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Our experts answer readers’ home-buying questions and write unbiased product reviews (here’s how we assess mortgages). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own.

HELOC rates are a little higher than current mortgage rates, but despite rising in recent weeks, they could still allow a homeowner to save money on borrowing for construction costs or consolidating debt when compared to personal loan rates or credit card rates.

Current HELOC Rates

Why are HELOC Rates So High?

HELOC rates are so high because the rates for home equity lines of credit change somewhat in accordance with the prime rate, which closely follows the federal funds rate that the Federal Reserve has been raising for months to try and control inflation. The federal funds rate is high, and the prime rate is high, so it’s not surprising that HELOC rates are high.

At its most recent meeting in September, the Fed chose to pause its rate hikes, and it could keep rates steady for the rest of the year

What is a Home Equity Line of Credit?

A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is a type of second mortgage that homeowners can use to get cash to fund home improvement projects, debt consolidation, or other financial goals. It works not unlike a credit card, but the money you’re borrowing comes from your home’s equity.

For homeowners looking to get more from their home’s equity, Insider keeps track of the best HELOC lenders.

Is a HELOC Worth it Right Now?

In this rate environment especially, a HELOC can be worth it if you’re looking to leverage your home’s value to cover a big purchase like a home renovation. Many homeowners gained a lot of equity over that past few years as home prices increased at an unprecedented rate. But because rates are so high now, tapping into that equity can be expensive. 

Should I Get a HELOC? 

If you’re looking to tap into your home’s equity, a HELOC might be the best way to do so right now — especially considering how much home prices have increased over the past few years. Unlike a cash-out refinance, you won’t have to get a whole new mortgage with a new interest rate, and you’ll likely get a better rate than you would with a home equity loan.

But HELOCs don’t always make sense. It’s important to consider the pros and cons.

Pros

• Only pay interest on what you borrow
• Typically have lower rates than alternatives, including home equity loans, personal loans, and credit cards
• If you have a lot of equity, you could potentially borrow more than you could get with a personal loan

Cons

• Rates are variable, meaning your monthly payments could go up if rates increase
• Taking equity out of your home can be risky if property values decline or you default on the loan
• Minimum withdrawal amount may be more than you want to borrow

• GOP presidential candidate Chris Christie has a basic message for House Republicans: Get a speaker.
• “I don’t care. Just pick someone!” he said during a Saturday campaign appearance in South Carolina.
• Christie argued that the speakership holdup is hurting US efforts to aid Israel and Ukraine.

Nearly three weeks after Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California was ousted as House speaker, House Republicans have been unable to coalesce around a successor.

And the frustration has seeped out of the House chamber and spread across the party.

For GOP presidential candidate Chris Christie, he’s already seen enough.

“They asked me on TV on Thursday, ‘Who do you want to be Speaker?’ I said I don’t care. Just pick someone!” Christie said during a Saturday town hall in Charleston, South Carolina.

The former New Jersey governor then remarked that the impasse was preventing the United States from helping its allies across the globe.

“Just pick someone because Israel needs help,” he said. “Ukraine needs help. Our southern border needs to be secured.”

“And Taiwan needs to be armed now so we’re not catching up later,” he continued. “We need to send a message to the Chinese now that Taiwan will be ready if they come.”

House Republicans are set to reconvene on Monday to hear pitches from speaker candidates, with an internal vote for a nominee slated for Tuesday.

After McCarthy was removed from his post, the party turned to House Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana, but his bid faltered amid a bloc of opposition. Next up was Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, who lacked the broad support needed to secure 217 votes and win.

So the race remains open, with a mix of candidates — from House Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota to Rep. Jack Bergman of Michigan — angling for the post.

Christie during his remarks this weekend said House Republicans have been too preoccupied with “who’s going to get the big office with the view of the National Mall to make sure their ego is okay.”

“Make a decision! Be done already! That’s what we need to do,” he added.

Christie’s comments also come as likely GOP presidential primary voters continue to back former President Donald Trump, with the ex-president boasting significant leads in national polling and most statewide polls.

Once a Trump ally, Christie in recent years has become a major critic of the former president, which has both elevated his candidacy and turned off sizable numbers of GOP voters. However, of all of the early-voting states, Christie is best positioned in New Hampshire, where he’s largely focused his campaign.

In a September CNN/University of New Hampshire poll of likely GOP primary voters, Trump led with 39% support, with entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy in second place with 13%, followed by former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley at 12% and Christie with 11% support.

