Christy Rakoczy
Christy Rakoczy earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Rochester and her Juris Doctorate from UCLA School of Law. She is currently a full-time writer who writes both textbooks and web content related to personal finance and the law. She and her husband and two dogs split their time between Florida and Pennsylvania.
What Is a Home Appraisal – Tips & Process Checklist
When applying for a mortgage to purchase a new home or refinancing your existing mortgage, you have to be ready to jump through some hoops. It can be a difficult and time-consuming process to...
Will the New CAFE Fuel Efficiency Standards Save You Money?
When shopping for a car, one major factor to consider is fuel efficiency. With rising gas prices, this is an especially important issue for most consumers. Although some cars advertise that they are more...
5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Refinance a Mortgage to Pay Credit Card Debt
Everyone knows that credit card debt is "bad" debt due to the high interest rates on most consumer credit cards, while mortgage debt is often described as "good" debt. But sometimes the distinction between...
Attending a Timeshare Presentation for a Free Vacation – Good Idea?
Have you been invited to attend a timeshare presentation? Perhaps you've been offered a steal of a vacation deal - the only catch is that you have to attend a mandatory timeshare meeting. Buying...
How to Incorporate a Business – Types, Costs & Process
Incorporating a business can be a great way to save money on annual taxes, in addition to the protection it offers you from liability - and if you want your business to have a...
What Is Force-Placed Insurance Coverage – Why You Should Avoid It
The vast majority of home buyers use some type of mortgage loan to pay for their home. If you are one of them, then you likely know how much paperwork and fine print is...
How to Rent Out Your House – Considerations for Potential Landlords
Do you have a second home or vacant property you're considering putting up for rent? Renting your house can be a great way to earn income, and can even be an option to help...
6 Reasons Why I Stopped Extreme Couponing
When people talk about the practice of extreme couponing, they throw a lot of numbers around about how much you can save on your grocery bill, and how much stuff you can get for...
What Is Libor – London Interbank Offered Rate History & Scandal
Recently, the term Libor - short for London Interbank Offered Rate - has been brought to the foreground of world news, with a scandal unfolding through an admission of fraudulent banking practices by one...
Should I Pay Off My Mortgage or Student Loans First?
Student loans and mortgage debt are often considered to be "good debt," as they are forms of debt you take on in order to purchase something that should increase your net worth. "Bad debt,"...
Construction Costs of Building a New House – Contracts & Fees
Before my family began the process of having our home built, I learned that we should expect to go at least 10% to 20% percent over the estimated budget. While I didn't believe it...
What Is a Home Construction Loan – Process & How to Qualify
Building your own house can be a wonderful and fun experience - but it can also be a long and expensive process. However, most people cannot afford to pay for the cost of home...
