Author

Ashley Altus, Certified Financial Counselor

Ashley Altus is a writer in the personal finance space, and has covered topics ranging from consumer finance to student debt and first-time homebuyers.

She has been a journalist since 2013, and her content has included interviews with top experts and researchers in a variety of personal finance spaces, including credit scoring, consumer spending habits, and lending.

Altus’s work has appeared in O: The Oprah Magazine, Cosmopolitan Magazine, U.S. News and World Report, in addition to personal finance publications like The Smart Wallet and Float. Her articles have also been cited by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and Washington University in St. Louis.

Altus earned her designation as a Certified Financial Counselor through the National Association of Certified Credit Counselors in 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Baylor University and a Master of Science in Journalism from Northwestern University.

Articles by Ashley Altus

Mortgage Comparison

APR Unveiled: Your Key to Comparing Loan Options

What is an annual percentage rate? Learn about the full cost of borrowing by digging into a loan’s APR.

Down Payments

Breaking Barriers: Accessing Down Payment Assistance Programs for First-Time Homebuyers

The down payment amount you need may be more accessible than you think with the help of local government initiatives aimed at encouraging homeownership.

Refinancing

Unveiling the Numbers: A Comprehensive Guide to Cash Out Refinance Closing Costs

If you need cash for a specific financial goal, a cash-out refinance may be the best option for you. Before committing, know the fees to understand the true cost.

First Home Loan

Preparation is Key: Your Ultimate Checklist of Mortgage Application Documents

From pre-approval to the loan application, you’ll become intimately familiar with paperwork during the mortgage process.