Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Mortgage rates are in for a bumpy ride in June. Also in the news: Should you get a home equity line of credit, common myths about travel insurance, and what to do (and not do) if you’re ever fired or laid off.

Mortgage Rates Are In for a Bumpy Ride in June
Mortgage rates might be volatile in June.

Your New Home Has Grown in loan, Value. Should You Get a HELOC?
Some new homeowners have seen tremendous growth in their equity in a short period of time. If you meet lender requirements, a HELOC is one way to access it.

6 Common Myths About Travel Insurance and What It Covers
Travel insurance isn’t a magic Band-Aid on trip troubles. It’s important to know what coverage you need.

What to Do (and Not Do) If You Ever Get Fired or Laid Off
You might want to tell your boss exactly what you think of them—but let’s hold off on that.

Q&A: HELOC situation improves

Dear Liz: Your recommendation that a retired couple consider a home equity line of credit to pay for home repairs astonished me. According to news reports, HELOCs are becoming harder and harder to find. Banks that still offer them have gotten stricter. And to suggest a reverse mortgage for a couple who only need $10,000, I think, is not the best option for them.

Answer: Lenders did tighten their requirements for HELOCs after the pandemic began, and some stopped offering them entirely. But the situation is starting to ease, thanks to rising levels of home equity and a generally strong economy.

The original letter writer’s spouse had proposed using a low-rate credit card to pay for a new furnace and water heater. Using a low-rate card isn’t a bad option if the balance can be paid off quickly, but could become expensive otherwise. Low rates are typically teaser rates that expire after a certain period. The couple then could try to roll the balance onto another low-rate card, but there’s no guarantee they would be approved for such a balance transfer or that they would get a large enough credit limit.

You’re quite right that a reverse mortgage wouldn’t be a great solution if the couple needed only $10,000, but the letter writer indicated they had little in savings. A reverse mortgage or line of credit could provide an ongoing source of funds for those with few other options.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 4 mental tricks to help you save more for retirement. Also in the news: How to boost your chances of getting a personal loan, answers to your HELOC questions, and how to get your finances in order before the new year.

4 Mental Tricks to Help You Save More for Retirement
Staying on the right path.

Boost Your Chances of Getting That Personal Loan
5 tips that could help your chances.

Answers for Your HELOC Questions in 10 Words or Less
Understanding your home equity line of credit.

Get Your Finances in Order Before the New Year
The clock is ticking.

Student loans may be better than home equity borrowing

Dear Liz: I am almost finished with my associate degree at my local community college and will be starting my undergraduate degree in January. I have been lucky enough to accrue no college debt so far but know I will when I start my bachelor’s degree. I am considering taking out a home equity loan to cover this cost, borrowing around $10,000. I got a great deal on my house and it continues to grow in value even with this economy. Your thoughts on this?

Answer: Home equity loans are actually more expensive than most federal student loans. Home equity loan rates for people with good credit range from 7% to 9% in many areas, while the current rate for direct, unsubsidized federal student loans is 5.41%. Furthermore, home equity loans aren’t as flexible and have fewer consumer protections than federal student loans.

You may initially get a lower rate on a home equity line of credit, but these variable-rate loans easily could get more expensive as interest rates rise.

Not only do federal student loans offer fixed rates, but they provide many affordable repayment options plus deferrals or forbearance if you should lose your job or run into other economic setbacks. You don’t have to demonstrate financial need to get federal student loans, although people with such needs can get subsidized loans with a lower interest rate. Your college’s financial aid office can help you apply.