As your home appreciates in value, you gain equity. You can look at this equity, as a portion of the value of your home, which becomes an asset that is not burdened by debt. Therefore, this is a critical financial vehicle that cannot be ignored.

Let me say it another way. For most of us, your home Equity is likely to be, the primary, unencumbered assets of your own, personal estate.

Here are several things to consider, when managing this critical financial leverage:

1. Retirement

2. Debt Consolidation

3. Home Improvements

4. Equity Lines of Credit

5. Other

1. Retirement:

Personally, I hate debt. I absolutely, positively, detest debt. I do everything in my power to completely eliminate it from my life. Therefore, this first method is my own, personal favorite.

a) Leave it alone. Ignore it. Pretend it