Why Do People Borrow Money: 10 Reasons for Getting a Personal Loan

People often use loans differently. While some individuals see nothing wrong with living in debt and obtaining personal loans for both big and small purchases, others try to avoid loans or consider only reasonable emergency reasons to borrow money. However, even if you think it never happens to you, sometimes life situations leave no options to choose from. You can find yourself not having enough money to cover some daily essentials or may need some extra cash to reach your bold financial goals at any moment in life. That’s when the need to borrow money online may arise.

However, debt is not an absolute pure evil as many people used to think. According to the survey, about 69% of Americans who have obtained loans in the past state getting a personal loan improved their financial situation, against about 6% of borrowers who claim loans make their situation worse. Borrowing money may be a good solution if you use this financial resource responsibly, estimate all risks, understand the terms and conditions, and compare various offers to make an informed lending decision. Thus, if you’re one of those who wonder, “Why do people take out loans?” stay tuned. Let’s find out what are the most common reasons for borrowing money.

What Are Personal Loans?

A personal loan is a type of cash advance that allows you to get the money you can use for almost any personal needs. You can purchase major household appliances, make a home renovation, cover some financial emergencies, and more. Depending on the lender and the loan type you choose it may be either a secured or unsecured debt. Some lenders transfer personal loan funds in as less as 24 hours, while others may need a few weeks to deposit a loan amount to your bank account.

In most cases, personal loans offer fixed rates. Therefore, you can repay your loan cost within a loan term in predictable monthly payments. Loan payment on such a personal loan is usually very affordable, so they are almost stress-free lending options. At the same time, not all debt was created equal. There are loan products that require you to turn them back in a single payment.

Personal loans may be divided into several types. There are personal loans from traditional financial institutions and their expensive alternatives from direct lenders, online lending companies, or connecting services. However, each type of loan was created to meet the needs of certain individuals, groups of people, or their specific life situations. Common types of personal cash advances include:

• Traditional loans;
• Payday cash advances;
• Installment loans;
• Title loans;
• Home equity loans and lines of credit;
• Credit cards;
• Cash advances from pawn shops.

Bad credit borrowers typically consider secured cash advances, for example, title loans or home equity loans. These lending options offer competitive rates and flexible terms but require collateral. Those who have a high credit score usually choose unsecured debt that carries less risk to a borrower compared to a home equity loan. Bad credit borrowers who need some small amounts to cover their emergency expenses usually obtain payday loans.

Thus, there are a lot of options to choose from. Everything depends on your current situation, income, credit score, loan purposes, and other factors.

What Is a Good Reason to Borrow Money?

People borrow money for different reasons. Some of them just try to make ends meet till their next payday, while others need some extra cash to make a large purchase. Here are the top 10 reasons for borrowing money.

1. Home Renovation

If you want to upgrade your home or pay for some home repair works, getting a personal loan may be one of the best financing options. Home renovation always comes with high costs that may be tough to cover without any additional assistance. A personal loan allows you to obtain new furniture, create a home renovation project, and cover all the expenses you may face without spending too much money from your savings account.

2. Vacation Financing

Many people obtain personal loans to cover their vacation costs. Life is short, so getting a cash advance to discover more and afford more may be a good idea if you use this option with caution.

3. Debt Consolidation

If you have a couple of loans at high interest rates, you can consolidate debt to make it easier to manage your finances. This option allows you to combine multiple loans into one and unite a couple of your outstanding balances into one monthly payment. If you choose a new loan at lower interest rates, you can also save money on interest charges in the long run.

4. Moving Expenses

In some cases, moving costs may reach $5,000  for a long-distance move, which may be pretty hard to cover on your own. Getting a personal loan allows you to move your household belongings to your new place without additional financial stress.

5. Car Purchasing

Buying a new car is one of the most popular reasons for taking out a personal loan. It allows you to become a car owner without spending your savings. Vehicle loans allow you to obtain both new and used autos, RVs, or private jets.

6. Emergency Expenses

If you suddenly face some financial emergencies you can’t cover on your own, consider getting a personal loan. You can pay for your car repairs, utility bills, or some daily essentials. Take note that emergency loans usually come with a higher interest rate and are usually offered for a short period.

