Author

Ashley Altus, Certified Financial Counselor

Ashley Altus is a writer in the personal finance space, and has covered topics ranging from consumer finance to student debt and first-time homebuyers.

She has been a journalist since 2013, and her content has included interviews with top experts and researchers in a variety of personal finance spaces, including credit scoring, consumer spending habits, and lending.

Altus’s work has appeared in O: The Oprah Magazine, Cosmopolitan Magazine, U.S. News and World Report, in addition to personal finance publications like The Smart Wallet and Float. Her articles have also been cited by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and Washington University in St. Louis.

Altus earned her designation as a Certified Financial Counselor through the National Association of Certified Credit Counselors in 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Baylor University and a Master of Science in Journalism from Northwestern University.

Articles by Ashley Altus

Mortgage Advisors

How To Compare Mortgage Rates And Loan Estimates

Compare mortgage rates and loan estimates with a clear checklist to find the lowest-cost loan for your credit, down payment and goals — save money.

Refinancing

Is Refinancing Worth It? How To Decide

Decide if refinancing saves you money: clear breakdown of costs, break-even point, goals, and practical steps to lower payments or shorten your mortgage term.

Mortgage Advisors

Mortgage APR Explained: Compare Loan Costs

APR explained: see how fees and rates reveal the true cost of a mortgage so you can compare offers and pick the most affordable option.

Mortgage Advisors

How to Calculate the Total Cost of a Loan

Calculate the true cost of a home loan - how APR, fees, term and amortization affect payments, plus 3 practical ways to lower borrowing costs.

Mortgage Advisors

Mortgage Closing Costs: What To Expect

Know typical mortgage closing costs, estimate your fees, and use practical negotiation tactics to lower upfront expenses and avoid surprises at closing.

Mortgage Advisors

Attorney Review In Home Buying: What Buyers Should Know

Understand how an attorney review protects buyers, what it may cost, and which states require one - so you can avoid surprises at closing.

Mortgage Advisors

How to Choose a Mortgage Lender for First-Time Buyers

Compare rates, fees, loan types and service to choose a mortgage lender that can save you thousands and fit your first-time homebuyer goals.

Mortgage Advisors

How To Shop Mortgage Rates: 7 Essential Tips

Use 7 proven tips to lower your mortgage rate and save thousands - compare personalized loan quotes, improve credit, and negotiate better terms.

First Home Loan

How To Buy Your First Home: Step-by-Step Guide

Clear, step-by-step guidance for first-time buyers: get mortgage-ready, compare loan options, estimate affordability, and close with confidence.

Mortgage Advisors

How to Choose a Mortgage Advisor: What to Look For

Find the right mortgage advisor: key traits, questions to ask, fee transparency and red flags to save money and stress in your home-buying process.