Avoiding Foreclosure-Rescue Scams - The convergence of economic and political forces may soon bring about a home-equity version of the stock market crash of 1929.

How Much do you Know about Home Equity? - Take this quiz to see if you understand how home equity loans and lines of credit work.

7 Tips About Foreclosure from the National Consumer Law Center - Avoid slick sales talk and seek advice from your lender if you find yourself in a bind.

Beefing Up Your Home's Security - You can keep the bad guys at bay without having to rob a bank to pay for the cost of additional security.

What's Better: New or Existing Home? - Different strokes for different folks. Here's a review of the pros and cons of each.

Breaking the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle - If your money runs out before the month does, this eight-step plan will help, says the Debt Adviser.

10 Biggest Mistakes Home Buyers Make - If you can avoid falling into these traps you're likely to get a much better deal.

16 Ways to Get Better Insurance - What you say and how you say it can make a big difference.

Condo or House? What's Best For You? - Condo units sometimes appreciate faster than single-family homes, but that's just one factor to consider when deciding between the two.

Who Should NOT Buy a House - It's not for everyone, you know. Some people in some circumstances shouldn't even think about it.

Vacation Homes: Not Just for the Rich and Famous - You, too, can own a vacation home, even if you're not rich. The trick is in avoiding the property-management middleman.

Six Top Benefits of Owning a Home - The responsibilities that go with homeownership can be a pain, but the financial and "feel good" rewards make it all worthwhile.

Here Comes the 40 Year Mortgage - For years a niche product found mostly on the west coast, it will become mainstream this month.

Reverse Mortgages: Retirement's On the House - Among the faster growing products in the home finance industry today is a mortgage that puts money into the pockets of borrowers -- and they don't have to pay it back until after they move out.

Cutting Your Home Energy Costs - Cooling your home this summer will be pricey, but a few changes can make a big difference. And, many changes don't cost much in cash, or comfort.

The Truth About Buying Foreclosures - Everyone wants to buy a foreclosure for a song. But they're not that easy to find and there's no guarantee it's a good investment.

How to Hire a Contractor - Remodeling or repairing your home is not something you do every day. Here's how to be selective when choosing a contractor.

Interest Only Mortgage Deja Vu - That last craze for interest-only mortgages craze ended with a Depression-era wave of foreclosures. The new variety of this loan is even riskier, says Jack Guttentag, the Mortgage

Locking a Rate vs. Paying Discount Points - Those waiting for a house to be finished often spend thousands on long rate locks, but there is an alternative: Pay that same money for discount points.

6 Money Mistakes Even the Experts Make - Everybody messes up. Smart people learn from the experience.

Breaking an ARM's Grip - Those who took out adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) when rates were at record lows are now looking for ways out.

Adding Up Deductible Sales Tax - The new sales tax deduction gives many filers another chance at cutting their federal bills. Our expert looks at how the law applies to some specialty sales taxes.

8 Calls to Make if Your Identity is Stolen - A step-by-step guide to clearing your good name.

14 Ways to Avoid Identity Theft - Former thief Frank Abagnale offers some suggestions to protect your credit.

Quiz: Do You Protect Your Identity? - Check to see if you're protecting yourself from identity thieves.