Loans
This page offers tools for getting the best loan rates. Find out where to compare loan rates, and what you can do to get a better rate. We'll cover auto loans, debt consolidation loans, and home equity loans. You'll know how to get the best loan available to you. Whether you want to refinance a loan or get a new loan, this is the place to start.
How to Get a Private Loan With Bad Credit
Readers ask if it’s possible to get a private loan with bad credit. It depends who you borrow from. If you do a private loan with somebody you know, the answer is yes - as long as they’ll lend to you. If you’re looking for private student loans and you have bad credit, it’s not as easy.
Readers ask if it’s possible to get a private loan with bad credit. It depends who you borrow from. If you do a private loan with somebody you know, the answer is yes - as long as they’ll lend to you. If you’re looking for private student loans and you have bad credit, it’s not as easy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Family Loan
Borrowers sometimes find that a family loan is the best option. What does it take to set up a family loan properly? You have to consider financial and personal topics to make sure the loan does not become a nightmare.
Borrowers sometimes find that a family loan is the best option. What does it take to set up a family loan properly? You have to consider financial and personal topics to make sure the loan does not become a nightmare.
No Closing Cost Loans
You may see loans advertised as 'no closing cost loans'. While it may be a good deal, you should understand what it means to use a no closing cost loan. It does not mean you’re getting something for free. Let’s drill down into no closing cost loans and whether or not you should use them.
You may see loans advertised as 'no closing cost loans'. While it may be a good deal, you should understand what it means to use a no closing cost loan. It does not mean you’re getting something for free. Let’s drill down into no closing cost loans and whether or not you should use them.
Cheap Loans - Where to Find Cheap Loans - What to Avoid
Do cheap loans exist? There’s almost always a cost to borrow money, but you can manage the costs and improve your chances. Find out how to find cheap loans, and what to avoid.
Do cheap loans exist? There’s almost always a cost to borrow money, but you can manage the costs and improve your chances. Find out how to find cheap loans, and what to avoid.
Alternatives to Title Loans
Title loans are risky loans where you pledge something you own as collateral for a loan. We’ve previously covered the risks of title loans, so let’s see how you can avoid using them. There are several alternatives you should investigate before using a title loan.
Title loans are risky loans where you pledge something you own as collateral for a loan. We’ve previously covered the risks of title loans, so let’s see how you can avoid using them. There are several alternatives you should investigate before using a title loan.
IRA Loan
When you need money, an IRA loan may come to mind. Technically, it’s not possible to borrow from your IRA. However, you can do a few things that act like an IRA loan for quick cash. Learn what your options are.
When you need money, an IRA loan may come to mind. Technically, it’s not possible to borrow from your IRA. However, you can do a few things that act like an IRA loan for quick cash. Learn what your options are.
Loan Modifications
Loan modifications are changes to your loan agreement. Your payments get more affordable, and you don’t have to default on your loan. Banks choose to offer loan modification programs because it is easier to work with you than to go after you. Let's review how loan modification works, and how you can improve your chances.
Loan modifications are changes to your loan agreement. Your payments get more affordable, and you don’t have to default on your loan. Banks choose to offer loan modification programs because it is easier to work with you than to go after you. Let's review how loan modification works, and how you can improve your chances.
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.
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.
Subprime - Definition of Subprime Borrowers and Lending
Subprime refers to a borrower that is not 'prime'. These subprime borrowers...
Subprime refers to a borrower that is not 'prime'. These subprime borrowers...
Moral Hazard - How Moral Hazard Works
Moral hazard is a concept saying that people will take risks if they have an incentive to do so. The idea is that people might ignore the moral implications of their choices. Instead, they will do what benefits them the most. The concept of moral hazard comes from the insurance industry.
Moral hazard is a concept saying that people will take risks if they have an incentive to do so. The idea is that people might ignore the moral implications of their choices. Instead, they will do what benefits them the most. The concept of moral hazard comes from the insurance industry.
