Many mortgage lenders will offer a refinance package where you refinance for more than the balance remaining on your old home loan. In the mortgage world this is called "cashing out". The economy has also caused interest rates to drop recently which may allow you to refinance your home without increasing your monthly payments. The extra cash that results from refinancing can be used for many purposes; one of the smartest ways to use these funds is to pay off any loans with higher interest rates. If you are in a positive position regarding debt you may be interested in using the money for a more enjoyable purpose, such as building an addition on to your home. How ever you decide to spend the money, your mortgage broker can help you through the process.