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.
Recent Articles
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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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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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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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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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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10-minute read
A complete guide to the Fannie Mae HomeStyle loans for renovations
Looking at bundling home renovation costs into your mortgage? The Fannie Mae HomeStyle loan program makes it easy. Learn how it works and what to expect.
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8-minute read
Earthquake insurance: What does it cover, and do you need it?
Earthquake insurance covers damages that homeowners insurance and renters insurance don’t. See how much earthquake insurance costs and decide if you need ...
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5-minute read
How much can a 1% difference in your mortgage rate save or cost you?
Is saving 1% on your mortgage interest rate worth it? Whether you’re shopping for a mortgage or refinancing your current loan, the savings are signific...
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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...
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