Getting a Loan With Bad Credit
It’s hard to get a loan with bad credit. Options are limited, and borrowing is more expensive. If you’re trying to get a loan with bad credit, do some homework before you get a loan. It’s easy to get into expensive traps, and there are a few things you can do to improve your chances.
It’s hard to get a loan with bad credit. Options are limited, and borrowing is more expensive. If you’re trying to get a loan with bad credit, do some homework before you get a loan. It’s easy to get into expensive traps, and there are a few things you can do to improve your chances.
Loan to Value Ratio
The loan to value ratio (LTV) tells you how much of a property is being financed...
The loan to value ratio (LTV) tells you how much of a property is being financed...
Debt Elimination Basics
Debt elimination is the process of knocking out loans so you stop paying interest. Sometimes borrowing is necessary. However, once you’re financially secure (or if you’re in over your head) you need to start on a debt elimination program. Find out how to go about debt elimination, and what you need to know before starting.
Debt elimination is the process of knocking out loans so you stop paying interest. Sometimes borrowing is necessary. However, once you’re financially secure (or if you’re in over your head) you need to start on a debt elimination program. Find out how to go about debt elimination, and what you need to know before starting.
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.
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.
Deficiency Judgments
Deficiency judgment are court orders that make you personally liable for unpaid debt. They are often associated with foreclosures, when a home's selling price is not enough to cover the loan balance. Let's take a closer look at what deficiency judgments are and if you should expect one.
Deficiency judgment are court orders that make you personally liable for unpaid debt. They are often associated with foreclosures, when a home's selling price is not enough to cover the loan balance. Let's take a closer look at what deficiency judgments are and if you should expect one.
Car Title Loans
Car title loans are short term loans against your automobile. When you get a car title loan, you pledge your auto as collateral in order to get cash. For people with no other options, car title loans are a reasonable choice. However, car title loans are also very expensive and very risky.
Car title loans are short term loans against your automobile. When you get a car title loan, you pledge your auto as collateral in order to get cash. For people with no other options, car title loans are a reasonable choice. However, car title loans are also very expensive and very risky.
Community Reinvestment Act
The Community Reinvestment Act was designed to make money available to underserved areas. Banks took deposits in low-income areas, but they did not make many loans in those areas. Congress passed the Community Reinvestment Act to encourage lending, home ownership, and business expansion.
The Community Reinvestment Act was designed to make money available to underserved areas. Banks took deposits in low-income areas, but they did not make many loans in those areas. Congress passed the Community Reinvestment Act to encourage lending, home ownership, and business expansion.
Government Loans
Government loans come in a variety of flavors. You can get a government loan to go to school, buy a home, run a business, and more. This list shows the most common government loan programs.
Government loans come in a variety of flavors. You can get a government loan to go to school, buy a home, run a business, and more. This list shows the most common government loan programs.
Bank Loan Calculators
It’s a good idea to use a bank loan calculator to figure your loan payments. Before you commit to anything, you should know what you’re getting into. Here are several bank loan calculators that help you understand what your payments will be like and how much interest you’ll pay on the loan.
It’s a good idea to use a bank loan calculator to figure your loan payments. Before you commit to anything, you should know what you’re getting into. Here are several bank loan calculators that help you understand what your payments will be like and how much interest you’ll pay on the loan.
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...
Deed in lieu of foreclosure is a way to get out of a home loan...
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.
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.
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.
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.
What is a Credit Line?
A credit line is an available amount of money that you can borrow. What is a credit line used for? Just about anything. You can get a credit line for personal or business spending. Find out what a credit line is and how they’re used.
A credit line is an available amount of money that you can borrow. What is a credit line used for? Just about anything. You can get a credit line for personal or business spending. Find out what a credit line is and how they’re used.
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.
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.
Recourse Loans and Non-recourse Loans
Recourse loans are loans that allow the lender to come after you in case you default. You can contrast recourse loans with non-recourse loans, which create more risk for lenders. Let’s take a look at recourse loans, how they work, and how to identify them.
