Financial Guides
Plain-English guides to help you make smarter money decisions
How Much House Can I Afford? The Real Math (2026)
Use the 28% rule to find your max — on $80K income that is $1,867/month housing. See your exact number.
Rent vs Buy: The Break-Even Math (2026 Update)
Buying beats renting after 5-7 years in most markets. See the exact break-even for your city.
House on $50K Salary: $140K-$175K (2026 Math)
On $50K you can afford $140K-$175K. See the exact payment at different down payments and rates.
House on $75K Salary: $210K-$260K (2026 Math)
On $75K you can afford $210K-$260K. See the payment breakdown with taxes and insurance.
House on $100K Salary: $300K-$400K (2026 Math)
On $100K you can afford $300K-$400K. See full PITI payment and DTI calculations.
How to Save $60K for a Down Payment (Realistic Plan)
$500/month gets you $60K in 8 years with interest. See timelines at every savings rate.
$400K House on $80K Salary: Can You Swing It? (2026)
A $400K house costs ~$2,528/month. On $80K that is 38% of gross — tight but possible. See the full math.
Down Payment: 3% vs 10% vs 20% (Real Cost Comparison)
20% down on $350K saves $247/month vs 3% down. See the PMI and total cost at every level.
Rent vs Buy 2026: The Math Nobody Talks About
Renting can beat buying for 5+ years in expensive markets. See the break-even for your scenario.
Pay Off Your Mortgage 10 Years Early (Exact Numbers)
$500/month extra on a $300K mortgage saves $98K in interest and cuts 10 years. See the math.
House on $60K Salary: $170K-$220K (2026 Math)
On $60K you can afford $170K-$220K. See the monthly payment at different down payments.
$100K Salary Home Budget: $300K-$450K (2026)
$100K income supports $300K-$450K homes. See payment, DTI, and what lenders approve.