Headshot of a woman smiling, sitting at a wooden table.

Melissa Brock

Freelance Writer

Melissa Brock is a college funding/personal finance strategist with 12+ years of experience guiding families through the complex intersection of college funding and household budgeting. She specializes in helping parents of high school students avoid student loan debt by aligning college choices with real-life finances, without sacrificing retirement savings or home equity.With a deep understanding of how education costs impact a family’s overall financial picture, including mortgage decisions and real estate planning, Melissa empowers families to protect their biggest assets. Her coaching and resources help parents make informed decisions that support both their child’s future and their financial security.

Through her work, she has become a trusted resource in the personal finance space, offering clear and actionable strategies that integrate college planning with mortgage awareness, budgeting, and debt prevention. Whether families are refinancing a home, evaluating college return on investment, or mapping out a debt-free degree, Melissa provides the clarity and confidence they need to move forward.

Expertise

Mortgage
PersonalFinance

Recent Articles

A couple discussing real estate investment or mortgage with an agent.

28-minute read

Mortgage terms: Defined and explained

There are many unfamiliar terms to learn when you’re buying a home and need to apply for a mortgage. Here’s a list of common mortgage terms and what they mean.

Read more

An accessory dwelling, potentially illustrating an additional dwelling unit on a property.

5-minute read

Accessory dwelling unit, or ADU, defined and explained

An accessory dwelling unit is a separate living space located within your home or on your property. Find out more about ADUs and how one might work for you.

Read more

An image indicating an offer date in real estate, possibly illustrating a deadline or time-sensitive property offer.

5-minute read

Offer dates in real estate: What buyers and sellers need to know

In some real estate transactions, the seller decides to set an offer review date for their home. Learn about what this means for buyers and sellers.

Read more

A man cleaning mold in the ceiling, potentially related to home maintenance or repair.

7-minute read

Buying a house with mold: What you need to know

Finding out a home has mold doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker. Learn how mold can affect your health and property and the steps you can take to manage it.

Read more

Row of white manufactured homes with expansive green lawn in foreground and trees in the background.

7-minute read

Pros and cons of manufactured homes: A guide

Wondering about the pros and cons of manufactured homes? Our guide explores what you should consider, from financing to long-term value to customizing.

Read more

Multiple houses in a row, representing a residential area or neighborhood.

6-minute read

Real estate investing: How many mortgage can you have?

Interested in multiple mortgages? Discover how many mortgages Fannie Mae allows, the borrowing requirements and alternative lending options to consider.

Read more

An image showing a couple discussing finances, possibly related to financial planning or discussions.

4-minute read

A guide to broker price opinion (BPO)

A broker price opinion (BPO) estimates a property's value based on comparable sales. Learn when a BPO is often used and how it differs from an appraisal.

Read more

A woman on phone possibly talking about a good moment with some family member or friend.

5-minute read

Jumbo loan vs. conventional loan: What's the difference?

If you need a home loan that exceeds conforming loan limits, consider a jumbo loan. Learn how jumbo loans work and why they can be a good option.

Read more

A woman signing paperwork, likely related to legal or financial documentation.

6-minute read

Making escrow simpler through Rocket Mortgage®

With a Rocket Mortgage escrow account, we’ll make your property tax and homeowners insurance payments easier to manage. Learn more about our escrow services.

Read more

1 of 4