Loans are not a subject that many people are fans of talking about, and I can’t say that I blame them. It’s uncomfortable to consider stuff like debt and how we’re going to pay our bills, especially seeing as a lot of us have been plunged into financial insecurity thanks to the covid 19 pandemic over the past few years.
Still, though, that doesn’t mean it’s not important to talk about. There is a lot involved when it comes to loans, in particular with the consumer ones. Since business loans are a whole other ball game, I won’t be focusing on them much here today (if at all). Instead, this will be a list of some of the most important things to know about consumer loans.
Before we continue, though, this article is where I got some of this information. You may want to read it first to get some context, but that should not be necessary if you already know what loans are and how they work (at least to some extent). With all of that said, let us dive right in.
One: The Application Process Can be Long and Tedious
The first time that you apply for a loan, there is a good chance that you have no idea for what you are really in. Honestly, it can take forever (or at least, it feels like it) thanks to all of the paperwork and bureaucracy involved. After all, whether it is on your side or the lender’s side, there is probably going to be some sort of hangup thanks to a lack of information or communication.
One thing that can really help here is to prepare the necessary documentation before you initiate the process. Typically, this is easier when you’re doing this online, since you can go back and forth between rooms and to your computer to locate everything. However, if you do end up applying in person, it can be a bit embarrassing (not to mention time-wasting) to show up and not be properly prepared.
What might you need? Well, it can vary depending on the lender, so if you are ever unsure, it never hurts to call ahead and ask what they want. Generally speaking, though, they will want your credit history, some identifying documents (like a birth certificate or a passport), and paystubs to verify your current income.
Two: Your Credit Score Has a Big Impact
When I mentioned “credit history” in the last section, hopefully you took note of that. You see, in the world of loans, this is a really big deal. If you’re not already familiar with yours, I would highly recommend that you figure it out before you apply for a forbrukslån or any type of credit agreement. Why is that? Well, I will explain.
Most lenders determine who they will approve out of the many borrowers that apply based upon their credit scores. While it might not seem overly fair to do it this way, it is pretty standard these days. That is because credit scores reflect how trustworthy a borrower is with previous credit agreements. Those could be loans, credit cards, or even monthly rental payments.
The higher on this scale that you are, the better chances you have of approval for most loans. In addition to that, you will probably get offered lower interest rates and better terms. So, it really is in your best interest to do your best to cultivate a high credit score if you’ve got a fair or poor one right now.
Of course, that is something that takes time. Do not lose heart if your record is not perfect right now. There are still plenty of opportunities available for those who are struggling with their credit. Even if there seems to be nothing at home, you can always look internationally as well.
Three: You Can Refinance Later
Often, we only hear the word “refinancing” in relation to mortgages. However, you can actually do it with most loans if your lender is willing to do so. Even then, you can usually find another lender who is willing to work with you and sort it out. What is refinancing, then?
There’s a bit more information on it here, https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/how-does-refinancing-a-mortgage-work/, although that source is specifically discussing it in terms of mortgages. Still, it is a decent enough resource, so hopefully it offers you some insight as well. Refinancing is taking a pre-existing credit agreement and changing some of the terms that were in the original contract.
Typically, the goal of the borrower is to reduce the interest that they are being charged or to change how expensive their monthly payments are. Lenders are usually happy to do so, although it is a good idea to carefully read over any changes that are made so that you know what you are agreeing to. Sometimes, they’ll extend the overall lifespan of the loan if you do this.
Four: Personal Loans are Flexible
When you think of a loan, the first things that probably pop in your mind are student, auto, or home loans (also called mortgages). However, these are hardly the only ones out there. If you are looking for a more flexible option, a personal one may just be a solution. With them, you can use the funds for almost anything that the lender will allow, rather than it being to a singular dedicated purpose.
This flexibility is definitely a positive, although it’s still good to remember that you should probably run down your choices with your lender. After all, they do tend to want to know what their money is going towards, even for something like a personal loan. Often, during the application, they’ll ask you what it’s for, so that can be handled before you really have to worry about bringing it up separately.
Five: It is Important to Borrow Responsibly
Freedom with private loans is appealing, and I totally understand that. However, while it is technically possible to borrow money for something like buying a lot of games or making microtransactions on your phone, which is probably not the best use of this resource. That brings me to my final point for today: borrow responsibly.
Before you apply for any loan, you should think it over at least three times. Why do you need it? How are you planning to use the money to achieve that goal? Is it important enough to you that you are willing to make repayments for several months (and probably years) afterwards?
Once you have gotten all of that sorted out, start drafting up a new monthly budget affording the money that will be going towards this new bill. Determine whether you will have to adjust your current lifestyle. If you will, that’s a pretty big deal, so make sure that you’re willing and prepared to do that.
Now, I am not trying to scare you away from making credit agreements, of course. Rather, I think it’s important to give people a more all-encompassing idea of the roadblocks that they might face along the way. Finances are a pain to manage, and adding on additional expenses can really put a wrench in things – so, obviously, it’s going to be important that you’re able to determine whether or not that is feasible for you right now.
