Lenders tend to offer differing rates for home equity loans and HELOCs — and there are a few drivers behind that trend. Getty Images As inflation eases in 2025 and the Federal Reserve keeps rates paused, the economic landscape has brought welcome news for homeowners: declining interest rates on home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs). This comes at an opportune time for utilizing home wealth, as the average American property owner has access to over $300,000 in equity,...

An annuity could be a smart addition to your retirement plan, but you'll want to understand the full picture before investing in one. Getty Images The recent economic ups and downs have left many Americans worried about their retirement savings. As they face issues like market uncertainty, persistent inflation and longer lifespans, more retirees and pre-retirees are turning to annuities for financial stability. What exactly are annuities, though? "[They] are financial products designed to...