Considering all that consumers are facing in today’s economy, it’s no wonder payday loan services is such a fast-growing industry. If you find yourself contemplating a payday loan, read on to learn more about them and how they can help get you out of a current financial crisis fast.
When considering a payday loan, although it can be tempting be sure not to borrow more than you can afford to pay back. For example, if they allow you to borrow $1000 and place your car as collateral, but you only need $200, borrowing too much can lead to the loss of your car if you are unable to repay the entire loan.
Depending on state, payday loan companies either have exceptions to usury laws carved out just for them, or flout usury laws through creative loan structuring. These loans cost a specific amount (say $15 per $100 lent), that are just interest disguised as fees. This is why payday loans are typically ten times more expensive than traditional loans.
Make sure you educate yourself on all the companies first before doing business with them. Avoid making a choice based of a television or radio commercial. You should carefully do your research online. Search for company testimonials before you provide personal information to one. Using a reputable company, will make the entire process easier.
Keep in mind that the money borrowed through any payday loan has to be paid back fast. Ensure that you will have the required funds to repay your loan is as soon as two weeks. If your payday is one week after you start the loan, you don’t have to do this as quickly. You can get an additional three weeks to pay your loan back if you apply for it only a week after you get a paycheck.
There are state laws, and regulations that specifically cover payday loans. Often these companies have found ways to work around them legally. If you do sign up for a payday loan, do not think that you will be able to get out of it without paying it off in full.
Think twice before taking out a payday loan. Regardless of how much you think you need the money, you must understand that these loans are very expensive. Of course, if you have no other way to put food on the table, you have to do what you can. However, most payday loans wind up costing people double the amount they borrowed, by the time they pay the loan off.
A better alternative to a payday loan is to start your own emergency savings account. Put in a little money from each paycheck until you have a good amount, such as $500.00 or so. Instead of building up the high-interest fees that a payday loan can incur, you can have your own payday loan right at your bank. If you need to use the money, begin saving again right away in case you need emergency funds in the future.
Take the time to research other options before you apply for a payday loan. Even if you take a cash advance on a credit card, your interest rate will be significantly less than a payday loan. Consider asking for an advance at work or borrowing money from a family member or close friend.
Pay close attention to fees. The interest rates that payday lenders can charge is usually capped at the state level, although there may be local community regulations as well. Because of this, many payday lenders make their real money by levying fees both in size and quantity of fees overall.
Always check the interest rates before, you apply for a payday loan, even if you need money badly. Often, these loans come with ridiculously, high interest rates. You should compare different payday loans. Select one with reasonable interest rates, or look for another way of getting the money you need.
For those who have evaluated all of their options and have decided that they must use an emergency payday loan, be a wise consumer. Do some research and choose a payday lender which offers the lowest interest rates and fees. If at all possible, only borrow what you can afford to pay back with your next paycheck.
Avoid making decisions about payday loans from a position of fear. You might be in the middle of a financial crisis. Think long, and hard before you apply for a payday loan. Remember, you need to pay it back, plus interest. Make sure you will be able to do that, so you do not make a new crisis for yourself.
Whenever you are applying for a payday loan, you should never hesitate to ask questions. If you are confused about something, in particular, it is your responsibility to ask for clarification. This will help you understand the terms and conditions of your loans so that you won’t get any unwanted surprises.
As with any major decision, take your time to really decide if you need a payday loan. At times the choice is not yours, but payday loans are usually responses to huge events that could not have been foreseen. Be sure that you are rationally considering the situation rather than reacting to the shock of the unexpected event.
With so many payday loans out there, you should always compare interest rates before choosing which loan you will apply too. Payday loans have notoriously high interest rates, and still, some are higher than others. Try, and choose a payday loan that offers the lowest interest rates possible, so you can save some money.
Between so many bills and so little work available, sometimes we really have to juggle to make ends meet. Become a well-educated consumer as you examine your options, and if you discover that a payday loan is your best solution, make sure you know all the details and terms before you sign on the dotted line.
