Blog

Retirement Planning, Putting Home Equity to Work for You

The retirement landscape is changing every day, and traditional methods of funding it are beginning to fall away. We surveyed homeowners to gauge their thinking and find new solutions.

Financial Health

What is the Ideal Debt-to-Income Ratio to Buy a Home?

In the world of lending, "DTI" is one of the crucial tools used to measure your financial health. It's important to understand the different methods of measuring DTI and how it might affect you.

Homeownership

What Every Homeowner Should Know

In a rapidly changing landscape, it can be difficult to keep up as a homeowner. Check out our "State of the American Homeowner" Report for insights and more.

Homeownership

Ways to Get Out of Debt & Tips for Debt Management

It's one thing to spend less and save more. But when it comes to finding the perfect balance between paying off debt and building your savings? This article is for you.

Homeownership

Home Buying Guide: All the Major Steps of Buying a House

The process isn't always clean and linear, but being able to anticipate next steps will help you navigate one of the most complicated purchases you'll likely ever make.

Financial Health

How to Help Your Kids' Finances (Without Draining Yours)

It's important to look at long-term benefits instead of short-term solutions, and seek out a financial plan to help your children not just survive, but thrive. Here are some key tips to get started.

Beautiful kitchen that is an example of a big ticket renovation worth doing.

Renovations & Remodeling

Big Ticket Renovations Worth Doing: Which Major Upgrades Pay Off (and Which Don’t)

If you’re like most homeowners, you probably have one (or more!) “dream” renovations. Think big, transformative upgrades that change how your home looks, feels, and functions. But when those projects come with price tags in the tens or even hundreds of thousands, it can be hard to decide which ones are truly worth it.

Renovations & Remodeling

2026 Home Renovation Outlook: How Homeowners Are Funding Projects Without Refinancing

Even in an uncertain housing market, homeowners continue to invest in their homes — not necessarily to flip them, but to make them more functional, efficient, and comfortable. In 2026, renovations are less about luxury upgrades and more about...

Pile of money on a laptop for an article about whether you have to pay taxes on a side hustle.

Financial Health

Do You Have to Pay Taxes on your Side Hustle?

Short answer: Yes. But it doesn’t have to be complicated. Let’s walk through what counts as taxable income, how to report it, and when it’s worth getting professional help.

person using their device to control their smart home

Renovations & Remodeling

Smart Home Upgrades: Are They Worth It?

Smart thermostats. Voice-controlled lighting. AI-powered appliances. These days, tech is making its way into just about every corner of the modern home. But when it comes time to renovate, homeowners are asking an important question: Is it worth integrating technology into my home improvement plans?

Financial Health

9 Options for Consolidating Debt

Debt consolidation is a financial strategy in which one combines multiple high-interest debts into a single, more manageable loan or line of credit. Ultimately, the goal of debt consolidation is to simplify debt repayment; two bonuses are that it can also potentially reduce the overall interest rate, and make monthly payments more affordable.

Financial Health

Can I use a HELOC if I’m retired, self-employed, or on disability?

Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) are often associated with traditional borrowers who have steady W-2 income. However, if you're retired, self-employed, or receiving disability income, you might be wondering if this financial tool is accessible to you. The good news is that it can be – provided you meet certain criteria and understand the nuances involved.