"A loan can be a godsend in tough times and a convenient way to improve your quality of life, but it's important to remember that it comes at a cost. That's why you should consider following these guidelines for safer borrowing to make sure you don't let debt get out of hand.
The monthly installments you pay for a loan might not seem much at first glance, but don't forget that you would be making those payments over several months or even years. What you pay back will always be more than what you borrowed - often many times more. That is because of the interest, fees and other charges lenders levy through the life of any loan.
Keeping the following guidelines in mind when planning to take a loan or paying one off should help you stay on track.
Think about whether you really need a loan : Do you really need to borrow to money or would be better served saving for a few months till you can afford to buy whatever it is you are planning to. Keep in mind that buying with cash is much cheaper than using a loan to fund a purchase. You especially need to assess whether you can afford to pay a loan off.
Find the right kind of loan : If you decide on borrowing, look for the right type of loan for you. Take only a short-term loan for relatively small expenses, for instance funding a vacation. The monthly repayment on a long-term loan might be smaller than for a short term one, but it works out a lot more costly because you pay it back over a much longer period.
Don't forget to shop around : You must compare the interest rates of various loans for identical terms before selecting one. Always check the annual percentage rate (APR). The loan with the lowest APR will be the cheapest. Find out about fees and other charges that lenders levy. This would protect you from getting a rude shock if the lender suddenly demands a charge that you were not aware of.
Look for flexibility : This is especially important if you are taking a long-term loan. Your financial situation might fluctuate over the years. So look for a loan that would allow you to pay back more than the agreed monthly sum when you can afford to and extend the period of repayments should you be in financial difficulty.
Don't skip payments : Missing or delaying repayments is the easiest way to get into trouble. Do not skip a single payment because that adversely affects your credit rating, making it difficult for you to borrow money in the future.
Keep debt in check : Borrowing too much at the same time is a recipe for disaster, so try to prioritize and preferably take loans only for things that are absolutely essential - like buying a home or a car. If you have trouble paying off your debts, speak to the lender and explain your situation. Often lenders are sympathetic and agree to rearrange repayments on easier terms. If that doesn't happen, consider refinancing your loans at lower interest.
Complying with these guidelines for safer borrowing will keep you out of trouble. "
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