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Applying for your first credit card takes about 10 minutes online. The harder part is knowing which card to apply for, what information you’ll need, and what to do if you’re denied.

You can use the equity you have accumulated in your home to invest in your business. There are multiple ways to do this, including home equity loans, a home equity line of credit, cash-out refinancing, and a home equity investment, also known as a shared equity agreement. However, before investing, you should carefully consider your options and weigh the risks to your home.

One of the best things about VA loans is that most don’t require a down payment, making homeownership more affordable for veterans and service members. Still, there are a few cases—like when you have partial entitlement, your home price exceeds county limits, or the appraisal comes in low—where you might need to put some money down. Knowing when that can happen helps you plan your budget and even reduce your VA funding fee.

VA loans help eligible service members, veterans, and some surviving spouses buy homes with $0 down, competitive rates, and no monthly mortgage insurance. You’ll need VA eligibility (COE), lender-acceptable credit, stable income that meets residual income guidelines, and a property that passes VA appraisal standards and occupancy rules.

FHA loans open the door to homeownership for buyers who might not qualify for conventional financing. With low down payments and flexible credit requirements, they’re ideal for first-time or moderate-income buyers. However, FHA loans also come with mortgage insurance premiums and stricter property standards that can add long-term costs.