Personal Loans Articles

A young adult pumps their fist in celebration while going over paperwork and using a laptop at home.

Sept. 25, 2022 | By Ashley Maready

Personal Loan Rates Have Dropped More Than 10%. Here Are 4 Steps to Locking in the Best Rate

Interest rates for personal loans have recently gone down. Here's what you can do to ensure you get the best deal on your loan.

A man working on his laptop sitting in a cafe.

Sept. 24, 2022 | By Dana George

3 Reasons to Think Twice Before Committing to a Loan With a Balloon Payment

A loan with a balloon payment keeps monthly payments low. Keep reading to learn why that may not be enough to make a balloon loan a good option.

A couple discusses their finances with a bank associate.

Sept. 21, 2022 | By Dana George

3 Ways to Ensure 'Loan Grading' Works in Your Favor

Lenders use loan grading to determine the terms of your loan. Here are three ways to score the highest possible grade.

A group of wedding attendees in formal attire smile and toast their drinks.

Sept. 7, 2022 | By David Chang, ChFC®, CLU®

Getting Married? Here's the Best Type of Personal Loan to Cover the Party

There are many different types of personal loans that can help you meet your goals. Read on to find out the best type for a wedding.

A woman sitting in front of her couch with her laptop and celebrating with her hand in the air.

Aug. 31, 2022 | By Dana George

Interest Rates for Personal Loans Have Fallen. Is Now a Good Time to Borrow?

For the first time in 50 years, the average personal loan rate has dropped below 9%. Keep reading to find out if now is a good time to apply.

A couple signing paperwork with a realtor in a new house.

Aug. 29, 2022 | By Brittney Myers

Have Big Plans? Here Are 5 Times Your Personal Credit May Not Be Enough

A personal credit history is a pillar of modern personal finance. But it's not always enough. Read on to see some cases where you may need more than your credit.

A man sitting at a desk in front of a laptop and making a phone call while holding up and reading a piece of paper.

Aug. 24, 2022 | By Dana George

4 Alternatives to Short-Term Loans

Short-term loans, like those offered by payday lenders, often come with APRs over 400%. Keep reading to learn more about alternatives available to you.

Car salesman assisting couple with car purchase.

Aug. 15, 2022 | By Brittney Myers

People Are Waiting Weeks for New Cars. Here's How to Make Sure You Don't Miss Out

The car market is in the middle of a perfect storm of shortages and delays. Consider this advice before heading to the dealership.

A couple look over loan documents with their loan officer.

Aug. 7, 2022 | By David Chang, ChFC®, CLU®

Americans Are Borrowing Money to Buy Crypto. Should You?

One out of 4 crypto investors have taken out loans to invest in cryptocurrencies. Read on to find out if it's a good idea.

A person sitting at a desk and filling out paperwork.

Aug. 6, 2022 | By Lyle Daly

Dave Ramsey Says Debt Consolidation Doesn't Solve Anything. Is He Right?

Debt consolidation is a popular way to get out of debt. Learn why Dave Ramsey doesn't think it's a good idea and see if his logic makes sense.

A couple talking to a bank officer at a desk.

July 6, 2022 | By Dana George

Thinking of Taking Out a Loan Right Now? Here’s Why That May Be Risky

Debt always carries a measure of risk. Here's what one writer hopes you'll consider before borrowing.

June 7, 2022 | By David Chang, ChFC®, CLU®

Falling Behind on Your Car Payments? Here Are Your Options

Worried about your car payments? Here are options that can help.

A couple smiles as they enter their new house carrying moving boxes.

April 25, 2022 | By Natasha Etzel

86% of Americans Would Live in a Tiny Home. Should You Buy One?

Tiny homes are appealing because they can make living costs more affordable. But is a tiny house for you? Find out what you need to know before buying one.

An adult sits at a desk at home looking through financial documents.

March 19, 2022 | By Natasha Etzel

Buy Now, Pay Later Loans Will Soon Appear on Credit Reports

Buy now, pay later loans offer a convenient way for consumers to pay for larger purchases. Soon, BNPL data will appear on consumer credit reports. Find out more.

Sept. 26, 2021 | By Kimberly Rotter, AFC®

Can You Get a Loan for $10,000?

Several types of loan can get you $10,000 when you need it. The best loan type partly depends on why you need the money.

A smiling couple driving their car down an open highway in the desert at dusk.

Sept. 24, 2021 | By Kimberly Rotter, AFC®

How to Get a Car Loan With a 720 Credit Score

A 720 is a good score by just about any measure. But to get the best deal on a car loan, make sure to maximize your credit score and shop around with multiple lenders.

Young woman having serious discussion with another person

Sept. 23, 2021 | By Dana George

How to Ask Someone to Cosign a Loan

Asking someone to cosign on a loan is huge. If you're going to do it, make sure you do it right. Here's how.

Young woman looks at her bills with a worried facial expression.

Sept. 3, 2021 | By Dana George

Where Can I Get a Payday Loan?

In some states, finding a payday lender is as easy as finding the nearest strip mall. But why borrow money at astronomically high rates when you have better options?

A young couple looks unsure about signing a financial document in a financer's office.

Sept. 1, 2021 | By Dana George

What Are Payday Loans?

Payday loans are short-term high-interest loans with an average interest rate of 400%. In this expert review, we discuss how they work and possible alternatives.

A woman stands in her kitchen, looking stressed as she stares at some bills.

Aug. 18, 2021 | By Natasha Etzel

Bad News: Taking a Better-Paying Job Could Cost You Big Bucks

Considering a higher-paying job? It may come with hidden expenses, which can add up. Find out more.

A person leans out the passenger side's window of a red car, smiling.

Aug. 13, 2021 | By Dana George

Millions Have Applied for Auto Loans Through Ally in 2021. Should You?

In the midst of a pandemic, Ally auto loans has managed to rack up a record number of vehicle loans. Read more about what sets Ally apart from the competition.

Smiling couple shaking hands with someone over a laptop

Aug. 7, 2021 | By Lyle Daly

3 Same-Day Loans That Aren't Payday Loans

People in need of fast cash often turn to costly payday loans. Discover some alternatives that don't have sky-high interest rates.

A man sitting on his couch surrounded by plants in a sunny room while online shopping on his laptop and holding a credit card in one hand.

Aug. 4, 2021 | By Lyle Daly

Is 690 a Good Credit Score for a Personal Loan?

Your credit score is a key factor when applying for a personal loan. Here's what you can expect during the loan process with a credit score of 690.

A man standing at the counter in his sunny kitchen and typing on his laptop.

July 28, 2021 | By Dana George

Are Online Loans Safe?

Need a loan but worried about working with an online lender? Keep reading to learn how safe online loans are and how to spot a scam.