Katie Brennan
Student Loans Writer
Former Financial Aid Officer
12 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 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 →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 2026: Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, Jumbo
Compare conventional, FHA, VA, USDA and jumbo home loans using May 2026 PMMS rates, FHFA/HUD limits, DTI checks, PMI tradeoffs and lender-shopping steps.
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 →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 →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 →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 →What Does a Mortgage Payment Include? PITI Breakdown
Most homebuyers underestimate their monthly housing cost by 22%. Here's the complete PITI breakdown — principal, interest, taxes, insurance, PMI, and HOA — with real dollar amounts.
Read Article →Flood Insurance Cost: NFIP Rates, Coverage & Do You Need It?
Only 4% of American homeowners carry flood insurance — yet floods are the nation's most common natural disaster. Here's what NFIP coverage actually costs, what it covers, and whether you need it even if your lender didn't require it.
Read Article →Bank Statement Mortgage: Qualify Without Traditional Income Proof
Self-employed? A bank statement mortgage uses 12-24 months of deposits instead of W-2s to qualify. Learn requirements, rates, and how to get approved.
Read Article →