7. Engaging and Wedding Expenses

An average wedding cost is typically over 25,000 dollars. Couples who don’t have enough savings to pay such a significant amount may get a loan now and pay it off later. However, keep in mind that you will have to pay for this loan long after your wedding.

8. Education

People often obtain personal loans to pay for their schooling. Higher education is usually considered the best investment in your financial future, so this is a significant reason for taking a personal loan. However, it is better to take out a student loan due to lower interest rates and more beneficial terms. At the same time, not everyone can apply for a student loan.

9. Large Purchases

Major purchases you need for regular use may be challenging to make on your own. A personal cash advance allows you to pay for steep auto repairs, purchase electronics immediately, or cover the cost of any other large purchase.

10. Credit Card Debt Repayment

People with credit cards often consider this option one of the best advantages of getting a personal loan. A personal cash advance allows you to pay off your credit card loan balance, get rid of high overdraft fees, lower interest rates, and get more beneficial loan terms.

Pros and Cons of Taking Out a Loan

Borrowing money can be both a good and a bad idea, depending on your current situation and your specific needs. Here are some advantages of getting some additional money:

• You can get a large amount at once. Whether you need debt consolidation, want to pay off your existing loan, or need to make a large purchase, obtaining debt makes it easier to cover all the expenses. You can get a loan to pay for any of your personal needs without affecting your budget and overburdening yourself;
• Flexible payment plans. Most personal loans offer convenient repayment periods. You can turn the money back within a few years in equal monthly installments or repay a small sum in one lump sum by your next payday;
• Competitive interest rates. If you have a good credit score, you will be offered fair rates that make making payments stress-free;

At the same time, personal loans have some nuances that may consider disadvantages for some people:

• Some personal loans are quite expensive. If you have a bad credit score or consider some same-day emergency cash advances, your interest rate may be really high. Thus, you may even worsen your financial situation while trying to fix it;
• It may hurt your credit. Paying your cash advance or credit card balances with delays will ruin your credit rating. Thus, you should be careful with obtaining a debt if you’re not sure about paying your debt on time.

What Are The Best Ways to Get a Loan?

Everything depends on your needs, credit score, and financial opportunities. There are now different ways to borrow money. You can get a personal loan from multiple lenders, such as a bank, a credit union, a matching service, an online lender, or a pawn shop. There are also alternative ways of borrowing money, for example, P2P lending. It allows you to get a cash advance from your family member or friend without paying any interest rate. However, before deciding on a type of loan, you should learn more about all the details of the options offered.

How to Borrow Money and Avoid Stress: General Tips

If your current financial situation makes it impossible to create an emergency fund or make a financial cushion, here are some tips on what to pay attention to and make your lending experience comfortable and safe.

• Avoid payment delays. Try to pay your bills and credit card balances on time to avoid lowering your FICO score;
• Compare different offers. Take some time to make sure the lender you choose offer the best terms within your eligibility;
• Borrow within your budget. Don’t obtain more debt than you need, even if you are approved for a higher amount;
• Consider auto payments. This option can help you avoid missing payments;
• Keep track of your credit history. Having good credit allows you to get more beneficial loan terms and make your lending experience less stressful.

FAQ

What Is The Best Way to Get a Loan?

There is no one-stop solution for each situation. Everything depends on many factors, including your needs and your opportunity to meet lender requirements. For example, traditional loans are better for people with good or excellent credit, while loans till payday can meet your short-term needs regardless of your credit rating.

What Requirements Should I Meet to Get a Personal Loan?

Each lender may have its own eligibility criteria. Nevertheless, there are some common requirements you need to meet. You should be a legal citizen of the US, have a valid ID and Social Security Number, verify your income and employment status, reach at least the age of 18, and provide the lender with your personal data. Some lenders also set minimum credit score requirements or require you to gather some additional documents.

How long does it take to receive a personal cash advance?

Some personal cash advances may be transferred to your bank account by the end of the same day or as soon as the next business day. Others require you to wait a couple of days or weeks for a money deposit.