Portrait photo of Melissa Brock.

Melissa Brock

Contributing 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

Education

B.A. Central College

Media mentions

Muck Rack

Recent Articles

Two women shaking hands, indicating a successful agreement or partnership in real estate.

4-minute read

What is a mortgage reinstatement?

Mortgage reinstatement can be a vital lifeline for borrowers who have missed payments and want to avoid foreclosure. Learn more about how it works here.

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A family in the process of moving into a new home, carrying boxes and belongings.

7-minute read

What are real estate property rights, and why do they matter?

Property rights determine your control over your home, land, and more. Learn the types of property rights in real estate and what each means for homeowners.

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A smiling couple seated comfortably on a couch, expressing contentment.

6-minute read

How to refinance your second home

Are you considering refinancing your second home to secure a lower mortgage rate? Learn about the process and requirements of a second home refinance.

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A woman sealing a box with tape, possibly indicating the process of moving or packing belongings for a new home.

12-minute read

Buying and selling a home at the same time: A complete guide

Buying and selling a home at the same time can be tricky, but it’s doable. Learn how to navigate the process smoothly with expert tips and financing strat...

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A house ownership certificate.

6-minute read

Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC): How it can help you afford your mortgage payments

What is a Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC)? This federal tax credit can help first-time buyers save money. Learn how MCCs work, who qualifies, and how to apply...

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Lesbians walking with their children in a park.

5-minute read

What’s the difference between surface rights and mineral rights?

There are rights granted to homeowners, but surface and mineral rights can be severed. Here’s how surface and mineral rights work and how to secure them.

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A large brick home with a sprawling green lawn and well-tended landscaping.

7-minute read

USDA Streamline refinance: A complete guide

Discover how a USDA Streamline refinance can lower your mortgage rate and simplify the process when interest rates fall, along with a host of other benefits.

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An image depicting digital real estate or virtual property representation.

9-minute read

What is digital real estate? Definition, examples, tips, and pros and cons

Curious about what digital real estate is and how to invest? Learn how to buy virtual land, websites, NFTs, and more with our complete guide.

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A mother and her baby resting together on a cozy couch.

6-minute read

What is a homeowners insurance binder and when do you need one?

Closing on a home requires many signatures from buyers, but this final step also requires that homeowners prove the new home is covered against damages. What...

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