Free tools and guides
Run the numbers before you decide
Calculators, this week's mortgage rates and plain-English guides. Free, with no sign-up.
Home buying and mortgages
Mortgage calculator
Estimate your monthly payment with principal, interest, property tax, insurance, PMI and HOA dues.
How much house can I afford?
See a comfortable price range from your income, debts and down payment.
Refinance calculator
Compare your current mortgage payment with a new rate and term, and see when closing costs pay off.
Home equity calculator
See how much you might borrow against your home with a home equity loan or HELOC.
Debt and loans
Credit
Guides
Debt relief options, compared
Minimum payments, balance transfers, consolidation loans, credit counseling, debt settlement and bankruptcy, side by side in plain English.
How to spot a debt relief scam
The warning signs, the FTC rule on upfront fees, what a dedicated account should look like, taxes on forgiven debt, and where to report a problem.
Credit score basics
What goes into a FICO Score, how inquiries work, how to get your free credit reports and fix mistakes, and simple ways to build credit.
How to compare loan offers
APR vs interest rate, fees, fixed vs variable rates, loan length, checking rates without a hard pull, and reading a mortgage Loan Estimate.
When your debt is more than your income can carry
What to pay first, free nonprofit credit counseling, hardship programs, your rights with debt collectors, bankruptcy basics and free legal help.
Pay off your debt on your own
Two simple payoff methods, how to ask for a lower rate, what to know about balance transfers, a basic budget, and when a nonprofit plan can help.
Already have a good mortgage rate? Easy wins
Why refinancing may not pay off, how to drop PMI, recasting, extra principal, cutting insurance and property tax costs, and borrowing without giving up your rate.
Financing a manufactured or mobile home
Real property vs personal property loans, FHA, VA, USDA and conventional options, why rates differ, and how to compare the total cost.
Behind on your mortgage? What to do first
Call your servicer early, learn the options to avoid foreclosure, get free help from a HUD-approved housing counselor, and spot rescue scams.
Getting ready to buy a home
Credit steps, FHA credit score and down payment minimums, VA and USDA zero-down loans, down payment help, debt-to-income, closing costs and homebuyer education.
Need money fast? Better options than a payday loan
What payday loans really cost, credit union payday alternative loans, hardship plans, 211, employer advances, free counseling and how to avoid rollover traps.
Free help with your student loans
Find your loans, work with your servicer, compare repayment plans, get out of default, pay down small balances and avoid paying for help that's free.
Small changes that can help your credit
Free weekly credit reports, fixing errors, lowering utilization, autopay, secured cards, credit-builder loans, authorized users, rent reporting and low-cost bank accounts.