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
5-minute read
How to decide if refinancing with the same lender is right for you
If you’ve had a good experience with your lender, you can work with the same one to refinance. Here’s how it works and what you can expect.
Read more
7-minute read
What is a mortgage commitment letter?
A mortgage commitment letter is an important document that confirms the lender's intent to approve your application. Learn how it works and how to get one.
Read more
10-minute read
The 10 best places to live in the US in 2026
Midwestern and Southern cities top the list of the 10 best places to live in the U.S. in 2026, as high-cost coastal metros fall behind.
Read more
5-minute read
What is a mortgage processor, and what do they do?
A mortgage processor, or mortgage loan processor, gathers and reviews your financial documents and helps keep your mortgage moving smoothly toward closing.
Read more
4-minute read
What is an FHA mortgage insurance premium (MIP)?
FHA mortgage insurance premiums, or MIP, are mandatory fees for FHA borrowers. Learn how much they cost, how to pay less, and how to stop paying for MIP.
Read more
9-minute read
What is home equity? A complete guide for homeowners
Home equity is the portion of your home you own. Learn how home equity works, how to calculate it, and common ways homeowners can leverage their equity.
Read more
7-minute read
Buying a second home: A how-to guide
Buying a second home is a little different than buying a primary residence. Learn about your loan options, financial requirements, and other key factors.
Read more
8-minute read
How many home equity loans can I have?
While it's rare to have more than one home equity loan, nothing prevents you from having as many as you can qualify for. Learn when and how you can do this.<...
Read more
8-minute read
ARM vs. fixed-rate mortgage: What’s the difference?
ARMs (adjustable-rate mortgages) and fixed-rate mortgages have distinct pros and cons depending on your goals. Learn the key differences and how to decide.
Read more