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

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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.<...

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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.

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7-minute read

Buying a house with mold: What you need to know

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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.

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4-minute read

A guide to broker price opinion (BPO)

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6-minute read

Making escrow simpler through Rocket Mortgage®

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8-minute read

What is a 1031 exchange?

A 1031 exchange allows investors to exchange a property for another of equal or greater value and avoid capital gains taxes. Learn how a 1031 can help you.

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A stock photo featuring a speculative or model house, possibly showcasing architectural design or real estate.

5-minute read

What is a spec home? Defined and explained

A spec house is a home that’s built with the speculation that it will be sold for profit. Learn more about the costs and pros and cons of buying a spec...

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Row of houses along Maine coast.

8-minute read

Advice for second-time home buyers: What to know

Just because you’ve purchased a home before doesn’t mean the home buying process is always simple. Check out our advice for second-time home buye...

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