Whether you're looking for information on auto loans, student loans, debt consolidation loans or sba loans, we've gathered information and resources to help you find what you need. Here are a few thoughts and tips to keep in mind while searching for your loan:
Shop around - you're likely to find a better deal if you do your homework.
Compare terms and fees:
How do interest rates compare?
Is the interest rate fixed or variable?
Are there any prepayment penalties?
What about origination fees or annual fees?
Is there a promotional rate or offer? If so, how long does it last? What are the terms after the promotion expires?
Use common sense. Can you truly afford the loan, or will it drag you down financially long into the future? Is the loan offer too good to be true?
As a general rule of thumb, stay away from "interest payment only" loans. If you cannot afford to make payments towards the principle amount of a loan, you cannot afford the loan.
Beware of predatory lending - where a lender gives the borrower a loan for the sole purpose of taking advantage of the borrower (e.g. a lender that won't give you a $1,000 personal line of credit, but is all to eager to sell you a $40,000 consolidation loan secured by your house as collateral).
Obtain your free annual credit report to help stop identity theft and know your financial situation as your creditors see it.
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Fed offers new loans to ease credit crisis (Lexington Herald-Leader) - The Federal Reserve announced Tuesday that it will provide up to $200 billion in short-term loans, accepting a wide range of mortgage bonds as collateral in a bid to boost credit markets, keep housing finance alive and avoid a recession. In a short statement, the Fed noted the increasing "pressures in some of these markets" and announced the new loans and a coordinated loan-financing effort with ...