• Thousands of people, and their dogs, have donated hair to help clean up Lake Maracaibo.
• Environmentalists will weave nets out of the hair to stop the oil slicks from spreading.
• The tried-and-true method has been an effective oil clean-up tool for decades.

Venezuela’s Lake Maracaibo has been polluted with so much crude oil over the years that it can be seen from space.

Now, a young environmentalist is trying to change that — by asking volunteers to donate their hair to soak up the oil, The Washington Post reported.

Selene Estrach, 28, is the founder of the Venezuelan environmentalist organization Proyecto Sirena. She and her team are collecting the hair and plan to use it later this month.

Estrach told the Post that thousands of people have already donated, and some even brought their dogs in for a haircut to contribute to the cause.

Estrach and her team will use the hair to weave nets — called booms — that can both stop oil slicks from spreading and soak up the oil itself. Estrach told the Post that two pounds of hair can soak up between 11 and 17 pounds of oil.

Estrach told the outlet she’s also developing a way to safely wring out the oil and dispose of it so they can re-use the booms.

Estrach’s work follows in the footsteps of environmentalists who have been working on this method for decades.

In 1989, Alabama-based hairdresser Phillip McCrory created a prototype for an oil clean-up device made of human hair — a device that NASA tested and deemed effective.

McCrory later teamed up with Matter of Trust, a California-based organization that has been creating human hair booms for more than 20 years now.

• Kenneth Chesebro and Sidney Powell were among 19 co-defendants — including Trump — who were indicted in Georgia this year.
• Both of them requested speedy trials and were set to go to trial next week.
• But just before their criminal trials began, Powell and Chesebro flipped and struck plea deals with prosecutors.

Two of Donald Trump’s allies flipped against him at the last minute in a pair of surprise plea deals with Georgia prosecutors.

Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro were set to go to trial starting next week as part of the Fulton County DA’s office’s case alleging Trump and his allies conspired to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia.

Chesebro and Powell were among 19 co-defendants who were charged in the sprawling RICO case.

The two former Trump lawyers had pushed for a speedy trial date, and Chesebro had asked to be tried separately from the others facing charges.

That was a different strategy than their co-defendants like Trump, who argued his trial date should get pushed back because it was interfering with his 2024 campaign for president.

But just days before they were scheduled to be in court, Chesebro and Powell struck plea deals with prosecutors and agreed to testify against their now-former codefendants, including former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, former Trump campaign lawyer Jenna Ellis, former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, and others.

Powell, a longtime GOP lawyer who pushed nonsense conspiracy theories about the 2020 election while working for Trump, struck her deal on Thursday. She pleaded guilty to six counts of conspiracy to interfere with election duties.

As part of the deal, she was ordered to testify at future trials and write a letter apologizing to Georgia citizens.

One day later on Friday, Chesebro followed suit, pleading guilty to one felony count of conspiracy to file false documents. He will also have to testify at future trials and write a letter apologizing to Georgia citizens.

And according to Lawfare’s Anna Bower, Chesebro has already recorded a proffer statement for Georgia prosecutors. A proffer agreement is one in which someone under a criminal investigation or indictment provides prosecutors with relevant information in exchange for a pledge that the information will not be used against them in future proceedings.

The sudden switch is bad news for Trump who, in addition to the Georgia case, is also facing three other criminal indictments related to his post-election activities as well as his business practices.

Trump has pleaded not guilty in all the cases against him.

• Average net worth for Americans shot up 37% between 2019 to 2022.
• Increases were the most pronounced among those under 35, as well as those in the 55 to 64 age group.
• This was due in part to increases in home and stock prices, as well as government stimulus initiatives.

Net worth for the average American skyrocketed 37% during the pandemic, thanks in part to government stimulus initiatives along with higher home and stock prices.

The Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances found that net worth for all age groups rose between 2019 and 2022. This was more than double the next-largest increase in net worth since 1989, when the Fed began the survey. Median net worth — which measures household assets like houses and vehicles, minus debts like mortgages and student loans — surged to $192,000 when accounting for inflation.

One of the stand-out numbers was median real net worth gains for Americans under 35 years old, who experienced a 143% rise, the largest of any group. While this group, comprised of younger millennials and Gen Zers, has a much smaller net worth than any other age group, median net worth grew from $16,100 to $39,000 during the three-year period.

The Fed noted in its report that “net improvements in economic performance, including rising house and corporate equity prices that well exceeded consumer price inflation,” led to increases in net worth over the last three years.

For example, younger Americans have been investing more — some because of FOMO, or fear of missing out — and as of 2022, nearly a third of 25-year-olds owned a home, a Redfin analysis found.

