Rising mortgage payments. How much is your bill going up? $100 a month? $200 a month? $300 a month? $400 a month or more? We have dozens of ideas for managing your biggest, most important debt. Refinancing. Rates are good. A new loan could save you money if your current mortgage costs 7.5% or more, or you have an adjustable rate mortgage that’s going up every year.

The best refinancing rates. Our mortgage rate comparison charts will help you find the best deal.

Home equity loan or line of credit? The one you need depends on what you want to do with the money. Traditional home equity loans are best if you need a large amount to fix or enlarge your home. A line of credit makes more sense if you want to payoff bills.

Predatory lenders. Home equity loans attract more than their share of schemers and crooks who are literally out to steal your home with misleading sales pitches and scandalous contracts full of hidden terms and fees. Our six moves for smart borrowing will help you avoid all of that and land a great loan.

The best home equity rates. Our home equity rate comparison charts will help you find the best deal.

The 6 smartest ways to use the equity in your home. We worked with nine of the wisest financial experts we know to come up with a great list that includes paying off credit cards and putting your kids through college.

The 5 worst things to do with it. Gambling. Playing the stock market. Lavish vacations. Please don’t tap the equity in your home to do any of these.

Home improvements that pay. Our guide to home remodeling can help you spend that money as wisely as possible.

Hard-to-sell homes. Our guide helps with everything from pricing and inducements to renting it out until the market improves.

Flood insurance. Most homeowners only get flood insurance if their mortgage companies force them to buy it. But over the past few years, floods and hurricanes have shown you don’t have to have a creek running through your backyard, or live right on the coast, to be at risk. How great is your risk? We’ll show you how to find out.

Help with a disaster. All too often repairs or rebuilding costs more than insurance will pay. That’s why everyone should be aware of a little-known government program that will provide the extra money you need.

Have a question about your finances? Ask us at editors@interest.com