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Auto Loans (5) Mortgages @ Co-Signing (3) Peer to Peer Lending (7) Credit Scores and Reporting (12) Student Loans (6)

Refund Anticipation Loan
A refund anticipation loan (RAL) is like an advance on your tax refund. Instead of waiting for your refund from Uncle Sam, you get a refund anticipation loan so you can spend the money sooner. However, some problems arise when you use refund anticipation loans.

Line of Credit - How a Line of Credit Works
A line of credit is a pool of available money that you can borrow. This page covers the basics of how lines of credit work.

Subprime - Definition of Subprime Borrowers and Lending
Subprime refers to a borrower that is not 'prime'. These subprime borrowers...

Loan to Value Ratio
The loan to value ratio (LTV) tells you how much of a property is being financed...

Upside Down Loans
An upside down loan is a situation where the loan balance is greater than the purchased item’s value. This happens when the item loses value faster than the loan balance decreases. This page covers upside down loans and how to spot trouble.

Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure - How Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure Works
Deed in lieu of foreclosure is a way to get out of a home loan...

How Universal Default Works
Universal default is a feeding frenzy that your lenders participate in. If you’ve got a universal default clause on one of your credit cards, you may have to pay the default rate even if you always pay on that card as agreed. Make sure you understand how universal default works so you’re not surprised during hard times.

Loan Deferments
When you are unable to repay a loan, you may go into deferment. Different loans have different requirements, so you’ll want to investigate your loan before attempting a student loan deferment. This page summarizes the concept of deferment so you can better understand whether or not you’re eligible – and if it’s a good idea.

How Subsidized Loans Work
Subsidized loans are loans for which the borrower does not pay interest. Interest would normally be charged periodically according to the annual percentage rate (APR). However, with a subsidized loan the interest is paid by another party.

Unemployment Deferment
Unemployment deferment allows you to temporarily suspend payments on your student loans while you are unemployed. “Unemployment” is triggered by working less than 30 hours per week. To begin an unemployment deferment, you must submit a request through your lender.

Workout Programs - How Debt Workouts Work
Borrowers sometimes find themselves in over their heads. One way to avoid foreclosure or default is to use a workout program. Debt workout programs are agreements between a troubled borrower and a lender.

How Amortization Works
Amortization is the elimination of a debt over time. With an amortization schedule, you can see how payments are applied to principal and interest. This page explains amortization, and then you can generate an amortization schedule with our free online calculator.

Unsecured Loans - Definition of Unsecured Loans
Unsecured loans are loans that are not backed by any collateral. This page gives a definition of unsecured loans.

Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is a way to compare the costs of a loan. Although it’s not perfect, it gives you a nice standard for comparing the percentage costs on different loans. This page covers the basics of APR, and how you can calculate it.

Home Equity Loan Tax Deduction
One nice feature of home equity loans is that borrowers may get a tax deduction on interest paid for the loan. Before you fall for a marketing campaign, you should understand that the tax deduction is not unlimited. This page explains how the tax deduction really works.

Car Payment Calculator
The car payment calculator is intended to help you figure out how much your car payments might be. In addition, you'll get an idea of how much interest you pay over the years. The car payment calculator includes an amortization schedule for your reference.

Debt Consolidation Programs
Debt consolidation programs are usually just a big loan that pays off other smaller loans. They can be very beneficial to borrowers, but these programs also have their pitfalls. Read up on how you should use debt consolidation programs and how to find the best deal.

Home Equity Loans
Home equity loans allow a homeowner to borrow money by pledging the house as collateral. Borrowers who want to borrow a relatively large amount of money or who don’t have good credit often find the home equity loan to be attractive. Read up on the basics and get some tips on managing your home equity loan.

Payday Loans
Payday loans are short term loans you can use to get through a rough spot. Before you use a payday loan, make sure you understand the costs and risks. This page gives you a quick overview of how they work, and ideas on what you can do to avoid using payday loans.

Refinance
Definition of refinance. To replace a loan…

Understanding Simple Interest
Simple interest is the most basic type of interest. In order to understand how various types of transactions work, it helps to have a complete understanding of how interest works. We'll cover the basic idea, the simple interest calculation, and the limitations of simple interest.

Emergency Cash Loans
Emergency cash can come from a variety of places. Ideally, you’ve got an emergency fund built up. If not, you may need an emergency cash loan. This page covers emergency cash loans, and the best places to find them.

What Can I Use My Loan Money For?
A lot of borrowers ask what they can use loan proceeds for. When taking on a loan, some people get more money than they actually need. More brazen borrowers take a loan out without any desire to use the loan for its intended purpose. Some people want to invest the money and earn more than the interest rate they’re paying for the loan (earning a ‘spread’).

Audio Introduction to Student Loans
The Department of Education is hoping you'll listen up. They've got an audio program discussing the basics of student loans, covering the process of applying, types of loans, and more.

Home Equity Loan Basics
This is a nice overview that will take you into deeper details if you want the specifics.

When You Need Money - Cures for the I Need Money Blues
At some point in our lives, we all reach the point where we say “I need money”. If you’re at that point, here are some ideas on getting the money you need. I hope to steer you in the right direction and cure the "I Need Money Blues".

4 Keys to Successful Debt Help
Seeking debt help is difficult. There are a lot of pressures and promises that can lead you to make a bad decision. Before you go into a debt help program, make sure you know as much as possible about what you’re getting into.

Credit at About.com
About.com's Credit guide can help you manage your borrowing and get the best deals. You'll find tips on managing credit to your advantage.

Finaid.org - Student Loans
A great starting point for those who want student loans and other types of financial aid. Get information on private loans here.

Amortization
Definition of Amortization.

Prepayment Penalty
Definition of prepayment penalty.