Purchasing a home typically represents the largest financial investment families make. That’s why lenders take a long look at a mortgage applicant’s credit score, among other factors, to assess whether they can afford the loan and responsibly pay it back on time.

Hard-working community members deserve the best possible mortgage interest rates and terms. Homeowners whose financial situation has changed over the years sometimes wonder whether they should refinance their mortgage. Although refinancing may improve your financial health and wellbeing, it’s a process that should not be taken lightly. Before refinancing a mortgage, thoughtfully consider long-term changes and be sure you fully understand the answers to the following questions.

Americans average about four credit cards per person with an average balance of about $8,000. Add in a car payment and an outstanding medical bill, remembering to make all those monthly payments or struggling to meet the minimum payment are the main reasons people look at debt consolidation. Instead of making multiple monthly payments, consumers consolidate their debts into one monthly payment, often at a lower interest rate and monthly payment.

Homeowners decide to improve their homes for many reasons. Some want to make their houses more comfortable or to add market value when they decide to sell. Others may seek improvements that will improve efficiency and safety. No matter why you decide that it's time to invest in home improvements, you should compare financing options to decide which one works best in your situation.

Whether you're about to list your house for sale or you've just moved in and plan to stay a while, you should make the most of the money you invest into your home in the form of upgrades, repairs and remodels. To be sure you see a return on these types of investments, you must spend your money wisely, making not just the upgrades that you would enjoy having in your home, but also those that will increase your home's value from the perspective of potential buyers and future appraisers. Consider the following tips before you decide which upgrades are worth it and which renovations can wait for the next owner's bank account.