Erik Martin
Erik J. Martin is a Chicago area-based freelance writer whose articles have been published by AARP The Magazine, The Motley Fool, The Costco Connection, USAA, US Chamber of Commerce, Bankrate, The Chicago Tribune, and other publications. He often writes on topics related to real estate, personal finance, business, technology, health care, and entertainment. Erik also hosts the Cineversary podcast and publishes several blogs, including martinspiration.com and cineversegroup.com.
How to Stop a Debt Collector From Contacting YouSep 20, 2024
Debt collectors cannot contact you if you write a cease-and-desist letter. You can stop collection calls at work, collection calls to your family, and collection calls to your cell phone.
Co-Signer Rights on House or CarSep 16, 2024
What rights does a co-signer have? Learn about co-signer rights to property and what rights a co-signer have on a car.
Dave Ramsey's 7 Baby Steps for Financial SuccessJun 20, 2024
Get on the right path financially with Dave Ramsey’s 7 baby steps. It's the best way to follow the Dave Ramsey Financial Plan.
Can’t Pay Your Bills? Get Help Now Dec 25, 2022
Get help now if you are struggling financially and can’t pay your bills. Learn about four steps you can take to get back on track.
Christmas Loans: How Should You Pay for Your Holiday?Nov 9, 2022
Christmas loans, if used properly, can help you plan your holiday gifts, travels, and entertainment and save money. However, if you don't...
Secured Loans vs Unsecured Loans: Comparing and ChoosingNov 9, 2022
Secured loans require collateral, like a car or home loan. An unsecured loan or a signature loan requires a personal guarantee. Learn how to compare and choose…
Hardship Loans and AlternativesNov 6, 2022
Hardship loans can help pay bills. If you are in financial hardship, it is difficult to qualify for hardship loans. Learn about the best hardship loans and alternatives…
Home Equity Loan vs Cash-Out Refinance: Which Is Better? Oct 20, 2022
How does a cash-out refinance work vs a home equity loan? Learn which loan is better to take cash out of your home
How to Calculate a HELOC PaymentOct 19, 2022
Learn how to calculate a HELOC payment during the draw period and the repayment phase.
How Does A Cash-Out Refinance Work?Oct 11, 2022
Cash-out refinancing is a way to change the terms of your mortgage and take cash out of your home with one loan. Learn how cash-out refinancing works and when it’s a good idea.
Can You Use a Home Equity Loan for Business?Oct 10, 2022
A home equity loan can be an excellent small business loan for certain business owners. However, borrowers can lose their homes if their business fails and they cannot afford the home equity loan payments.
Credit Score to Buy a CarSep 11, 2022
What is the minimum credit score to buy a car? For most consumers, it’s 660. However, there are many auto loans for people with lower credit scores.
How Do HELOC Interest Rates Change?Sep 11, 2022
Most HELOCs have variable interest rates. When and how do interest rates change on a HELOC? Learn how to manage Home Equity Line of Credit interest rate changes.
Can You Use a HELOC for a Business?Sep 5, 2022
A home equity line of credit (HELOC) can be a good small business loan for certain business owners. However, borrowers can lose their homes if their business fails and they cannot afford the loan payments.
HELOC RefinanceAug 23, 2022
There are several reasons to refinance a HELOC – pay less interest, get more time to pay, or change a variable rate to a fixed rate. Learn how to refinance a HELOC.
Credit Score to Buy a HouseAug 23, 2022
What is the minimum credit score to buy a house? It depends on the program – conventional, FHA, or VA – and your down payment.
All About CreditAug 16, 2022
Credit is the ability to borrow money now and repay it later. Credit reports show lenders how you have repaid debts in the past. Credit scores reflect your...
Cash Out RefinanceAug 16, 2022
A Cash out refinance lets you change your current mortgage terms and receive more money. You can lower your interest, get more affordable payments, and use...
Home Equity Loan RequirementsJun 6, 2022
Home equity loan requirements vary by lenders. However most lenders require a good credit score and a loan to value ration that doesn't exceed 85%, including your current mortgage.
How to Get a Home Equity Loan With Bad CreditJun 5, 2022
To get a home equity loan with bad credit, you’ll need significant home equity and a good source of income. Expect higher interest rates and loan fees but you can...
Home Equity Improvement LoansJun 4, 2022
There are several types of home improvement loans. You may choose from home equity loans, HELOCs, cash-out refinancing, and personal loans. Your best choice depends on...
Student LoansMay 3, 2022
Total student loan debt in the US is more than $1.58 trillion. Learn more how student loans work, how to apply for student loans and how to pay off student loans
Payday LoansMay 2, 2022
Payday loans | Discover why you should run away from payday loans, and how to repay them if you fall behind. Make sure that you don't...
BitcoinApr 28, 2022
Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies like Dogecoin offer an alternative to government-backed currencies. Learn the three reasons why to use Bitcoin, including...
CryptocurrencyApr 27, 2022
Cryptocurrency is a form of digital or virtual currency that can be used to purchase and sell products and services. Learn more about different types, how it works...
Balance Transfer Credit CardsApr 27, 2022
Balance transfer credit cards involve paying off an existing credit card with a new credit card, often at a low introductory 0% APR. However, you need to be careful...
Mortgage AssistanceApr 27, 2022
Mortgage assistance and how to qualify for mortgage relief in 2022. Congress mortgage relief and other mortgage assistance programs.
USDA LoansApr 19, 2022
A USDA loan is a government-backed loan designed to stimulate growth and prosperity in rural and small-town areas. USDA loans offer low-interest financing...