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Kevin Mercadante

Kevin Mercadante

Since 2009, Kevin Mercadante has been sharing his journey from a washed-up mortgage loan officer emerging from the Financial Meltdown as a contract/self-employed “slash worker” – accountant/blogger/freelance web content writer – on Out of Your Rut.com. He offers career strategies, from dealing with under-employment to transitioning into self-employment, and provides “Alt-retirement strategies” for the vast majority who won’t retire to the beach as millionaires.

Kevin frequently discusses the big-picture trends that are putting the squeeze on the bottom 90%, offering work-arounds and expense cutting tips to help readers carve out more money to save in their budgets – a.k.a., breaking the “savings barrier” and transitioning from debtor to saver.

https://linkedin.com/in/kevin-mercadante-49635225

Articles by Kevin Mercadante

cashback apps
Personal Finance

Best Cash Back Apps

Updated on July 21, 2023
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5 Min Read
Inflation got you down? The best cash back apps of 2022 are a way to fight back. Earn 10% and more in cash back, discounts and other rewards.
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best checking accounts
Banking

Best Checking Accounts

Updated on March 7, 2023
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7 Min Read
The best checking accounts combine no monthly fee, a low or no minimum opening deposit, interest or rewards, and other features that will make your financial life easier. Here’s where to find them.
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Credit Score

How to Build Credit

Updated on November 15, 2022
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8 Min Read
Building takes time but you can use certain time-tested strategies to build your credit from the ground up.
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Banking

Best Business Checking Accounts

Updated on November 3, 2022
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9 Min Read
To find the best business checking accounts, you’ll need to match the bank and the services it provides, with your business and the specific financial needs it has.
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auto loan refinance form
Loans

How to Refinance Your Car Loan

Updated on October 27, 2022
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7 Min Read
There are 7 steps to refinance your car loan. Follow them carefully, and you may be rewarded with a lower interest rate and monthly payment in just one or two days. Here’s how...
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mortgage application form
Mortgages

How to Qualify for a Mortgage

Updated on March 13, 2022
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9 Min Read
By knowing how to qualify for a mortgage upfront, and being prepared, you’ll increase the likelihood of approval and of getting a better loan rate.
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credit score for mortgage
Credit Score

Which Credit Score Do Mortgage Lenders Use?

Updated on March 17, 2022
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4 Min Read
That free credit score you get is not the same score used by mortgage lenders. Here’s the score lenders use, and how you can improve it to get a better interest rate.
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what is line of credit
Personal Finance

What is a Line of Credit?

Updated on March 13, 2022
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5 Min Read
What is a line of credit? It’s a highly flexible financing arrangement, providing the consumer with access to ready cash, and even an opportunity to improve his or her credit score.
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what percentage of income should go to a mortgage
Mortgages

What Percentage of Income Should Go to a Mortgage?

Updated on June 2, 2022
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6 Min Read
Do you wonder what percentage of income should go to a mortgage? There are definite answers to that question, but plenty of flexibility as well. Find out about both here.
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Loans

What Is a Conventional Loan?

Updated on April 21, 2022
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5 Min Read
Here’s all you need to know about conventional loans. We’ll tell you about the different types of conventional loans, which will work best for you, and how to best qualify.
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Banking

What Is APR?

Updated on April 19, 2022
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6 Min Read
APR is more important than the interest rate on a loan. APR reflects the true cost of a loan because it includes any fees charged by the lender – in addition to the interest rate.
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