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
Personal Finance

Education

B.A. Central College

Media mentions

Muck Rack

Recent Articles

People signing a mortgage note or document.

6-minute read

Promissory notes: What are they?

A promissory note is a repayment agreement between a borrower and lender, but how does it differ from a loan? Read on to see how promissory notes affect you.

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Row of townhouses in Virginia, showcasing the neighborhood's architecture and landscaping.

8-minute read

Town house vs. house: Weighing the pros and cons

Choosing between a town house and a single-family home? Learn the key differences, pros and cons, and what fits your long-term goals best.

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Urban architecture with greenery representing real estate investment.

6-minute read

Is real estate a good investment for you?

Real estate is a major investment, but it comes with benefits. Here's how it compares to stocks and bonds, and some reasons you might want to start investing...

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Father and mother snuggling toddler in kitchen of home with picture windows revealing a vast green landscape.

7-minute read

A guide to the types of VA loans

VA loans offer low-cost mortgages to veterans and active-duty service members. Discover the types of VA loans available and how to apply.

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Retired couple in their kitchen looking at open laptop together and smiling.

4-minute read

Should you use your 401(k) to pay off your mortgage?

You can borrow or withdraw 401(k) retirement funds to pay off your mortgage. Learn the pros and cons of this approach, as well as a few alternatives.

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Young family enjoying a snack together on their couch, smiling.

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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