Current home equity loan rates are a little bit lower than current HELOC rates. If you're looking to fund a home improvement project or repair, a home equity loan can be an affordable way to do so.

This is particularly beneficial for VA loan borrowers who put 0% down at closing, since they may not have a ton of equity built up in their home yet. What to look out for: To get a HELOC with this ...

A budget planner is a tool, such as a worksheet or template, that you can use to design ... 20% toward savings and debt repayment. Your take-home pay, or your monthly income after taxes.