Eric’s blog

Is positive rental cash flow the same as a good investment return?

No. Cash flow describes money coming in and going out over a period. Investment return also depends on cash invested, value changes, debt reduction, transaction costs and taxes. A property can have...

Sep 17, 2026

Is the cash I get from selling my home the same as my taxable gain?

No. Cash proceeds reflect the sale price, costs, debt payoffs and other closing adjustments. Taxable gain follows tax rules about basis, selling expenses and any applicable exclusions or other adju...

Sep 17, 2026

Should I build savings or make extra mortgage payments first?

If accessible savings are thin, building a reserve may protect you from needing expensive new debt when an unexpected bill arrives. Extra principal can reduce interest but is harder to access again...

Sep 17, 2026

Should I make extra mortgage payments or contribute to retirement?

Compare the mortgage cost with retirement benefits, investment risk, taxes, access to cash and your time horizon. An employer contribution may be relevant, but plan rules and vesting matter. Neithe...

Sep 17, 2026

Should I pay extra on my mortgage or invest?

Compare your need for accessible cash, the mortgage terms, other debts and your ability to accept investment losses. Extra principal and investing do different jobs. A calculator can illustrate pos...

Sep 17, 2026

Should I use a bonus or inheritance to pay down my mortgage?

Pause long enough to understand the money’s tax and legal obligations and your other priorities. Extra mortgage principal can reduce debt, but it may not lower the required payment and makes the ca...

Sep 17, 2026

Should I use home equity to pay for college?

Compare education funding options, repayment terms and the effect on your own housing and retirement security. Home equity borrowing adds debt secured by your home and may have changing payments. I...

Sep 17, 2026

The Best Gift You Will Ever Give Your Family Costs Almost Nothing. Most People Never Do It.

Aug 18, 2026

What should we cover in an annual mortgage review?

Review your payment, cash reserves, loan balance, other debts and plans for the next few years. The goal is to check whether the mortgage still fits your life. A useful review can end with keeping...

Sep 17, 2026

Am I losing money by keeping cash in escrow?

Escrow holds money for covered bills and can simplify their timing. Whether interest is paid depends on applicable rules and account terms. Compare any available waiver’s costs and responsibilities...

Sep 17, 2026

Are HOA dues included in my mortgage payment?

Association dues are often paid separately from the mortgage, even when the lender includes them in the housing cost used for qualification. Verify the actual payment arrangement with the associati...

Sep 17, 2026

Can I pay my own taxes and insurance instead of using escrow?

An escrow waiver may be available for some loans, subject to program, lender and servicing rules. Paying bills yourself changes who manages the timing; it does not remove the cost. Compare any pric...

Sep 17, 2026