So-called DINKs, or couples with “double income, no kids,” also saw huge net worth increases, according to the Fed’s survey.

Americans in the 55 to 64 age group saw median net worth gains of 48%, while those between the ages of 65 and 74 had a 33% rise in median net worth. What’s more, the 65 to 74 group had the highest median net worth at nearly $410,000.

Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moody’s Analytics, told CNBC that much of this wealth increase was caused by low interest rates at the start of the pandemic, which eased borrowing costs for consumers and made it less likely for people to carry high debt loads. Zandi also said home and stock prices, as well as other assets, spiked up after stimulus checks and other government support programs like enhanced unemployment benefits were issued and showed the US would recover from the early shocks of the pandemic.

For instance, median home prices grew from $139,100 in 2019 to $201,000 in 2022. Additionally, participation in the stock market increased from a median of $46,400 in 2019 to $53,200 in 2022 in directly or indirectly held stock between the 50th and 90th income percentiles on the Fed’s survey.

A pause on student loan payments and interest also gave Americans more spending power throughout the pandemic.

Still, these net worth gains have benefited wealthier Americans the most, further exacerbating wealth inequality. Those in the 80th to 90th income percentiles saw median net worth gains of 69%, while those in the bottom 20th percentile only experienced a 24% increase. The Fed said those in the 20th percentile often do not own assets like homes.

This wealth inequality is stark: the median net worth for those in the bottom 20th percentile was $14,000 in 2022. For those in the top 10th percentile, that figure was $2.56 million.

Wealth inequality among racial groups narrowed over the three-year period but still remained elevated, given the average white family had about six times more wealth than the average Black family, according to the Fed.

Our experts answer readers’ insurance questions and write unbiased product reviews (here’s how we assess insurance products). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own.

• Pet insurance will generally only cover a cat’s visits to the emergency room, not routine vet visits.
• Some pet insurance companies do offer wellness plans that cover preventive care.
• It’s best to purchase coverage when your cat is still young, so no preexisting conditions will be excluded.

Over the life of his cat, Joey Lusvardi has been to the vet many, many times, not only for checkups, but for surgery, diagnostics, and medications. The cat behavior consultant at Class Act Cats said he’s easily spent thousands on his feline, enough to make him consider getting pet insurance in the future. 

Cat owners are less likely than dog owners to seek regular medical care, despite its importance. Still, about 19% of cat owners say they’ve had to take their feline to an emergency room or surgical center — just the type of situation that cat insurance is meant to cover. Those visits, as Lusvardi knows, can become very pricey. 

“Veterinary bills add up very quickly so when you do need it, insurance really helps,” he said. “It also prevents you from having to make choices about whether or not to get your cat medical treatment to address a potentially curable illness due to finances.”

What does pet insurance for cats cover?

Pet insurance, including insurance for cats and kittens, is designed to cover emergencies. Preventive care, like annual exams and vaccines, usually isn’t included.

According to the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, the most common reasons that cats need emergency veterinary care include eating something dangerous, fracturing a bone, and having blocked urine tubes. Two other common problems — kidney disease and heart failure — are treatable, but costly to control. 

“We can do a lot for pets these days,” says Brian Evans, a veterinarian and medical director at Dutch, an online veterinary clinic. But “…costs can really accumulate and overwhelm people, especially in emergency situations.”

If you want all your vet care covered by your insurance provider, consider a cat wellness plan. These are insurance plans that cover preventive care, and sometimes also emergencies.

Lusvardi recommends looking up sample plans for any cat insurance that you’re considering. That will show you exactly what’s included, and what isn’t. 

“Think about what you want the plan to pay for the most and make sure the plan covers that cost,” Luvardi says. 

For example, some plans cover behavioral issues like scratching or loud meowing, but most do not. Others cover accidents, but not the illnesses that commonly send cats to the emergency room.

When should I purchase pet insurance for my cat?

Whether you’re bringing home a kitten or adopting a grown cat, it’s best to purchase pet insurance as soon as you can. That’s because no insurance plans cover pre-existing conditions. So, the sooner you buy insurance, the more potential issues can be covered. 

It’s ideal to insure your feline when they’re a kitten, but since more than 70% of cat owners adopt or rescue their pets, it’s not always possible. If you’re taking in an older cat, get insurance right after bringing them home. 

“If you wait until they get sick, it will be too late and could potentially exclude them from coverage for the rest of their life,” says Evans. 

Will cat insurance cover all of my vet bills?

