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
How are mortgage rates and inflation related?
When inflation increases, interest rates on new mortgages and ARMs increase too. Learn more about the relationship between inflation and mortgage rates.
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8-minute read
A guide to getting a HELOC with 'bad' credit
Lenders review your credit, debt-to-income ratio, home equity, and other factors when you apply for a HELOC. Learn about getting a HELOC with 'bad' credit.
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7-minute read
How to get a VA loan after bankruptcy
Getting a VA loan after bankruptcy is possible, but there’s a process that some may find challenging. Here’s what to expect.
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5-minute read
VA home loan occupancy requirements
VA home loan occupancy requirements mandate that you live in the property you purchase with a VA loan. Learn more about how to meet this standard.
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7-minute read
What home improvements are tax-deductible? IRS rules and eligible upgrades
Are home improvements tax-deductible? Learn what improvements you can deduct from your taxes, what counts as a capital improvement, and how the IRS decides.
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4-minute read
VA loan forbearance: Everything you need to know
If you have a VA loan and are facing financial difficulties, your options extend beyond a VA loan forbearance. See how to catch up and what to do next.
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5-minute read
8 tax deductions for homeowners: Your breaks and benefits
If you own your home, you can save money when on income tax by deducting specific expenses. Get the most value from your home with these 8 tax deductions.
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6-minute read
What is the average mortgage payment in Florida?
Wondering about Florida’s average mortgage payment? Explore the state’s trends, interest rates, and what to expect when buying a home in the Sunshin...
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8-minute read
Housing market predictions for 2026: What can buyers and sellers expect?
Next year will mark the start of a slow, steady recovery for the housing market. Here’s what you can expect if you’re buying or selling a home in 20...
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