Tax‑free weekends let families shop for back‑to‑school gear, such as clothing, supplies, and sometimes laptops, without state and local sales tax. In 2025, 17 U.S. states (plus Puerto Rico) offer these events in July or August. A typical K–12 household spends around $875 per year, meaning a tax-free holiday can save roughly $60–80, depending on location. This article breaks down how the holidays work, how much you might save, and provides a clear list of dates and item limits by state for 2025.

Looking for a personal loan and torn between Avant and LendingClub? Both lenders offer flexible repayment terms and competitive APRs, but they serve slightly different borrower profiles.

Trying to decide between SoFi and Avant? SoFi offers higher loan limits and potentially lower starting APRs, making it ideal for well-qualified borrowers. Avant, on the other hand, is a solid choice for those with fair credit who want smaller loans and a quick funding process.

Choosing between Avant and Upstart? It all comes down to what matters most to you — speed, flexibility, or borrower experience.

Using a home equity investment (HEI) to start a business allows you to access funding without monthly loan payments. This can reduce early financial pressure on your new business. However, it comes with trade-offs, including sharing future home appreciation and potential repayment obligations at an inconvenient time. It’s a viable option if you want to protect cash flow and retain control—so long as you understand the risks.

Home equity investments and leaseback agreements both offer homeowners access to cash using their home’s value—but they work very differently. A home equity investment provides a lump sum in exchange for a share of future home value, while a leaseback agreement involves selling your home and leasing it back from the buyer, often a company or investor.

At the end of a home equity investment, you must settle your obligation to the investment company. This typically involves selling your home or buying out the investor’s share based on your home’s current market value. The exact terms depend on your contract, but most agreements have a 10- to 30-year term or are triggered earlier by a refinance or sale.

A home equity investment may be better if you want to access your home’s value without monthly payments, especially if you have strong equity but limited income. A personal loan is better if you don’t own a home or prefer a short-term loan with fixed payments.

A home equity investment(HEI) can be a powerful solution for covering large medical expenses—especially if you have substantial home equity but limited cash flow or poor credit. Unlike traditional loans, HEIs provide funding without monthly payments, making them an appealing option for those navigating costly healthcare bills

A home equity investment typically does not impact your credit score because it isn’t a loan and doesn’t involve monthly payments or show up on your credit report. However, using HEI funds to pay off debt may help your credit indirectly