When used correctly, refinancing a mortgage can be a great choice. While refinancing can save you money, it’s not always a slam-dunk decision, especially when it comes to financial independence (FI).

Debt can feel like a huge hurdle to clear at the beginning. But you may be able to find help in an unlikely place: with a personal loan. We give you the rundown on how personal loans work, when to use them, and when to avoid them.