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Lorraine Roberte

Lorraine Roberte

Debt and Mortgage Expert

Lorraine Roberte is a trusted debt and mortgage expert for Besmoney.com. As the CEO and Founder of Crafty Writing, she specializes in personal finance and insurance content. She has written for leading publications like AAA, GoodRx, Investopedia, PNC Bank, CNN Underscored, Bankrate, and many more. She does the hard work of breaking down complex financial topics like loans, mortgages, debt, and insurance coverage to help readers make confident decisions.

Posts by Lorraine Roberte

The Average Down Payment by Region (And How to Beat It)

For years, the down payment has been the biggest thing standing between renters and a mortgage. That's starting to change.
Read MoreSep 23, 2026
Couple saving for a home down payment.

Is Debt Settlement a Good Idea? Risks and When It Makes Sense

Debt settlement can wipe out part of what you owe, but it damages your credit and can leave you with a tax bill. Here's how to tell whether it fits your situation.
Read MoreSep 23, 2026
Man reviewing his debt and considering whether debt settlement is a good idea

Debt Consolidation Loans Are at Record Highs—Should You Get One?

A debt consolidation loan can lower your interest costs and simplify repayment, but only if you consolidate the right debts at the right rate. Whether it's worth it depends on your APRs, repayment terms, and ability to stick to a budget.
Read MoreSep 20, 2026
A woman contemplating whether it's worth it to get a debt consolidation loan.

What Is Debt Settlement and How Does It Work?

If you're juggling high balances and high-interest debt, you've probably wondered whether paying less than you owe is a real way out.
Read MoreSep 14, 2026
Woman reviewing her bills to understand how debt settlement works.

Consolidated Your Debt, But Balances Are Back? Here's What To Do

Dealing with credit card debt after consolidation can feel incredibly isolating, frustrating, and exhausting. You took the responsible step of lowering your interest rates and streamlining your payments, so why did the balances return?
Read MoreSep 10, 2026
Person reviewing credit card debt after consolidation.

The American Dream is Not Dead: Why 85% of Americans Still Aspire to Homeownership

If you judge the housing market solely by recent headlines, you might conclude the "American Dream" of homeownership has flatlined.
Read MoreAug 24, 2026
Couple standing in front of their first home.

Should You Use Your VA Loan Benefit? The Real Math Behind the Choice

You've served your country, earned your Certificate of Eligibility (COE), and are finally ready to buy a home. But when you sit down with your real estate agent, you hear a disheartening warning: Sellers in this market prefer conventional loans or cash. A VA offer might get pushed to the bottom of the pile.
Read MoreAug 24, 2026
Veteran reviewing VA loan paperwork and comparing mortgage rates at an outdoor table.

How Much Does It Cost to Refinance a Mortgage?

Refinancing typically costs 3% to 6% of your loan, often $9,000 or more on an average mortgage, and most of that goes to fees you can actually shop around for or negotiate down. Whether it's worth it comes down to how long you'll stay in the home versus your break-even point.
Read MoreAug 24, 2026
Homeowner calculating the cost to refinance a mortgage.

Can You Get a Mortgage With Student Loans? What Lenders Really Look For

Student loans don't disqualify you from getting a mortgage, but how your lender calculates your qualifying payment can vary significantly by loan program. Comparing programs like Fannie Mae, FHA, and VA loans, and getting pre-approved early, can make the difference between approval and denial.
Read MoreAug 24, 2026
A young couple researching weather they can buy a house if they have student loans.

12M Loans Qualify for a Mortgage Assumption: Here’s How to Inherit a 3% Rate

A low mortgage rate can feel like a thing of the past, unless you can take over one that already exists. That’s the appeal of an assumable mortgage. Instead of applying for a brand new loan at today’s rates, a buyer may be able to step into the seller’s existing mortgage, including its lower interest rate and remaining loan terms.
Read MoreAug 24, 2026
A home owner that qualified for a mortgage assumption.
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