HELOC or Cash Out Refinance?

For homeowners considering borrowing against the equity in their home, deciding how to access it is not always straightforward. Should you open a home equity line of credit, or would a cash-out refinance make more sense in the 2026 interest-rate environment? In this episode of Clear Money Talk, Tim Clairmont, MSFS™, LACP™, Wealth Advisor, and Tyler Andrews, CFP®, NSSA®, Wealth Advisor, compare HELOCs and cash-out refinances. They discuss how your existing mortgage rate, borrowing needs, repayment timeline, closing costs, and plans for the money can all influence the decision. They also explore when flexibility may matter more than a fixed repayment structure, why a lower monthly payment does not always lead to a lower long-term cost, and how borrowing against your home may affect your broader financial position. Tune in to hear the full conversation, available now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.