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Street in Saisalito, CA, USA.
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Stuck in a Second Mortgage in the Bay Area? Hit Reset With Equity Sharing

Many Bay Area homeowners are feeling the squeeze from their second mortgage or HELOC. Monthly payments might be creeping higher. Variable rates might be climbing. And everyday living costs in the Bay Area — from groceries to insurance to childcare — aren’t exactly trending down. What once felt like a smart way to access cash has now become another source of monthly stress.

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Financial Health
What Is DTI? Understanding Your Debt-to-Income Ratio

Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI) is one of the most important numbers lenders look at when evaluating your ability to repay a loan. Understanding your DTI can help you prepare and potentially qualify for better terms.

Financial Health
Equity-Sharing Home Loans vs. HELOCs: Building an Emergency Fund

When it comes to building an emergency fund, one option many homeowners consider is leveraging their home’s equity. Two common ways to do this are through an equity-sharing home loan or a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC).

Financial Health
Tips for Building a Budget and Creating Better Spending Habits

Creating a budget isn’t just about tracking expenses. It’s a consistent, structured approach to help you gain control, reduce stress, and build a stronger financial future.

Homeownership
Maintain Now, Save Later: 10 Home Maintenance Tips That Can Prevent Costly Repairs

Homeownership is one of life’s biggest investments. And while it offers comfort and security, it also comes with responsibilities that many homeowners don’t expect until something goes wrong.

Financial Health
How to Get Out of Medical Debt: Smart Strategies to Reduce What You Owe

Medical debt can be among the most stressful financial burdens to carry – especially when it comes unexpectedly or during an already difficult time. But there are practical steps you can take to address it.

Financial Health
How Much Should I Save for Retirement? A Realistic Guide for Any Income

It can be one of the most common (and most intimidating) questions in personal finance. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Retirement savings goals depend on your income, lifestyle, age, and where (and even how) you plan to live.

A person getting money from their equity sharing agreement with unison.
Financial Health
2026 Re-Fi Reality Check: Why Many Homeowners Are Skipping the Cash-Out Refinance

This approach worked particularly well during a time when mortgage rates fell sharply year after year. It allowed homeowners to refinance into much lower monthly payments, while also pulling cash out of their home’s equity.

How Much Should I Budget for Renovations and Repairs Over the Lifetime of a Home?
Renovations & Remodeling
How Much Should I Budget for Renovations and Repairs Over the Lifetime of a Home?

Owning a home takes more than just paying your mortgage. It’s also about keeping up with repairs, maintenance, and the occasional renovation to keep your property safe, efficient, and enjoyable. But how much should you actually budget for all of that, especially over decades of ownership?

woman running a business
Financial Health
Top 5 Myths About Owning Your Own Business

Many would-be entrepreneurs talk themselves out of it before they even begin, thanks to a handful of persistent myths. But the truth is, owning a business is possible. And while it takes some serious work, it’s not reserved for the ultra-rich, ultra-connected, or ultra-lucky.

rundown house as an example of buying a home as-is
Homeownership
How Bad Is It To Buy A Home “As-Is”?

The phrase “as-is” shows up often in real estate listings, and it tends to raise eyebrows. For some buyers, it feels like an opportunity – a chance to get a deal on a property that others might overlook. For others, it sounds like a trap.

Las Vegas, Nevada home
Home Equity
Equity Sharing in Nevada: A Practical Guide for Las Vegas Homeowners

If you’re a homeowner in the Las Vegas area, you’ve likely seen your home’s value fluctuate over the years — sometimes quickly, sometimes unpredictably. Many homeowners have built meaningful equity by holding on through those cycles, improving their homes steadily, and staying rooted while the city evolved.

People looking at laptop with the current home interest rates on it.
Financial Health
What Is the Fed — and Who Controls Interest Rates?

This isn’t just Econ 101 homework. There are real life impacts at play! If you have a credit card, savings account, mortgage, or loan, understanding how the Fed works can help you make smarter real-life money moves – even in a shifting market.