Aly J. Yale is a contributing writer for the Managing Your Money section for CBSNews.com, covering various personal finance topics, including investing, homebuying, loans and more. The Federal Reserve ...

Each time you make a payment toward your mortgage loan, your stake in your home increases. This is known as your home equity. In addition to indicating how much of your home you actually own, equity ...

Owning a vacation home sounds dreamy — a place to create cherished memories, immerse yourself in nature and enjoy a break from everyday life. However, the path to buying a vacation home can present a ...