Neil Prasad
Personal Finance Writer
CPA (inactive), MBA
16 Articles Published
About Neil
Got my CPA, worked in corporate finance for 6 years, realized I hated it. Pivoted to financial writing because I actually like explaining things. My CPA is inactive now but the knowledge stuck.
Areas of Expertise
Experience
I write about personal finance because corporate accounting taught me how money actually works, even if I never want to do another audit.
Articles by Neil
Understanding Loan Amortization: A Complete Guide
Learn how loan amortization works and why understanding your payment breakdown can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan.
Read Article →Personal Loan Rates Guide: What You Need to Know Before Borrowing
With personal loan rates averaging 12.25% today, understanding how to get the best rate can save you thousands. Learn what lenders look for and how to qualify for rates below 6.5%.
Read Article →How to Eliminate High-Interest Debt: A Practical Action Plan
High-interest debt at 20%+ can trap you in endless payment cycles. Learn proven strategies to attack and eliminate expensive debt systematically.
Read Article →Small Business Loan Options: Finding the Right Financing
From SBA loans to business lines of credit, explore financing options for small businesses with rates from 6-30% depending on qualification and loan type.
Read Article →Managing Medical Debt: Practical Solutions and Strategies
Medical debt affects millions. Learn negotiation tactics, payment plans, and programs that can reduce or eliminate healthcare debt.
Read Article →How Much House Can I Afford? Complete 2026 Guide
Learn exactly how much house you can afford based on your income, debts, and down payment. Includes the 28/36 rule, real examples by salary, and calculator.
Read Article →How to Calculate Your Mortgage Payment (With Formula & Examples)
Learn the exact formula lenders use to calculate your monthly mortgage payment. Includes step-by-step examples, PITI breakdown, and how small rate changes cost you thousands.
Read Article →15-Year Mortgage Rates: Is a Shorter Loan Right for You?
As of April 2026, the 15-year rate sits 69 basis points below the 30-year. On a $400K loan, that spread means $307,000 in savings — and $808 more per month. Here's who should take that deal.
Read Article →Refinance Calculator: Is Refinancing Worth It for You?
With 5.4 million homeowners now holding refinanceable mortgages, the math on refinancing has changed. Here's how to calculate whether it makes financial sense for you.
Read Article →Home Buying Process: 12 Steps From Pre-Approval to Closing
Only 21% of 2025 homebuyers were first-timers — the lowest since 1981, per NAR. The buyers who succeed follow a specific sequence. Here are the 12 steps, in order, with what actually matters at each one.
Read Article →When to Refinance Your Mortgage: The Right Time to Refi
The break-even calculation tells you everything you need to know about refinancing. Here's the exact math, the 5 scenarios where refinancing makes clear sense, and when to wait.
Read Article →Refinance Break-Even Calculator: When Will You Recoup Closing Costs?
Calculate your refinance break-even point to know exactly when monthly savings recoup closing costs. Formula, scenario tables, and 2026 average cost data.
Read Article →Mortgage Rate History: 30-Year Fixed Rates From 1970 to 2026
The 30-year fixed mortgage rate has averaged 7.67% since 1971. Today's 6.30% rate is actually below the historical mean — a fact that gets buried when buyers compare to 2020-2021 record lows.
Read Article →Refinance Closing Costs: How Much & Can You Roll Them In?
Refinance closing costs average $6,905 nationally — but that number hides enormous variation by state, lender, and loan size. Here's a complete breakdown and what's actually negotiable.
Read Article →How to Improve Your Credit Score for a Mortgage: Fast Tips
The difference between a 620 and 760 credit score costs over $155,000 on a $300,000 mortgage. Here's a research-backed, timeline-specific plan to move your score before you apply.
Read Article →Conforming vs. Nonconforming Loans: Differences, Limits & When Each Makes Sense
The 2026 conforming loan limit is $832,750. Jumbo loans now often match conforming rates. Learn what separates these loan types and how to choose.
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