Recourse loans are loans that allow the lender to come after you in case you default. You can contrast recourse loans with non-recourse loans, which create more risk for lenders. Let’s take a look at recourse loans, how they work, and how to identify them.
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.
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.
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.
Unsecured loans are loans that are not backed by any collateral. This page gives a definition of unsecured loans.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What Types of Loan Modifications Exist?
Banks can change the terms of your loan to make the payments more affordable. These changes are often called loan modifications, and they may be permanent or temporary.
Banks can change the terms of your loan to make the payments more affordable. These changes are often called loan modifications, and they may be permanent or temporary.
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.
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.
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.
Cash Title Loans
Cash title loans are short term loans that allow you to pledge title to an asset in exchange for cash. The most common cash title loan is a car title loan. Before you use a cash title loan, make sure you know the pitfalls.
Cash title loans are short term loans that allow you to pledge title to an asset in exchange for cash. The most common cash title loan is a car title loan. Before you use a cash title loan, make sure you know the pitfalls.
Auto Title Loans
Auto title loans are short term loans that allow you to pledge title to an asset in exchange for cash. The most common auto title loan is a car title loan. Before you use a auto title loan, make sure you know the pitfalls.
Auto title loans are short term loans that allow you to pledge title to an asset in exchange for cash. The most common auto title loan is a car title loan. Before you use a auto title loan, make sure you know the pitfalls.
Loan for Title
Getting a loan for title is the process of pledging an asset in exchange for a loan. You should use the loan for title program only if you have no other options. Let’s review what happens when you use a loan for title arrangement.
Getting a loan for title is the process of pledging an asset in exchange for a loan. You should use the loan for title program only if you have no other options. Let’s review what happens when you use a loan for title arrangement.
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.
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…
Definition of refinance. To replace a loan…
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.
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.
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.
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.
No Closing Cost Refinance - Definition
A no closing cost refinance is a transaction where you refinance without paying closing costs. A refinance happens when your new loan pays off and replaces an old loan. A no closing cost refinance means that you avoid paying up-front closing costs when you complete the transaction. Let's review the basics of no closing cost refinances and when you should use them.
A no closing cost refinance is a transaction where you refinance without paying closing costs. A refinance happens when your new loan pays off and replaces an old loan. A no closing cost refinance means that you avoid paying up-front closing costs when you complete the transaction. Let's review the basics of no closing cost refinances and when you should use them.
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.
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’).
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.
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.
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".
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.
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.
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.
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.
Definition of Amortization.
Prepayment Penalty
Definition of prepayment penalty.
Definition of prepayment penalty.
Tax Return Loans - Definition and Overview of Tax Return Loans
Tax return loans are loans you get in anticipation of a tax refund. While tax return loans help you in the short term, they can be hazardous to your financial health. Learn how tax return loans work and what to watch out for.
Tax return loans are loans you get in anticipation of a tax refund. While tax return loans help you in the short term, they can be hazardous to your financial health. Learn how tax return loans work and what to watch out for.
Tax Refund Loans - Definition and Overview of Tax Refund Loans
Tax refund loans are loans you get in anticipation of a tax refund. While tax refund loans help you in the short term, they can be hazardous to your financial health. Learn how tax refund loans work and what to watch out for.
Tax refund loans are loans you get in anticipation of a tax refund. While tax refund loans help you in the short term, they can be hazardous to your financial health. Learn how tax refund loans work and what to watch out for.
Debt Elimination Program Pitfalls
Debt elimination programs promise to wipe away your debts. Some of them are legitimate, but the debt elimination industry is notorious for scams. Before you sign up with anybody, learn the common pitfalls of debt elimination programs.
Debt elimination programs promise to wipe away your debts. Some of them are legitimate, but the debt elimination industry is notorious for scams. Before you sign up with anybody, learn the common pitfalls of debt elimination programs.