Tom McLean
Sr. Editor
Tom McLean is a veteran writer, editor, and author with more than 30 years’ experience as a professional journalist. A graduate of the University of Arizona, McLean worked as a news writer, copyeditor, and page designer for daily newspapers in Arizona, Idaho, and California before entering entertainment journalism as a features editor at Variety, where he covered such diverse topics as animation, visual effects, the Oscars, and the comic book business. His freelance articles have appeared in Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Animation Magazine, Animation World Network, Newsarama.com and the Los Angeles Times. He is the author of Mutant Cinema: The X-Men Trilogy from Page to Screen, published in 2008, and served three years as editor in chief of Animation Magazine. Tom joined Rocket Los Angeles in 2021 to bring his experience to topics ranging from auto insurance to mortgages, real estate, loans, and personal finance. A native of Canada, he lives in Los Angeles with his wife and their two daughters.
Recent Articles
6-minute read
Bridge loan vs. hard-money loan: What's right for you?
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5-minute read
How to shop for a home loan in 5 steps
Planning to buy a house? One of the first steps in the process is securing a home loan. Learn how to shop for a mortgage and find the best rate here.
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4-minute read
Biweekly vs. monthly mortgage payments: Which is right for you?
You can pay your mortgage monthly or biweekly, which means every other week. Biweekly payments can help you pay off your loan early. Learn the pros and cons.
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5-minute read
Real estate portfolio: What is it and how do you build one?
What is a real estate investment portfolio, and how do you build one? Read our guide to learn more about investing in real estate and building a portfolio.
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4-minute read
Average closing costs in Pennsylvania
Closing costs in Pennsylvania are, on average, higher than they are in other states. Learn more about what closing costs you can expect to pay on a house in ...
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4-minute read
Choosing a bridge loan vs. a HELOC: What's right for you?
Bridge loans and HELOCs can cover you financially if you need to buy and sell a house at the same time. Learn more about which is best for you.
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5-minute read
How to buy a home in Michigan
Median home prices in Michigan are significantly lower than the national average. Learn everything you need to know about preparing to buy a home in Michigan.
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4-minute read
Average closing costs in New York
Closing costs in New York state are higher than the national average. Learn more about which fees you must pay when you’re buying or selling in New Yor...
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8-minute read
How much is a mortgage on a $300K house?
A mortgage on a $300,000 home could cost you between $1,800 and $2,500 a month just for interest and principal. Here’s how to determine if you can affo...
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