Retire Right Radio – Dan Smithson: Mortgages, HELOCs, Credit Scores, and Navigating Today's Home Buying Market

Retire Right Radio – Dan Smithson: Mortgages, HELOCs, Credit Scores, and Navigating Today's Home Buying Market

Author: 580 WCHS September 14, 2026 Duration: 31:16
With John Burdett out, Dale Cooper welcomes Dan Smithson, CEO of Star USA Federal Credit Union in Charleston — recently named the best credit union in West Virginia by Forbes — to cover the mortgage landscape. Smithson walks through what first-time buyers and refinancers need to have in order before approaching a lender, including credit score awareness, budgeting, and the dangers of online lead-generation mortgage sites that funnel personal information to marketing companies rather than direct lenders. The conversation covers PMI, adjustable rate mortgages with three- and five-year lock periods, and a detailed breakdown of HELOCs — including Star USA's prime-minus-0.25% line available up to 90% of home value with no appraisal required. Dale shares his own experience correcting inaccurate credit report entries and raising his score by 90 points, and Smithson highlights the credit union's free Savvy Money credit monitoring tool and fraud alert system available to all members.

Tune in to the WCHS Network Podcasts for a direct line to the conversations shaping West Virginia's capital and beyond. This collection brings together the distinct voices and expertise from an award-winning local media hub, offering more than just headlines. You'll find deep-dive discussions on the day's pressing news, thoughtful analysis of the latest films and television series, and spirited coverage of local and national sports. Each episode feels like pulling up a chair with knowledgeable neighbors who are as passionate about storytelling as they are about the community. The result is a varied and engaging audio experience that mirrors the broad interests of its audience, from policy debates and cultural reviews to game-day breakdowns. This podcast network serves as a reliable and dynamic source for anyone curious about the topics that matter in Charleston and resonate far wider. It’s where local perspective meets wider-world context, all delivered with the authenticity that comes from being a trusted voice in the region for years.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

WCHS Network Podcasts
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