Fixed-Rate vs. Adjustable-Rate Mortgages: What’s the Difference?
Rebecca Safier, Special to USA TODAY on September 6, 2026
A 5/1 ARM can start lower, but payment changes may follow; your timeline, budget and tolerance for risk should guide the choice.
How a Fixed-Rate Mortgage Works and When It Makes Sense
Rebecca Safier, Special to USA TODAY on August 24, 2026
A $300,000 example shows how early payments can send nearly $1,750 a month toward interest, while loan terms shape your long-term costs.
Mortgage Closing Costs Explained: Fees, Averages and Who Pays
Rebecca Safier, Special to USA TODAY on August 17, 2026
Closing costs can add $6,300 to $15,750 on a $350,000 home, but comparing lenders and reviewing disclosures may lower the cash you need.
How Mortgage Preapproval Works: A Beginner’s Guide
Rebecca Safier, Special to USA TODAY on August 10, 2026
A preapproval can expire in 30 to 60 days, and one extra lender quote may save the average homebuyer $1,500.
How to Claim Medical Expenses on Your Taxes
Rebecca Safier, Special to USA TODAY on July 15, 2026
A single overlooked deduction — mileage to doctor visits — could push your itemized total over the IRS’s 7.5% threshold.
Are Budgeting Apps Safe? What to Know Before Linking Your Accounts
Rebecca Safier, Special to USA TODAY on June 4, 2026
Most budgeting apps use bank-level encryption and read-only account access, but one overlooked password habit is responsible for most of the real losses, a financial advisor warns.
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