If you’re a homeowner looking to tap into the value of your property, you’ve probably asked yourself: Is a home equity loan a good idea? The short answer is — it can be. A home equity loan offers a ...

Matt Richardson is the senior managing editor for the Managing Your Money section for CBSNews.com. He writes and edits content about personal finance ranging from savings to investing to insurance.

If you're thinking about releasing equity from your home, getting advice and choosing the right product and provider is key. Our guide to equity release and how it works explains what you need to know ...