A personal loan can be a great financial tool if you know how to use it wisely. A loan can help you afford the things you need if you currently do not have the money to make an outright purchase. However, borrowing money has its risks, so it is important to be well informed before you decide to enter into a legally binding agreement with a bank or other lender. With all things in life, knowledge is power, so read below to learn what to consider before getting a personal loan.
What to consider before getting a personal loan:
- Affordability of the loan – Most people think about how much a loan will cost them before they get it, but it is important to crunch some numbers to make sure you can comfortably afford your monthly payments. After all, a loan is designed to be a helpful tool – not an additional financial burden. If you realize that you are struggling to make your payments, maybe your loan package is not ideal for your situation or the timing simply isn’t right. Make sure to always account for unexpected expenses that pop up from time to time. Ask yourself if you will still be able to easily pay if you encounter a surprise home repair or medical bill.
- Terms and conditions of the loan – Not all loans are created equal, so it is essential to do your homework and shop around for the best possible deal. Different lenders will offer different repayment plans, interest rates, etc. The key is to find one that meets your criteria and works within your budget and timeframe. It is wise to get a copy of your credit report beforehand and make sure it is error-free. If your score is too low to qualify for a personal loan at this time, hold off until you have time to boost it.
- Understanding the loan – Before you sign a loan application, make sure all your bases are covered and you understand what you are agreeing to. It is easy to blindly agree to the terms of an app update on your smartphone, but it is quite different to take out a loan without full comprehension. Among other things, it is important to ask the lender if there are any hidden fees, what will happen if you default, if you can pay ahead of schedule, whether the interest rates are fixed or variable, and if you will need to pay for loan insurance. Once you are satisfied with the answers to these questions, you can borrow money with confidence.
- The necessity of the loan – Before shopping around for loans, it is important to ask yourself if this type of financial move is a necessity. Maybe you want to get a loan to afford a new set of snow skis. Although you love skiing, the cost of the loan and interest may not justify the purchase of this non-essential item. In general, a good rule of thumb is to take out a loan for a large purchase that will greatly impact your life in the long-term – like a mortgage. It’s fine to borrow for smaller purchases as long as you can easily afford the payments. Either way, if you ask yourself if the loan is necessary, you will be making an informed decision.
- Prepare for the loan – When you apply for a loan, it is important to be prepared and have all the necessary documents in order. If you can anticipate the needs of your lender, you will make a good impression and come across as a responsible potential client. Having the paperwork ready ahead of time will speed up processing, so you can access your cash faster. Your documents may even prove to the lender that you qualify for a lower rate. Different companies require different pieces of information, but most will ask you to provide proof of identity and residence, recent bank statements, pay stubs, and the previous year’s tax filing (assuming you are a salaried employee). Make sure to find out what your lender requires in terms of paperwork, so you can be fully prepared.
A personal loan is a great tool to utilize when you want to borrow money for an important expense. As long as you know what to consider, there is nothing standing in your way.