Managed-care company UnitedHealth Group said its fourth-quarter profit jumped 30 percent on higher premium revenue, despite a continued decline in enrollment.

Tapping equity isn't the only reason to refinance; sometimes it can make financial sense to refinance a home mortgage just to get a lower rate. Whether it's smart to refinance solely for a rate benefit depends on how long a home owner plans to stay in the home. Almost every new mortgage costs money,...