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Have I Ever Told You About… — J.S. Whaldo

December 16, 2025 at 10:44 PM

J.S. Whaldo

@jswhaldo.bsky.social

Some memories stay warm no matter how many years pass. This Christmas story is one of mine.

www.jswhaldo.com/blog-2-1/hav...

#HolidayMagic #MomLife #TrueStory #JSWaldo #WritersOnBsky #LifeWriting #HeartfeltStories

A warm holiday memory about young motherhood, a tight budget, and finding joy in the simplest gift.

Give Me Credit Episode #17

December 12, 2025 at 11:44 PM

J.S. Whaldo

@jswhaldo.bsky.social

BNPL looks easy during holiday shopping, but the debt adds up fast. High delinquencies, hidden payments, and new scoring rules are about to shake things up. Our latest episode breaks it down.

open.substack.com/pub/jswhaldo...

#BNPL #CreditHealth #HolidayShopping

GMC #17 - Buy Now, PRAY Later - a Complete Breakdown of BNPL

Have I Ever Told You About… — J.S. Whaldo

December 9, 2025 at 7:32 PM

J.S. Whaldo

@jswhaldo.bsky.social

A tiny holiday story from the days when I was a young mom trying to create Christmas magic on almost nothing. One simple gift changed everything.

www.jswhaldo.com/blog-2-1/hav...

#Parenting #Motherhood #HolidayStory #ChristmasMemory #WritingCommunity #TravelWriter #LifeStories

A warm holiday memory about young motherhood, a tight budget, and finding joy in the simplest gift.

The Holiday Money Moves That Can Kill Your Mortgage Approval

December 9, 2025 at 1:13 AM

J.S. Whaldo

@jswhaldo.bsky.social

Holiday spending, BNPL, and short-term loans can all affect mortgage approval. I break down what underwriters actually look for and how to shop smart.

open.substack.com/pub/jswhaldo...

#MortgageApproval #BNPL #HomeBuying

Why holiday spending, BNPL, and short-term credit matter for your mortgage approval.

Give Me Credit Episode 16

December 8, 2025 at 9:38 PM

J.S. Whaldo

@jswhaldo.bsky.social

A collector tried a lawsuit threat, wrong info, and plenty of pressure. John stays calm, and we unpack it all. A must listen for anyone dealing with old accounts or collection calls.

jswhaldo.substack.com/p/give-me-cr...

#CreditTips #KnowYourRights #DebtHelp

A Real Debt Collector, A Real Call, A Real Mess

Cruising Alaska by Sea Is the Adventure You Didn’t Know You Needed — J.S. Whaldo

December 4, 2025 at 9:36 PM

J.S. Whaldo

@jswhaldo.bsky.social

Alaska cruises offer whale sightings, Glacier Bay adventures, and some of the world's most scenic waterways. What would you be most excited to see on an Alaska cruise?

www.jswhaldo.com/blog-2-1/cru...

Experience the glaciers, wildlife, and scenic beauty that make Alaska cruises unforgettable, from whale watching to Glacier Bay adventures.

Give Me Credit Episode 16

December 3, 2025 at 7:43 PM

J.S. Whaldo

@jswhaldo.bsky.social

Just dropped a wild episode featuring a real debt collection call and a full breakdown of every tactic used to scare the consumer. Learn your rights and protect your credit. #DebtCollection #ConsumerRights #CreditHelp

open.substack.com/pub/jswhaldo...

A Real Debt Collector, A Real Call, A Real Mess

Mortgage Bankers or Mortgage Brokers - Which One Is Right for You

December 2, 2025 at 7:01 PM

J.S. Whaldo

@jswhaldo.bsky.social

New article is live. If you have ever wondered whether a mortgage banker or a mortgage broker is the better fit, this breakdown makes it simple.

jswhaldo.substack.com/p/mortgage-b...

#mortgage #homebuying #finance

Understanding the key differences can help you make smarter decisions when buying a home.

Give Me Credit Episode 15

December 1, 2025 at 8:39 PM

J.S. Whaldo

@jswhaldo.bsky.social

Store-branded credit cards and BNPL schemes can be financial traps. Protect your credit this holiday season and listen to GMC Podcast #15 for expert advice.

open.substack.com/pub/jswhaldo...

