United States guides
United States Property & Mortgage Guides
Plain-English guides on mortgages, investment property, and home buying in United States. Each guide links to the relevant calculator so you can put the concepts into practice immediately.
How extra mortgage payments reduce interest
A plain-English explanation of how overpaying your mortgage saves thousands in interest and cuts years off your loan.
Rent vs buy: how to compare the real cost
Understanding the true financial comparison between renting and buying — including opportunity cost, appreciation, and break-even.
How much deposit do you need to buy a home?
Down payment requirements, PMI, and strategies for first home buyers in the US.
How rental yield works
Gross vs net yield, what counts as a good yield, and how to calculate it for any investment property.
When refinancing makes sense
How to calculate your refinance break-even point and decide if a rate drop justifies the closing costs.
15 vs 30 year mortgage: which is better?
Compare the real long-term cost of 15 and 30 year fixed mortgages and find out which fits your situation.