U.S. stock and bond markets had another bumpy ride last week as long-term interest rates continued to push higher on the back of robust vaccine and economic data and progress toward another round of stimulus, which was approved by the Senate over the weekend. For the week, the Dow and S&P 500 managed to post positive gains of 1.9% and 0.8%, respectively, as economically sensitive sectors like energy, industrials, and materials lifted the indices higher and offset weakness in information technology.

Do you always look forward to your tax return? Do you frequently get monetary gifts during holidays and birthdays? While it can be tempting to spend that extra dough, putting at least a portion towards your savings can save you a lot of heartache in the future.

Learn about the Pros and Cons of a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC).

As you research home equity lending options, such as a home equity line of credit (HELOC), make sure you consider the pros and cons of each product before making a decision. Those factors will vary based on your plans for the money and the prospective lender.

A home equity line of credit (HELOC) may be a good option if you’ve built sufficient equity in your home, and you want to pay off your mortgage right away. When approved for a HELOC, homeowners can expect lower interest rates than what they pay on a mortgage loan. Lower interest means more savings and possibly paying off the loan sooner.