Headshot 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

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 i...

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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.

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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 ser...

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An accountant doing taxes, depicting financial or accounting-related tasks.

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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Wooden architecture of a house door leading to a front porch and yard with green landscaping, portraying a welcoming entrance.

4-minute read

Understanding gross rent multiplier as an investment tool

Whether you're investing in a duplex or a 400-unit apartment complex, you'll come across the Gross Rent Multiplier and wonder what it means. Let us explain.

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An image displaying a grey, single-story ranch-style model house with a well-maintained lawn and driveway.

3-minute read

What Is An FHA amendatory clause?

Are you financing your new home with an FHA loan? The FHA amendatory clause is one step to the process. Learn how the clause impacts you as a home buyer.

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A Planned Unit Development (PUD) condo, depicting a specific type of residential property.

3-minute read

PUD (Planned Unit Development): What it is and how it differs from other types of housing

A PUD, or planned unit development, is a small community of single-family homes. Read on to learn about living in a PUD and how it differs from other housing...

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