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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

How Do Car Loans Work? Your Guide to Auto Financing

Car loans split the cost of a vehicle into monthly payments, but your credit score, down payment, and loan term all shape what you actually pay in interest.
Read MoreJul 15, 2026
Man reviewing car loan payment options on his phone next to his vehicle.

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 MoreJul 15, 2026
Homeowner calculating the cost to refinance a mortgage.

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 MoreJul 14, 2026
A woman contemplating whether it's worth it to get a debt consolidation loan.

The Car Loan Hack: How a New Tax Law Could Let You Deduct $10,000 in Interest

The No Tax on Car Loan Interest deduction lets eligible buyers deduct up to $10,000 in auto loan interest per year through the 2028 tax year. Most borrowers will save a few hundred to a few thousand dollars over the life of their loan, depending on their income, tax bracket, and loan size.
Read MoreJul 13, 2026
A man learning about the new tax law on car loans.

Zero Down Payment Home Loans: How to Buy a House With No Money Down

Zero-down home loans let you finance 100% of a home's purchase price, but closing costs, higher interest, and cash reserve requirements still apply. Choose the right loan type for your situation and make sure you can cover the costs that come after closing.
Read MoreJul 13, 2026
A woman who has purchased a home with a zero down payment home loan.

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 MoreJul 8, 2026
A young couple researching weather they can buy a house if they have student loans.

Can You Get a Business Loan Without a Bank Account? What Entrepreneurs Need to Know

Most traditional business loans require a bank account, but nonprofit microlenders, platform-native fintech lenders, and personal loans are realistic alternatives. Opening a business bank account before you need financing remains the smartest move, since it significantly expands your options down the line.
Read MoreJul 3, 2026
An entrepreneur applying for a business loan without a bank account.

Top 3 Best OnDeck Alternatives in 2026: Small Business Lenders Worth Considering

OnDeck is a well-known online business lender, but its rates, loan caps, and qualification requirements aren't the right fit for every business. Biz2Credit, SoFi, and Fundera are strong alternatives depending on how much you need, how quickly you need it, and your credit profile.
Read MoreJul 2, 2026
A small business owners reviewing the best OnDeck alternatives for business 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 MoreJun 2, 2026
A home owner that qualified for a mortgage assumption.
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