Sample issue

Hi there,

This month's step: read your escrow analysis

If your mortgage payment went up this year even though you have a fixed rate, the reason is almost always escrow. Your servicer collects money for property taxes and insurance with each payment, and when those bills rise, so does your payment.

1. Find your latest escrow analysis (usually mailed or in your servicer's online account).
2. Compare this year's tax and insurance amounts with last year's.
3. If there's a shortage, decide whether to pay it at once or spread it over the year.

More in Escrow accounts explained.

This month's maintenance job

Clean the gutters before the leaves finish falling. Blocked gutters push water toward the foundation and roof edges, which is where expensive repairs start.

Reader question

"Is the 1% rule for maintenance realistic?" It's a starting point. Older homes, big yards and harsh climates usually need more. Our maintenance calculator gives you a range to adjust.

Here's to calm home budgets,
Better Home Budget