Andrew Latham
Andrew is the Content Director for SuperMoney, a Certified Financial Planner®, and a Certified Personal Finance Counselor. He loves to geek out on financial data and translate it into actionable insights everyone can understand. His work is often cited by major publications and institutions, such as Forbes, U.S. News, Fox Business, SFGate, Realtor, Deloitte, and Business Insider.
articles from Andrew
1346 posts
Lower Mortgage Rates Aren’t Enough: 3 Factors Keeping Buyers on the Sidelines
Published 09/25/2024 by Andrew Latham
Mortgage rates have fallen to their lowest in 15 months, but potential buyers remain hesitant. Despite a slight drop in interest rates, pending home sales are down nearly 7%. This reluctance stems from uncertainty around agent fees, expectations of further rate cuts, and potential price reductions. Additionally, political uncertainty has also made buyers wary of entering the market right now.

How the Fed’s Latest Rate Cut Affects You: Who Wins, Who Loses, and What to Do Next
Published 09/19/2024 by Andrew Latham
The Federal Reserve recently reduced interest rates by 25 basis points, offering potential savings for borrowers but presenting challenges for savers and retirees. This article explores the winners and losers of the Fed’s latest rate cut and provides actionable advice to help you adapt your financial strategy and make the most of the economic environment.

A Practical Step-by-Step Guide to Maximize Your Charitable Giving and Tax Benefits
Published 09/18/2024 by Andrew Latham
Charitable giving can benefit both the organizations you support and your tax bill, but with recent changes in tax law, it’s harder to claim a deduction. This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to make the most of your charitable donations through strategies like donating physical property, stock, retirement funds, and bundling donations into a donor-advised fund. These methods can help you optimize your giving and increase your chances of receiving tax benefits while making an impact.

19 Counties Where Homes Average $1M+ Where Does Yours Rank?
Published 09/12/2024 by Andrew Latham
The price of a typical home has soared past $1 million in 19 U.S. counties. While “million-dollar cities” are frequently discussed, the rise of “million-dollar” counties adds a broader perspective on housing affordability. From tech hubs to luxury vacation spots, this is the story of the U.S. counties with the highest median home prices.

HEIs vs HELOCs and HELs: How To Compare the Actual Cost of Your Home Equity Options
Published 08/27/2024 by Andrew Latham
Leveraging home equity is a popular method to generate cash flow for investments, pay off high interest debt, or finance major expenses, but not all home equity financing products are created equal. Discover the cost and financial implications of each option.

What Is Debt Consolidation, and When Is it a Good Idea?
Published 08/02/2024 by Andrew Latham
Debt consolidation can be an effective way to manage and reduce your debt by combining multiple debts into one loan with a lower interest rate. This article explores the benefits and drawbacks of debt consolidation, particularly focusing on unsecured personal loans while also touching on home equity loans (HEA) and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs).

Is It a Good Idea to Pay For a Vacation with a Personal Loan?
Published 06/19/2024 by Andrew Latham
Financing a vacation with a personal loan can be a good option if approached responsibly. This article explores when a vacation loan makes sense, the benefits it offers, steps to secure one, and alternative funding methods. We also share 5 travel hacks that will help you maximize your vacation budget.

Best (and Worst) Home Improvements by ROI in 2026
Published 06/11/2024 by Andrew Latham
While most home improvement projects don’t pay off, there are some exceptions that can significantly boost your home’s resale value. These are the top 10 projects with the best return on investment (ROI) based on recent studies. Discover which renovations are worth your time and money.

Can Money Buy Happiness? Yes, But Only For 80% Of People
Published 05/30/2024 by Andrew Latham
Money can buy happiness, but the impact depends on how happy you are to begin with. Recent research reveals that higher income boosts happiness for about 8 out of 10 people who are already relatively happy. For the least happy 20%, additional income beyond $100,000 doesn’t significantly increase happiness. While income does play a role, other factors like relationships, health, and personal fulfillment have a more substantial impact on overall well-being.

Jackson Hewitt vs. H&R Block: Which Is Right for You?
Published 05/10/2024 by Andrew Latham
Jackson Hewitt and H&R Block are two prominent names among tax preparation services, offering both in-person assistance and online filing options. This comprehensive comparison delves into the details of each service, including features, costs, and user experience, to help you make an informed decision for your tax filing needs.
