by Rich Arzaga, CFP®, CCIM , The Real Estate Whisperer® Question: How should two people split rent when one earns significantly more than the other? Answer: Start by choosing the proper framework: Will your arrangement take a business or an emotional approach? This single decision shapes everything that follows. 1. Emotional Approach This is where many couples, friends, or partners  begin—especially when one person earns more than the other. Income differences naturally intro

Why investors need to hear the whole story—not just the success stories . by Rich Arzaga, CFP®, CCIM , The Real Estate Whisperer® Real estate investors naturally gravitate toward posts, videos, and conversations that celebrate winning deals and financial success. In behavioral finance terms, this is classic confirmation bias —the tendency to seek out and prioritize information that supports what we already believe, while discounting or avoiding anything that contradicts those

A financial planner explains when a 50-year mortgage could make sense, how it affects equity, and why it’s more about flexibility than risk. by Rich Arzaga, CFP®, CCIM , The Real Estate Whisperer® Recently, a reporter asked this question: “President Trump has floated the idea of introducing a 50-year mortgage. While it would lower monthly payments at a time when housing affordability is near all-time lows, that trade-off of course means building equity would be a longer and s

Press query response submitted to HerMoney.com , November 2025 by Rich Arzaga, CFP®, CCIM I was recently asked by a financial journalist to weigh in on a reader question: “Reverse mortgage versus home equity loan — which works better for retirees?”   It’s a great question, because although both tools tap into home equity, they are fundamentally different in how they function, how they are regulated, and how much risk they transfer to the retiree. In my response, I explained w

Patience and perspective drive real estate success. What starts as a small investment, carefully nurtured, can develop into something lasting — not due to timing, but because of vision. by Rich Arzaga, CFP®, CCIM This article by Jonathan Lansner , business columnist for the Southern California News Group, explores the evolving California apartment market. Beyond the tactical moves and creative development strategies he highlights, there are a few broader lessons here for real

by Rich Arzaga, CFP®, CCIM (A response to Venessa Wong’s MarketWatch article, “ People pay a lot for insurance. Sometimes it’s not enough...

How should someone decide between contributing to a Roth 401(k) and a Roth IRA? by Rich Arzaga, CFP®, CCIM One of the unique aspects of...