Erik J. Martin

Contributor, Personal Finance

EXPERTISE

Personal finance
Mortgages
Housing market
Home improvement
Credit cards

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts, Loyola University Chicago
Dale Carnegie Training

Erik J. Martin is a contributor to Bankrate covering personal finance, including mortgages, the housing market, home improvement and credit cards. Based in the Chicago area, he is host of the “Cineversary” podcast and blogs on Cineversegroup.com and Martinspiration.com.

In addition to Bankrate, Martin has contributed to AARP The Magazine, Tte Chicago Tribune, Reader’s Digest, The Costco Connection and USAA, among other outlets.

Erik J.'s latest articles

When to apply for a credit card after bankruptcy

After a bankruptcy filing, the task of repairing your credit begins. But how soon can you apply for new credit?

6 min read Mar 14, 2025
How, and why, to set up a trust for your house

Putting assets in a trust, including a home, protects them in many ways.

5 min read Mar 14, 2025
How to use a 0% intro APR credit card as an interest-free loan

How a 0 percent APR card can serve as an interest-free loan

7 min read Mar 12, 2025
What is a private mortgage lender?

What is a private mortgage lender? A private mortgage lender is usually a private or public company or individual that offers mortgage loans secured by real estate. These lenders set their own guidelines [...]

6 min read Mar 10, 2025
6 times a balance transfer is a bad idea

When is a balance transfer a bad idea? Here’s when to avoid a balance transfer.

7 min read Feb 27, 2025
Offer accepted! Now watch out for these mortgage hurdles

Unexpected issues — from an appraisal gap to title disputes — can pop up during underwriting. Here’s what to do.

4 min read Feb 25, 2025
What does a real estate attorney do?

A real estate attorney can protect the interests of both buyers and sellers.

5 min read Feb 10, 2025
Transferring a mortgage: How it works

To find out if your mortgage is transferable, it’s best to contact your lender.

5 min read Jan 16, 2025