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A woman sits on the floor of her home amongst paint supplies, looking thoughtful

What Do I Need to Open a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)?

By: John Lutz02.26.26 Home & Mortgage
Home equity is one of the most valuable resources you have as a homeowner. If you’ve decided to take advantage of your equity and open a home equity line of credit (HELOC), there are a few steps you should follow in the application process. This includes submitting documents like proof of income, employment verification, property information, and more.
Two outstretched hands, with one holding a latte and the other holding a phone with a banking app open, showing an outstanding loan balance

What is Amortization?

By: John Lutz02.19.26 Policy & Economy
Loans, whether it be a mortgage, auto loan, or personal loan, all follow a basic structure. But as a borrower, you may be wondering how exactly your monthly payments are calculated. If you look ahead to your payment schedules, you may ask why you're paying more than what you initially applied to borrow. The process that details this is known as amortization.
A woman sits in a chair and leans forward, working on a laptop resting on the table in front of her

The Pros and Cons of Using a HELOC for Debt Consolidation

By: John Lutz02.17.26 Home & Mortgage
The benefits of using home equity extend far beyond simple home improvements. You can use home equity to pay for school tuition, fund a family vacation, or start your own business. Many also use home equity funds to consolidate bills. But are there drawbacks that outweigh the benefits of consolidating debt with home equity?
A father crouches down and measures his young daughter's height against a door frame

Am I a Good Candidate to Refinance My Mortgage?

By: John Lutz02.12.26 Home & Mortgage
As mortgage rates rise and fall over time, you may be wondering how you can take advantage of the market as a homeowner. You probably hear the term "mortgage refinancing" brought up often, especially when rates are lower than they typically would be. But what exactly is mortgage refinancing, and how do I know if I'm a good candidate?
A young family sitting around their dining room table for Thanksgiving dinner

8 Ways to Save on Your Thanksgiving Dinner This Year

By: John Lutz11.13.25 Credit Savings & Budgeting
While there’s a lot to be thankful for with the Thanksgiving holiday, one item that may not be so appreciative is your wallet. Between the meal itself, travel, decorations, and more, it may feel like the taps, swipes, and purchases never stop. However, with the proper budget and strategy in place, you can pull off a successful Thanksgiving that won’t empty your bank account.

 

 

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