A home equity investment gives you cash upfront in exchange for a share of your home’s future value. While it doesn’t charge monthly payments or charge interest in the same way as a HELOC, it still comes with long-term financial obligations. A HELOC, by contrast, is a revolving credit line that must be repaid with interest. The better choice depends on your equity, credit profile, and financial goals.

“No Buy” July is more than a budgeting challenge. It’s an opportunity to hit pause, reset your financial mindset, and spark long-term change. Even if you missed the July kickoff, it’s never too late to reclaim control of your finances and try your own version this month or next.

Americans are getting serious about saving again. After a wave of post-pandemic splurging, people are now contributing more to their 401(k)s and rebuilding personal savings. The national personal savings rate has nearly doubled from its 2023 low, and Fidelity reports a record-high 401(k) contribution rate of 14.3%. But this time, it’s not about fear. It’s about reclaiming control. Welcome to revenge saving.

Credit scores don’t just depend on your income or access to credit. They also reflect the financial lessons you absorbed growing up. Among low‑income families, kids from areas with stronger repayment cultures tend to do better with credit as adults.

The FHFA’s approval of VantageScore 4.0 for mortgage use marks a major shake-up in credit scoring. After decades of FICO dominance, lenders now have a choice. While industry adoption may be slow, this move cracks open a long-standing monopoly and could transform access to homeownership—especially for those with non-traditional credit histories.

With summer electricity bills projected to hit a record-high $784 this year—and the average annual electric bill forecast to reach $1,902—these low-cost tips could help you save up to $600 this summer and over $400 annually. From smart thermostat settings to smart fan use and insulation upgrades, learn how to lower your cooling costs with realistic savings estimates and actionable advice.

A Reddit user claims they turned $50 into more than $17,000 in one year by churning bank bonuses. While the details might be light, the core idea is real—and I personally earn more than $3,000 most years year doing the same. Here’s how bank bonus churning works and how to get started.

Struggling with bad credit but need a personal loan fast? You’re not alone—and two of the most popular lenders that cater to credit-challenged borrowers are Oportun and OppLoans. While both offer small personal loans with relatively fast funding, their approaches, costs, and approval requirements are quite different.

When tapping into your home’s equity, a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) can be a flexible way to access cash without refinancing your first mortgage. Two digital-forward lenders—Achieve and New American Funding—offer HELOC products designed for quick approvals and competitive rates.

Best Egg offers narrower fee bands and a proven community track record, while Upstart’s AI underwriting accepts borrowers with limited credit history at a lower APR floor.