company.

Home Buying

Advantages of Buying in an Older Neighborhood

A more walkable life in a place with character and trees can be yours when you buy an older home.

Household Finances

When to Review Your Homeowners Insurance Policy

5 reasons it might be time to review your coverage.

Household Finances

I Can Rent Out THAT?! Make Bonus Money From Space and Things You're Not Using

Thanks to our always-connected economy, something of value that you aren't using at the moment could bring you fast cash.

Mortgage Refinance

A Cash-Out Refi Can Make People Love Their Home Again

Features and upgrades so enticing in a new home can be added to an existing home and paid for with equity.

Home Selling

What's the Deal With Those "We Buy Ugly Houses" Signs?

Predatory flippers have expanded their hunting grounds, but ugliness is in the eye of the beholder.

Home Improvement

Home Maintenance This Summer

The long summer days give you ample time to tackle these four tasks and get back to the fun.

Mortgage Refinance

Will Closing a Credit Card Help You Qualify for a Refinance or Mortgage?

Don't do this before applying for a mortgage or refinance.