People need or want extra cash for a variety of reasons. For some, the extra cash provide them with a feasible way to pay off high-interest debts and loans, for others the extra money offers them a way to improve or build onto their primary homes, or buy second homes for investment properties or vacation homes.

Both mortgage refinancing and home equity loans allow homeowners to choose between a fixed mortgage rate and one of several adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs). But, home equity loans give you more flexibility on how much equity you want to cash out and loan repayment time options than mortgage refinances. The interest rates are lower for both these types of loans than personal loans because they are secured loans. This means you can lose your home if you can't keep up with the payments. However, both offer the tax advantages of being able to deduct the interest paid on the loan.

Unsecured personal loans require excellent credit, but don't involve any collateral. As a result of the lender