Quick Read Beth accumulated $21,000 in secret credit card debt on a $230,000 household income by funding her own lifestyle preferences and helping adult children without her husband’s knowledge, ...

"Our realtor literally laughed at us and then fired us," said Hope, a recent caller on The Ramsey Show. She is looking for a $350,000 house in Northern Virginia, where that price point barely exists.

The standard affordability guideline says your mortgage payment should stay at or below 28% of gross monthly income. It your potential mortgage is above that percentage, financial experts advise ...