Protect Your Credit During Black Friday and Holiday Shopping

Common Mistakes That Can Delay Your Mortgage Approval

November 28, 2025 at 7:54 PM

J.S. Whaldo

@jswhaldo.bsky.social

Grateful for you this Thanksgiving! From all the adventures to every story shared, thank you for joining me on the journey. Wishing you a day full of gratitude, good food, and happy moments.

JSWhaldo.com
JSWhaldo.Substack.com
jswhaldo.substack.com/podcast

November 27, 2025 at 8:01 PM

J.S. Whaldo

@jswhaldo.bsky.social

Don't let the holiday shopping season derail your mortgage approval.

From mysterious deposits to late payments, homebuyers often stumble during the mortgage process. Learn what not to do to keep your loan on track and get your keys without drama.

open.substack.com/pub/jswhaldo...

Avoid common mortgage mistakes that can delay your approval and cost you your dream home.

Give Me Credit Episode 15

November 26, 2025 at 4:40 PM

J.S. Whaldo

@jswhaldo.bsky.social

The holiday shopping season is here. Don’t let store cards or Buy Now Pay Later plans hurt your credit score. GMC Podcast #15 explains what you need to know before you shop.
open.substack.com/pub/jswhaldo...

Protect Your Credit During Black Friday and Holiday Shopping

Chasing Northern Lights and Nostalgia in Fairbanks, Alaska — J.S. Whaldo

November 25, 2025 at 9:01 PM

J.S. Whaldo

@jswhaldo.bsky.social

Chasing Northern Lights and Nostalgia in Fairbanks, Alaska — J.S. Whaldo

www.jswhaldo.com/blog-2-1/cha...

Experience Fairbanks Alaska in winter with sled-dog puppies, cozy lodges, and the aurora borealis.

What You Need To Know About Down Payment Assistance with a Shared Appreciation Mortgage

November 25, 2025 at 12:08 AM

J.S. Whaldo

@jswhaldo.bsky.social

If you've heard the term Shared Appreciation Mortgage and wondered what it really means, I’ve got you covered. Clear examples, real numbers, and no jargon.

jswhaldo.substack.com/p/what-you-n...

#RealEstateEducation #FirstTimeHomebuyer #DPA

Learn how Shared Appreciation Mortgages work, the pros and cons, and whether this program fits your homeownership goals

Give Me Credit Episode 14

November 20, 2025 at 6:27 PM

J.S. Whaldo

@jswhaldo.bsky.social

Collectors counting on confusion again? Not this time. Learn the difference between debt assignment and debt purchase, plus why written validation is your best defense.

jswhaldo.substack.com/p/give-me-cr...

#DebtCollection #ConsumerRights #FDCPA #RegulationF #MoneySmarts

Know Your Rights 2: Mastering Debt Validation and the Collection Clock

What You Need To Know About Down Payment Assistance with a Shared Appreciation Mortgage

November 19, 2025 at 1:29 AM

J.S. Whaldo

@jswhaldo.bsky.social

I just shared a new Alaska travel story filled with quiet towns and the raw beauty that makes this state unforgettable. If you’re craving wide open wilderness, this one will get you dreaming.

www.jswhaldo.com/blog-2-1/wil...

#AlaskaTravel #TravelWriter #Wanderlust #TravelStories #ExploreAlaska

November 17, 2025 at 8:44 PM

J.S. Whaldo

@jswhaldo.bsky.social

New article live. Shared Appreciation Mortgages are one of the most misunderstood types of Down Payment Assistance.

I break down how SAM loans work, who they help, and how much you actually owe when you sell your home.

open.substack.com/pub/jswhaldo...

Learn how Shared Appreciation Mortgages work, the pros and cons, and whether this program fits your homeownership goals

Understanding Down Payment Assistance: A Simple Guide for Homebuyers

November 17, 2025 at 8:41 PM

J.S. Whaldo

@jswhaldo.bsky.social

Saving for a down payment feels impossible for so many buyers right now. But across the country, there are programs designed to help. Down payment assistance isn’t a myth — it’s an opportunity. You just need to know where to look.

open.substack.com/pub/jswhaldo...

How today’s down payment assistance programs can help open the door to homeownership.