Personal loans exist in today’s American financial landscape in a way by which most get to manage their expenses, get out of debt, or make significant purchases. However, the jungle that exists with the vast number of personal loans on offer can be confusing to select the right one for your needs. This article will discuss the types of personal loans, both their advantages and disadvantages, and how best to make an informed decision.
- Unsecured Personal Loans
The commonest kind of personal loan is the unsecured personal loan. This is a kind of loan that you will not attach to some collateral, such as, for example, your home or car, to secure it. Admission of this kind of personal loan is common mostly because it doesn’t need collateral. Because they are not backed by collateral, most lenders will determine your eligibility and interest rate using your credit score and financial history.
Pros:
- There is no risk of losing personal assets by default on the loan.
- Faster approval process compared to secured loans.
- Flexible in use.
Cons:
- Higher interest because no collateral is involved.
- Good to excellent credit is required to obtain favorable terms.
Example: Jane has some credit card debt she wants to consolidate into a single loan at a lower interest rate. She applies for an unsecured personal loan and, because she has a good credit score, is given a good interest rate.
- Secured Personal Loans
Secured personal loans, on the other hand, need some collateral, which in most cases involves a savings account, a vehicle, or any other valuable asset. Collateral reduces the risk for the lender and usually reduces the interest rates and borrowing limits.
Pros:
- Lower interest rate as compared to unsecured loans.
- Easier approval, for even people with imperfect credit.
- Larger loan amounts available.
Cons:
- In the event of a default on the loan, there is potential to lose the collateral.
- Prolonged approval process further because of the need to assess assets.
Example: John has to finance a home renovation. To do such, he pledges his car and gets a personal loan against its value in the market. By doing so, he is able to score a lower interest rate and a higher sum of money than if he were to get a loan product that is unsecured.
- Fixed-Rate Personal Loans
Fixed interest rate personal loans are personal loans acquired at a fixed interest rate for the entire loan repayment period. This implies that, going forward, your month-to-month payments from here on forward are predetermined and easy to plan for.
Pros:
- Fixed monthly payments.
- Guard against rising interest rates.
Cons:
- Might have higher starting interest rates compared to variable rate loans.
Example: Lisa takes out a personal loan at a fixed interest rate to raise funds for her wedding. She values the predictability of knowing her payment ahead of time, which will really help in managing her wedding budget.
- Variable-Rate Personal Loans
Unlike fixed rate personal loans, a personal loan that is adjustable rate, also known as a variable rate, will be an interest rate that is one that is moving with market conditions and presumably starts off lower than fixed rate loans but then can go either way during the life of the loan.
Pros:
- Initial interest rates that may be relatively low.
- Chance of the interest rates being on a downward spiral over time.
Cons:
- Instability in the monthly payments due to interest rates being at fluctuating rates. – Threat of higher payments in case of rising interest rates.
Example: Mark actually takes out a variable-rate personal loan for his start-up business. He seizes the opportunity of that lower introductory interest rate, so he can, in turn, lower his initial costs. He does, however, recognize that if the interest rates rise, his payments may become more expensive.
- Debt Consolidation
The loan is specifically designed to combine multiple debts into a single loan, one monthly payment; it is essentially a debt consolidation loan. This could streamline your finances and reduce your overall interest rate.
Pros:
- Makes repayment easier through one monthly payment.
- Can lower interest rates generally.
Cons:
- Good credit is needed for some of the better rates.
- May not be financially-focused enough to further address the underlying issues of what incurred the debt.
Example: Sarah has numerous high-interest balances on credit cards. She takes a debt consolidation loan with a lower interest rate, which is more affordable, and can reduce her monthly rates.
Tips to Choose the Right Personal Loan
- Evaluate Your Financial Status: Revisit your financial status, which includes your income, expenses and the credit score, before you apply for a personal loan. This will help you in selecting the right loan.
- Compare interest rates and terms: Compare the charges and the fees varying from one lender to another to get the best deal.
- Read the Fine Print: Make sure that you understand all the terms and conditions for the facility, including all fees or penalties for early repayment.
- Think of Your Long-Term Goals: You need to think of how the loan will fit into your long-term financial plans. Are these further away goals that it would be preferable not to use this product for, or are they goals that it will help you reach without getting deeply into debt to do so?
Study in and calculate the rates of the different types of personal loans for informed choices that best suit your financial need.