Menninger & Associates Articles

Financial Planning Articles by Michael Menninger, CFP and Kyle Ryan, CFP, ChFC

Michael and the team are widely quoted in publications nationwide. Check out some articles on financial planning that they have been featured in.

*Topics discussed and disclosures displayed in articles dated prior to November 28, 2022 reflect the requirements from previous Broker-Dealers. Please see the footer of the website for how services are currently provided.

How to Pay for Emergency Home Repairs Using Your Home Equity

Learn how homeowners can use home equity to cover urgent repair expenses while weighing loan costs, repayment obligations, and alternatives for protecting household cash flow.

10 Must-Know Pros and Cons of Refinancing Student Loans

June 22, 2026 College Planning Investment Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Evaluate whether refinancing student debt could lower your borrowing costs, simplify repayment, or expose you to risks such as losing federal loan benefits.

What Happens If I Can’t Pay My Credit Card?

June 22, 2026 Investment Insights Taxes Financial Planning Cash Management

Learn what happens when you cannot pay your credit card bill, including potential late fees, credit score impacts, collection activity, and steps to manage missed payments.

11 Reverse Mortgage Facts to Know Before You Borrow

June 22, 2026 Investment Insights Estate Planning Financial Planning Cash Management

Discover 11 important reverse mortgage facts, including eligibility, fees, repayment rules, and potential effects on home equity and retirement planning.

How to Create a Budget From Scratch: 6 Easy Steps

June 22, 2026 Investment Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Learn how to create a budget from scratch in six practical steps, track income and expenses, set realistic savings goals, and build better money management habits.

Can You Make Principal-Only Payments on Student Loans?

June 22, 2026 College Planning Investment Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Federal vs. Private Student Loans: What’s the Difference?

June 21, 2026 College Planning Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Compare federal and private student loans by interest rates, repayment options, eligibility, and borrower protections to choose financing that fits your college plans.

How to Borrow $1,000 With No Credit Check

June 16, 2026 Investment Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Explore options for borrowing $1,000 without a credit check, including potential fees, repayment terms, risks, and alternatives for covering an unexpected expense.

8 Safest Places to Keep Your Money (When You Don’t Trust the Big Banks)

May 26, 2026 Insights Business Financial Planning Cash Management

Explore alternatives for keeping your money safe, including insured deposit accounts and other cash management options, while learning how to evaluate access, risk, and protection.

It’s Not Hard to Get a Personal Loan (Even If You Have Fair Credit)

May 26, 2026 Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Learn how to get a personal loan with fair credit, compare lenders and interest rates, understand eligibility requirements, and explore practical ways to improve your chances of approval and find affordable repayment terms.

Where to Get a No-Closing-Cost HELOC: Best Lenders and What to Know

May 21, 2026 Insights Taxes Estate Planning Financial Planning Cash Management

Find the best lenders offering no-closing-cost HELOCs and compare home equity line of credit rates, fees, eligibility requirements, and repayment terms to understand how to access your home equity while minimizing upfront borrowing costs.

Timeshare Contracts: What’s Written in the Fine Print?

May 21, 2026 Investment Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Learn how to read a timeshare contract, identify hidden fees, understand maintenance costs and cancellation clauses, and recognize important legal obligations before signing or exploring options to exit a timeshare agreement.

$100 Instant Loan Apps: How to Borrow $100 Fast With a Cash Advance

May 21, 2026 Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Explore apps that offer small cash advances, learn about eligibility and fees, and compare alternatives before borrowing $100 for an unexpected expense.

How to File the FAFSA With Divorced Parents

May 18, 2026 College Planning Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Learn how to complete the FAFSA with divorced parents, including which parent's financial information may be required and how to avoid common financial aid application mistakes.

How to Prequalify for a Personal Loan

May 7, 2026 Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Learn how to prequalify for a personal loan, understand lender eligibility requirements, and compare potential offers without necessarily affecting your credit score.

New Jersey HELOC Rates and Lenders

May 1, 2026 Insights Estate Planning Financial Planning Cash Management

Explore New Jersey HELOC rates, compare lenders, and understand the costs and qualification requirements involved in borrowing against your home's equity.

How to Choose a Bank: 9 Most Important Things to Consider

April 29, 2026 Investment Retirement Funding Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Learn how to choose a bank by comparing account fees, interest rates, deposit insurance, customer service, ATM access, and digital banking features.

Home Equity Investments: What They Are, Pros and Cons, and Costs

April 28, 2026 Insights Estate Planning Financial Planning Cash Management

Understand home equity investments, compare their potential benefits and drawbacks, and learn about the fees and future costs of exchanging home equity for cash.

HELOC vs. Construction Loan: Financing Options to Build a New Home

April 22, 2026 Investment Insights Estate Planning Financial Planning Cash Management

Compare a HELOC and a construction loan to understand interest rates, repayment terms, and financing options for building a new home.

HELOC vs. Personal Loan: Which Is Better for Your Situation?

April 22, 2026 Insights Taxes Estate Planning Financial Planning Cash Management

Compare a home equity line of credit (HELOC) vs. a personal loan to understand differences in interest rates, fees, repayment terms, borrowing limits, and collateral requirements so you can choose the financing option that best fits your needs.

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