Uprova Bar
March 14, 2023

Personal loans are beneficial for many reasons. They can be used for just about any purpose, and they’re relatively easy to qualify for, as long as you find the right lender for your financial situation. If you are in need of funding, you might be considering taking out a personal loan. Here are personal loan questions to ask yourself before you borrow.

1. Am I taking out a personal loan for a need or want?

Whether it’s a personal loan, credit card, or other type of funding, you should always ask yourself if it’s worth borrowing money and taking on debt. However, it’s especially important today, when interest rates are up. When interest rates are higher, it’s more expensive to borrow money.

Before borrowing, consider all your options. In some cases, borrowing is the only option, especially when it’s needed to cover an emergency expense. Always calculate what you will owe, including interest, before taking out a loan to ensure you can make timely payments and pay off your loan.

2. Have I considered my options?

A personal loan might not be the cheapest way to get the money you need to cover an expense. Consider all of your options before applying for funding to ensure you’re making a smart financial decision. For example, is there a friend or family member you could ask for a small loan? Is there any way to cut back on discretionary spending or another expense you could push back?

3. How is my credit score?

Before you apply for a personal loan or any type of funding, you should check your credit score. Your credit score determines what types of loans you have access to, what interest rate you’ll get, and can even impact the terms of your loan.

There are many ways to view your credit score for free. There are sites like CreditKarma.com that you can use to view your score. Some credit companies also offer free credit reporting. Review your credit report to determine if there are ways you could improve your score quickly.

4. How will I pay off my loan?

Before you sign your loan agreement, you should think about how you plan to pay for your loan. Once you know exactly how much you will owe, including interest and any fees, you should review your budget and confirm you can make your monthly payments. Even better, if your loan terms allow prepayment, look for ways you can adjust your budget to pay off your loan sooner to pay less on interest.

If it doesn’t look like you can afford the loan as is, you may have to borrow less than you initially wanted or turn down the loan altogether. You should never borrow more than you can afford to pay off because it can lead to a cycle of debt, poor credit score, and even bankruptcy.

Summary

Personal loans are beneficial for many reasons. They can help you make home improvements, car repairs, cover emergency bills and more. Before you borrow, ask yourself a few questions to ensure you’re acting responsibly. Are you borrowing money for the right reason? Is a personal loan the best option? Is your credit score in good shape or should you wait to apply for funding while you improve it? How do you plan to pay for your loan? If you are able to answer these questions, then a personal loan might be the best option for you.

At Uprova, we’ve helped thousands of customers get the funding they needed. You can request up to $5,000 online. Check your rate today.



The content of this website is for informational purposes only. Nothing on this website constitutes financial or professional advice. Consult a professional for advice suitable to your personal circumstances.

Ready to get started?

Checking your rate won’t affect your FICO® Credit Score!

 Check My Rate