Most of us think of loans when we need to make a major purchase, such as home or automobiles. Really, there are loans that can help us with all sorts of situations that we find ourselves in. Today we are reviewing some options that are out there and what they do to help us repair our financial situation or obtain the things we need.
The Short-Term Loan Option
Imagine a moment in which you have a bill due and for any number of reasons, no money to cover it. Maybe you are about to have your electricity shut off, the cell phone turned off, or even just need some extra cash so that you can get groceries. It happens all the time to people and sometimes, the solution is as easy as a short-term loan. This is especially true if you have struggled with less-than-stellar credit. When you have bad credit, a bad credit payday loan alternative is going to get you the help you need without struggling to meet loan requirements elsewhere. These types of loans are based on the income you currently bring into your home, are paid off within six months to a year, and can be available for withdrawal as soon as the next business day.
The Personal Loan
Personal loans are smaller loans, often less than $5,000, that can be used for anything in your life. Many people use it to pay off old debt that has high-interest rates so that they can have one monthly payment that is sometimes lower and with a smaller interest rate. Others will use it for moving expenses or to get the home computer equipment that they need. The best thing about a personal loan is that they are not earmarked for any specific expense, like when you want to buy a home or car. Repayment terms will vary based on the bank that you select but most personal loans must be paid off in less than three years. Usually, you obtain a personal loan from a bank but a growing number of personal loans are easily obtainable by non-bank organizations. Peer to peer lending is popular for the personal loan and you can also find internet businesses that are in the lending business.
Loans From Your Retirement
If you have a retirement account, you can occasionally borrow from your retirement savings. This one is a very important option that can also make a mess of your retirement very quickly. Firstly, you should always consult with an accountant or financial counselor before opting to borrow against a retirement account. Simply put, they can look at your financial situation and take into consideration any tax penalties for the loan and let you know if it is a viable option. Having said that, there are other things to think about. If you want to take a vacation, borrowing from your retirement savings is not a good idea. If you are about to go into foreclosure on your home, it’s a pretty good idea to tap into retirement. Most of these loans must be paid within five years so be sure that your current income status will be able to handle the repayment while maintaining your current monthly expenses.
There are even more options when it comes to loans and these are some of the basics that just about every person can use in their lives. Don’t forget the importance of living on a budget, having an emergency savings account on hand, and talking with family about support should you lose your employment or home. Having a plan is the best way to go when planning for a very rainy day!