In today’s digital world, protecting your personal and financial information is more important than ever. One of the most effective ways to safeguard yourself against identity theft and fraudulent activity is by freezing your credit. Whether you’re applying for a mortgage, planning a big financial move, or simply want to enhance your financial security, understanding how and why to freeze your credit can be a crucial step.
Credit and Financial Strategy
Your mortgage approval doesn’t start with a rate — it starts with your credit profile and financial structure.
In this section, you’ll find educational articles on:
- Credit scores and reporting
- Debt-to-income ratios
- Mortgage insurance
- Bankruptcy recovery
- Financial planning considerations
- Long-term homeownership strategy
Understanding how lenders evaluate credit and income allows you to prepare strategically rather than reactively.
My goal is to help you improve your financial scenario — whether that means preparing to buy, restructuring debt, or planning your next move.
Why and How to Freeze Your Credit
March 8, 2025 by Leave a Comment
Should You Avoid Private Mortgage Insurance
January 12, 2025 by Leave a Comment
Recently I was invited to contribute to an article for U.S. News on How to Avoid PMI on a Mortgage with Less Than 20% Down by Gina Freeman.
The article includes various strategies on how to avoid private mortgage insurance.
Private mortgage insurance is typically required when someone is putting down less than 20% for a home purchase or if someone has higher than an 80% loan-to-value if they’re refinancing a property and are using a conventional mortgage.
There are many ways private mortgage insurance (pmi) can be paid for, including a lump sum “single premium” as a closing cost or as part of the monthly mortgage payment.
There is also “split premium” which is a combo of a single premium and monthly and lender paid.
The seller may even be able to contribute towards private mortgage insurance if negotiated in the real estate contract and the loan meets required guidelines for someone who’s putting down less than 20% for a home purchase or if someone has higher than an 80% loan-to-value if they’re refinancing a property and are using a conventional mortgage. [Read more…]
Holiday Hangover – Did You Overspend this Season?
December 27, 2024 by Leave a Comment
Twas the season of spending with American’s splurging over $1100 on gifts this holiday season. Credit card interest rates average around 24% with some department store cards pushing 30%; making it very difficult for some to pay off the debt.
Lendingtree reports that 42% of those who charged holiday gifts regret adding to their debts.
If you’re feeling a bit of a financial hangover from the holidays, you can take some steps to help ease the headache of credit card debts. [Read more…]
How King County Senior Citizens Can Reduce Their Property Taxes
October 25, 2024 by Leave a Comment
As the October 31 property tax payment deadline nears, King County Assessor John Wilson has a clear message for seniors: Take advantage of the county’s property tax relief program, which is designed to help seniors reduce their tax burdens and stay in their homes longer.
Thanks to recent legislative changes, the property tax relief program is now accessible to even more seniors. The income threshold has increased to $84,000, making many more residents eligible for a tax exemption that could lower their property taxes by as much as 90%. [Read more…]
PSA: Check Your Credit Card Interest Rates
October 18, 2024 by Leave a Comment
I just received a notice from a local department store that they are INCREASING my interest rate from 24% to 31%! I’m a bit befuddled since the Fed recently lowered the funds rate by 0.50 and I pay off my account monthly. My credit is excellent. I decided to call the 1-800 number on the notice and was told this is an increase “across the board” and they do not have a lower rate to offer me. I enjoy receiving my benefits from using the card and even though I rarely pay interest as the bill is typically paid off every month, I can’t support this rate. I asked if there was anything I could do and she informed me that I have no options…except to no longer use this card. [Read more…]
