Loans are a large part of the American economy from the loan institutions to the individuals who receive loan approvals. Loans provide consumers and businesses with financial clout to purchase or take financial risks with money that they do not yet actually have in their possession. Loan institutions encourage the entrepreneurial spirit that has made the US an economic powerhouse over the years. Even with the negative repercussions that can come out of misused or miscalculated loans, loans also play a pivotal role in the nation's economy.
For most households, it is virtually impossible to own a home unless a mortgage loan can be received to buy a house. Typical American households do not have the existing cash to pay for a home upfront and need the financial industry to prepay for their homes while they repay a loan with interest to a bank or mortgage company that approves their application. While even the most conservative financial management specialists agree that a mortgage loan is a reasonable commitment for most families, they also discourage other loan practices that can sink consumers. Most financial specialists generally agree that loans such as payday loans and cash advance loans should only be used in the most extreme of circumstances and only received if a consumer is able to pay back without rolling the loan over.
The interest rates for payday loans and cash advance loans are exorbitant and can be over 300% APR for an initial loan. There are, however, times that some consumers may be forced to consider one of these loans. In these cases, it is best to compare rates, services and charges in order to receive the best temporary loan for the money. If at all possible, try other avenues of financial help before resorting to these high interest rate loans. You may find that you can get a small loan from your credit union, a family member or a community organization that may offer small loans for extreme circumstances.
Of course, good money management techniques such as budgeting and savings provide more long term relief from those times that some unexpected circumstance saps your weekly earnings. It is always wise to attempt to set up an emergency fund of at least $1,000 that is not touched for any reason other than an extreme situation. If you car breaks down, your washing machine tears up or your child has an unexpected illness, an emergency fund can help you through some of the moderately difficult circumstances of life. Always make sure to replenish your emergency fund as soon as possible in order to be prepared for the next inevitable crisis.
Payday and cash advance loans are generally not received in large loan amounts as are unsecured or secured personal loans. Personal loans can be used for a variety of reasons such as debt consolidation, mortgages, car loans, student education or home improvements. An unsecured personal loan can be approved for varying amounts depending on several consumer variables. An unsecured personal loan is not approved based on collateral but is based on credit history and income to debt ratio. Although it is possible to receive a bad credit loan, most substantial unsecured loans are approved on the basis of credit history and earnings. It is important to keep a good credit score in order to receive substantial loans. For consumers that have scores over 700, it is relatively easy to pick and choose your lending institution.
Such habits as paying bills on time, developing a positive long range credit history with credit cards and showing a few major payoffs such as mortgages go a long way in securing the best credit scores. A positive debt to income ratio is important as well in receiving an unsecured loan and it assures the lending institution that you are not in over your head financially if your earnings far exceed your monthly expenditures. For those who have good credit, secured loans are very easy to obtain especially since valued collateral is required as surety against the loan. Lending institutions that approve secured loans are relatively sure they will have little risk in receiving their loan amount through your collateral even if you default.
Another common type of loan that many Americans assume at one time or other in their lives is a student loan. These loans make it possible for students to meet the cost of higher education whether they are just out of high school or are mature students who want to further their education later in life. There are many types of student loans available to anyone including federally subsidized loans or student loans without subsidization. Generally, federally subsidized loans require less interest at pay back time than do regular student loans through other financial institutions.
Whether it is a student loan, personal loan or any other type of loan, it is possible to receive a loan in almost any circumstance provided you are an American citizen and can prove your intention of repayment to the loan institution. Approving loans is important business for banks and other lending institutions, but just as equally important for Americans who need advance cash on the money they intend to earn over a lifetime, so that they can purchase homes and other expensive family necessities while they are young enough to enjoy them. "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)