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Level-up your financial literacy by taking advantage of our free blog! Enjoy topics ranging from money lifestyle tips to fun local activities for the whole family. 

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

By: John Lutz 02.26.26 4 minute read

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.

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What is Amortization?

By: John Lutz 02.19.26 4 minute read

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.

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The Pros and Cons of Using a HELOC for Debt Consolidation

By: John Lutz 02.17.26 5 minute read

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?

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Am I a Good Candidate to Refinance My Mortgage?

By: John Lutz 02.12.26 5 minute read

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?

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Using Home Equity? Don't Forget These Important Tax Implications

By: John Lutz 01.22.26 4 minute read

Whether it's a home equity loan or line of credit, home equity is a valuable resource for you to lean into as a homeowner. There are several ways in which you can use the funds because of your equity, and the benefits don't stop with that variety. You can also receive significant tax advantages depending on how you're using the home equity funds.

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What is a Home Equity Line of Credit and How Does It Work?

By: John Lutz 01.15.26 4 minute read

Being a homeowner is a major accomplishment in life. Your home is likely the biggest purchase you'll ever make, and you deserve to be rewarded for your hard work and perseverance in owning a home. A Home Equity Line of Credit is a perfect opportunity for you to maximize your home's value and achieve long-awaited goals.

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The Best Time of Year to Purchase a Home, Car, and More

By: John Lutz 12.31.25 5 minute read

With the new year approaching, you may have your eyes set towards your goals for the upcoming year. Perhaps you’re hoping to buy a new home, or the next car for your family. Or maybe this will be the year you buy your partner the engagement ring they deserve. The truth is, no matter what your major purchases will be in the months ahead, there are certain times of the year where it’s better to buy these items than others.

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4 Simple, DIY Crafts for the Whole Family This Holiday Season

By: John Lutz 12.18.25 4 minute read

With all the shopping, cooking, and excitement of the holiday season, it’s a little too easy to lose some of the real meaning behind the winter holidays. This time of year is truly about spending time with family and friends. If you’re looking for ways to find that quality time with loved ones, simple do-it-yourself (DIY) crafts are a perfect way to find that time without having to spend a lot of money.

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8 Ways to Save on Your Thanksgiving Dinner This Year

By: John Lutz 11.13.25 5 minute read

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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