Home Equity Loans.
also typically have fixed rates, meaning your interest rate and payments are the same for the entire loan term. This can make budgeting easier and prevent any payment bottlenecks.
Finally, you can usually get a much larger amount with home equity loans. Most lenders allow.
You to borrow up to 85% to 90% of the value of your home, minus your existing mortgage balance.
So if your home is worth $400,000 and your mortgage balance is $100,000, you can potentially borrow up to $260,000 ($400,000 x .90 – $100,000).
ConsThe biggest downside to home equity loans is that they put your home at risk.”Your home is the collateral for the loan,” says Rupena.
“Using your residence to secure a loan is inherently risky. Sudden life changes, such as a job loss or medical emergency, could jeopardize.
Your ability to repay what you have borrowed. If you If you miss a payment, the lender may be able to take your home.
Home equity loans also come with a second monthly mortgage payment (in addition to your main mortgage), and you’ll only get one upfront amount.
(Whereas with HELOCs, you can withdraw money over time as needed. More on that below.)
What is a home equity line of credit?
A home equity line of credit is another option for borrowing against your home equity. Unlike home equity loans, these work more like credit cards, allowing you to take money out, pay some back, and take out more when you need it.Typically, HELOCs come with a 10-year draw period, when you can withdraw money from the credit line. During this time, you will usually only pay interest on the funds you withdraw.After that, most HELOCs have a repayment term of 20 years. This is when you will start paying both principal and interest to the lender.
In rare cases, you may have to pay off the HELOC balance in full at this point (this is rare, but it’s called a balloon payment).pros.
The major advantage of a HELOC is that you get access to cash over a long period of time. You can take out $10,000 for repairs now,
$20,000 later, pay some back, and borrow more after a few years.Additionally, you’ll only pay interest on.
what you withdraw — not on the full credit line you’ve provided.”You only pay for what you use,”
Says Scott Lieberman, managing editor of Touchdown Money. “Even if you take out a HELOC for $50,000 but only use $20,000, you only owe $20,000.
A final benefit is
A final benefit is that HELOCs often have very low interest rates. However, these usually only last a few years, so make sure you read the fine print before taking one out.
Cons
Like home equity loans, HELOCs also put your home at risk. If you fail to make your payments – which can be challenging with any other type of mortgage – your lender can foreclose on your home.
On top of that, HELOCs usually come with variable rates, meaning your interest rate and monthly payments can increase over time. This can make it harder to stay on top of payments and put your home at higher risk of foreclosure.
that HELOCs
often have very low interest rates. However, these usually only last a few years, so make sure you read the fine print before taking one out.Cons Like home equity loans, HELOCs also put your home at risk. If you fail to make your payments – which can be challenging with any other type of mortgage – your lender can foreclose on your home.On top of that, HELOCs usually come with variable rates, meaning your interest rate and monthly payments can increase over time. This can make it harder to stay on top of payments and put your home at higher risk of foreclosure.
How HELOCs and Home Equity Loans DifferBoth HELOCs and home equity loans let you borrow against your home equity.
But they have some important differences.Home equity loans come with a one-time payment.
while HELOCs allow you to draw down the money over several years. Home equity loans have fixed interest rates and payments.
HELOCs, on the other hand, have rates and payments that can fluctuate.Take a look at the key differences between these products:
Is Home Equity Loan or HELOC Better?
Choosing between a home equity loan and a HELOC can be challenging. To start, think about what you plan to use the money for – and how long you’ll need it.
If you are renovating your home, for example, and will need an unknown amount of cash over an extended period of time, a HELOC may be a better option.
If you want a lower interest rate but can manage payment is most important, then choose a home equity loan.
How to Save Energy at Home?
1. Turning off the lights when leaving a room
A basic habit to develop and foster is to make sure that you always turn off the lights when leaving a room. Make a reminder to do so until you get into a habit of doing so subconsciously. You can save a good chunk of your monthly electricity costs by doing something as simple as this regularly.
2. Use LED lights
Many homes are moving towards smart LED lights as they not only look stylish and affordable but are also way more efficient than halogen bulbs.
3. Switching to efficient appliances
Dryers and refrigerators are two of the most energy-intensive appliances in a home and replacing these with better efficient models can cut the electricity usage by half, thereby reducing your electricity bills. Installing heat pumps is another idea to reduce electricity consumption. In general, maintaining and replacing appliances every few years will make them have less burden on your electricity usage.
4. Unplug devices
Needless to say how important it is to unplug devices when not in use. Do not leave devices on standby but rather unplug them and save your electricity bill, and the planet.
5. Lessen water usage
Some easy fixes to reduce your water consumption could be taking quick showers, using just the required amount of water while cooking and turning off running taps when unused even for seconds.
6. Keep the thermostat at a lower temperature
Aim to keep your thermostat at a lower temperature around 17 degrees, this can make a big difference and save your energy costs. Using a programmable smart thermostat is even better.
Insurance in Canada
Insurance in Canada, like in many other countries, is designed to provide financial protection against various risks and uncertainties. Here are some common types of insurance coverage available in Canada:
- Auto Insurance: Auto insurance is mandatory in Canada for anyone who owns and operates a vehicle. It provides coverage in case of accidents, theft, and damage to your vehicle or property caused by your vehicle. Each province has its own regulations and insurance requirements.
- Home Insurance: Home insurance, also known as property insurance, covers damages and losses to your home and its contents. It typically includes coverage for fire, theft, vandalism, and certain natural disasters. Mortgage lenders often require homeowners to have insurance.
- Health Insurance: In Canada, basic health care is provided through the publicly funded healthcare system. However, health insurance can cover additional expenses not covered by the government, such as prescription medications, dental care, and vision care.
- Life Insurance: Life insurance provides financial protection for your loved ones in the event of your death. It can help cover funeral expenses, outstanding debts, and provide financial support to your beneficiaries.
- Travel Insurance: Travel insurance covers medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and other unexpected events that can occur while traveling both domestically and internationally.
- Disability Insurance: Disability insurance provides income replacement if you become disabled and are unable to work due to illness or injury.
- Critical Illness Insurance: Critical illness insurance pays out a lump sum if you are diagnosed with a critical illness specified in the policy. This money can be used to cover medical expenses or other financial needs.
- Business Insurance: Business insurance provides coverage for businesses against various risks, including property damage, liability, and business interruption.
- Tenant Insurance (Renter’s Insurance): If you are renting a property, tenant insurance covers your personal belongings and provides liability coverage in case of accidents within the rented property.
- Boat, RV, and Recreational Vehicle Insurance: If you own a boat, RV, or other recreational vehicle, you can get insurance coverage to protect against accidents, damage, and theft.
It’s important to understand the specific insurance requirements and options in your province or territory, as insurance regulations and coverage can vary. When selecting insurance, it’s recommended to compare different policies, coverage limits, deductibles, and premiums to find the best fit for your needs. Always read the policy documents carefully and consider seeking advice from insurance professionals if needed.