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Big Ticket Renovations Worth Doing: Which Major Upgrades Pay Off (and Which Don’t)

Dreaming of a major home upgrade? Discover which big-ticket renovations are worth doing, how much they cost, and how to finance them smartly with Unison.

Renovations & Remodeling

2026 Home Renovation Outlook: How Homeowners Are Funding Projects Without Refinancing

Even in an uncertain housing market, homeowners continue to invest in their homes — not necessarily to flip them, but to make them more functional, efficient, and comfortable. In 2026, renovations are less about luxury upgrades and more about...

Pile of money on a laptop for an article about whether you have to pay taxes on a side hustle.

Financial Health

Do You Have to Pay Taxes on your Side Hustle?

Short answer: Yes. But it doesn’t have to be complicated. Let’s walk through what counts as taxable income, how to report it, and when it’s worth getting professional help.

Financial Health

Can I Use My Home to Pay Off High-Interest Debt?

Learn how an Equity Sharing Agreement may help you manage high-interest debt and improve your financial flexibility with no monthly payments.

person using their device to control their smart home

Renovations & Remodeling

Smart Home Upgrades: Are They Worth It?

Smart thermostats. Voice-controlled lighting. AI-powered appliances. These days, tech is making its way into just about every corner of the modern home. But when it comes time to renovate, homeowners are asking an important question: Is it worth integrating technology into my home improvement plans?

Financial Health

9 Options for Consolidating Debt

Debt consolidation is a financial strategy in which one combines multiple high-interest debts into a single, more manageable loan or line of credit. Ultimately, the goal of debt consolidation is to simplify debt repayment; two bonuses are that it can also potentially reduce the overall interest rate, and make monthly payments more affordable.

Financial Health

What Is a Good Interest Rate for a Savings Account?

If you’ve checked your savings account lately and wondered, “Is this rate actually good?”, you’re not alone. At any given time, the answer depends on three things.

Financial Health

How to Invest in a Second Property, Part 2: Financing, Strategy, and Smart Management

In the second part of our series, we’ll walk you through how to fund, purchase, and make the most of your second property investment, while maintaining flexibility and minimizing risk.

child using a smart thermostat under a woman's supervision.

Renovations & Remodeling

7 Smart Home Upgrades That Add Real Convenience & Value

Looking to make your home smarter? Discover practical smart home upgrades that save time, add convenience, and increase value – without the frustration or high costs of unnecessary gadgets.

Financial Health

How to Invest in a Second Property, Part 1: Deciding Whether (& When) to Invest

For many homeowners, the idea of buying a second property represents more than just a second real estate purchase. It’s a vision of financial freedom, flexibility, and future security – whether that means having a vacation spot to enjoy, a rental home generating income, or a nest egg that can grow in value over time.

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

Mortgage rates are still high in 2026. Learn why homeowners are skipping cash-out refinancing & what equity alternatives make more sense in today’s market.

Renovations & Remodeling

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

Learn how much to budget for home repairs and renovations over the lifetime of a home. See annual and monthly averages, regional differences, and smart ways to plan.