Most pet insurance plans offer you a reimbursement, but you’ll need to pay for care up front. In addition, most plans don’t cover the entire cost of care, so you’ll be left holding at least part of the bill. 

Because of that, Lusvardi recommends putting some money into a pet-specific savings account each month. If you’re able to put away a significant amount, you might not even need insurance for your cat. 

“You may be better off setting aside money for that cost rather than paying an insurance premium every month,” he says.

How can you find insurance for your cat or kitten?

Shopping online and getting into the nitty gritty of different plans can be overwhelming. Asking for recommendations from other friends who have cats gives you a bit of a shortcut — they’ll be able to tell you which insurance companies they love (and which they don’t). 

Another good resource: your veterinarian. “They see many people with many different insurance companies so they can give you the good and the bad of each of them,” Luvardi says. “Plus, you’ll get a more individualized recommendation” based on the health of your pet. 

Cat and Kitten Insurance Frequently Asked Questions

Our experts answer readers’ banking questions and write unbiased product reviews (here’s how we assess banking products). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page.

Zapata National Bank Review: Overall Rating

Zapata National Bank Pros and Cons

About Zapata National Bank

Zapata National Bank is a Hispanic American-owned bank in Zapata, Texas. It has one branch and two free ATMs (one at the branch and another near Highway 83).

To receive assistance, call or visit the branch Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT, or Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT. The bank is not open on weekends.

The bank’s mobile app has 4.8 out of 5 stars in the Apple Store and 4.3 out of 5 stars in the Google Play store. 

Your accounts are FDIC-insured for up to $250,000, or up to $500,000 for joint accounts.

The Role of Hispanic American-led Financial Institutions

Hispanic American-owned financial institutions are integral to providing products and services to underserved communities. These institutions also help address banking gaps among Hispanic American communities.

According to the US Census, people of Hispanic or Latino origin make up the largest racial and ethic group in Zapata, Texas.

Is Zapata National Bank Trustworthy?

Zapata National Bank does not have any recent public controversies.

At Insider, we usually include Better Business Bureau grades. The BBB has not assessed Zapata yet, though. You may want to ask family and friends about their experiences with the bank, or read online customer reviews.

Zapata National Bank Account Reviews

Zapata National Bank Free Checking Account

Zapata has several checking accounts, but the Zapata National Bank Free Checking Account is the only one that never charges a monthly service fee. There are no overdraft fees, so any transaction that would overdraw your account will be denied. If you want the option to overdraw, you may prefer one of the other accounts.

Zapata National Bank Savings Personal Account

You may like the Zapata National Bank Savings Personal Account if you can maintain a $300 balance, because then you’ll earn interest and waive the monthly fee. However, you can only make one free transfer or withdrawal per month, while many banks let you make six monthly savings transactions.

Zapata National Bank CD

The Zapata National Bank CD offers a similar APY to to average CD rates. The bank also offers fewer term options than most institutions — just 91 days, six months, and one year.

Zapata National Bank Money Market Account

The Zapata National Bank Money Market Personal Account pays a similar rate as the regular savings account, but you can make up to six free monthly transactions. You’ll need to maintain a $2,500 balance to earn interest and waive the monthly fee, though.

How Zapata National Bank Compares

Zapata National Bank vs. Falcon International Bank 

Falcon International Bank has more branches and ATMs than Zapata National Bank. 

Zapata National Bank has a free checking account, but it charges a $5 monthly service fee on its savings account (unless you qualify to waive it). Falcon International Bank doesn’t charge monthly fees on checking or savings.

If you’d like to open a CD, it could depend on which features you want in an account. Zapata National Bank pays higher CD rates, but Falcon International Bank has lower minimum opening deposit requirements. 

Falcon International Bank Review

Zapata National Bank vs. International Bank of Commerce

International Bank of Commerce is one of the largest Hispanic American-owned banks in the US, and it has over 167 branches around Texas and Oklahoma. It’s a good option if you want to work with a big bank or if you frequently travel around the state.

International Bank of Commerce is also the clear winner if you’re searching for higher interest rates on bank accounts. Its savings and money market account accounts also have lower minimum opening deposit requirements. 

International Bank of Commerce Review

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed Zapata National Bank

At Personal Finance Insider, we rate savings, checking, CD, and money market accounts using our banking methodology and CD methodology.

Each account receives a rating between 0 and 5. We evaluate a bank’s ethics, customer service, and mobile app for all accounts. We also consider different features for specific types of bank accounts. For example, we look at overdraft fees for checking accounts and interest rates for savings accounts.