Gina Freeman (Pogol)
Gina Freeman (Gina Pogol) enjoys breaking down complicated subjects and helping consumers feel comfortable making financial decisions. An acknowledged expert in mortgage and personal finance since 2008, Gina's experience includes mortgage lending and underwriting, tax accounting, and credit bureau systems consulting. You can find her articles on MSN Money, Fox Business, Forbes.com, The Motley Fool and other respected sites.
LendingPoint Personal Loan June 2026 ReviewJun 1, 2026
LendingPoint offers very fast loans with no minimum credit score, and you can prequalify to get offers. Learn more.
What Happens to Debt in DivorceMay 29, 2026
Debt doesn't disappear in a divorce. Learn how marital debt is divided, which spouse is responsible, and how to protect your credit and finances.
Sample Answer to Summons for Credit Card DebtMay 28, 2026
Received a summons for credit card debt? Learn what to include in your answer, see sample language, and understand your options, including settlement.
When Can a Credit Card Company Sue You?May 28, 2026
Credit card companies could sue after 180 days of missed payments—but lawsuits aren’t inevitable. Learn what triggers legal action and what to do about it.
Help With Credit Card Debt Over $10,000May 28, 2026
Carrying over $10,000 in credit card debt? Learn which relief options fit your situation, from debt management plans to settlement to bankruptcy.
HELOC Rates Explained: How They Work and What Affects YoursMay 27, 2026
Comparing HELOC rates? Here’s what the prime rate means for your offer, what moves your margin, and how to find a competitive deal before you apply.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Exemptions: What You Can KeepMay 26, 2026
Chapter 7 bankruptcy exemptions protect your home, car, and essentials. Learn how federal and state exemptions work and what property you could keep.
5 Financial Hardships That Qualify for Partial Debt ForgivenessMay 26, 2026
Facing job loss, illness, divorce, or another crisis? Learn which 5 financial hardships could help you qualify for partial debt forgiveness.
Chapter 13 vs. Debt Management Plan: How to ChooseMay 26, 2026
Comparing Chapter 13 bankruptcy and a debt management plan? Learn how each works, what they cost, and how to decide which fits your situation.
Chapter 13 BankruptcyMay 25, 2026
Chapter 13 bankruptcy lets people with regular income repay debts over 3 to 5 years while keeping assets. Learn how it works, what it costs, and who qualifies.
How to Get Out of Debt on a Low IncomeMay 25, 2026
Debt on a limited income is hard, but real strategies could help. Learn to budget, choose a repayment method, and find relief options that fit your situation.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Payment CalculatorMay 25, 2026
Estimate your Chapter 13 plan payment and learn how courts calculate what you owe each month. Understand the three tests that set your number.
Help With Credit Card Debt Over $50,000May 23, 2026
Carrying more than $50,000 in credit card debt? Explore your options—debt management plans, settlement, bankruptcy—and find a path for your situation.
How Long Does It Take Credit to Recover After Debt Settlement?May 23, 2026
Debt settlement damages your credit—but for most people, the damage started before the program did. Here's what rebuilding actually looks like.
Will Creditors Empty My Bank Account If I Set Up Payments?May 23, 2026
Agreeing to set up payments with a creditor doesn't mean they will drain your bank account. Find out the real story here.
What Actually Happens to My Money During Debt Settlement?May 23, 2026
Worried a debt settlement company holds your money? Here's what actually happens, including what you control and what to watch out for.
What Is a Debt Hardship Program and When Should You Ask for One?May 13, 2026
A debt hardship program could lower your payment while you recover. Learn what it is, how it works, and when to contact your lender—before it's too late.
Home Equity Loan Refinance: When to Do It and How to Get StartedApr 27, 2026
Thinking about refinancing your home equity loan? Learn the three ways to do it, what you need to qualify, and when it's actually worth the cost.
Is a HELOC a Subordinate Lien? And Why Should You Care?Apr 27, 2026
Yes, a HELOC is typically a subordinate lien, and that lien position could affect your refinance, your rates, and your options. Here's what to know.
How to Get a Home Equity Loan With Bad CreditApr 27, 2026
A lower credit score doesn’t close the door on home equity. Learn what lenders look for, which options may still work, and how to improve your odds.
Is HELOC or Home Equity Loan Interest Tax Deductible?Apr 27, 2026
HELOC and home equity loan interest may be tax deductible, but only under specific IRS conditions. Learn what qualifies and how to check if you can claim it.
HELOC for BusinessApr 27, 2026
A business HELOC lets you tap your home equity for company expenses. Learn how it works, what it costs, and when the risks may outweigh the benefits.
HELOC vs. Home Equity Loan: Which Is Right for You?Apr 23, 2026
Comparing a HELOC vs. a home equity loan? Learn how each works, which costs less, and which fits your goals. Make the right call for your situation.
Is My California HELOC Recourse or Non-Recourse?Apr 22, 2026
Most California HELOCs are recourse loans, but the answer depends on how yours was structured. Learn what the law says and how to find out where you stand.
How to Get a Home Equity LoanApr 18, 2026
Learn how to get a home equity loan step by step, from checking your equity to closing the loan. Understand requirements, documents, and what to expect.
Home Equity Loan vs. Cash-Out Refinance: Which Option Actually Costs Less?Apr 17, 2026
A cash-out refinance may offer a lower rate, but that may not mean it costs less. Learn how surcharges, closing costs, and your existing mortgage rate determine which option could save you more.
Understanding Debt Settlement Fees: What You’re Actually Paying ForApr 17, 2026
Debt settlement fees are typically around 25% of your enrolled debt—but most people don’t know when they’re charged or what they cover. Here’s how to read any fee agreement.
How Does a Home Equity Loan Work?Apr 11, 2026
A home equity loan lets you borrow a lump sum against your home's equity at a fixed rate. Learn how it works, how much you could borrow, and what to watch out for.
HELOC RequirementsMar 22, 2026
Wondering if you qualify for a HELOC? Learn the credit score, equity, income, and DTI requirements lenders typically look for.
Does Debt Relief Hurt Your Credit? What Actually HappensFeb 23, 2026
The "100 point drop" claim has no research behind it. Your credit damage depends on your starting point and which events each path involves.
Motorcycle Loans [current_month} 2026Jan 1, 2026
Most people pay $7,000-$25,000 for a motorcycle. Find out how you can finance the purchase so you can grab your helmet and go.
What You Need to Know Before Taking a Land LoanJul 22, 2024
Land loans are not like traditional mortgages or personal loans. Whether you qualify might depend on how you plan to use the land. Learn more here.
LoansJun 7, 2022
Learn all about different types of loans and how to find great deals on everything from student loans, home loans, auto loans, debt consolidation loans...
Refinance Mortgage and LoansJun 6, 2022
Refinance | Refinance your mortgage. Learn all about mortgage refinancing, get helpful tips and guidance, and learn when it's best to refinance. You can save...
HELOCMay 3, 2022
What is a HELOC and how does a HELOC work. Learn how to get a HELOC and how much you can borrow with a HELOC, then find best HELOC lenders and...
Purchase MortgageMay 2, 2022
Home Purchase Loan Resources | Learn everything there is to know about a home purchase loan and get the best rate possible...