Katie Brennan
Student Loans Writer
Former Financial Aid Officer
17 Articles Published
About Katie
Four years in a university financial aid office. Quit because explaining the same FAFSA mistakes 200 times a semester gets old. Still paying off my own loans, so I have skin in the game.
Areas of Expertise
Experience
Wrote my first article in 2020 after one too many students asked me questions their high school counselors should have answered.
Articles by Katie
Student Loan Repayment Strategies That Work
Student loan debt can feel overwhelming, but strategic repayment can save thousands and achieve freedom years sooner. Learn which repayment strategy fits your situation.
Read Article →Parent PLUS Loans: What Parents Need to Know
Parent PLUS loans let parents borrow for their children's education at 9.08% with minimal requirements. Learn the benefits, risks, and alternatives.
Read Article →Student Loan Forgiveness: Complete Program Guide
From PSLF to income-driven forgiveness, learn which student loan forgiveness programs you qualify for and how to maximize benefits.
Read Article →When to Refinance Your Mortgage: Timing Your Decision Right
Is now the right time to refinance? Learn the key factors to consider, calculate your break-even point, and make a smart refinancing decision.
Read Article →What Is a Mortgage? Complete Guide for Beginners (2026)
A mortgage is the loan most Americans use to buy a home—but how it actually works, what it costs, and what happens if you can't pay are things most buyers never fully understand before signing.
Read Article →Home Loan Guide: Types, Rates & How to Qualify
Navigate every home loan type — conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, jumbo — with current 2026 rates and a clear qualification roadmap from a 15-year mortgage advisor.
Read Article →Should You Refinance Your Mortgage? Complete Guide
Refinancing can save thousands — or cost you money if the timing is wrong. Here's how to run the break-even math, spot the right moment, and avoid the traps that trip up most homeowners.
Read Article →Cash-Out Refinance: How It Works, Rates & Requirements
In Q2 2025, 70% of cash-out refinance borrowers accepted a higher rate to access their equity. Here's how to decide if the trade-off makes sense — with real numbers on rates, LTV limits, closing costs, and tax rules.
Read Article →USDA Home Loans: Zero Down Payment in Rural Areas
USDA loans offer zero down payment and no PMI for eligible buyers — and 'rural' is far broader than most people think. Here's everything you need to qualify.
Read Article →Amortization Calculator: Build Your Complete Payment Schedule
An amortization calculator shows exactly where every dollar goes—and reveals how small changes in extra payments or loan terms can save you tens of thousands. Here's how to use one effectively.
Read Article →Balloon Payments: What They Are & Why to Avoid Them
Balloon payment mortgages promise low monthly payments — until the full loan balance comes due at once. Here's what a balloon payment actually means, who still uses them, and when the risk is justified.
Read Article →HELOC vs. Home Equity Loan: Which Is Better for You?
American homeowners are sitting on nearly $36 trillion in home equity. Here's how to decide between a HELOC and a home equity loan — and when neither makes sense.
Read Article →Extra Mortgage Payment Calculator: Save Years of Interest
Adding $200/month to your mortgage payment can save over $85,000 in interest and cut 7.5 years from your loan. Here's exactly how extra payments work and when to use them.
Read Article →How Much Down Payment Do You Need? Guide by Loan Type
You don't need 20% down to buy a house. Minimum down payments range from 0% to 5% depending on loan type — but the right amount depends on your specific situation.
Read Article →DSCR Loans: Qualify for Investment Property Based on Rental Income
DSCR loans let real estate investors qualify based on property cash flow—no tax returns, no income verification. Rates run 6.12–10.75% in 2026. Here's exactly how they work.
Read Article →Title Insurance: What It Is, Cost & Do You Need It?
Title insurance pays out only 3-5% of premiums as claims — yet it protects against something that can cost you your entire equity position. Here's what it covers, what it costs, and when you genuinely need it.
Read Article →How to Remove PMI: Stop Paying Private Mortgage Insurance
PMI costs the average borrower $115–$375 per month. Here's exactly how to cancel it — by request, automatically, by refinancing, or by appraisal — and which method works fastest for your loan type.
Read Article →