Applying for a Mortgage? Here’s Every Step From Preapproval to Closing
Sharon Wu, CFEI, Special to USA TODAY on September 17, 2026
A nine-step checklist covers credit, documents, loan comparisons and closing details, including the federal timeline for receiving a Loan Estimate
7 Steps to Compare Private Student Lenders
Sharon Wu, CFEI, Special to USA TODAY on August 18, 2026
A 9% quote from one lender and 6% from another show why prequalifying several companies can change your borrowing costs
Rising Credit Costs Are Squeezing Homebuyers: Here’s What It Means for You
Sharon Wu, CFEI, Special to USA TODAY on August 12, 2026
Mortgage credit reports can now cost about $540, while veterans may offset rising borrowing expenses with VA loan benefits.
What Is a Mortgage and How Does It Work? A Beginner’s Guide
Sharon Wu, CFEI, Special to USA TODAY on August 7, 2026
A mortgage payment includes more than principal and interest, with taxes, insurance and loan terms shaping your true long-term cost.
Veteran Home Buying Timeline: 8 Steps From Offer to Keys
Sharon Wu, CFEI, Special to USA TODAY on July 31, 2026
A late paperwork request or a new credit card mid-escrow can quietly add weeks to a VA loan closing.
How the VA Loan Helps Veterans Compete in a Tough Housing Market
Sharon Wu, CFEI, Special to USA TODAY on July 30, 2026
A zero-down, no-PMI VA loan can help a veteran’s offer stand up to all-cash buyers in today’s competitive housing market.
Is a Gold IRA Better Than Owning Physical Gold?
Sharon Wu, CFEI, Special to USA TODAY on July 28, 2026
Gold surged past $5,600 an ounce in 2026, but IRS rules on taxes, storage and access differ sharply between an IRA and metal you hold yourself.
Gold vs. Bitcoin: Which Investment Is Right for You?
Sharon Wu, CFEI, Special to USA TODAY on July 26, 2026
One planner puts a number on it: gold for 5%-10% of a portfolio, Bitcoin for just 1%-3% — here’s the reasoning behind the split.
Gold, Silver or Crypto: Which Performs Better in a Recession?
Sharon Wu, CFEI, Special to USA TODAY on July 26, 2026
Gold has averaged 28% gains across the last seven U.S. recessions — but Bitcoin’s track record tells a very different story.
Is Silver or Bitcoin the Right Choice for You?
Sharon Wu, CFEI, Special to USA TODAY on July 26, 2026
Bitcoin’s swings can run two to three times silver’s, but only one of the two has centuries of history behind it.
Should You Add Physical Gold to Your Roth IRA?
Sharon Wu, CFEI, Special to USA TODAY on July 24, 2026
A dealer premium plus custodian markup can eat up to $4,000 of every $50,000 gold purchase — here’s how the tax perks stack up
Emergency Repair Calls Spike on Fourth of July Weekends — What It Could Cost You
Sharon Wu, CFEI, Special to USA TODAY on July 4, 2026
A blown indoor fan motor or backed-up sewer line can turn a routine home repair into a $5,000 holiday weekend bill, experts warn.
Top Home Warranty Providers for Arizona Homeowners
Sharon Wu, CFEI, Special to USA TODAY on June 9, 2026
Arizona’s extreme heat pushes home systems to the breaking point — here’s how six top home warranty companies compare on coverage, cost, and claims handling.
Is Silver or Gold the Better Investment in 2026?
Sharon Wu, CFEI, Special to USA TODAY on May 15, 2026
Gold hit record demand in 2025 while silver had one of its strongest price runs in decades — but the two metals serve very different roles in a portfolio.
Should You Add Precious Metals to Your Retirement Account in 2026?
Sharon Wu, CFEI, Special to USA TODAY on May 15, 2026
Gold and silver are hitting record highs in 2026, but financial advisors warn retirement savers to keep precious metals at 10% or less — and to watch for high-pressure sales pitches.
Priority Gold Review: Services, Fees and What to Know
Sharon Wu, CFEI, Special to USA TODAY on May 15, 2026
Priority Gold helps investors roll over retirement accounts into physical metals, but its markup pricing isn’t posted online — and annual IRA fees can reach $300 before you buy a single ounce.
Is Silver a Good Investment for Your Money?
Sharon Wu, CFEI, Special to USA TODAY on May 15, 2026
Silver costs far less than gold and can hedge inflation, but wild price swings and tax disadvantages make it a portfolio complement, not an anchor.
Thor Metals Review: Services, Fees and What to Know
Sharon Wu, CFEI, Special to USA TODAY on April 23, 2026
Thor Metals covers IRA setup and two years of storage at no extra charge on qualifying accounts — but markups on coins and bars still run 1% to 3% over spot, and third-party custodian fees kick in after that.
American Hartford Gold Review: Services, Fees and What to Know
Sharon Wu, CFEI, Special to USA TODAY on April 23, 2026
American Hartford Gold doesn’t post prices online, and IRA customers pay $75 to $125 a year in maintenance fees on top of dealer markups they can’t preview until they call.
Goldco Review: Services, Fees and What to Know
Sharon Wu, CFEI, Special to USA TODAY on April 23, 2026
Before rolling over a 401(k) into gold, know what Goldco actually charges — setup, annual maintenance, and storage fees add up even before dealer markups hit the spot price.
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